The recent developments in Mount Vernon, New York, have highlighted a poignant situation involving a police officer battling severe health issues and the city’s response to his predicament. Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard has stepped into the spotlight, extending an olive branch to Officer Derek Williams, who was terminated during a critical time in his life due to chronic kidney failure. This issue not only underscores the complexities of police employment regulations but also sparks a broader conversation about empathy and support for public servants facing personal crises.
In an interview with ABC 7 NY, Mayor Patterson-Howard shared her thoughts on the public’s concerns and the ongoing case of Officer Williams. “When it comes to catastrophic illness, there are heartstrings that are pulled, and there are other things that might need to be considered,” she articulated, acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation. The Mayor’s empathy is evident as she pledges to extend Williams’ health benefits for an additional six months, a decision aimed at providing him with the support he desperately needs as he navigates his health challenges.
Officer Derek Williams, a devoted member of the police force for nearly two decades, has made headlines recently after publicly expressing his frustration regarding his termination, which came just six months before he was set to retire. Widespread public sympathy has surged for him after revealing his battle with kidney failure, underscoring the emotional and physiological toll of his ongoing health issues. “I do nine hours of dialysis, seven days a week, to maintain my health. Without that, I wouldn’t survive,” Williams explained candidly, emphasizing how crucial his health benefits are during this time.
The backstory reveals a troubling timeline for Williams, who claims his health began to decline significantly after contracting COVID-19 in 2020. Following his recovery, he was ordered back to work by the department, which stated that his condition was not work-related. However, controversy arose regarding paperwork; the city maintains that a lack of necessary documentation under Section 207-C of state legislation led to his termination. This section deals with wages and medical costs for officers injured on the job, placing additional complexity on Williams’ situation as he seeks to navigate this bureaucratic landscape alongside his health struggles.
Mayor Patterson-Howard assured the community that the city has diligently reviewed its records to avoid any oversights. “We’ve gone and checked our records to make sure we didn’t lose, miss emails, or miss any paperwork submitted. The bottom line is we’re willing to meet,” she stated, suggesting a willingness to resolve the disparities in communication and support for the officer.
In a significant move, the Mayor has approved an extension of both Williams’ health benefits and his separation date. This extension is not merely procedural; it recognizes the grave health challenges he faces and aims to afford him additional time to complete the retirement process. As reported by ABC 7 News, the Mayor’s Office is also working with City Council and the comptroller to ensure that a formal legislative process supports this new measure, further emphasizing the city’s commitment to Officer Williams’ wellbeing.
“He said he needed six months to apply for a medical disability, and we’re going to extend it for six months so that he can maintain his medical coverage that he continues to pay into,” Patterson-Howard noted, highlighting the practical aspects of her support. The extension allows Williams the critical time he needs to address his medical situation without the looming pressure of losing his health coverage.
Williams has been vocal about the perceived lack of empathy from the Mount Vernon Police Department, characterizing their response as cold and unfeeling. He is now considering discussing his circumstances with city officials, with the hope of securing proper representation during these conversations. Understanding the community’s sentiment, friends of Williams have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to provide additional financial support during this tumultuous period in his life.
For Mayor Patterson-Howard, this situation is personal. Her connection to Officer Williams is deepened by her own experiences. “Having a mother who is currently dealing with dialysis, I understand the tough period he is going through,” she shared, evoking a sense of shared struggle and humanity. Her remarks signal a shift towards grace and understanding, as she prioritizes compassion over political pressure in her role as Mayor.