Stricken PA firefighter denied comp claim) | ) | ) | ||
Assistant Fire Chief William Saxe responded to a 2 a.m. fire at Fiorelli Plaza in Peckville on March 31, where he had a heart attack that left him in critical condition at Community Medical Center. He is now back home, but declined to comment, citing legal matters involving his case.
Blakely officials confirmed Mr. Saxe filed for workers' compensation through the borough, but the borough's insurance carrier, the State Workers' Insurance Fund, denied Mr. Saxe's claim.
The insurance fund is managed by a state board made up of Sandi Vito, secretary of the Department of Labor and Industry; Joel Ario, the insurance commissioner; and state Treasurer Robin Wiessmann. Officials with the State Workers' Insurance Fund declined to comment on the claim.
Borough Council President Robert Munley discussed the issue recently, concerned about the misconception that council had some say in the matter.
"The Borough Council is excluded from the workers' comp process. Just like a typical insurance policy, we pay a premium to the insurance company for coverage," he said. "Council has no input on the determination or award of benefits. The insurance provider makes this determination."
He couldn't say why the carrier denied the claim.
Firefighter John Chichilla said he was astounded when he heard the news.
"I don't know the details, but it seems to me like he should have been and should still be compensated," Mr. Chichilla said. "He wasn't looking for a golden goose. Just to recover what I think is rightfully his.
