FOP Newsletter Nov Dec 2009

November/December 2009 From the President

As we come to the close of another year with a great holiday season. Here is hoping that you’ve celebrated with your family a Merry Christmas or Happy Ha- nukkah and are looking forward to a prosperous New Year in 2010. The Florida State Lodge continues to build on the traditions and mission of In this issue: the F.O.P. with an ambitious agenda for the coming year ahead. On January 8th th President’s and 9 we will host the Eastern Regional Labor Coalition in Fort Lauderdale Message with a training seminar focusing on where the cities and counties are hiding their money presented by noted forensic economist Ron York of PolicePay.net fol-

lowing an informative session on the Worker’s Compensation issues that many A New Breed in police work may face. Your Labor Council Committee Directors will take the of Suspect opportunity to meet at the same time in Fort Lauderdale. Our local lodges are all experiencing tough times during contract negotiations. Many agencies are reluc- tant to increase benefits and are taking the current economic downturn to reduce FOP Cops and Kid Trademark benefits to those who deserve it the most. The Grand Lodge will continue their training series at the National Headquar- Funeral for Four ters in Nashville, the first week of February with a seminar on “Leadership Mat- Heroes ters” that several board members will attend. This is a good training opportunity for local lodge leaders to gain valuable insight on how to better run a lodge in today’s environment. Officers Returned to Duty Our February Board of Trustees meeting in Orlando at the Wyndham Hotel and resort, 17th to 20th hosted by District 7 will fine tune our legislative agenda and priorities that the Legislative Committee has been working on since last fall. The War on Cops Our FOP tag bill will be introduced again and we will push for passage. There are several pending negative bills that could affect pensions and benefits statewide that the FOP will carefully watch and oppose anything that jeopardizes our Midnight Shift and hard earned gains. Balancing budgets on the backs of law enforcement officers Health Risks is the wrong approach by cities and counties. Your legislative committee members will be in Tallahassee throughout the session protecting your rights and th Tallahassee Police benefits. March 10 will be our first “Day on the Hill” in Tallahassee when the Officer Struck FOP will have a large turnout of members at the Capitol meeting our legislators. and Killed You are invited to be part of the process.

Florida On Patrol The first week of March, the Grand Lodge National Board Meeting will be held in Mem- Nov/Dec 2009 phis, Tennessee where each of the FOP state leaders will gather with the National Board. The Grand Lodge is working very hard to see the passage of the National Collective Bar- President James Preston gaining bill in the U.S. Congress that will permit law enforcement officers all across the 1st Vice President nation to engage in collective bargaining. This is a huge step for some states, unlike Flor- Lonnie Miller ida, where police officers have been barred from bargaining for their rights and benefits. 2nd Vice President Armando Aguilar Once again, Florida topped the list of states in the number of officers who fell in the Secretary Kenny Mack line of duty, in spite of the tragic deaths in Washington state and Pittsburgh in 2009. This Treasurer is an unwanted distinction that we must work hard to avoid in 2010. Adding names to our Tom Bonney Memorial Wall in Tallahassee, remembering and honoring our fallen heroes will take Conductor place May 2nd and 3rd at the Florida Capitol. I encourage you to take part in this solemn Larry Lockwood remembrance as we honor the families and survivors of our fallen brothers and sisters. Inner Guard Your Memorial Committee has been hard at work on preparations for the Candlelight Bill Trushel Outer Guard Vigil and Memorial Service. And, don’t forget the National F.O.P. Memorial Service in th Donna Suereth Washington, D.C. on May 15 . The Florida State Lodge has a room block available for Chaplain members at the Crystal City Marriott hotel for your lodging. Terri Straw Immediate Past President I also encourage you to visit our Florida State Lodge web site to check out our new James Mann merchandise section. The Florida State Lodge is now a registered distributor for “Blue Chairman of Trustees Line” products which you can find on our web site. Bruce Porter National Trustee Our June Conference this year will be hosted by Jacksonville FOP Lodge 5/30 and Nelson Cuba promises to be a great event that all will enjoy. Parliamentarian William Corser I am looking forward to a great year of challenges and opportunities for the F.O.P. to District 1 Director continue and build upon our successes together. There is no greater profession than law Rob Bell enforcement and no greater organization than the F.O.P. to work together for our member- District 2 Director ship. Please be safe out there. Mark Harris District 3 Director Gene Leonard District 4 Director Kelly Shifflett District 5 Director Ralph J. Dean, Sr. District 6 Director Robert Jenkins District 7 Director Kevin Carlucci Communications The Florida State Lodge Communications Committee and your newsletter editor Ralph J. Dean Editor are looking for newsworthy contributions to share in the “Florida On Patrol” news- Sarah Preston letter. If you have any local news articles, lodge information or important functions happening, please send the information to [email protected] to be included in Florida State Lodge the next edition of the newsletter. Fraternal Order of Police 242 Office Plaza We are looking to expand the online newsletter to include advertisements from Tallahassee, Fl 32301 members or local businesses, associates or others interested in sharing their business Phone: (800) 873-3671 Fax (954) 724-4170 information with our 20,000 members. Advertising rates will be competitive and available on request. Discounts for active members and associates with their own [email protected] www.floridastatefop.org businesses. 2 PETITION REQUESTING GOVERNOR CHRIST TO EXPEDITE EXECUTION

