(a) Under this article, different service requirements exist depending upon the initial hire date with the City. For those firefighters who were initially hired by the city prior to January 1, 1976, the normal retirement requirement is 20 years of credited service and attainment of age 50. For those firefighters hired subsequent to January 1, 1976, the requirement is 25 years of credited service and attainment of age 50.

(b) Only those members of the volunteer fire department who were certified as of February 1, 1966, by the last board of trustees of the volunteer retirement system as being eligible to receive pension benefits in the future shall be entitled to a pension as provided for in subsection 102-188(a).

(c) In no event shall a member be retained in service beyond the age of 65 years with the exception of those persons holding a rank of chief officer or above, who shall be entitled to remain in active service until the age of 70. (Code 1979, § 15-122)