4:08 PM Wed, Mar 05, 2008 | Permalink
Kayla Gagnet
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Mark Boone
WCNC Reporter |
I met Officer Kayvan Hazrati and his wife, Heidi, for the first time Tuesday afternoon.
It was an eye-opening interview for a reporter who thought he knew most of the injured officer's story.
The truth, of course, is no one can fully understand what the Hazratis have faced since April 5, 2006.
The officer was part of an elite squad, the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team. He was standing outside the home of a suspect when a bullet came through the door and struck him in the crown of his head.
At age 39, Hazrati has filed for medical retirement from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. He suffers from constant headaches and short-term memory loss. His doctors say his disabilities will prevent him from carrying a gun.
The man convicted of attempting to kill Hazrati was sentenced to at least 66 years in prison.
Heidi introduced herself to the gunman's parents at his trial. She said she wanted to reach out because she knew they were hurting too.
I've covered my fair share of trials. It's rare to see that kind of compassion from a woman who nearly lost her husband to a crime.
The Hazratis said bureaucratic red tape has been the most frustrating challenge they've faced since the shooting. Even after the officer literally put his life on the line to protect Charlotte, prescriptions and treatment have been denied by the city's benefits administrator, the couple says.
They're paying for couples counseling on their own. They said the city's benefits won't cover therapy for Heidi, despite the trauma and stress she has experienced from the attempted murder of her husband.
Kim McMillan, director of corporate communications for the city of Charlotte, said she can't discuss the specifics of the Hazratis' benefits because of privacy laws.
She said an injured officer's care is normally administered through the city's workman's compensation program.
Those benefits are dictated by state law, not the city, McMillan said.
Doctors and therapists have learned of the Hazratis' struggle. Doctor Philip Bugaiski offered his vision therapy free of charge. Message therapist Crystal Cliff, a former Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer, is also doing pro-bono work. A chiropractor, who does not want to be named, is also donating his services.
Other injured officers have contacted the couple. They've shared similar stories of benefits denied and the financial strain of families who feel betrayed by the city they had served.
That's why the Hazratis are launching a new non-profit organization. You can find its Web site here: www.aprilfive.org
The group is in its infancy. They need donations, but they also need help. Heidi says she's hoping to hear from anyone willing to donate their time or their services for disabled officers and their families.
The organization is building a network of people with medical expertise, experience in filing insurance and disability claims and people willing to run errands or do yard work.
Officer Hazrati said he's not sure where life will take him next. The 12-year police veteran says it is difficult being around other officers, knowing he can no longer do the job he loved. He said he plans to do more volunteer work with his church.
He also wants to use his experience to push for change in the justice system.
He said worries about another upcoming trial and its impact on two wives who lost their police officer husbands.
Officers Jeff Shelton and Sean Clark were killed in a shooting almost a year to the day after Hazarti was critically wounded.
The trial of their accused gunman, Hazrati said, will certainly open old wounds for the widows.
If he's convicted, the wives will still be confronted with the tragedy each time the killer asks for parole or files an appeal.
Hazrati said he's not sure who can change the justice system, but he doesn't want anyone else to encounter the pain that he's experienced over the last two years.
He doesn't want anyone to fully understand his story.
The worker's compensation laws need to be drastically changed. We can relate to this officer and what he is going through. It is not only in NC but SC as well and not only police officers are being treated unfairly. My husband was injured in a fall on the job and has had two surgeries to repair two discs in his cervical spine. We recently found out he may be forced to retire as part of his settlement option. He has worked in his field for 10+ years with consistantly superb evaluations. What recourse does a hard working, loyal employee have when companies or organizations are not held responsible for the people who have given them their all?