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OSFA Convention Resolutions
WHEREAS Oklahoma State Firefighters Association’s purpose in pertinent part, is to be instrumental in promoting improved conditions for the firefighters of the State of Oklahoma and to suggest helpful legislation, the inherent assumption is this includes retired firefighters, and; WHEREAS the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System (OFPRS) members (Volunteer/Paid) retired not later than June 30, 1997, or their beneficiaries, received a Benefit adjustment, as of June 30, 1998, to offset/ reflect price inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index – Urban (CPI-U). The Benefit adjustment was intended to restore one hundred percent (100%) of the loss of the members “Initial Benefit.” The following speaks to these pension member’s experience. *The following calculations reflect OFPRS members retired on June 30, 1998, and; WHEREAS in the ensuing 22 years since, the price of CPI-U measured goods/services have increased a min. 72%, considering a minimum 3% annual CPI-U average increase, and; WHEREAS from July 1, 1999 - July 1, 2022, State COLAs increased a Volunteer Pension, equivalent Years of Service Multiplier $2.63 to $7.53 (35%), and a Paid Pension 21%, i.e., 2002 – Volunteer +$1.79 (*$6.69 Multiplier), Paid 5% 2004 – Volunteer +$.30 ($6.96 Multiplier), Paid 4 % 2006 – Volunteer + $.28 ($ 7.24 Multiplier), Paid 4% 2008 – Volunteer + $.29 ($7.53 (Multiplier), Paid 4% 2020 – Volunteer +$.56 (**$7.83 Equivalent), Paid 4%, and.; * July 1, 2002, the Volunteer multiplier received a 15% increase. Historically, Volunteer ”Years of Service Multiplier” increases have followed the COLA % given. ** July 1, 2020, Retired Volunteer Firefighters received the 4% COLA but the Multiplier was not increase? However, above the Equivalent Multiplier is show for calculation purposes. WHEREAS in July 1, 2022, the NET 100%, CPI-U adjusted rate – COLA increases for a: Volunteer’s Years of Service Multiplier would be $6.96. The current $7.53 Multiplier would bring the Volunteer Pension to 108% of it July 1, 1998, Buying Power. A $7.83 Equivalent Multiplier rate (calculated from a Retired Volunteer Firefighter 2020 COLA) would bring the Volunteer Pension to 112.5% of it’s July 1,1998, Buying Power. A Paid Pension requires a 51% increase to restore its July 1, 1998, 100% Buying Power. WHEREAS Oklahoma Firefighters with an OFPRS pension and their spouse, have a 60% reduction (penalty) and receive 40% of their earned Social Security amount. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Oklahoma State Firefighter Association will pursue legislation intended to restore a minimum of 100% of the value of OFPRS Member Pension Benefit or their beneficiaries: • From June 30, 1998 for those with a OFPRS retirement date on or before June 30, 1998. • From the “Initial Benefit” of those with a OFPRS retirement date after June 30, 1998.
Respectfully submitted: OSFA Legislative Committee, Chair Cary Provence
WHEREAS Oklahoma State Firefighters Association’s purpose in pertinent part, is to be instrumental in promoting improved conditions for the firefighters of the State of Oklahoma and to suggest helpful legislation, the inherent assumption is this includes retired firefighters, and; WHEREAS the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System (OFPRS) members (Volunteer/Paid) retired not later than June 30, 1997, or their beneficiaries, received a Benefit adjustment, as of June 30, 1998, to offset/reflect price inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index – Urban (CPI-U). The Benefit adjustment was intended to restore one hundred percent (100%) of the loss of the members “Initial Benefit.” The following speaks to these pension member’s experience. *The following calculations reflect OFPRS members retired on June 30, 1998, and; WHEREAS in the ensuing 22 years since, the price of CPI-U measured goods/services have increased a min. 72%, considering a minimum 3% annual CPI-U average increase, and; WHEREAS from July 1, 1999 - July 1, 2022, State COLAs increased a Volunteer Pension, equivalent Years of Service Multiplier $2.63 to $7.53 (35%), and a Paid Pension 21%, i.e., 2002 – Volunteer +$1.79 (*$6.69 Multiplier), Paid 5% 2004 – Volunteer +$.30 ($6.96 Multiplier), Paid 4 % 2006 – Volunteer + $.28 ($ 7.24 Multiplier), Paid 4% 2008 – Volunteer + $.29 ($7.53 (Multiplier), Paid 4% 2020 – Volunteer +$.56 (**$7.83 Equivalent), Paid 4%, and.; * July 1, 2002, the Volunteer multiplier received a 15% increase. Historically, Volunteer” Years of Service Multiplier” increases have followed the COLA % given. ** July 1, 2020, Retired Volunteer Firefighters received the 4% COLA but the Multiplier was not increase? However, above the Equivalent Multiplier is show for calculation purposes. WHEREAS in July 1, 2022, the NET 100%, CPI-U adjusted rate – COLA increases for a: Volunteer Years of Service Multiplier would be $6.96. The current $7.53 is 8.2% above the net CPI-U adjusted rate. With a $7.83 Equivalent rate (calculated form Retired Volunteer Firefighter 2020 COLA) puts the rate above 12.5% Paid Pension requires a 51% increase. WHEREAS Oklahoma Firefighters with an OFPRS pension and their spouse, have a 60% reduction (penalty) and receive 40% of their earned Social Security amount, and; WHEREAS the OFPRS members “Tweeners” or their beneficiaries, (317 as of Mar. 30, 2022) due to their retirement date (May 26, 1983 – July 1, 1989), were not eligible for either the OFPRS Escalator or Deferred Option Plan *DROP” pension benefits, and; WHEREAS PFFO 2021 OFPRS mortality report’s average Firefighter mortality was 74 years. The Tweeners, or their beneficiaries will be approximately 79 years of age. WHEREAS “Tweeners” receive only State COLA’s resulting financially, in their being left behind with dwindling OFPRS monthly pension benefits (average <$2,300) in comparison to pension member benefits with the Escalator and/or DROP. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association will pursue legislation intended to restore annually the Tweeners, or their beneficiary’s pension benefit at a minimum of 100% of its value as of June 30, 1998 based on the CPI-U.
