Daffy duck on Tue, 13th Dec 2011 12:16 am 

I from san Francisco and looking at the stats how San Jose catches and arrests the crooks I think it was close to 75o/o and in SF it’s the lowest in the state around. 24o/o the way I see it the San Jose police deserve a good high$ $$$$ paying pension ,with results like that. I just get sick of San Francisco never catching the bad guy!! But I see 5 and 6 cop cars at star tucks!!!!!!!!!ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kirstin on Tue, 13th Dec 2011 12:13 pm 

You earned eacg and every penny of your pension. Thank you !

Average Joe Citizen on Tue, 13th Dec 2011 1:35 pm 

Sergeant Castruita;

Thank you for your sacrifices and service. The citizens of San Jose owe their safety and peace of mind to brave warriors like you. Battling not only criminals, misunderstanding, ignorance and the elements- 24 hours a day, holidays, birthdays and anniversaries be damned.

Thanks and Sir and enjoy retirement!

Retired SJPD Sergeant Bill Dishman on Tue, 13th Dec 2011 8:13 pm 

Scott, congratulations on your retirement. Obviously I know exactly how you feel. Your editorial is one of the best I’ve read recently. You really hit the nail on the head. 99% of the people don’t even have a clue what it takes to be a police officer.
You and the rest of us who gave the best years of our lives to protect and serve the citizens of San Jose, deserve every penny of the pensions we have earned.

Jeff in Minnesota on Tue, 13th Dec 2011 9:43 pm 

You Sir and all your (Brothers & Sisters) deserve everything in your pension and more… Yours is truly a tough job with little thanks but when you do get it I hope it makes you feel like your on top of the world (this way I do it). God Bless you & all Fellow Officers
Nation Wide
Thank you!!!!

Shannon on Tue, 13th Dec 2011 9:56 pm 

IMPEACH THE MAYOR OF SAN JOSE!! I seriously do not understand WHY he is being allowed to stay in office. Citizens of San Jose, it is up to you to become informed about measures and policies that effect its citizens; including but not limited to your public servants: firefighters, police officers, teachers, classified staff, etc. As far as your pension…YOU DESERVE EVERY PENNY AND MORE. I am sure like every other government agency you, along with your fellow officers, have taken pay cuts, medical cuts, and furlough to help solve the city budget yet-even with all of those concessions-the budget never seems to remedy. Why? Because regardless of what has been given the city will continue mismanage the finances, cover up their wrongdoing and then proceed to take and take some more from the tireless public servants that teach, protect, and aide its citizens. Your pension is yours. You put the money in to it and now you have earned its return. Enjoy your retirement and in the meantime maybe the citizens of San Jose will move to IMPEACH their scumbag mayor!!!

Morgan on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 7:58 am 

I have always felt so safe and protected with a hero like yourself living next door for all these years. Thank you so much for all you have done for our city and all the sacrifices you made to keep us all safe. Those who know the real you know the truth and that is you are an incredibly selfless person who has always been there for your family and your city. Thank you. For everything.

Jon on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 8:24 am 

Sergeant Scott Castruita Did earn his salary and pension because like so many other Public Safety employees do whttheydo because they loveo help others not just for a pay check. So hears to you Scott and thank you for your dedicaton to protecting and serving..

Wayne DiSalvo on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 8:24 am 

Sergeant Castruita, I’m a sergeant with the Chp and very close to my retirement and going on my 29th year. I feel your pain and I can relate to most of your well said comments. As you know, during the time when we sworn as peace officers public officials voted into office, such as Mayors, were held to the same integrity and standards that was expected and required by all if us. Unfortunately today that does hold true and hopefully someday the public will recognize this and take the steps to rectify. I hope you have a great retirement; you earned it!!! Wayne DiSalvo

Mitch_CALI_Sux on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 9:33 am 

The entire Police force should be fired and all illegally obtained benefit pkgs that the Police Unions and Politicians that ave bent over the public without Vaseline long enough.

This “Brotherhood” is out of control and needs to be reigned in. When you dont have the trust of the public you have lost.

Isn’t it odd that over 80% of Police officers have back problems once again bending over the public for extended lifetime benefits.

This Brotherhood that has let all of it’s brothers and sistas have get out of jail free cards is the real crime…

The Unions that rule our Public Servants is the ENEMY. If youre part of that then you too are the enemy of the Public that subsidizes your life.

Once upon a time I actually felt the Police were here to protect me. Its quite clear now that they only care about each other and their Union and its illegally gained benefits. Now the average citizen is stuck with gang bangers on one side and the Gang of Police on the other both shooting and neither caring.

John Marfia on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 9:34 am 

Scott,
Very well written article. I hope that you live to spend every dollar you contributed and then some!
-John

Staff Writer on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 11:44 am 

Mitch,
How that life of crime work out for you ? not so good uh. By any chance you don’t sit on a city council, do you ?

Tim B on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 2:37 pm 

Congrats Scott,

I have personally met you and you are a nice person and a good officer. I agree you should get a pension BUT doesn’t it really have to be such a big one. I seen the article last year about the top 500 San Jose employees (Fire, City and Police) Half of all of them made over 250,000.00 a year because of there pension. That’s why the people are pissed. To me with the average person putting whatever they can into their 401K, IRA’s and whatever they can will not even come close when they retire. So you have my sympathy on what you went through in your career. I hope you are getting help with that. Good luck on your retirement you deserve it.

Staff Writer on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 3:24 pm 

Tim thank you for the kind words. I dont need help with anything but thanks. I am no where close to 250,000 a year. When I was hired and all through my career I was not given the choice of the 401 k etc. so its too late to change that for me now or the many officers that paid into their retirement all these years. I am not sure where you got those stats from but if over 250 officers that retired last year are getting paid that much, I am not to happy either. Maybe because you read it in an article where the information was given by City Officials with other agendas. I just read that the Mayor made a whoopsi recently by almost 60,000 Million dollars or was that a lie he got caught in? I think I need to look into that. The City Manager did release an email though confirming it the whoopsi not the lie. $60,000 Million seems like a big whoopsi though. But then again it could happen like when they went $250,000 Million over budget on the new city hall I guess mistakes could happen. We have two choices here we all have to do more research to find out the truth or we have to rely on the proper integrity of our city officials. As I stated to the City Manager in briefing, Police Officers are held to a code a ethics and when that is broke they can and most likely are punished or fired. I asked her if the Mayor and other City Officials have to take the same classes as we do and if they are held to the same standard, code of ethics as police officer are. I asked her if they are just excused because they are politicians? you should have seen the look on her face she could not say anything all she said is ” I may not agree with everything he said ” so I guess that means I will have to rely on research of the facts. Again thank you for your support.

