Retirement requirements may change
To the editor,
I have become aware of an issue that is before the State Legislator that directly affects us all. This issue is the change to the Florida Retirement System requirements for all State of Florida and county emergency service workers. It is my firm belief that the public deserves a say in what type of emergency service they receive. Below is the letter that I sent to all of the legislators that have involvement with this issue.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am a Deputy Sheriff with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office here within the great State of Florida. In addition I am also a registered voter.
I am taking this time to write you because something has come to my attention that I believe you have the direct ability to change. Over the past week I have become aware of several proposals to change the current Florida Retirement System, particularly the high risk category. These changes include reducing the maximum allowable annual pay-out upon retirement, increasing the length of service required for retirement and requiring an employee contribution. This is all very concerning to me both as a law enforcement professional and as a citizen that utilizes various emergency services. I understand that there are serious budget issues within the State of Florida; however it is my strong belief that the proposed changes to FRS are only a band aid and will in the long term do very little to resolve the budget issue. The proposed changes will also result in a lower quality of service to the public.
The proposed changes to FRS will more than likely cause an increase in cost of emergency services over time due to the simple fact that it will require longer employment times. Everyday my fellow emergency service workers and I go to work we are in danger of becoming injured or killed. Granted this is a fact that we all understood when we decided to become emergency service workers and the current high risk FRS provisions contributed to that decision. If we are to become injured or die while on duty the benefit pay-out will be immense and long term. The increased length of service proposed will greatly increase the chance that an injury or death will occur. Which I think we can all agree is not acceptable.
The proposed changes to FRS will also reduce the quality of emergency services for all citizens and visitors of the State of Florida. This will be due to the large number of highly qualified emergency professionals that leave their respective profession to pursue ventures with municipalities that have private pensions or a totally unrelated career in the private sector. Additionally the proposed changes will also cause a decrease in the number of qualified applicants to the emergency services that these changes will affect.
I would like to suggest that prior to making any decision on the proposed changes that you partake in a ride-along experience with one of the emergency services in your respective district. You will see what the day to day dangers are that we encounter and have the opportunity to meet the highly qualified and dedicated emergency professionals that serve the community.
Garrett Schaaf
Saint Cloud, Fla.