Comments on police pensions were off base

I was really disturbed by the comments recently made by Larry Schultz regarding a police officer "retiring" at 50 and suggesting that the officer rather "quit" their position. A statement was made that leaving the position at 50 looked like the officer "did not like" their job.

I offer that retiring at 50 from a job as a police officer demonstrates that this person has been lucky enough to survive daily work shifts where his life is constantly put on the line, placed in situations where split second decisions result in life or death of themselves or members of the community, and those split-second decisions are scrutinized and analyzed regularly.

If he makes six figures after working long enough to retire, good for him. It's a salary commensurate with the work involved compared to someone who comfortably works in an air-conditioned office, safely sitting behind a desk and, while making important decisions, does not routinely walk into situations where they do not know what is happening, who is involved, whether a weapon is aimed at them, etc.

Conversely, they walk into conference rooms, have an agenda, and perhaps the boss will aim a finger at them.

An enormous "thank you" to the men and women who choose to become police officers. Whatever you are getting paid, it is not enough and please remember that there are a whole lot of residents within your communities who are extremely grateful that you have chosen the job to protect them, because we look to you in our time of need.

And regarding your "retirement," whether you pursue other work or spend your days having fun with a hobby, you earned every penny you are getting and every minute you have left on this planet in gratitude for a job the rest of us have left to you.

Kathleen Rodanhisler

Prospect Heights