title: RCW 41.18.042

text:
(1) Any retired firefighter married to a spouse ineligible for survivor benefits under RCW 41.18.040, 41.18.080, and 41.18.100 may choose an actuarially equivalent benefit adopted by the board that pays the retired firefighter a reduced retirement allowance, and upon death such portion of the retired firefighter's reduced retirement allowance as designated by the retired firefighter shall be continued throughout the life of the spouse.
(2) A retired firefighter who married a spouse ineligible for survivor benefits under RCW 41.18.040, 41.18.080, and 41.18.100 prior to July 26, 2009, has one year after July 26, 2009, to designate their spouse as a survivor beneficiary.
(3) The benefit provided to a child survivor beneficiary under RCW 41.18.040, 41.18.080, and 41.18.100 shall not be affected or reduced by the retired firefighter's selection of the actuarially reduced spousal survivor benefit provided by this section, and shall be equivalent to the amount payable as if the choice under subsection (1) of this section was not made.
(4)(a) Any retired firefighter who chose to receive a reduced retirement allowance under subsection (1) of this section is entitled to receive a retirement allowance adjusted in accordance with (b) of this subsection if:
(i) The retiree's survivor spouse designated in subsection (1) of this section predeceases the retiree; and
(ii) The retiree provides to the board proper proof of the designated beneficiary's death.
(b) The retirement allowance payable to the retiree from the beginning of the month following the date of the beneficiary's death shall be the current monthly amount payable as if the selection under subsection (1) of this section was not made.
[ 2009 c 156 s 1.]

catchline: Actuarially reduced retirement allowance—Spousal benefit.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 41.18.045

text:
Upon the death of a firefighter who is eligible to retire under RCW 41.18.040 as now or hereafter amended, but who has not retired, a pension shall be paid to his widow or her widower at the same monthly rate that he or she was eligible to receive at the time of his or her death, if such widow or widower was his wife or her husband for a period of five years prior to his or her death. If there be no widow or widower, then such monthly payments shall be distributed to and divided among his or her children, share and share alike, until they reach the age of eighteen or are married, whichever comes first.
This section shall apply retroactively for the benefit of all widows or widowers and survivors of firefighters who died after January 1, 1967, if such firefighters were otherwise eligible to retire on the date of death.
[ 2007 c 218 s 46; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 s 71; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 25.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Pension benefits for widows or widowers of unretired, eligible firefighters—Retroactive.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 41.18.050

text:
Every firefighter who shall become disabled as a result of the performance of duty may be retired at the expiration of six months from the date of his or her disability, upon his or her written request filed with his or her retirement board. The board may, upon such request being filed, consult such medical advice as it sees fit, and may have the applicant examined by such physicians as it deems desirable. If from the reports of such physicians the board finds the applicant capable of performing his or her duties in the fire department, the board may refuse to recommend his or her retirement. If, after the expiration of six months from the date of his or her disability, the board deems it for the good of the fire department or the pension fund it may recommend the retirement of a firefighter disabled as a result of the performance of duty without any request for the same by him or her, and after having been given by the board a thirty days' written notice of such recommendation he or she shall be retired.
[ 2007 c 218 s 47; 1955 c 382 s 5.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Disablement in line of duty—Retirement.


title: RCW 41.18.060

text:
Whenever the retirement board, pursuant to examination by the board's physician and such other evidence as it may require, shall find a firefighter has been disabled while in the performance of his or her duties it shall declare the firefighter inactive. For a period of six months from the time of the disability the firefighter shall draw from the pension fund a disability allowance equal to his or her basic monthly salary and, in addition, shall be provided with medical, hospital and nursing care as long as the disability exists. The board may, at its discretion, elect to reimburse the firefighter who is disabled for premiums the firefighter has paid for medical insurance that supplements medicare, including premiums the firefighter has paid for medicare part B coverage. If the board finds at the expiration of six months that the firefighter is unable to return to and perform his or her duties, the firefighter shall be retired at a monthly sum equal to fifty percent of the amount of his or her basic salary at any time thereafter attached to the rank which he or she held at the date of retirement: PROVIDED, That where, at the time of retirement hereafter for disability under this section, the firefighter has served honorably for a period of more than twenty-five years as a member, in any capacity of the regularly constituted fire department of a municipality, the firefighter shall have his or her pension payable under this section increased by two percent of his or her basic salary per year for each full year of additional service to a maximum of five additional years.
[ 2007 c 218 s 48; 1992 c 22 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 30; 1961 c 255 s 4; 1955 c 382 s 6.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.

catchline: Disablement in line of duty—Inactive period—Allowance—Medical, hospital, nursing care.


title: RCW 41.18.080

text:
Any firefighter who has completed his or her probationary period and has been permanently appointed, and sustains a disability not in the performance of his or her duty which renders him or her unable to continue his or her service, may request to be retired by filing a written request with his or her retirement board within sixty days from the date of his or her disability. The board may, upon such request being filed, consult such medical advice as it deems fit and proper. If the board finds the firefighter capable of performing his or her duties, it may refuse to recommend retirement and order the firefighter back to duty. If no request for retirement has been received after the expiration of sixty days from the date of his or her disability, the board may recommend retirement of the firefighter. The board shall give the firefighter a thirty-day written notice of its recommendation, and he or she shall be retired upon expiration of said notice. Upon retirement he or she shall receive a pension equal to fifty percent of his or her basic salary. For a period of ninety days following such disability the firefighter shall receive an allowance from the fund equal to his or her basic salary. He or she shall during said ninety days be provided with such medical, hospital, and nursing care as the board deems proper. No funds shall be expended for such disability if the board determines that the firefighter was gainfully employed or engaged for compensation in other than fire department duty when the disability occurred, or if such disability was the result of dissipation or abuse. Whenever any firefighter shall die as a result of a disability sustained not in the line of duty, his widow or her widower shall receive a monthly pension equal to one-third of his or her basic salary; if such widow or widower has dependent upon her or him for support a child or children of such deceased firefighter, he or she shall receive an additional pension as follows: One child, one-eighth of the deceased's basic salary; two children, one-seventh; three or more children, one-sixth. If there be no widow or widower, monthly payments equal to one-third of the deceased firefighter's basic salary shall be made to his or her child or children. The widow or widower may elect at any time in writing to receive a cash settlement, and if the board after hearing finds it financially beneficial to the pension fund, he or she may receive the sum of five thousand dollars cash in lieu of all future monthly pension payments, and other benefits, including benefits to any child and/or children.
[ 2009 c 156 s 2; 2007 c 218 s 49; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 s 72; 1965 c 109 s 1; 1961 c 255 s 5; 1955 c 382 s 9.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.

catchline: Payment upon disablement not in line of duty.


title: RCW 41.18.090

text:
The board shall require all firefighters receiving disability pensions to be examined every six months: PROVIDED, That no such examinations shall be required if upon certification by physicians the board shall formally enter upon its records a finding of fact that the disability is and will continue to be of such a nature that return to active duty can never reasonably be expected. All examinations shall be made by physicians duly appointed by the board. If a firefighter shall willfully fail to present himself or herself for examination, within thirty days after being ordered so to do, he or she shall forfeit all rights under this chapter. If such firefighter, upon examination as aforesaid, shall be found fit for service, he or she shall be restored to duty in the same rank held at the time of his or her retirement, or if unable to perform the duties of said rank then, at his or her request, in such other like or lesser rank as may be or become open and available, the duties of which he or she is then able to perform. The board shall thereupon so notify the firefighter and shall require him or her to resume his or her duties as a member of the fire department. If, upon being so notified, such member shall willfully fail to report for employment within ten days, he or she shall forfeit all rights to any benefit under this chapter.
[ 2007 c 218 s 50; 1955 c 382 s 15.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Examination of disability pensioners—Restoration to active duty.


title: RCW 41.18.100

text:
In the event a firefighter is killed in the performance of duty, or in the event a firefighter retired on account of service-connected disability shall die from any cause, his widow or her widower shall receive a monthly pension under one of the following applicable provisions: (1) If a firefighter is killed in the line of duty his widow or her widower shall receive a monthly pension equal to fifty percent of his or her basic salary at the time of his or her death; (2) if a firefighter who has retired on account of a service-connected disability dies, his widow or her widower shall receive a monthly pension equal to the amount of the monthly pension such retired firefighter was receiving at the time of his or her death. If she or he at any time so elects in writing and the board after hearing finds it to be financially beneficial to the pension fund, he or she may receive in lieu of all future monthly pension and other benefits, including benefits to child or children, the sum of five thousand dollars in cash. If there be no widow or widower at the time of such firefighter's death or upon the widow's or widower's death the monthly pension benefits provided for under this section shall be paid to and divided among his or her child or children share and share alike, until they reach the age of eighteen or are married, whichever occurs first. A pension payable under the provisions of this section shall not be less than that specified under RCW 41.18.200.
[ 2009 c 156 s 3; 2007 c 218 s 51; 1975 1st ex.s. c 178 s 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 s 73; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 28; 1965 ex.s. c 45 s 4; 1955 c 382 s 8.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
Construction—1975 1st ex.s. c 178: See RCW 41.16.921.
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.

