Westfield Officials To Address Gaps In Police Health Coverage

WESTFIELD, NJ - Town Administrator Jim Gildea and PBA President Paul Ferry said they are committed to finding a mutually agreeble resolution for the health care situation of the family of Westfield Police Officer Eric Lieberman who died unexpectedly in May.

Lieberman left behind wife Tammy, who is battling stag IV breast cancer, as well as sons Tyler, 19 and Eric, 14. According to the PBA contract, since Eric Lieberman died before officially retiring there is not a mandate his family receive benefits. The New Jersey Police and Fireman's Retirement System gives municipalities discretion to decide on the provision of benefits.

Tammy Lieberman said she was informed if she doesn't pay $25,000 for continued COBRA coverage in January, she will lose her health coverage and with it, her cancer treatment.

In a joint statement released by Town Administrator Jim Gildea and Westfield PBA President Paul Ferry, they acknowledged that Lieberman's passing has identified "unintentional health coverage gaps" in the collective bargaining agreement in the face of an untimely tragedy.

"Both the Town and the PBA consider this an opportunity to work together to discuss improved protections moving forward. With the current contract expiring this month, we look forward to addressing the continuation of health coverage in our negotiations," the statement said.

Gildea and Ferry said they remain strictly prohibited from discussing the details of personnel matters.

"It is important that this obligation not be misconstrued as a lack of assistance or compassion for Detective Lieberman’s family. We have, in fact, been privately working toward a solution to address their health care coverage concerns, and continue to do so. We find it unfortunate that, in this process, their personal situation has been made public -- with many comments being made in the absence of the complete facts. We remain firmly committed to keeping the personal details of these discussions between the Town and the Lieberman family," the statement said.

As for the Lieberman family, Gildea and Ferry said that in the absence of a contractual provision to address continuing health care coverage in this case, their policy is to defer to the federal COBRA laws – with the knowledge that a substantial life insurance payout and pension benefit traditionally assist in easing any financial burden.

"There are state and federal laws in place that guide us in these matters, and, the Town has gladly exceeded its legal obligations on several fronts in an effort to assist Detective Lieberman’s family during this trying time," the statement said.

Gildea and Ferry said beyond correcting the gap in the health coverage they are "are committed to finding a mutually agreeable resolution that is legally, contractually, and fiscally viable in a timely manner to bring peace and security to the Lieberman family."

Tammy Lieberman told Patch Wednesday that the solution is simple.

"All they have to do is allow us to use the health insurance Eric earned to keep his family safe," she said.

(Photo courtesy of Tammy Lieberman)

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