This story is deeply personal, but one I feel must be share, especially in today’s current climate, where the criminal justice system is under scrutiny.  
         My husband was a police officer for 14 years. In January of 2020, my husband began experiencing the symptoms of  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He took leave under FMLA, and went in for treatment. In March of 2020, upon the advice of his doctors and medical professionals, he submitted his disability pension paperwork. In August of 2020, he was “ordered to return to work,” by the Chief of Police and the village, despite having already turned in his disability paperwork. He was never given a fit for duty assessment. Since many don’t know, “Fitness-for-Duty (FFD) exams are specialized medical evaluations used to determine if an employee can perform the essential functions of a job without risking injury to themselves or co-workers.” In essence, a police chief demanded an individual suffering from PTSD to return work, carrying a gun to protect the community. What could possible go wrong?
         The sad truth is that police chiefs and police departments have the power to do this to others. The laws pertaining to ordering fit for duty exams for officers are scarce, despite a million ways having someone suffering from a physical or mental illness could hurt any community. Estimates suggest that 35 percent or more of police officers develop PTSD throughout the course of their employment.
         After much deliberation and soul-searching, my husband did not return to work, and we decided to hire a lawyer. Despite having turned in his disability pension in March 2020, my husband’s case is still pending- meaning he has not been paid since January 2020. According to our lawyer, the average amount of time it takes for a police disability pension to resolve is four months, and we’re going on 14 months at the time I am writing this. For those who don’t know, police officers don’t pay into social security and need to disable out of the police force to receive any type of disability. Thankfully, I never stopped working and could afford to hire a lawyer and support my family. Needless to say, my husband disobeyed a direct order from his chief, and we continue to fight. We believe this was the best decision for his sake and the sake of the community he was dedicated to serving.
         My husband was a good cop. Over the years, we worked to raise tens of thousands of dollars for Toys for Tots. He treated people like they were human, never had a complaint filed against him and he held people’s hands when they needed it. On one occasion, he responded to a call from a suicidal suspect with a razor blade. He sat and talked to the person, and convinced him to get help. He held his hands while he escorted him to the ambulance. In response, his co-workers made fun of him, calling him a fag. Being ridiculed for saving a man’s life. Let that sink in. He was also harassed for using his sick time and vacation time to help care for a sick family member. During the process of compiling evidence for our case, we printed out countless documents. These documents lead me to learn of other civil rights violations occurring within the police department. I’ve called my legislators, only to have this fall on deaf ears. I’ve called civil rights attorneys, only to learn that I am NOT covered by whistleblower laws.
         Thus, this petition. I call on every state legislator in the state of Illinois to consider a call for change. To pass a law requiring any law enforcement officer taking FMLA for emotional reasons to be legally required to pass a fit for duty exam before returning to work. I call on every legislator in this state to change the whistleblower laws that would help us create a more accountable system.
         I’ve had lawyers advise me from talking to others and telling our story, that it would appear that I am only raising awareness for my own personal gain. But I do want change, I want the laws changed to create a more accountable and just system. Growing up, my parents taught me to fight for what’s right- unfortunately, they never told me how difficult it would be. Still, I will continue to fight this, whether it resolves in the human right commission or in court. I also will continue to fight for changes to these ridiculous laws that give way too much power to one person, a person, making decisions for the community, who can produce way more harm than good.
         As a wife, mother, and member of this community, I think this is one of the most important things we, as a society, need to achieve.
Thank you for your time,
Valery