You became a firefighter because you love the thrill and action of the job. Split second responses to danger. Not an office job, not a 9 to 5, but an ever ready 24-hour shift. Yet last week, tragedy struck – you were hosing down the charred remainder of an old farmhouse, and as you turned your back to signal to a crew member, several pieces of the chimney fell. Your reactions were not quick enough, and your shoulder and lower back were hit with crumbling brick, causing serious injury. Your doctor said you would not be able to return to your regular duties as a firefighter due to a partial disablement of your right shoulder.

Fast forward 18 months. You try to return to your regular duties as a firefighter but are unable to perform so you begin thinking of applying for PERA disability benefits. What you probably don’t realize is that the clock is ticking and time is running down, limiting your possible range of choices regarding your financial security.