Sylvia M. on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 4:01 pm 

Tim B. You are absolutely mistaken and are giving out false information. There is not one single retiree making anywhere near $250K a year pension. Also, you and so many of our fellow taxpayers are buying into the politicians BIG LIE. They are transferring the peoples frustration and anger about the loss in value of their 401k’s to our public employees. The reality is the criminal acts of Wall Street and the banks are the cause of their 401k’s loss. The fact is police officers and firefighters paid for pensions. Their pensions are NOT golden parachutes. They are having their pay and retirement benefits unjustly cut just like the rest of us. They are also part of the 99%.

Tim B on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 4:36 pm 

Sorry but the info was from the cities finance dept. So no politician was involved with this article.
Here you go. http://www.sanjoseca.gov/salary/
This is why we are pissed. This make me sick and feel ripped off.

Tim B on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 4:48 pm 

Looking at this makes me real pissed. For one example and there is a lot of them and I mean ALOT. A police captain base pay was $83,161.00 & his overtime pay was $26,498.00 and then his vacation pay out for last year was $243,211.00 (Yes this is a correct number) Plus he got another $6980.00 for some reason. (maybe for bathroom time)It looks like the police and other city workers have figured out how to skim the system. See people in the private industry have a use it or loss it policy when it comes to vacations. Know I hope this clarifies why we are mad???

Cory on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 5:43 pm 

OK…so you’ve earned you’re pension. But, the city is broke and now has to decide whether or not to pay you your full pension or to fund schools.

I’m a parent…I pick schools. No offense.

Vicky Norman Eddy on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 6:24 pm 

You deserve every bit of that retirement and then some!!!!!!! I have family who are officers as well and they don’t get paid enough and their medical benefits are pathetic to say the least for ALL that they do!!!

Nevada on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 6:48 pm 

San Jose Mayor Reed appears to be more concerned about money than the safety of his community. If I lived in San Jose, I would rally the community have him removed immediately. Mayor Reed reminds of former Department of Defense Secretary Ronald Rumsfield who thought saving money was the answer and he dismantled the effective of the military during his tenure. It took almost a decade for the military to recover from his single dimensional-thinking. Hopefully, the residents of San Jose have the courage and pride to have Mayor Reed and his associates destroying their safety.

Ray on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 8:16 pm 

Cory,
Really that’s the only choice ? I will just have to tell you your wrong I have kids also and teachers as family members. I would go over these options but I think if you take a few moments to reflect you wont need me to.

Staff on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 8:21 pm 

Tim those are not golden parachutes those are sick time and vacation buy outs. Again something the city gave over a pay raise and because they could not afford to pay overtime and the citizens could not afford for all the police officers to take vacation and time off. These are not their yearly pensions. I would have loved to just leave at the end of all my shifts not possible.Again its about understanding which it appears you are trying to do and we thank you for that.

Greg Shultz on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 8:35 pm 

Cory,

That is an extremely ignorant statement hey maybe they can hold school at the Mayors new A’S Stadium.

deborah on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 9:17 pm 

I know all of you guys, when you are in uniform, are walking around with giant targets on your back. You’re my heroes. Thank you for writing this.

Chris Scott on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 9:34 pm 

Congrats Scott! Enjoy retirement. And yes, you deserve your pension. In fact everyone promised a pension deserves it. After all, I realize most police officers are not eligible for social security so their pension is all they have to rely on. The local governments, and the state will just have to pony up. They have the money, they just don’t want to spend it on pensions. Well too bad, a promise is a promise.

Dana T. on Wed, 14th Dec 2011 10:44 pm 

Wow, that’s terrible! I understand schools need help there are other ways to help. Why doesnt HE give up some of hispension dont see that happening. But this officer (and al) should get what they have risked their lives, saved lives and helpers us spell at night. What would that jerk do if he needed a officers help, needed CPR or other help. He needs to take a long look at who he’s hurting.

Crazy Horse on Thu, 15th Dec 2011 1:49 am 

People protected by the police know nothing about the police, and they blow hot and cold according to what the tea leaves say. The mayor’s a crooked and corrupt dummy. So, what else is new? Do what I did. Enjoy your pension, laugh at those who don’t have what we have, and leave all this crap behind.

Sylvia M. on Thu, 15th Dec 2011 12:21 pm 

Cory you are mistaken and confused. The City of San Jose budget does not fund our schools. Public schools are funded by the State of California. Cutting police and firefighter pensions will not provide more money for schools.

A Critic on Thu, 15th Dec 2011 12:27 pm 

I feel I earned my pension. I paid into my pension my whole career. I am not getting a free pension.

Of course you feel that way, but you have a conflict of interest. By my estimate you got paid about twice as much as you should have in a free market, and your pension will likely be at least twice as good as it should be. Public servants should be paid like servants, not like masters.

With all due apologies for exercising my right to speak freely,

Your former serf.

Sylvia M. on Thu, 15th Dec 2011 1:11 pm 

Tim your anger is based on misunderstanding. First police officers also have a use it by end of year or lose it vacation policy. Police officers are not paid cash for working overtime. They are paid compensatory time. So the city makes them work overtime for comp time because there are not enough officers and it is cheaper then hiring more police officers. The agreement is the officers can take time off later or they will be paid for their overtime when they retire. Then they can not take the time off later because there are not enough officers to cover minimum staffing levels. So they are entitled to be paid for their unused time. So 30 years of unpaid overtime can build up. Did you expect the officers to work 30 years of overtime for free? Again the city agreed to pay officers for any unused sick time if the officers agreed to no pay raises. These agreements were made in good faith out in the open and voted on by the the city council in a public meeting. So the the numbers you are looking at include the final payment for lawfully earned pay.

