|
REPRINTED FROM THENEXTMAYOR.COMSept. 27, 2006 press release, (submitted via e-mail) |
Contact: Melanie Johnson
(267) 984-2027
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release: September 27, 2006
WHO: Gene Blagmond - Press and Political Relations, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5
Brian McBride - President IAFF Local 22
Michael Nutter - Mayoral Candidate
WHAT: Signing of the DROP Bill Amendment
WHEN: Thursday, September 28, 2006 Announcement at 9:15 a.m.
WHERE: Fraternal Order of Police Philadelphia Lodge #5 1336 Spring Garden
WHY: In August 2006 a new class of police recruits began their training. These men and woman will be ready for duty in nine months. While the addition of more police officers will help in curbing the violence in Philadelphia, these new recruits will need the guidance of more experienced police officers to help them acclimate to patrolling the streets of Philadelphia. Due to the City of Philadelphia’s Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP), at least 15 police officers and 10 firefighters per month opt for the early retirement plan. That means less experienced public safety officers to protect our streets.
In an effort to alleviate this problem, former Councilman Michael Nutter worked with the Fraternal Order of Police and the Firefighters Union to amend the program. The amendment (Bill No. 060506) allows public safety employees to remain for one additional year before early retirement, if the Mayor determines that there are extraordinary circumstances that threaten the public’s health, safety and welfare.
“This Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation that will be placed before the Mayor this year,” said Nutter. “The Mayor proposed an additional $10 million in the budget for police overtime, but I believe that if we depend on overtime to solve the increase in the homicide rate we are just putting our police officers at risk by working such long hours. If we are ever going to curb the violence in this city and be prepared for emergencies, we need experienced police officers and firefighters. Mayor Street must sign this bill.”
-more-
Page 2. / DROP Bill support
Brian McBride, the President of IAFF Local 22 representing Philadelphia’s Firefighters and Paramedics also believes that Bill No. 060506 is utterly important for the safety of the City. “This bill will finally allow for the retention of Firefighters, Paramedics and Police Officers in an emergency situation such as the world witnessed on September 11 2001. The Bill speaks for itself. It just makes sense. It’s a great tool for the Mayor to have to protect the citizens of Philadelphia.”
With the death of Casha’e Rivers this past Sunday, the total number of homicides in the City is 274. Philadelphia needs to retain its experienced public safety officers to help combat this rising rate. “This law gives the Mayor the flexibility to call upon a pool of experienced personnel in times of crisis and provides another level of safety to the community,” said Gene Blagmond, Press and Political Relations, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5.
The signing of Bill No. 060506 is a step in the right direction to reduce the crime in the streets of Philadelphia.
# # #