The Pension Board of the Golden Gate Fire Protection District (GGFPD) voted unanimously on August 17th to upgrade pension benefits significantly for volunteer firefighters. Under the new plan, the retirement benefit will increase from $100 per month to $300 per month for firefighters 50 years of age with 20 years of service, effective immediately. The plan also provides for firefighters 50 years of age to begin drawing a prorated pension after 10 years of service. The upgraded plan is based on a 1999 actuarial study performed for the GGFPD by Buck Consultants of Englewood, CO. The actuarial valuation of the District's pension fund used procedures established by the Fire and Police Pension Association (FPPA) Board, in accordance with state statutes. We are pleased to announce the adoption of the improved plan in support of the dedicated people who attend to all fire and emergency services throughout a 50-square-mile area of mountains and canyons west of Golden. Please contact Bill Brown at 303-279-9208 for further information.

By William M. Brown