The New York City health commissioner dismissed a request from the New York City Police Department for a half million masks, the New York Post reports.
Dr. Oxiris Barbot told a high-ranking police official that she was not all that concerned about the officers and said she only had 50,000 masks to spare.
“I don’t give two rats’ asses about your cops,” she reportedly told Terence Monahan, the chief of the department. “I need them for others.”
Patrick Lynch, president of the Police Benevolent Association, called for Barbot to be fired over her “despicable and unforgivable” comments.
“Dr. Barbot should be forced to look in the eye of every police family who lost a hero to this virus. Look them in the eye and tell them they aren’t worth a rat’s ass,” Lynch told the newspaper.
Ed Mullins, the president of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association, also called for her dismissal.
“I am not surprised by such vile words coming from an appointee of Mayor de Blasio, whose disdain for law enforcement is legendary,” said Mullins. “But Dr. Barbot’s comments make it clear she has no personal or professional regard for the police.
Dr. Barbot later apologized for the vulgar remarks, according to a statement released by the health department.
“Dr. Barbot and Chief Monahan have a good working relationship. During the height of COVID, while our hospitals were battling to keep patients alive, there was a heated exchange between the two where things were said out of frustration but no harm was wished on anyone. The Commissioner apologized for her contribution to the exchange, the apology was accepted and agreement was arrived between the two to ensure that respirators were delivered to members of the force. This has always been about saving the lives of our healthcare workers, police officers and every New Yorker who is fighting through this pandemic.”