N.J. cop's gun range stapler accident and its $2 million fallout

[LynneSin]

N.J. cop's gun range stapler accident and its $2 million fallout


One staple may cost New Jersey taxpayers more than $2 million.

Christopher Onesti, who now lives in Drexel Hill, Pa., collects a police disability pension for life because he stapled the ring finger of his non-shooting hand. State authorities ruled he is “totally and permanently disabled” — no longer able to handle a gun or perform duties as a New Jersey Transit cop.

Yet as a retiree, Onesti now visits firing ranges to shoot a high-powered rifle for fun between trips to the bank to cash nearly $46,000 a year in tax-free pension checks.

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Onesti was taking a required firearms test at the range when wind blew his target down. The New Jersey Transit police officer tried to reattach it with a staple gun.Instead, Onesti mishandled the tool, piercing the base of his left ring finger with a staple. The wound was the size of a pinprick, according to his testimony. After applying a Band Aid, he successfully completed the qualifying test.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/NJs_2_million_stapler_accident.html#7b5T05wPwtmKISXD.99

[Trekologer]

1. The disability pension system is sometimes used to rid departments of "problem" employees

Preface this to say I have no knowledge of this particular situation

There have been cases in NJ where the management will nudge problem officers into permanent disability instead of dealing with disciplinary actions, such as this case: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/NJ_repossesses_TV_repo_mans_police_disability_pension.html