Senate OKs Bill Letting Firefighters Retire Later

A bill to raise the mandatory retirement age for federal firefighters, including those who work in Los Padres National Forest and at Ventura County’s two naval bases, passed the U.S. Senate unanimously.

The Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act, written by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley), would raise the retirement age from to 57 from 55. The House passed the bill in January. Senate approval came last week.

The younger retirement age was implemented several years ago when unemployment rates were higher and life expectancy rates lower. The bill, if signed by President Bush, is expected to save $4 million over five years.