The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has reported that Alaska firefighters are urging lawmakers to reinstate a defined benefit pension system to address recruitment and retention challenges in the state. Alaska is currently the only U.S. state without a defined benefit pension for public safety employees. This change followed the closure of the stateโs Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and Teachers Retirement System (TRS) defined benefit plans in 2005.
Since the switch to a 401(k)-style plan, employee turnover has increased, with some leaving the profession after only a few years. Firefighters, dispatchers, and other emergency personnel have raised concerns about their financial future and the strain the current system places on departments across the state. Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association (AKPFFA) President Dominic Lozano said many firefighters are unable to build sufficient retirement savings under the current system.
Lozano said: โWeโve been able to convince key legislators to advocate for us, including House Majority Leader Chuck Kopp, whoโs been a longtime supporter of returning to a defined benefit.โ Fairbanks Local 1324 President Nick Clark said financial uncertainty is driving some families to consider leaving Alaska. Clark said: โItโs about financial security, and Fairbanks is a great place to raise kids. But if we canโt make this work, weโve talked about leaving.โ IAFF General President Edward Kelly said: โPensions guarantee that firefighters and emergency medical workers have financial security in retirement.โ