catchline: Payment on death in line of duty or while retired on account of service-connected disability.


title: RCW 41.18.102

text:
The provisions of RCW 41.18.040 and 41.18.100 shall be applicable to all firefighters employed prior to March 1, 1970, but shall not apply to any former firefighter who has terminated his or her employment prior to July 1, 1969.
[ 2007 c 218 s 52; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 32.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.

catchline: Applicability of RCW 41.18.040 and 41.18.100.


title: RCW 41.18.104

text:
The amount of all benefits payable under the provisions of RCW 41.18.040, 41.18.080, 41.18.100 and 41.18.200 as now or hereafter amended, shall be increased annually as hereafter in this section provided. The local pension board shall meet subsequent to March 31st but prior to June 30th of each year for the purpose of adjusting benefit allowances payable pursuant to the aforementioned sections. The local board shall determine the increase in the consumer price index between January 1st and December 31st of the previous year and increase in dollar amount the benefits payable subsequent to July 1st of the year in which said board makes such determination by a dollar amount proportionate to the increase in the consumer price index: PROVIDED, That regardless of the change in the consumer price index, such increase shall be at least two percent each year such adjustment is made.
Each year effective with the July payment all benefits specified herein, shall be increased as authorized by this section. This benefit increase shall be paid monthly as part of the regular pension payment and shall be cumulative. The increased benefits authorized by this section shall not affect any benefit payable under the provisions of chapter 41.18 RCW in which the benefit payment is attached to a current salary of the rank held at time of retirement. A beneficiary of benefit increases provided for pursuant to this section is hereby authorized to appeal a decision on such increases or the failure of the local pension board to order such increased benefits or the amount of such benefits to the Washington law enforcement officers' and firefighters' system retirement board provided for in *RCW 41.26.050.
For the purpose of this section the term
"Consumer price index" shall mean, for any calendar year, the consumer price index for the Seattle, Washington area as compiled by the bureau of labor statistics of the United States department of labor.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 44 s 2; 1975 1st ex.s. c 178 s 2; 1974 ex.s. c 190 s 2; 1970 ex.s. c 37 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 33.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 41.26.050 was repealed by 1982 c 163 s 23. Powers, duties, and functions of the Washington law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement board were transferred to the director of retirement systems by RCW 41.26.051, which has been decodified. See Table of Disposition of Former RCW Sections.
Construction—1975 1st ex.s. c 178: See RCW 41.16.921.
Construction—1970 ex.s. c 37: "This 1970 amendatory act shall be null and void and of no further force and effect if the 1970 extraordinary session of the Legislature does not pass legislation authorizing cities and counties to levy additional taxes or appropriate at least ten million dollars for distribution to cities and towns for the remainder of the 1969-71 fiscal biennium." [ 1970 ex.s. c 37 s 4.]
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.
PDF
RCW 41.18.104
Annual increase in benefits payable on retirement for service or disability—Appeals. (Effective June 30, 2029.)
The amount of all benefits payable under the provisions of RCW 41.18.040, 41.18.080, 41.18.100 and 41.18.200 as now or hereafter amended, shall be increased annually as hereafter in this section provided. The local pension board shall meet subsequent to March 31st but prior to June 30th of each year for the purpose of adjusting benefit allowances payable pursuant to the aforementioned sections. The local board shall determine the increase in the consumer price index between January 1st and December 31st of the previous year and increase in dollar amount the benefits payable subsequent to July 1st of the year in which said board makes such determination by a dollar amount proportionate to the increase in the consumer price index: PROVIDED, That regardless of the change in the consumer price index, such increase shall be at least two percent each year such adjustment is made.
Each year effective with the July payment all benefits specified herein, shall be increased as authorized by this section. This benefit increase shall be paid monthly as part of the regular pension payment and shall be cumulative. The increased benefits authorized by this section shall not affect any benefit payable under the provisions of chapter 41.18 RCW in which the benefit payment is attached to a current salary of the rank held at time of retirement. A beneficiary of benefit increases provided for pursuant to this section is hereby authorized to appeal a decision on such increases or the failure of the local pension board to order such increased benefits or the amount of such benefits to the director of retirement systems.
For the purpose of this section the term
"Consumer price index" shall mean, for any calendar year, the consumer price index for the Seattle, Washington area as compiled by the bureau of labor statistics of the United States department of labor.
[ 2026 c 261 s 423; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 44 s 2; 1975 1st ex.s. c 178 s 2; 1974 ex.s. c 190 s 2; 1970 ex.s. c 37 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 33.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 261: See note following RCW 41.26A.505.
Construction—1975 1st ex.s. c 178: See RCW 41.16.921.
Construction—1970 ex.s. c 37: "This 1970 amendatory act shall be null and void and of no further force and effect if the 1970 extraordinary session of the Legislature does not pass legislation authorizing cities and counties to levy additional taxes or appropriate at least ten million dollars for distribution to cities and towns for the remainder of the 1969-71 fiscal biennium." [ 1970 ex.s. c 37 s 4.]
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.

catchline: Annual increase in benefits payable on retirement for service or disability—Appeals. (Effective until June 30, 2029.)


title: RCW 41.18.130

text:
Any firefighter who shall have served for a period of less than twenty-five years, or who shall be less than fifty years of age, and shall resign, or be dismissed from the fire department for a reason other than conviction for a felony, shall be paid the amount of his or her contributions to the fund plus earned interest: PROVIDED, That in the case of any firefighter who has completed twenty years of service, such firefighter, upon termination for any cause except for a conviction of a felony, shall have the option of electing, in lieu of recovery of his or her contributions as herein provided, to be classified as a vested firefighter in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) Written notice of such election shall be filed with the board within thirty days after the effective date of such firefighter's termination;
(2) During the period between the date of his or her termination and the date upon which he or she becomes a retired firefighter as hereinafter provided, such vested firefighter and his or her spouse or dependent children shall be entitled to all benefits available under chapter 41.18 RCW to a retired firefighter and his or her spouse or dependent children with the exception of the service retirement allowance as herein provided for: PROVIDED, That any claim for medical coverage under RCW 41.18.060 shall be attributable to service connected illness or injury;
(3) Any firefighter electing to become a vested firefighter shall be entitled at such time as he or she otherwise would have completed twenty-five years of service had he or she not terminated, to receive a service retirement allowance computed on the following basis: Two percent of the amount of salary attached to the position held by the vested firefighter for the year preceding the date of his or her termination, for each year of service rendered prior to the date of his or her termination.
[ 2007 c 218 s 53; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 31; 1961 c 255 s 6; 1955 c 382 s 11.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.

catchline: Payment on separation—With less than twenty-five years service or less than fifty years of age—Option to be classified as vested firefighter.


title: RCW 41.18.140

text:
The board shall pay from the firefighters' pension fund upon the death of any active or retired firefighter the sum of $1,000, to assist in defraying the funeral expenses of such firefighter.
[ 2024 c 169 s 1; 2007 c 218 s 54; 1961 c 255 s 7; 1955 c 382 s 13.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Funeral expenses.


title: RCW 41.18.150

text:
(1) Every person who was a member of the fire department at the time he or she entered and served in the armed forces or uniformed services of the United States in time of war, whether as a draftee, or inductee, and who shall have been discharged from such armed forces or uniformed services under conditions other than dishonorable, shall have added and accredited to his or her period of employment as a firefighter his or her period of war or peacetime service in the armed forces or uniformed services: PROVIDED, That such added and accredited service shall not as to any individual exceed five years.
(2) As used in this section, "uniformed services" includes the United States public health service commissioned corps and the national oceanic and atmospheric administration commissioned officer corps.
[ 2026 c 207 s 4; 2007 c 218 s 55; 1955 c 382 s 14.]
Notes:
Findings—2026 c 207: See note following RCW 41.04.010.
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Credit for service in armed forces or uniformed services.


title: RCW 41.18.160

text:
Every firefighter as defined in this chapter heretofore employed as a member of a fire department, whether or not as a prior firefighter as defined in chapter 41.16 RCW, who desires to make the contributions and avail himself or herself of the pension and other benefits of said chapter 41.16 RCW, can do so by handing to and leaving with the firefighters' pension board of his or her municipality a written notice of such intention within sixty days of the effective date of this chapter, or if he or she was on disability retirement under chapter 41.16 RCW, at the effective date of this chapter and has been recalled to active duty by the retirement board, shall give such notice within sixty days of his or her return to active duty, and not otherwise.
[ 2007 c 218 s 56; 1955 c 382 s 17.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: Effective date of chapter 41.18 RCW is midnight June 8, 1955; see preface 1955 session laws.
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Certain firefighters may elect to be covered under other law.


