Councilman Louis J. Hershman said it's difficult to determine whether reducing pension rates would threaten public safety. But it's tough to say. No substitute for experience At the police department, commanders such as Capt. Francis Peters said the specter of more than 20 officers retiring before the end of the year is causing concern. Most people around here have less than five years' experience.
Younger guys make mistakes.
I guarantee it's going to cost the citizens of this city a lot. Ronald Manescu said there are good officers prepared to move up should retirement deplete the command ranks, but there's no substitute for experience. Since more than 20 firefighters are eligible to retire with a pension of 67.5 percent, firefighter safety is another concern, said Stribula, adding that research shows firefighter injuries increase with a decrease in manpower. He can say, 'We got to get out of here, I've seen this before.''' Morning Call writer Dan Hartzell contributed to this report.