Fire Fighters and Law Enforcement Officers hired prior to October 1, 1977 are members of LEOFF Plan 1 as defined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 41.26. Prior to enactment of this plan local government employers had separate pension systems as specified by other state laws. In 1970, LEOFF Plan 1 began and expressly prohibited local pension systems for fire fighters and police officers as an alternative to the new state pension system.

The pension plan ceased new members on September 30, 1977 after passage of legislation during the 1977 Legislature. On October 1, 1977, LEOFF Plan 2 started and is the current pension system for fire fighters and law enforcement as defined in RCW 41.26.030.

The Select Committee on Pension Policy (SCPP) addresses matters on LEOFF Plan 1. A separate public safety subcommittee of the SCPP focuses on pension issues affecting public safety employees who are members of LEOFF Plan 1 and the Washington State Patrol Retirement systems. The SCPP recommends legislation to the State Legislature during it session that starts in January annually. 

To read more about LEOFF Plan 1 benefits and member information, click here.