Utah's firefighters willingly put their lives on the line to save others from disaster.

However, the state's bravest fear that their own futures are jeopardized by proposed changes in the state's retirement system.

Rep. John Dougall, R-Highland, is sponsoring legislation that would allow state employees to choose to have either a defined contribution system or stick with the state's defined benefit program.

A defined contribution program is one in which an employee decides how much money to put aside for retirement, such as the 401(k) retirement accounts many private employers now offer. By contrast, a defined benefit program, which is now the state's standard, guarantees a set benefit to the retiree and his survivors.

The state does allow employees to put additional money into another program, but employees are still signed up with the defined benefit plan.

There are some advantages to defined contribution systems for both the employer and the state. That system would allow employees to decide how to invest their retirement contributions -- hopefully in a way that will maximize the investment's return and create a comfortable retirement income. It is arguably easier to administer than having the state run a retirement program, since the accounts are handled by various investment firms.

But there is an element of risk in such programs. While stocks and mutual funds are, on average, relatively safe for a long-term investor, they also can be wiped out, either by a rapidly changing economy or by corporate malfeasance.

The main concern Utah's firefighters have is the uncertainty of a defined contribution program. Firefighters, paramedics and other emergency service workers run a greater risk of serious personal injury than a typical state employee. A firefighter who is permanently injured can outlive his 401(k), putting himself and his family in a destitute condition in what should have been his golden years. The risky nature of their work also makes it difficult for emergency service workers to get an affordable life insurance policy that will adequately cover a family's needs.

Robert Newman, the Utah Retirement System's executive director, said defined contributions programs do not work for those who do not know how to invest money, or who lack the discipline to do it. Sometimes it is hard to convince a 20-something that he needs to save up for retirement.

On the other hand, a defined benefit program provides a stable source of retirement income. There's no fear that the money will run out. Newman said Utah's retirement system is funded at 96 percent, making it one of the best-managed in the nation.

The firefighters have legitimate concerns, and if Dougall's bill had decreed that they all had to give up their traditional retirement system, we would agree with them.

However, House Bill 377 gives employees the option to choose between the two systems. Some employees may decide that they can do better investing their money in a retirement fund than they can by simply relying on the state's retirement system. The bill would allow firefighters to remain on the state system and accept a guaranteed benefit if they so choose.

The important thing is to make sure that all state employees understand the advantages and disadvantages of both systems, as well as the risks. Once fully informed, individuals should be able to decide which system works best for their circumstances.

We trust firefighters and paramedics with our lives. We can trust them to decide on their retirement system.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A5.