West Virginia Governor Signs Statewide 911 Retirement Bill, Setting Precedent for the Nation
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Jim Justice signed a groundbreaking bill on Tuesday that will revolutionize the retirement system for 911 dispatchers and telecommunicators in West Virginia. The Statewide 911 Retirement bill allows these essential emergency personnel to retire as early as age 50 after 20 years of service, a move aimed at boosting retention rates and improving workplace morale.
The signing ceremony, held at Kanawha County Metro 911, was attended by lawmakers, Kanawha County Commission members, emergency officials, and telecommunicators. Governor Justice praised the telecommunicators as heroes, acknowledging the challenging and often stressful nature of their work.
John Rutherford, the Director of Kanawha County Metro 911, emphasized the importance of the bill in encouraging experienced personnel to stay in the job. He noted that the high turnover rate in the field can be attributed to the intense demands of the job, which include handling shootings, police pursuits, and life-saving interventions like CPR.
Rutherford expressed gratitude to Senator Eric Nelson and the Kanawha County Commission for their support in passing the bill after seven years of advocacy. He highlighted the significant impact the new retirement system will have on public safety, as experienced telecommunicators will be able to provide better assistance to callers in emergencies.
Derek Johnson, a 16-year veteran of Kanawha County Metro 911, shared his excitement about the bill, noting that it transforms the job from a temporary position to a long-term career. With the opportunity to retire at age 50 after 20 years of service, Johnson believes that the new retirement system will attract and retain dedicated professionals in the field.
Rutherford revealed that other states’ 911 centers have expressed interest in implementing a similar retirement plan and are seeking guidance from West Virginia’s 911 council. The bill is set to go into effect on January 1, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to support and retain its emergency personnel.
