From the Harford County Sheriff’s Office:
May 13, 2014, Bel Air, MD – Tonight, at the Harford County Council Meeting, Sheriff L. Jesse Bane announced that Edward Hopkins has been appointed to serve the Harford County Sheriff’s Office as Chief Deputy beginning July 1, 2014.
In his address, the Sheriff introduced Mr. Hopkins to the council with, “He is a man of vision who is well liked, well-educated and quite knowledgeable of the duties and responsibilities of a deputy sheriff with our Sheriff’s Office. He has a strong moral compass, a strong work ethic, and impeccable work credentials in the public safety arena. He understands the needs and concerns of Sheriff’s Office personnel, and he understands that the Sheriff’s Office is a people’s office.”
Hopkins, currently the Director of Public and Media Relations and Chief Spokesman for the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, began his 27 year career as a law enforcement deputy in 1976 and rose through the ranks before retiring in 2003 as a Lieutenant. He went on to serve as the Director of Communications for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services from 2005-2007, and Deputy Director of Operations for the Maryland Emergency Management Agency from 2007 – 2012. In November of 2012, Hopkins returned to his roots in law enforcement when he resumed his position of Chief Spokesman of the HCSO, which he previously held from 1994-2002 and 2003-2005.
Of his appointment, Hopkins offered, “I am both honored and privileged to accept this responsibility and grateful to the Sheriff for having full faith and confidence in me to further the agency’s law enforcement, courts, corrections, and public safety mission. I have always been proud to be a member of the Sheriff’s Office and equally proud to call these men and women both my friends and colleagues. I am looking forward to working side by side with them and providing effective and efficient law enforcement, courts, and correctional services to Harford County residents.”
Hopkins, a lifelong resident of Bel Air, has dedicated his career to serving the needs of the public. He has been a member of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company for the last 40 years, currently holding the position of Chief. Additionally, he was reelected as Commissioner for the Town of Bel Air in 2011; serving as mayor from 2011-2013. He holds a Masters in Public Administration with a minor in Police Management from the University of Baltimore.
Hopkins will fill the position when Col. Gregory Carlevaro retires on July 1, 2014, after nearly 40 years of service.
Eddie is s good guy and i hope he will be fair as the chief deputy. I’m sure one of the reasons he was picked is because he can write a good press release for a firing. “He entered the room equidistantly and strolled to his seat. Not once did he exhibit any characteristics of being downtrodden.”
Eddie is a good ‘home boy’…always did the right thing. Congratulations…
Eddie Hopkins has a lifelong commitment to public service and is a good insider with knowledge of the outside. He should do very well in this position and do a good job for the citizens.
I would first like to say congratulations to Mr Hopkins as it sounds like he is a good fit for the position. I do however believe that Mr. Hopkins should step down from his position as Bel Air Town Commissioner. This position as Chief Deputy is a huge time commitment and also a conflict of interest.
Great choice for Colonel by Jesse Bane. Eddie will do a great job.
Eddie is an excellent gentlemen an will do the best he can with Bane as the Sheriff! That being said what do you think of Bane going outside of his command staff to promote a new Colonel he must not have any confidence in the people he appointed to the rank of Major over the past 8 years. Good luck Eddie and gods speed !!
I don’t personally know Mr. Hopkins but I wish him well in taking on this challenge.
I read with interest the comments that Sheriff Bane is quoted as saying in the Aegis. Bane stated: “I have to be careful who I put in there”. I would certainly agree with that observation. Bane further stated….people have to trust him, have faith, think he is fair. Then Bane went further and said “Eddie has a lot of those qualities.” It seemed odd to me that Bane didn’t say Eddie had “all” of those qualities. But Bane is first a politician and picks his words very carefully.
I also noted that Bane stated he had considered two of his Majors, however, in the end he selected a retired Lieutenant who has not been an active Deputy for 11 years. Certainly sends a strong signal that his current Majors (all of whom were promoted to that grade by Bane) do not have the qualities Bane considers necessary to fill the Chief Deputy position. What does that say about those Majors, and Banes decision to promote them to that grade in the first place.
Given the above, my opinion regarding the selection of Mr. Hopkins is just pure politics by Sheriff Bane. Nonetheless I wish Mr. Hopkins well.
I just hope that Eddie doesn’t play buddy buddy with the members of HCSO. Someone needs to clean house within the department. In he last 7 years numerous members have been charged with assault, domestic violence, reckless endangerment, theft, misconduct in office and shoplifting. That is the sad reality internally within he department.