Liz78 on Thu, 15th Dec 2011 1:19 pm 

Hey Fugitive Watch. Don’t even bother to reply to “Critic”. That type of nonsense does not even deserve a response. What a moron.

Derrick on Thu, 15th Dec 2011 3:41 pm 

So Scott Castruita feels he earned a fair pension for the reasons he listed. What a self-centered, self-righteous, egotistical moron.

He is obviously ignorantly bliss to the fact that there are actually others out there, not just police officers and firefighters who also have highly stressful, highly emotional and mentally exhaustive jobs. In addition to that, they don’t have your job security, early retirement or oversized salaries/pensions. Ever heard of solders? Iraq? Afghanistan?

If Scott’s article wasn’t enough to point out the bloated haze of self-importance and superiority that police officers and firemen drivel around in, here’s another. If you are from the bay area, you might remember the two firefighters killed while on the job in San Francisco in June of this year. You may remember the funeral ceremony, or, parade. The street closings, the resulting traffic congestion and inconvenience placed on those non-government employees snarled in traffic, the highway closings, the firefighters from all over the state taking paid time off to join the parade, the gas and natural resources spent to drive their firefighting vehicles thousands of combined miles as they drove from all over the state to participate. Talk about pomp and circumstance! Who do these guys think there are? The two firefighters killed we making around 200K a year? By contrast, when was the last time these firefighters put on their uniforms, drove from all over the state and had a parade for the dead GI returning home after being killed for a lot less than 200K a year? Talk about egos!

Scott, what a cry baby. You don’t get to claim “I was very proud of my career choice and I could not imagine taking any other path” in one breath and then in the other, through a list of examples, complain how hard it was. That’s called “having your cake and eating it too”. No one forced you to become a police officer/fire fighter. You made that decision and when you complain about how hard it is, you’re just plain pathetic. Pull your pants up and quit your pity party.

News alert Scott…there are others out there who also have tough jobs. Those of us in the private sector making a lot less you and with none of the job security, benefits or early retirement that you enjoy. And if I may, take a page out of your play book, I’ll list just a few sad examples, and I can only speak for myself. And don’t worry, I’ll spare you the “I love my job and can’t imagine doing anything else” part…
• Ever been laid off and then a year later, hired back by the same company doing the same thing you did before but at a 21% decrease in pay, higher health insurance costs and no more 401k? And I’m lucky, many haven’t been re-hired.
• Ever gone years without getting even a cost of living increase in annual pay?
• Every average 60 hour weeks, week after week, missing out on family events, being tied to work even when lucky enough to attend family events, because it’s the only way to compete and stay in the running with your co-workers who continue to work at an increasing faster, longer and harder pace?
• Ever had your employment status directly linked to how much money you bring in, in a market with ever growing competition and shrinking profit margins?
• Ever wake up in the middle of the night panicking about how you are ever going to find a way to make your company goals and bring in more money?
• Ever wake up in the middle of the night wondering if you were going to get laid off again?
• Ever wondered what it’s like not to have the tax payer to fall back on and…
o pay for your bloated and overprice salary and benefits and pensions that are greater than theirs?
o pay for your annual raises that they themselves haven’t got in years?
o keep you from getting laid off while they themselves are laid off?
o bail your company/business out when you can’t financially support yourself?

Scott, I’ll have a little sympathy for you when you start supporting my ballooned salary, bonuses, benefits, pensions and retirement. Until then, quit your crying and grow a pair.

Scott on Thu, 15th Dec 2011 5:37 pm 

Derrick, If thats your real name which I doubt.

I guess you missed the point of the article why dont you read it again with an open mind and not post comments that are obviously about you crying over your choices. My son has spent the last year in Afghanistan fighting a war so you could post your ignorant attack on me. If I offended you I am not sorry, If you want to debate tit for tat about life I am sure when we are done I would leave you in the corner sucking your thumb like the pathetic person you have displayed. You can crawl back under your rock now.
Note: In answer to all your questions yes I have experienced all of that but my article was not about an obvious pity party as your comment was. Talk about pathetic.

greg Walters on Thu, 15th Dec 2011 7:37 pm 

Derrick,

You are obviously a very angry person blinded like alot of people and caught up in his own day to day stresses which Was pointed out in the article. The article Scott wrote was very clear it was not a complaint or an effort to get sympathy. He wrote that article obviously in support of all LE and fire fighters. Now that I know his son is a soldier in a war I think he has a good grasp on what he is talking about and I thank him and his family and of course his son. Police departments and fire are faced with all the same budget issues down-sizing ETC. Though they dont churn out a product they still must provide a service, the same service us citizens have expected from them rather they have 1000 officers or 500. I read your questions to him and I think its fair to say he can relate.I base this on the fact he was a sergeant that would also make him an administer of these services. The bottom line his article was to provoke thought and get people to think and research before they blindly follow a Mayor or City officials that tell you to give them all the power and they will release the grain. We know how that has worked out in the pass. Tim B I appreciate your comments and the fact that you are attempting to get to the truth that is obviously what this article was about.

Derrick I must say as I read your article/comment and the personal attack on not only Scott but basically all Law enforcement and Fire fighters was despicable. That is how I see you a despicable and a pathetic human being. Scott and the rest of the Fugitive Watch Staff should ignore your comments from here, until you have something that is not so self servant to share.

Patty on Thu, 15th Dec 2011 8:00 pm 

Tim B and Sylvia M good job and thanks for the input I for one am checking closer at the details. Scott thank you for the article very well said and I think it was obviously not all about you. Now DERRICK I am speechless the only word that comes to mind, well two words PATHETIC PUNK. Scott I have watched you on TV for years I am pretty sure you got a pair. I would put my money on you.

John on Thu, 15th Dec 2011 8:31 pm 

Derrick,

You really need counseling!

