The first column on length of services award programs (LOSAP) focused on a specific situation and LOSAP plans in general. This column looks at how people have actually put LOSAP plans together, LOSAP resources, and studies that have been done on effectiveness of plans.
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has quite a few LOSAP resources. They have a great list of state by state LOSAP benefits available at http://www.nvfc.org/benefits/state-by-state.php?Type=Retirement. The options vary from $25 a month to over $345 a month. Some are state funded, while others just pave the way for departments to launch their own program.
The New York State legislation did quite a bit of research on the effects of their LOSAP programs since 1989. (http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/muni/perf/01ps2bod.htm#service ) Interestingly enough, they found that: “Based on our review of enrollment trends and discussions with local government officials, it appears that the programs may not be effective in recruiting volunteer firefighters.” The bottom line they came up with is that the programs should be continued with a ‘wait and see’ attitude.
Iowa did a similar study, but their focus was on whether or not a program would help. (http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/Interim/2002/comminfo/firefight/final.htm) One of my favorite points is that “Many things contribute to recruitment and retention. (these are some of the bigger ones: leadership, time demands, attitude, motivation, risks and available people)” The difference with their study was that they did not have an established LOSAP plan. Their feedback was much more positive, as would be expected. Volunteers will never turn down money, but the proverbial proof is in the pudding.
The State of New Jersey has a LOSAP program that is well developed and documented. (http://www.state.nj.us/dca/lgs/losap/losap.shtml) New Jersey was proactive about their plan and allowed for flexibility from area to area. They also allow you to transfer from one department to another and still be ‘vested’. Not only can you transfer from department to department, but you can be involved in multiple LOSAP plans. A list of their ‘approved LOSAP providers’ is available at http://www.state.nj.us/dca/lgs/losap/losap_providers/approved_providers.htm.
The State of California goes through Calpers for their LOSAP program. (http://www.calpers.ca.gov/index.jsp?bc=/about/benefits-overview/retirement/volunteer-firefighter-benefits.xml) Their program provides for a benefit with a minimum of $900 annually, up to $1,800 annually. Unlike the NJ program, there are no death or survivor benefits with this program.
I found two companies that advertise that they can help you with LOSAP plans. Lincoln Financial Advisors offers LOSAP plan administration at http://www.losaplan.com/index.shtml . The VFIS offers a LOSAP program package at http://www.vfis.com/vfis/vfis_losap.htm VFIS currently has over 500 plans in place in 33 states.
The Prince George’s County FD posted their LOSAP procedures guide online at http://www.firecommission.com/PDF%20Files/LOSAP%20Procedure%20Guide.pdf. This guide outlines the features and requirements of the program. There is an extensive points system and record keeping requirements. The interesting thing is that they require the records to be kept digitally for processing. Their benefit is $225/month after 25 years of service. If you are looking for a well developed plan, this is the one to look at.
When it comes to record keeping for LOSAP plans, there is no option but to be computerized. Adding points, figuring out percentages and assuring accuracy is almost impossible by hand. Personally, I have had great results with Firehouse Software (http://www.firehousesoftware.com ) but whatever program you use for NFIRS should have a LOSAP module.
LOSAP plans can be quite a bit of work, but the most important thing is to track your program’s effectiveness. Find the program and administration system that works for your area and you will increase your manpower per call. Discuss this column at http://www.volunteerfd.org/phorum/read.php?f=20&i=146&t=146