On Tuesday, August 18, 1987, Daniel Burns, Jr. and Samuel Williams were returning to Detroit from Ft. Myers when Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Jeffrey D. Young pulled them over on Interstate 75 in Manatee County . According to Williams’ testimony, Trooper Young approached their vehicle and asked for identification. Trooper Young then returned to his patrol car where he radioed dispatch for a wanted persons search and a registration check on Burns’ Michigan tag. Trooper Young then asked Burns if he could search the vehicle, and Burns consented. Upon searching the trunk and finding what appeared to be cocaine, Trooper Young and Burns began to struggle. Based on numerous eyewitness accounts, Burns wrestled Young to the ground in a water-filled ditch, grabbed the trooper’s gun and aimed it at his head. On his knees, begging for mercy, Young was shot point-blank in the face. The bullet deflected off his wedding band. Trooper Young was dead by the time additional troopers arrived at the scene. Medical examiners testified that the shot was fired at such a close range as to leave gunpowder on Trooper Young’s face. Burns fled on foot and was apprehended later that night. Williams testified that Burns was making several trips to Florida in order to purchase $10,000 worth of cocaine. The family of Trooper Young has initiated a petition requesting Florida Governor Charlie Crist to expedite the execution of Daniel Burns for the cold-blooded murder of Trooper Young. Burns was convicted of first degree murder and still sits on death row today, after 22 years of appeals and hearings at taxpayer’s expense. Trooper Young, who was 28 years old at the time of his death, was survived by his wife and daughter. We are respectfully requesting that you join us in honoring Trooper Young and his family by signing this petition and forwarding to others you know who would like to see justice served.

The petition can be accessed at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/the-execution-of-daniel-burns.html Please let me know if you have any questions. With Honor and Respect,

Ken Howes ● Executive Director ● American Association of State Trooper

Dear Mr. President:

Please find below my suggestion for fixing America 's economy… Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bo- nuses, use the following plan. You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan: There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece for early retirement with the following stipulations: 1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings ---Unemployment fixed. 2) They MUST buy a new American car. Forty million cars ordered--- Auto Industry fixed. 3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage ---Housing Crisis fixed. It can't get any easier than that!

If more money is still needed, mandate that all members of Congress pay their taxes...

4 JAMES ZADROGA 9/11 HEALTH AND COMPENSATION ACT OF 2009

To: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ms. Nancy Pelosi & All Congressional Representatives

We the undersigned urge Speaker of the House, Ms. Nancy Pelosi, to immediately commit to a firm date for bill HR 847: the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009 to be on the floor of the House of Representatives, for a vote. Having lost over eight hundred September 11th first responders since that horrific day, we must act now as many, many more of our Nation’s Heroes are sick and dying due to the time they spent at the World Trade Center site. We would like to to stress how important the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009 is to us, our community and America. It is time to get this bill to the House floor and passed so that those who put America first on September 11, 2001 are taken properly taken care of, now. We want HR 847 passed by Thanksgiving so that we, as a country, can properly thank the thousands who have given so much of themselves, so selflessly. We have lost over eight hundred September 11th first responders since that horrific day, we MUST act now as many, many more of these men and women are sick and dying due to the time they spent at Ground Zero.

