A message from Officer Mike Lappe, Pension Board Trustee
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On July 21st I attended the Unit Representative meeting at the FOP Hall. During the course of business I cautioned members who have chosen to work Special Employment that, in the event that he or she suffered an event that rendered the officer disabled, the Pension Board could not provide a disability because no funds were taken out of the officer's Special Employment check to cover that day. However, having conferred with legal counsel, I was informed that a case some 30-years ago was in the court system demanding an officer's family be covered after he was killed in a traffic accident while working Special Employment. The police administration at the time refused to recognize and honor the officer's call for duty that day. The widow sued the Police Department to have his star placed into the Honor case, which, years later, was finally recognized as being on-duty.
Prior to the court drama that the City put the widow and family through, the Pension Board had immediately granted any and all benefits allowed by State Statute.
Therefore, should a future event happen to an officer, the facts and merits of each case rest on an "act of duty", just as if you were working in a district or unit during your regular tour of duty. The application process would remain the same.
I apologize for any misunderstanding or confusion I may have caused the members. If you have any questions please contact me at the Pension Fund, 312-744-3891.
Thank you,
Officer Mike Lappe
Pension Board Trustee