title: RCW 41.18.165

text:
Every person who was a member of a firefighting organization operated by a private enterprise, which firefighting organization shall be hereafter acquired before September 1, 1959, by a municipality as its fire department as a matter of public convenience or necessity, where it is in the public interest to retain the trained personnel of such firefighting organization, shall have added and accredited to his or her period of employment as a firefighter his or her period of service with said private enterprise, except that this shall apply only to those persons who are in the service of such firefighting organization at the time of its acquisition by the municipality and who remain in the service of that municipality until this chapter shall become applicable to such persons.
No such person shall have added and accredited to his or her period of employment as a firefighter his or her period of service with said private enterprise unless he, she, or a third party shall pay to the municipality his or her contribution for the period of such service with the private enterprise at the rate provided in RCW 41.18.030, or, if he or she shall be entitled to any private pension or retirement benefits as a result of such service with the private enterprise, unless he or she agrees at the time of his or her employment by the municipality to accept a reduction in the payment of any benefits payable under this chapter that are based in whole or in part on such added and accredited service by the amount of those private pension or retirement benefits received. For the purposes of RCW 41.18.030, the date of entry of service shall be deemed the date of entry into service with the private enterprise, which service is accredited by this section, and the amount of contributions for the period of accredited service shall be based on the wages or salary of such person during that added and accredited period of service with the private enterprise.
The city may receive payments for these purposes from a third party and shall make from such payments contributions with respect to such prior service as may be necessary to enable the fund to assume its obligations.
[ 2007 c 218 s 57; 1959 c 69 s 1.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Credit for membership in private organization acquired by municipality.


title: RCW 41.18.170

text:
The provisions of this chapter governing contributions, pensions, and benefits shall have exclusive application (1) to firefighters as defined in this chapter hereafter becoming members of a fire department, (2) to firefighters as defined in this chapter heretofore employed in a department who have not otherwise elected as provided for in RCW 41.18.160, and (3) to firefighters on disability retirement under chapter 41.16 RCW, at the effective date of this chapter, who thereafter shall have been returned to active duty by the retirement board, and who have not otherwise elected as provided for in RCW 41.18.160 within sixty days after return to active duty.
[ 2007 c 218 s 58; 1955 c 382 s 16.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Application of chapter.


title: RCW 41.18.180

text:
Any firefighter who has made contributions under any prior act may elect to avail himself or herself of the benefits provided by this chapter or under such prior act by filing written notice with the board within sixty days from June 7, 1961: PROVIDED, That any firefighter who has received refunds by reason of selecting the benefits of prior acts shall return the amount of such refunds as a condition to coverage under chapter 255, Laws of 1961.
[ 2007 c 218 s 59; 1961 c 255 s 12.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Firefighter contributor under prior law may obtain benefits of chapter—Refunds.


title: RCW 41.18.190

text:
Any firefighter as defined in RCW 41.18.010 who has prior to July 1, 1969 been employed as a member of a fire department and who desires to make contributions and avail himself or herself of the pension and other benefits of chapter 41.18 RCW as now law or hereafter amended, may transfer his or her membership from any other pension fund, except the Washington law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system, to the pension fund provided in chapter 41.18 RCW: PROVIDED, That such firefighter transmits written notice of his or her intent to transfer to the pension board of his or her municipality prior to September 1, 1969.
[ 2007 c 218 s 60; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 41.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.
Law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system: Chapter 41.26 RCW.

catchline: Transfer of membership authorized.


title: RCW 41.18.200

text:
All retirees and survivors receiving a pension under the provisions of this chapter shall from and after April 25, 1973 receive a minimum pension of three hundred dollars per month.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 181 s 2.]

catchline: Minimum pension.


title: RCW 41.18.210

text:
Any former employee of a department of a city of the first class, who (1) was a member of the employees' retirement system of such city, and (2) is now employed within the fire department of such city, may transfer his or her former membership credit from the city employees' retirement system to the firefighter's pension system created by chapters 41.16 and 41.18 RCW by filing a written request with the board of administration and the municipal firefighters' pension board, respectively.
Upon the receipt of such request, the transfer of membership to the city's firefighter's pension system shall be made, together with a transfer of all accumulated contributions credited to such member. The board of administration shall transmit to the municipal firefighters' pension board a record of service credited to such member which shall be computed and credited to such member as a part of his or her period of employment in the city's firefighter's pension system. For the purpose of the transfer contemplated by this section, those affected individuals who have formerly withdrawn funds from the city employees' retirement system shall be allowed to restore contributions withdrawn from that retirement system directly to the firefighter's pension system and receive credit in the firefighter's pension system for their former membership service in the prior system.
Any employee so transferring shall have all the rights, benefits, and privileges that he or she would have been entitled to had he or she been a member of the city's firefighter's pension system from the beginning of his or her employment with the city.
No person so transferring shall thereafter be entitled to any other public pension, except that provided by chapter 41.26 RCW or social security, which is based upon such service with the city.
The right of any employee to file a written request for transfer of membership as set forth in this section shall expire December 31, 1974.
[ 2007 c 218 s 61; 1974 ex.s. c 148 s 1.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
PDF
RCW 41.18.210
Transfer of credit from city employees' retirement system to firefighters' pension system. (Effective June 30, 2029.)
Any former employee of a department of a city of the first class, who (1) was a member of the employees' retirement system of such city, and (2) is now employed within the fire department of such city, may transfer his or her former membership credit from the city employees' retirement system to the firefighter's pension system created by this chapter and chapter 41.16 RCW by filing a written request with the board of administration and the municipal firefighters' pension board, respectively.
Upon the receipt of such request, the transfer of membership to the city's firefighter's pension system shall be made, together with a transfer of all accumulated contributions credited to such member. The board of administration shall transmit to the municipal firefighters' pension board a record of service credited to such member which shall be computed and credited to such member as a part of his or her period of employment in the city's firefighter's pension system. For the purpose of the transfer contemplated by this section, those affected individuals who have formerly withdrawn funds from the city employees' retirement system shall be allowed to restore contributions withdrawn from that retirement system directly to the firefighter's pension system and receive credit in the firefighter's pension system for their former membership service in the prior system.
Any employee so transferring shall have all the rights, benefits, and privileges that he or she would have been entitled to had he or she been a member of the city's firefighter's pension system from the beginning of his or her employment with the city.
No person so transferring shall thereafter be entitled to any other public pension, except that provided by chapter 41.26 or 41.26A RCW or social security, which is based upon such service with the city.
The right of any employee to file a written request for transfer of membership as set forth in this section shall expire December 31, 1974.
[ 2026 c 261 s 424; 2007 c 218 s 61; 1974 ex.s. c 148 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 261: See note following RCW 41.26A.505.
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.

catchline: Transfer of credit from city employees' retirement system to firefighters' pension system. (Effective until June 30, 2029.)


title: RCW 41.18.900

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 89.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2009 c 521 ss 5-8, 79, 87-103, 107, 151, 165, 166, 173-175, and 190-192: See note following RCW 2.10.900.

catchline: Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.


title: RCW 41.20.005

text:
As used in chapter 41.20 RCW:
(1) "Rank" means civil service rank.
(2) "Position" means the particular employment held at any particular time, which may or may not be the same as civil service rank.
(3) Words importing masculine gender shall extend to females also.
(4) "Salary" means the basic monthly rate of salary or wages, including longevity pay but not including overtime earnings or special salary or wages.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 39; 1959 c 78 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 41.20.010

