Letter: Bias unfair to police, fire crews

In recent opinion (“Trim pensions before raising taxes,” Letters, Feb. 18), it was suggested that the fire and police department take a cut in their pensions. I cannot fault the writer for his misinformation regarding the pension system, which he knows nothing about. I am a retired San Jose firefighter. The Mercury News has reported our retirement questions incorrectly. It sells papers. Because it is in print doesn’t make it the truth, including my opinion. The San Jose police and fire retirement system is a private system, negotiated by the members. Firefighters and police put money into the system instead of taking salary increases — an option that was not always granted to us. Check with the San Jose Police Association and Firefighters Union for the correct facts on this subject. The Mercury is politically biased.
The police and fire departments are not the sacred cow. They provide a vital service that many never see until they need them. These departments have been underpaid and understaffed for decades, risking their lives and well being at a cost the average person would not be willing to pay. Now, it is suggested these individuals take a cut because of an unwanted tax. Guess who else pays that tax? Guess who else has to pay rent or make house payments once retired?
There are plenty of pet projects able to find funding. You might check on those.
They say that no one gets out of this world alive. I might add that no firefighter leaves his or her job without a major injury. It’s a risk we have accepted with the promise of a reasonable retirement. Remember that, the next time your house is on fire or a friend or relative is having a medical problem.
Fire and police are there regardless of income, race or standing in the community, dedicated to service.
Bob McMurtry, retired San Jose firefighter, Felton