Wisconsin Administrative Code Volunteer Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician Service Award Board
The Volunteer Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician Service Award Board is formally established and governed by the Wisconsin Administrative Code under Chapter VFF‑EMT 1. This Board oversees the administration of the Service Award Program (formerly known as the Length of Service Award Program or LOSA), which provides long‑service retirement benefits to volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and first responders. Here's a detailed overview:
🏛️ Board Authority & Chapter Overview (VFF‑EMT 1)
Chapter VFF‑EMT 1, labeled Service award board, contains:
§ VFF‑EMT 1.01 – Authority
§ VFF‑EMT 1.02 – Purpose
§ VFF‑EMT 1.03 – Definitions
§ VFF‑EMT 1.04 – Participating municipalities
§ VFF‑EMT 1.05 – Contributions to a program
§ VFF‑EMT 1.06 – Contributions for prior service
§ VFF‑EMT 1.07 – Vesting and receipt of length‑of‑service awards
8–16. Additional sections addressing administration, transfers, disability/death benefits, record‑keeping, board qualifications, municipal obligations, program termination, and appeals (law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com).
This chapter was first implemented as an emergency rule effective September 21, 2001 (law.cornell.edu).
🎯 Key Provisions & Program Mechanics
Purpose & Authority (1.01–1.02): Establishes the Board's authority to manage a service award program meant to encourage retention among volunteer emergency service members.
Definitions (1.03): Clarifies key terms like "service award," "program administrator," "qualified service," etc.
Municipality Participation (1.04): Outlines eligibility criteria and required resolutions for a municipality to join.
Contributions (1.05–1.06): Sets annual contribution amounts, funding for prior years of service, and matching guidelines.
Vesting & Benefit Receipt (1.07): Specifies when service awards vest, payout conditions, and program eligibility after years of service .
Additional Regulations (1.08–1.16): Define handling of non‑vested accounts, transfers between programs, disability/death payouts, documentation requirements, qualifications for program administrators, oversight responsibilities for municipalities, program termination processes, and appeal procedures (law.cornell.edu).
🔗 Connection to State Statutes & Broader Program
The state’s Service Award Program was created by 1999 Wisconsin Act 105, providing tax‑deferred retirement benefits to volunteers (doa.wi.gov).
Chapter VFF‑EMT 1 operationalizes the Board’s duties, clarifies eligible participants, defines benefit mechanisms, and ensures municipalities and vendors follow set standards.
Administratively, the Board (Governor‑appointed) certifies programs, approves vendors, oversees compliance, hears appeals, and can revoke participation if rules aren’t met.
✅ Summary Table
| Section | Main Focus |
|---|---|
| 1.01–1.02 | Board authority & program purpose |
| 1.03 | Key definitions |
| 1.04 | Municipality participation guidelines |
| 1.05–1.06 | Contribution rules (annual & prior service) |
| 1.07 | Vesting & benefit disbursement criteria |
| 1.08–1.16 | Administration: record keeping, transfers, benefits, appeal |
📌 In Context
This administrative chapter is essential because it spells out how Wisconsin supports volunteer first responders through structured retirement awards. It ensures funding, protects members' benefits, and enforces accountability in both local governments and managing organizations.
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