The Mayor of Mount Vernon, New York, is extending an olive department to a police officer being terminated whereas present process kidney failure. In a latest interview with ABC 7 NY, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard addressed the general public’s response and offered an replace on that officer’s case.
“On the subject of catastrophic sickness, there are heartstrings which might be pulled, and there are different issues that may should be thought of,” Mayor Patterson-Howard instructed the information outlet. “In a short dialog I had with Officer Williams immediately, he indicated an absence of PBA illustration throughout this course of. As such, I’m granting a six-month extension, directing my workers to help him and urge his union to proceed donating sick days to cowl his time.”
Earlier this week, Officer Derek Williams publicly criticized the Mount Vernon Police Division for terminating him six months earlier than his scheduled retirement. Williams, a 19-year police veteran, captured the hearts of social media customers when he revealed he’s on dialysis for ongoing kidney failure.
“I do 9 hours of dialysis, seven days per week, to keep up my well being. With out that, I wouldn’t survive,” Williams instructed reporters, explaining how the termination would result in the lack of well being advantages.
Williams says his well being started to say no in 2020 after contracting COVID-19. Nonetheless, he returned to work after the division ordered him again, allegedly citing that his sickness was non-work-related as the rationale. Nonetheless, the town claims {that a} resolution was by no means reached as a result of Williams did not submit the required documentation beneath Part 207-C of the state laws, which addresses wages and medical prices for cops injured whereas on obligation.
“We’ve gone and checked our information to verify we didn’t lose, miss emails, or miss any paperwork submitted. The underside line is we’re keen to fulfill,” Patterson-Howard stated.
Regardless of Williams’ absence since 2023, Patterson-Howard has authorised a six-month extension of Williams’ well being advantages and separation date. The extension acknowledges “the intense well being challenges he’s going through and to permit extra time to finish the retirement course of,” per ABC 7 Information. The Mayor’s Workplace has reportedly reached out to the Metropolis Council and the comptroller to ensure that laws is launched to formalize the process. Moreover, Mayor Patterson-Howard acknowledged that the town will proceed to cowl a portion of Officer Williams’ well being advantages for a further six months, guaranteeing he can make the most of the advantages accrued from his years of service to the town.
“He stated he wanted six months to use for a medical incapacity, and we’re going to increase it for six months in order that he can keep his medical protection that he continues to pay into,” she added.
Williams, who beforehand stated the Mount Vernon Police Division had “no empathy” or “compassion,” says he’s contemplating assembly with the town officers with the right illustration. For the reason that launch of his story, Williams’ pals have launched a GoFundMe marketing campaign to help the officer.
Finally, for Patterson-Howard, her provide is rooted in extending grace. Explaining that she’s not phased by public stress, the Mount Vernon Mayor revealed a private connection to the scenario.
“Having a mom who’s presently coping with dialysis, I perceive the powerful interval he’s going by way of,” she shared. “My heartfelt prayers are with him and his household as we work collectively by way of this unlucky scenario.”