JP on Thu, 15th Dec 2011 9:45 pm 

I just want to say thanks sarge. I’ve been an officer for 12 years now and love what I do. I have had some of the experiences you’ve described, but I have learned to cope and move on. I hope that one day I can retire and finally be able to give my all to my family. For now, I will serve faithfully to my brother and sister officers and to the public that need us. Good luck sarge and god bless.

GRACE STRAND on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 12:54 am 

DERRICK,

YOU ARE A POOR EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING!! WE HAVE SEVERAL POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREMEN IN OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND LET ME ASK YOU THIS, JUST HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU PUT YOUR LIFE ON THE LINE FOR SOMEONE ELSE? AS I SUSPECTED NEVER!! PEOPLE LIKE YOU MAKE ME SICK, ALWAYS PUTTING DOWN OTHER PEOPLE. GET A LIFE AND GROW SOME YOURSELF! I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL THE POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREMEN THAT PROTECT ME AND MY FAMILY, YOU DO AND EXCELLENT JOB AND I SO APPRECIATE IT. STAY SAFE AND BE CAREFUL SO YOU CAN GO HOME TO YOUR FAMILIES! DERRICK, GO FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO INSULT WE DO NOT WANT TO HEAR YOUR B.S.

Steve bing on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 2:04 am 

CORY,

The City has nothing to do with School funding. Even if they fired all the police it would not make a difference to the schools. I would like to point something out though since you feel the way you do then you dont mind giving the bank back your house if you still have it, because they are having money problems according to them. According to your post it wont matter that you made payments on it till you paid it off because if you dont give your house back the banks wont loan schools the money they need to stay in the teaching business. Sounds Stupid Huh ? Ya I know

stewart5448@sbcglobal.net on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 11:48 am 

I just want to say Sgt. Scott. Thanks to you and Other Officers, our City’s are safe. I am C.O. and some people look at us as babysitters. I’ve been working in the field for only five and half years and already have seen things people would never understand. You have earned your pension, but you will never get the real things you deserve. RESPECT, THANKS and most of all Understanding of what Officers do every day for people who want to harm them or don’t care until it happens to them. It’s to bad the one you fear the most is your city and county government who keep cutting are pay. Cutting are pensions and giving us lest training due to money.

Steve on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 11:50 am 

Sergeant, while I thank you for your services I don’t have empathy for you. It is good the way you tug at the heartstrings of society with you stories, but my father was also a police officer and always told me, “I chose my profession and have to accept the situations that are handed to me.” I understand that those things you saw were horrendous but still…..you chose to be a cop….you were not made to be one. Your retirement should be commensurate to others.

Robert on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 2:50 pm 

Scott, Without any doubt you deserve your pension, praise, respect and hearfelt thanks from the community you have protected over the past 28 yrs. Job well done Scott.

Politicians have their own agenda. Unfortunately, they often put their own agendas ahead of what is right. If politicians could only tell the truth to their constituents. Well we can only dream & pray they would serve the community first above their needs. But if they did that they risk not being re-elected. No civilian out there will understand the things you described in you article. A civilian job does not come close in comparison to those experiences you have described. I know them because I have experienced some of them myself over my 16 law enforment career and 20 yrs of active, reserve and national guard service.

Derrick, is so misinformed and lost. I do not know where to begin with him. I will say to him when was the last time you had bullets being fired at you in your job and people trying to kill you with your gun? Thats right NEVER!!! Who knows one day a police officer (not knowing who you are and what you posted here today about Scott and other police officers)will run to a burning car on a street, rural county road or highway to rescue you wife, daughter, son or other family member from a burning car at 2 A.M.. Yes, Scott is right you have the right to complain about cops because veterans have fought and died to give you that right. So just shut your piehole and just say thank you, THANK YOU to that officer/deputy and veteran. They protect you know matter how misinformed and lost you are about police officers. Sarge, GOD BLESS YOU and have a happy retirement. You deserve it.

Mark Keyes on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 2:55 pm 

Scott,

Thank you for the so carefully worded response to those that say we don’t earn our pensions. I too retired after 28 years as a Police officer and the last 10 as a Patrol Sergeant! Your words hit me right where it counts and I couldn’t have said it any better than you. I had experiences almost identical as yours over my career and I too shed tears while at the same time “trying to suck it up” in order to maintain the aura of the brave hardened veteran Police Officer. But alone in the car, around the block from the accident or death investigation was another story. You know what I am talking about as does every Police Officer around the country, something no civilian can understand. Do we earn our pensions, HELL YEA WE DO! Politicians like Mayor Reed will vilify us for getting the pensions we get but yet when the shit hits the fan who do they call? Police Officers and Firefighters see what the general public only turns away from, they deal with the bad side of life that citizens don’t want to acknowledge exists. We don’t ask for much. A decent salary to help us make ends meet, a decent health plan to help us deal with the numerous health issues we encounter that workers comp won’t acknowledge and a decent retirement so when we are done giving our hearts and souls to the community, we can retire and live a good life hoping we made a difference in someone’s life! I don’t think that’s too much to ask for all we give!

scott on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 3:19 pm 

Steve,
Read the article again I think you missed the point. What you said is 1/2 true. Just like any other police officer or firefighter, I gave an oath and made a commitment to my community. I and my fellow officers and firefighters have always worked with our city and voted and made concessions in pay when our city needed help. I gave up pay raises and I paid a significant percentage of my salary into my pension fund. This is more then most of our fellow workers in the private sector pay. The bottom line is, I fulfilled my commitment to our city in good faith. All I am asking for is that the City will do the same. Legal experts, including our own city attorney, agreed that Mayor Redd’s ballot measure is illegal, will certainly be defeated in court and will waste millions of our hard earned tax dollars. Despite this truth, Mayor Reed will spend the taxpayer’s money to lose and at the same time turn the community against their police and firefighters. Greed will never win and like I said there will be no winners. The purpose of my article was to provoke some thought in the reader with regard to the job all my fellow officers and firefighters are performing for our communities. They are the ones that need your support. The police officers and firefighters that are close to retirement or have been paying their fair share for years. If you turn your back on them now, you are turning your back on all that is constitutional and right. Again the article was merely to provoke some thought. Thank you.