Why would he clean house in the last 6 months before election time. Bane has had the last eight years to clean house and have proven that he doesn’t care about the rank and file.He is banking on the citizen’s of Harford County to re-elect him. The choice of Eddie for chief deputy shows that he has went outside his own command staff to appoint someone who is a civilian. Eddie may be a retired Lt, but that was some time ago. He now occupies a civilian position within the HCSO. This is truly a slap in the face to all the active command staff that works for him. I sure hope the new chief deputy is fair and have a life vest….the ship is sinking fast and now we only have to wait for the new captain to board the ship. I , for one, will not be voting for bane.
It truly amazes me hat DFC Eaton and his clan must bring politics into every article. As for Ed resigning from the town spot he has, I agree but are you sure he isn’t planning on it already? As for the deputies who have been charge with a crime they have been dealt with. Sheriff Jesse Bane catches flack internally every time he makes a personnel decision. They are tough decisions but he uses good judgement and does what he thinks is best for the agency.
You’re doggone right he chose the right man for Chief Deputy. The Sheriff knows that you have to first get elected and he knew that from a political standpoint none of his Majors were going to be able to help him get the votes Eddie will. Eddie is a well known politician and will help put Sheriff Bane over the top again. Some people just don’t understand how politics work. You do have to make the tough decisions and Sheriff made it this time even if he had to leave his Majors behind.
Reelect, you don’t mince words. The Sheriff really needed someone who could help him through the election. I’m not sure Eddie Hopkins is the man to put him over the top as you suggest, however, Eddie will not hurt Bane anymore than Bane has already hurt himself.
Mr. Hopkins will have a real challenge convincing voters that Bane will be a better person as a result of Hopkins becoming Bane’s number two man.
@Proud to be a Liberal
Bane didn’t make this decision because he thought it was best for the Sheriff’s Office. He made this decision because he thought it was the best for Bane. All you have to do is read the comments attributed to Bane in the Aegis article. Bane said that he considered two of his Majors…. “But as I thought more and more about this office and the position, Eddie seemed to be the most logical choice for me” That’s right, he said the most logical choice for me, not the agency. I agree with Bane, Eddie is the best choice to help Bane, the agency is secondary to Bane, and the Deputies have come to realize this along with many of the voters.
Mike Welsh- you are reaching now. Jesse Bane is the one that ultimately makes the final decision for colonel. So for him to say that Eddie was the most logical choice for him makes sense? This just shows how desperate yourself and the Gahler camp truly are. Nobody needs to convince the voters Jesse Bane is the best choice for Sheriff. He is a proven and effective leader, that speaks for itself.
Mike Welsh you are correct. This is nothing more than a desparate move on the part of Bane because he knows he is in trouble. Lets not forget that when Bane was running for Sheriff in 2006, he transferred Mr. Hopkins to the midnight shift at the northern precinct because Bane found out that Mr. Hopkins supported Bob Benedetto. Now Bane is using Mr. Hopkins to further his own reelection efforts. It just so happens that this move helps Bane but it helps the agency too. Voters will have a decision to make now because a vote against Bane is now a vote against Mr. Hopkins. Well played Lionel.
It is true that appointing Eddie will help Bane, many people may consider voting for Bane now because Eddie is supporting him. This being true, it does not mean Eddie is any less qualified for the job. There were even rumors that he was being considered by Gahler for the same position. He is by far the best fit for the job, and has the most experience in various fields.
@Bel Air Town Resident
Yes, Eddie is a much better man than Bane. However, if Bane remains the Sheriff nothing will change in the HCSO. Hopefully the voters will see this and not change their mind just because Mr. Hopkins is now the Chief Deputy.
Eddie Hopkins has been working in a senior level position for about two years at the HCSO. During this time he has not managed to change Sheriff Bane’s management style, and he will not be able to do that as the Chief Deputy. In fact, one should deduct that Mr. Hopkins has subscribed to Bane’s actions as Sheriff this past two years. Does anyone really believe that Sheriff Bane will somehow become a people person who supports his employees just because Ed Hopkins is the Chief Deputy. Trust me, that will not happen. Sheriff Bane is all about Jesse, not the agency he commands. What Bane wants the voters and Deputies to believe is that if he has a “nice guy” as his Chief Deputy then that means Bane is a nice guy. Won’t happen!! If Bane is reelected, it will be the same for the next four years as it has for the past eight, regardless of who is Chief Deputy.
Bel Air Resident,
I have not heard the rumor that Gahler was considering Hopkins as a possible Chief Deputy, but if the rumor was true I would not be adverse to that. Gahler did say when he recently addressed the Deputies Union that he was considering someone from within the office, but would not reveal his name and place that person at risk of being fired by Bane.
