On a special edition of the Black Westchester Power Hour, Damon and I discussed Derek Williams, a police officer in Mount Vernon who has been there for 19 years and is six months away from retirement, was given his walking papers.
Williams is on dialysis, and his doctors say he can work on light duty, but the Mount Vernon Police Department rewarded his 19 years of service, including being a member of the Elite Emergency Service Unit during the pandemic, with a termination letter for Christmas, effective December 31st, which would not only end his career but would also cut off his health insurance.
Mount Vernon used to be a city that prided itself on being a city that takes care of its own. Here you have an officer who was always there for the city, even during COVID, and the city is not there for him when he needs it the most. My phone blew up over the last 24 hours from people all over the country, including former and current individuals in law enforcement, and I felt it was time for some REAL TALK!
As far as I’m concerned, this is not a political issue; this is not an economic issue; this is a human rights issue. I’m imploring the city of Mount Vernon to do right by this officer. You’ve got 14 days to figure it out. We are past what was done, where the ball was dropped, and who is at fault. Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, you have the power to do something and show your essential workers, fire, police, etc (current and future) that you are a leader who takes care of the employees of the city.
Stand With Officer Derek Williams in His Fight for Life
Losing his job isn’t just a career setback; it’s a life-or-death situation. Without health insurance and income, Officer Derek Williams can no longer afford the care and treatment that keep him alive. He is currently on the kidney transplant waiting list and has a pending application for a state disability pension. Still, these processes take time, time he may not have without urgent support.
A GoFundMe has been set up to raise funds to help Derek with:
- Support while he continues to advocate for the pension he earned
- Ongoing medical expenses (dialysis, specialist care, medications)
- Health insurance coverage
- Living expenses during his treatment and recovery
Donate, share, and stand with Officer Derek Williams. His fight has been courageous, and with your help, he can continue fighting to survive and regain stability. Please, let’s show him the love and support he deserves. Click here to donate.
AJ I saw this on Channel 12 News. Perhaps this is their explanation in the Book of 2025 “Casualties of War” Erasure of the Black race and Culture completely. I am so devastated by the cruelty and horrific decision made on this officers life and family.
Mayor Allows Officer Derek Williams Back to Work, Grants Six-Month Extension https://blackwestchester.com/mayor-allows-officer-derek-williams-back-to-work-grants-six-month-extension/
The story went viral, we received calls from all across the country, especially from those in law enforcement, At this point we are past placing blame for me its about what are we as a city going to do for this officer who gave 19 years of his life in service in his time of need