Firefighters in Illinois can now pursue other career opportunities without worrying about their retirement. | Canva
Firefighters in Illinois can now pursue other career opportunities without worrying about their retirement. | Canva
Retirement is looking a lot more fair for Illinois firefighters.
This month, Illinois legislators passed a bill sponsored by State Sen. Laura Ellman so that all firefighters can now purchase service credit if they get a new job that is covered by a different fire pension fund — essentially, firefighters can move credit for time served from one pension system to another, which determines how much they receive when they retire.
In an impassioned Facebook post praising the hard work of firefighters, Sen. Laura Ellman said, "Our firefighters risk their lives every day to protect our communities. My new law will ensure they receive all the benefits they have earned and deserve when it comes time for them to retire."
Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville)
| Photo Courtesy of Laura Ellman website
The issue of "lost" service time for firefighters who switched pension funds was previously not addressed in prior renditions of state laws regarding retirement for fire workers in the state. This law plugs that hole and provides a better retirement for firefighters.
Ellman also added in a release on her site, “This law creates a level playing field for all of Illinois’ firefighters. Prior law failed to address an oversight that would have caused hundreds of firefighters to lose out on time they’ve served when they retire.”
Senate Bill 167 was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on July 9. It took effect immediately.
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