MISSION STATEMENT OF THE OKLAHOMA FIREFIGHTERS PENSION SYSTEM

To be responsive in administering retirement benefits to firefighters of Oklahoma; to manage the firefighters' retirement fund prudently; and to embrace the highest ethical standards with regard to these endeavors.

HISTORY OF THE FIREFIGHTERS PENSION SYSTEM

Governor Haskell signed into law the first fireman's pension benefit statute May 14, 1908.  The new law contained a one percent tax on insurance premiums to fund the pension benefits for both paid and volunteer firefighters.  Oklahoma cities and towns administered the program until the State Legislature created the current Oklahoma Firefighter Pension and Retirement System in 1980.  The Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System was created to better fund the total system and administer the system equally.  The agency is vested with the power and duties specified by statutes and such other powers as may be necessary to enable it and its officers and employees to carry out fully and effectively the intent of the law to provide pension benefits to all participating firefighters in Oklahoma.