Bipartisan bill seeks to restore full retirement benefits to federal first responders hurt on job

A bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress to ensure that federal firefighters, law enforcement officials, Border Patrol officers, and other federal first responders qualify for full retirement benefits if they are injured on the job.

The First Responder Fair RETIRE Act addresses inequities facing federal first responders who may become injured on the job and cannot continue their service before full retirement. Specifically, it allows federal first responders to stay in the 6c retirement system if they are placed in another civil service position after returning to work from a duty-related injury. Further, it allows these employees to receive a refund of their accelerated contributions should they be separated from service before they are entitled to an annuity.

“Our federal firefighters and federal law enforcement officers, especially those injured on the job, should not be penalized and deprived of the retirement security they have earned,” Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), one of the bill’s sponsors, said. “Our federal first responders deserve our full support for their public service, and I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Reps. Connolly and Langevin to make sure that we have the backs of these everyday heroes.”

The bill was also sponsored by Reps. Gerald Connolly (D-VA, and Jim Langevin (D-RI), along with Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT).

“Our federal firefighters, Capitol Police officers, Secret Service agents, Customs and Border Protections Officers, and other federal law enforcement officials put their lives on the line every day for our fellow Americans,” Connolly said. “We have a responsibility to uphold our promise to those that are injured on the job and ensure their first responders’ benefits are fully protected. They shouldn’t be penalized, especially when they are still committed to public service.”