OP&F, which began statewide operations in 1967, is one of five Ohio retirement systems and provides pension, disability, survivor and health care assistance to eligible full-time police officers and firefighters in Ohio and their beneficiaries. The pension plan is designed to provide secure income to plan participants and their beneficiaries when they need it most, be it when they stop working, become disabled, or in the event of death before or after retirement.
OP&F membership is mandatory under Ohio law for all full-time police officers employed by Ohio municipalities. Full-time firefighters employed by Ohio townships, municipalities, joint fire districts or other political subdivisions must become OP&F members if their employment requires satisfactory completion of certain state-mandated firefighter training courses. Probationary and provisional employees who have been appointed to full-time services are required to be members of OP&F. Part-time and volunteer employees, however, are not eligible for OP&F membership.