WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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WPCNR MILESTONES. June 17,2010: 

At the funeral for Detective Michael Perry of the White Plains Police Department, who died Saturday afternoon in the line of duty, Commissioner of Public Safety delivered this eulogy honoring the officer, who died at age 43:

Dear Perry Family,

Theresa, John, David,

Mom-Patricia, Dad-Patrick

Brothers and Sisters

Nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends,

And all of his fellow brothers and Sisters in Law Enforcement

It is indeed my honor to be asked to represent the City of White Plains, and to say a few words about Detective Michael Perry.

First and foremost, I speak for the entire City of White Plains, the Mayor, the Common Council and each and every Department Head and Employee, when I extend to you, our deepest condolences. 

Michael Perry is a member of the White Plains family and his presence in the City and in the Police Department was larger than life itself.

Michael personified what a public servant was all about.  He wore his uniform with pride, he took his oath to protect and serve seriously, he loved his profession, and above all, at work, he loved his fellow officers and the residents of White Plains.

Anyone who had the opportunity to come in contact with him knew that he was a “rising star” with unlimited potential. 

Michael was a man who was always there, always present at a call, always backing up, always the first to “kick in” and contribute to his fellow cops. Always vigilant, always protecting the City and the people he loved.  He had a great attitude, a great work ethic and a great smile.

 He was the ultimate team player, a VIP or a superstar on a winning team. I guess the best comment I have heard over and over again about Michael, comes from his fellow police officers, each and everyone have said, if I ever needed a backup, Mike would be the guy that I hope would come.”

Words alone can never express just how much he will be missed.

To his sons, John and David,

 Always remember your father as a hero, always know that he loved you dearly and shared you in his own special way with us in the police department.  He was so very proud of you. Know that you have our commitment as your father’s brothers and sisters in blue, and as your extended police uncles and aunts,  that we will always be there for you, we will watch you grow and we will also be proud of you, we will never forget you, and we will never forget your loving father.

To Theresa, his wife, Mom-Patricia, Dad-Patrick, Brothers and sisters and the entire extended Perry family, we thank you for sharing Michael with us.  He was truly special. We are forever grateful that he was a part of our lives.  When you leave the church today, just take a moment to look at the sea of blue that is standing outside.  This is our family, your family, Michael’s family.  These officers from all jurisdictions are there for you and are there to honor Michael.

We will miss you Detective Michael Perry, you left us too soon, May you rest in peace, knowing that the White Plains Police Department will watch over your family.

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From The Pirro Group. June 15, 2010:

 In a  case that could affect municipal employees statewide, 128 retired White Plains Police officers have moved to sue the City of White Plains to block its attempt to force them to pay 15 percent of their health insurance costs.

Albert J. Pirro of the Pirro Group, who is representing the officers pro bono, said that the City of White Plains was violating its municipal code by retroactively requiring these officers to pay the 15 percent by July 10 or face the loss of their health insurance.

On Monday Pirro filed a notice of claim putting the city on notice that he will file for an injunction to block the city from implementing the change on July 1 until the court can rule on the lawsuit.

Pirro said the city was abandoning these officers – many who are now elderly and on fixed incomes – for a very small annual savings at a time when it was granting raises to city commissioners who have personal ties to the mayor.  He estimated that the move would save the city only about a $120,000 a year from its $100 million budget.

“These are officers who on a daily basis risked their lives to protect the public for salaries which, at that time, were relatively low,’’ said Pirro. “This was with the anticipation of future security for themselves and their families. Now the city is going back on that promise, a promise that was granted as a part of their collective bargaining agreement and guaranteed by the city’s own laws. To now abandon these public servants for a minuscule sum is disgraceful.’’

At a press conference Tuesday at Pirro’s White Plains office, several retired officers spoke about how the city’s action would affect them.

 Joseph Borelli, a former PBA president who retired from the White Plains Police Department in 1985, said that during contract negotiations the city repeatedly received salary concessions from the union by pointing to the fact that the officers would have full health benefits for life.

 “I wanted to ask Mayor Bradley and the Common Council,  ‘Where were you when we walked the beat on those long midnight hours or in the freezing cold and on holidays protecting our city and, doing our jobs.’ We were promised this, and now they are breaking that promise,’’ said Borrelli.   

 Pirro said that section 2-5-54 of the city’s Municipal Code guarantees retirees their pensions and any benefits that were in force as part of their collective bargaining agreements.  The case could have implications for Westchester County’s more than 40 municipalities, as well as, municipalities statewide, he said.  “If the City of White Plains is successful, it will set a precedent that would embolden other municipalities across the state to take similar actions against their retiree’s health benefits.  Clearly, the outcome of this case has implications that carry far beyond the boundaries of White Plains.’’

Pirro said that a website – www.honoryourpromise.com – would go live in the next week to keep the public and parties to the lawsuit up to date on the latest developments.

Approximately 800 city employees were notified by the city on June 3 of the change in policy. For many, it was the first that they learned of the city’s May 24^th decision to require the 15 percent contribution, giving them a little time to adjust to this substantial personal financial impact. The change would require them to pay up to $2,395 a year toward their health insurance costs.

