VIDEO: A proposed Senate bill looks to increase firefighters' pension in hopes of encouraging more volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma.
Senate Bill 453 would increase the pension from $7.53 to $10 and hopes to give more support for small town fire departments across the state. State Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, said the bill was inspired by her small-town roots.
"Those smaller communities can't sustain a full task force of fire personnel because they don't have those resources to do it," Garvin said. The increase is expected to work retroactively and apply to those already retired in addition to new retirees.
"In order to recruit and retain more people into volunteer fire departments across the state, this bill is vital because it helps give them some sort of incentive to stay longer," Garvin said.