Officer Shot in the Head Fights for Worker's Compensation

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Maj. John Waldenville, formerly of the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office says he never received the worker's compensation promised to him by Sheriff John Whetsel.

"First thing I told my wife, I said, I just feel like I've literally, been thrown to the curb," said Maj. Waldenville.

Maj. Waldenville was shot in the head May 21, 2011 at Cattleman's in the Oklahoma City Stockyard, where he worked as a security officer.

"Taking the bullet was the easy part," he said.

Maj. Waldenville's wife, Marjorie Waldenville showed Fox-25 text messages from Sheriff Whetsel, ensuring that Maj. Waldenville would receive pay and benefits during his time out recovering from brain injuries.  Whetsel indicated in a message, sent June 15, 2011 all of Maj. Waldevilles medical bills would be paid by worker's compensation. 

"I don't know how a friend treats a friend this way," said Maj. Waldenville.

The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office said in a statement:

"Issues of workers compensation, disability, and health care are handled by the Oklahoma County Human Resources Department, not the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office."

Marjorie Waldenville says when she tried to discuss issues with worker's compensation with Sheriff Whetsel, he never referred her to the county human resources department.  She said Whetsel emphasized all issues she had with worker's compensation must go through him. 

Marjorie says the only worker's compensation her husband receives is $161.00 a week through Cattleman's, which is not enough for their family to cover his medical bills.

"I just want him to finally be able to relax," she said, "and know that everything is going to be okay."

The Waldenville Family also received tremendous support from the community through fundraisers, but Marjorie says when she received a list of all the donations, not all contributors were included, which raises some concerns for Marjorie.

"It seems like there's a lot that might not be accounted for," she said.

The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office said in a statement:

"The Oklahoma County Fraternal Order of Police handled the fundraising efforts... The funds were deposited in a separate account and every penny raised was given to an attorney representing the Waldenville family on October 6, 2011."

Although they have many concerns about worker's compensation and fundraising, the Waldenvilles say their fight is not about money.

"I don't want to see any other officer, law enforcement officer, doesn't make any difference, the sheriff's office, the state, or anybody else to go through, what I've gone through here," said Maj. Waldenville.  Officer Shot in the Head Fights for Worker's Compensation

Posted: Sunday, October 21 2012, 10:23 PM CDT