PPOA President
Lieutenant, LASD
sjohnson@ppoa.com
On behalf of PPOA, I had the honor of attending the annual LASD Retiree Roundup in Laughlin, Nevada, this past April. With a retired membership of 3,382 individuals, PPOA is a proud sponsor of this event! This was my first time attending and it far exceeded my expectations. The camaraderie was awe-inspiring. It was great to know that, in addition to the regular luncheons and local gatherings our retirees attend, there exists this large-scale “Roundup” space each year for us to maintain and renew the decades-long connections we have established within our LASD family.
In 1997, retired Sergeant William “Moon” Mullen, who had since moved to Arizona, saw the need for connecting retired LASD members, many of whom felt far removed from the Department as the years passed. It was apparent to Moon that the answer existed in compiling an LASD retired email list. He started with 40 names, and it has now grown to nearly 4,000 members.
Originally, Moon sent out messages to all members of the list, including Department bulletins, bereavement notices, sick notices, retirement notices, job opportunities, requests for assistance, personal messages from retired members, techniques for connecting with long-lost partners and other items of interest. It was not long before his efforts grew into what we now know today as the annual LASD Retiree Roundup in Laughlin. As word travels about this fantastic event, attendance has grown steadily year to year.
When I attended this past Roundup, I was pleasantly surprised to see many retirees whom I had worked with in the past, as well as an ample number of active members who attended in support of their retired spouses and friends. There was plenty of time built into the event to visit with other attendees and even build new friendships.
I especially enjoyed the many tidbits of wisdom and experience passed on to me at the Roundup as keys to a successful retirement. There were many commonalities I gathered as I talked with our retirees about ways to create a thriving retirement. While the formula for a successful retirement is unique to each person, three tips stood out to me:
- Health is wealth: As law enforcement personnel, the nature of our profession often positions us to retire well before other career paths. This is due to the toll the job has on our minds and bodies. Exiting this career path with suitable medical and disability coverage is paramount. We need to be able to sustain our health long-term in order to get the return on investment (ROI) for our years of service. In addition to the 25-year full coverage threshold, we must start the process of gauging our medical needs at least three years prior to our retirement date. Post-retirement is usually not the time to assess those needs, and options become more complex.
- Finance the future: Pension structures throughout the state and nation are constantly enduring the threat of being dismantled. We are fortunate to have one of the last remaining systems of pension funding that acknowledges our contributions to Los Angeles County. Based on our years of service and age, how much do we really need to sustain a comfortable retirement lifestyle? According to financial planners, about 75% of our gross annual income is needed post-retirement. But recognize that this is the national average. Living on 65% may be suitable for those considering retiring in Katie, Texas, where the cost of living is far below that of California. If you want to travel the world for six months of the year, perhaps 90% may be more suitable. The choice is yours, and it involves setting realistic expectations about exactly how and where you want to retire.
- Get a job: Before sulking at this suggestion, please understand we are not referencing a “job” in the traditional sense of the word. It is important to have a mindful intent during your retirement. Upon retirement, whether your “job” is professional grandkids transporter, amateur chef, Little League coach, deep sea fishing trip organizer or book club facilitator, have a purpose-driven lifestyle that engages you socially on some level. Many of us have spent more than three decades with our lives encompassed by a career we have treasured. When that career ends, we can be left with anxiety, frustration and loneliness. In her book, Surviving Retirement, Dr. Medina Baumgart (a board-certified police and public safety psychologist) candidly details the mental challenges her husband faced when he retired from an illustrious law enforcement career. The lesson: Find a purpose in your retirement.
At PPOA, we pride ourselves on preparing our members for retirement. Several times throughout the year, we bring together a panel of experts at our union office in San Dimas. The seminar usually fills up quickly and works on a first-come, first-served basis. PPOA members interested in setting themselves up for a well-earned retirement file into our union conference center. Speakers on hand deliver relevant advice on a wide range of topics. LACERA and Fraternal Order of the Police staff and workers’ compensation/disability attorneys are on hand to provide valuable insight about properly preparing for a life after a career of public service. The next PPOA Retirement Workshop is scheduled for October 12. Details of that event can be found on page 9.
Stay safe, look out for one another and we will see you very soon.
