Police Chief Gerry Whitman last year convinced a police panel to reinstate two vacation days and nearly 100 hours of sick pay by arguing that his heart problems that surfaced last year were related to duty stress.
Records show the Police Pension and Relief Board reinstated the time off in August.
Whitman, 52, confirmed on Wednesday that he had two stents put in an artery last year and had lost about 40 pounds, but declined to discuss the matter in detail.
Stents are used to improve blood flow to the heart.
He also confirmed that last week he told his commanders he was feeling fine and planned to continue working at the Denver Police Department for another eight years.
The Police Pension and Relief Board is made up of Al LaCabe, the city’s safety manager, who oversees the Police Department; and three police officers and a retired officer.
The ruling by the board on how to handle the chief’s time off is in keeping with past rulings extended to other officers who had heart conditions. The board is advised by a doctor and an assistant city attorney.
LaCabe said he had spoken with Whitman about his health and had no concerns about the chief’s ability to continue working.
“The chief can do his job and do his job well,” LaCabe said.
He added: “There’s been no conversation with him about him not wanting to stay.”
Christopher N. Osher: 303-954-1747 or cosher@denverpost.com
