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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.

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.