text:
(1) The mayor or his or her designated representative who shall be an elected official of the city, and the clerk, treasurer, president of the city council or mayor pro tem of each city of the first class, or in case any such city has no city council, the commissioner who has supervision of the police department, together with three active or retired members of the police department, to be elected as herein provided, in addition to the duties now required of them, are constituted a board of trustees of the relief and pension fund of the police department of each such city, and shall provide for the disbursement of the fund, and designate the beneficiaries thereof.
(2) The police department and the retired law enforcement officers of each city of the first class shall elect three members to act as members of the board. Members shall be elected for three year terms. Existing members shall continue in office until replaced as provided for in this section.
(3) Such election shall be held in the following manner. Not more than thirty nor less than fifteen days preceding the first day of June in each year, written notice of the nomination of any member or retired member of the department for membership on the board may be filed with the secretary of the board. Each notice of nomination shall be signed by not less than five members or retired members of the department, and nothing herein contained shall prevent any member or retired member of the department from signing more than one notice of nomination. The election shall be held on a date to be fixed by the secretary during the month of June. Notice of the dates upon which notice of nomination may be filed and of the date fixed for the election of such members of the board shall be given by the secretary of the board by posting written notices thereof in a prominent place in the police headquarters. For the purpose of such election, the secretary of the board shall prepare and furnish printed or typewritten ballots in the usual form, containing the names of all persons regularly nominated for membership and shall furnish a ballot box for the election. Each member and each retired member of the police department shall be entitled to vote at the election for one nominee as a member of the board. The chief of the department shall appoint two members to act as officials of the election, who shall be allowed their regular wages for the day, but shall receive no additional compensation therefor. The election shall be held in the police headquarters of the department and the polls shall open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 8:30 p.m. The one nominee receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected to the board and his or her term shall commence on the first day of July succeeding the election. In the first election the nominee receiving the greatest number of votes shall be elected to the three year term, the second greatest to the two year term and the third greatest to the one year term. Retired members who are subject to the jurisdiction of the board have both the right to elect and the right to be elected under this section. Ballots shall contain all names of those nominated, both active and retired. Notice of nomination and voting by retired members shall be conducted by the board.
(4) If no eligible active or retired members of the police department are willing or able to be elected to the board under subsection (3) of this section, then the following individuals may be elected to the board under subsection (3) of this section:
(a) Any active or retired law enforcement officers who reside within the jurisdiction served by the board. This includes active and retired law enforcement officers under this chapter and chapter 41.26 RCW;
(b) The widow or widower of a law enforcement officer subject to the jurisdiction of the board.
[ 2020 c 107 s 5; 2012 c 117 s 20; 1988 c 164 s 3; 1973 1st ex.s. c 16 s 1; 1955 c 69 s 1; 1911 c 18 s 1; 1909 c 39 s 1; RRS s 9579.]
PDF
RCW 41.20.010
Board of trustees—Composition. (Effective June 30, 2029.)
(1) The mayor or his or her designated representative who shall be an elected official of the city, and the clerk, treasurer, president of the city council or mayor pro tem of each city of the first class, or in case any such city has no city council, the commissioner who has supervision of the police department, together with three active or retired members of the police department, to be elected as herein provided, in addition to the duties now required of them, are constituted a board of trustees of the relief and pension fund of the police department of each such city, and shall provide for the disbursement of the fund, and designate the beneficiaries thereof.
(2) The police department and the retired law enforcement officers of each city of the first class shall elect three members to act as members of the board. Members shall be elected for three year terms. Existing members shall continue in office until replaced as provided for in this section.
(3) Such election shall be held in the following manner. Not more than thirty nor less than fifteen days preceding the first day of June in each year, written notice of the nomination of any member or retired member of the department for membership on the board may be filed with the secretary of the board. Each notice of nomination shall be signed by not less than five members or retired members of the department, and nothing herein contained shall prevent any member or retired member of the department from signing more than one notice of nomination. The election shall be held on a date to be fixed by the secretary during the month of June. Notice of the dates upon which notice of nomination may be filed and of the date fixed for the election of such members of the board shall be given by the secretary of the board by posting written notices thereof in a prominent place in the police headquarters. For the purpose of such election, the secretary of the board shall prepare and furnish printed or typewritten ballots in the usual form, containing the names of all persons regularly nominated for membership and shall furnish a ballot box for the election. Each member and each retired member of the police department shall be entitled to vote at the election for one nominee as a member of the board. The chief of the department shall appoint two members to act as officials of the election, who shall be allowed their regular wages for the day, but shall receive no additional compensation therefor. The election shall be held in the police headquarters of the department and the polls shall open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 8:30 p.m. The one nominee receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected to the board and his or her term shall commence on the first day of July succeeding the election. In the first election the nominee receiving the greatest number of votes shall be elected to the three year term, the second greatest to the two year term and the third greatest to the one year term. Retired members who are subject to the jurisdiction of the board have both the right to elect and the right to be elected under this section. Ballots shall contain all names of those nominated, both active and retired. Notice of nomination and voting by retired members shall be conducted by the board.
(4) If no eligible active or retired members of the police department are willing or able to be elected to the board under subsection (3) of this section, then the following individuals may be elected to the board under subsection (3) of this section:
(a) Any active or retired law enforcement officers who reside within the jurisdiction served by the board. This includes active and retired law enforcement officers under this chapter and chapters 41.26 and 41.26A RCW;
(b) The widow or widower of a law enforcement officer subject to the jurisdiction of the board.
[ 2026 c 261 s 425; 2020 c 107 s 5; 2012 c 117 s 20; 1988 c 164 s 3; 1973 1st ex.s. c 16 s 1; 1955 c 69 s 1; 1911 c 18 s 1; 1909 c 39 s 1; RRS s 9579.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 261: See note following RCW 41.26A.505.

catchline: Board of trustees—Composition. (Effective until June 30, 2029.)


title: RCW 41.20.020

text:
The mayor, or his or her designated representative, shall be ex officio chair, the clerk shall be ex officio secretary, and the treasurer shall be ex officio treasurer of said board. The secretary of said board, at the time of making his or her annual reports as said city clerk, shall annually report the condition of said fund, the receipts and disbursements on account of the same, together with a complete list of the beneficiaries of said fund, and the amounts paid to each of them.
[ 2012 c 117 s 21; 1973 1st ex.s. c 16 s 2; 1909 c 39 s 2; RRS s 9580.]

catchline: Officers of board—Annual report.


title: RCW 41.20.030

text:
The board herein provided for shall hold monthly meetings on the first Mondays of each month and upon the call of its president. It shall issue warrants, signed by its president and secretary, to the persons entitled thereto under provisions of this chapter other than RCW 41.20.050, 41.20.060, 41.20.080 and 41.20.085 for the amounts of money ordered paid to such persons from such fund by said board, which warrants shall state for what purpose such payments are made; it shall keep a record of its proceedings, which record shall be a public record; it shall, at each monthly meeting, send to the treasurer of such city a written or printed list of all persons entitled to payment under provisions of this chapter other than RCW 41.20.050, 41.20.060, 41.20.080 and 41.20.085 from the fund herein provided for, stating the amount of such payments and for what granted, which list shall be certified to and signed by the president and secretary of such board, attested under oath. The treasurer of such city shall thereupon enter a copy of said list upon a book to be kept for that purpose and which shall be known as "the police relief and pension fund book", and the said board shall direct payment of the amounts named therein to the persons entitled thereto, out of such fund. The treasurer shall prepare and enter into such book an additional list showing those persons entitled to payment under RCW 41.20.050, 41.20.060, 41.20.080 and 41.20.085 and shall on the last day of each month issue warrants in the appropriate amounts to such persons. A majority of all the members of said board herein provided for shall constitute a quorum, and have power to transact business.
[ 1973 c 143 s 1; 1911 c 18 s 5; 1909 c 39 s 11; RRS s 9589.]

catchline: Meetings—Disbursements of fund—Quorum.


title: RCW 41.20.040

text:
The board shall, in addition to other powers herein granted, have power:
(1) To compel witnesses to attend and testify before it upon all matters connected with the administration of this chapter, in the same manner as provided by law for the taking of testimony in courts of record in this state, and its president or any member of the board may administer oaths to such witnesses.
(2) To provide for the payment from the fund of all necessary expenses and printing.
No compensation or emolument shall be paid to any member of the board for any duty required or performed under this chapter.
Each board may make all needful rules and regulations for its guidance in the administration of and in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1955 c 69 s 2; 1909 c 39 s 12; RRS s 9590.]

catchline: Additional powers of board.


