Official Publication of the L aw E nforcement E ducation P rogram The Police Officers

® J urnalVolume 22, Number 1 • WINTER 2012

On the inside: Police deaths spike in 2011 – Pg. 3 Dispatch Supervisor writes book – Pg. 4 Executive Board member retires – Pg. 11 Dispatchers honored for conduct – Pg. 13 Longtime board member retires — By Richard Weiler, Director Volume 22, Number 1 • WINTER 2012 t the end of December 2011, Rick Hetherington of the Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP©) Flint Police Department retired. Send Address Changes to: A Rick was first appointed to the POLC Executive Com- 667 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite 205, mittee back in January 2001 and remained President of the Sergeants Association Troy, MI 48083. during his tenure until his retirement. Rick was a valuable asset to the Labor Council (248) 524-3200 • FAX: (248) 524-2752 with foresight on solving problems. He will shortly be taking the bar exam and then www.leepusa.com moving on to a career in the legal profession. L.E.E.P. Programs: (800) 451-1220 You will be missed my friend. Thanks for your service! www.polc.org For more about Rick’s retirement and the new Executive Committee member, please see the articles in the Member News section of this edition. ANTI-PUBLIC EMPLOYEE LAWS Executive Committee During this past year, public employees have been thrown aside by this legislature CHAIR: Greg Huggett time after time. They have refused to listen to logic or facts prior to enacting anti- Battle Creek Police Dept. public employee legislation. VICE CHAIR: Paul C. Combs I won’t repeat what you already know. There was some good news, however, at Berkley Public Safety Dept. the end of 2011. The legislature — in its wisdom — overhauled the workers com- Collin Birnie pensation laws, but, for the first time, they listened to us. Police and fire were ex- Flint Police Dept. cluded from the legislation, which makes it harder for others to collect on worker’s compensation claims. Rick Bleich Another anti-public employee piece of legislation is HB 4059, which prohibits em- Muskegon Police Dept. ployers from entering into or renewing a bargaining agreement that required or al- Mike DeKam lowed paid time for union officials, members, or bargaining representatives to conduct Grand Rapids Communications union business. This bill appears to be on hold in the Senate. It has passed the House Shane LaPorte where it was introduced by Rep. Marty Knollenberg, whom wants to move into an- Jackson City Police Dept. other legislative position when his term is up. I can’t wish him luck in any public posi- Brett D. McGrew tion he aspires for! Berrien County Sheriffs Dept. In any event, we will take any legislative victories we can get. I wish each and Brian P. Miller every one of you and yours a safe and Happy New Year!! d Lincoln Park Police Dept. Thomas Wilk Troy is one of safest cities Macomb County Community College — Excerpted from The Oakland Press DIRECTOR, Richard Weiler roy has been named one of the safest cities in Michigan for its size, according Detroit PD (Retired) to CQ Press, a publishing company specializing in politics and policy. T Troy has the lowest crime rate in Michigan for a city with a population of 75,000 or more, reported CQ Press of 2010 statistics collected by the FBI. The city has Publications been ranked the safest in Michigan in 10 of the last 14 reports the company has Fred Lamaire compiled, Troy Police Department stated in a press release. Troy has also achieved fifth or sixth rank of safest city in the United States in 2005 and 2006, according to the release. POLC represents Troy Police Command unit. Postmaster: Please send returns and all other communications The Dec. 8 CQ report used six categories to establish rankings for cities with to the Law Enforcement Education Program Business Office: populations of at least 75,000 including: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, 667 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite 205, Troy, MI 48083. burglary and motor vehicle theft. Statistics collected by the Troy Police Department

Published by The Dale Corp., (248) 542-2400 show there were 53 violent crimes in Troy during 2010, consisting of a single homicide, Executive Editor, Gary Jablonski 19 rapes, nine robberies and 33 aggravated assaults. There were no reported rapes Production staff: Diané E. Bertoli, involving a stranger assaulting an unknown victim in 2010, the release stated. d Jennifer Foley The Police Officers Journal Line of duty deaths spike in 2011 — Excerpted from NLEOMF and CNN.com

same thing today.” aw enforcement deaths rose sharply The causes of officer deaths for the second year in a row with in 2011 are as follows: The decade, which included the end of the Vietnam War, energy crises, a weaken- L173 federal, state and local officers • Gunfire: 68 ing economy and a presidential impeach- killed in the line of duty in 2011, according • Traffic deaths: 64 ment, also saw 2,286 law enforcement to preliminary data released by the Na- • Job related illnesses: 27 officers killed in the line of duty — an aver- tional Law Enforcement Officers Memo- • Falls: 4 age of about 229 per year. rial Fund (NLEOMF). • Drowning: 2 In 2011, more officers were killed in There were 13 percent more deaths than • Stabbing: 2 Florida, 14, than any other state; followed the 153 officers killed in 2010 and an One officer died due to each of the fol- by Texas, 13; New York with 11; and Cali- alarming 42 percent increase compared to lowing causes: aircraft accident, beating, fornia and Georgia with 10 each. Ten offi- the 122 officers who died in the line of duty bomb-related incident, struck by falling cers served with federal law enforcement in 2009. The primary cause of death in object, electrocution and strangulation. 2011 was gunfire. agencies. Seven served with correctional “We’re hearing about more brazen, vio- death toll can be attributed to budget cuts agencies and 11 of the 173 were women. lent activity today, more cold-blooded mur- and the tendency of previously incarcer- The preliminary 2011 law enforcement ders,” said NLEOMF Chairman Craig W. ated individuals to “shoot their way out of fatality report was released by the NLEOMF Floyd. “For the first time in 14 years, fire- a situation,” with police. In January 2011, in conjunction with Concerns of Police Sur- arms-related deaths will outnumber traffic CNN reported four law enforcement shoot- vivors (C.O.P.S.), a non-profit organization and ‘other’-related deaths.” ing deaths in Florida stemming from two that provides critical assistance to the sur- The primary cause of officer deaths for instances when officers tried to take in viving family members and loved ones of 13 years, officers killed along roadways, wanted criminals. officers killed in the line of duty. d decreased 10 percent in 2011. The 64 “I think that we have a strong anti-gov- “Law Enforcement Officer Deaths: Prelimi- deaths included: 44 in automobile crashes, ernment sentiment in our country, similar nary 2011 Report,” which is not a final list of 11 struck while outside their vehicle, to the 1970s, the deadliest decade in law individual officers who will be added to the seven who died in motorcycle crashes and enforcement,” Floyd said. “In the ’70s we National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial two who were killed when a train struck saw a lot of protests and disrespect for law in 2011, is available at www.LawMemorial. their car. enforcement officials, and we’re seeing the org/ResearchBulletin “Drastic budget cuts affecting law en- forcement agencies across the country have put our officers at grave risk,” Floyd said. A report issued in October by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Commu- nity Oriented Policing Services, stated that by the end of 2011, it was expected that nearly 12,000 police officers and sheriff’s deputies would be laid off. Floyd noted the NLEOMF is partnering with the U.S. De- partment of Justice and the National High- way Transportation Safety Administration on a number of law enforcement safety initiatives to combat this growing prob- lem. NLEOMF Senior Communications Direc- tor Steve Groeninger said the increased

