Friday, July 19, 2013

Sacramento County Breaks Promise to Disabled Deputy Sheriff

Eric Henrikson is the lone survivor of a fatal sheriff's helicopter crash that killed two deputies eight years ago. According to former Sacramento Sheriff Lou Blanas, the day of the crash "was one of the worst days in my life and one of the worst days in the history of the Sheriff's Department."  At the time, the County promised to cover Henrikson for life.

Now, Sacramento County has cut off his disability and medical payments, according to Sacramento's ABC news affiliate, News 10.  According to Dep. Henrikson's attorney, David P. Mastagni, the County cut him off with no notice and "what the County is doing to this former deputy is not reflective of what the citizens of Sacramento County want for the deputy."

The News 10 reporters stated the County sued the helicopter manufacturer, Turbomeca, settling for $1.5 million and recently learned Henrikson allegedly settled his claims against Turbomeca for $26 million, noting "maybe he just had a better lawyer."  The reporters condemned the County for cutting off Dep. Henrikson, noting "a deal is a deal and its right here in black and white."