PEABODY — It was the contract provision that made Peabody national news.
Today, Sept. 11 became a paid holiday for police officers, according to an agreement the police union reached with Mayor Michael Bonfanti last October. The designation means officers will be paid time and a quarter on the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.
The provision was groundbreaking. No other police department in the country had such a holiday, and it triggered a backlash, fueled by local and national news stories, against the Peabody police. They were accused of exploiting a national tragedy to increase their pay.
Union leaders said they wanted the holiday to honor police and other emergency responders who performed bravely on Sept. 11. They received support from officers in New York City, New Jersey and Massachusetts.
The City Council ratified the new police contract in January. It will cost the city about $22,000 to pay for the holiday.
In Peabody today, the city is holding a morning ceremony at a new park that will honor the victims of the terrorist attacks, including two former Peabody residents. An honor guard from the police and fire departments will participate.
Bill Power, chairman of Peabody's Community Preservation Committee and a driving force behind the creation of the park, said the police union had pledged a "generous donation" toward the 9/11 memorial. He declined to disclose the amount.
Police Union President Manny Costa could not be reached for comment on how police officers will be observing the holiday.
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