UPDATED: Prov. Fire Chief Goes for Disability Pension
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Fire Chief George Farrell is seeking a disability pension from the city, according to the agenda for the Providence Retirement Board, which meets Wednesday.
Earlier this year, Farrell announced his retirement—after a long battle with leukemia that began months after he became fire chief in 2007.
Farrell is applying for a job-related disability pension, instead of an ordinary disability pension. An ordinance passed in 2008 allows Farrell to apply for a job-related disability benefit for his cancer.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe ordinance states: “There shall exist a presumption that a firefighter employed by the City of Providence who suffers from cancer … developed the cancer during the course and scope of employment with the City of Providence as a firefighter” as long as a series of conditions are met.
With a job-related disability benefit, Farrell would be able to collect two thirds of his salary tax in retirement, free of taxes. City payroll records show that Farrell had a base salary of 145,576 in 2010, earning a total of 161,034 including his longevity pay.
Farrell did respond to a call for comment yesterday.
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Editor's Note: GoLocalProv provided support to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night campaign - Chief Farrell was the honorary chair of the effort.
