At Local 27’s August Executive Board meeting, the final steps were taken to create the new Benefits Officer Position.  The Executive Board recognizes that there are a lot of LEOFF II issues that we need to address as a union for our membership. Our LEOFF I members have a pension board that they can go to for guidance on their retirement concerns and questions and this new position was created with that and more in mind.

Although we have spent a great deal of time and energy planning this program, we welcome your ideas to better respond to the needs of Seattle Fire Fighters. The Benefits Officer will administer a program designed to inform, educate, and assist you with your benefits, as well as to assist in our efforts to improve them. For instance, we will create a resource for station libraries and on the website to help answer your questions about disability, pension, welfare trust, LTD, as well as state and federal benefits you are entitled to. 

Starting in drill school we will do a better job educating fire fighters on the best ways to mitigate the problems inherent with LEOFF II.  We would like to meet with each member during your career to review your retirement status and goals to ensure that you understand your benefits and your options.  

Finally, we would like to meet again when you have three to five years left in your career.  We want you have the best retirement possible because you deserve it.

There is more to come; expect frequent Third Rail articles and check this site for more information.  Remember, this position and this program were created to respond to your needs as Seattle Fire Fighters, so for us to be effective we need your feedback, participation, and involvement.