Cook pleaded guilty and was suspended for assaulting 2 superior Springfield Police officers.
SPRINGFIELD – The City Council approved a home rule bill on Monday that asks the state Legislature and Governor to restore the pension of Patrolman Derek V. Cook in the aftermath of his guilty plea and suspension for assaulting two superior officers.
Derek CookThe vote was 9-3 in favor of the bill, which will be forwarded to Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, and if signed, would then be forwarded for consideration by the Legislature and Governor.
Councilor Melvin Edwards, a lead sponsor, said it is a matter of “fundamental fairness” for Cook to regain his pension rights as he was already punished with a three-month unpaid suspension for the station house assault, but kept his job.
The Springfield Retirement Board voted to strip Cook’s pension last month, saying it was following the requirements of state law. The home rule bill, if approved, would serve to restore the pension.
Cook pleaded guilty in July to assaulting Lt. Robert P. Moynihan and now-retired Sgt. Dennis M. O’Connor in February 2008.
Councilors Michael A. Fenton, Kateri B. Walsh, and Clodovaldo Concepcion opposed the bill, saying they needed more information. Fenton asked that the matter be referred to executive (closed door) session, but his motion was rejected by Council President James J. Ferrera III.
Sarno’s communications director, Thomas T. Walsh, said Sarno would review the council’s bill before commenting.
Some councilors said Cook's situation was unique, in that he is working as a police officer without the protection of a pension should he be injured in the line of duty.
Councilors Timothy J. Rooke and John Lysak said the city could face liability if Cook is hurt without pension protection.