The following letter to the editor was published in the El Segundo Herald newspaper (HeraldPublications.com) on Thursday, August 27, 2015 in the Letters section on page 3. The El Segundo Herald has a strict 250-word limit, including the title.
Overpriced and Imperfect
The El Segundo police and fire unions have retired fire department employees extolling their perfection to defend huge pay raises. They’re overpriced, and usually do a good job, but not always. Here are some examples.
One police officer took an unauthorized and unreported hour break reading a newspaper in a patrol car at the beach during patrol duty. Another left a patrol car unattended with the engine running and windows down, in front of City Hall on Holly Ave., across from Stuft Pizza where kids hang out. That attractive nuisance could have cost lives and millions of tax dollars had a kid taken it for a joyride and crashed.
El Segundo police sergeant Rex Fowler caused an accident that killed Hawthorne police motorcycle officer Andrew Garton, during escort duty in Torrance for a royal funeral procession for Manhattan Beach police officer Mark Vazquez, who died of cancer. Garton’s widow sued El Segundo for $25 million for wrongful death, and Hawthorne filed a $718,655 claim for damages against El Segundo.
Firefighter Michael Archambault was arrested, convicted, and sentenced for shoplifting five products totaling $354.95 from Costco. He was allowed to retire early with a $110,251/ year pension.
An El Segundo resident, a firefighter for another agency, suffered permanent disability because, he said, the paramedics claimed he was okay and refused to transport him to the hospital while he was having a stroke, allowing them to get back to the fire station to watch a big sports game on TV.
– Mike Robbins
Here is proof and background information for the statements and examples in this letter.
This information was updated on April 21, 2015 to add the annual CalPERS pension income for retired El Segundo Fire Battalion Chief David K. Sharp for 2014 – a whopping $177,841.56 – not even counting benefits!
This information was also was updated to add the annual CalPERS pension income for retired El Segundo Fire Engineer (and firefighter union member) Michael J. Archambault for 2014 – a huge $111,937.56 – not even counting benefits!
The El Segundo police and fire unions have retired fire department employees extolling their perfection to defend huge pay raises.
David K. Sharp submitted an “op-ed” column which which was published on page 3 of the June 11, 2015 edition of the El Segundo Herald. It was basically an advertisement defending the excessive and unsustainable salaries and pensions of the El Segundo Firefighters’ Association (union) and their managers. He is a retired El Segundo firefighter who was a fire union member for most of his career, until he achieved his final rank of Fire Battalion Chief. He retired in 2007, and received $171,335.76 in 2012 and $174,770.76 in 2013 from his taxpayer-funded CalPERS pension after working for only 31.76 years.
Here is proof for David K. Sharp’s California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) pension. It is provided by the TransparentCalifornia.com website. They obtained it from Public Records Act requests made to CalPERS.
Here is my summary and formatting of Sharp’s CalPERS pension information in the TransparentCalifornia.com database (I added his last position):
City Employee: David K Sharp Agency: City of El Segundo, California Last Position: Fire Battalion Chief Retired in: 2007 Years of service: 31.76 Pension: CalPERS 2014 Total* $177,841.56 2013 Total* $174,770.76 2012 Total* $171,335.76 * Excluding benefits.
Note that public employee retirees in CalPERS get automatic pension Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) raises each year. Also, CalPERS pensions are a defined benefit pension plan and not a defined contribution plan like a 401(k), so CalPERS payments are guaranteed by the taxpayers regardless of investment portfolio performance and any risky investment portfolio mismanagement.
See David K. Sharp’s CalPERS pension information in the TransparentCalifornia.com database here:
http://TransparentCalifornia.com/pensions/search/?q=David+K+Sharp&a=&y=&s=
Rosemarie Radomsky, who submitted the “Who You Gonna Call?” letter to the editor of the El Segundo Herald, published on page 3 of the August 20, 2015 edition, is a retired City of El Segundo employee who worked as an administrative analyst in the fire department, according to a former El Segundo fire department employee. She is listed in the CalPERS pension database at TransparentCalifornia.com as a retired City of El Segundo employee with 10.85 years of service with the city. She retired in 2001.