Ret. Sgt. Ed Brown, Stockton P.D. on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 3:58 pm 

This is the best written article that truly describes the experiences a police officer has during his law enforcement career that I’ve ever read. I retired after 28 years of service with the Stockton Police Department and have dealt with many of the same incidents that you mentioned in your piece. I am now a substitute teacher for the Stockton Unified School District. I often hear teacher’s comments about the amount peace officers receive in retirement. The City of Stockton has also vilified police officers for the retirement packages they receive. What the city fails to state is that the city negotiated these contracts to attract the best qualified candidates to become police officers. I think it is a shame to place all of the financial woes of the city on the backs of police officers or the benefits they were given during proper and legal negotiations. In order not to let my background in law enforcement go to waste I became a Civil Service Commissioner for the City of Stockton for the past nine years. Thank you for your dedication and service to the San Jose Police Department.

Observer on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 6:06 pm 

California currently has 12% of the population and they have 33% of all welfare cases in the US. Yet newspaper editorial boards etc. write nary a word about this. They seem to be more interested in demonizing cops and firefighters for their pensions. Most of these individuals have worked for years.

Michael Morarity on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 7:06 pm 

Sgt Castruita has said it all for all of us. Our detractors have no idea of what our mission or committment is. We have never thought of our work as a job, retirement, or whatever. We signed on for a way of life and we have lived it. The Government has agreed to everything we have received. We have never forced them to accept our contracts. The life is like no other life and we all know that. Vallejo has lost an incredible, brave, giving man in Jim Capoot. I have never met him and I am overwhelmed with his contribution to his community. Jim was Murdered last month by a fleeing bank robber. Vallejo City Government should be ashamed.

Michael Morarity Sr. Sgt. RET. Vallejo PD.

Achmed on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 8:55 pm 

Scott,

This article is only to share my thoughts and is not in any way, shape or form a complaint or attempt to gain sympathy from the reader.

This article is to form a complaint with the Mayor and Media. I’m sure those bullet points weren’t to gain sympathy either, perhaps the list was originally titled “Why my job is more difficult than yours”. Don’t get me wrong here, I have a lot of respect for officers of the law and what they do on a daily basis. Every career/job has its own set of difficulties and problems to deal with. You could create an argument for why nearly any job is harder than one another. Would you say a doctors job is more difficult than a police officers? What would you think if a doctor posted a similar article to yours with the same surrounding events?

A Critic hit the nail on the head with this one, of course you think you deserved your pension. You’re not looking from an outside perspective.

The reason EVERYONE is skeptical of Mayor Reed right now is because of his miscalculation of the budget shortfall. The pension reform will help the city get back on its feet. Unfortunately, you only see dollar signs instead of the investment for your childrens future in San Jose. I highly recommend you read over the pension plan reform thoroughly and think not of just yourself and comrades, but the future of your city you protect.

Mike Bishop on Fri, 16th Dec 2011 9:16 pm 

Congratulations on your retirement after a job well done, Sgt. Castruita. Even though many people continue to support those of us in law enforcement, the difficult economy has provided an opening for political opportunists and just about anyone else with an axe to grind to take a shot at you and those of us who’ve shared many of the same experiences over two, three, or four decades of public service.

You have every reason to be proud of your service and no reason to be the least bit ashamed of your well-earned pension.

Good luck and best wishes.

Mike Bishop, Deputy Chief Investigator (Retired)
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

P.S. I applaud and fully agree with Sgt. Morarity’s sentiments in the previous post.

A taxpayer on Sat, 17th Dec 2011 10:12 am 

So how much do you make annually as a PERS annuitant?

What was your last year’s income prior to retirement?

What percentage of your salary did you leave with for life? It has to be at least 83%.

Did you buy “air time”? If that is the case, you left with at least 90%.

Any PERS roll up in this? That puts you at 99%. Is any of your retirement part of a disability settlement and thus, tax free.
You did get paid for all the work you listed.

No party? It seems you hit the jackpot. Too bad your ego was not filled to the brim like your pocket book is.

You skipped your last briefing because it was too painful? After 28 years, you could not face your FAMILY because they were on a sinking ship? Please. It appears that you are a brave enough man after looking through the list of all the stuff you did.

When you started, you were probably had a retirement of 2% at 55 capped at 75%. You should be thankful that you got so much more.

And your POA signed off on the contract reductions so where is your criticism of your POA leadership if you don’t like it?

I am sure any pay gap (if any) between your retirement and full time salary will be made up by leveraging all the city paid training over the years on your web site.

Mark Kratz on Sat, 17th Dec 2011 2:03 pm 

I retired in 2007 after 28 years with FPD. I was hired in 1980 with 14 others. Only 3 of us made it to collect our full pensions. When the PERS 3% at age 50 plan was devised, statistics showed that most Police retirees would expect to live an average of 10 years past their retirement age. When we finally got this plan we took no pay increase for 3 years in exchange. On their most recent interact FPD Officers took a voluntary 6% cut. How many private sector workers are taking voluntary cuts?

Scott, on Sat, 17th Dec 2011 5:39 pm 

A Taxpayer,

So how much do you make annually as a PERS annuitant?

I would tell you that; but it would be too easy, you can look that up its public information if you have the time to type these questions I think you can do that.

What was your last year’s income prior to retirement?

Same answer as above

What percentage of your salary did you leave with for life? It has to be at least 83%.

Your wrong not even close lower, but again I will let you research and do the math it will keep your brain working.

Did you buy “air time”? If that is the case, you left with at least 90%.

Wow your way off ( Are you just making this stuff up ? ) Hint I am not pers I paid for my Pension.

Any PERS roll up in this? That puts you at 99%. Is any of your retirement part of a disability settlement and thus, tax free.
You did get paid for all the work you listed.

Wrong again, I dont get tax free money I pay tax just like you I hope you pay as your name implies. also the answer is No I did not get paid for all the work I did, I free timed alot and we dont get paid overtime we get comp time. Try and buy a cup of coffee or make your house payment with comp time.

