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| Death |
The State of Iowa has a $100,000 death benefit for all firefighters. This does include heart attack and stroke presumption.
Workers Compensation:
Computation is based on what the firefighter would have received if injured in the normal cause of regular employment or an amount equal to 140% of state average weekly wage, whichever is greater. Benefit is 80% of this amount for surviving spouse or spouse with children. Spouse receives two-year lump sum amount upon remarriage if there are no children. Children receive benefits until age 18 or longer if disabled and incapable of self-support, or until 25 if they are full-time students. Workman's Compensation Insurance is a requirement. Workman's Compensation carriers may befgin requiring physicals for firefighters in the State of Iowa.
Contact: Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation. 430 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309-1920. Phone: (515) 281-9619. www.iowaworkforce.org.
Funeral:
Maximum burial allowance of $5,000.
Contact: Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation. 430 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309-1920. Phone: (515) 281-9619. www.iowaworkforce.org.
Pension:
Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP): The Board has entered into a program with Penflex and RBC Dain Rauscher. Currently each member department has the option to join this plan. A committee was formed to attempt to establish a statewide program that the State of Iowa would invest dollars into but that funding was not available. Efforts to implement this program are still in process.
Child's Education:
None.
Spouse's Education:
None.
Support Organizations:
None. |
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| Education |
A wide variety of courses are offered through the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau. Courses are offered in the departments and at no cost. There is an ongoing annual appropriation from the state legislature. The Fire Service Training Bureau, Community Colleges, and some private vendors are contracted for approved training courses. Previous years' appropriations were set at $699,587 and training is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
State Training Facility
The appropriations that passed has funding for 11 regional training centeres throughout the state. Fund passed last year was set at:
-FY2007 $4,600,000
-FY2008 $2,000,000
-FY2009 $1,600,000
Additionally, in 2007 funding was provided for a central facility and additional funding was provided for current training facility needs in the amount of $3,400,000.
Contact: Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau, 3100 Fire Service Road, Ames, IA 50011-3100. Phone: (515) 294-6817. |
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| Workers Compensation |
There is no state program, although many municipalities contract with private companies to provide compensation. |
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| Funding |
Funding is available through the Volunteer Firefighter Training and Equipment Fund. Additionally, there is a Revolving Loan Fund through the State Fire Marshal's Office for fire companies. To date there is $1.5 million working in the fund and $1.5 million has been dispersed through a no interest loan given to Fire Department's for equipment purchaes or equipment repairs. A Department can request up to $150,000 and has 5 to 10 years to pay it back depending on the amount borrowed:
-Apparatus: $25,000-150,000
-Minor Equipment: $10,000-50,000
-Repairs: $10,000-50,000
Contact: Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Department of Public Safety, Wallace State Office Building, 3rd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319, (515) 218-5821. |
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| Health |
All firefighters are required to complete a minimum of 2 hours of AIDS and HIV prevention training. |
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| Legal |
None. |
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| Malpractice |
By state statute, any person who renders emergency care without compensation is not liable for civil damages for acts or omissions occurring at the scene of the emergency or in transit there or back, unless the acts or omissions constitute recklessness. Volunteer firefighters who receive nominal compensation not based upon the value of their service are eligible for this personal immunity. The operation of a motor vehicle is also covered. |
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| Retirement |
None. |
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| Tax |
Firefighter check off on Iowa income tax forms. A tax payer can donate $1 or more. Can be used as a charitable contribution on following year's filing. The Firefighter check off raised $130,000 since inception. Money generated will offset training costs for volunteers. |
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| Additional |
Firefighter license plates: Must be a current or retired firefighter (having served 10 or more years) to receive. Current firefighters re-apply each year. Cost is $25 extra for the plate - 1 time expense. Money generated is placed in a fund to be used for Firefighter 1 training. |
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