Military Service Credit for Active Firefighters and Paramedics  
The Fund spent much time and effort during 2006 reviewing the status of Federal, State and local laws addressing the
issue of military service to insure that firefighters and paramedics serving our nation in the armed forces are afforded
all available pension benefits consistent with all of these applicable statutes.   In 2006, Fund staff met with the military
representatives of the Chicago Fire Department and Local 2 to obtain further information on members that have previously
served or were currently serving in the armed forces. 

In October of 2006, the Trustees of the Fund adopted a resolution prescribing how members may include their eligible
Military service time as credit toward their pension benefits.   The Uniform Service Employment and Reemployment Rights
Act (USERRA) allowed the Fund to accept payment for this service credit without interest, provided certain timing requirements
are met.   This Act also established timetables for members to purchase available service credits. 

The Fund notified all members for which we were provided military service records.  These notices included the amount of
eligible military service time that could be purchased, the amount of contributions required, any interest that may be required and
the dates by which these credits must be purchased.  In most situations, the guidelines allow that any eligible military service prior
to October 18, 2006 (the date of the Board’s resolution) must be purchased within 5 years from that date.  Members currently
serving in the military (at October 18, 2006) will have the same maximum of  5 years from the date they return to active
employment to purchase their eligible credits.

In the future, members whose military service time commences subsequent to October 18, 2006 shall be required to make
required pension contributions for eligible military service time credit in accordance with the provisions of USERRA which
requires repayment during the period starting from the employee’s reemployment date and continuing to the earlier of (i) 3 times
the length of the immediate past period of military service or (ii) five years following reemployment.

Any members with any questions concerning the inclusion of their military service for pension credit, the calculation of the
required contribution or the timetable for purchase are encouraged to contact Janet Pelech or Tom Kulbida at the Fund office
at (312) 726-5823.  Credits are available only for periods of military service while you are actively employed by the Chicago
Fire Department. 

Any other questions concerning the impact of your military service on your continued employment with the Chicago Fire Department, your compensation from the Chicago Fire Department, continuous service history, dependent health care or issues with Local 2 may be addressed to:

Tom Ryan (773) 304-8113                  vp@iaff-local2.org

Janet Contursi  (773) 732-0888           janetcontursi@yahoo.com

Alicia Brown     (773) 677-6487          apbglow@yahoo.com