See Rosemarie Radomsky’s CalPERS pension information here:
http://TransparentCalifornia.com/pensions/search/?q=Rosemarie+Radomsky&a=&y=&s=
Her letter made multiple false statements to defend the firefighters’ excessive compensation packages, and attacked an El Segundo resident who correctly noted stated that the firefighters are paid to sleep. In fact, they are paid regularly scheduled overtime at 150% of the regular pay rate, including regular and overtime pay for sleeping. Ms. Radomsky knows that the firefighters are paid to sleep, having worked in the fire department. They are on-duty for 48 hours, and have the next four days off. They are also paid to eat. That is why the firefighters have beds, sleeping and living quarters, and a kitchen in each fire station.
One police officer took an unauthorized and unreported hour break reading a newspaper in a patrol car at the beach during patrol duty.
An El Segundo City Council Member reported to me, and to the City Manager at the time, that he personally witnessed an El Segundo police officer reading a newspaper in a black-and-white patrol car parked at the beach for an hour. He told me the City Manager checked on which police officer was driving that patrol car, and on the work and break schedule for that officer.
The officer was parked at the beach taking an extended unauthorized break during paid work hours. The City Council Member told me the City Manager said he would take care of it. City employee disciplinary actions are not publicized because that would violate the employee’s privacy rights.
Another left a patrol car unattended with the engine running and windows down, in front of City Hall on Holly Ave., across from Stuft Pizza where kids hang out. That attractive nuisance could have cost lives and millions of tax dollars had a kid taken it for a joyride and crashed.
I personally observed the black-and-white El Segundo police car parked in front of City Hall, on Holly Avenue, right across from Stuft Pizza where local kids hang out. The windows were down, the key was in the ignition with other keys on the same key ring, and the engine was running. The noise of the engine running got my attention. I waited for some time standing next to the driver door, guarding the police car, hoping the officer would return soon. Then I turned the engine off, removed the key, went straight to the City Manager at the time, pointed out the police car from his office window, told him what happened, and gave him the key ring. He said he would take care of it.
Again, city employee disciplinary actions are not publicized because that would violate the employee’s privacy rights.
El Segundo police sergeant Rex Fowler caused an accident that killed Hawthorne police motorcycle officer Andrew Garton, during escort duty in Torrance for a royal funeral procession for Manhattan Beach police officer Mark Vazquez, who died of cancer. Garton’s widow sued El Segundo for $25 million for wrongful death, and Hawthorne filed a $718,655 claim for damages against El Segundo.
El Segundo, California police sergeant Rex Jay Fowler.
Hawthorne, California police motorcycle officer Andrew Garton. He was killed in a motorcycle collision caused primarily by El Segundo police sergeant Rex Jay Fowler on May 26, 2011 at about 12:40 p.m. in Torrance, California. Click the photo to see a larger image.
When I heard the news of this terrible accident, I was saddened and prayed for Hawthorne Officer Andrew Garton’s family, and for El Segundo Sergeant Rex Fowler’s full and speedy recovery from his broken leg which needed surgery. It was a terrible tragedy, and as a former motorcycle rider, I have a special comradely and fondness for motorcycle riders. I carefully watch for motorcycles and give them plenty of space while driving.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) accident investigation report placed most of the blame for causing the accident on Sergeant Rex Fowler, as reported in the Daily Breeze newspaper. Rex Fowler’s excessive speed and lack of motorcycle driving skill were cited as significant factors causing the accident.
The City of Hawthorne also placed the blame for causing the accident on Sergeant Rex Fowler in the claim for damages they filed with the City of El Segundo.
