New York State legislation would force the NYPD to release names of all cops who worked at Ground Zero
NY State legislation would force the NYPD to release names of all cops who worked at Ground Zero to cancer researchers
Mount Sinai Medical Center scientists have asked for the information
By Kenneth Lovett / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
ALBANY — The NYPD would be required to provide the list of cops who worked at Ground Zero to cancer researchers under legislation being drafted in the Legislature.
The measure was requested by the police officers union, which says the studies could help secure needed federal health money for ailing cops.
Scientists at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan have asked for the full roster of officers who served at Ground Zero, but the NYPD’s surgeon refused, citing privacy concerns.
Assemblyman Micah Kellner (D-Manhattan) and state Sen. Diane Savino (D-S.I.) ripped the decision and promised to introduce a bill as soon as next week compelling the NYPD to comply with the request.
“These were the heroes of 9/11, and they deserve the best health care possible,” Kellner said. “If there is a higher rate of cancer, we need to find that out through the best study possible, and that means releasing this list.”
Savino called the situation “outrageous.”
The bill would require the NYPD to release the list of names, but it would be up to researchers to get medical clearances from the individual officers, Kellner said.
Through disability claims, the Patrolman’s Benevolent Association has identified 297 cancer cases out of 12,000 cops who served at Ground Zero.
Mayor Bloomberg, citing privacy worries, told reporters that the NYPD “has always tried to give information without names so that people can do things, and we are trying to work something out."
More Cancer Coverage:
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A startling number of healthy, young cops who responded to the 9/11 attacks have since been diagnosed with cancer, according to new data obtained by The Post.
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