City Police Chief Dominic J. Costa is planning to go on medical leave because of effects from a shooting four years ago.

	Post-Gazette Dom Costa

Sources in city government yesterday said the chief was in the early stages of stepping down. But the chief's wife denied that and said he planned on seeking physical rehabilitation.

Chief Costa was shot in the neck during a February 2002 standoff with an armed fugitive in Homewood. The incident left a bullet lodged in his brain.

Darlene Costa, the chief's wife, said last night that rumors that Chief Costa was set to resign were false.

"He's not resigning. You got that straight from the horse's mouth," she said. She said the chief's claim from the shooting injury was still active and that he was planning on going back on medical leave.

Mrs. Costa was unsure when he might start his leave or how long it could last. He will resume physical therapy for the aftereffects soon, she said.

In recent weeks, the chief has begun to experience numbness in his hands and severe headaches, Mrs. Costa said. Recently, he saw a doctor about his ailments.

City Council President Doug Shields said last night that Mayor Luke Ravenstahl showed him an e-mail that said the chief would be taking disability leave some time soon. He said the e-mail did not have a time frame on when the chief might begin his medical absence.

Mr. Shields said the mayor told him he had someone in mind for the position. But, Mr. Shields said Mr. Ravenstahl did not tell him who he might choose to fill the vacancy.

"If the chief is to step down for disability or a resignation, Mayor Ravenstahl will have to appoint an acting chief," Mr. Shields said. "It would be his first big decision."

James Malloy, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, said the chief could go on leave as soon as tomorrow. He said Assistant Chief Earl Woodyard would temporarily fill the position until Mayor Ravenstahl appoints a successor.

Mayoral spokesman Dick Skrinjar said Chief Costa has had some communication with acting City Solicitor George Specter about his plans, but that the communication did not constitute a resignation.

Mrs. Costa denied that her husband was communicating with the solicitor's office.

"If he is planning on retiring or resigning, he has to submit a letter to the mayor or [Director of Operations] Dennis Regan," Mr. Skrinjar said.

During a 25-year career with the Pittsburgh Police Bureau, Chief Costa has been on leave for a total of six years and has collected $410,000 in workers' compensation.

The chief received $298,000 in compensation as a result of the Homewood shooting. He began receiving payments five days after he was shot.

Chief Costa stopped receiving compensation in June 2005 when he began a job as the Penn Hills public safety director.