Here are links to newspaper articles about the funeral procession motorcycle accident that support what I wrote:
DAILY BREEZE
El Segundo officer mostly to blame for funeral procession accident, CHP report says
By Larry Altman Staff Writer
Posted: 03/30/12, 12:01 AM PDT
http://www.DailyBreeze.com/general-news/20120330/el-segundo-officer-mostly-to-blame-for-funeral-procession-accident-chp-report-says
DAILY BREEZE
City of Hawthorne files claim blaming El Segundo officer for funeral crash
By Larry Altman and Kristin S. Agostoni Staff Writers
Posted: 12/02/11, 12:01 AM PST
http://www.DailyBreeze.com/general-news/20111202/city-of-hawthorne-files-claim-blaming-el-segundo-officer-for-funeral-crash
Same article in the Pasadena Star News:
PASADENA STAR-NEWS
City of Hawthorne files claim blaming El Segundo officer for funeral crash
By Larry Altman and Kristin S. Agostoni Staff Writers
Posted: 12/02/11, 12:01 AM PST
http://www.PasadenaStarNews.com/general-news/20111202/city-of-hawthorne-files-claim-blaming-el-segundo-officer-for-funeral-crash
DAILY BREEZE
Hawthorne police distance themselves from city’s claim in Garton case
By Sandy Mazza Staff Writer
Posted: 12/08/11, 12:01 AM PST
http://www.DailyBreeze.com/general-news/20111208/hawthorne-police-distance-themselves-from-citys-claim-in-garton-case
Same article in the Whittier Daily News:
WHITTIER DAILY NEWS
Hawthorne police distance themselves from city’s claim in Garton case
By Sandy Mazza Staff Writer
Posted: 12/08/11, 12:01 AM PST
http://www.WhittierDailyNews.com/general-news/20111208/hawthorne-police-distance-themselves-from-citys-claim-in-garton-case
DAILY BREEZE
Widow files lawsuit in motorcycle death of Hawthorne officer Andrew Garton
By Kristin S. Agostoni and Larry Altman Staff Writers
Posted: 03/21/12, 12:01 AM PDT
http://www.DailyBreeze.com/general-news/20120321/widow-files-lawsuit-in-motorcycle-death-of-hawthorne-officer-andrew-garton
DAILY BREEZE
Wife of Hawthorne officer killed in motorcycle accident files $25M claims
By Carley Dryden Staff Writer
Posted: 11/25/11, 12:01 AM PST
http://www.DailyBreeze.com/general-news/20111125/wife-of-hawthorne-officer-killed-in-motorcycle-accident-files-25m-claims
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
Wife of Hawthorne officer killed in motorcycle accident files $25M claims
By Carley Dryden Staff Writer
Posted: 11/25/2011, 01:16:45 PM PST
Updated: 11/25/2011, 01:34:07 PM PST
http://www.ContraCostaTimes.com/california/ci_19411521
EASY READER NEWS
Police officer’s widow files $25 million claims against Manhattan Beach and El Segundo
El Segundo, Manhattan Beach
By Alene Tchekmedyian
Added on December 1, 2011
http://www.EasyReaderNews.com/41083/officer%E2%80%99s-widow-files-claim-against-city/
Here are links to download four different claim forms filed on behalf of Hawthorne police officer Andrew Garton’s widow and two sons Garrett and Grant, the City of Hawthorne, and from Rex Fowler himself. Another driver, John Robert Mitchell, who suffered damages from the accident, also filed a claim against El Segundo:
“2011-11-08-El Segundo-Claim 11-57 Tracy Garton-Garrett Garton-Grant Garton via Panish Shea and Boyle LLP.pdf” (464 KB PDF file)
“2011-11-17-El Segundo-Claim 11-57A City of Hawthorne.pdf” (151 KB PDF file)
“2011-06-20-El Segundo-Claim 11-34 John Robert Mitchell via Allstate Insurance Company.pdf” (683 KB PDF file)
“2011-07-13-El Segundo-Claim 11-34A John Robert Mitchell via Allstate Insurance Company.pdf” (811 KB PDF file)
Firefighter Michael Archambault was arrested, convicted, and sentenced for shoplifting five products totaling $354.95 from Costco. He was allowed to retire early with a $110,251 per year pension that was increased to $111,937 in 2014 by an annual COLA.
Torrance, California Police Department Booking Photo of El Segundo firefighter Michael Joseph Archambault, arrested on April 12, 2011 for shoplifting five products totaling $354.95 from Costco. Click the photo to see a larger image.
