Missouri Plan to Retain First Responders

The story has been similar across most of the Show-Me state. Firefighters, police officers, EMT’s can make better money in other states, sometimes just across the border. This is how Missouri is working to keep who they have and grow their ranks.

Police Recruits Being Sworn in

The Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act has been signed by Governor Kehoe and shows that the state of Missouri is serious about keeping their safety employees.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe

The new law allows for public safety personnel who have at least six years of in state service and their dependents to be eligible to get up to 100% college tuition paid for if they choose to further their education at an in-state college.

 Public Universities in Missouri

It gives those who are currently employed a nice option for themselves and dependents for a helping hand toward their future. Missouri has been losing safety staff to other cities and communities out of state because of higher annual pay and benefits.

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The Public Safety Retention and Recruitment Act covers lots of safety jobs including police officers, firefighters, EMT’s, and paramedics. But also, telecommunicator first responders (think 911 and dispatchers) and Sheriff’s officers. This law immediately makes Missouri cities and towns more competitive when it comes to keeping and hiring new personnel, and as a bonus it keeps those advanced learners attending in state colleges and universities.