Gov.Tate Reeves announced on Monday, April 17 that he signed House Bill 521 which creates the Mississippi Length-of-Service Award Program for volunteer firefighters. The legislation will help to recruit, retain, and reward more volunteer firefighters across the state.
“When Mississippians are in their greatest moments of need, our firefighters are there for them. They run into burning buildings and put their lives on the line for others,” said Reeves. “This new program recognizes the sacrifices our volunteer firefighters make and is a small token of our tremendous appreciation for them. I was proud to sign this legislation that will help our state recruit and retain more volunteer firefighters. My administration will continue to do everything we can to support Mississippi firefighters and their families.”
The program creates individual accounts in which each firefighter can have up to $500 a year deposited by the state based on his or her service.
Those dollars accumulate and can then be accessed upon retirement, which will help recruit, retain, and reward volunteer firefighters.
Gov. Reeves signed House Bill 521 at the City of Collins Fire Department.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
