New York police union leader says union's endorsement of Trump the first in nearly 40 years

The Police Benevolent Association of the Ciy of New York, the largest police union in the New York City Police Department, endorsed Donald Trump on Friday in what the union's leader said was the first such political affirmation the organization has given in at least nearly four decades. 

PBA President Patrick Lynch said at the event in New York City that he has "36 years on this job, 21 as the president [of the PBA]—I cannot remember when we've ever endorsed for the office of President of the United States until now. That's how important this is."

Lynch claimed that the PBA does not normally give endorsements, but that Trump "earned" it. 

Trump, meanwhile—who was in New York City in part to visit his brother Robert who is ill in the hospital—argued to the assembled police officers that Joe Biden has been "taking your dignity away and your respect" and that they would be "getting it back" after the November election.

"I've admired you my whole life, watched you do a job like nobody else, nobody else done it," Trump told the cops. "Best of the best and I’m grateful happy you're here."