New Law Addresses Critical Shortage of EMS, Police and Fire Instructors

HARRISBURG - Legislation sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) to help address a shortage of qualified instructors who train emergency responders across the state is now law.

Act 97 of 2026 allows retirees from the Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) and the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) to return to work on a part-time basis as certified EMS, fire or police instructors without losing their pension benefits.

"Our first responders keep our communities safe, and ensuring they receive proper training is paramount," said Ward. "This law gives retired public employees, whose experience and dedication are invaluable, the opportunity to help train the next generation of first responders.

Qualified retirees can now return to service as part-time instructors, strengthening emergency responder training programs and helping deliver more highly trained first responders into our communities to keep all of us safe."

Previously, PSERS and SERS retirees who wished to continue serving their communities as part-time instructors were prohibited from doing so without triggering a halt in their retirement benefits.

"We are facing an urgent need for qualified emergency medical service, police and fire instructors across Pennsylvania," said Ward. "This law allows highly trained retirees to continue contributing their expertise without any penalty to the benefits they have rightfully earned."

Retirees returning under the legislation would not earn additional retirement benefits or make new contributions to the pension systems.

The law takes effect immediately.

CONTACT: Matt Deegan