No party? It seems you hit the jackpot. Too bad your ego was not filled to the brim like your pocket book is.

Ok that was just a cheap shot from someone who hides behind a fake name.

You skipped your last briefing because it was too painful? After 28 years, you could not face your FAMILY because they were on a sinking ship? Please. It appears that you are a brave enough man after looking through the list of all the stuff you did.

First of all that is not close to all the stuff I did, but thank you for the compliment.

When you started, you were probably had a retirement of 2% at 55 capped at 75%. You should be thankful that you got so much more.

I am thankful for what I have and I gave alot up over the years to get it while you were probably getting those fat raises and work bonuses also when I started every car was not fuel injected so whats your point.

And your POA signed off on the contract reductions so where is your criticism of your POA leadership if you don’t like it?

The POA did alot for our organization over the years but in the last couple years the Mayor blackmailed us and threatened to lay off more officers if we did not take what they were telling us to take. So how is that the fault of the POA we all voted to take the reduction in pay to try and save other officers jobs. He still Layed them off.

I am sure any pay gap (if any) between your retirement and full time salary will be made up by leveraging all the city paid training over the years on your web site.

The city did not train me or pay me to produce my show,newspaper and website this was on my own time. Read our mission statement on the site. We do need some help funding this project if your interested Thank You.

I would like to end this by thanking you to help me make my point and now, you know some of, the rest of the story.

Kellie on Sat, 17th Dec 2011 11:06 pm 

For all you haters: I dare you to get your asses out there on the street; to give mouth to mouth to dead people; to be handed a dead baby and have to deal with it; to hold a dying boy’s hand while a car is crushing him; to go out there night after night, never knowing if the next call would be someone trying to KILL YOU. And…PS, you would be the first people to call the SJPD if you were being robbed or if your kid (whose school you think should be funded in lieu of funding the PD’s pensions) was under threat. No system is perfect; not all cops are perfect–but they put their lives on the line everyday. Unlike YOU. IF they survive, they deserve a fair pension.

CJ on Sun, 18th Dec 2011 12:06 am 

Why is the mayor cutting the police (their ability to use force), and their salaries, and then putting us on the hook for a new Niners stadium and next a new A’s stadium? Protection from thugs should be first, 2nd should be education. But instead he wants us to pay to glorify white collar thugs on the field? We never voted on this decision.
Do you think the thugs fear getting caught or their penalty anymore?… These days they are brazen… due to a DE-clawed law enforcement.
- The UN-silent Majority.

Bravo1nine on Sun, 18th Dec 2011 9:03 am 

As a police officer and former Deputy Sheriff in Contra Costa County I have seen and dealt with many experiences shared by Scott over the last 16 years. I also spent 7 1/2 years in the United States Marine Corps prior to joining Law Enforcement. The United States Military puts their lives on the line everyday so idiots like “Derrick” can mouth off whenever they want. Law Enforcement personnel also put their lives on the line everyday they strap on that gun belt and throw on that bullet proof vest and drive that car around waiting to get the “man with a gun” call or the “multiple shots fired” call or the “non breathing baby, mother hysterical” call or the “gangbanger driveby shooting with 3 yr old dead in the street” call. The list goes on and on and on. The military protects the country from our foreign enemies and foreign terrorists. Law enforcement protects communities form criminals (enemy of the law abiding citizen) and “Domestic” Terrorists (gang bangers). Hey Derrick? Ever had a hit put out in your life by a ruthless street gang because you were doing your job and locking them up? I have. Ever had to carry an AR-15 in your car everywhere you went with your family in fear the gang was gonna hit you with them in the car? I have. Scott did 28 years serving San Jose and in essence serving our country!! For all you out there complaining about Police and Fire pensions? Go get a job where you put your life at risk everyday for 28 years and then talk. Bravo1nine out!!

Samiamincali on Sun, 18th Dec 2011 11:29 am 

First, awesome editorial comment. Congratulations to you. Thank you for your service. Being the wife of a police officer and a Deputy DA myself, I do appreciate law enforcement and see myself the impact “the job” has on the lives of the officers and their families. And yes, perhaps we in public service would have chosen something safer, something not as stressful, had it not been for the promise of a good retirement package at the end of a long, sometimes difficult career. I find it not only offensive but arguably illegal to have hard-working cops devote the majority of their lives to doing the job, with the understanding that it will all be worth it in the end, only to be told on the way out the door, “sorry, but we don’t want to keep up our end of the deal. But gee, thanks for your service.” It’s called contract law and detrimental reliance. If people like you don’t become police officers, then where would we be? I feel safer knowing that there are people like you out there protecting us and personally thank you for the sacrifices that you make every single day.

Nguyen on Sun, 18th Dec 2011 7:58 pm 

I don’t understand the arguments that are being made against Scott and his pension. To those who doesn’t think that Scott deserve his earnings, have you ever experience what it is like to be a police officer? Do you know how hard it is to become a police officer? Have you ever risk your life to help others? Does your profession require you to stare at death in the eyes every single day while helping others? Does your profession involve fighting with criminals twice your size, and risk serious injuries or death? Does it include the possibility of getting shot by these criminals? Does it involve running into dangerous situations to rescue people? If your answer is Yes to all of these questions, then you too deserve the pension that Scott is getting. If you don’t experience ALL of these on almost everyday basis, then you shouldn’t be saying anything… because all that you are doing is making a fool of yourself. Congrats on your retirement Scott. You deserve every dime of your pension, and more.

Andy on Sun, 18th Dec 2011 8:17 pm 

Scott,
Great editorial. I dont live in San Jose, but have family who does and a brother you worked with. And yes, absolutely you deserve every dime you get for your years of service.
I was in LE myself and had to retire because of an injury I sustained while working. The P.O.S. that hurt me had several warrants for DV violence and was involved in another the day I arrested him. He was determined to escape and decided to hurt me rather than face the judge. I went to the hospital with neck,shoulder,and head unjuries. Ultimately costing me. Then I was forced to retire because I was unable to do the job with the injuries.

