As DeKalb County explores ways to increase pay and benefits for police officers and firefighters to keep them around longer, commissioners are considering a new pension just for public safety employees.

DeKalb currently has one pension for all government workers. By comparison, Atlanta has a fund each for police and fire separate from its retirement system for other government workers. Fulton County once had a public safety pension fund, but in 2008 consolidated its various plans into one.

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DeKalb County Rescue PIO Captain Eric Jackson gives details on fatal house fire. Video by John Spink/AJC

In the coming weeks, staff will present DeKalb commissioners with different options and costs associated with creating a pension for just policemen and women and firefighters.

One possibility being researched for DeKalb is a plan that allows these workers to retire with full benefits after 20 years of service.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC