Police Officer & Pacemaker

My husband is 35 and is a police officer. He had a heart doctor appointment today and he recommends getting a pacemaker. My husband is the sole provider for our family, I am a stay at home mom. He is so worried about the house, our lives, and his job because I could NEVER make the amount of money he is making now.

I don’t know the FOP rules regarding something like this (I have to research) but I was wondering if anyone went through a similar issue. 

The doctor said he would have NO restrictions after the procedure, normal work. He works on foot patrol and has no symptoms or anything of heart problems. 

I thought as long as he has no restrictions and can do his job, why would the police higher ups care? But I know they didn’t take care of him years ago with an incident so I am worried.

 

thanks for your help <3

3 Comments

Restrictions

by The real Patch - 2018-04-30 18:34:17

I'm not in law enforcement but would like to offer up some thoughts.

First I know we have some police officers who've been able to continue in their profession and others who weren't after implant. I expect it depends on the regulation of the department he's in.

I ran a company that had a policy against employment of individuals with pacemakers. At the time I knew little about pacemakers but had an employee who received one under emergency conditions. Same situation as you, breadwinner etc etc.

I wrote out a detailed letter outlining his job duties and the physical requirements as well as exposure to anything that might be an issue. I had his Cardiologist sign off that there was no issue with him performing those duties, not just a statement that he could go back to work with no restrictions. I presented the signed letter to the owner of the company and our policy was changed as a result. Ironic that I was forced to retire, not by the company by my doctors due to heart issues a couple years later and he's still at the company 11 years later.

Be proactive and do everything you can to ensure they comprehend there is no more risk than for other individuals. Reality is their primary concern is liability. Good luck and let us know how things pan out.

Devices

by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-05-02 21:19:56

Devices are implanted for lots of reasons.  Your husband's doctor knows his condition best.  You can also get a second opinion.  If your husband's health requires a pacer, then get it.  The job comes in second place.  

NJ Police Officer

by RoboCop - 2018-07-20 12:24:08

STEPHANIEB87,

 

I am a 30y/o male, NJ Police Officer.  I got a pacemaker put in during my first year as an officer in 2013.  My employer kept me on the job with no restrictions.  As long as your husband can perform all the duties listed in their contract/policies and procedures, he shouldn't have an issue.  I could understand if he had a defibrilator maybe, because the risk of passing out/having uncontrollable activations.  I am a SWAT operator now, so that just goes to show that he can definitely keep his job! Also, there should be support from the Americans With Disabilities Act if the department pushes back.  Let me know how he makes out, and message me for any other questions!

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