When it comes to state cuts to Atlantic City's police, it appears those injured in the line of duty will be hit the hardest.
The five-page list of changes to the police contract sent out by state overseer Jeffrey Chiesa on Tuesday includes a 30 percent decrease for Workers Compensation.
That means officers like Josh Vadell, who was shot in the head by an armed robbery suspect Sept. 3, will receive only 70 percent of their pay. A pay that already is being cut as part of Chiesa's
cost-saving measures that went into effect Wednesday.
Vadell's wife, Laura, has been unable to work since her husband was shot as she tends to him and their three daughters, the youngest who was born just about two weeks after the shooting.
PBA President Matt Rogers said pay cuts per officer range from 6 percent to as much as 25 to 30 percent, when figuring in the loss of longevity pay and education incentives.
But for those out for injuries sustained on the job, the cuts are even deeper.
"That's honestly one of the sticking points we had with the state," Rogers said of previous negotiations.
"How low and heartless can you actually be?" Laura Vadell asked. "Sad for the message it sends to all law enforcement who continue to put their own lives on the line for others. Sad for the officers' spouses and children whom this will also have an impact on."
"There's not that many officers who come out on full duty," Rogers said, noting that most injured officers can still do light duty, such as paperwork. Vadell, however, is out as he continues to undergo intense physical therapy.
"They're furious as all of us are," Rogers said of Vadell's family.
Adding to the frustration is the potential for about two dozen layoffs as the state is calling for 250 officers for the city. Currently, there are about 274 officers, the lowest since the casino era. Even pre-casino numbers didn't fall below about 280, Rogers said.
It's not yet clear how the state expects to get to that number, but Rogers said it's looking less like a previously expected buyout offer for those nearing retirement and instead could mean those newest to the force could lose their jobs.
That could include Vadell's partner, Thomas McCabe, who has been hailed for his quick action the night of the shooting. McCabe shot back at the shooter, killing the suspect. A grand jury found his actions warranted.
"That two hero cops being affected by political reasons," Rogers said.