title: RCW 41.20.050

text:
(1) Whenever a person has been duly appointed, and has served honorably for a period of 25 years, as a member, in any capacity, of the regularly constituted police department of a city subject to the provisions of this chapter, the board, after hearing, if one is requested in writing, may order and direct that such person be retired, and the board shall retire any member so entitled, upon his or her written request therefor. The member so retired hereafter shall be paid from the fund during his or her lifetime a pension equal to 50 percent of the amount of salary at any time hereafter attached to the position held by the retired member for the year preceding the date of his or her retirement: PROVIDED, That, except as to a position higher than that of captain held for at least three calendar years prior to date of retirement, no such pension shall exceed an amount equivalent to 50 percent of the salary of captain, and all existing pensions shall be increased to not less than $300 per month as of April 25, 1973: PROVIDED FURTHER, That a person hereafter retiring who has served as a member for more than 25 years, shall have his or her pension payable under this section increased by two percent of his or her salary per year for each full year of such additional service to a maximum of five additional years.
(2) Any person who has served in a position higher than the rank of captain for a minimum of three years may elect to retire at such higher position and receive for his or her lifetime a pension equal to 50 percent of the amount of the salary at any time hereafter attached to the position held by such retired member for the year preceding his or her date of retirement: PROVIDED, That such person make the said election to retire at a higher position by September 1, 1969 and at the time of making the said election, pay into the relief and pension fund in addition to the contribution required by RCW 41.20.130: (a) An amount equal to six percent of that portion of all monthly salaries previously received upon which a sum equal to six percent has not been previously deducted and paid into the police relief and pension fund; (b) and such person agrees to continue paying into the police relief and pension fund until the date of retirement, in addition to the contributions required by RCW 41.20.130, an amount equal to six percent of that portion of monthly salary upon which a six percent contribution is not currently deducted pursuant to RCW 41.20.130.
(3) Any person affected by this chapter who at the time of entering the armed services was a member of such police department and is an honorably discharged veteran or received a medical discharge with an honorable record and whose military service was during a period of war as defined in RCW 41.04.005, or at the time of entering the uniformed services was a member of such police department and has served during a period of war and received an honorable discharge, is actively serving honorably, or received a medical discharge with an honorable record, shall have added to his or her period of employment as computed under this chapter, his or her period of war service in the armed forces or uniformed services, but such credited service shall not exceed five years and such period of service shall be automatically added to each member's service upon payment by him or her of his or her contribution for the period of his or her absence at the rate provided in RCW 41.20.130.
(4) As used in this section, "uniformed services" includes the United States public health service commissioned corps and the national oceanic and atmospheric administration commissioned officer corps.
[ 2026 c 207 s 5; 2024 c 146 s 19. Prior: 2012 c 117 s 22; 1973 1st ex.s. c 181 s 3; 1969 ex.s. c 269 s 6; 1969 ex.s. c 219 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 36; 1969 c 123 s 1; 1961 c 191 s 1; 1959 c 78 s 3; 1959 c 6 s 1; prior: 1957 c 84 s 1; 1955 c 69 s 3; 1945 c 45 s 1; 1937 c 24 s 1; 1915 c 40 s 2; 1911 c 18 s 2; 1909 c 39 s 4; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 9582.]
Notes:
Findings—2026 c 207: See note following RCW 41.04.010.
Intent—2024 c 146: See note following RCW 73.04.005.
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.

catchline: Pension on retirement for years of service.


title: RCW 41.20.060

text:
Whenever any person, while serving as a police officer in any such city becomes physically disabled by reason of any bodily injury received in the immediate or direct performance or discharge of his or her duties as a police officer, or becomes incapacitated for service on account of any duty connected disability, such incapacity not having been caused or brought on by dissipation or abuse, of which the board shall be judge, the board may, upon his or her written request filed with the secretary, or without such written request, if it deems it to be for the benefit of the public, retire such person from the department, and order and direct that he or she be paid from the fund during his or her lifetime, a pension equal to fifty percent of the amount of salary *at any time hereafter attached to the position which he or she held in the department at the date of his or her retirement, but not to exceed an amount equivalent to fifty percent of the salary of captain except as to a position higher than that of captain held for at least three calendar years prior to the date of retirement in which case as to such position the provisions of RCW 41.20.050 shall apply, and all existing pensions shall be increased to not less than three hundred dollars per month as of April 25, 1973: PROVIDED, That where, at the time of retirement hereafter for duty connected disability under this section, such person has served honorably for a period of more than twenty-five years as a member, in any capacity, of the regularly constituted police department of a city subject to the provisions of this chapter, the foregoing percentage factors to be applied in computing the pension payable under this section shall be increased by two percent of his or her salary per year for each full year of such additional service to a maximum of five additional years.
Whenever such disability ceases, the pension shall cease, and such person shall be restored to active service at the same rank he or she held at the time of his or her retirement, and at the current salary attached to said rank at the time of his or her return to active service.
Disability benefits provided for by this chapter shall not be paid when the police officer is disabled while he or she is engaged for compensation in outside work not of a police or special police nature.
[ 2012 c 117 s 23; 1998 c 157 s 3; 1973 1st ex.s. c 181 s 4; 1969 ex.s. c 219 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 37; 1969 c 123 s 2; 1961 c 191 s 2; 1959 c 78 s 4; 1959 c 6 s 2; 1957 c 84 s 2; 1955 c 69 s 5; 1937 c 24 s 2; 1911 c 18 s 3; 1909 c 39 s 5; RRS s 9583.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The words "at any time hereafter" first appear in the 1961 amendment.
Application—1998 c 157 s 3: "The provisions of section 3 of this act apply retrospectively to all line of duty disability retirement allowances heretofore granted under chapter 41.20 RCW." [ 1998 c 157 s 5.]
Purpose—1998 c 157 ss 2-5: "The purpose of sections 2 through 5 of this act is to clarify that the intent of the legislature in enacting RCW 41.20.060, insofar as that section provides benefits to members for disabilities incurred in the line of duty, was to provide a statute in the nature of a workers' compensation act that provides compensation to employees for personal injuries incurred in the course of employment. Accordingly this act amends and divides RCW 41.20.060 into two separate sections. Section 3 of this act clarifies and emphasizes the legislature's intent that the disability benefits granted by RCW 41.20.060, as amended, are granted only to those members who become disabled by any injury or incapacity that is incurred in the line of duty. Section 4 of this act continues to provide disability retirement benefits to members who become disabled by an injury or incapacity not incurred in the line of duty." [ 1998 c 157 s 2.]
Effective date—1998 c 157: See note following RCW 41.40.0931.
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.

catchline: Pension on retirement for duty connected disability.


title: RCW 41.20.061

text: See RCW 41.26.250 and 41.26A.250.

catchline: Increase in presently payable benefits for service or disability authorized.


title: RCW 41.20.065

text:
Whenever any person, while serving as a police officer in any such city becomes physically disabled by reason of any bodily injury not incurred in the line of duty, or becomes incapacitated for service, such incapacity not having been caused or brought on by dissipation or abuse, of which the board shall be judge, the board may, upon his or her written request filed with the secretary, or without such written request, if it deems it to be for the benefit of the public, retire such person from the department, and order and direct that he or she be paid from the fund during his or her lifetime, a pension equal to fifty percent of the amount of salary at any time hereafter attached to the position which he or she held in the department at the date of his or her retirement, but not to exceed an amount equivalent to fifty percent of the salary of captain, except as to a position higher than that of captain held for at least three calendar years prior to the date of retirement, in which case as to such position the provisions of RCW 41.20.050 shall apply, and all existing pensions shall be increased to not less than three hundred dollars per month as of April 25, 1973: PROVIDED, That where, at the time of retirement hereafter for disability under this section, such person has served honorably for a period of more than twenty-five years as a member, in any capacity, of the regularly constituted police department of a city subject to the provisions of this chapter, the foregoing percentage factors to be applied in computing the pension payable under this section shall be increased by two percent of his or her salary per year for each full year of such additional service, to a maximum of five additional years.
Whenever such disability ceases, the pension shall cease, and such person shall be restored to active service at the same rank he or she held at the time of his or her retirement, and at the current salary attached to said rank at the time of his or her return to active service.
Disability benefits provided for by this chapter shall not be paid when the police officer is disabled while he or she is engaged for compensation in outside work not of a police or special police nature.
[ 2012 c 117 s 24; 1998 c 157 s 4.]
Notes:
Purpose—1998 c 157 ss 2-5: See note following RCW 41.20.060.
Effective date—1998 c 157: See note following RCW 41.40.0931.

catchline: Pension on retirement for nonduty disability.


title: RCW 41.20.070

text:
No person shall be retired, as provided in RCW 41.20.060, or receive any benefit from said fund, unless there shall be filed with said board certificate of his or her disability, which certificate shall be subscribed and sworn to by said person, and by the city physician (if there be one) and two regularly licensed and practicing physicians of such city, and such board may require other evidence of disability before ordering such retirement and payment as aforesaid.
[ 2012 c 117 s 25; 1909 c 39 s 6; RRS s 9584.]

catchline: Certificate of disability.


title: RCW 41.20.080

text:
Whenever any member of the police department of any such city loses his or her life while actually engaged in the performance of duty, or as the proximate result thereof, leaving a surviving spouse or child or children under the age of eighteen years, upon satisfactory proof of such facts made to it, the board shall order and direct that a pension, equal to one-half of the amount of the salary *at any time hereafter attached to the position which such member held in the police department at the time of his or her death, shall be paid to the surviving spouse for life, or if there is no surviving spouse, or if the surviving spouse shall die, then to the child or children until they are eighteen years of age: PROVIDED, That if such spouse or child or children marry, the person so marrying shall thereafter receive no further pension from the fund: PROVIDED FURTHER, That all existing pensions shall be increased to not less than three hundred dollars per month as of April 25, 1973.
If any member so losing his or her life, leaves no spouse, or child or children under the age of eighteen years, the board shall pay the sum of two hundred dollars toward the funeral expenses of such member.
[ 2012 c 117 s 26; 1973 1st ex.s. c 181 s 5; 1961 c 191 s 3; 1959 c 78 s 5; 1959 c 6 s 3; 1957 c 84 s 3; 1955 c 69 s 6; 1937 c 24 s 3; 1915 c 40 s 3; 1909 c 39 s 7; RRS s 9585.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The words "at any time hereafter" first appear in the 1961 amendment.

