FROM: Barbara Hannah, Chief Counsel
SUBJECT: Disability Retirement Application of Jarrett J. Murray
RECOMMENDATION:
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Approve and adopt the proposed findings and recommendations of the referee regarding the Service-Connected Disability Retirement of Jarrett J. Murray - San Bernardino County - County Fire.
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BACKGROUND:
This matter is in closed session because the Applicant failed to meet his burden to prove that he is permanently incapacitated for the performance of duties; and, therefore, the Hearing Officer is recommending the Board deny Applicant’s application for a service-connected disability retirement. Under SBCERA’s Procedures for Disability Retirement and Formal Hearings, Applicant will have an opportunity to address the Board in closed session.
Procedural History:
At the September 4, 2025, meeting of the Board of Retirement, the Board found that Applicant is not permanently incapacitated for the performance of duties and denied Applicant’s request for a service-connected disability retirement.
On September 10, 2025, Applicant requested to proceed to an Expedited Administrative Review to appeal for a service-connected disability retirement benefit. On February 24, 2026, Applicant was served with the Hearing Officer’s Proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendation. Applicant did not submit an objection to the Hearing Officer’s findings and recommendations.
Other Options Available if Staff’s Recommendation is Not Adopted:
Although staff recommends approving the hearing officer’s findings, pursuant to Government Code Section 31534, upon receiving the final proposed findings and recommended decision of the referee, the board may, in the alternative:
(a) Require a transcript or summary of all the testimony, plus all other evidence received by the referee. Upon the receipt thereof the Board shall take such action as in its opinion is indicated by such evidence, or
(b) Refer the matter back with or without instructions to the referee for further proceedings, or
(c) Set the matter for hearing before itself. At such a hearing, the Board shall hear and decide the matter as if it had not been referred to the referee.
Again, staff recommends approving and adopting the Hearing Officer’s recommendation to maintain the Board’s initial decision to deny Jarrett J. Murray a Service-Connected Disability Retirement.
Applicant, In pro per.
STAFF CONTACT:
Barbara Hannah
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A: Demographic Information
Exhibit B: Hearing Officer’s Proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendation
Exhibit C: Request for Administrative Review of Initial Hearing
Exhibit D: Applicant’s Statement of Facts and Physician’s Report
Exhibit E: Department Statement of Facts
Exhibit F: Job Description, Physical Requirements Questionnaire