www.polc.org • 3 The Police Officers Journal Dispatch Supervisor stars in St. Valentine’s Day Massacre documentary, writes book — By Jennifer Foley, POJ Editor with excerpts from Wikipedia

ove may be on the minds of most “Scarface” Al Capone, the other by George hunted all over the United States. He was women this Valentine’s Day, but for “Bugs” Moran. One of the suspected trig- right here after the massacre.” LBerrien County 911 Dispatch Super- ger men, Fred “Killer” Burke, lived in Ste- Lyon, a former POLC union steward, ap- visor Chriss Lyon, Valentine’s Day will al- vensville, Michigan. pears as one of the historians and a 1920s ways be remembered for bloodshed. Burke, known as Fred Dane in his Mich- flapper extra in a few scenes shot in Chi- Lyon’s research of the St. Valentine’s igan town, killed St. Joseph, Michigan cago last March. Some of those scenes Day Massacre, which has a local connec- Police Officer Charles Skelly ten months were shot at The Green Mill Club, co- tion, has propelled her into the limelight after the massacre on Dec. 14, 1929. Skel- owned by Machine Gun Jack McGurn, a as a historian in a National Geographic ly had pursued Burke following a traffic famous gangster. Lt. Mike Kline of Berrien Channel documentary called, “Valentine’s crash in St. Joseph. He was gunned down County Sheriff’s Department appears in the Day Massacre.” And this summer she by Burke, who escaped. But the dying of- documentary with the famous Tommy guns plans to release a book about gangsters ficer identified his murderer before taking used in the massacre. in the Midwest. his last breath. “We took them to Burke’s house, which St. Valentine’s Day Massacre is the 1929 While searching Burke’s home, authori- is a real estate office now,” Lyon said. murder of seven mob associates in a Pro- ties found an arsenal of weaponry, over “We actually did some filming inside the hibition era conflict between two powerful $300,000 worth of stolen bonds, bullet- house. The rest of the shooting we did at criminal gangs in Chicago — one led by proof vests, and two Thompson subma- the gun range in town. We had the actual chine guns, which were determined by Thompson submachine guns. Then they forensic ballistics to have been used in the fired them.” massacre. Burke was later caught and con- “It was phenomenal to imagine all the victed of Skelly’s murder and imprisoned weaponry that was in this house. We don’t until his death in 1940. know what happened to most of it,” Lyon “Most people don’t associate the value said. “There are probably a lot of people of this area in that massacre,” Lyon said. that have this stuff in their houses that “At that time, Fred Burke was the most don’t know the value of it.” dangerous man in America and he was The National Geographic show, which Lt. Mike Kline loads one of the Tommy guns aired in Europe in 2011 and in Australia in during the filming of the History Detectives January, is expected to air in the U.S. in episode in 2009. February. The documentary promotes Bill Burke’s arsenal found in Helmer’s book, Capone and his American his St. Joseph home. boys. “They took a lot of the material from Gangster Fred Burke killed his book and recreated some scenes from St. Joseph, Michigan his book. The ironic thing about that is I Officer Charles Skelly. actually helped him research,” Lyon said, adding that Helmer gives her credit in his book about mobster Gus Winkler’s wife’s memoirs taken from FBI documents. “She was writing the book to basically warn other people, but nobody would publish it. I helped him find Georgette (the wife) …

4 • WINTER 2012 The Police Officers Journal

Photo courtesy of The Herald-Palladium Chriss Lyon visits the City Cemetery in St. Joseph to reflect and inspire herself. It’s the city’s oldest cemetery which holds the graves of many early city founders.

Burke’s mugshot and fingerprints.

she died after remarriage.” master in the Sheriff’s Department in 2000. Lyon plans to finish her own book this “This was our main armory at the time,” year. In Capone’s Playground: Murder and Kline said of the supplies office which Mayhem in the Midwest, Lyon uses foren- housed the historic Tommy guns. sic genealogy and investigative research to As requests to photograph and film the uncover little known facts about the mas- guns came in, Kline would tag along as the sacre. With never before published police guns went out. The historical guns have reports, interviews with family members of won NRA awards; been used in several degree when he decided to pursue a law key witnesses, and leading experts, Lyon television productions and historical shows; enforcement degree after several of his establishes the foundation for what would and have been shown at historical societ- teacher friends got pink slipped. Destiny develop as a haven for gangsters from the ies and schools. When Kline took the guns played a role again when Kline discovered Prohibition era through the mid-twentieth to The American Thompson Association in his house was owned by one of the doctors century, while revealing new information Ohio, Lyon said, “These people were just who tried to save Skelly’s life. about the capture of Burke. drooling over these guns. These people Kline recalls hearing about a boy who “My book has to do with the gangster think of these guns like they’re the Holy used to make a lot of money for his family presence in the Midwest and how it Grail of guns.” by caddying for a group of men. “These changed, how it was accepted,” Lyon said. That’s when Kline met Chuck Schauer, a guys came out of a hole in the ground “They used this area as a hideout … to retired Village of Oak Park, Illinois police across the river,” Kline said. “He (later) re- stay away from Detroit, Chicago. But it officer representing the Thompson Asso- alized who he was caddying for was Al goes way beyond this area. It’s become so ciation. “I learned more from that guy in Capone and his bodyguards.” much more than Charles Skelly and Fred two hours than I would’ve learned in 20 “On this side of lake, they used to golf, Burke. You have to understand what it was years on my own,” Kline said. “He and I play games and hang out. They were kind like in the 20s.” just hit it off. We became very close of protected here,” Lyon said. “They came Lyon considers Helmer a mentor, giving friends.” in and spent a lot of money during The De- her more insight into the massacre and The two developed displays to travel pression. There was a lot of … turning a connecting her with experts in the subject. with the guns. “I took the guns there, put blind eye.”d “It’s just great to be able to talk to them, up displays and it’s been nonstop ever Lyon has given presentations at schools, take what they’re saying and put it on pa- since,” Kline said. museums, genealogical and historical societies per,” Lyon said. “They’ve never really told Lyon and Kline feel like they were des- about Prohibition era gangsters. She has also the story from start to finish.” tined to share their community’s story. “You written articles for magazines and journals and assisted other writers with research. In-Depth Kline, who is Lyon’s uncle, remembers know I never envisioned myself as being a Publishing in Holland, Michigan will publish his mother and Lyon walking around local police officer growing up,” Kline said. “I Lyon’s book, visit www.indeptheditions.com/ cemeteries in search of clues about the was more destined to be a teacher, which books.html. And go to www.natgeotv.com/uk/ history of their town. Kline’s love of history I kind of am now anyway.” valentines-day-massacre for more on the Na- began when he was working as a quarter- Kline was 10 credits shy of a teaching tional Geographic Documentary.