5 “FOP COPS AND KIDS TRADEMARK PROJECT BLUE LIGHT

Memorandum TO: Fraternal Order of Police State and Subordinate Lodges FROM: Chuck Canterbury, National President DATE: September 26, 2009 RE: New Fraternal Order of Police Trademark for Charitable Programs

As many States and Subordinate Lodges are aware, the Delegation at the 2009 Biennial Conference voted o a new trademark to be used in connection with FOP charitable programs for children. The new name which Project Blue Light is a nationwide recognition of to FOP will submit a Federal Trademark Application, is those Police Officers who have died in the line of “FOP Cops and Kids.” Following the Biennial Confer- duty. It began in 1988 in Philadelphia when Dolly ence, the Grand Lodge and Executive Board have re- Craig wrote a letter to COPS (Concerns of Police ceived various inquiries regarding alternative names, Survivors) stating that she would be honoring her and suggestions for different or additional names to util- late son-in-law, Philadelphia Police Officer Danny ize or register for these charitable programs. Gleason, during the holiday season by placing a blue As emphasized at the Biennial Conference, the pur- light in her window. pose of registering “FOP Cops and Kids” is to ensure Concerns of Police Survivors is encouraging all that State and Subordinate Lodges have available to law enforcement families, friends and law enforce- them a federally registered trademark to use, free of ment agencies to place a blue light in their windows, charge in connection with charitable programs. At the same time, the Grand Lodge does not require that State a string blue lights and/or decorate in blue lights for and Subordinate Lodges use the “FOP Cops and Kids” the coming holiday season. name. If a State or Subordinate Lodge desires to utilize By placing at least one blue light in a window of a different name, the lodge should take appropriate steps your home, you’ll be showing your support for offi- to protect the name, if possible. However, given the nu- cers killed in the line of duty and those who continue merous suggestions, the Grand Lodge is not in a posi- to work America’s streets. By displaying strings of tion to file trademark applications for each and ever blue lights outside your home, at the department and name utilized by State and Subordinate Lodges. If a throughout the community, law enforcement officers State or Subordinate Lodge uses a name that can be pro- will understand that they are appreciated! tected under trademark law, the lodge should consult with its own attorney to determine the appropriate steps The color blue is symbolic of peace. By display- to obtain trademark protection. This might include a ing your lights, you will be sending a dual mes- State or Federal trademark registration, assuming that sage—that you support America’s peacekeepers and the lodge’s attorney recommends that such a registra- that you hope the coming year will be a year of tion be pursued. peace. The Grand Lodge expects to announce in the near Let your blue lights shine for law enforcement future, the submission of an application to register :FOP during the holidays! Cops and Kids” and an accompanying logo design, which is under development. In the meantime, Lodges may begin using “FOP Cops and Kids” for their charitable programs.

6 NEW POLICE LODGE HOLDS FIRST MEETING

Law enforcement officers from the Jackson ing times and dates for the future. Both Sheriff Lou County Sheriff’s Office and the Marianna Police De- Roberts and Chief Hayes Baggett are among the partment gathered Thursday to hold the first meeting lodge’s first members. It is the second FOP lodge in of the newest lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police. Jackson County, the Three Rivers Lodge has been located in Sneads for several years. Membership in Chipola Lodge No., 167 was charted in February the Chipola Lodge is open to any active or retired law by the Florida Fraternal Order of Police. According to enforcement in Jackson County. a news release from the lodge, 10 officers from the sheriff’s office, police department and Florida High- way Patrol petitioned the state organization for the charter. The inaugural meeting Thursday discussed the lodge’s mission in Jackson County and set meet-

ACTION NEEDED!!!!

The Denise Amber Lee Foundation needs your help! Representative Ken Roberson and Senator Nancy Detert have filed companion bills in the upcoming Flor- ida Legislative Session.

These bills will make it mandatory that all 9-1-1 telecommunicators in the state of Florida MUST complete a standardized 232 hour course of study. It will include guidelines for continuing education. Call takers and dispatchers will be recognized as a profession and they will need to be certified by taking a state exam in order to handle your frantic call for help.

It is shocking that this is not currently required and it is long overdue considering 0-1-1 call takers and dispatchers are our first line of defense in public safety.

The bills are fully funded through the E9-1-1 funds your are currently paying on you cell phone each month. To date those funds cannot be used for dispatcher training.

This legislation if passed, will save lives. This legislation will not only help save and protect our citizens, it will protect our medical, fire and police first responders.

What you can do Go to www.myfloridahouse.gov and www.flsenate.gov for a list of all Representatives and Senators in the state. Email as many as you can and ask them to support SB742 and HB 355 as a co-sponsor.

Thank you for your support.

The Denise Amber Lee Foundation PO Box 781 Englewood, Fl 34295

7 Proposed Florida FOP Tag. Replica available to members on line at www.floridastatefop.org. Visit our merchandise section.

