Wappingers Falls accepts officer resignation; PBA urges temporary suspension of 20‑hour limit to cover shifts

The Wappingers Falls Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Police Officer Justino effective April 9 during the April 9 meeting.

Trustees expressed appreciation for Justino's service. A speaker at the meeting called him “one of the best” officers in recent years.

Hector Rivera, vice president of the Wappingers Falls PBA, addressed the board and urged the mayor to suspend a local 20‑hour rule temporarily so part‑time officers could work additional hours and help provide coverage. Rivera said the department is “in a bind” and that single‑officer shifts leave officers unavailable when responding to serious calls such as domestic violence or major crashes. He asked that the suspension be granted for three to four months while the department fills vacancies and referred to the need to recruit additional officers.

Speakers also recommended retaining Sergeant Leatherman as officer‑in‑charge (OIC) for continuity. Rivera and other commenters praised Sergeant Leatherman's supervision and said the union supports him in the OIC role.

The board discussed options for temporary staffing; attendees noted two recruits are currently in the police academy and expected to graduate in June. Trustees said they would reach out to relevant parties to explore temporary scheduling changes that comply with benefits and labor rules.

No formal rule suspension was recorded in the transcript; the board accepted the resignation and agreed to follow up on staffing and coverage options.

The board later moved to enter executive session for personnel matters.