I am writing to express strong support for House Bill 750, which authorizes local governments to offer enhanced Virginia Retirement System benefits for full-time 911 dispatchers.
911 dispatchers are the first point of contact in every emergency. They make rapid, high-stakes decisions, manage traumatic situations daily, and play a critical role in coordinating law enforcement, fire, and EMS responses. Despite these responsibilities, dispatchers are not currently afforded the same retirement recognition as other public safety personnel performing hazardous duty.
HB 750 addresses this gap in a targeted and responsible way. The bill is permissive, not mandatory, preserving local control and allowing each jurisdiction to determine whether enhanced benefits make sense based on its workforce needs and fiscal capacity. It does not impose a statewide mandate or create new unfunded obligations.
From a policy perspective, this legislation supports workforce stability and public safety effectiveness. High turnover among dispatchers leads to increased overtime, training costs, and staffing shortages that directly impact emergency response times and outcomes. Allowing localities the option to offer enhanced retirement benefits is a preventive investment that helps retain experienced professionals and maintain continuity in emergency communications.
HB 750 is a narrow, well-crafted proposal that promotes fairness, strengthens public safety infrastructure, and keeps Virginia competitive in recruiting and retaining qualified emergency communications personnel.
I respectfully urge your support for House Bill 750.
Sincerely,
Timothy K. Fitzgerald
County Administrator
Augusta County
I am writing to express strong support for House Bill 750, which authorizes local governments to offer enhanced Virginia Retirement System benefits for full-time 911 dispatchers. 911 dispatchers are the first point of contact in every emergency. They make rapid, high-stakes decisions, manage traumatic situations daily, and play a critical role in coordinating law enforcement, fire, and EMS responses. Despite these responsibilities, dispatchers are not currently afforded the same retirement recognition as other public safety personnel performing hazardous duty. HB 750 addresses this gap in a targeted and responsible way. The bill is permissive, not mandatory, preserving local control and allowing each jurisdiction to determine whether enhanced benefits make sense based on its workforce needs and fiscal capacity. It does not impose a statewide mandate or create new unfunded obligations. From a policy perspective, this legislation supports workforce stability and public safety effectiveness. High turnover among dispatchers leads to increased overtime, training costs, and staffing shortages that directly impact emergency response times and outcomes. Allowing localities the option to offer enhanced retirement benefits is a preventive investment that helps retain experienced professionals and maintain continuity in emergency communications. HB 750 is a narrow, well-crafted proposal that promotes fairness, strengthens public safety infrastructure, and keeps Virginia competitive in recruiting and retaining qualified emergency communications personnel. I respectfully urge your support for House Bill 750. Sincerely, Timothy K. Fitzgerald County Administrator Augusta County