Injuries may end top cop's career

The injuries Cary Police Chief Ron Delelio suffered when he fell down a flight of stairs at the police department may end his career, his attorney said Tuesday.

And depending on what his doctor says, Delelio may apply for a line-of-duty disability pension that he'd collect for the rest of his life, said Barry Ketter, who is representing the police chief in his workers' compensation claim.

Delelio, 46, was knocked unconscious and hurt his neck, back, right shoulder, left ankle, right hand and his spine, when he fell down a set of police department stairs in January, Ketter said.

The chief of nearly eight years had fallen down the same stairs three years ago, Ketter said.

Delelio now is awaiting a surgery and a second opinion on whether he'll require plates and a small rod to stabilize the vertebrae in his neck, Ketter said.

As a sworn officer, even the police chief is required to make arrests if the need arises, Ketter said.

But Ketter's "gut reaction" is that the injuries mark the end of Delelio's law enforcement career mostly because they'll prevent him from carrying out that basic responsibility.

"On the basis of these injuries … I foresee that he won't be returning to active police duties," Ketter said. "Once he has this in his neck, he can't get into an altercation."

Cary Mayor Steve Lamal declined to address Ketter's statements about the severity of Delelio's injuries.

"I have no comment on his comments," Lamal said.

Delelio has been out of work since mid-February and filed for workers' compensation in March to ensure he gets paid for the time he's out of work.

With a recent 3.5 percent pay increase that kicked in May 1 for all village employees, the chief now makes $2,173.50 a week.

The chief is asking that the village's insurance pick up his medical expenses and two-thirds of his salary while he recovers.

Ketter also is representing Delelio while the chief attempts to collect his regular salary, accrue pension time, and keep his existing personal, sick and vacation days intact for the next 52 weeks.

Finally, if doctors show that the chief's injuries prevent him from returning to his job, "we would file for a disability pension," Ketter said.

That would allow Delelio to retire on disability and collect 65 percent of his salary for the rest of his life, Ketter said.

He could begin drawing on a disability pension once it's granted, regardless of his age or years of service in the village.

To collect a regular pension, you need to be 50 years old and have worked in the village for 20 years, Ketter said.

Delelio, 46, reaches his 18th anniversary in July.

Lamal confirms that the village last week reappointed Delelio to continue on as police chief.

Deputy Chief Ed Fetzer is overseeing the department in Delelio's absence.