Texas Emergency Services Retirement System

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What is TESRS?

The Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESRS) is a state agency that administers a pension System for volunteer fire and emergency departments across the state. In addition to retirement benefits, active members are covered by survivor and disability benefits and may be eligible for a tuition benefit.

You can find an overview of the history, purpose, and benefits of TESRS at the following link: Overview

Here is a list of departments in our system:

Department Contribution List

Current News

TESRS is Hiring a Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

TESRS is seeking an experienced CPA to serve as Chief Financial Officer for the $110 million defined benefit pension system for volunteer firefighters and other volunteer emergency services personnel.

The ideal candidate will be a certified public accountant with at least ten years of experience who is seeking to expand their career without sacrificing a home-life balance.

For more information click here.

TESRS staff will lead a class at the annual conference for the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association in Longview, TX. We will give an overview of the pension system and examine important trends impacting your department.

We encourage all in attendance to join us for the “State Pension 101” class on Monday, June 24th. The class will be held at 8 a.m. at the Holiday Inn North, 300 Tuttle Cir, Longview, TX 75605. You can still register for the conference in person on June 21st.

Senate Confirms Three TESRS Board Members

On April 12th, the Senate confirmed three nominees appointed by Governor Abbott to serve on the TESRS Board of Trustees:

Edward J Keenan, (Pasadena) - Firefighter Member
Rodney Alan Ryalls, (Burkburnett) - Firefighter Member
Stephanie Lynn Wagner, (Wimberley) - Finance Member

Their terms are set to expire September 1, 2023. You can learn more about the board members by clicking here.

On-site Visits Available!

If your department is interested in participating in TESRS, or if your department currently participates in the pension system, our representatives are available to come give a presentation on the benefits of membership to your volunteer firefighters and first responders.

If your department currently participates in our program, we can also schedule an on-site visit to provide technical assistance and advise Local Boards on organizational and reporting requirements, member enrollment, and benefit claims.

We can also present to a department’s governing entity such as a city, county, or emergency services district that would be responsible for making contributions to fund members’ benefits.

Please send an email to outreach@tesrs.texas.gov if you are interested in scheduling a meeting with TESRS. Information about the benefits we provide for our members can be found by clicking here.

State Board Reduces Part Two Contribution Rate to Zero

Due to the improved actuarial funding status of the pension fund, the State Board voted on January 23, 2019 to reduce the Part Two contribution rate to zero percent effective September 1, 2018 and to issue credits for Part Two contributions invoiced during Fiscal Year 2018 (9/1/2017 – 8/31/2018).

Please let your accounts payable representative know that TESRS will issue a credit memo indicating the amount of credit that will be applied to the February 2019 invoice for contribution charges.