www.polc.org • 5 The Police Officers Journal Substantial changes affect Act 312 interest arbitration — By POLC Labor Attorney John Lyons, Esq. & Sarah Napthen, POLC Research Assistant

his has been an interesting year. • Section 8 requires the Panel identify The new conservative legislature economic issues in dispute “before the Thas made numerous changes in beginning of the hearing” and in advance public sector labor laws that affect our of proofs. Of note, the “last offer of settle- members’ rights. Public Act 116 (HB 4522) ment on each economic issue” must be provides several changes to Act 312. The made “before the beginning of the hear- Act, as we know it, has been amended in ing.” This is a dramatic change from prior several important areas, which became requirements and practice. Some believe effective July 20, 2011: the new requirements may legislatively • Section 2 includes “authorities” as overrule POAM v Ottawa County, 264 Mich. employers. This does not include employ- App 133 (2004). Likewise, some advocates ees of authorities who were not represent- believe no economic issues can be added ed by a bargaining unit, nor had a collective after the Panel has identified the econom- ment of “other employees” of the employ- bargaining agreement as of June 1, 2011. ic issues in dispute. This legislation could er “outside of the bargaining unit in ques- • Section 5(3) requires the Michigan Em- set the parties up for some real “fights” as tion.” That means non-uniformed employee ployment Relations Commission (MERC) to to what is, and what is not, economic and contracts and benefits will be compared. establish qualifications and training for panel whether the parties’ positions can be The dispute(s) can still be remanded to chairpersons. This may be waived for those amended during or after the hearing. mediation for further action up to a period who served before the amendment effective • Section 9 requires compliance factors of three weeks. date. Training was always understood, how- for an award to be based upon substantial Obviously, the political landscape has ever, now it is believed to be more intense evidence in the whole record. Ability to pay changed with a definite conservative shift. and directed training may be available. has always been one of the factors, as well Bargaining rights have been curtailed in • Section 6 sets forth time limits requir- as consideration of comparables with those many ways. However, we still have a wage ing hearings be completed, including the having similar functions. However, now the and benefit dispute resolution procedure filing of post-hearing briefs, within 180 arbitration panel must — under Sections under Act 312 for eligible employees and days. Some advocates believe hearings 9(1)(a) and 9(2) — give the “most signifi- members of the public safety community. begin at the pre-arbitration stage. Conse- cance” to the public employer’s “financial Conflicts raised by some of the new provi- quences for failing to comply with time ability to pay,” which is defined to include sions will, no doubt, take time to be re- limits are not addressed. The Panel can the “financial impact on the community,” solved and some may even have to be liti- take an additional 60 days to make findings the “interest and welfare of the public” and gated. Likewise, there may be additional of fact and a written opinion and order. The “all liabilities, whether or not they appear changes from time to time, which affect parties share hearing expenses equally. on the balance sheet of the unit of govern- your bargaining rights. The POLC will fol- Expenses include the arbitrator, court re- ment.” Section 9(1)(c) requires the Panel to low all proposed changes and urge POLC porter and transcripts. Previously, the state give due consideration of the wages, hours, positions in Lansing through our represen- paid one-third of this cost. and other terms and conditions of employ- tative, Karoub and Associates. d

This has been an interesting year. The new conservative legislature has made numerous changes in public sector labor laws that affect our members’ rights.

6 • WINTER 2012 The Police Officers Journal

Pontiac Fire Department closes doors — Excerpted from media reports ontiac Police exist no longer. Now hopeful Pontiac will have its own fire de- — after 179 years of service — partment again someday. PPontiac Fire Department suffered The agreement is expected to save $3 the same fate. million from the fire department’s $9.2 an- The Waterford Fire Department will re- nual budget. Waterford Township would be spond to calls in the city of Pontiac after an paid $6.2 million to provide fire services for agreement was reached between the two cit- the city. In return, about $4 million will be two of the city’s five fire stations would be ies. It was a decision made by Pontiac’s Emer- spent in fire services for the city while Wa- closed. He said contracting services would gency Financial Manager Lou Schimmel. terford will pocket the rest. lower fire department staffing levels in After receiving pink slips with applica- Pontiac firefighters had counter offered Pontiac with medical runs handled by a tions to work for Waterford Township, Schimmel’s proposal with one that would private ambulance company. Pontiac Firefighters Union Local 376 mem- save the city $3.9 million annually and pro- Costs to citizens would not be affected, bers voted to ratify the agreement, which vide more firefighters on duty than the Schimmel said. The department bills for was later approved by Waterford Town- Waterford deal, but Schimmel refused to ambulance runs whether the city or a pri- ship. Forty-two Pontiac firefighters will discuss the offer. “There is no way in the vate company responds. “I think it’ll be move to Waterford’s Fire Department and world we can save $3 million by keeping better than it is now because we’re going several others are in the process of joining. our own fire department,” Schimmel said. to have not only the same coverage in Pontiac had 57 firefighters. The deal follows weeks of protests by terms of fire, but we’re going to have an “I think time heals everything,” said Pon- Pontiac firefighters and supporters. Ponti- outside contractor, Star Ambulance, pro- tiac Fire Department Captain Matthew ac’s main fire station closed and the flag vide EMS services,” said Schimmel, who Nye. “We still remain professional firemen. outside the station was lowered and re- added 87 percent of calls are for medical We have a job to do for this community and placed by Waterford’s flag during a cere- runs. “So we‘re expanding the amount of the people of this community.” Nye is mony Feb. 1. Schimmel said earlier that personnel through that method.” d