I will not support Bane just because Hopkins is his new number two man. The second in charge under Bane runs nothing, has no real influence on agency actions, and can’t even move things out of the “dark hole” when a pending action lays for weeks on end on Banes desk. We need a change at the top.
Double Check- Eddie retired in 2003 how did Jesse Bane transfer him in 2006? Another attempt to character assassinate Jesse. Sad
Congratulations Eddie. Eddie was in CID when I was a rookie. I worked on several homicide scenes and observed how great of an investigator he was. He helped me over the years and I don’t care what he was doing when you had a question or needed help he would stop and give you a hand. The homicide at Chase Manor I learned a great deal the 16 hours I was with him during the process of the scene and to the statement of charges. Eddie never forgot where he came from and he treated everyone with respect and kindness. I wish you well as second in command Eddie, I know you have integrity and honor and will do the job well.
Marc Eaton I have been following disparities that you bring to light at the police department. Are you saying that you now support and trust Jesse Bane? I personally think Edward Hopkins is a lifelong dipper in taxpayer money. How many government pensions does he have 2,3,4…? Now he will be collecting his salary at the police department of over $140,000, a pension on from the same place, salary as town mayor, and other pensions he got from state jobs. If I was a resident of Bel Air I would demand that he step down. Another example of someone taking advantage of taxpayer dollars.
@abingdon resident
You must be one of the most ignorant citizens of Harford County to date. Anyone with any knowledge about or prior experience with Eddie Hopkins knows that he is first and foremost a police officer at heart. He has been active in the community of Bel Air his whole life. Countless years as a deputy and even more working as a PR guy have given him more than enough experience to exceed expectations at the Sheriff Office. Beyond that he has experience in the Town and with the Fire company. He was hands down the best pick for this job. Of course Bane will use his name to get votes, but at the same time he is equally deserving of the position based on his police credentials. To call him solely politician is a farce.
I cannot believe someone can comment on an article when you are clearly so uneducated on the topic. To say he is collecting government and taxpayer money is absurd. Anyone that knows Eddie would never even consider that thought. The salary of a town commissioner is essentially non-existent while his time as fire chief is purely volunteered.
It is even more unbelievable that you think he even cared about the salary. I would bet that Eddie didn’t even aspire to have the job. Bane gave to him because he is the best for job.
You cannot argue against his credentials, experience, or familiarity with the Town of Bel Air and the county as a whole.
Please take your generic ignorance elsewhere.
“dipping into taxpayers money”. Thanks for the good laugh at your expense.
Good Luck to Mr. Hopkins in the future. Congratulations on your appointment.
I mentioned nothing about Bane. I was congratulating a person that I have the utmost respect for as a very good police officer and leader. He was helpful to me in my career and is a good man. I know nothing of other retirements that Eddie has. This is another one of those times you put politics to the side and you congratulate a good man and someone I consider a friend. My recognizing Eddie DOES NOT MEAN I SUPPORT BANE.
DFC Rambo A. Eaton- you have your gang of rogue henchmen to bring politics into this. Don’t sit here and play nice guy who is being falsely accused. You have made it a full time job to attempt to smear Jesse Bane. Please tell us who exactly do you support for Sheriff? You love to trash Bane so you do support somebody, or do you? Nothing has changed DFC Rambo you are and will always be a drama queen, you are not even truly sure why you dislike Jesse.
Proud, I think you are trying to turn this into a political ambush. There are times to speak out and then there are times to use some common sense and hold back my opinion. Think what you want. You say all these negative things and call me names and say I don’t matter then you accuse me of heading up a group to slander one person. So am I a threat or am I just a drama queen? You really seem to think I am this great leader of all who speak their minds about political views. You seem to have a different personality for each name you use.
DFC Eaton- I don’t have multiple names like others. I also believe that you only post under your name and I respect that. I do believe that you have a group that posts on here and in fairness I will explain why. For over a year you consistently posted your email address and solicited posters to email you. They claimed to have been wronged by Jesse or had a loved on die at the jail. Why you wanted them to email you is a good question? The first posters on here made this article political from the start.
