Pension board approves Class 1 (on-duty) disability status for police officer

The St John Town Pension Board voted to classify a police officer’s condition as a Class 1 impairment — an on-duty disability — after reviewing three fitness-for-duty evaluations that said the officer “cannot currently perform his essential job duties,” the board chair said.

The decision came during a hearing the board convened after receiving a written request from the officer seeking disability eligibility under the board’s '77 pension rules. The chair told the board that all three fitness evaluations reached the same conclusion and stated his view that the impairment resulted from an on-duty incident in January, which would place the case in Class 1 under the handbook.

Board members asked whether the police department could provide any workplace accommodations that would allow the officer to continue working. A department representative identified in the meeting as Steve said there were no accommodations available. With no further questions, a motion to classify the officer as Class 1 was made, seconded and approved; members present responded “Aye” and no opposition was recorded in the transcript.

After the vote, the chair directed the department representative to provide a written letter — similar to one previously prepared for another employee — documenting that no accommodations are possible, and to compile and submit any outstanding documents the board needs to finalize its file. The chair also noted there are additional follow-up tasks the officer must complete with the department.

The board completed the day’s business and adjourned.

Note on names and transcription: the officer is identified in the record with two spellings — "Christopher Wyden" and later "Christopher Whiting." The transcript also refers to the "Saint John Police Department." This draft preserves the ambiguity in the record; the department or board minutes should be consulted for the official spelling and personnel details.