8 MARION COUNTY LODGE 145 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

AND CHRISTMAS PARTY

Lodge 145 Vice President Todd Tucker, presents a plaque honoring Deputy, Jonah Music, FOP Lodge 145 Metal of Valor recipient, Lodge Vince Canatella. Naming their lodge building “Vince’s Place” 145 President, Gary Ernst, , Florida State Lodge President, James Preston

Ross Falisi FOP Lodge 145 member of the Year Gary Ernst presenting Ross Fallisi with FOP Lodge 145 member of the year plaque

FOP Lodge 145 Medal of Valor

Florida State Lodge is now an authorized distributor of “Blue Line Products”. Visit us on line at www.floridastatelodge.org

FUNERAL FOR FOUR HEROES

Today in Tacoma unprecedented ten’s of thousands of police officers from all over the USA, Canada, and overseas showed up for the funeral of the 4 slain police officers from the Tacoma suburb of Lakewood. Over 20,000 police officers arrived for the funeral. 1,000 Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officers dressed in their red uniforms formed a massive sea of red. Over 100 officers from New York, and another from Boston. All the hotels in Tacoma were booked full and the overflow officers were invited into the homes of Local officers. MC Chord Air Force Base offered their base as a staging area for over 1,000 police vehicles that would form a procession from Lakewood to the Tacoma Dome. An amazing 3,000 vehicles showed up from all over the USA and the procession took 4 hours to wind their way to the Tacoma Dome with the streets lined with thousands of folks wav- ing American Flags along the way...all in weather that was sunny but around 20F Degrees. The above picture show the procession as they pick up the 4 white hearses in Lakewood. I’ll give you the rest of the report in pictures as follows ...

10 FOP PRESIDENT OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO FAMILIES OF THE FALLEN

Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fra- takes like Clemmons. The early release of thousands ternal Order of Police, expressed his most sincere con- of crack dealers last year occurred over the objections dolences to the families and colleagues of Sergeant of the law enforcement community. This Congress Mark Renninger, and Officers Tina Griswold, Ronald has renewed its efforts to significantly lower sen- Owens, and Greg Richards. tences for active crack dealers and, to date, that legislation does not reflect the input we provided on the “My heart goes out to the families of these fine of- issue. Congress increased the number of Federal hate ficers, cut down by a man who should have been be- crimes, but there is no specific statute for the killing hind bars instead of pulling a trigger,” Canterbury of a local or State law enforcement officer unless they said. “Law enforcement is itself a family and I share are assisting Federal authorities. Is there any question the grief and anger of the loved ones and colleagues in that this killer targeted police officers? No one else Lakewood.” was even injured in the attack.” The four veteran officers were gunned down by This week’s shooting was the fourth occasion in Maurice Clemmons, a violent felon once sentenced to which multiple officers were murdered in the line of serve 108 years in jail. His youth and a great deal of duty. In March, four officers in Oakland, California misplaced optimism won him early release in Arkan- were killed, followed by three officers in Pittsburgh, sas. After violating his parole, he returned to jail, but Pennsylvania and two in Okaloosa County, Florida in was released again in 2004. He was charged earlier April. To date, forty-four officers have been shot and this year with assaulting a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty this year. and raping a child, but posted bail. While the investigation is ongoing, Clemmons seems to have been as- “Law enforcement is a dangerous profession. All sisted by a network of friends and family who helped of us know that our lives are on the line, everyday, at him elude capture after he murdered the four Lake- each traffic stop, at every response to a home, and wood officers at a coffee shop on Sunday. even while enjoying a cup of coffee in uniform,” Can- terbury said. “I want all my brothers and sisters to “This murderous thug has been shot and killed, but stay safe out there, to watch out for one another and to that is no solace to the families of the officers, nor wear their vests. May God see all of us home at the does it seem like justice,” Canterbury said. “Our end of our shift.” criminal justice system cannot afford to make mis-

Temple Terrace Lodge 101 Christmas Party

President Bob Boss and Santa’s helper Lisa Dubord distributed toys to all the kids at their annual Temple Terrace Lodge 101 Christmas Party. Everyone attending enjoyed a great meal and fellowship.

(l-r) Santa’s helpers, Brenda Jordan, Cindy Boss, Lisa Dubord, and Lodge 101 President Bob Boss 11 STATE PRESIDENT PRESTON INSTALLS THE NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD OF LODGE 66

FWC Officers of the Year Barry Shaw and Sam Lodge 66 Auxiliary President

(l-r) Relinda Broom, Robbie Robbins, Minerva Vogel

Minerva was presented a plaque in appreciation of 15 years as Lodge 66 Auxiliary President

(l-r) Lt. Darren Riley, Lt. Mike Frantz, FWC Officer Barry Shaw, Keri DeHart, Capt Navarro, Major Post, FWC Officer Sam Cohl and Robbie Robbins

