The head of the union representing NYPD lieutenants defended the disability pension system Sunday — a day after the Daily News highlighted another questionable case of a “disabled” retired cop.
Lou Turco, the president of the Lieutenants Benevolent Association who also sits on the Police Pension Fund board, said each application for a tax-free disability pension is closely scrutinized.
“It’s a process, not a rubber stamp. It’s looked (at) very seriously,” Turco said.
He noted that the series of cases highlighted by The News only represented a tiny percentage of the total number of disability recipients.
“Of course you don’t want someone getting what they don’t deserve — but it’s a pretty good ratio,” Turco said.
On Sunday, The News exclusively reported on retired Internal Affairs Lt. John Bruzzese, who received a disability pension in 2008 due to a back injury. Photos showed Bruzzese riding roller coasters in 2015.
Turco said he was unfamiliar with Bruzzese.
