Retirement Security

AB 1383 (McKinnor)

CPF’s sponsored bill to strengthen firefighter retirement security.

Being a firefighter means bearing health and safety risks that do not exist in other occupations. While we have always known about the physical dangers that exist in our unique workplace, we have recently discovered increased exposures on the job to cancer-causing pollutants that pose long-term risks to our health. Cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters in America. The longer we firefighters are on the job, the higher the risk we take of job-related injury or death.

That’s why we must fight to reform our retirement system in California so that we can retire safely. CPF is currently advocating for AB 1383, which lowers the retirement age for CalPERS public safety officers and ensures firefighters have security after their service.

AB 1383 Legislative Update

CPF would like to thank the more than 300 CPF members who made their voices heard at the Capitol on April 23, and the 2,500 CPF members who sent their legislator a letter and stood together to support AB 1383 (McKinnor), our bill to improve firefighter retirement security.

We knew this would be an arduous undertaking at the onset, but accomplishing a change this significant is going to take some time. Given the incredibly difficult budget situation facing all levels of government right now, we are disappointed to report that the Assembly Appropriations Committee Chair called President Rice to say that AB 1383 has been designated as a two-year bill and will be considered again in January. The Appropriations Chair committed to working with CPF on this bill and she noted that the current budget is the worst she has experienced since being in the Legislature, which drove some very difficult decisions.

While this is a speed bump, the fight is far from over and we will continue to work to move these needed retirement security items forward.

While we’re disappointed to report that AB 1383 did not advance out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, this fight is far from over.

Retirement security remains one of CPF’s top priorities and we’re not giving up, because we can’t afford to.

The risks we face on the job, the health impacts of long-term exposure, and the need for a fair, secure retirement are all still real and our advocacy must continue. Every story shared and every voice raised makes it harder for lawmakers to ignore what’s at stake for firefighters across the state.

Stay engaged and ready to act:

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We knew this wouldn’t be easy and we’re not backing down. CPF remains committed to this fight because we know what’s at stake for you, your family, and the future of our profession. Together, we’ll keep pressing forward.

“Retirement reform will mean more years with my family and less impact to my health. Being able to retire before the age of 57 would allow me to stay healthier and avoid burnout and work fatigue. The reduction is years with lack of sleep and increased stress will have a direct reflection on my health and longevity.”

- Tyler Gillespie, Humboldt Bay Professional Firefighters L652

  • We are privileged to work an amazing job that affords us the ability to forge relationships and live comfortably however it comes at a cost and the cost is physical. Despite best efforts to stay healthy the fact remains that age 57 simply will not be feasible for most. Reform would allow me and my family freedom in many ways.

    Anonymous, Roseville Firefighters Local 1592

  • I got a late start into the fire service after a career change. I absolutely love my career, but the idea of working in these arduous conditions until I'm 57 is daunting. If reform was enacted and I was able to retire at an earlier age I would have more years with my family, more ability to enjoy what I worked so hard for.

    Anonymous, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522

  • As someone who was hired at an older age (36), the ability to retire at an age that keep me off the front lines means the ability to grow old as a grandpa. More years on the front lines would deteriorate my health at an age where I ought to flourish. Though we train to be strong and durable, we are still fallible and can be injured even on the most benign calls.

    Louis Stanfill, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522

  • By the time I am able to retire with the full amount for my pension I will have been a firefighter for 35 years. My father was a firefighter as well. When I retire, I'll be three years younger than he was when he was diagnosed with cancer. Being able to retire two years earlier may not seem like alot but those two years may not be enjoyed later as well.

    Anonymous, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522

  • It means the ability to see a life outside of work. 57 puts us on a path to leave injured and being unable to use our years of retirement to enjoy ourselves after sacrifice. It will protect us and our families from hardships. It will create an improved and motivated work force that wants to get more done in less time.

    Griffin Sims, United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County Local 1230

  • Retirement reform means better quality of life and health in my retirement. Firefighting is a physically demanding job for anyone of any age. As our bodies get older and the natural progressions of age start showing up, the job takes an even bigger toll on the body. Strokes, heart attacks, and early death are all symptoms of the body being taxed every day over a long career. Having the ability to retire earlier will afford firefighters the ability to maintain better health and a longer life into their retirement.

    Anonymous, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522

  • Pension reform is important because it recognizes the hazards of firefighting as a profession and appropriately compensates firefighters for the sacrifices they make at work. These sacrifices not only include the physical risks of the job and the hardship on the body that it requires, but also the mental, emotional, and health hazards associated with the profession.

    Scott Hayes, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522

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