Recalls target union busting legislators — Excerpted from the Detroit Free Press and Wisconsin Professional Police Association special election to fill the remain- about our kids, our future and the 99 per- health insurance has already been taken der of State Rep. Paul Scott’s term cent,” a reference to the Occupy Wall away and they fear their remaining rights Athrough December 2012 will be Street movement. will be “ripe for further attack if something held Feb. 28, simultaneously with the Re- “We are not going to be deterred,” said does not change very soon,” according to publican presidential primary election. Ari Adler, a spokesman for House Speaker the letter to NAPO members. In November, Scott, R-Grand Blanc, was Jase Bolger, R-Marshall. “We still have a “Officers across the country appreciate the first state lawmaker to be success- majority … and we think that in February that if the domino falls in Wisconsin, the fully recalled from office since 1983. Ef- we’re going to take the seat back.” likelihood that they will be next will be forts to oust Gov. Rick Snyder and other WISCONSIN RECALL exponentially greater,” the WPPA letter Michigan Republican legislators failed to Wisconsin police officers are seeking the states. “By contrast, if the recall effort of gather enough signatures to be placed on financial support of officers nationwide in Scott Walker is successful, governors the ballot. Scott was one of several dozen their efforts to recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott around the country will do whatever they legislators targeted after sweeping chang- Walker. can to avoid sharing a similar fate.” d es to Michigan tax law and budget priori- The Wisconsin Professional Police As- Contributions should be made payable to “Cops for Justice Fund” and mailed to: Wiscon- ties approved by Republican majorities sociation (WPPA) is reaching out to NAPO sin Professional Police Association, c/o Cops earlier this year. members seeking donations in a grass- for Justice Fund, 660 John Nolen Drive, Suite MEA spokesman Doug Pratt said via roots effort citing opposition to Gov. Walk- 300, Madison, Wisconsin 53713. For more in- Twitter the “recall of Lansing politician Paul er’s proposed legislation to undo collective formation, call 800-362-8838 or e-mail palm- Scott shows that Michigan voters care bargaining laws. The right to bargain over [email protected]

www.polc.org • 7 The Police Officers Journal Flint back under reins of EFM — By Jennifer Foley, POJ Editor with excerpts from media reports

lint is the latest community to be put “I bet he cleared $1 million off the books under the authority of an emergency Will Detroit be next for EFM? by eliminating those seven jobs,” Whet- Ffinancial manager (EFM), but in this — Excerpted from the Detroit Free Press stone said. “Everybody I talked to down city’s case it’s the second time. and The Detroit News there are of the belief that the financial A state review panel issued a report and A state Treasury Department review of manger is better to deal with than the recommendation for the takeover to Gov. Detroit’s finances in December found personnel and the mayor. If they cut at the Rick Snyder, which says in part, “Indeed, “probable financial stress” in Detroit. A top first then it’s easier to live with at the the failure of city officials to have ad- team will be appointed to conduct a more bottom.” dressed the city’s financial problems with detailed financial study. “There were a lot of things the (state’s) greater urgency and vigor appears consis- “While it appears some progress is be- review team felt the city was doing wrong tent with observations made to the review ing made by the city, the review process and indicated an EFM was necessary,” said team regarding a lack of political will must continue, given the city’s financial Sgt. Rick Hetherington, recently retired among a succession of city officials to con- condition and the distinct possibility that President of Flint Police Sergeant’s union. front reality and render difficult, but neces- it may run out of cash early in 2012,” said “I’m not opposed to Michael Brown taking sary, financial decisions.” State Treasurer Andy Dillon in a release. the reigns. We had a decent working rela- “It (the report) slams the city of Flint for In January pink slips began going out tionship when he was here, so I don’t think its practices and the promises that it made to 108 Detroit Police officers because anything will change.” to the state so an emergency financial federal grant money was running out, but Hetherington said two-thirds of the po- manager wouldn’t come in,” said Lloyd the U.S. Department of Justice granted a lice force has been lost through layoffs. Whetstone, POLC Labor Rep. for Flint Po- variance to the city. The waiver of Com- Hetherington was one of 25 officers offered lice Sergeants, Lieutenants and Captains. munity Oriented Policing Services rules early retirement by Dec. 31 to maintain “It’s pretty scathing.” allows the city to modify federal grants their current benefits. He retired Dec. 1. Snyder appointed the eight-member and avert the layoffs. “I wish to thank the Whetstone contacted Brown on his first review team Sept. 30 to examine Flint’s U.S. Department of Justice … for under- day about postponing an Act 312 arbitra- books after the treasury department found standing the challenges that face the tion, which Brown can overrule, in ex- “probable financial stress” based on sev- city,” said Mayor Dave Bing in a state- change for settling the police Sergeant’s, eral issues, including a structural deficit, ment. Detroit Police stations also reduced Captains and Lieutenants contracts. Whet- recurring cash shortfalls and a failure to 24-hour operations to eight hours per day stone expects contract issues to include follow the state-approved deficit elimina- in an effort to put more officers on the health care, capping overtime and lower- tion plan. Flint is the only city in Michi- street. ing the multiplier for retirement benefits. gan’s history to twice undergo a state He said the goal is to avoid more police takeover. An EFM was appointed in 2002, paid $170,000, according to his contract. layoffs in Flint, which was the most vio- soon after the recall of then-Mayor Wood- Flint’s debt is estimated around $15 mil- lent city in America in 2010, according to row Stanley. That state takeover ended lion, however, Whetstone said, “I’ve heard FBI statistics. two years later, in 2004. $17 million — I’ve heard less or more. Brown has said no one’s job is set in On Dec. 1, Emergency Financial Man- They definitely have a large deficit.” stone and “major reductions” need to be ager Mike Brown took over. Brown, who So far Brown has fired seven city leaders made. d was born and raised in Flint, served as act- and the mayor and city council are taking ing Flint mayor for six months after ex- large pay cuts. Mayor Dayne Walling will Mayor Don Williamson resigned in Febru- receive 60 percent of his base salary, re- “I believe we can work ary 2009. Brown said he wants to return the ducing his pay to about $55,000 a year, and city to local control as quickly and efficient- council members will receive $7,000 each. together to resolve Flint’s ly as possible. “I believe we can work to- Previously, city council pay was around financial emergency,” Brown gether to resolve Flint’s financial emer- $20,000. Monthly council meetings will be gency,” Brown said. “This is my hometown, limited to public comment, public hearings said. “This is my hometown, so this is a personal task.” Brown will be and addressing matters Brown submits. so this is a personal task.”

