December 31st will mark the end of an era for Buffalo's Police Benevolent Association. Three of the police union's top leaders, including President Robert Meegan, are retiring.
Meegan is retiring after 24 years of what he calls "a hell of a ride" representing the men and women who serve and protect the City of Buffalo. He sat down with WBFO's Marian Hetherly.
Robert Meegan has been described as a pit bull, the police union's attack dog.
"I've been called worse, so I'll take it as a compliment," said Meegan.
The 60-year-old South Buffalo native says it's been an honor to serve his officers for the last 24 years, and he'll always be a strong advocate for police. But come January first, he plans to enjoy retirement, splitting his time between Buffalo and his home in Florida.
"I'm still healthy, thank God. That's the big thing and that's probably the major reason I'm leaving, is because I do have the health. This job here, it's a silent killer, you know. It's a lot of stress and you have to be careful," said Meegan.
"I think Bob sacrificed a lot in his personal life and in his family life for the benefit of the guys, and I don't think people realize," said Hemplin.
Edward Hempling retired from the Department as Chief of Administration in 2004 and was involved in major changes, including the reorganization of districts.
"I do think it sometimes came across as the union being callous or whatnot. I think from Bob's perspective he did what he had to for his people and it was up to the city to dig in on those issues to make sure they were fair contract," said Hemplin.
During his tenure, Meegan oversaw negotiations and arbitrations that nearly tripled the salaries of police, increased medical, pension, and other benefits, and instituted a bidding process that gives police with the most seniority the first chance on job openings. He says maintaining these benefits will continue to be the top priority of the union's new leadership. Police work isn't getting any easier.
"You're damned if you do and damned if you don't. Everybody's looking over your shoulder. You've got your Monday morning quarterbacks. You've got the boldness of the criminals, the softness of the criminal justice system, the same individuals in and out of court constantly, in and out of jail constantly. And they always, always, always leave other victims in their wake," said Meegan.
Meegan laments that the union has had to fight over the basic necessities of police work, like better weapons, radios, and bullet-proof vests. Police also have been working without a contract and have not fully received the pay increases negotiated for what has been called his biggest concession: one-officer patrol cars. All this, Meegan reminds, while the City enjoys a budget surplus.
"I didn't know governments were supposed to run on a surplus. Technically, I thought you taxed the people based on what the need was, not to put aside a rainy-day fund," said Meegan.
Meegan said an elected Police Commissioner, who could act independently from the Mayor, would help negotiations. However, the biggest roadblock is the "business elite" on Buffalo's control board.
"It's not just a burden. Negotiations are non-existent and I think they want it that way, to tell you the truth. They've overstayed their welcome. There's no need for them here. There never was a need. They'll probably have to be forced out through court action," said Meegan.
And, although Mayor Byron Brown has talked about wanting the control board to go soft, Meegan says the Mayor has done little about it.
"He was a fierce fighter for the PBA. There's no doubt about that. But on the Council, we've got to think about the rights of the workers and the rights of the tax-paying citizens," said Franczyk.
Common Council President David Franczyk hopes the new PBA leadership will take a fair look at the City's ability to pay.
"The idea of a union shouldn't be to take everything they possibly can and turn the city upside down until all the coins fall out of its pockets, but to take what's right and what's fair for their workers in a dangerous job. No more than that. And if it goes beyond that, then it's not fair to the taxpayer," said Franczyk.
Joseph Mascia said he's pleased with the conversations he's been having with the incoming PBA leadership and is confident good relations will continue with the commission he chairs to investigate the reorganization of Buffalo Police. Mascia wished Meegan well in his retirement.
"I had a lot of respect for him over the years. In fact, I think Bob is the kind of guy who always thinks outside the box. He's done a phenomenal job with the police department. There are things that have happened that wouldn't have happened without his leadership. I'm sure he will be sorely missed," said Masica.
On January first, James Panus, the PBA's Recording Secretary, will become the union's new President. A-District At-Large union rep Kevin Kennedy will take over for the retiring Mark Morgan as First Vice President and the Mobile Response Unit's William Gambino will take over for the retiring Sean O'Brien as Second Vice President.