On March 4, 1909, Washington Governor Albert E. Mead (1861-1909) signs legislation creating the Seattle Firemen’s Pension Fund. The law authorizes retirement benefits to firefighters with 20 years or more of service upon reaching the age of 55.
Benefits included one-half of salary. This was also given to firefighters disabled in the line of duty. If a retiree was later convicted of a felony or became a habitual drunkard, his pension was discontinued. The families of active firefighters who died of natural causes received $1,000.
Improvements and benefit changes were made over the years until a statewide system of all police and fire personnel -- the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Retirement Fund -- was adopted in 1970. Members who have joined since October 31, 1977, work under this plan.
Sources:
Glen W. Garvie, Seattle Fire Department Centennial: 1889-1989 (Portland, Oregon: Taylor Publishing Company, 1989), 8.
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