FAMS Is Sick
WaTimes – Even as the Federal Air Marshal Service takes a step forward it takes two steps back-
The size of the federal air marshal force has been cut in half by on-the-job injuries that have sidelined nearly 2,100 marshals…
The Service is plagued by Marshals who-
develop illnesses related to their heavy flying schedules such as barotrauma, decompression sickness that causes ruptured eardrums and sinus conditions often requiring surgery.
Their plight is compounded by bureauratic inefficiency –
Policies to prevent such injuries or to determine sick leave and light duty for injured marshals are being held up by fights over wording and punctuation, said one air marshal. Others say they were fired for their disability then denied workers’ compensation.
All while the workers comp section hemorrages money –
Last year’s Air Marshals Service budget for workers’ compensation was $3 million and went $3 million over budget. This year’s budget is $6 million, but $7 million has already been spent.
With some very ugly stories to show for it –
Jimmie Bacco was undergoing brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic to stop cerebral spinal fluid from leaking out of his ear when he was fired because he could no longer perform his duty. His disability claim has been denied, and he owes the clinic $80,000.
-Shlok
Sign up for my newsletter.