Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The union representing Buffalo police officers has warned the city that as many as 80 officers could retire in the coming months if a new healthcare agreement is not reached.
In a letter to the city's Common Council, the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association said 20 lieutenants could be among the 80 officers who may retire if there isn't an extension of the Memorandum of Agreement that guarantees a certain level of healthcare benefits and contribution rates for union members. 80 officers represents about 10% of the total police force in Buffalo.
The current agreement runs through June of next year.
"We're working right now out of contract," said John Davidson, President of the Buffalo PBA. "Currently you pay into the program for 10 years, and then you are covered for the remaining portion of your career."
Davidson says there has been no discussion on changing those terms in a new agreement.
Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski tells WBEN that a deal on a new healthcare agreement realistically might wait until a new administration is sworn in at the start of 2026. Davidson says he would like to see an agreement reached before then to avoid any retirements that may happen before the winter months.
Adding to the concern is the number of officers on the way. Davidson's letter to the Council highlighted that there are just 12 recruits in the academy, and only seven officers eligible to be promoted to lieutenant.
"One of the greatest recruitment and retention tools we have is our medical," Davidson said.