I had people email me and ask me question about why I feel the way I do. I had people email me with things that were going on and when I verified the information I put it out there. I encourage no one to post for me. I do this myself. I posted my email for both sides to contact me to make it fair. No one from Bane’s side made contact. Those who want to know why I feel the way I do just email me or call me. My cell phone is on my two web sites. I am open to friendly debate. Proud, if people want to make a post like this political let them. Take the high road. This was about Eddie Hopkins. When Bane posts letters about something our Corrections or Law Enforcement has done in a positive light that is where I will keep it. No one posts my thoughts but me. I don’t have to answer for what others choose to post on here. And Proud, DFC Eaton retired in 2002. I just go by Marc now.
If Eddie is going to clean house, make sure to keep the boss informed.
Eddie is a great guy an dwell deserving of the position. I wish him the best. However, it won’t change my mind about not voting for Bane.
Amused- who are you voting for and why?
Don’t know about Amused, but I’m voting for someone other than Bane. Why you ask…. because its not Bane.
The deputies and citizens have learned that it is time for a change at the top. Only a change at the top will bring about needed changes down the line.
Odds of winning the Sheriff Race:
Lionel Jesse Bane- 3 to 2. Supporters are chanting Eddie Eddie Eddie. Ed Hopkins announced as 2nd in command.
Jeffrey Gahler- 4 to 1. May try to counter Banes appointment by announcing Jack Meckley as his 2nd in command. Jack ran unsuccessfully for Sheriff in 2010. He is well liked by younger deputies but does have his favorites.
John Ryan- 15 to 1. Seems to be sliding a lot in popularity after an apparent awful speech in front of the sheriffs union. Nice guy but maybe too nice.
Bob Peck- 80 to 1. Bob is doing very little to get his name out. Very few Peck signs out there.
JD Shellnut- 80 to 1. Shellnut has the law on his side and has posted a few bumper stickers in Bel Air. JD has a better chance to win then Peck. JD is starting a write in campaign.
John Ryan has gained ground and I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes the primary. He has deep roots in the personal and business community and it shows with his outstanding sign locations. I’d put Ryan dead even with Gahler for the primary.
Willis,
I agree. John Ryan has all the momentum and doesn’t carry all of Gahlers baggage.
Jesse Bane picks Eddie Hopkins as his Colonel which is a great choice, yet DFC Eaton and his henchmen call it pure politics. Are you ever happy? If he picked anyone else even internally you would be complaining. DFC Eaton you must live a miserable life. What you need to do is get a life.
Check the facts, I said nothing political. I only congratulated Eddie. I speak for myself and have no henchmen.
I am not usually in agreement with Eaton, but I am in this instance. He has only been complimentary of Mr. Hopkins, and has said nothing derogatory about Bane. The one wanting to press the political discussion is Proud to be a Liberal.
Whenever the discussion dies down of the political front, Proud will post something trying to elicit a response from Eaton, Welsh or others in an attempt to revive the discussion. Proud, you are a shameless troll.
Anyone else thinking that “Proud” is actually Jesse Bane?
The timing and wording is right, in support of the Sheriff to a fault, no clue on the actual issues, and promotes nonsense arguments laced with non-factual info when cornered.
I’m not Jesse Bane, just someone who thinks he is the best choice for sheriff. I think this because he is a proven and effective leader. What nonfactual comments do I make? I do have a clue on issues. I post because I am tired of seeing Jesse Bane get character assassinated by people that won’t give a reason why.
I never agree with Proud liberal but at least he says who he wants to vote for and why? 99% of posters on here just say they hate Bane? I do not work there and want to know why but never get an answer. There does seem to be a group of people( welsh, amused, onpoint, mark eaton…etc) that post nothing but negative about Bane but don’t or won’t give examples. But I do agree that Eaton did not post anything negative this time. I guess Prod liberal is just making a general statement?
I know DFC Eaton didn’t post anything this time but his friends did. You will never get a straight answer from this character assassination clan. They make a comment that has no backing and won’t tell you who to vote for and why. I’m glad others see that.
While I don’t always agree with Eaton, Welsh and others, they have in fact stated many times what their reasons are for not supporting Sheriff Bane. Welsh has stated that he supported Bane the first time Bane ran for Sheriff but has since withdrawn his support.
Proud to be Liberal has asked the same questions of those opposing Bane each and every time the discussion turns to a political theme, and even when Proud gets answers he or she ignores the answer and pretends that the question of why has never been answered. Those of you who follow the Dagger to any extent know what I’m talking about.
At first, I thought Proud to be a Liberal was someone who really wanted to take up for Sheriff Bane. I soon came to realize that Proud was nothing more than a troll who just wants to create comments regarding the campaign for Sheriff. When an article is published about the Sheriff’s Office, and no comments occur for a period of time, Proud will post something like “I can’t believe Mark Eaton and his henchmen have not said anything about Bane” This is done to try and create a negative discussion regarding the campaign for Sheriff.