And for the know it alls, Police officers and FireFighters, have to live a different life than most to even qualify to be either one. Then the training that most couldn’t sustain to be qualified.

And as Scott wrote throughout his article, I too was lucky to be at the same type of calls for service he had to go to. Not limited to but including the dead babies, the guy that wanted his gun to hurt or kill him, and the bloody car crashes.

Unfortunately, I wasnt able to do 28 years as a Police Officer that Scott was able to do. And I wasnt able to do all the special assignments I was set out to do as he did.

So for the idiots like the “Tax Payer”, Derrick, and I believe Cory, who think Police and Firefighters dont give up alot to be in our careers, or deserve the pension we get after many dangerous years of service, we need to ask those losers a few queations:
1-could you even qualify to do either job?
2-Has your background been so clean that you would qualify to do the job?
3-Does your current job(if you even have one)ask you to come in 4 hrs early or stay 4 hours or more past your shift because someone who works the next shift is sick or the triple homicide or Car Crash your’r working dictates you get evidence or statements processed?
4-Could you shoot and kill a bad guy or put your life on the line when your are called to an obvious threat of violence? then go home and put your head on your pillow and sleep like a baby without any violent thoughts going through your head then return to work the next day like it never happened?
5-Are you mandated to work Nights, Holidays, Weekends?
6-And some of the most important points, Who do you call when someone is Violating your Rights in your own home(Robbery/Home Invasion), Someone ran into your car causing major injury and property damage to you and left the scene without exchanging information, someone beat your ass because youre such a P.O.S. and run your mouth, Your house is fully engulfed in flames, your wife, child, mother/father has hurt themselves and could be bleeding to death.

The answer to all of those from top to bottom is, you probably havent lived the pure or close to pure life it takes to be either one, you probably dont have a clue what a gym looks like or what the meaning of self Defense means, your grocery clerk/stockboy job doesnt require you to wear a gunbelt or bullet proof vest,(but yes you do have a price sticker gun and an apron or Safeway wind breaker) you probably dont have a BIG enough pair to stop on the side of the road in the getto on your way home from the “Club” in the middle of the night, to help at a serious car crash or obviously injured citizen,

Answer, you call the Police and the Fire Department every time when the world around you is upside down.

So for all you idiots that think Police and Fire dont deserve the pension they get, ask yourself all those questions. If you qualify, maybe you should hang up your basic salary/hourly job checking/stocking groceries and the price gun and take a serious shot at either one so you too can retire with some kind of retirement/pension.
And if you dont qualify, shut your yapper and realize you chose the life you live today and what you thought was best for you. You thought driving that Chromed out Lexus was more important than saving your more money so you could retire some time..

And for the Mayor, keep track of what he does after he leaves the Mayors office. He will head to another gravey job (Politics Driven) that probably has to do with government, which will keep his high dollar pension going so he can retire in a resort location in a gated community, so that he doesnt have to worry as much about the violent citizens “AS much” if he lived on the East side of the wonderful city he’s Mayor of.

So to end this dialog, enjoy your well deserved retirement Scott, along with all the other Police and Firefighters.

And for those that think its all wrong, well go to city hall in your city and look up all the compensation packages of “All” the city employees at City Hall(Including the Mayor.
Its all public information. You will find there are some seriously high paid people there, and they get seriously high retirement compensation packages. You just havent taken the time to look into all the jobs that aren’t in the spotlight.

Sincerely,
A LE Retiree Too

Alex Low on Mon, 19th Dec 2011 1:27 am 

There is no doubt all you you guys deserve your pensions. Whenever there is a problem, people automatically turn to someone in uniform. The things you have experienced are probably some of the worst (and best) anyone can experience. Yes it was your career choice but what if no one made that choice, where would we be then?. Everyone’s job is important for different reasons it’s just that some are more stressful. Yours being one of them. Hats off to you all. Alex from Scotland.

Jess on Tue, 20th Dec 2011 11:35 am 

First of all I just want to say congratulations on your retirement you still look great and active for your family, put aside all the battles you’ve been through I can hear that caring side of you which reminds me so much of another sergeant who retired from the sjpd, Mike Pomeroy you both sound so alike! This article is very touching but you got the job done I want to do the same as you both did. You’re a rolemodel to me and many others, but at the same time just a little nervous on the stories however if you did it I can do it too! Have fun with you’re family you deserve it!

MCALAVEY on Tue, 20th Dec 2011 11:23 pm 

You left out the night you were hit head on, while on-duty, by a drunk driver and we couldn’t find you. It’s a night I will never forget, along with a few other nights. You deserve your retirement!!!! It was an honor to work for you!!! ….Mac….where is my t-shirt????

Nora Lavery-Petrash on Wed, 21st Dec 2011 8:53 pm 

Oh My God!
I had to stop reading some of these notes. Some of the people should be ashamed of themselves. Would their comments or statements be the same…if an Officer of the Law were trying to save their loved ones? “Police Officers” are worth their weight in Gold! As far as I am concerned, they don’t get paid enough for what they must do or have to put up with. So true, while we are sleeping at night, they are the ones out on the road, responding to a domestic violence call, car accident, murder, assault incident, bank robbery..shall I continue..Would any of the above people volunteer to do the things our Police Officer’s do? I think not. Police Officer’s usually get negative comments, yelled at, kicked etc etc more than they receive a “sincere thank you”. Again, they deserve a lot more than the small amount they get paid.
I come from a family of 3 brothers who are cops. All three of them were above honest, caring souls that poured their hearts into their careers. Notice I said careers, “not jobs”. Not one of my 3 brother’s ever complained…they loved what they did. All 3 were extremely well known in the State of CT. They earned every penny they received and then some. Unfortunately, only 2 had the chance to retire..after > 30 years of excellant service. My 3rd brother (youngest of the 3) at 47 was shot and killed in the line of duty (domestic violence call). So you take your nasty comments about “how much cops get paid” and walk a mile in my shoes! There is not one single day that goes by that I don’t have him in my thoughts or on my mind. Not a single day that goes by that I happen to see a Police Car on the side of the road (that happened to have pulled someone over) that I say a quick prayer to my baby brother..”Pete, please keep them safe and help them make it home tonight”.

