Editor’s note: This article, originally published on Dec. 17, has been updated to reflect that Williams was not six months away from retirement and has been on medical leave since 2023. It also reflects a statement from the city.
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. — A 19-year veteran of the Mount Vernon Police Department alleges his department is set to terminate his employment, a decision that comes as he suffers from kidney failure, WABC reported.
Derek Williams, 45, has been diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease and undergoes dialysis nine hours a day, seven days a week, according to the report. Although he said his doctors have cleared him for light-duty work, the department has denied his request and issued a termination notice effective Dec. 31.
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“I begged for my job back. I begged to come in whatever hours I’m capable of doing, and I was told there’s no light duty for me,” Williams told WABC.
Williams contracted COVID-19 in 2020 while working extended shifts as part of the Emergency Service Unit, according to the report. Supporters, including retired officers and former police commissioner Shawn Harris, said he continued to serve during the height of the pandemic out of commitment to the city.
“Derek’s character caused him to come to work to support this city and the residents of this city during the worst pandemic we’ve had,” Harris said.
The department has classified Williams’ illness as non-job-related, ending his salary once he became too ill for full-duty assignments. His upcoming termination would also result in the loss of health insurance coverage.
“To be blunt, if you’re terminating his employment, you’re terminating his life, in so many words,” Harris said.
Williams is currently on a kidney transplant waiting list and has a pending application for a state disability pension, according to the report.
City response
In a statement released Dec. 17, the city of Mount Vernon said Williams returned to full duty in April 2020 but has been out on medical leave since April 2023. The city said it provided the maximum 30 days of sick leave allowed under the City Charter, with an additional 15 days donated by union members.
Williams told WABC that he was six months away from qualifying for a reduced pension. The city disputed that claim, stating he does not meet service requirements and would not be eligible for full retirement benefits until 2030. Officials said retirement and disability determinations are made by the New York State and Local Retirement System, not the city.
City officials said New York State Civil Service Law allows separation after one year of inability to perform essential job duties and that light duty assignments are limited to officers approved under state law. The city said it has not received applications from Williams for light duty, retirement, disability or other accommodations that would change the status of his separation.
“Compassion and accountability are not mutually exclusive. The City remains open to working within the boundaries of the law, through the officer’s legal representation, toward the best possible outcome,” the city said.
