Don’t keep attacking firefighters’ benefits
I made the decision years ago to enter public service as a firefighter.
I made this decision knowing I would never be wealthy making about $40,000 a year and wouldn’t be able to work as long as I wanted due to the very nature of my work.
Unlike most people who can work 35-40 years and retire with enough money set aside, I hope to avoid serious physical injury before achieving 25 years of service.
When I joined the fire department, I was promised a certain set of benefits that would provide my family with a safe, secure retirement. Now, city and elected officials want to adjust our pension since they believe my benefits are too “rich.” I even heard our benefits described as a “Cadillac” plan. That’s unbelievable and offensive. How can you have a Cadillac plan when you make $40,000 per year?