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| Death |
Workers Compensation:
Spousal benefit is 2/3 of the lowest monthly salary of firefighters in a first-class city at the time of death for 312 weeks. After 312 weeks, the benefit to the spouse becomes subject to Social Security benefit offset. Minimum and maximum amounts apply and are adjusted annually. Upon remarriage, the spouse receives a 52-week lump sum distribution or the remainder of the award, whichever is less, and benefits terminate. If there are other dependents remaining at the time of remarriage, benefits shall be paid to such person as an administrative law judge may determine, for the use and benefit of the other dependents. Children are considered dependent until age 18 or longer if disabled. There is no continuation for full-time student status. All medical expenses associated with death are paid.
Contact: Utah Workers' Compensation Fund. 392 East 6400 South, Murray, UT 84107. Phone: (801) 288-8000 or (800) 446-2667. www.wcf-utah.com.
Funeral:
Maximum of $8,000 for burial expenses in ordinary cases. Unusual cases may result in additional payments either voluntary or by Commission order.
Contact: Utah Workers' Compensation Fund. 392 East 6400 South, Murray, UT 84107. Phone: (801) 288-8000 or (800) 446-2667. www.wcf-utah.com.
Pension:
The spouse of a volunteer firefighter who dies in the line of duty and who has less than 20 years of service credit receives a lump sum payment of $1,500 plus a monthly benefit of 30% of the monthly wages of the lowest paid firefighters in a first-class city . Each unmarried child under 21 receives $75 per month if firefighter had five or more years of service credit. Total monthly benefits cannot exceed 75% of the lowest paid firefighter's average monthly salary.
Contact: Utah Retirement Systems. 560 East 200 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84102-2099. Phone: (801) 366-7700 or (800) 365-8772. www.urs.org.
Child's Education:
Police Officers' and Firefighters' Survivor Tuition Act, also referred to as the "Golden Shield" policy. Tuition waivers can be used for undergraduate education for not more than nine semesters. Students must be in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate. They must attend a state institution of higher education and be under age 25. Some private institutions also provide this benefit but are not required to do so. Financial need is a consideration for the waiver.
Contact: Utah State Board of Regents, Utah System of Higher Education. Board of Regents Building, The Gateway, 60 South 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1284. Phone: (801) 321-7100. www.utahsbr.edu/html/board.html.
Spouse's Education:
Police Officers' and Firefighters' Survivor Tuition Act, also referred to as the "Golden Shield" policy. Tuition waivers can be used for undergraduate education for not more than nine semesters. Students must be in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate. They must attend a state institution of higher education. Some private institutions also provide this benefit but are not required to do so. Financial need is a consideration for the waiver.
Contact: Utah State Board of Regents, Utah System of Higher Education. Board of Regents Building, The Gateway, 60 South 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1284. Phone: (801) 321-7100. www.utahsbr.edu/html/board.html.
Support Organizations:
Utah State Firemen's Association
10360 South 2950 West
South Jordan, UT 84095
(801) 201-2818
E-mail: usfasecretary@utahfiremuseum.com
www.utahfiremuseum.com/usfa/Pages/usfa_index.htm
If firefighter was a member, spouse receives $450 benefit toward burial expenses. |
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| Education |
Training is provided by the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy at minimal cost. Courses are available at the academy and in the departments, and they are mostly funded by the Utah State Fire Prevention Board. Scholarships are available. The Fire and Rescue Academy also administrates a video library.
Contact: Utah Fire and Rescue Academy Support Services. 3131 Mike Jense Parkway, Provo, Utah 84601. Phone: (801) 863-7700.
Utah Valley State College Fire Science Library. Phone: (801) 863-7709. Fax: (801) 371-0334. |
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| Workers Compensation |
Volunteer firefighters are eligible for line-of-duty disability benefits. For these purposes, the lowest monthly compensation for a career firefighter of a city of the first class is considered the final average monthly salary of the volunteer firefighter. The monthly benefit is 50% of this amount. |
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| Funding |
The Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands offers the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grant. The VFA grants are limited to rural communities with a population of 10,000 or less for organizing, training and equipping fire departments for fire suppression; structural or wildland. These funds are available to assist eligible communities with a grant of up to $5,000 and they require a 50% match.
Contact: Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. 585 North Main Street, Cedar City, UT 84720. Phone: (435) 586-4408. |
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| Health |
There is no state program; some cities provide health insurance for their volunteers. |
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| Legal |
N/A |
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| Malpractice |
Volunteers are not liable for any penalties or damages incurred at the scene of an emergency, unless they were grossly negligent or caused the emergency. |
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| Retirement |
Volunteers are not eligible for the state retirement system. |
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| Tax |
N/A |
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| Additional |
Volunteer firefighters are eligible for special license plates. | |
