ORLANDO, Fla. – For the second straight day, Orlando police Officer Gerry Realin was ordered back to work to assist in a new bike safety education program with a hard line warning that he would be guilty of insubordination if he didn’t show up.
Realin refused to report Monday, arguing that his treating therapist and city-appointed psychiatrist advised him not to take part in any police work.
His wife Jessica said Tuesday that she is convinced the city is setting him up for termination.
“That’s a hard pill to swallow,” Jessica Realin said. “I’m not going to compromise our integrity as a family, when I know my husband didn’t do anything wrong.”
A handwritten note by the city-appointed psychiatrist stating that the “Patient continues to have PTSD symptoms." The doctor makes it clear that in his opinion, Realin is “still in a no-work status as a police officer.”
The physician’s note dated March 2 does allow the city some leeway allowing Realin to assume a job “as a clerical worker… as long as it is not in any police-related job.”
A therapist’s evaluation issued Monday presents a seven-point treatment plan that recommends a “continued no work status…and that the client refrains from future police work.”
The city has assigned Realin to the newly created bike safety education program for 90 days.
According to the city memo, Realin’s limited duty assignment would not exceed that 90-day window.
He would report to an office in Orlando City Hall, not to OPD headquarters.
The city has continued to pay Realin's full salary since the Pulse incident June 12 and would continue to do so in his new position.
But on Tuesday, Paolo Longo, Realin’s attorney, said the city is using selective interpretation of the doctor's work provisions.
Longo said he is grateful the city has continued to pay his client’s full salary but that his health comes first.
“I think that Gerry has to finish his treatment,” Longo said, “ And when his doctors say he is ready to go back to police work then he will go back to police work or retire with dignity.”
Rolon said Realin’s pay would be taken from his available vacation time.
Realin has indicated he will not report to work.