Chickasha Officer Injured In The Line Of Duty Fights For Better Pension

In September 2017, Officer Matt Schoolfield was shot in the line of duty. He and a team of others found themselves in a standoff with Alex Klingler in Chickasha. Schoolfield took two bullets in the arm and one in the ear. Last Match, Klingler was sentence

Thursday, February 13th 2020, 4:57 pm

By: Bonnie Campo

Chickasha Officer Injured In The Line Of Duty Fights For Better Pension

In September 2017, Officer Matt Schoolfield was shot in the line of duty. He and a team of others found themselves in a standoff with Alex Klingler in Chickasha.

Schoolfield took two bullets in the arm and one in the ear.

Last March, Klingler was sentenced to 10 life sentences.

Meanwhile, Schoolfield’s life came to a standstill.

He was able to return to light duty back in 2018, but once again found himself at home.

Schoolfield said he has limited function in his right hand.

“Sometimes, I feel like a burden to my family,” he said. “I never really gave up on the dream to be a police officer, but two years and you start realizing I have a lot of limitations still. I have very little use of my right hand.”

The future is unclear. He is still waiting for his disability rating, and word about his medical retirement.

He was recently was offered a civilian job in the evidence room, but the compensation is different, and he has other concerns.

Schoolfield and his family struggle to make ends meet, and it's taking a toll.

They saw similar issues in other states and have worked with advocates to create legislation.

“You're just tired of seeing him hurt. You're tired of seeing him go through all the pain,” said Johnna Schoolfield, Matt’s wife.

They blame the city, state and others who promised they would help, but never stepped up. But with the help of their state lawmaker Representative David Perryman and House Bill 3330, the Schoolfield’s hope this will never happen to any law enforcement officer ever again.

“They shouldn't have to worry about how they're going to take care of their family,” said Matt.

“I vow that nobody, no other person will have to go through this, if this passes. No other person will have to be put on the back burner like we were,” said Johnna.

The bill would change the disability percentage for officers disabled by a violent act while on duty to 100 percent. They hope if it becomes law it will be applied retroactively, and immediately.

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