What would I give to take 12-30-2004 back and still have my brother alive.. Rest in Peace Baby Bro…

And to you Sir..Thank you for your Continual Valued Service. I appreciate what you have done. I sincerely hope you enjoy your well deserved retirement. But most of all, enjoy spending time with your family. Best Wishes..

Nora Lavery-Petrash
sister of Fallen Officer
(EOW 12-30-2004) MPO Peter J. Lavery Newington, CT.

Jon on Mon, 26th Dec 2011 11:22 am 

We are also part of that 99%. Yet because we drive those blue and white cars, we end up being the most visible symbol of government and the target of some people’s frustrations with government.

I know my frustration with the police (in general, not you or anyone specifically on the San Jose force) can best be described by your comment above.

You KNOW you are one of US, yet the police forces seem to be implementing the will of the 1% over the will of the 99% constantly.

I’ll have sympathy for the police officers’ pensions when police start showing restraint and sympathy for everyone else trying to survive (especially in regards to self-policing their own brothers in blue).

The citizens of this country didn’t start the ‘us vs them’ mentality that most PEACE officers seem to have as evidenced by several of the comments:

99% of the people don’t even have a clue what it takes to be a police officer.

So for the idiots like the “Tax Payer”,

So for all you idiots that think Police and Fire dont deserve the pension they get

All of the above quotes were taken from people identifying themselves as working in LE or formerly working in LE on this very post.

How many private sector workers are taking voluntary cuts?

How about nearly all employees of United Airlines?

In 1994, United’s pilots, machinists, bag handlers and non-contract employees agreed to acquire 55% of company stock in exchange for 15% to 25% salary concessions.

My mother took voluntary cuts with nearly the rest of United Airlines in exchange for stock. She not only lost all of her stock when the airline went bankrupt she also lost well over half of her pension that is now being paid by PBGC.

Scott, I enjoyed reading your article. It gave a lot of insight on the daily occurrences an LEO faces. Personally I have never felt that the pensions weren’t ‘deserved’.

My mother deserved hers too, and she’ll be part of the public paying the increased taxes if *something* isn’t done. Whether that something should be decreased pensions or not, I’m undecided.

Have any alternative suggestions to get this city back on solid financial footing?

And for those complaining about “Derrick’s” inflammatory reply, try looking in the mirror.

J. CERVANTES on Wed, 28th Dec 2011 12:08 am 

SGT, WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE I’M NOT A POLICE OFFICER BUT I DO WORK AS A FUGITIVE RECOVERY AGENT IN SAN JOSE CA, AN SEE DIFFRENT CASES EVERY DAY ITS PRETTY SAD THAT ALOTE OF PEOPLE HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY BUT HAVE NEVER HAD TO DEAL WITH 2 OR 3 STRIKER’S WHO DONT CARE IF YOU GOT A FAMILY WHEN YOU GO TO GET THEM!I JUST WISH SOME OF THESE HATER’S WOULD GO OUT ON A RIDE ALONG ON ONE WEEKEND AN SEE WHAT REALLY TAKES PLACE OUT IN THER CITY THEN THEY WOULD SEE HOW TOUGH THE JOB IS SO SIR KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AS THE DAY THEY PUT THAT BADGE ON YOUR CHEST AN SMILE AS YOU CASH THAT CHECK YOU DESERVE EVERY PENNY IF NOT MORE “ENJOY 10-10″

Chuck on Thu, 29th Dec 2011 10:39 am 

Job well done Brother. God Bless!!

David on Fri, 6th Jan 2012 9:35 am 

Thanks Scott for having the internal fortitude to speak out against the movement against public pension systems. When times are good, and private sector employees are getting bonuses, fancy company dinners, and lucrative stock options, no one takes notice of the public employees moving along with pay raises that only match the rate of inflation. But, when times get a little tough, oh boy, here come the whiners, “Why is he getting this and I’m not!” What these people should be asking is, “What is keeping me from getting those same benefits and how can I make the changes in my life to get them” If being a cop is so lucrative and such a scam, I encourage all the folks with that mind set out there to submit your application. First, you’ll have to put yourself through an academy, because very few departments these days won’t even look at you unless you’re already trained. So you’ll have to set aside about 8 months of survival money and find a place to live rent-free to accomplish this. Then, you need to pass a written test, physical agility, oral interview, polygraph, psychological and background investigation (sorry, no felonies, drug use or major credit problems people). Then, you get at least one other high level administrator interview to really prove you should be considered. Then, you get 4 months of intensive field training and about a year of probationary status where you can me terminated without cause for just about any reason. Sounds like you have what it takes? Put in your application and take advantage of this lavish scam.

Having done this job for quite a few years, one thing I’ve learned over time is that there are a small percentage of “Cop Haters” who simply hate authority and always will. They are loud, ignorant, and don’t take the time to understand facts. This will never change. Several of them have posted on this board, and they don’t deserve the time of any officer to address their hate. They are job security for us and future generations of police officers.

Fortunately, most people do support their police and we don’t need to convince them to continue to do so. However, with this movement to attack police pensions, it’s our duty as officers to educate the public on the facts. For anyone curious about the facts about Pers retirements (not what San Jose is a part of), go to their website and read the information they are presenting. You’ll be surprised at the outright lies being presented by special interest groups hell bent on shutting down unions (which has always been their agenda).

It’s important for pension beneficiaries to educate themselves so they can educate others. I’ve already started emailing friends and family about the facts, so they have the ability to address the inaccuracies they hear during casual conversations they have with their friends and co-workers. It’s the only way we can put a stop to this.

Thanks again Scott. Enjoy your well-earned retirement.

Karen on Fri, 27th Jan 2012 10:09 pm 

I bow my head in reverence, prayer and thanksgiving for you and your service. Thank you is not enough. I am the wife of a Sgt. in another city. Thank you for your heatwrenching, beautiful article. You made me fall in love with my husband again.