Retired Officer Denied ALS Medication By 'Uncaring' NJ Town

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ - He served the community for decades in uniform, helped educate children as a DARE officer in the schools. Now, with retired Byram Detective Joseph "Todd" Duffy facing the fight of his life against ALS his former employer has changed his health coverage denying him access to needed medication.

"Officer Duffy is in desperate need of medication that was denied to him after a unilateral insurance change by an unappreciative and uncaring employer, the Township of Byram," Sussex County PBS Local 138 wrote on a fundraiser page for Duffy. "Seeking to save money, Todd’s benefits were changed without his consent or any consideration for his health and welfare. This insurance change resulted in him being denied very important medicine that slowed the progression of ALS by making him strong enough for therapy and allowed him much better quality of life."

Duffy retired from the police department in 2012 after serving for 24 years. In 2016, he was diagnosed with the progressive neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In June of 2019 there was a change in the healthcare plan that covered Duffy’s medication. One of the meds, which runs upwards of $30,000 monthly, was no longer covered under the new plan.

The PBA says that fellow officers have sought every remedy since the June 1 change and that the Township of Byram refuses to budge.

"Changing back to the prescription plan that Todd was enrolled in prior to the change would most likely do the trick but instead of meeting their obligation and living up to the commitment they made to Todd, they chose litigation instead. Rather than spend money on medicine they spend it on attorneys," they wrote. "While the township and their attorney play cat and mouse with the PBA, days go by that Todd can not get back. The cost to him is enormous."

The Byram Township Council said last week they are working to correct the problem and assisting with grievances against the new insurer.

Mayor Alex Rubenstein told NJ.com the township switched in June to New Jersey State Healthcare Benefits Plan, noting that Byram made the insurance change after successfully negotiating new labor contracts with each union in the township, including the PBA.

"The PBA has always been supportive, and even desirous to move to the move,” Rubenstein said in the report.

Rubenstein also said township officials have spent "countless hours" assisting Duffy and his family.

“We have communicated directly with the family of the retiree, and we have given them guidance on how to navigate resolving the issue,” he said in the report.

So while the legal wrangling continues, the community is being asked to do what they can to pitch in.

The Sussex County PBA Local 138 is hosting a beefsteak dinner to raise money to help fill the gap left by the change in coverage. Catered by The Brownstone, the event is set for 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Richards Building at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. The cost is $50 per person doors for the event open at 6 p.m.

"Please help this officer who helped so many as a member of the Byram Police, Lakeland Emergency Squad and dedicated church member," the PBS wrote. "All donations will go directly to Todd and his wife Jen and will be used for Todd's care and comfort."

Tickets to the dinner can be purchased by sending a check to PBA Local 138, PO Box 520, Andover, NJ 07821. Include a list of names and the tickets will be held at the door.

Those that can't attend the dinner and are interested in helping have two options. The first, is to send a check to the same address and put "Duffy Family Donation" on the memo line. The second is to donate through the GoFundMe page set up by the PBA.

Since the establishment of the fundraiser at the beginning of the month the efforts have raised nearly $15,000 towards their $100,000 goal. And with the monetary support comes well wishes.

"What a wonderful man. Met him through my job at the Prosecutors Office," Pamela Fletcher said on the fundraiser page. "He has a heart of gold."

Like Fletcher, Dennis Michalak also knows Duffy.

"Glad to help my longtime friend and his wonderful wife," he posted with his donation.

Others who did not know Duffy also offered their support and well wishes.

"My Dad was a retired Sheriff’s Officer and was healthy. He had a massive stroke and was trapped in his body for weeks," Diane Cebulski-Pai said. "He died, and our family is devastated. I would like to help one of his brothers with this donation."

Lorraine Darienzo said she was familiar with Duffy's plight.

"My brother died of ALS seven years ago and I can't imagine him not being covered for this horrible horrible disease," she said.

Thank you for your help and please keep Todd and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Sussex County PBA Local 138 also noted that they do not call and will not call for donations and those who receive a call should report it to police.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

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