Ladies and Gentlemen, Gary Delagnes Has Left the Building
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c Official Publication Of The c SAN FRANCISCO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION This Publication was Produced and Printed in the USA ✯ Buy American ✯ Support Local Business VOLUME 45, NUMBER 6 SAN FRANCISCO, JUNE 2013 www.sfpoa.org Ladies and Gentlemen, Gary Delagnes has Left the Building By Martin Halloran, President dedication and down right hard work San Francisco Police Officers over the past 26 years has increased Association the wages and benefits of all members of the SFPD from 95th in the state to As a young schoolboy learning the the highest level in this country. I history of the United States of America, have witnessed this first-hand having I often went and asked questions of served with Gary on the most recent my mother. Although my father had negotiating committee, and having a keen knowledge of U.S history, he served with him on the past two re- was born and raised in Ireland and openers. His instinct and ability to stay did not experience being brought up two steps ahead of the game is at times as an American kid. My mom, on the just a marvel to watch. other hand, was born and raised in For those who know me and know San Francisco during the depression of my working so closely with Gary and World War II. also know that I do not throw a lot I can still remember my mom tell- of compliments in his direction. Like ing me that the only President she others who have served as representa- knew as a child and into her teenage Gary Delagnes, left, congratulates Martin Halloran after swearing him in as the tives or on the Executive Board, I have years was Franklin D. Roosevelt. When new POA President. not always agreed whole-heartedly FDR died, he was serving in his fourth with him. Still, despite our differences, term as President of the United States. his representation have benefited all and very restrictive. He and I love our we have always been able to do what My mother simply knew of no other current and past officers of the San jobs and working the streets. It’s what is right for the membership. His pas- President. During her young life, the Francisco Police Department. we both signed on to do. Since we sion and dedication has always risen to president had always been FDR. To this Gary entered the SFPD in 1978. He can’t do the work today, then we must the highest level, and I agree with the day my mom still thinks that FDR was served with distinction at Mission reminisce about the most memorable substance of Paul Chignell’s statement one of the greatest Presidents ever to Station, Central Station, the Tactical moments of our past. in last month’s edition of the Journal; serve in that office, as do so many from Division, and PBTF (Patrol Bureau When Gary asked me in 2004 to fill Gary Delagnes has been the best leader her generation. Task Force). In 1992, he was promoted the vacancy as POA Treasurer, I agreed of the POA, and one of the finest Presi- Now fast forward to the present to Inspector. He then served at Vice, without hesitation. Why? I knew that I dents this organization ever seen. day. Knowing that the vast majority Fraud, and the Narcotics Division. He could continue to learn from him and Gary’s last day on the job with the of officers in the SFPD have less than has been awarded two Bronze Medals hopefully I would be able to help my SFPD, and his last board meeting as twenty years on the job, it is prob- Of Valor, two Meritorious Conduct fellow officers. I was not disappointed. POA President, was Wednesday, May able that most members of the POA Awards, seven Police Commission To see Gary in action as the POA Presi- 22nd. A large number of our mem- cannot remember a time when Gary Commendations, and over one hun- dent over the years has been a roller bers showed up at the POA building Delagnes was not serving as either Vice dred Captain’s Complementary Re- coaster ride to say the least. That said, to congratulate Gary on his years of President or President of this organi- ports. I know that he personally con- he has been, and continues to be, service and to thank him for all his zation. Gary served thirty-five years sidered his days on the streets as his savvy, strategic, rude, comical, loud, work. Even after Gary left the building, in the SFPD, and was an outstanding most enjoyable time in the SFPD. He empathetic, friendly, insulting, and members continued to arrive at the street cop throughout his career. But often speaks of those days, and loves most of all brilliant at times. Thank- POA looking to offer their best wishes his true legacy will be his twenty six- to reflect on his colorful war stories. fully, he does not display all of these to him and his ever-abiding wife, Sue. year tenure at the POA. He has served He highlighted some of those stories qualities at once. But when used at the See page 3 for the text on the plaque on numerous POA committees; he in the May edition of the Journal. right time and in the proper situation, that was presented to Gary as a small was elected as a representative on the I had the pleasure of working with he knows how to get the desired reac- token of appreciation from the Board Board of Directors, elected three terms Gary in the Narcotics Division for a tion. That’s an art. of Directors. as Vice President, then to three terms number of years. He led several teams Gary is never at a loss for words. When the late great Elvis Presley as President. Gary’s strong leadership, in the Unit. His chronological reports He never pulls his punch, either with finished his performances crowds savvy negotiation skills, and true left a lot to be desired, and he had the Chief, the Police Commission, the would remain gathered at the venues loyalty to the membership through more open cases than Perry Mason, Board of Supervisors, or the media. to get just another glimpse of him. The yet he absolutely excelled in other When it is about the defense of his promoters would have to announce areas. Gary had — and still has — a members, he is steadfast. This often that Elvis had left the building just to tremendous ease in connecting with landed him in hot water and made disperse the crowds. I thought of this people. He was able to sit down with for amusing headlines in the daily on the 22nd when members continued any victim, suspect, or informant and San Francisco newspapers. The goal to arrive at the POA to see Gary. immediately establish a rapport with was always to protect the rights of the Well ladies and gentlemen, Gary them. The interviews and the interro- members and ensure that they were Delagnes has left the building. gations that he conducted led to some treated fairly and equitably. He has Slainte! of the largest seizures of narcotics and never regretted standing up for the assets in the history of the SFPD. Just rank-an-file. ask Gary. He has never been shy about By far, Gary’s greatest achievements Major Leadership tooting his own horn. within the POA have been his negotia- Having served as POA Vice President tion of the last six MOUs. His skill in Changes and now President, I think I know why connecting with people has resulted in As of the May 22, 2013 Gary loved to talk so much about his positive relationships with SFPD com- Board Meeting, your SFPOA work in the SFPD, and not as much mand and elected city leaders. These Executive Officers are: about what he did at the POA. As the relationships are invaluable when it President Martin Halloran new POA President, I am now detailed comes to meet-and-confer and seeing full time to the office. It is very impor- agreements through to approval by Vice President Tony Montoya tant work, but both Gary and I really the Board of Supervisors or the vot- Secretary Michael Nevin just want to be cops and serve the citi- ers. I know it has been stated before Treasurer Brian Stansbury Periodicals postage paid at San Francisco, (USPS CA #882-320) zens of our city. This position of POA — and some might be tired of hearing President is endlessly administrative it — but Gary Delagnes through his Sergeant at Arms Joe Valdez Page 2 POA Journal June 2013 Minutes of the Minutes of the May 22, 2013 May 20, 2013 SFPOA SFPOA Board Meeting* Emergency Board Meeting* 1. Sergeant-At-Arms Valdez called the meeting as POA President. After 35 1. Sergeant-At-Arms Valdez called the 7. Rep. Rodgers (Co D) made a motion meeting to order at 1205 hours and years of service, President Delagnes meeting to order at 1304 hours and that the voting will commence on led the Pledge of Allegiance. is retiring from the SFPD on 5-31- led the Pledge of Allegiance. Friday May 31, 2013 at 0800 hours 2. Secretary Montoya conducted the 13. President Delagnes spoke of his SFPD and POA careers. In closing 2. Secretary Montoya conducted the and close on Friday June 7th, 2013 roll call of the Board of Directors President Delagnes thanked cur- roll call of the Board of Directors at 0800 hours.