FOP President Makes His Case

To The Editor:
In this current economic climate facing our nation, our state and our towns, the need for our elected officials to act financially responsible is more important than ever. In 2009, Wildwood was awarded a federal grant for the hiring of three police officers totaling $819,120. The grant pays 100 percent of their costs, including salary, medical insurance, pension contribution costs, etc. until August 2012.
Wildwood, on May 7, served four police officers with letters of intent to lay off effective as soon as June 21.
Three of the four police officers currently slated for layoff are covered under this grant, and draw zero dollars from the City of Wildwood. Of the original grant, through the first quarter of 2010, $62,945.15 has been spent.
If these officers are laid off, the remaining grant funds of $756,174.85 not yet spent will have to be returned to the federal government. It is financially irresponsible to consider returning the unused grant funds.
Additionally, in the first half of 2010, the City of Wildwood Police Department has lost five officers through retirement or other permanent separation. Three additional officers will qualify for retirement before the end of 2010. With these retirements alone, the issue of public safety becomes a very realistic concern for the citizens, tourists and remaining police officers.
Aware of the difficult financial situation faced by the City of Wildwood, FOP union members have met with Wildwood officials in efforts to collectively seek creative ways of saving taxpayer money and avoiding these proposed layoffs. The union feels that it has made positive progress toward this end by cooperating with the city’s police chief in the downsizing of the administrative staff of the department.
Union members, in hopes of avoiding layoffs of their fellow officers, have themselves made voluntary and independent decisions to retire. These efforts provide significant savings to the city.
As I stated publicly at the Wildwood Commissioners’ meeting April 28, the safety of the public is the primary concern to the officers of the Wildwood Police Department, as well as the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, which represents these officers. We must hold our elected officials accountable.
CHRISTOPHER B. HOWARD
Wildwood
(ED. NOTE: Howard is president of FOP Lodge 7)