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Phil Matier: New Pension Plan Leading To Police, Fire Chiefs Leaving Positions

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – San Jose Police Chief Chris Moore is just the latest head of a big city police or fire department to leave his position, announcing that he will be leaving at the end of next January.

But this is not only happening in big cities throughout the Bay Area – it's also happening in small towns as well. With the new pension system in place, a lot of police and fire chiefs, who are in their 50's, can walk out the door with $200,000 or more in pension and get another job.

KCBS, CBS 5 and Chronicle Insider Phil Matier:

Rather than deal with growing budget cuts and possible layoffs in their departments, many chiefs are finding other work with less of a headache involved in their day-to-day life. Just a few years ago, being police or fire chief was the final step and now, it is more of a stepping stone to another position.

This doesn't just involve chiefs either, it goes down the line as more and more officers and firefighters are not seeing the benefits of staying in departments where hours are longer and jobs are harder to keep.

You can hear Phil Matier's comments Monday through Friday at 7:50am and 5:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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