8 • WINTER 2012 The Police Officers Journal

Communities find alternate ways to protect citizens by cutting costs — Excerpted from sctimes.com and media reports

ust when you think you’ve heard of rity company guards will patrol the area like a chain gang. Life at a fire station every way communities can cut and can make citizen arrests, but they can- could be a whole lot more pleasant than Jcosts and still provide law enforce- not investigate crimes or perform traffic life in jail.” ment and firefighting service, something stops. In September 2011, Foley had 162 Inmate firefighters have been used to new comes up. calls for service, most of which were traffic help battle wildfire blazes, such as in In Foley, Minnesota, a private security stops, said Benton County Capt. Paul Ol- California, but the Georgia plan would company is replacing law enforcement of- manson. mix them with staff firefighters to a ficers when non-emergency help is needed. INMATES MAY FIGHT FIRES greater extent. The inmates would have The security company began providing 24- Inmates are available around the clock, no guard, but would be monitored by a hour service to Foley residents in January. so officials in southeast Georgia are con- surveillance system and by traditional Foley City Council signed a six-month con- sidering using them to fight fires in an ef- firefighters, who would undergo correc- tract with General Services Corp. for fort to save money. tional training to guard the inmates. Fire- $98,500. Mayor Gary Gruba said Foley is According to the Florida Times-Union, fighter Stuart Sullivan asked commission- the first city he’s heard of that has used a the inmate-firefighter program would put ers not to “tarnish” the fire department private security firm, but other cities are two inmates in each of the three fire- by employing convicts. looking at the option to save money. houses in Camden County. It is one of The state has an inmate-firefighters The city had paid Benton County to have several options (including volunteer fire- program, however since Camden County three deputies patrol the city for 17.1 hours fighters) being considered by the Board doesn’t have a state prison, prisoners from per day since 2003. However, the council of County Commissioners to lower fire Sumter County would be used. Sumter has voted down the proposed 2012 contract for insurance costs of residents. The pro- used prisoner firefighters for the past two $23,426 per month. In 2011, the city paid gram is expected to save the county over years and County Administrator Lynn Tay- $24,694 per month for patrol services. $500,000 annually. lor said despite the initial outcry against Council member Dean Weber said cuts in Inmates charged with crimes such as their program, it has been a success. “This Local Government Aid caused the city to drug offenses and thefts would be eligible is a measure that governments are looking look at all areas to make cuts. and “very enthusiastic,” said Commis- into to provide the same high level of ser- Emergency calls should still be placed to sioner Jimmy Starline. “It’s an opportunity vice in the most economic way possible,” 911 and a deputy will respond. The secu- to break that cycle,” he said. “This is not Taylor said. d

Group close to repeal of emergency manager law — Excerpted from the Detroit Free Press

embers of a statewide coalition Republican-controlled legislature. and Pontiac. “It is the height of hypocrisy say they have gathered nearly They need 161,304 voter signatures. and people need to see through it before Menough signatures required to Organizers said they have gathered more it’s too late,” said Brit Satchwell, a member repeal the state’s new emergency finan- than 160,000, but their goal is 250,000 of Stand Up for Democracy. cial manager law — Public Act 4. because some signatures could be de- Meanwhile, top state officials are for- With emergency financial managers in clared invalid. mulating a plan to rewrite the law in an place in five Michigan communities al- Opponents of the law have said it under- effort to make the petition drive moot. d ready, Stand Up for Democracy, a non- mines protections guaranteed by the land- For more information, or to sign a petition, partisan organization, is urging the public mark Voting Rights Act of 1965. Emergency contact Stand Up for Democracy at 866-306- to continue signing petitions to freeze the financial managers are working in Benton 5168 or visit standup4democracy.com or mich- law, approved by Gov. Rick Snyder and the Harbor, Detroit Public Schools, Ecorse, Flint iganforward.org on the web.

www.polc.org • 9 Member News Flint Lieutenant newest member of Executive Committee

t. Collin Birnie has been appointed cluding: Bomb Squad, Emergency Man- to the POLC Executive Committee agement, Dignitary Protection, Honor Lrepresenting Flint Police Department Guard and Firearms Instructor. following the retirement of Sgt. Richard Birnie served in the U.S. Marine Corps Hetherington. He will complete Hethering- from 1988-1992. During his military service, ton’s two-year term, which expires in Aug. he was assigned to Security Force Com- 2013. pany and an Infantry Battalion. He also Birnie is the local POLC President for participated in Operation Desert Shield and Flint Captains and Lieutenants Associa- Storm. Lt. Collin Birnie tion. A union member since 1996, Birnie He received his associate’s degree in also served as steward, secretary and Criminal Justice from Mott Community Sept. 15 and Dec. 31, I spend as much time treasurer for the Captains and Lieutenants College. as humanly possible in the thickets with Association. The Lieutenant in charge of An avid outdoorsman, Birnie enjoys my bird dog chasing grouse and wood- Special Operations and Identification Bu- hunting and fishing. “I enjoy all types of cock,” Birnie wrote in his letter to the Ex- reaus also performs additional duties in- hunting and fishing, however between ecutive Committee. d

POLC fights for Flushing Township police — By Jennifer Foley, POJ Editor, with media excerpts

ith no new police contract after three patrol officers, sergeant and chief in people recalled.” a year’s worth of negotiations, 2011. The officers’ contract expired at the Peck said the problem is officers need to WFlushing Township officials are end of March 2011. An arbitrator was cho- work together. “Going forward we will looking into the possibility of disbanding sen in October to try to settle the matter. have a police department that’s responsive. the township police force. POLC Labor Rep. Lloyd Whetstone said (Township police) don’t have to like each Flushing Township Supervisor Terry Peck he doesn’t think the township can legally other. They just have to work together,” has asked the county about the cost of con- contract out for police service. If officers Peck said. “We were really close (to get- tracting with Genesee County Sheriff’s are laid off, Whetstone said, the current ting a contract) … and it fell apart. A new Department for police protection — a contract bars hiring anyone new for two contract is meaningless without the behav- move Peck said would be a last resort if a years. iors of the officers changing.” contract can’t be reached with township “You cannot lay off any employees ex- Around-the-clock police coverage ended officers. In December, the board voted to cept for financial reasons,” Whetstone in August. The township, which had five pay up to $5,000 to look into police depart- said. “I think that there is room to settle a officers in January, now has only three, ment finances, Peck said. contract, but I think it’s become political. Whetstone said. “(They will look at) how much our obliga- The officers supported a recall against two Officers have filed grievances against tions are, our retirement, all aspects of the members of the (township) board and they the township and police chief. Whetstone police department,” Peck said. “Before we (officers) were not successful.” filed a petition for ACT 312 arbitration and make any decisions on anything we need Peck has admitted the contract dispute he said he would seek legal recourse if of- to see how much our new contract is going has nothing to do with money differences. ficers become laid off. “I intend to work to cost and how that will affect our actions “(The millage) passed so the money is hard to get a settlement. I don’t know what as a township.” there,” Whetstone said. “The problem is (township officials’) intentions are,” Whet- The township budgeted $890,000 for its the officers campaigned to have these stone said. d

