Retirement and death

[Che762x39]

Yes. It turns out he wasn't in my class. There were two others in my class with the same last name. I hadn't seen either one since graduation when we had our 30 year reunion. People sometimes dont grasp how big and spread out LASD really is.

Roger that on really big. I run into deputies all over the country

[SMarquez]

I retired from LA Co. Fire in January. I used to hear 7 years avg. for FF's. When I started out there were no Hazmat teams. We did some dumb stuff. There still is no respiratory protection at all for brush fires either. I think that number is going up with developments in PPE and fitness awareness. Since I retired, my sleep apnea is almost gone, my blood pressure has gone down. I intend to beat LACERA like a drum.

[Ron-Solo]

We're going to have a LACERA drum symphony!

I remember when we didn't know much about meth labs, and we strolled thru them like it was nothing collecting evidence.

[steelrain556]

Yes

In my experience I've seen it vary from 40-50% (of retired LEOs die or either are diagnosed with a terminal illness), within 5 years of an LEO Retirement.

I don't have any scientific evidence, to back up my opinion regarding why LEOs die so quickly after retirement, but I've come up with a probable causation theory, (basing this on my own retirement and the experience of 20+ years of observing friends and LEOs transition into retirement).

LEOs are subjected to YEARS of what I refer to the "Adrenaline Dump Syndrome."

Your body is conditioned to frequently go from a resting stated to "maximum exertion" and an adrenaline dump, then quickly to a resting baseline. This is then becomes a source of "fuel" for an LEO's body.

After an L/E retirement your body then loses the very much relied upon, frequent cycle of the Adrenaline Dump Syndrome. This fuel loss, (that our bodies have been conditioned to be normal events and cycles), then causes internal biological and sometimes mental systems to shut down and excellerate system failures.

I have no hard evidence to back up this opinion, (as I'm just using personal and professional observations).

Be Safe,

AR15MAN

You are correct! A cop gets use to being vigilant and getting into stuff. When u take that away the body has a strange way of reacting.

[9mmepiphany]

We're going to have a LACERA drum symphony!

I remember when we didn't know much about meth labs, and we strolled thru them like it was nothing collecting evidence.

I remember when we made fun of the guys who would glove up before laying hands on bloodied suspects.

But then you might remember thinking, while slapping a hand over a partners gushing cut, " How careful is his choice in bed partners?"; but do it anyway

[yzErnie]

Doesn't even have to be a nasty bed partner these days to catch some crude.

[Falconis]

Doesn't even have to be a nasty bed partner these days to catch some crude.

skid row staph anyone?

[74c5]

After an L/E retirement your body then loses the very much relied upon, frequent cycle of the Adrenaline Dump Syndrome. This fuel loss, (that our bodies have been conditioned to be normal events and cycles), then causes internal biological and sometimes mental systems to shut down and excellerate system failures.

Combined with the shock of always being looked to for solving or fixing something to being anonymous, very anonymous.

Had a sgt. that went a couple months after retirement. No surprise though.

Retired after 16 for 16, m/c crash. In private industry the source of stress isn't poor supervision and management.....they don't survive the business case.

[CaptMike]

My department does not have safety retirement so we have to work for a very long time to have a reasonable retirement. The last average life expectancy was only 18 months after retirement. That statistic is about 7 years old, so I dont know what the current number is, But I still see a lot of bereavement noticies in our email system weekly. I just went to a funeral for one of our officers that had 25 years on and was just promoted to Supervisor last year with me. A real nice guy, but spent most of the last 10 years working crazy overtime. The guy made more money than a Bureau Chief two years ago because of overtime. He didnt get a chance to enjoy retirement. Its just sad. I bought 5 years of Additional Retirement Credit(ARC) before it went away and I plan to put in 26 years and retire at the age of 56. I still have 13 years to go. Hopefully I can beat that 18 month average. stay safe everyone.

[desertexplore]

Smart move buying the air time. I would so punch out ASAP.

[rolncode3]

Smart move buying the air time. I would so punch out ASAP.

I bought 3.5 years ARC (cost about 65K). Gives me 15 years total now. My 50th B-day (14 years to go) I'm out the door between 87-90% depending on accrued sick leave. I can't wait.

[RDT72]

I plan to be out at 50 even if it's not the full 55 years @ 3.2% , too many 65+ year old Deputies/Sergeants that I feel bad for. My 63 year old father-in-law spends his time farming almond trees, vacationing and playing with his grand kids. I'd like to do the same just 21 years of service left to go...

[desertexplore]

Who has 55@3.2%? Never heard of that formula before.

[9mmepiphany]

I wish I could have afforded "Air Time", 5 years would have maxed me out at 99%...and I really padded my salary the last couple of years...but the break even point (if they had even offered it) would have been close to 12 years

[Ron-Solo]

My academy defensive tactics instructor just passed away yesterday. He had only been retired a couple of years. He was the physical fitness poster child. Cancer doesn't care.

Rest in Peace George "Rocky" Fortner. You will never know how many lives you saved through the skills you taught over the years. LASD is a better Department because of you.

I am forever indebted to you, because I used the skills you taught me to survive more than one fight for my life.