Mount Vernon Mayor Grants Extension to Terminated Officer Facing Kidney Failure
Eyewitness News ABC7NYJanuary 5, 20262 min65,797 views
5 connectionsΒ·7 entities in this videoβOfficer Derek Williams's Situation
- π Officer Derek Williams, a 19-year veteran of the Mount Vernon police force, was facing termination on December 31st due to kidney failure.
- π₯ He has been unable to work for the past 2 years, requiring 9 hours of dialysis 7 days a week to survive.
- β οΈ Williams attributes his health decline to contracting COVID-19 during the pandemic, but the department deemed his illness non-work-related.
City's Decision and Offer
- π€ Mount Vernon's mayor has weighed in, stating the city is extending an "olive branch" to Officer Williams.
- π° The city will allow Williams to return to work and maintain his health insurance until he receives his state pension, approximately 6 months away.
- βοΈ This decision aims to prevent the termination from cutting off his health insurance just 6 months shy of qualifying for a reduced pension.
Public Reaction and Future Steps
- π’ The story has gone viral, generating significant public attention, including offers for kidney donations and the launch of a GoFundMe page.
- π£οΈ The mayor emphasized that the city's decision is about extending grace, not just responding to public pressure.
- βοΈ Officer Williams is considering the city's offer but insists on having proper representation present for any meetings with department brass.
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Transcript9 segments
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Whatβs Discussed
Mount Vernon Police DepartmentOfficer TerminationKidney FailureDialysisHealth InsuranceState PensionCOVID-19207c LawMedical DisabilityPublic PressureGrace Period
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