Former Denver fire chief Larry Trujillo is returning to a public-sector job three years after retiring with a disability pension.
In July 2007, Trujillo, then 47, took an early, tax-free pension due to trouble with an on-the-job back injury that he said had progressively worsened. The pension provides 40 percent of the salary the city paid him as fire chief.
Gov. Bill Ritter has tapped Trujillo as Colorado’s new director of homeland security. Trujillo is replacing Mason Whitney, who retires Aug. 31.
Trujillo will be paid $120,000 annually in the new state post, but he likely will only keep the job through the end of this year. In January, the incoming governor likely would make his own appointment.
Trujillo would have to remain employed with the state for five years to receive a state pension.
Although Trujillo said his back problems prevent him from ever working in firefighting again, he is “feeling pretty strong and healthy” and is able to return to work at the state post.
“This is definitely me wanting to help,” Trujillo said.
Christopher N. Osher, The Denver Post