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- More than 30,000 motorcyclists and 60,000 people took part in the "22nd Annual South Florida President's Council Christmas Toys in the Sun Run" parade. Proceeds from the event -- known as the world's largest motorcycle parade -- will help pay for cancer treatments for the children at the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. Since the first Toy Run 21 years ago, bikers and supporters have raised in excess of $7 million which is used for the cancer treatments and other special needs for the kids, as well as feeding thousands of needy families during the holidays. Last year's event raised more than $541,000 and more than 50,000 toys were collected and distributed to children in the tri-county area by the Fraternal Order of Police. This year, organizers hoped to raise more than $600,000 and collect 60,000 toys. 12 OFFICERS RETURNED TO DUTY

NAPLES — The arbitrator overseeing a dispute between the city of Naples and two police officers who were fired in 2006 for turning in diploma-mill degrees and then reinstated months later, has ruled in favor of the two officers, reducing their 10-day suspensions to oral counseling, and reimbursing them for the ten days pay. Sgt. Joe Popka and officer Drew McGregor "are to be made whole in all respects," according to a decision issued Tuesday by the arbitrator, James L. Reynolds. The decision should put to rest a case that has festered for over three years. "It’s sad that it took three years, the termination of two employees, and at least $15 to $20 in taxpayer money for every resident of the city to be forced to acknowledge their mistake," said Jon Fry, an attorney for the Fraternal Order of Police union representing Popka and McGregor. The arbitration was held in June. Popka and McGregor were fired in July 2006 for submitting criminal justice degrees from Almeda Univer- sity to qualify for the state’s salary incentive program, which boosts an officer’s pay by $80 a month. Almeda University offers online degrees for "life experience" that can be purchased for $595, but degrees from Almeda aren’t recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, the Council on Higher Education or the Flor- ida Department of Law Enforcement. During the investigation both Popka and McGregor said they talked to department administrators before submitting the degrees to verify they qualified for the program. The officers were reinstated to their jobs by then-City Manager Bob Lee after a three-month fight, though Lee gave them 10-day suspensions. Charges of improper conduct and exercising poor judgment were also sus- tained against them, and the officers were not satisfied with the positions they were assigned when they returned to duty.

FOP Endorses Kottkamp for Attorney General

Lonnie Miller, first Vice President, Jeff Kottkamp, Lieutenant Governor

13 THE WAR ON COPS By Michelle Malkin • December 4, 2009

Maurice Clemmons had many enablers — starting members to “watch the TV” before the massacre be- in Arkansas with clemency-crazy Mike Huckabee and cause he was going to “kill a bunch of cops.” The wit- stretching to Washington state where he was sur- nesses did worse than nothing. Several have been ar- rounded by people who witnessed his threats against rested for actively aiding and abetting Clemmons – law enforcement and did nothing to stop the Lake- with shelter, food, money, and medical aid — before wood PD massacre. This week, police charged four he was discovered in Seattle early Tuesday morning family and friends with aiding him and plan to indict and shot after threatening a patrol officer investigating two more. My column today steps back and looks at Clemmons’ stolen vehicle. the past year of violence against police officers and the cultural war that has been waged against them for A militant online group called the National Black the past several decades. The Left has a popular man- Foot Soldier Network celebrated Clemmons as a tra: “Stop the hate.” Why don’t they start applying it “Crowned BOW (Black on White) Martyr” and to the men and women who protect and serve? dubbed the Lakewood ambush a “preemptive strike on terrorists.” It wasn’t the only chilling propaganda cheering black-on-white police murders in the Pacific Northwest this year. Just three weeks before the Lake- wood, Wa., massacre, the region en- dured another police attack. Suspect Christopher Monfort was arrested last month in the targeted shooting death of Faces of the fallen: Sgt. Mark Renninger, 39; Officers Ronald Owens, 37; Tina Griswold, 40; Gregory Richards, 42. Seattle Police Department Officer Timothy Brenton and the wounding The Left’s police-hating chickens are coming home of his partner Britt Sweeney. Monfort had written dia- to roost. While partisan liberals have gone out of their tribes against law enforcement harping against white way to blame conservative media and the Tea Party policemen. movement for creating a “climate of hate,” they are The leader of a Seattle hip-hop/punk band com- silent on the cultural and literal war on cops that has memorated the assassination with a t-shirt depicting raged for decades – and escalated tragically this year. Monfort’s face splattered with blood and overlaid with a Seattle Police Department badge under the slo- The total number of law enforcement officers shot gan “Deliver Us From Evil.” The other side of the and killed this year is up 19 percent over last year, shirt read “most of my heroes don’t appear on no according to the Christian Science Monitor. More of- stamp.” ficers have died in ambush incidents this year than any other since 2000. The Lakewood, Washington From where does the deadened and deadly callous- massacre on Thanksgiving weekend claimed the lives ness toward the thin blue line come? of four dedicated officers getting ready for work at a How about years of cop-bashing rap from NWA’s coffee shop Sunday morning. Maurice Clemmons – “F**k tha Police” and Ice-T’s “Cop Killa” to Dead the violent career thug who received clemency from Prez’s “Police State” (“I throw Molotov cocktails at former Arkansas GOP governor Mike Huckabee and the precinct”) and The Game’s “911 is a Joke” (I benefited from fatal systemic lapses in the criminal ought to shoot fifty one officers for the fifty one times justice system – had many other enablers. that boy was shot in New York”)? Clemmons had told numerous friends and family Continued on page 15