catchline: Pension on death before or after retirement.


title: RCW 41.20.085

text:
Whenever any member of the police department of any such city shall die, or shall have heretofore died, or whenever any such member who has been heretofore retired or who is hereafter retired for length of service or a disability, shall have died, or shall die, leaving a surviving spouse or child or children under the age of eighteen years, upon satisfactory proof of such facts made to it, the board shall order and direct that a pension equal to one-third of the amount of salary at any time hereafter attached to the position held by such member in the police department at the time of his or her death or retirement, not to exceed one-third of the salary of captain, shall be paid to the surviving spouse during the surviving spouse's life, and in addition, to the child or children, until they are eighteen years of age, as follows: For one child, one-eighth of the salary on which such pension is based; for two children, a total of one-seventh of said salary; and for three or more children, a total of one-sixth of said salary: PROVIDED, If such spouse or child or children marry, the person so marrying shall receive no further pension from the fund. In case there is no surviving spouse, or if the surviving spouse shall die, the child or children shall be entitled to the spouse's share in addition to the share specified herein until they reach eighteen years of age. No spouse shall be entitled to any payments on the death of a retired officer unless such surviving spouse has been married to such officer for a period of at least five years prior to the date of his or her retirement.
As of April 25, 1973, a surviving spouse not otherwise covered by the provisions of section 2, chapter 78, Laws of 1959, shall be entitled to a pension of three hundred dollars per month.
"Surviving spouse" as used in this section means surviving female or male spouse.
[ 2012 c 117 s 27; 1973 1st ex.s. c 181 s 6; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 26; 1961 c 140 s 1; 1959 c 78 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.

catchline: Pension on death before or after retirement—Surviving spouse not formerly covered—"Surviving spouse" defined.


title: RCW 41.20.086

text: See RCW 41.26.260 and 41.26A.260.

catchline: Increase in certain presently payable death benefits authorized.


title: RCW 41.20.090

text:
Whenever any member of the police department of such city shall, after five years of service in said department, die, his or her surviving spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, the child or children under the age of eighteen years, or if there is no surviving spouse or child or children, then his or her parents or unmarried sister or sisters, minor brother or brothers, dependent upon him or her for support, shall be entitled to the sum of one thousand dollars from such fund. This section to apply to members who shall have been retired, for any reason, from active service under the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2012 c 117 s 28; 1959 c 78 s 6; 1937 c 24 s 4; 1915 c 40 s 4; 1911 c 18 s 4; 1909 c 39 s 8; RRS s 9586.]
Notes:
Construction—1937 c 24: "Nothing contained in this act shall affect or be construed as affecting the validity of any act done, obligation entered into, or rights accrued, or any proceedings had or pending under the act of which this act is amendatory." [ 1937 c 24 s 6; RRS s 9592-1.]
Severability—1937 c 24: "If any section or part of this act shall be held to be unconstitutional and void, such holding shall not effect [affect] the remaining portions of the act." [ 1937 c 24 s 7; RRS s 9592-2.]

catchline: Lump sum payment on death before or after retirement.


title: RCW 41.20.100

text:
Any person retired for disability under this chapter may be summoned before the board herein provided for, at any time thereafter, and shall submit himself or herself thereto for examination as to his or her fitness for duty, and shall abide the decision and order of said board with reference thereto; and all members of such police force who may be retired under the provisions of this chapter, shall report to the chief of police of such city where so retired on the first Mondays of April, July, October, and January of each year; and in cases of emergency, may be assigned to and shall perform such duty as said chief of police may direct, and such persons shall have no claim against such city for payment for such duty so performed.
[ 2012 c 117 s 29; 1909 c 39 s 9; RRS s 9587.]

catchline: Examination of disability pensioners—Emergency duty.


title: RCW 41.20.120

text:
Whenever any active member of the police department, or any member *hereafter retired, on account of service, sickness or disability, not caused or brought on by dissipation or abuse, of which the board shall be judge, is confined in any hospital or in his or her home and, whether or not so confined, requires nursing, care, or attention, the board shall pay for the active member the necessary hospital, care, and nursing expenses of the member out of the fund; and the board may pay for the retired member hospital, care, and nursing expenses as are reasonable, in the board's discretion. The board may, at its discretion, elect, in lieu of paying some or all such expenses for the retired member, to reimburse the retired member for premiums the member has paid for medical insurance that supplements medicare, including premiums the member has paid for medicare part B coverage. The salary of the active member shall continue while he or she is necessarily confined to the hospital or home or elsewhere during the period of recuperation, as determined by the board, for a period not exceeding six months; after which period the other provisions of this chapter shall apply: PROVIDED, That the board in all cases may have the active or retired member suffering from such sickness or disability examined at any time by a licensed physician or physicians, to be appointed by the board, for the purpose of ascertaining the nature and extent of the sickness or disability, the physician or physicians to report to the board the result of the examination within three days thereafter. Any active or retired member who refuses to submit to such examination or examinations shall forfeit all his or her rights to benefits under this section: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the board shall designate the hospital and medical services available to the police officer who is sick or disabled.
[ 2012 c 117 s 31; 1992 c 22 s 2; 1961 c 191 s 4; 1959 c 78 s 7; 1955 c 69 s 7; 1915 c 40 s 5; 1911 c 18 s 6; 1909 c 39 s 13; RRS s 9591.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The words "hereafter retired" first appear in the 1961 amendment.

catchline: Sick benefits.


title: RCW 41.20.130

text:
There is created in each city subject to the provisions of this chapter a police relief and pension fund. The fund shall be constituted as follows:
A sum equal to six percent thereof shall be deducted monthly from the salary of each police officer by the city treasurer and placed in the fund, but the maximum deduction shall not exceed six percent of the monthly salary of captain.
At the time the annual tax levy of the city is made, the city council, or other legislative body, shall order the transfer of an amount of money into the fund, sufficient with the salary deductions, to meet the financial requirements thereof:
(1) From moneys collected or received from all licenses issued;
(2) From fines and forfeitures collected or received in money for violation of city ordinances.
[ 1959 c 78 s 8; 1955 c 69 s 8; 1933 c 30 s 1; 1929 c 101 s 3; 1923 c 54 s 1; 1915 c 40 s 1; 1909 c 39 s 3; RRS s 9581.]

catchline: Fund created.


title: RCW 41.20.140

text:
Payments provided for in this chapter shall be made monthly upon proper vouchers. If at any time there is more money in the fund provided for in this chapter than is necessary for the purposes of this chapter, then such surplus shall be transferred from such fund to the general fund of the city: PROVIDED, That at all times enough money shall be kept in said fund to meet all payments provided for in this chapter.
[ 1911 c 18 s 7; 1909 c 39 s 14; RRS s 9592.]

catchline: Pension payments monthly—Surplus to general fund.


title: RCW 41.20.150

text:
Whenever any member affected by this chapter terminates his or her employment prior to the completion of twenty-five years of service he or she shall receive seventy-five percent of his or her contributions made after *the effective date of this act and he or she shall not receive any contributions made prior thereto: PROVIDED, That in the case of any member who has completed twenty years of service, such member, upon termination for any cause except for a conviction of a felony, shall have the option of electing, in lieu of recovery of his or her contributions as herein provided, to be classified as a vested member in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) Written notice of such election shall be filed with the board within thirty days after the effective date of such member's termination;
(2) During the period between the date of his or her termination and the date upon which he or she becomes a retired member as hereinafter provided, such vested member and his or her spouse or dependent children shall be entitled to all benefits available under chapter 41.20 RCW to a retired member and his or her spouse or dependent children with the exception of the service retirement allowance as herein provided for: PROVIDED, That any claim for medical coverage under RCW 41.20.120 shall be attributable to service connected illness or injury;
(3) Any member electing to become a vested member shall be entitled at such time as he or she otherwise would have completed twenty-five years of service had he or she not terminated, to receive a service retirement allowance computed on the following basis: Two percent of the amount of salary at any time hereafter attached to the position held by the vested member for the year preceding the date of his or her termination, for each year of service rendered prior to the date of his or her termination. At such time the vested member shall be regarded as a retired member and, in addition to the retirement allowance herein provided for, shall continue to be entitled to all such other benefits as are by chapter 41.20 RCW made available to retired members.
[ 2012 c 117 s 32; 1969 c 123 s 3; 1955 c 69 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The words "the effective date of this act" first appear in 1955 c 69 s 4, which became effective midnight June 8, 1955.

catchline: Return of member's contributions—Option to be classified as vested member.


