FROM: Christina Cintron, Chief of Member Services
SUBJECT: Returning Retiree Extension: Daniel Futscher
RECOMMENDATION:
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Approve the request to extend the employment of Daniel Futscher from May 3, 2026, to November 3, 2027, due to an extreme necessity to continue his employment beyond the 18-month limit. The request meets the criteria set forth in SBCERA Benefits Policy No. 032, "Retirees Returning to Work."
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BACKGROUND:
The California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) establishes limitations for retirees returning to work in the same retirement system from which they receive a pension. Under SBCERA Benefits Policy No. 032, extensions beyond 18 consecutive months of re-employment must be approved by the Board of Retirement and are permitted only under conditions of Extreme Necessity and for a Limited Duration.
Daniel Futscher retired on January 28, 2023, as a Sheriff's Lieutenant in the Sheriff Department's Emergency Operations Division, Aviation Unit after over almost 32 years of service. He was certified to return to work as a Safety Extra Help employee on June 17, 2023, under SBCERA Benefits Policy No. 032. This initial 18-month certification expired on December 16, 2024.
Following the expiration of the initial certification period, the Board of Retirement approved an extension on January 9, 2025, extending his employment through May 2, 2026.
CURRENT REQUEST:
The Sheriff's Department is requesting a second Board-approved extension to continue employing Mr. Futscher in a Safety Extra Help capacity from May 3, 2026 through November 3, 2027.
Extreme Necessity:
Mr. Futscher possesses highly specialized skills as a commercially rated patrol and rescue helicopter pilot, including night-vision goggle certification, which are critical to the Aviation Unit's operations.
The department continues to experience an industry-wide shortage of qualified helicopter pilots, significantly limiting its ability to recruit for this ...
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