City's Payment of Former Police Chief's WC Claim Raised as Campaign Issue

Monday, February 22, 2016 | 0

A workers' compensation claim filed by a police chief who was shot in the hand while teaching gun safety has emerged as in issue in the race for sheriff of Tarrant County, Texas, according to a report by the Star-Telegram newspaper.

Bill Waybourn, former police chief of Dalworthington Gardens, filed the claim in June 2013, after a gun accidently discharged a round into his right hand while he was teaching a class at the Tarrant County gun range. Waybourn told the newspaper that he recused himself from any decision-making about whether to file a workers' compensation claim, and other city officials decided that the accident had occurred in the scope of his employment, the Star-Telegram reported.

Waybourn had taught concealed handgun license classes since 1996. Dalworthington Gardens City Attorney Jim Jeffrey told the newspaper that there had been an understanding between the City Council and Waybourn that the chief could teach the classes as a community service.

The Star-Telegram reported that it and other media outlets received an anonymous letter that raised ethical questions about the workers' compensation claim. Waybourn told the newspaper that he believes the letter was sent by supporters of his opponent in the Tarrant County Sheriff's race, Dee Anderson.