The mayor of Mount Vernon has granted an extension to a local police officer who was set to be terminated.

Mount Vernon Police Officer Derek Williams is a 19-year-police veteran. He is a former member of the Emergency Service Unit.

Williams says he contracted COVID-19 in 2020 after months of working double shifts.

He returned to work for a brief period of time but ultimately had to leave again after learning his kidneys were weak.

Williams has kidney failure and has been on dialysis for two years now.

He hasn’t been back to work in two years, despite getting the all-clear from his doctor to work on light duty. Williams says that he was denied and was told he would be terminated at the end of the month.

He says he was about six months away from retiring and just shy of qualifying for a reduced pension, which would mean not only would his career be over, but he would lose his health benefits as well.

But Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard has just approved a six-month extension of Williams’ health benefits and separation date.

“When it comes to serious illness, it requires a softer touch of government that goes beyond bureaucracy,” said Patterson-Howard.

The mayor’s office has reached out to the city council and comptroller to ensure legislation is presented to formalize the process.

Williams tells News 12 that he is feeling good and is hopeful he will be able to return to work and serve the community that he loves so much.