DeKalb could create new pension for just police and fire

DeKalb County Fire youth development administrator Annette Haygood, facing, talks with a potential recruit during the 15th Annual Jobs Fair at the Georgia International Convention Center Friday. JASON GETZ for the AJC

DeKalb County Fire youth development administrator Annette Haygood, facing, talks with a potential recruit during the 15th Annual Jobs Fair at the Georgia International Convention Center Friday. JASON GETZ for the AJC

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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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.