JACKSON, Miss. – Governor Tate Reeves today announced 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 Governor Tate 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.
 
Governor Reeves signed House Bill 521 at the City of Collins Fire Department. 

House Bill 521 can be read in full here.