Proud always states that he/she supports Bane because Bane is a proven and effective leader. What Proud never says is what Bane has done that makes him an effective leader. Proud has been asked many times to list Banes accomplishments and each time deflects away from the question and changes the subject, alleging all of the others to be nothing more than Bane haters.
My take on all of this is that most of the active Deputies have lost confidence in Bane as a leader, and they have lost confidence in those officers who Bane has promoted to the most senior positions in the Sheriff’s Office. The Deputies position is… only a change at the top will produce the needed change necessary to restore confidence in the senior leadership team.
I voted for Sheriff Bane this past two elections, so I guess you could describe me as a supporter even though I voted for him only because I knew he had been in the Sheriff’s Office a long time, and I didn’t really know the other candidate. Admittedly, I didn’t really know Bane, but recognized his name, having associated it with articles I had read about the Sheriff’s Office over several years. This year I am leaning toward voting for a change in leadership. I know what its like to work in a system where you have lost confidence in leadership. It’s a miserable feeling and if the Deputies feel that then I will support someone new to see if the situation improves.
This is for DFC Eaton, MM, Welsh, amused and anyone else that wonders. I support Jesse Bane because 1.) crime is down, 2.)county watch camera program, 3.)county stat program, 4.)sheriffs office rep at community meetings, 5.)holds his personnel accountable, 6.)holds commanders accountable for their areas, if crime is a problem commanders must come up with a solution..
I could keep going.
Ask yourself this, how many shootings or homicides are happening in this county?
Not many and when Bane took over gangs and violence were out of control. Maybe he has made mistakes but who hasn’t. No one is perfect.
Proud, you are not important enough that anyone would care who you are voting for. 5 of your 6 points are invalid. Any statistics can be spun to show what you want them to show. The cameras are broken. Countystat is not viable. Yes–reps show up at meetings. Need to put up a good front. You are completely off base with your last two points. That is one of the problems with Bane, no one, including himself, is accountable to anyone which is why the office is in such disarray. Now go tell everyone who you are voting for because you are so influential.
As someone who has worked with several of the command staff in community based work, I agree with you. I have questioned the integrity and knowledge of some of these people. If this is who Bane has in his inner circle, it is a reflection of Bane’s poor decision-making ability. One was head of the northern precinct for a while and is dumber than a door nail. Another is a criminal arrested for shoplifting. I could go on.
Question – Mr. Hopkins is a retired Lt from the sheriff’s organization. I am assuming he is drawing his retirement from the Harford Co system. Fine that he then runs for the position of Bel Air Commissioner but then is APPOINTED to the part time position in the Sheriff’s dept. by Jesse Bane at a salary of $60K/yr.
Then he is promoted? to asst. Dep. Sheriff by Jesse Bane at a salary of $125K=/- yr.
These appointments appear to be political patronage positions. It appears like Mr. Hopkins by virtue of his contacts is raking in income with both hands from the County and it is questionable if this whole practice is ethical. And I believe that it begs the question why does the Sheriff have this authority to appoint these types of patronage positions?
If it is in the Charter then shouldn’t it be questioned?
August, you would be shocked at how many deputies have retired from the agency and are hired back on as civilians. 99% of these positions are created solely for these people. They do not have to compete for the job, they are handed to them by Bane. A retired Captain is now the head of the fitness program and yes, collecting retirement and a $70K+ salary. Another retired Captain is now heading the training academy and a retired corporal is back there as a civilian too. Every background investigator, 5 of them I believe, are retired and rehired. And are 5 background investigators really needed? Bane claims to be placing civilians into law enforcement slots so the deputies can go back on the road, but I would like for Bane to tell us just exactly how many deputies are back on the road. He won’t answer so I will. Zero. I could go on and on, but Mr.Hopkins is just one of several dozen who have both hands in the pot. And the rest of the employees can’t get a raise. Interesting to compare the names who have jobs created for them to the list of contributors to the Bane for Sheriff campaign.
It’s a long list.
I don’t know how many background investigators are needed for Harford County. It is a 24/7 operation, keep that in mind. I am not even sure what the position entails, and probably neither do you. Instead of pointing out things you don’t know anything about and questioning their implementation, maybe you should research the duties and become more informed about the job being performed. Hard to make a judgment based on a job title. I do know that for many specialized positions, some people need to be certified or have specific experience or certification which may account for the fact that we are hiring retired folks. I really don’t know that much about it. Again though, a retired person is collecting on a pension already earned so it is irrelevant what they do with their time and if the county hires them, it doesn’t cost the county more than it would have to hire shomeonw else.
