DiTucci: DeNapoli's Sacrifice 'Not Taken Lightly'

Editor's Note: The following information was written by Ward 1 Alderman Rosa DiTucci, laying out the reasons why she voted for the recently approved pension plan for Officer Robert DeNapoli.

Officer DeNapoli was seriously injured when he engaged a gunman at the Four Corners (my ward) during a jewelry store burglary. Through his actions, he detained the gunman long enough so that backup could arrive. Although the criminal was chased into the neighborhood, the potential loss of life was mitigated significantly because DeNapoli's heroic efforts kept the gunman in that parking lot long enough to allow the responding officer to chase and capture him. 

I've had an opportunity to talk to Officer DeNapoli and I think people really don't know the full extent of his injuries or the sheer horror of the events. He doesn't want anyone to feel sorry for him and he really is uncomfortable with the attention. The stark reality is that he was shot and blinded in one eye and a bullet crushed the orbit of his other eye. They had to pull eighteen pieces of shrapnel from the retina of the eye that still has some vision left. He also had the top portion of his trigger finger shot off, not to mention the numerous gunshot wounds to his legs. Even after multiple surgeries and continuing therapy, he could never pass the police physical exam in order to allow him to work as an officer. 

When I evaluated the compensation package, I based it on the assumption that his earning power is significantly decreased or nonexistent. So even though he would be allowed to earn additional money, it is unlikely that he will be able to do so. As a police officer, a large percentage of take home pay is overtime and details. His package was based on his base pay and did not include those other sources of income. So, even at a 100% payment, he will still make significantly less than his wages prior to the shooting. 

The difference between 85% of his pay and 100% is not a lot considering what he has gone through and what he is likely to face in the future. To me, he is a true hometown hero, as are all the members of the police and fire departments. I want to send a message that their willingness to put themselves between the public and danger is not something that I take lightly.

When one of our own is hurt, we need to come together as a community to show our support and not abandon them when they need us. What kind of message does this haggling send to our public safety personnel? How do we measure heroism and what kind of a monetary value do we put on the changes to Officer DeNapoli''s life? The criminals that did this will be out of jail and their time will be served. Officer DeNapoli has no end to the sentence they imposed on him. He will never be the same as he was before that day.

That is why I fully supported giving Officer DeNapoli 100% of his pay.