14 War continued from page 14 turned-liberal think tank fellow Van Jones (whose Try the glamorization of poisonous anti-police do- “creative” activism and “energy” in the Bay Area won mestic terrorist groups like the Weather Underground senior White House adviser Valerie Jarrett’s heart). and the Black Panthers. Add in the mainstreaming of Four Oakland officers went down and one was injured anti-police demagogues Jesse Jackson and Al Sharp- when a convicted felon ambushed them during a rou- ton (whose ex-wife and daughter were arrested last tine traffic stop. Nearly 20,000 law enforcement offi- week after verbally abusing a Harlem cop and re- cers and supporters from around the country filled a sisting arrest after running a red light). And toss in the memorial event for the fallen. global glorification of Death Row cop-killers Stanley “Tookie” Williams and Mumia abu Jamal by the Hol- President Obama — Chicago pal of police- lywood elite. targeting Weather Underground terrorist Bill Ayers and the convener of the national beer summit to in- It is, in my mind, no coincidence that another of dulge his race-baiting, police-bashing Harvard profes- 2009’s bloodiest multiple-police shootings took place sor friend Henry Louis Gates — did not attend the in Oakland – a hotbed of black nationalism/Free service. Mumia radicalism that gave us the likes of Angela Davis, Huey Newton, and Obama green jobs czar- Reprinted with permission of Michelle Malkin

15 OBSTACLE COURSE ENDS A SERGEANT'S CAREER By Tom Lyons

When Sgt. Robert Graham chased bad guys in re- ioral issue, Rose said. cent years, he wasn't on foot. Sheriff Tom Knight expressed regret but decided His specialized position at the Sarasota County he has no choice, Rose said. Sheriff's Office involved computers and electronics, behind-the-scenes work that didn't get him into the He offered Graham a civilian job at the sheriff's newspaper much. office, but for far less money. Graham declined. I found one Herald-Tribune story, from four years Knight inherited the policy, which was created two ago, about him teaching children and parents to avoid years ago and applies to officers statewide. It includes cyber-criminals and online creeps. a December 2009 deadline for current employees to pass a physical test that is easy enough for most law The electronics specialty was a good fit, it seems, officers. It involves a timed run through a course that but not just because he had the skills. He got into it requires climbing over barriers and, in one section, because of a work injury suffered years ago, which dragging a weight. left him with physical limitations that made it hard -- maybe impossible -- to run down suspects or grapple Rose confirmed that the injury preventing Graham them into handcuffs. from taking the test was job-related, but would give no details aside from saying it wasn't from an encoun- But now, just in time for Christmas, the Sheriff's ter with a suspect or similar action. Office has confirmed that Graham, after more than two decades on the job, has been fired for failing to Col. Steve Burns said the sheriff made the decision take a physical fitness test all sworn law officers are reluctantly. "Nobody's happy about it. He's a good now required to pass. employee," Burns said. Graham hasn't called me to complain, but an Every cop is supposed to be able to help colleagues anonymous sheriff's employee did. He said Graham and members of the public in an emergency that re- shouldn't lose his job when is able to do the work he quires some physical strength and agility, Burns said. has done for years. Granting an exception would invite other requests, and there would be no fair way to decide who gets That caller expressed hope that a review panel em- one, he said. powered to overturn firing decisions might do so. I get it, but I don't buy Rose's analogy, comparing That can't happen, it seems. Sheriff's spokeswoman Graham's situation to a newspaper reporter being un- Wendy Rose said being medically or physically unable to write a required number of stories. able to take or pass the test means automatic termination for law enforcement and corrections officers, pe- To me, it is more like firing a reporter for being riod. Such a termination isn't a disciplinary action, and unable to load newspaper bundles on a truck so can't be reviewed like a firing based on a behav-

