Chuck Perry served the Ketchikan Police Department for 20 years, and upon retirement, he considered himself fortunate to be a member of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) Tier I. Whenever the topic of retirement came up, Chuck would say, “There’s only one requirement for my next job—no matter the clientele, the people have to be glad to see me.”

Three years before retiring from law enforcement, Chuck took on a part-time role as a commercial seaplane pilot for a local air taxi— small planes used for short, regional flights in areas not serviced by commercial airlines. Upon his retirement in 2000, he transitioned to flying full-time.

“The PERS pension allowed me to work whenever I wanted,” Chuck explained. “With little regard for the wages offered.” After the events of September 11, 2001, Chuck found himself in Seattle, Washington, where he stayed for the winter. By the spring of 2002, he had joined Kenmore Air Seaplanes as a line pilot. Two years later, he was promoted to Assistant Chief Pilot, and in 2014, he became the Chief Pilot.

Living and flying in the Pacific Northwest has been a dream come true for Chuck, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. The pension has allowed him to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, even in a high-cost region like Seattle. As he nears the end of his flying career, Chuck reflects with gratitude, saying, “I’m thankful for PERS every day.”

If you would like to learn more about how your State of Alaska retirement can allow you to enjoy a comfortable retirement, please contact the Division toll-free at (800) 821-2251 or at (907) 465-4460 in Juneau.

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