Trooper injured by mail bomb settles with state

Friday, Aug. 16, 2002 | 9:45 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Ken Gager, the Nevada Highway Patrol trooper who became a poster boy for courage after being maimed by a mail bomb in 1993, has reached an out-of-court settlement with the state in his long legal battle.

Gager lost his left eye and a portion of his left arm and suffered other extensive injuries in the blast at his home.

He returned to work but then filed two lawsuits claiming he was the victim of discrimination by the state Department of Motor Vehicles, which oversees the Highway Patrol.

Gager called the agreement "a win-win deal" that protected his retirement.

"I was not looking for a pot of gold. I just wanted to protect my benefits," he said.

Deputy Attorney General Stephen Quinn said Thursday the settlement "is good for Mr. Gager. It's what he wanted for his financial security. The department has always been willing to work something out for his financial future."

Under the agreement, Gager will receive $30,400 for him to purchase about one year in the retirement system giving him a 20-year pension without being penalized. In addition, the department will give him a 10 percent raise retroactive for three years that amounts to $16,000 in his pocket.

Quinn said that will also enable Gager to receive a higher pension. The retirement check amount is based on the best three years of earnings so this will boost his pension.

Gager is expected to retire around Sept. 1. The suits will be dismissed.

He has been on administrative leave with pay since August 2000 after a doctor said his work assignment was detrimental to his health.

Gager was injured when the mail bomb was delivered to his home in Douglas County in September 1993. It was sent by Robert Collins who was later convicted and sentenced to 75 years in prison.

Prior to the bomb incident, Gager had made a routine traffic stop of Collins but a later search of his car turned up evidence linking him to insurance fraud and burglary.

Gager spent two months in the hospital and another two months in a unit adjoining the hospitals. He underwent more than 21 surgeries.

He drew national recognition for his courage in fighting his injuries.