16 MIDNIGHT SHIFT AND HEALTH RISKS

From The Force Science Research Center, December 18

Officers who predominately work midnights are at Day shift assignments were considered to be those greater risk of developing severe health problems than that started between 4 AM and 11:59 AM; afternoon, civilians and other cops, especially if they average starting between noon and 7:59 PM; and midnights more than about 90 minutes of overtime per week and beginning between 8 PM and 3:59 AM. The officers, have trouble sleeping. who all worked 10-hour shifts, were categorized according to which shift they most often worked during This is established in a new study by an 8-member the 5-year period preceding the study. team of health experts, headed by Dr. John Violanti, a former state trooper and now a research associate pro- As a measurement of the officers' health risks, the fessor at the State University of New York-Buffalo. researchers screened them for abdominal obesity (more than a 40.2-in. waistline in men, 34.6 inches in In an ongoing series of groundbreaking investiga- women); elevated triglycerides (above 150); reduced tions, Violanti and cohorts have previously explored HDL ("good") cholesterol (less than 40 for men, less shift work and its relationship to suicidal thoughts and than 50 for women); glucose intolerance; and hyper- to problems of sleep quality. In one earlier study, they tension (blood pressure higher than 130/85). found that retired LEOs in general tend to die some 6 years sooner than other retired civic workers. A combination of any 3 of these "abnormalities" is said to constitute "metabolic syndrome," a condition "The newest findings confirm one more way that that carries an increased risk of such health perils as policing endangers those who serve," says Dr. Bill stroke, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Lewinski, executive director of the Force Science Re- search Center, which was not involved in the team's "In most individual categories, officers in the mid- discoveries. night-shift classification ranked the worst," one of the researchers, Dr. Bryan Vila, a member of the CJ fac- "Inescapably, some officers are forced to work un- ulty at Washington State University in Spokane, told desirable hours, due to the 'round-the-clock nature of FSN. law enforcement. Now, knowing their special risks, it becomes all the more important for those on late shifts For example, 55% on midnights showed "elevated to rally their personal defenses against the potential waist circumference," more than double the percent- assaults on their well-being." age found in the other 2 shifts. Half had sub-desirable levels of "good" cholesterol, compared to 30% on Violanti agrees. "This is the first time that working days and 44% on afternoons, and 25% had high blood officers have been examined from this particular per- pressure, compared to 15% on days and 9% on after- spective," he told Force Science News. "We hope noons. (Figures are rounded here to avoid fractions.) these findings create an awareness of the importance of health education for police. Shift work is not going In measurement of triglycerides and glucose intol- away. Officers need to learn how to adjust to it and erance, midnight officers fared slightly better than come out alive." their afternoon counterparts, but in no category were late-shift officers found to be in better shape than offi- The researchers' test group consisted of 61 male cers working days. and 37 female volunteers randomly chosen from an eastern city with more than 900 sworn officers. Blood Over all, 30% of midnight officers had metabolic samples, blood pressure readings, and other pertinent syndrome, versus 11% on days and about 15% on af- data were collected from them at a medical clinic, and ternoon shifts. their shift assignments and overtime hours were confirmed from payroll records. Continued on page 18 17 Midnight continued from page 17 Plus, he says, "Endocrine function and body balance "This is a very significant finding for a couple of are disturbed by circadian [daily rhythm] disruption. reasons," Vila says. "First of all, studies of the general Working nights, especially on a job that's highly stress- population have found that about 22% exhibit meta- ful, can cause significant wear and tear on the body." bolic syndrome, and that includes sick people, old people, and others who might be expected to have a nega- "Sleep times for officers on midnights tend to be tive impact on the number. Cops at least have been outside the normal range," Vila explains, "so they cus- screened for good overall physical and mental health tomarily get not only less sleep but sleep of lesser qual- when they joined the force. ity." This produces fatigue and sets up a vicious cycle. Insufficient sleep causes hormonal changes that, in ef- "Besides that, officers in our study who worked fect, make the body crave quick energy bursts. "This midnights tended to be younger than those working triggers an appetite for the kind of foods that result in days by an average of 6 years. You would expect weight gain, bad cholesterol, and strain on the organs younger officers to be less susceptible to the risk fac- that help you metabolize sugars. In turn, being over- tors for serious diseases." weight makes you more susceptible to sleep apnea and other problems that interfere with restorative sleep." Midnight officers took additional hits when sleep and overtime were factored into the study. If midnight officers want assurance of nutritious meals while working, they can pack their own, making The researchers report: "Officers who worked mid- sure what they eat is low in processed sugar and high night shifts and [averaged] less than 6 hours sleep had in complex carbohydrates, he suggests. a significantly higher mean number of metabolic syndrome components" than those who worked day and "You'll sleep better," he says, "if you end vigorous afternoon shifts. Indeed, their mean number of risk fac- physical activity 2 or more hours before you want to tors was more than 4 times that of day officers and sleep. Minimize your caffeine consumption the last 4 more than 2 ? times that of those working afternoons. hours of your shift, because it takes about 6 hours to diminish caffeine in the blood to a level where it won't Overtime, too, seems to impact midnight officers interfere with sleep. And don't eat a big meal just be- more negatively than those on other shifts. Among of- fore bedtime." Darkening the room when you have to ficers averaging more than 1.7 hours of overtime per sleep during daylight hours also helps. week, those working midnights had a "significantly higher" mean number of metabolic syndrome factors-- "Make an agreement with your family that sleep for more than 4 times higher than day officers and more you is an important priority," Violanti suggests, so they than twice the number for afternoon shifters. can help minimize disturbances. The study notes in brief: "[S]horter sleep duration If you have persistent sleep problems, arrange to be and more overtime combined with midnight shift work screened for sleep disorders. "More than 40% of cops may be important contributors to the metabolic syn- have serious sleep disorders, and these can usually be drome." treated," Vila says. On the website of the nonprofit Na- tional Sleep Foundation [www.sleepfoundation.org] The researchers did not attempt to document the you can locate a sleep professional near you, as well as specific causes of the link between midnights and access helpful tips on better sleeping, books on the health dangers, but Violanti and Vila offer observa- subject, and sleep aids. tions about a couple of likely suspects: eating habits and sleep patterns. Lewinski notes that the National Institutes of Health recommend the following for preventing or managing On late shifts, officers may feel more dependent on metabolic syndrome: restaurants and vending machines that "point them more toward candy, Cokes, coffee, donuts, and fast foods than toward nutritious meals," Vila explains. In short, Violanti notes, "Diet on the night shift basically Continued on page 19 stinks." 18 TALLAHASSEE POLICE OFFICER STRUCK AND KILLED