10 • WINTER 2012 Board member retires after Flint EFM takeover — By Jennifer Foley, POJ Editor

gt. Richard (Rick) Hetherington’s officer,” he said. “I just decided I wasn’t absence from the Flint Police De- getting enough of an intellectual challenge Spartment and the POLC Executive at work anymore and I decided to go back Committee will be noticeable. to school.” Hetherington served on the Executive “I called and congratulated him the day Committee for nearly 11 years, he was Flint he retired,” said POLC Labor Rep. Lloyd Police Sergeants Association President for Whetstone, who represents Flint Ser- Sgt. Richard (Rick) Hetherington 11 years and a member of the Flint Police geants, Lieutenants and Captains. “Rick force for 23 years. and I became friends when he became everybody involved in it very much. I just With the city upwards of $15 million in president of the Sergeants union. He’s a wish the best for the Labor Council and, of the hole, Hetherington retired just as Flint good guy. He’s going to have his law de- course, all the members.” was put under the control of an emer- gree coming up and I wish him all the luck Hetherington chose Lt. Collin Birnie, gency financial manager (EFM). “The real in the world.” President of Flint Captains and Lieutenants push for me was they appointed the emer- While his ultimate career goal is estate Association, as his replacement. His advice gency financial manager,” Hetherington planning, Hetherington said, “I may not to Birnie is to stay on top of things. “Put said. “He pretty much has carte blanche jump right into elder law. I may dabble in your best foot forward and everything will authority to void union contracts — do criminal defense. I haven’t decided.” go smoothly,” Hetherington said. whatever he wants.” Hetherington doesn’t see the transition Hetherington came into his position on Hetherington, 45, took an early retire- from law enforcement to criminal defense the Executive Committee much the same ment Dec. 1 after the department allowed as contradictory. “I think the intent of a way as Birnie. “I was president of my local those within two years of retirement to pay defense lawyer is not to keep guilty people and the person on the board was a Cap- into the retirement fund by Dec. 31. Heth- on the streets, but to protect their rights as tain,” said Hetherington. “He retired and erington was one of 25 officers eligible for they go through the trial process,” he approached me.” Hetherington said he en- early retirement. “I had a second career said. joyed his time on the Executive Committee planned anyway. I was planning to retire in However, the move away from the POLC tackling issues at the state level where April,” he said. “I’m currently attending law is not going to be easy. “The Labor Council interaction with legislators actually chang- school.” is the finest labor organization in the state es things for the local units. Hetherington will be graduating in April of Michigan,” Hetherington said, describ- “He’s been an asset when it comes to from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Au- ing his service to the POLC as an honor. “I labor relations,” said POLC Executive Direc- burn Hills and he plans to take the bar served with great people on the board. My tor Richard Weiler. “He’s one of the long- exam in July. “I actually contemplated go- association with the Labor Council helped standing board members. He’s going to be ing to law school before becoming a police me with union representation. I will miss sorely missed.” d

WELCOME ABOARD The Police Officers Labor Council welcomes the following new units Unit Former Affiliation Brownstown Township Patrol, Detectives & Dispatchers Teamsters ® Ontonagon County Deputy Sheriffs WPPA/POAM

www.polc.org • 11 Member News Deputy fighting cancer reaches out to officers — By Jennifer Foley, POJ Editor t’s been like a terrible déjà vu for Berrien County Sheriff’s Dep- uty Michael Moore who received his third diagnosis of cancer INov. 14, 2011. The past three years, just before the holidays, Moore was diagnosed with cancer. “He did radiation and they removed the tumor and just about a year later, almost to the day, he started to have shoulder pain and back pain,” said Berrien County Deputy Joseph Margherone of Michael Moore and his wife, Kellie, went to a Chicago Bears game Moore’s second diagnosis in November 2010. last fall. Michael travels to Rush University Medical Center and The Moore, a 35-year-old POLC member, began experiencing back University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment. pain again in November 2011 prior to the news he had two new by his wife, Kellie, who has said she’d like a “refund” for their tumors, one near the outside of his lung and one near his upper marriage. Moore was diagnosed the first time in December 2009, spine and that the one in his left shoulder blade had started to grow only eight months after their wedding. again. The Myxoid Liposarcoma — a rare soft tissue cancer — Moore would like his legacy to include helping other cops with was back. cancer. The Moore’s want to pay it forward by starting a charitable He immediately returned to Rush University Medical Center in organization with the excess funds his co-workers raised through Chicago to meet with his oncologist. On Nov. 18, he began chemo- “Fighting Crime, Fighting Cancer.” “I know I’m not the first, and therapy locally, but the regimen did not work well and he was unfortunately I’m not the last that has to go through this,” Moore scheduled to begin a clinical trial in February. Moore will be treat- said, adding that he’d like to connect with other officers who are ed in Chicago every two weeks for about six months. “I am the first going through or have survived cancer. and only participant (in the trial) at The University of Chicago “I know too there’s got to be police officers in the state of Mich- (Medical Center) as of right now,” Moore said. “There are 450 of igan who have cancer,” he said. “It’d be nice to talk to them. Most us worldwide.” police officers are Type A — they like to be in charge, in control. “Basically life’s on pause when you’re going through this and it’s With this disease we’re not in control.” real easy for me to stay in bed and not want to get up,” Moore said. Prior to the last diagnosis, the Moore’s had purchased tickets to “My form of cancer is very aggressive — they (tumors) can get big Hawaii to celebrate their three-year anniversary in April. As long quick. You can be disease free, but can’t be cured.” as the deputy is well enough, they plan to go. In 2010, his in-laws But the deputy set his mind to fighting the disease. “The first gave them a trip to Ireland, Paris and London to celebrate their first time I had cancer I was in shock,” he said. “The second time I got anniversary, which they took following recovery from his first can- the diagnosis, I was in tears. It just got to the point where it is what cer treatment. Upon his return, Moore began experiencing excru- it is. You start thinking about your future, about death. You just got ciating pain in his back and right side — the cancer was back. to keep fighting it.” A big history buff, Moore hopes he’ll be able to visit the Basilicas He’s very thankful he was allowed back to work on light duty in in Rome and other foreign lands. “You have to have faith going May 2011. Moore would even like to go back to road patrol if the through this,” Moore said. He’s asked his grandparents to send him clinical trial side effects are not bad. Last winter, he was unable to a sign their spirits live on if they pass before him. “I just want to work due to severe side effects. know it’s not the end — there’s something out there for you,” His coworkers certainly have done their part, donating sick time Moore said. and holding several fundraisers including one in which 100 cowork- He remains hopeful about the strides medicine is making. “One ers shaved their heads to raise $4,000 for medical expenses. day, hopefully, you just take a pill the rest of your life and you keep Travel expenses, including stays in Chicago, make treatment quite the cancer at bay,” he said. costly. “I’ve got a really excellent support group here at work,” In the meantime, Moore lives by his motto: “Hey, we’re police Moore said. “A lot of departments I know don’t have light duty. I’m officers — we don’t let a little thing like cancer and chemo keep the first person they’ve ever had to deal with who has fought can- us down.” d cer three times and still shows up for work.” Police officers who have had cancer or are currently fighting the disease He doesn’t mind the kind-hearted harassment by fellow officers are encouraged to share their stories by emailing Moore at mmoore@ who joke Moore is just making excuses to get the holidays off. Nor berriencounty.org.

