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Guide to Retirement

Plan now for Retirement

If you’re like most of us, you probably believe that retirement planning is something that you start thinking about when the end of your career is in sight. Nothing could be further from the truth. The secret to a successful retirement is getting started early: it’s never too early to start planning and saving for your retirement. 

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4. Injury, Illness, and Leave

C. Occupational vs. Non-Occupational Injuries and Health Problems

Throughout this guide, you’ll see references to “occupational” and “non-occupational” injuries and health problems. Understanding the difference between these two types of health issues is important. Your benefits, how you manage your claim, your responsibilities, and your options depend on whether the injury or health problem was sustained while participating in a job-related activity or while you were off duty.

  • Occupational injuries and illnesses (also referred to as “On Duty” injuries and illnesses) are sustained while participating in activities directly related to the occupation of firefighting and related apparatus travel. These activities include but are not limited to emergency activity, training activity, organized physical fitness programs, inspection activity, apparatus, station, and ground maintenance, and business necessary to maintain Fire Department operations. Illnesses that are included in this category are those contracted while performing Fire Department duties due to contact with smoke, poisons, toxic agents, dust, and infections such as hepatitis.
  • Non-occupational injuries and illnesses (also referred to as “Off Duty” injuries and illnesses) are injuries and illnesses that do not meet the definition of “occupational” and are sustained while off duty. Illnesses in this category include flu, common colds, bronchitis, strep throat, and others of questionable origin, even though symptoms might not appear until while on duty.