West Amwell Patrolman Anthony Goccia has the OK to lend some of his unused time to injured Officer John Ennis.
By: Concetta Benuzzi Volpe
WEST AMWELL A township police officer was given the green light to temporarily share his accumulated sick leave with an injured fellow officer.
The Township Committee gave the OK for Patrolman Anthony Goccia to share some of his unused sick time with Officer John Ennis. Mr. Ennis, a 12-year veteran of the department, was injured while off duty Nov. 17. His injury required knee surgery, and physical therapy has prolonged his recuperation period, prohibiting him from returning to work.
Recently, the entire force agreed to sign a waiver drafted by township attorney Philip Faherty, who determined the random act of kindness was legally plausible and in no way a violation of terms under the current contract. Since the contract covers all officers, each one was required to sign the waiver, allowing the two officers to share sick time.
According to newly elected mayor, Peter Buchsbaum, the ordinance approved Dec. 30 was sanctioned in what he termed a one-time request.
"It’s a kind and generous way to help someone with a legitimate problem without taxing the public," Mayor Buchsbaum said.
Lt. Steve Bartzak told the Township Committee that Officer Ennis had exhausted his allotment of sick, personal and vacation days as of Dec. 2 and no longer was entitled to receive a salary while on extended leave. Upon learning of Officer Ennis’ plight, Officer Goccia approached both the commander and fellow officer to offer assistance.
According to Officer Goccia, he had accumulated 157 sick days during his tenure with the department and proposed lending them to his comrade.
A discussion ensued prompting Lt. Bartzak to submit a memo to the committee in December, outlining Officer Goccia’s proposal.
After reviewing the memo, the committee authorized the township attorney to research the legitimacy of the proposal.
Then-Mayor Nance Palladino said, "It’s very good for the officers’ morale to enable then to help each other out."
Finding nothing prohibitive in the township’s bargaining agreement with the police force to prevent implementation of the proposal, Mr. Faherty drafted a waiver that was ultimately endorsed by the entire force.
The waiver stipulated Mr. Goccia’s agreement to lend Mr. Ennis sick time enabling Mr. Ennis to receive his salary while on extended leave.
The waiver further stated Mr. Ennis will return the sick days when able and in accordance with a schedule to be established by Lt. Bartzak and the committee.
Mayor Buchsbaum said this week that the township would not be liable for Mr. Goccia’s lost sick days if Mr. Ennis was unable to repay them.
Repeated phone calls to Officer Ennis, who still is recuperating, and Officer Goccia were not returned.
Lt. Bartzak, too, could not be reached for comment regarding the established repayment schedule.

