Even though investigations into the police’s response during the February 14thshooting remain ongoing, Peterson will still be eligible to receive pension.
Peterson was one of the police officers called to duty during the fatal massacre that left 17 students and faculty dead. He was condemned for his lack of action and indecision once bullets had begun to fly through the hallways of Douglas High School. He was wearing a bullet proof vest, trained to act in this kinds of situations, and instead he stood safely outside of the building and pointed the gun at the building. Meanwhile, a coach was tragically murdered as he shielded a child from a gunshot.
He has been called a coward, among many things, for his inability to inhibit his fear and confront the shooter, as was his job as a protector of the people. A parent of a victim included Peterson in a wrongful death lawsuit filed last month.
Peterson defended himself by stating that he heard gunshots outside of the building and was rightfully responding to those alleged shots. However, a recording of dispatch during that day reported that he had heard gunshots inside as well. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues to look into the disparities of his participation in the event. But since he had no charges or circumstances that would authorize the division to withhold pension benefits, he will continue to get his monthly check.
