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Former Sergeants Benevolent Association president Joe Toal – who led the NYPD union for more than two decades — died on Sunday. He was 87.

“He leaves a tremendous legacy and will be missed,” the SBA, which counts some 2,300 members, posted on social media


  Joe Toal, former president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, died Sunday at 87 years old. Shannon DeCelle Joe Toal, former president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, died Sunday at 87 years old. Shannon DeCelle

  Toal joined the NYPD in 1959 and retired in 2000, according to the union. David Rentas/New York Post Toal joined the NYPD in 1959 and retired in 2000, according to the union. David Rentas/New York Post

Toal joined the NYPD in November of 1959, and fronted the SBA beginning in 1980 and ending in April 2000, when he retired, the association said. 

“During his more than four decades in law enforcement, Joe was known for his unrivaled dedication and commitment to public safety and the men and women he served as SBA president,” current SBA President Vincent Vallelong told The Post on Tuesday.

Retired Sgt. Ed Burns, who worked with Toal, also had warm words of remembrance.

“Joe was a great guy, a better cop and the greatest president,” Burns said. “The only thing that he loved more than the SBA was his family.”


  Toal “leaves behind a tremendous legacy and will be missed,” the SBA posted on Instagram. Instagram / @sbanypd Toal “leaves behind a tremendous legacy and will be missed,” the SBA posted on Instagram. Instagram / @sbanypd

Toal’s wake will be held Friday at Marine Park Funeral Home, 3024 Quentin Road in Brooklyn from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

His funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, 1950 Batchelder Street. 

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