Stress claim denied for cop who shot chimp

[RamboLiberal]

Source: USA Today

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (AP) — An officer who shot and killed a 200-pound chimpanzee last year after it mauled a woman has been denied an insurance claim for post-traumatic stress disorder because state law only applies to police shootings of people.

State Sen. Andrew McDonald introduced legislation Tuesday — the one-year anniversary of the attack — designed to help the officer get workers' compensation coverage. The bill would change the law to allow claims for mental or emotional impairment when officers are required to use deadly force on animals that attempt to injure them.

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Officer Frank Chiafari shot the chimpanzee after it tried to get into his patrol car, said police Capt. Richard Conklin. Travis knocked off a mirror, ripped open the door and reached in for Chiafari, said Joseph Kennedy, president of the Stamford Police Association.

"The animal is covered in blood, it's just raging out of control," Kennedy said. "Luckily, Frank was able to get his service weapon out from a seated position and shoot the animal."

The officer has suffered anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares and mood swings, Kennedy said, but Conklin said he is now back on duty.


Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-02-17-cop-chimpanzee-trauma-claims-denied_N.htm

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That scene had to be horrible. No wonder the cop is suffering from PTSD - I think they should pay him the claim.