Michael Joseph Archambault’s arrest and charge for violating California Penal Code Section 484(A) is documented in public record documents, and also in Daily Breeze and L.A. Weekly news stories. Archambault pled “no contest”, which is equivalent to a guilty plea for conviction purposes, and was convicted and sentenced. The $354.95 value of the five products Archambault stole was below the threshold for a felony violation.
According to my information, Archambault was sentenced to community service, probation, and a ban from Costco. After completing his sentence, Archambault was allowed to have his conviction expunged from his criminal record in accordance with California Penal Code section 1203.4 on February 11, 2014, or 2/11, which ironically, reminds us of Penal Code Section 211, which is felony robbery!
CA P.C. 211. Robbery is the felonious taking of personal property in the
possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and
against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear.
However, Archambault was still convicted and sentenced for his crime.
Here are some links to newspaper articles and public record documents about Michael J. Archambault’s arrest:
DAILY BREEZE
El Segundo firefighter arrested on suspicion of shoplifting from Costco
By Larry Altman and Kristin S. Agostoni Staff Writers
Posted: 04/14/11, 12:01 AM PDT
http://www.DailyBreeze.com/general-news/20110414/el-segundo-firefighter-arrested-on-suspicion-of-shoplifting-from-costco
LA WEEKLY
Rich Fireman Named in Shoplifting
By Paul Teetor
Thursday, May 26, 2011
http://www.LAWeekly.com/news/rich-fireman-named-in-shoplifting-2170708
PUBLIC SAFETY PROJECT
El Segundo firefighter Michael Archambault arrested at Costco for allegedly shoplifting five products worth $354.95 (Booking Photo)
by Michael D. Robbins
Posted on May 25, 2011
http://PublicSafetyProject.org/blog/2011/05/25/el-segundo-firefighter-michael-archambault-arrested-for-shoplifting/
PUBLIC SAFETY PROJECT
Could Firefighter’s Arrest be the Result of a Culture of Entitlement?
by Michael D. Robbins
Posted on May 25, 2011
http://PublicSafetyProject.org/blog/2011/05/25/could-firefighters-arrest-be-result-of-culture-of-entitlement/
Los Angeles County Superior Court Criminal Defendant Index search result:
Torrance, California Police Department response to the California Public Records Act (CPRA) request submitted by Mike Robbins, received only after sending a Notice of Violation of the California Public Records Act to the Torrance Mayor, City Council, City Attorney, City Manager, and Police Chief, citing the CPRA sections being violated:
Here is proof for Michael Archambault’s California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) pension. It is provided by the TransparentCalifornia.com website. They obtained it from Public Records Act requests made to CalPERS.
Here is my summary and formatting of Archambault’s CalPERS pension information in the TransparentCalifornia.com database (I added his last position):
City Employee: Michael J Archambault Agency: City of El Segundo, California Last Position: Fire Engineer Retired in: 2011 Years of service: 28.31 Pension: CalPERS 2014 Total* $111,937.56 2013 Total* $110,251.32 2012 Total* $108,089.64 * Excluding benefits.
Note that public employee retirees in CalPERS get automatic pension COLA raises each year. Also, their defined benefit pension plan payments are guaranteed by the taxpayers regardless of investment portfolio performance and any investment portfolio mismanagement.
See Michael J. Archambault’s CalPERS pension information in the TransparentCalifornia.com database here:
http://TransparentCalifornia.com/pensions/search/?q=Michael+J+Archambault&a=&y=&s=
An El Segundo resident, a firefighter for another agency, suffered permanent disability because, he said, the paramedics claimed he was okay and refused to transport him to the hospital while he was having a stroke, allowing them to get back to the fire station to watch a big sports game on TV.
I know this El Segundo resident. He told me sufficient information about his stroke and how the El Segundo firefighters and paramedics abandoned him as their patient and refused to take him to the hospital where he could get a drug to prevent long-term disability from his stroke if administered in time. I will provide more details on his case later. He is more believable than the El Segundo firefighter and paramedic union members, who have a culture of entitlement, and a history of dishonesty in their political campaigns to elect their own bosses who will raise their pay and our taxes.
El Segundo Police Officers' Association (ESPOA) Exposed