The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission has recommended that the age cap on benefits be eliminated for senior members of the Port Washington Fire Department.
In 1992, a retention program was put into place that promised a small pension for those who served for 40 years. Currently, if a volunteer serves past the age of 65, benefits stop accruing.
"This retention program helps keep experienced ex-chiefs like myself and retired guys around during the day," says Charles Lang. "Keeps us on the job as trainers and drivers."
Ex-Chief Lang, 75, says the small pensions will be paid out of the firefighters life insurance cash value at no cost to taxpayers.
The change is up for a vote Thursday in the Port Washington fire district and two villages, Flower Hill and Port Washington North.