Politics
Patrick Lynch, Police Union Chief Who Fought de Blasio, Wins a 5th Term
Patrick Lynch, head of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, speaks during a news conference after the bodies of two fallen NYPD police officers were transported from Woodhull Medical Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Alan Feuer, THE NEW YORK TIMES
NEW YORK (The New York Times) — Beating back his first challenge in a decade, Patrick J. Lynch, the irascible police union boss, was re-elected on Friday as the president of the New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.
Mr. Lynch, 51, received 70 percent of the vote and defeated two opponents, Brian Fusco and Ronald Wilson, to win a fifth four-year term.
His re-election came six months after he fought a nasty public war with Mayor Bill de Blasio during which he attacked the mayor for showing sympathy to protesters who marched after the death of Eric Garner, a Staten Island man who was put in a chokehold by the police. Mr. Lynch later declared that Mr. de Blasio had “blood on the hands” in the murders of two Brooklyn police officers.
Announcing his victory, Mr. Lynch said in a statement, “We are extremely gratified that our members have recognized the hard work and successes that Team Lynch has achieved on their behalf.” He said he would continue to work in the members’ best interests.
Mr. Fusco, a high-ranking association official and a former ally of Mr. Lynch, called it a hard-fought race. “The members of the P.B.A. were able to hear our positions on the critical issues facing police officers,” he said. “The members have spoken, and we respect their decision.”
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