12 • WINTER 2012 Grand Rapids dispatchers honored for conduct during murder spree — Excerpted from media reports

wo dozen Grand Rapids police dispatchers were honored years I’ve been here, I’ve never experienced anything like this,” as Team of the Year for keeping their cool to ensure more said Supervisor Sylvia Prince, who has 25 years on the job. Tpeople weren’t hurt or killed during one of the deadliest Some 1,400 calls were received — twice as many as a normal days in Grand Rapids history. day — and other non-related 911 calls were handled with profes- The group of 24 POLC members received statewide recognition sionalism and attentiveness. “They stepped up and worked wher- for their professionalism and dedication while working non-stop ever they were needed, they stayed, they shifted, in short they during a 9-1/2 hour one-man rampage in which seven people were were brilliant throughout the entire incident,” said Chadwick. killed, two were shot and three were taken hostage. “It was almost “Every time I answered the phone I was afraid it was going to like an active shooter city-wide,” said Communications Manager be someone who had found another scene,” said Korstange. “I had Karen Chadwick. “You know, you hear about active shooters in a a hard time wrapping my head around how somebody could do school or in a mall. This guy was all over the city.” that. That will be with me for the rest of my career.” The Michigan Association of Public Safety Communications Of- Dispatcher Mike DeKam, a POLC Executive Committee member, ficials (APCO) Awards Committee Chairperson Cherie Bartram worked 16 hours that day. “As a dispatcher, the safety of my re- presented the highest honors that can be achieved in the state sponders is forefront in my mind,” DeKam said. “I praise God for during a ceremony in Frankenmuth Oct. 27. Chadwick was also keeping them all safe and uninjured during the horrific violence honored as Director of the Year by APCO. which occurred that day.” The rampage began July 7, 2011 when Rodrick Dantzler, a At the end of the incident, the primary dispatcher was respon- 34-year-old ex-convict, killed his ex-girlfriend, her parents and his sible for 71 Grand Rapids officers, two MSP helicopters and units own 12-year-old daughter. He then traveled to another home and from Kent County Sheriff’s Department, MSP, Wyoming and Kent- killed another former girlfriend, her sister and her six-year-old niece. wood assisting at the scene. “The Emergency Communications He shot a pickup driver during a road rage incident and later shot Officers Team responded with professionalism and courage. They another ex-girlfriend as she was driving. Dantzler tried to get her never flinched, they never slowed down and they never missed to pull over, but she knew about the other victims he had killed and anything,” APCO said in a statement. d fled from Dantzler as she called 911. She was shot in the shoulder while talking to dispatchers. Dantzler then had a shootout with officers in front of the Grand Rapids Police Department headquarters and led police on a high- speed chase. “That to me, let me know it was not going to end well,” said dispatcher Chris Korstange. “Shots fired at officers downtown here really hit close to home.” The chase, which occurred during rush hour, traveled through downtown and onto I-196, US-131 and I-96 with Michigan State Police (MSP) helicopters assisting overhead. It ended when Dant- zler crashed his car and burst into a nearby home, holding three people inside hostage. Dantzler called 911 during the five-hour hostage standoff. President of Michigan Communication Directors Association (MCDA) Dispatchers are trained to keep a person like Dantzler on the Cherie Bartram (at right), presents several Grand Rapids Emergency phone as long as possible to keep his focus on the call instead of Communications Operators the Team of the Year award. Honored the people he may hurt or kill. “You get a call from the suspect who for their professionalism and dedication during one of the deadliest had already killed seven people — you’re trying to figure out what days in the city’s history are from left front: Operator Chris Korstange, to say in that crisis …,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk. Supervisor Sylvia Prince, Manager Karen Chadwick, holding her award for Director of the Year, and Operator Penny Skrycki (next to “I’m extremely proud of the way they performed that day.” Bartram). From left rear are: Supervisor Loren Hebert with Operators Dantzler killed himself, but the hostages made it out safely de- John Knol, Bethany Pipping, Gary Betz, Mike DeKam, a POLC spite shots fired inside the home and at police outside. “In all the Executive Committee Member, and Supervisor Randy Yates. Also attending was Operator Michelle Benites (behind group).

www.polc.org • 13 Member News Contract Settlements — As reported by POLC Labor Representatives

City of Flushing Patrol and Sergeants Muskegon Charter Township Sergeants and • New two-year agreement expires June 30, 2013. Police Officers • Wages: One-time 7% increase effective Nov. 23, 2011 for the life • New three-year agreement expires Dec. 31, 2014. of the contract. • Wages: • Fringe Benefits: Holiday pay reduced from 2-1/2 to 1-1/2 0 % effective Jan. 1, 2012. times hourly rate, however pay rate increases 69 cents per hour. Same as the average percentage increase for all full-time non- Employees will receive 50%, instead of 100%, of their regular union and elected officials effective Jan. 1, 2013. weekly net pay for sick and accident compensation for 26 weeks. Same as the average percentage increase for all full-time non- • Retirement: Final average compensation (FAC) changes from union and elected officials effective Jan. 1, 2014. unlimited to 240 hours of compensatory time. Employees hired • Fringe Benefits: Employees scheduled to work a holiday, but after July 1, 2011 will receive Hybrid H, Part 1 defined benefit ordered off, shall be paid regular pay, not holiday premium. New plan with FAC 3 and a 1.5% multiplier. hires will not be eligible for sick leave payout, but will be eligible • Health Care: Employer pays 80% of the premium for BCN 5, for an annual sick leave utilization bonus based on following which is provided to all employees. Employees no longer have schedule: option to upgrade to the PPO plan. >0 hours used: $500 • Bargaining Team: Scott Matzke and Steve Colosky aided by >0 to 12 hours: $350 POLC Labor Rep. Lloyd Whetstone. 12 to 24 hours: $200 Hillsdale County Sheriff Department Non- 24 to 36 hours: $100 Supervisory Unit More than 36 hours: $0 Current employees who reach 1,440 hours of accumulated sick • New three-year agreement expires Dec. 31, 2013. leave shall have 50% of the unused time put into the MERS HCSP. • Wages: Shift bids take place three times per year, instead of twice. 0 % effective Jan. 1, 2011. • Health Care: The parties agreed upon a “Hardcap” different 0 % effective Jan. 1, 2012. than the PA 152 limit: $5,191 single; $11,560 couple; or $12,816 1 % effective Jan. 1, 2013. family. This equaled the 85% the Employer had agreed to pay for One-time $500 lump-sum payment upon contract ratification. 2012. The base amount will be adjusted annually by the lesser of • Fringe Benefits: Grievance procedure allows hearing in front the actual premium increase or the health care CPI. An Employer/ of County Commission in Step 3. Employer will use part-time Employer Healthcare Committee was formed to review the health employees only after all full-time employees have been asked care plan annually. New hires shall not have retiree health ben- to fill a shift vacancy. Employer will determine starting base efits after they become Medicare eligible. The opt-out payment hourly wage part-time employees will be paid, instead of a set was reduced to the lesser of 50% of the premium or $5,000 of the amount. Changed language to minimize employees being called plan the employee is eligible to receive. It had been 75% of the in or called back to work more than four hours. Employees shall premium for some and $100 per month for others. request personal business days at least 72 hours in advance and •Retirement: New Hires will have a MERS DC plan instead of DB. Employers shall fill those vacancies at least 48 hours in advance. Employer shall contribute 2% of wages and match up to 6% of Comp time is capped at 40 hours. employee’s contribution for a maximum Employer contribution • Health Care: Employees pay 20% healthcare premium contribu- of 8%. Current employees will move from 7.52% contribution to tion (per PA 152) starting Jan. 1, 2012. Monthly cost per family 10% on Dec. 31, 2014. rose from $100 to $245. Active employees will have BCBSM • Bargaining Team: Michael Weaver, James Patterson and David PPO 15 80/20 with Employer reimbursed deductibles to $250 for Wypa aided by POLC Labor Rep. Edward Hillyer. d singles/$500 for families and co-insurance reimbursed to $500 for singles/$1,000 for families, $40 office visits, $100 ER and $10/$40/$80 prescription plan. Retirees’ medical coverage ends at Medicare eligible age. • Bargaining Team: Matthew Duff, John Leva, Kwinn Leva and Jeff Miller aided by POLC Labor Rep. Edward Hillyer.

