Loved ones of fallen Police and Firefighters urge fair settlement

Widows, children and parents of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty join union leaders on the steps of City Hall to make a plea to Mayor Bloomberg for a fair contract.

Dozens of loved ones left behind by hero firefighters and police officers who died in the line of duty gathered with union leaders on the steps of City Hall today to call for a fair contract for the city’s bravest and finest who have been working without a contract for over two years.

PBA president Pat Lynch said:

“The family members of hero firefighters and police officers are here today representing the terrible risks taken by our members every time we put on the uniform. It is often said that you can’t pay a police officer or firefighter enough to justify those risks, but the city owes it to them and their families to pay a fair salary on which they can support their family without having to work second and third jobs. The wives, children and parents here today can tell you how valuable time is to people who face great risks every day.”

UFA president Steve Cassidy said:

"The sad reality that many of our widows can attest to is, that New York's Bravest simply can not afford to pay their bills on a firefighters salary, without their wives working and firefighters having to go out and get a second job."