Frankly: background investigators investigate people applying for positions within the agency. If you check the agency website, there are no job openings. Keep in mind that Bane keeps creating positions and filling them with recent retirees so no background is needed. And 24/7 for checking backgrounds? They scuttle away like cockroaches when the light comes on at 3:00 every day. You are a Baner and are missing the obvious or playing stupid. The agency wouldn’t be hiring anyone for job openings. There are no job openings. Bane creates positions and inserts his people. Get it?
Actually Ed Hopkins will get a second retirement as colonel. His first retirement as a retired LT was through the old county pension system, as he retired in 2003 and leops didn’t start until at least 2006. He now can contribute into leops pension system which is state funded. He will get credit for all his other state service and will retire in leops based on his highest three years of service. The salary for colonel is around $150,000 so that and his total years will determine his pension.
Just the facts folks
Sounds like a fantastic deal. Guess the county taxpayer just has to grin and bear it.
Well, actually he won’t get a second retirement unless he plans on working for more than 5 years to be vested and 10 years to collect on it. it is based on the number of years and computed based on your last 3 years of employment as far as salary level, however in this position he would still need to put in 10 years to collect another pension. Any pension he collects from the county already has already been funded so the taxpayer isn’t paying him anything from the budget towards his pension and the state pension is also funded in advance so no actual operational funds are used to pay him a pension. There isn’t anything wrong with hiring someone that retired from the county as their experience is an asset to the county and their leadership has already been proven. And it does let younger deputies actually work on police work.
Actually from 2005 to 2012 he worked for the state which made him vested already and gives him 7 years credit. Assuming he kept that money in and didn’t withdraw it he only needs 3 years for his pension, which will then be computed at $150,000.
AGAIN JUST THE FACTS.
This is why many pension systems are going broke.
Even if he only needs a lesser amount of years to collect on an earned pension, how is this something wrong? He will contribute 7% of his income to it and the county is not paying his anymore than someone else in this position would be earning. Just because your pension is computed on the $150,000 does not equal that he would be getting this amount in a pension as well. Your facts are full of innuendo and falsehoods as him working and getting a pension would be something unusual or above what anyone else can get for the position held. Now the facts are more balanced!!!
It may be computed at the $150k salary (assuming Bane wins in November and Hopkins stays on long enough to be vested), but that doesn’t mean he’d be getting a $150k/year pension. He’d get 20% of that which is still a pretty nice chunk of change, especially combined with what pension he’s already earned, but it’s no where near $150k/year which is what you’re trying to imply.
You are correct. The retirement would be calculated on the top three years of earnings. Using your example Mr. Hopkins would receive a second pension of $30,000 annually for only three years of service at that salary.
Had Mr. Hopkins accrued 10 years of service earning $60,000 per year his pension would be 20% of the $60,000, for a pension of $12,000. But if he works for seven years at $60,000 per year, and three years at $150,000 per year, his pension would be 20% of the $150,000 for $30,000 annually. His seven years of service at $60,000 now simply become a 14% investment multiplier of the $150,000. Now thats a really good deal.
I don’t begrudge him the money. The system is what it is, and that’s why the taxpayer has to grin and bear it.
I don’t believe the pension system allows you to “cash out” Again, more misstating the facts! Are you jealous that the man actually has a skill and he is able to make money from it? The taxpayer would still have to “grind it and bear” it if it was someone else doing his JOB. Are you proposing that county employees work for free? I don’t begrudge anyone in the private market from making as much as they can and get their 401K matches, bonuses and commissions. There is certainly a disconnect here, the man is actually working for his money by providing a valuable service to the citizens of Harford County, Town of Bel Air and as a firefighter as well. Did you forget that volunteer firefighters also get a credit towards their pension and an income tax credit for volunteering a certain number of hours. That’s why so many professional fire company employees actually also do volunteer work. And I for one, I am grateful for all their work, skill and courage that they exhibit every time out on a call.
You gonna make these guys stroke out! How dare county employees work for a personal profit?
There are many folks who volunteer their time and services in Harford County. Most of those who do, will never get the deal Mr. Hopkins is getting. Again, lets not play this for something its not. This is one hell of a deal for Ed Hopkins. I’m not slamming Hopkins, I’m simply pointing out that the system allows this and its one fantastic deal.