®

14 • WINTER 2012 POLC wins Act 312 pension arbitration — Excerpted from MERC Case No. L08 K-3001

he POLC won an Act 312 arbitration for Bay County Depu- property taxes. Tax revenues declined about $1 million in 2010 over ties, increasing the pension multiplier in their contract from 2009 levels and are expected to dramatically decline over the next T2.5 to 2.8 percent. several years. A majority of the Arbitration Panel adopted the last best offer of The Co-Employers also argued the wages and conditions of the Union in regards to the pension multiplier increase. The Panel other County employees should be considered as comparables and ruled Bay County and Bay County Sheriff, the Co-Employers, have the existing 2.5 percent pension multiplier was “at the top” when not shown the increase is outside the realm found in comparable compared to other communities. communities and there is no showing of a direct or indirect impact The Panel concluded the annuity factor of 2.8 percent is neither on the Co-Employers’ economic situation. unprecedented nor rare among comparable communities. In fact, “This is a very rare court case and I have had only one other in the Panel’s decision stated “the Bay County deputies have fallen the last seven years,” said POLC Attorney Tom Zulch. behind their peers in other, comparable communities” and one Under the 2009-2011 contract, the POLC argued that its last best reason for that is the three-year wage freeze. offer protected the Co-Employers by paying the full cost of the “In short, the most persuasive argument is the Union’s last one, pension improvement, on top of the current 2 percent level, if the that it has fallen behind other comparable communities; and, that pension falls below the 100 percent funding level. The pension plan is funded at 134 percent above normal costs, necessitating no it offers to have a pension improvement which by its terms — contributions. While the Union stated increased contributions can under today’s conditions — does not cost the Co-Employers any be expected over time, the Employer will not have to pay these money,” the Panel concluded. “The Panel recognizes that condi- increases, according to the contract language. tions may change, and yet, the Union’s proposal seems eminently The employees agreed to a wage freeze for the duration of the reasonable in its insistence on protecting the Co-Employers against three-year contract, effective Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2011. increased payroll costs.” Further, the Union stated the Employer has not had to pay any Act 312 allows for a circuit court review of the decision. The contribution in the two previous multiplier increases. Co-Employer appealed the case to Bay County Circuit Court. Oral The Co-Employers argued the majority of money the County ex- arguments are scheduled for June 28 with a ruling on the appeal pends on employee compensation, including pensions, comes from expected shortly thereafter, Zulch said. d

Kid’s Fingerprinting reaches 3,000 Since Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) began it’s Kid’s Fingerprinting program two years ago, some 3,000 children have had their fingerprints and other important identification information stored on CD Rom for use by law enforcement authorities in case they ever become missing. Program administrator Tom Jenkins, who was assisted by his wife Sylvia, enters Madison Antal’s fingerprints (above, at right) into the computerized identification system at Manistee Fire Days. Hundreds of children attended the annual parade and fire prevention and survival activities during Fire Prevention Week. In December, Kid’s Fingerprinting was available at a memorial Christmas party for Nevaeh Buchanan (at left, above). Nevaeh, a 5-year-old Monroe girl, was kidnapped and murdered more than two years ago. Children sang Christmas carols, had lunch and played games at the event, which was attended by 500 people. Nevaeh was found dead along the banks of the River Raisin. A $50,000 reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of her killer. www.polc.org • 15 Law Enforcement PRSRT STD Education Program (LEEP©) U.S. POSTAGE PAID 667 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite 205 Traverse City, MI Troy, MI 48083 Permit No. 29

Address Service Requested

Outstanding Service Award to honor Michigan’s best cops… olice Officers Labor Council (POLC) Service Award may be signed and submit- official entry form. members are encouraged to nomi- ted by supervisors or by any member of the Key to the selection process for the judg- Pnate fellow officers for the Law POLC, and must be received by June 1, es will be a short, signed essay on why the Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) 2012. Nominees must be recognized for nominee should be considered for the LEEP events or service beyond normal expecta- 2012 Outstanding Service Award, along Outstanding Service Award. tions occurring between May 1, 2011 and with specific details, supporting materials LEEP will honor Outstanding Service May 1, 2012. Criteria should include leader- or reports. Nomination packages should be within the ranks of the POLC membership ship or community service, as well as valor sent before June 1, 2012 to: during the annual POLC conference this or bravery. summer at Grand Traverse Resort near Tra- Complete the entry form below or go to LEEP Outstanding Service Awards verse City. the LEEP web site at www.leepusa.com/ 667 E. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 205 Written nominations for the Outstanding home.html for complete instructions and Troy, MI 48083

NOMINATION FORM (Attach to signed essay)

Nominee’s name and title:______Department / unit:______Work address:______City/Twp.:______Zip:______Phone (W):______Phone (H):______Recommended by (name and title):______Department / unit:______Work address:______City/Twp.:______Zip:______Phone (W):______Phone (H):______Fax number:______E-mail:______Signature: ______Date: ______