Support Rising For Westfield Officer's Widow Fighting Cancer

WESTFIELD, NJ - The rising tide of support for Tammy Lieberman, the widow of Westfield Police Officer Eric Lieberman who is fighting to keep her health insurance to assist her battle with stage IV breast cancer, has been channeled into a change.org petition.

That petition, "Approve Health Coverage for Detective Lieberman's Family" started by Avneet Hall, has topped 1,500 signatures and is urging officials to come to an equitable resolution with Lieberman.

"The outpouring of concern and love has been extraordinary and much appreciated by my family," Lieberman said. "We are so blessed to know how many citizens truly care about their first responders and their families."

Westfield’s contract with PBA Local No. 90 grants a retired employee with at least 15 years of service with the town and at least 25 years of service in the Police and Fireman’s Retirement system, health coverage for the employee and his or her dependents at retirement.

Eric Lieberman served for 27 years.

Under the contract, Eric Lieberman would have qualified, had he retired before his death.

In an email, dated Nov. 24 Westfield PBA President Paul Ferry said that the Lieberman's situation has shed light on a detail that has been overlooked.

"I can't believe a detail like this has been overlooked by so many people before me, but now I will certainly look to change the writing on the wall for future generations of officers that serve this community and god forbid pass away unexpectedly," Ferry said.

Tammy Lieberman said her options are limited as someone with a preexisting condition and the $25,000 COBRA payment to extend her current insurance into 2021 is her best option available to her if Westfield does not continue the current benefits.

"Because of my medical history, the best I can get is $40,000 from the marketplace," Tammy Lieberman said. "And the thing of it is, I can fight this and win and I am going to die anyway. I was given one year to live in 2008."

Supporters on the petition page have weighed in with their thoughts on the matter.

"A police wife should not have to worry about health insurance being cancelled when her husband has died," Katie McMeekan said.

Elizabeth Fanelli said she was signing the petition for "several reasons" but chief among them was because the decision was "100 percent wrong."

"Why is the beautiful Township of Westfield doing this to Mrs. Lieberman? She is suffering with stage 4 breast cancer, mourning the loss of her Husband and raising their two children alone," she said. "Absolutely terrible. Better do the right thing, Westfield. People are most definitely watching."

Elizabeth Evenson said the cancer battle alone is hard, without having to worry about finances.

"My mom's a breast cancer survivor. That's a tough enough battle to fight when you have a spouse and yours isn't stage IV, let alone when you're still grieving and it's progressed that far," she said.

Jody Snyder said life needs to come before money.

"Her husband was way past the 25 year mark. Instead of retiring he decided to continue working and would have probably received more on retirement than working. His wife has cancer," Snyder said. "We're going to say to her ok too bad and die so her children have neither a mother or father? It's an absolute disgrace."

Stephanie Parkas Goodman said she was signing because it is unfathomable that his family would be left uninsured in his death.

"For his commitment and continued sacrifice, the family that stood by him in service is losing what they need," she said. "This cannot happen. Protect those who protect."

Brenda Mader said it was unconscionable that a first responder’s widow isn’t getting the health insurance that her husband earned for her and Veronica Campa said it was the right thing to do.

For her part, Lieberman said it was a shame they were dealing with the situation and that she prayed something good becomes of it.

"Sending good vibes and luck to the Westfield PBA in their upcoming negotiations with the Township," she said. "First responders put their life on the line everyday to keep us safe and I'm so thankful for your service."

Shawna Sabino said Lieberman should get what she deserves.

"If a person gives his all for his city , it takes from his wife," Sabino said. "She deserves this."

(Photo courtesy of Tammy Lieberman)

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter by clicking here. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading our Apple iOS app here, or by visiting the Google Play store for the Android app here.