RAMAPO, New York -
A New York police officer injured on the job had to take his case to the state supreme court in order to attend his own wedding.
On Friday, Officer Modestino Giusto Jr. learned he will be allowed to attend the ceremony and the entire reception this coming Saturday, but then must head home, according to the Westchester, NY Journal News.
In June 2011, the 33-year-old officer was injured when his department conducted training with Tasers. He's been out on disability ever since.
But according to Ramapo police departmental orders, Giusto must be at home during his shift -- and that's scheduled for 4 p.m. to midnight on Saturday. His wedding reception is scheduled to last until 5 p.m.
Officers on line-of-duty disability get paid tax-free, including all raises and benefits, but cannot take time off or switch shifts, Giusto's attorney said.
The officer was hoping the city would make an exception for his wedding day. The city, at first, said no, Giusto would have to leave the reception in time to be home at 4 p.m.
"This is the singularly most obnoxious, arbitrary and vicious police administrative directive I've ever seen in my career," attorney Rey Mauro told the newspaper.
During mediation between the city and Giusto's lawyers in front of a state supreme court judge, the two sides settled on a compromise: Giusto may stay for the entire wedding and reception in Paterson, NJ, then go home after 5 p.m. for his shift.