To: Frankly Speaking
I would agree that whoever is in the Chief Deputy position will be getting time funded toward a pension. That said, it doesn’t mean that just anyone would be receiving a second pension from the taxpayers. Assume that Bane had selected one of his current Majors to fill the position…. one who has yet to retire under any pension system. While that person would accrue time toward an increase in percentage of pension (and there is a max you can accrue) they would not be receiving the same potential benefit as Mr. Hopkins, a second retirement separate from the first.
I have no problem with anyone getting compensated for the work that they do and that includes Mr. Hopkins. But lets not fool ourselves that some make out better than others depending on their circumstance. Also, I do not want to leave the impression that there is something illegal with Mr. Hopkins receiving two pensions… it is not illegal, but it certainly is a good deal, especially for Mr. Hopkins.
In addition, to believe your comments above regarding Mr. Hopkins current retirement from the Sheriff’s Office as fully funded forever, and will not ever cost any taxpayer additional monies going forward is just pure nonsense. It’s this kind of thought that produces the situations like Detroit, and will now result in those retired in that pension system to receive a much lower benefit. One can always hope that the invested monies of a pension system can keep up with the unfunded forward liabilities, however, just a few years of bad market returns will require the taxpayer to bolster the fund with appropriated monies to keep the pension system afloat. It’s a cold hard fact that many Cities, Counties and States are finding out.
I will retire with my 2nd pension with the county and Social Security in 4 years as long as my minimum time is in. I will also cash out sick leave of about 1500 hours and personal time up to 350 hours. I will have medical once I retire and those are the benefits that I get in return for making less money that my private professional friends. I don’t apologize for it and I am quite sure that I have earned my salary and benefits too. I don’t deny you anything that you can get for yourself/family as long as you are doing it legally. Work is what I do, bitch about what I get is what you do.
Take that pension and refund the taxpayer
Congratulations on your forthcoming retirement. I hope you have a long and enjoyable retirement. Since you seem to indicate that both your retirements are from the county, along with one from social security, lets hope the county and social security both stay viable financially and you don’t experience something like Detroit or other cities in California.
Best of luck in your retirement.
The fellow is both egotistical and delusional. History shows that both of those qualities are ephemeral in nature and corrective at some point. It has been a joke for over ten years now that private sector folks make more money than government employees – and when benefits are factored in, the difference is astronomical in favor of the government. We have come to the point where the cancer is killing the host organism. Since the mid-nineties everything that wasn’t bolted to the floor was moved to China or India while government just kept rewarding itself with more and more.
So be it. Maryland is so vulnerable that just a slight tug on the fed chain will cause some serious problems. Those retired on the Maryland public trough will get dumped to medicare only and have their double dipping whacked. Why do I say this? Well, when there is nobody left to squeeze in Maryland and the feds can’t bail the state out there will not be a choice.
The greater the abuse, the greater the correction. Government employees can snort and cackle all they want, but that doesn’t change a thing. They can look at the hint of misery in other states and cities thinking that it can’t happen here. Again, that is egotistical and delusional.
the county and the employee contribute to Maryland’s pension system which includes a couple of different funds or pension plans. I have no worries that the fund(s) are in decent shape although the O’Malley did borrow from it interest free to close the gaps in the state budge a few years ago, that I wasn’t particularly in favor. Overall the fund has kept up with its responsibilities and keeps costs of administration low. I think just be cause Detroit and a few small California towns have gone bankrupt, doesn’t mean that MD’s funds are in any danger. Of course, no one really knows what the future will bring and that is true for Social Security as well. That’s the world we live in now, many a private pension funds have also gone under over the years, in fact most private pension funds have converted to individual accounts and defined benefits are on the way out.,,, I wouldn’t mind if they converted it to my own plan and funds,.
I am neither delusional or egotistical about my future plans and my pensions, Things could change in the future and no one is ever guaranteed anything. Private employees do make more money and get more overall in most professional, degreed, and certified positions. Attorneys, accountants, planners, computer science, math, engineering, private safety and any others that require specific skill sets. In some other positions such as clerical, maintenance, and support positions do pay more when considering nice retirement, leave and health care. When looking at national statistics sometimes don’t really quantify the specific skill set needed to keep some govt jobs as if those are easily replaceable in the private market which just isn’t so.
