PPOA Board Member
Security Officer, LASD
jaclounc@lasd.org
One of the most valuable benefits of PPOA membership is the team of trusted experts assembled to help guide this union and its members. They provide expertise on grievances, lawsuits, legislation, retirement and more. Recently, I was discussing 4850 time with one of those experts, a PPOA attorney with a firm that has helped thousands of law enforcement personnel over the years. The subject of 4850 time (injured-on-duty pay) is a touchy one for some of us, mainly because the California Legislature has made it available to some classifications but not to others. PPOA has made repeated attempts to secure 4850 time for security officers and security assistants over the years, but unfortunately, lawmakers pay little attention to issues affecting “security” personnel. By no means will this union stop trying to get 4850 time for us, but in the meantime, I want to shed light on a related benefit many of you may not be familiar with. Please read the information below, provided to me by our PPOA attorney:
“Those who are not eligible for Labor Code Section 4850 benefits are entitled to what is known as Temporary Total Disability (or TTD/State Rate). An injured worker is entitled to TTD when he/she is off work due to an industrial injury. So long as a doctor within the County’s MPN (medical provider network) takes the injured worker off work, he/she will receive two-thirds of their weekly paycheck not to exceed $1,251.38 per week (paid biweekly). Please note the date of injury will dictate the TTD max (2018: $1,215.27; 2017: $1,172.57). TTD extends for 104 weeks or until the doctor states the injured worker is ‘maximally medically improved’ (MMI) or ‘permanent and stationary’ (P&S), whichever occurs first. Keep in mind that MOU benefits will supersede TTD so the 70% pay for three months will kick in, but thereafter, TTD will be paid so long as the above conditions are met.”
If you would like further clarification, please let me know and I can put you in contact with our workers’ compensation attorney.
In my last article, I referenced the Valor Award earned by Security Officer Gerardo Fabian for his life-saving actions in 2016. Unfortunately, the awards ceremony scheduled for October 17 was canceled due to the sudden budget restrictions placed on the Department by the County Board of Supervisors. I hate the thought of politics preventing the proper acknowledgement of heroic actions by Department personnel, but that is the reality in which we live (and work). Regardless, I want to give one final shout-out to Officer Fabian for his poise and professionalism. Keep up the excellent work, sir.
Speaking of acknowledgement for our colleagues, Security Officer Francisco Fajardo was recently presented with a Lifesaving Award for coming to the aid of a choking victim in 2017. Officer Fajardo was at a restaurant when the manager informed him that a customer was choking. Thankfully, Officer Fajardo used his training and experience to perform the Heimlich maneuver and dislodge the steak that was trapped in the customer’s throat. You may recall that I referenced this incident in one of my articles last year, but it’s definitely worth mentioning again — especially since Officer Fajardo has now been publicly acknowledged by the Department. Congratulations, sir. And more importantly, thank you for your dedication.
Last but not least: an update on our quest for CCWs. While participating in a recent Labor Management Committee meeting, I was pleased to hear positive news from Assistant Sheriff Limon. She said PPOA’s mission to secure CCWs for LASD security officers and custody assistants is still moving in the right direction and she is hopeful this will be a reality soon.