Ex-Ladue Fire Chief Still Under Investigation

flyoverland September 13, 2012 at 09:44 pm

What kind of a system lets able bodied people retire at 43?

CreveCoeurDad September 14, 2012 at 03:40 pm

For once I wholeheartedly agree with flyoverland. Firefighters injured in the line of duty deserve our full support with disability pay, and perhaps the physical wear and tear of duty might allow for retirement after 30 years of service at age 55, but 43? That has to stop.

James Baer (Editor) September 15, 2012 at 08:57 am

I don't know of any evidence that Chief Hinson has gotten a pension from Ladue. The fact of the matter is that he may just have "retired" to escape from his duties? I will ask.

flyoverland September 15, 2012 at 01:11 pm

If that is the case, I believe the word he should have used was "resigned."

James Baer (Editor) September 15, 2012 at 01:35 pm

Right.

Laduzzi September 16, 2012 at 11:54 am

did either of you read the article?!? His resignation/retirement from Ladue was a voluntary decision. He didn't leave because he was injured. It makes me roll on the floor laughing that everytime the words pension and firefighter are put together it is assumed there is some kind of nefarious activity going on. Chief Hinson was an employee of the city and had earned pension benefits as laid out in the city's uniformed pension. He's not going to receive any benefits that he didn't earn through his years of service. Get a grip

James Baer (Editor) September 16, 2012 at 12:57 pm

Yes that would be correct. If the chief earned pension benefits at any age under the prescribed plan, then he is entitled to those benefits. Case closed.

flyoverland September 16, 2012 at 02:24 pm

The point was not about him. It was about a system that would provide a pension at 43, if that was what happened. The article was not specific on that matter. If he has to wait to access the pension, then it's no big deal, as Baer says. If he can retire and start drawing benefits at 43, then one has to question that system as excessive. Obviously, America has finally awakened to learn that government employees have incrementally carved a pretty sweet deal for themselves. Look at the Chicago teachers who make double the average salary in Chicago and work far less hours. In may of these cases, we simply cannot afford these kinds of emoluments anymore. My comments addressed the system, not him.

ontheair October 16, 2012 at 05:48 pm

Hinson cannot access his pension until he is 55 years old.