Hendricks to Make Pension Appeal

By Brenna Angel

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Fire Chief Bob Hendricks will get a chance to explain why he deserves a disability pension.

The Police and Fire Pension Board denied his request for an occupational disability at its October meeting after receiving reports from three doctors. A date was set Wednesday for Hendricks to appeal that ruling on December 14th.

"He is able to bring his information in, any extra that we were not privy to, he can bring witnesses in," said board member Tommy Puckett.

Puckett says Hendricks could ultimately take his appeal to Fayette Circuit Court.

Hendricks' attorney Mark Wohlander called the injury psychological in nature, although details have remained private. Wohlander, who has worked for the same law firm also used by the pension board, will not represent Hendricks at the December hearing to avoid a conflict of interest.

The chief has been on leave from the Division of Fire since March. Mayor Jim Gray asked him to step down from the post and Hendricks refused.