Charlotte Man Faces Financial Struggles After On-Duty Shooting
In the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina, a former police officer’s life took a dramatic turn after he was shot while on the job. Simon Chi, who previously worked as a sushi chef, made a career switch to law enforcement out of a desire to make a difference, but has found himself navigating through challenging financial waters following his injuries.
From Chef to Cop
Chi’s journey into law enforcement began when he was inspired by years of civil unrest and a need to support his community. “It was a big change for me,” he reflects, having joined the police department in 2020. Chi cherished his time as an officer, emphasizing, “There was a lot of good camaraderie, and obviously helping people out.” It was a path he believed would bring fulfillment.
Unexpected Turn of Events
However, just two years into his service, a fateful night changed everything. On June 28, 2022, Chi and his partner responded to a call about gunfire near a popular bar, the Blind Pig, located in the NoDa neighborhood. As they began to search the area, chaos erupted. “I just hear a gunshot and immediately felt pain in my left leg,” Chi recalls, his voice tinged with the gravity of that moment. He quickly realized he was shot. In a moment of survival instinct, Chi attempted to apply a tourniquet to himself as he sought cover.
“It was a scary experience. I got super lucky,” says Chi, reflecting on being rushed to the hospital. Meanwhile, his wife, Blakely Jones, received the unsettling knock on their door that no one hopes for—police officers bearing urgent news. “In that moment, I just thought he was gone,” Jones shares, conveying her deep-seated fears from that night. Thankfully, Chi survived with his life, but the aftermath brought challenges that no one could have expected.
The Road to Recovery
After a rapid recovery process, Chi was awarded a purple heart for his bravery. However, the injury left him with permanent nerve damage and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “He’s not the same person,” Jones admits. Though Chi retains his caring nature, the experience has undeniably left its mark on both him and his family. “It’s changed him,” she adds, bringing attention to the emotional toll on their household.
Financial Fallout
In addition to the physical and emotional burdens, Chi’s injury has led to significant financial struggles. Initially, he accepted a lower salary as a police officer compared to his previous chef’s income. Yet, the reality became even harsher once he was injured. In 2020, Chi earned approximately $42,600, which increased to around $52,500 in 2021. Unfortunately, after being injured in 2022, his earnings plummeted to just $41,500, and it continued to decline to $26,800 in 2023, with only $6,000 recorded for 2024 as he medically retired from the force.
“The financial impact has been awful,” Jones states simply, emphasizing the sacrifice their family has had to make. While she continues to run her own permanent makeup and esthetician business, they’ve nearly exhausted their savings trying to keep afloat. “I’ve almost had to close my business,” she confesses, highlighting the harsh realities of their situation.
Looking for Change
Chi is also navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation processes. While he cannot divulge specifics due to legality, the compensation structure has not eased their financial burden. City laws stipulate that injured officers are entitled to workers’ compensation, which typically covers medical expenses and provides two-thirds of their average weekly pay for lost wages. However, Chi’s struggle with PTSD has made attending necessary appointments increasingly challenging, as the costs have become prohibitive.
A Call for Support
Dan Redford, the president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police, voiced concerns that many injured officers experience similar difficulties. “It doesn’t make sense,” he argues, advocating for better policy adjustments to offer financial support for officers injured in the line of duty.
“It just needs to make sense,” Jones insists, calling for policy improvements, not just for their family but for all in similar positions. Chi, too, hopes to raise awareness about the struggles officers face after being injured while serving to protect the community.
Conclusion: Standing Together
As Chi embarks on the application process for the Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Program, he remains hopeful for changes that will support those like him. The couple’s situation highlights the pressing need for policy reform to ensure that no officer has to face the kind of financial turmoil that came after their injury.
In a spirit of resilience, Chi and Jones continue to advocate not just for themselves, but for others who have faced similar battles in a profession that demands so much. “Something needs to change,” they echo, emphasizing the necessity of community support for those who sacrifice their safety for the wellbeing of others.
