Maryland’s 911 Specialists should have the same access to the state retirement benefits available to other public safety personnel (first responders), such as police, firefighters, and EMS workers. Unfortunately, the Internal Revenue (IRS) Code that governs qualified government pension plans will not allow it.
The Maryland 911 Specialist Recruitment and Retention Workgroup has appealed to Congressional leaders, the Congressional NextGen 911 Caucus and Maryland’s federal delegation, to request support to amend the code.
In Maryland, 911 Specialists who are enrolled in the general Employees’ Pension System are eligible for full retirement benefits at age 65 or with 90 combined years of age and service. In contrast, the Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System (LEOPS), available to other first responders, allows for full retirement after 25 years of service or at age 50 (with 10 years of service). By a change in the code, state and local jurisdictions would be permitted to add 911 Specialists to LEOPS.
A letter has been sent to federal elected officials. It reinforces support for existing federal efforts like S. 725 (Enhancing First Response Act) and H.R. 637 (911 Saves Act), which seek to correct the occupational classification of public safety telecommunicators. The Maryland Workgroup argues that amending the IRS Code is a necessary step to financially honor the stress and trauma endured by 911 Specialists.
By offering comparable retirement security, the federal government can empower states like Maryland to better attract and retain the dedicated professionals who serve as the true first responders.
2024-11-24
Article by AFT Maryland Staff