ketv.com

OMAHA, Neb. — A city employee said police and fire personnel are "leaving in droves" as they cash in on lucrative pension benefits -- some make more money in retirement than they did while working.

Acting Fire Chief Mike McDonnell said 78 firefighters are retiring in 2007 compared to 21 in 2006 and two in 2005.

"They have served the citizens well, and put their life on the line to help citizens and they deserve this pension," McDonnell said.

By mid-December, 96 police officers had put in for pensions in 2007 compared to 31 granted in 2006 and four in 2005. Sgt. Teresa Negron said that the number of vacancies on the police force will be even higher.

Full Story: 78 Firefighters, 96 Officers Set To Retire