title: RCW 41.20.155

text:
The provisions of RCW 41.20.050, 41.20.060 and 41.20.150 shall be applicable to all members employed on June 12, 1969, and to those who shall thereafter become members, but shall not apply to any former member who has terminated his or her employment prior to June 12, 1969.
[ 2012 c 117 s 33; 1969 c 123 s 4.]

catchline: Return of member's contributions—Applicability.


title: RCW 41.20.160

text:
Any person affected by this chapter who was a member of a police organization operated by a private enterprise which police organization shall be hereafter acquired before September 1, 1959, by a city of the first class as its police department as a matter of public convenience or necessity, where it is in the public interest to retain the trained personnel of such police organization, shall have added to his or her period of employment as computed under this chapter his or her period of service with said private enterprise, except that this shall apply only to those persons who are in the service of such police organization at the time of its acquisition by the city of the first class and who remain in the service of that city until this chapter shall become applicable to such persons.
No such person shall have added to his or her period of employment as computed under this chapter his or her period of service with said private enterprise unless he or she or a third party shall pay to the city his or her contribution for the period of such service with the private enterprise, or, if he or she shall be entitled to any private pension or retirement benefits as a result of such service with the private enterprise, unless he or she agrees at the time of his or her employment by the city to accept a reduction in the payment of any benefits payable under this chapter that are based in whole or in part on such added service by the amount of those private pension or retirement benefits received. The rate of such contribution shall be two percent of the wage or salary of such person during that added period of service with the private enterprise before midnight, June 8, 1955, and four and one-half percent of such wage or salary after midnight, June 8, 1955. Such contributions shall be paid into the police relief and pension fund and shall be held subject to the provisions of RCW 41.20.150, except that all such contributions shall be deemed to have been made after June 8, 1955. Such contributions may be invested in investments permitted under chapter 35.39 RCW and may be kept invested until required to meet payments of benefits to such persons.
The city may receive payments for these purposes from a third party and shall make from such payments contributions with respect to such prior service as may be necessary to enable the police relief and pension fund to assume its obligations.
[ 2012 c 117 s 34; 1983 c 3 s 92; 1959 c 71 s 1.]
Notes:
Severability—1959 c 71: "If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1959 c 71 s 2.]

catchline: Credit for membership in private organization acquired by city of first class.


title: RCW 41.20.170

text:
Any former employee of a department of a city of the first class who (1) was a member of the employees' retirement system of such city, and (2) is now employed within the police department of such city, may transfer his or her membership from the city employees' retirement system to the city's police relief and pension fund system by filing a written request with the board of administration and the board of trustees, respectively, of the two systems.
Upon the receipt of such request, the transfer of membership to the city's police relief and pension fund system shall be made, together with a transfer of all accumulated contributions credited to such member. The board of administration of the city's employees' retirement system shall transmit to the board of trustees of the city's police relief and pension fund system a record of service credited to such member which shall be computed and credited to such member as a part of his or her period of employment in the city's police relief and pension fund system. For the purpose of the transfer contemplated by this section, the affected individuals shall be allowed to restore withdrawn contributions to the city employees' retirement system and reinstate their membership service records.
Any employee so transferring shall have all the rights, benefits and privileges that he or she would have been entitled to had he or she been a member of the city's police relief and pension fund system from the beginning of his or her employment with the city.
No person so transferring shall thereafter be entitled to any other public pension, except that provided by chapter 41.26 RCW or social security, which is based upon service with the city.
The right of any employee to file a written request for transfer of membership as set forth herein shall expire December 31, 1973.
[ 2012 c 117 s 35; 1973 c 143 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 27; 1963 c 82 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.
PDF
RCW 41.20.170
Transfer of membership. (Effective June 30, 2029.)
Any former employee of a department of a city of the first class who (1) was a member of the employees' retirement system of such city, and (2) is now employed within the police department of such city, may transfer his or her membership from the city employees' retirement system to the city's police relief and pension fund system by filing a written request with the board of administration and the board of trustees, respectively, of the two systems.
Upon the receipt of such request, the transfer of membership to the city's police relief and pension fund system shall be made, together with a transfer of all accumulated contributions credited to such member. The board of administration of the city's employees' retirement system shall transmit to the board of trustees of the city's police relief and pension fund system a record of service credited to such member which shall be computed and credited to such member as a part of his or her period of employment in the city's police relief and pension fund system. For the purpose of the transfer contemplated by this section, the affected individuals shall be allowed to restore withdrawn contributions to the city employees' retirement system and reinstate their membership service records.
Any employee so transferring shall have all the rights, benefits and privileges that he or she would have been entitled to had he or she been a member of the city's police relief and pension fund system from the beginning of his or her employment with the city.
No person so transferring shall thereafter be entitled to any other public pension, except that provided by chapter 41.26 or 41.26A RCW or social security, which is based upon service with the city.
The right of any employee to file a written request for transfer of membership as set forth herein shall expire December 31, 1973.
[ 2026 c 261 s 426; 2012 c 117 s 35; 1973 c 143 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 209 s 27; 1963 c 82 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 261: See note following RCW 41.26A.505.
Effective date—Severability—Construction—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW 41.26.3901, 41.26.3902, and 41.26.3903.

catchline: Transfer of membership. (Effective until June 30, 2029.)


title: RCW 41.20.175

text:
A former employee of a fire department of a city of the first class who (1) was a member of the firefighters' pension system created by chapters 41.16 or 41.18 RCW, and (2) is now employed within the police department of such city, will be regarded as having received membership service credit for such service to the fire department in the city's police and relief pension system at the time he or she recovers such service credit by paying withdrawn contributions to the Washington law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system pursuant to *RCW 41.26.030(28).
[ 2012 c 117 s 36; 1974 ex.s. c 148 s 2.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 41.26.030 was amended by 2018 c 230 s 1, changing subsection (28) to subsection (29).
PDF
RCW 41.20.175
Transfer of service credit from firefighters' pension system to city's police pension system. (Effective June 30, 2029.)
A former employee of a fire department of a city of the first class who (1) was a member of the firefighters' pension system created by chapter 41.16 or 41.18 RCW, and (2) is now employed within the police department of such city, will be regarded as having received membership service credit for such service to the fire department in the city's police and relief pension system at the time he or she recovers such service credit by paying withdrawn contributions to the Washington law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system pursuant to RCW 41.26.030(25) or 41.26A.030(29).
[ 2026 c 261 s 427; 2012 c 117 s 36; 1974 ex.s. c 148 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 261: See note following RCW 41.26A.505.

catchline: Transfer of service credit from firefighters' pension system to city's police pension system. (Effective until June 30, 2029.)


title: RCW 41.20.180

text:
The right of a person to a pension, an annuity, or retirement allowance, or disability allowance, or death benefits, or any optional benefit, or any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, and any fund created hereby, and all moneys and investments and income thereof, are exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax, and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or insolvency laws, or other process of law whatsoever, whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned and shall be unassignable: PROVIDED, That benefits under this chapter shall be payable to a spouse or ex-spouse to the extent expressly provided for in any court decree of dissolution or legal separation or in any court order or court-approved property settlement agreement incident to any court decree of dissolution or legal separation.
[ 2012 c 159 s 19; 1979 ex.s. c 205 s 2; 1965 c 33 s 1.]

catchline: Exemption from taxation and judicial process—Exception—Assignability.


title: RCW 41.20.900

text:
The provisions of *this act are intended to be remedial and procedural and any benefits heretofore paid to recipients hereunder pursuant to any previous act are retroactively included and authorized as a part of *this act.
[ 1959 c 6 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: "this act" appears in chapter 6, Laws of 1959, which reenacted RCW 41.20.050, 41.20.060, and 41.20.080. These sections were subsequently amended by chapter 78, Laws of 1959.

catchline: Construction—1959 c 6—Benefits retroactively authorized.


title: RCW 41.20.920

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 91.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2009 c 521 ss 5-8, 79, 87-103, 107, 151, 165, 166, 173-175, and 190-192: See note following RCW 2.10.900.

catchline: Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.


title: RCW 41.22.010

text:
The career of a police officer is highly stressful, resulting in unacceptable rates of divorce, alcoholism, low morale and suicide. The nature of law enforcement work requires that much information be kept confidential, unfairly burdening the emotional capacity of law enforcement personnel. Police officers may become the hidden victims of society because of their daily work with crisis.
The legislature finds that law enforcement chaplains can provide emotional support for law enforcement personnel, including counseling, stress management, and family life counseling. The legislature also finds that law enforcement chaplains can serve as a crisis intervention resource for personnel of police, fire, and corrections departments, and medical examiners or coroners.
[ 1985 c 223 s 1.]

catchline: Legislative findings.


title: RCW 41.22.020

text:
The Washington state patrol and the department of fish and wildlife may utilize the services of a volunteer chaplain.
[ 2009 c 204 s 2; 1985 c 223 s 2.]

