r/Firefighting 2d ago

General Discussion Mississippi Firefighters- 35 Years and no COLA

https://www.wlox.com/2025/08/27/mississippi-fire-departments-questioning-long-term-impact-recent-changes-pers/?outputType=amp

A new Mississippi law is making all new people hired on for police/fire to put in 35 years of service before they are eligible for their retirement, and no cost of living adjustment.

When a state senator was asked about how it’ll affect recruiting “They can do something else.”

Their state usually ranks at the bottom of rankings, so residents of other states near the bottom can still say, "Thank God for Mississippi.”

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u/ssaint04 Vol FF/AEMT 2d ago

Mississippi Burning… soon to be more than a movie title, because they won’t have any firefighters.

8

u/gothruthis 1d ago

A lot of states have been fucking over firefighters worse and worse lately. My town just voted for raises for the police the mayor and all City staff and specifically denied raises to the fire budget. it's insane. it's going to catch up real bad in a few years when there's no new firefighters coming in and everything just goes up in flames.

6

u/998876655433221 1d ago

Departments all over are struggling with recruitment and retention. ESPECIALLY if they are also running the ambulances. Pay up for the level of training and education (and call volume) or get bent.