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WPCNR MILESTONES. From Brian Maloney. June 14, 2010:

Brian Maloney of the Republican City Committee advised WPCNR of the death Saturday of Eleanor McDonald, 71, of White Plains, longtime member of the White Plains Mayor’s Budget and Advisory Committee.

Eleanor McDonald,2008,

at a Budget & Management Committee Meeting. WPCNR News Archive.

She died, according to her obituary, after a brief illness. She was the first woman Comptroller of Greenburgh, appointed in1988,and in 1992, became the first woman Comptroller of the Town of Harrison. She was White Plains leader of the Conservative Party. She was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows for 30 years.

Services will beheld at Our Lady of Sorrows Tuesday at 11 A.M.

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. June 12, 2010. WPCNR Transcript of Perry News Conference:

The death in the line of duty of White Plains Police Officer Michael Perry was announced Saturday evening at a news conference at the Department of Public Safety, with Mayor Adam Bradley and Commissioner of Public Safety David Chong briefing the media on Saturday afternoon’s incident preceding Officer Perry’s death.

Commissioner David Chong, at microphone, informing the media of Officer Michael Perry’s death Saturday evening.

Here is the transcript of that news conference:

White Plains Commissioner of Public Safety David Chong:

Good evening and thank you for coming out on such short notice. I’m joined by Mayor Adam Bradley and Chief of Police James Bradley and members of my staff.

A very sad night for the White Plains Police Department.

Today at approximately  4:41 this afternoon – Police Officer Michael Perry responded to an assist call. He began a foot pursuit and finally grabbed the suspect at Court and Main Street. After a physical struggle, officer Perry placed the suspect under arrest and walked him to the police station. While booking the suspect, Officer Perry developed chest pains. An ambulance was called immediately, and as he was being walked out to the ambulance, he collapsed. Officer Perry was taken to White Plains Hospital Center where unfortunately he was declared dead at 5:50 P.M.

The suspect’s name is Ricky Prior. He is 53 years of age, His address is unknown. He is a career criminal whose rap sheet has over 300 arrests. He is currently being booked for resisting arrest  and petty larceny, although this investigation remains very active.

Michael Perry is 43 years of age and a 7-1/2 year veteran of this police department. He was formerly a member of the Environmental Police Department. He is a resident of Cortland Manor. He’s married. He has two six year old twin sons. His wife,sons, father,mother,sister, mother friends along with  numerous members of his police department family were at his side at White Plains Hospital..

Make no mistake ahout it, Michael Perry is a hero. His death in the line of duty has hurt and shocked this department to its very core. This is the first line of duty that this department has suffered in over 60 years. Funeral arrangements  have yet to be made. I will now introduce Mayor Adam Bradley.

Mayor Bradley Addressing Media on Officer Michael Perry’s death.

I’m here to express the grief of the city for the loss of a hero. This is the first line of duty death in over 60 years in our city. We want to show our expression of grief and support for our police department and  for the family—someone who certainly was way too young  to be facing what we’re facing right now. As someone who has young children himself my heart goes out to the family. Certainly there isn’t a member of my administration or the Common Council who isn’t feeling the pain that our police department is feeling at this moment.

I intend to make sure  that the city is present as much as possible for the department and the family going forward.

In response to questions from reporters, the Commissioner noted:

Prior was Wanted for larceny out of Macy’s, a detective had observed him, tried to stop him, he started to run. Officer Perry came to the assistance of that detective’s call. Officer perry was the one who apprehended him and ensued in the struggle with the suspect. Right outside Macy’s.

After the news conference, Antoinette Biordi, city Communciations Director issued this supplemental statement from the Mayor’s Office:

Perry is 43 years old and is a 7 and ½ year veteran of this Police Department. He was assigned to Uniform Patrol and was highly regarded by his supervisors and his peers.  Commissioner David Chong says, “Michael Perry is a hero, his death has rocked this entire Police Department to its core. He loved being a Police Officer and he loved the City of White Plains. He will be greatly missed and our deepest condolences go out to his caring family.  He could be relied upon to always back up a fellow police officer, as in this instance.”

White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley says “This city lost a very dedicated Police Officer and his death has sent shockwaves throughout our community. The White Plains Police Department works hard day in and day out to protect everyone in this city and that’s just what Police Officer Perry was doing.”

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. June 11, 2010:

Mayor Adam Bradley contacted WPCNR Friday evening to make clear that according to his Chief of Staff John Callahan and legal department counselor Dan Spencer, they did not tell attorney Albert Pirro there was no time  to call a Special Meeting before July 1 to consider a moratorium on collecting new medical premiums from retirees hired by the city before July 1, 1995.

Bradley told WPCNR, “As you know, John, I had reservations about administering this charge to our retirees when the council passed it(May 24), but the council was very concerned with cutting costs.  From what I understand from John (Callahan) and Dan (Spencer) when Mr. Pirro asked for the moratorium, they told him to put the reasons he wanted a moratorium in a written request. I’m somewhat taken aback that Mr. Pirro would say that. I get concerned when representations we make ae embellished.”

Asked if he would consider calling a special meeting of the Common Council to hold off the first payments due from the retirees, Bradley said it depended on Mr. Pirro submitting the request.  Bradley denied the July 1st comment was relayed to Mr. Pirro. Bradley indicated the request would be considered, saying, “Let him put it in writing and we’ll look at it.”