catchline: Washington state patrol and the department of fish and wildlife—Volunteer chaplain authorized.


title: RCW 41.22.030

text:
The legislature authorizes local law enforcement agencies to use the services of volunteer chaplains associated with an agency.
[ 1985 c 223 s 3.]

catchline: Local law enforcement agencies—Volunteer chaplains authorized.


title: RCW 41.22.040

text:
The duties of a volunteer law enforcement chaplain include counseling, training, and crises intervention for law enforcement personnel, their families and the general public.
[ 1985 c 223 s 4.]

catchline: Volunteer chaplains—Duties.


title: RCW 41.24.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Administrative fund" means the volunteer firefighters' and reserve officers' administrative fund created under RCW 41.24.030.
(2) "Appropriate legislation" means an ordinance when an ordinance is the means of legislating by any municipality, and resolution in all other cases.
(3) "Board of trustees" or "local board" means: (a) For matters affecting firefighters, a firefighter board of trustees created under RCW 41.24.060; (b) for matters affecting an emergency worker, an emergency medical service district board of trustees created under RCW 41.24.330; or (c) for matters affecting reserve officers, a reserve officer board of trustees created under RCW 41.24.460.
(4) "Emergency worker" means any emergency medical service personnel, regulated by chapters 18.71 and 18.73 RCW, who is a member of an emergency medical service district but shall not include emergency medical service personnel who are eligible for participation in the Washington public employees' retirement system, with respect to periods of service rendered in such capacity.
(5) "Fire department" means any regularly organized fire department or emergency medical service district consisting wholly of volunteer firefighters, or any part-paid and part-volunteer fire department duly organized and maintained by any municipality: PROVIDED, That any such municipality wherein a part-paid fire department is maintained may by appropriate legislation permit the full-paid members of its department to come under the provisions of chapter 41.16 RCW.
(6) "Firefighter" includes any firefighter or emergency worker who is a member of any fire department of any municipality but shall not include firefighters who are eligible for participation in the Washington law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system or the Washington public employees' retirement system, with respect to periods of service rendered in such capacity.
(7) "Municipal corporation" or "municipality" includes any county, city, town or combination thereof, fire protection district, local law enforcement agency, or any emergency medical service district or other special district, authorized by law to protect life or property within its boundaries through a fire department, emergency workers, or reserve officers.
(8) "Participant" means:
(a) For the volunteer firefighters' plan:
(i) For purposes of relief, any firefighter or emergency worker; and
(ii) For purposes of retirement pension, any firefighter or emergency worker who is or may become eligible to receive a benefit of any type under the retirement provisions of this chapter, or whose beneficiary may be eligible to receive any such benefit; and
(b) For the reserve officers' plan:
(i) For purposes of relief, any reserve officer who is or may become eligible for relief under this chapter; and
(ii) For purposes of retirement pension, any reserve officer who is or may become eligible to receive a benefit of any type under the retirement provisions of this chapter, or whose beneficiary may be eligible to receive any such benefit.
(9) "Performance of duty" or "performance of service" shall be construed to mean and include any work in and about company quarters, any fire station, any law enforcement office or precinct, or any other place under the direction or general orders of the chief or other officer having authority to order such member to perform such work; performing other officially assigned duties that are secondary to his or her duties as a firefighter, emergency worker, or reserve officer such as maintenance, public education, inspections, investigations, court testimony, and fund-raising for the benefit of the department; being on call or on standby under the orders of the chief or designated officer of the department, except at the individual's home or place of business; responding to, working at, or returning from an alarm of fire, emergency call, or law enforcement duties; drill or training; or any work performed of an emergency nature in accordance with the rules and regulations of the fire department or local law enforcement agency.
(10) "Principal fund" means either the volunteer firefighters' relief and pension principal fund created under RCW 41.24.030 or the reserve officers' relief and pension principal fund created in RCW 41.24.030(2).
(11) "Relief" means all medical, death, and disability benefits available under this chapter that are made necessary from death, sickness, injury, or disability arising in the performance of duty, including benefits provided under RCW 41.24.110, 41.24.150, 41.24.160, 41.24.175, 41.24.220, and 41.24.230, but does not include retirement pensions provided under this chapter.
(12) "Reserve officer" means the same as defined by the Washington state criminal justice training commission under chapter 43.101 RCW, but shall not include enforcement officers who are eligible for participation in the Washington law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system or the Washington public employees' retirement system, with respect to periods of service rendered in such capacity.
(13) "Retired participant" means any participant who is at least sixty-five years of age and has been retired by the board of trustees under RCW 41.24.170 and has been in receipt of a monthly pension for no less than three months.
(14) "Retirement pension" means retirement payments for the performance of service, as provided under RCW 41.24.170, 41.24.172, 41.24.175, 41.24.180, and 41.24.185.
(15) "State board" means the state board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers.
[ 2023 c 73 s 5. Prior: 2010 c 60 s 2; 2006 c 26 s 1; 2005 c 37 s 1; 1999 c 148 s 1; 1995 c 11 s 1; 1993 c 331 s 1; 1989 c 91 s 8; 1970 ex.s. c 6 s 18; 1955 c 263 s 1; 1945 c 261 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 9578-15.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2023 c 73: See note following RCW 41.24.800.
Effective date—1989 c 91: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1989." [ 1989 c 91 s 27.]
Construction—Saving—1955 c 263: "Any provisions of chapter 41.24 RCW inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed: PROVIDED, That such repeal shall not affect any act or proceeding had or pending, under such provision repealed, but the same shall be construed and prosecuted as though such provision had not been repealed." [ 1955 c 263 s 12.]
Severability—1945 c 261: "If any provision of this act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the act, and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this act. The legislature hereby declares that it would have passed this act and each section, subsection, clause and phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more of the other sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases be declared unconstitutional." [ 1945 c 261 s 26.]
Construction—Saving—1945 c 261: "Chapter 121, Laws of 1935 (sections 9578-1 to 9578-11, inclusive, Remington's Revised Statutes, also Pierce's Perpetual Code 773-37 to -57), is hereby repealed: PROVIDED, That such repeal shall not be construed as affecting any act done or right acquired, or obligation incurred, or proceedings had or pending, under said act repealed, but the same shall be continued and prosecuted as though such act had not been repealed." [ 1945 c 261 s 27.]
Fire protection district having full paid fire department: RCW 41.16.240.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 41.24.020

text:
(1) Every municipal corporation maintaining and operating a regularly organized fire department shall make provision by appropriate legislation for the enrollment of every firefighter under the relief provisions of this chapter for the purpose of providing protection for all its firefighters and their families from death, sickness, injury, or disability arising in the performance of their duties as firefighters. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any municipality from providing such additional protection for relief as it may deem proper.
(2) Any municipal corporation maintaining and operating a regularly organized fire department may make provision by appropriate legislation allowing any member of its fire department to enroll under the retirement pension provisions of this chapter.
(3) Every municipal corporation shall make provisions for the collection and payment of the fees provided under this chapter, and shall continue to make such provisions for all firefighters who come under this chapter as long as they shall continue to be members of its fire department.
[ 1999 c 148 s 2; 1989 c 91 s 9; 1945 c 261 s 2; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 9578-16.]
Notes:
Effective date—1989 c 91: See note following RCW 41.24.010.

catchline: Enrollment of firefighters—Death, disability, retirement benefits.


title: RCW 41.24.023

text:
(1) A local municipality may, at its discretion, permit a retired participant to make application to the local board to resume volunteer service as a firefighter, under the following conditions:
(a) A retired participant who chooses to resume volunteer service is not eligible for disability payments pursuant to RCW 41.24.150 in the event that the retired participant becomes disabled as the result of the performance of his or her duties.
(b) Prior to permitting a retired participant to resume volunteer service, a local board shall require that a retired participant submit to annual examinations by a physician or other medical staff. A retired participant may resume volunteer service only if the examining physician or other medical staff certifies each year that the retired participant meets appropriate medical and health standards. Physicians and medical staff that examine retired participants shall be reimbursed by the local municipality, and report to the local and state boards, consistent with RCW 41.24.110.
(c) A local municipality that elects to permit retired participants to resume volunteer service shall be required to pay an additional annual charge based on the increased cost of medical and relief benefits for retired participants. The amount of the additional annual charge shall be set by the state board, in consultation with the state actuary.
(2) No period of volunteer service performed by a retired participant may be used in calculating a retirement pension under RCW 41.24.170.
(3) The legislature reserves the right to amend or repeal this section in the future and no participant, retired participant, or beneficiary has a contractual right to resume volunteer service while in receipt of a retirement pension.
[ 2010 c 60 s 1.]

catchline: Retired participant may resume volunteer service—Board approval required.