EATONVILLE, Fla. — An Eatonville police officer declared a hero after pulling victims to safety during the Pulse massacre in 2016 is losing his job six months before his pension would have vested.
Eatonville Mayor Eddie Cole announced Thursday that while Cpl. Omar Delgado is still losing his job, he will receive his pension, despite being six months shy of 10 years with the police force.
The Eatonville Town Council also voted Tuesday night to pay some of Delgado's accrued sick time before he is dismissed from the police force on Dec. 31.
Photos: Victims of Pulse nightclub shooting
Delgado told Channel 9 that he has been on light duty since the Pulse attack due to post-traumatic stress disorder.
The department has since deemed him unfit for duty and Delgado's last day on the force will be Dec. 31.
Read: 9 Investigates: Pulse hero let go from Eatonville Police Department
Angel Colon, who Delgado pulled out of the Pulse nightclub as the attack continued, spoke out after learning the officer was being let go.
Colon was shot six times during the June 12, 2016, Pulse attack and said that Delgado saved his life.
"He was my hero," Colon said. "He saved my life, and for them to just do what they're doing in front of my face, it's a slap to my face as well."
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Colon attended the Eatonville Town Council meeting Tuesday night to decry the city's decision to let Delgado go.
"God sent him and he was my hero that night," Colon said. "Without him, who knows if I would have stayed inside that club and not made it out."
Colon would like to see the city stand behind Delgado and get him the help he needs, instead of dismissing him from the force.
"To be at work with PTSD, it's something that's impossible, but at the same time, you can't just throw him out like that. He needs help," Colon said. "He was there. He did his job that night on June 12, so they should have his back 100 percent, totally, and be there for whatever he needs."
Cole's full statement on Delgado's pension benefits:
"Mayor Cole along with Eatonville joins with its regional community in ensuring protection for its community and its first responders. Following the recent actions surrounding Corporal Omar Delgado employment with the Eatonville Police Department, Mayor Cole will clarify that Officer Delgado will receive his full pension benefits according to existing policy options regardless of his less than ten years employment. An additional six months of employment will not change his retirement benefits. Mayor Cole and Town Council are committed to working with all the staff (family) during challenging times while protecting and serving the community in which they serve."
Cox Media Group
