Today Senator Lynne Walz, who represents Legislative District 15, introduced LB686 which ensures that firefighters in first class cities like Fremont, Grand Island and Columbus, have options for strong benefit packages. Packages like this are important to any employer in helping to retain employees, especially when we’re talking about our state’s public safety.
Cities outside of Lincoln and Omaha are struggling to retain firefighters, one of the most essential parts of our government. Nebraska needs to think creatively when discussing workforce shortage and retention. This retirement package does that and mimics Nebraska’s current state employee plan.
“1 am ready and willing to work with cities to ensure that our firefighters are taken care of,” said Senator Walz. “We ask these brave men and women to run into burning buildings. When our loved ones have a medical emergency, their quick actions literally mean life or death. We must ensure that those who protect us every day can retire with dignity.”
Struggling to hire and retain firefighters can lead to a high workload, slower response time and increased risk to public safety. Nebraska must do everything that we can to make sure that there are firefighters in all of our communities and show them just how much our state appreciates them. The work that firefighters do for our communities, state and nation cannot be understated.
“Personally, it’s hard for me to put into words just how grateful I am for what our fire departments in District 15 did during the 2019 flooding,” said Senator Walz. “I feel this bill is the least 1 can do to show my deep appreciation for their work.”
