A bill is being introduced in Montgomery County today to allow Montgomery County’s approximately 1,000 career firefighters to retire after 20 years of service, rather than the 25-year requirement that has been in place.
The benefit is part of an agreement finalized in 2005 between Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s union and the county. But the retirement portion of the agreement won’t go into effect until this July, which is why council members are voting on it.
According to John Sparks, president of the Association of International Firefighters’ Local 1664, pushing up retirement eligibility is important because of the stressful nature of the firefighting job.
Even staying in the profession an extra five years could wreak havoc on a worker’s physical health.
“[Up until now] you either have had to take early retirement and you’re penalized, or stay in because you can’t afford to get out,” Sparks said.
The 20-year time frame is comparable to the length of service for firefighters in other parts of Maryland, including Prince George’s and Baltimore counties.
From studying those jurisdictions, Sparks predicted that between 10 and 15 percent of the firefighters who reach the two-decade mark will actually take the retirement option.
In Prince George, however, retiring firefighters get pension amounts equal to 60 percent of their ending salaries, versus the 50-percent mark being proposed for Montgomery County.
Sparks’ union represents all firefighters through the rank of captain. Battalion chiefs and above who are not covered are included in any retirement plan changes, Sparks said.
