Update: Lawrence-Cedarhurst FD Benefits Program Extension Passes

Update, 01-31-12: With a 51-0 vote, the amendment extending the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department's Length of Service Award Program passed on Monday.

There are about 12 volunteers in the department over 65 that will be able to receive benefits with payments ranging from $1,400 to $2,650.

Original story follows:

Residents of the areas who receive emergency services from the will get to choose on Monday whether volunteers can receive benefits past the age of 65.

The Length of Service Award Program, or , allows fire department members to earn and receive monetary benefits based on their years of service and participation within the company until the age of 65. The amendment allowing the program to go past 65 will cost about $22,000 a year plus annual administrative fees of $200, according to the fire district. Approval of the amendment will make it retroactive since Jan. 1, 2011.

Residents of the villages of Cedarhurst and Lawrence, the North Lawrence Fire District and the area of East Lawrence are eligible to vote for this proposition.

Although there is an expense to the approval of the amendment, LCFD Chief Joseph Sperber said the current program leaves the department open to lawsuits.

“This past practice is age discriminatory and could cause legal issues in the future,” he said. “Several area fire departments have had lawsuits against them in regards to this issue.”

In 2009, the Oyster Bay and Brentwood fire departments were taken to court by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for age discrimination.

Outside of legal challenges, however, Sperber said that LOSAP has served as an incentive for people to join the service and stick around.

“Let’s say you reach 65, but you still volunteer — why shouldn’t you be able to continue to collect?” he said. “These members are truly active after 65.”

Polls will be open on Monday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Lawrence-Cedarhurst firehouse at 75 Washington Ave.