New York police veteran 6 months from retirement faces termination amid kidney failure

Update: Mount Vernon officer has been granted an extension.

Derek Williams, a 19-year veteran of the Mount Vernon Police Department, faces termination Dec. 31 despite battling kidney failure, reports ABC 7 Eyewitness News.

Mount Vernon Cop Derek Williams Nears Retirement But Faces Job Loss Due to Kidney Failure

Doctors cleared the 45-year-old for desk duty, but the department denied his request, classifying his illness as non-job-related, per the outlet.

Mount Vernon Cop Derek Williams Fights for His Health

Williams undergoes nine hours of dialysis daily to survive. “Without that, I wouldn’t survive,” he said.

He contracted COVID-19 in 2020 after months of double shifts with the Elite Emergency Service Unit.

Supporters Rally

Retired officers gathered around Williams during a press conference, calling him a brother in blue. Former Commissioner Shawn Harris said, “Terminating his employment is terminating his life.”

Pension and Insurance at Risk

Williams is six months from qualifying for a reduced pension. His termination would cut off both his career and health insurance.

Medical professionals cleared Williams for desk duty. Still, the department insists there is no light duty available for him.

Williams said, “I begged to come in whatever hours I’m capable of doing, and I was told no.”

Derek Williams Awaits Transplant and Pension Decision

Williams has applied for a state disability pension and remains on a kidney transplant waiting list.

His future depends on both medical treatment and administrative decisions.

Colleagues Create GoFundMe

Williams colleagues have created a GoFundMe campaign to help him along his journey. They say it’s the only campaign created. To learn more, visit the official GoFundMe page here.