Respectfully submitted: OSFA Legislative Committee, Chair Cary Provence
WHEREAS volunteer members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association met virtually on March 10, 2022 to identify and discuss important issues facing the volunteer fire service; and WHEREAS after discussion and debate the issues were narrowed to the top two issues affecting Oklahoma Volunteer firefighters not currently being addressed through legislative action; and WHEREAS the OSFA is the largest representative organization for volunteer firefighters in the State of Oklahoma; and WHEREAS a state funded pension for volunteer firefighters is a benefit that is earned through dedicated service by the men and women of Oklahoma’s volunteer fire service and is not taken lightly; and WHEREAS the pension benefit is earned based on years of service with participating departments and the amount is calculated on the total number of years served; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 128th Annual OSFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our volunteer members; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Volunteer Fire Services Committee and the Legislative Committee, research, develop, and propose legislation for the purpose of increasing the amount of the volunteer multiplier to $12.00 per year of credited service toward the retirement benefit calculation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these committees report back to the 2023 Volunteer Caucus and the 2023 OSFA Convention on their recommendations.
Respectfully submitted: By unanimous vote of members participating in the OSFA’s 20th Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Eric Carranza
WHEREAS volunteer members of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association met virtually on March 10, 2022 to identify and discuss important issues facing the volunteer fire service; and WHEREAS after discussion and debate the issues were narrowed to the top two issues affecting Oklahoma Volunteer firefighters not currently being addressed through legislative action; and WHEREAS the OSFA is the largest representative organization for volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates at the 128th Annual OSFA Convention show the overall support of the organization toward our volunteer members; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Volunteer Fire Services Committee and the Legislative Committee, research, develop, and propose legislation for the purpose of creating protections for all firefighters that may be subject to employment action taken by an employer, subsequent to a failed drug test. Providing that the positive result was presumed to be a direct outcome of a documented passive exposure to chemicals encountered while fulfilling their duties as a firefighter; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these committees report back to the 2023 Volunteer Caucus and the 2023 OSFA Convention on their recommendations.
Respectfully submitted: By unanimous vote of members participating in the OSFA’s 20th Annual Volunteer Caucus, Chair Eric Carranza
Question & Answers
Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question: What would be a good slogan for the Oklahoma Fire Service (or your FD specifically)?
Here is what they said:
w Joel Bain, Ret. Midwest City: It should be “Attitude Reflects Leadership!” Take a survey of your department to see if you need to make any changes.
w Donnie Bennett, OKC: The mission statement for the Oklahoma City Fire Department is “Respond quickly, safely, and courteously; meet the need.”
w Eldon Henderson, Ret. Enid: Just call and leave the rest to us.
w Juan Rodriguez, Ret. Lawton: The Fire Department is always the Default First Response. You know when you need a policeman. You know when you need an ambulance. Everything else … Fire.
w Bert Norton, Midwest City: We actually use these on our Facebook post -- “#We are Midwest City” and “Be Better.”
w Darren Alexander, Cedar Country: Oklahoma Fire Service. Putting out your control burn when you don’t control it.
w Eric Carranza, Springer: I have two. The first one is my favorite: When in Doubt, Pull Out. The second one is: Stay Ready So You Don’t Have to Get Ready.
w Kara Owens, Piedmont: A quote from Fully Involved Facebook page (at right).
w Michael Pettey, Fort Supply: Same as our department -- You make the call, We do it all.
w Louie Marschik, Ret, OKC: FIRE is our Name, but ALL HAZARDS is our Game!”
w Greg Lindsay, OKC: A good slogan is “Prepared to Serve.”
w Cliff Davidson, Ringwood: To serve with Pride and Professionalism. This should be every firefighter’s motto.