Ed Hopkins is probably one of the most well liked and well respected men to ever live or work in Harford County. The people of the county and the sheriff’s office are lucky to have him in every capacity he serves in. The question you should be asking yourself about this appointment is how long will he serve in this position. Long enough to get Bane through the election? A few months beyond that? There is no doubt that Eddie Hopkins’ popularity will carry votes in this election and Bane is too good of a politician to have overlooked that when he was considering filling the position. The other questions you should be asking yourself are: What recourse will any of us have when Hopkins decides to move on and the position is filled by one of Bane’s cronies after the election? How much can Ed Hopkins do that Colonel Carlevaro didn’t do to fix all of the problems within the agency if everyone else remains the same? What is the reasoning behind taking 3 years to fill a Warden position and less than 3 months to fill Chief Deputy? I ask these questions for the people at the detention center and beg the citizens of this county to take them seriously. The staff at the jail are in desperate need of change, starting with the removal of the major, who has etched in stone a legacy of being an ineffective leader and incompetent decision maker. The people at the jail need the people of this county to be excited for the time that we have Ed Hopkins but not lose sight of the bigger picture.
Several others have commented that while Hopkins is a nice person he will not make any difference in how Bane runs the Sheriff’s Office. Hopkins will not be able to change anything as long as Bane is the Sheriff.
We need a new Sheriff. Who is numbers two is of no consequence if number one doesn’t change.
I truly think Jesse is setting up someone to take over when he steps down after the election should he win. My opinion.
DFC Eaton- what happened to keeping politics out of this? You just couldn’t resist could you? Why do you feel that “he(Jesse)is setting someone up to take over when he steps down after the election”? You make blanket statements without any explanation. This is just another example of a radical remark.
That is not political that is my opinion. Nothing bad said about Jesse. Lets just say I have some inside information and lets see if I am right.
Filing a position with a retired Deputy is a good thing. Bane is not the first Sheriff to do this. It would be better if that person doing that job returned to the road though. As for five background investigators, they used to pull us off the road to do this process and at times it was more then five to get the job done. Maybe the Department should explain the process involved in doing back ground checks for hiring people for this job to the public.
You spend all this money on training people to teach in the Academy and a lot of other jobs that can be done by a civilian. I was very fortunate to be able to attend a great deal of training while employed with the Sheriff’s Office. I was offered a job when I retired and I turned it down because I had other things to do. I don’t agree with creating a job to reward someone but when a well trained Deputy retires you loose a good asset to the department and the County. So I would not look at it as getting “another retirement”, but as keeping an asset you have a great deal of money invested in.
Disclaimer: This comment is in no way an endorsement of any political candidate or political party. This is the opinion of Marc A Eaton.
Frankly,
Well, I stand completely on my assessment as I am sure you do on yours.
All those high paying jobs you believe are out there are not out there – and those that are don’t pay what you think.
As for pensions, Maryland is a house of cards held up by government money. Over half the state’s income comes from the government. As soon as the fed money begins to dry up Maryland is in real trouble.
I hope your retirement works out. But, if you are retiring in your 50s, I think you are in real trouble. I called you egotistical because you were bragging about your situation when others are hurting – about half the unemployed have given up looking for work. Most people, around 80%, will retire in poverty. To me, that makes your post a bit unseemly. As far as delusional, I simply think your belief that Maryland is safe… is, well, foolish.
I don’t live in a bubble and actually do know how much my private colleagues make in private practice. Have you ever heard of engineers, attorneys or high skill professionals making hundred’s of thousands and getting big time bonuses? I think not. I submit that your view of the economy and your sense that the world is coming to an end is quite exaggerated.
Frankly,
Hearing a government employee talk about how they could make more in the private sector is like hearing that they all have a lawyer friend downtown. Oh, just to quickly dispense with those who work for the fed, the CBO states that government employees make 16% more than their counterparts in the private sector – and that was 2012, so it is about 20% by now (lest we forget that 800k dropped out of the job market in April alone). In reality, government employees are the middle class.
But let us briefly look a little closer: If government employees can get a better job in the private sector then two things must be guaranteed. First, that there is actually a job available, and second that the government employee is the best person for the job. Okay, if you can jump from government to being a lobbyist, then sure. You can help loot more money – but few of those jobs exist. Next, if you can leave government and go to work for a government contractor and help secure more public money, then sure again you could get a job – but, those jobs are also limited.
So, if you do a search for high paid private sector jobs they all want almost ten years experience in the field. That’s in the actual high pressure private sector field, not government bureaucratic experience. And, those jobs do not offer pensions or Cadillac medical plans. All this means that a government employee has a better working environment and better compensation – all the while not really being qualified to work outside the bureaucratic bubble.
The constant cry about public service and taking less money for it is a sham. It is a form of denial that eases the pain of realizing that everybody else is busting their rear to prop up a government employee’s better standard of living.
Tell them to pay u more cause u deserve it.