Join Us for an Informative Session with Speakers on the First Responder REBOOT Course

The San Antonio Fire and Police Pensioners’ Association (SAFPPA) invites all members to our upcoming monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and engage with fellow members and industry professionals. Our featured speakers will inform you about a special course designed for first responders dealing with moral and spiritual wounds from critical incidents.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, June 11
• Time: 1:30 PM
• Location: SAFPPF Headquarters, 11603 W. Coker Loop, Suite 201, San Antonio, TX 78216

Featured Speakers: David Juarez and Tammy Go will provide an overview of the First Responder REBOOT Couse.

First Responder REBOOT is a 12-week, faith-based, peer-led course that helps first responders and their families heal from critical incident stress and trauma. The next course starts August 26. See the brochure page below.

The practical tools and teaching found in this course are specifically designed for those within the law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency communications, hospital emergency and corrections communities.

If you or someone you love is suffering from the stress of the front lines, the time is now to break free from trauma and change your life. Learn about the REBOOT course and start your journey of healing. Learn more at www.rebootrecovery.com

1. David Juarez, Retired SAPD Officer
2. Tammy Go, Care Navigator at Health by Design

Agenda:

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable knowledge and connect with fellow SAFPPA members. We look forward to seeing you there! Our agenda is posted here: https://safppa.org/june-2024-meeting-agenda

The San Antonio Fire and Police Pension Fund has posted videos of the February and March 2024 Retirement Ceremony for firefighters and police officers who retired in 2023. Be sure to check it out their Facebook postings here:

The San Antonio Fire and Police Pensioners’ Association will conduct its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 14, at 1:30 p.m. at the office of the San Antonio Fire and Police Pension Fund. The meeting will feature a special Memorial Service for our members who entered eternal rest in 2023.

Why Attend?

Our meetings are more than just gatherings; they’re opportunities to connect, share stories, and stay updated. Here’s why you should consider joining us:

1. Reconnect with Fellow Retirees: Whether you retired recently or years ago, our association provides a supportive community where you can catch up with old friends and make new ones.
2. Updates on Retirement Life: Curious about what other retirees are up to? Want to hear about their adventures, family milestones, and life after the force? Our meetings are the perfect place to swap stories and gain insights.
3. Stay Informed: We’ll discuss the latest developments related to pensions, benefits, and any changes that may impact you. Knowledge is power, and we want you to be well-informed.

Post-Meeting Treats

As always, we believe in the power of good food and camaraderie. Stick around after the meeting, and you might find yourself enjoying some delicious snacks or even a hearty meal. It’s a chance to unwind, share laughs, and build lasting connections.

Agenda

For those who like to plan ahead, the meeting agenda is now available on our website. Check it out at May 2024 Agenda (safppa.org). We’ve got important topics lined up, and your input matters!

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and enjoy the company of fellow pensioners. See you there! 🌟🔥👮‍♂️🚒

The San Antonio Fire and Police Pensioners’ Association through its Political Action Committee has taken a proactive step in advocating for the financial security of our retirees by sending letters to the San Antonio delegation in the United States Congress.

The Association’s PAC is urging support for HR 82, which proposes the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions have long affected the retirement benefits of our public servants, and their repeal would be a significant step toward ensuring that those who have dedicated their lives to public service receive the full benefits they have earned.

We encourage members of the SAFPPA, and all concerned citizens, to consider taking similar action. By sending letters to your representatives in the delegation, you can make your voice heard and contribute to the nationwide effort to secure fair retirement benefits for our firefighters and police officers.

To find the address and email address of your Texas representative, go to this page: Find Your Representative | house.gov .

Together, we can make a difference. Reach out to your congressional representative today and express your support for HR 82.

---

The Board of Trustees for the San Antonio Fire and Police Pension Fund voted on Tuesday April 29 to send a 13th check to retirees of the San Antonio fire and police departments.

The 5-year investment average attained by the pension fund enabled the vote by Trustees, according to the state law governing the system. That average had to exceed, by 1 percent, the actuarial target rate used by the fund for its funding formulates. The five-year average was 8.70 percent each year. The system had to beat 7.25 percent each year. It did.

The pension fund will issue the checks on or about May 10.

The letter sent to system members will say this:

The 13th Check will be based on your regular pension received in December. For those of you who retired in 2023, the 13th Check will be prorated based on the number of full months you were retired in 2023. These Checks will include a one-time 22% withholding tax deduction; this will not change what your current monthly withholding tax deduction is. No other deductions will be taken from the Checks.
Nevertheless, let us add a word of caution. We quote directly from the Pension Law, “Authorization of a 13th check for any year is subject to the discretion of the Board. Authorization for one year does not obligate the Board to authorize a 13th check for any other year.” It would be wonderful if the rates of return in every future year would allow for a 13th Check; however, this is not realistic. There will be some years when actual returns will be lower than assumed returns and there will be no 13th Check. Please consider the 13th Check a “sharing of investment gains in the good years,” but do not expect these good years to occur every year.
May this 13th Check be a blessing for each of you!

Letter to Retirees from the SA Fire and Police Pension Fund