Tallahassee Police Officer Michael P. Saundes, a Trustee, advises that Michael worked most of his po- 27 year veteran of the Tallahassee Police Department lice career in patrol and a stint as an Airport Police was scheduled to enter the DROP program in Janu- Officer. John remembers his co-worker as truly one ary. His wife Martha is a retired civilian worker from of Tallahassee's finest. Tallahassee PD after 30 years. Michael would rise early every morning and go jogging before work to Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the men keep in shape. Early this morning, Michael was fa- and women of the Tallahassee Police Department in tally struck by a vehicle as he jogged in his neighbor- their loss and our prayers go out to the family of TPD hood. His body was dragged by the car before he was Officer Michael Saundes. left lifeless along side the road. The driver of the vehicle that struck and killed him then fled the scene. Thankfully, the good work of the Tallahassee Po- lice investigators led to the identity of the driver who is now in custody. Brother John Beeman, Tallahassee FOP Lodge

Midnight continued from page 18 monitoring of 460 officers to see if continued expo- sure to midnight service makes results worse and, • Eating a diet low in fat, with a variety of fruits, hopefully, to pinpoint specific causes of related health vegetables, and whole-grain products problems. • Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise Meanwhile, Vila says, more than a dozen research almost every day papers are in development as a part of Violanti's • Losing weight so that your body mass index is broad-based studies. "We are trying to look one piece less than 25 at a time at why police work is such an unhealthy profession and what can be done about that." • Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar As more becomes known, Force Science News will • Not smoking keep you updated. • Including fish, preferably oily fish, in your diet at Meanwhile, our strategic partner PoliceOne.com least twice a week. this week posted a news article you may find interest- ing, concerning a Maryland officer who is suing his Violanti would like to see law enforcement agen- county for compensation for heart problems that he cies provide training on diet and sleep, but he points claims arose because of his police service. out that "in the end, we are responsible for our own health. We can't depend on an organization to take According to this report, "Maryland law presumes care of us. Taking our own simple steps to improve that if public safety officials develop heart diseases, lifestyle--eating better, sleeping better, exercising--is then it was their jobs that caused it and the officials the best way to deal with this problem." should be eligible for worker's compensation claims, regardless of other possible contributing factors like With the new metabolic study serving as a base- obesity, smoking habits, and family medical his- line, Violanti and his team are planning longer-term tory." 19

ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS IN AMERICA , INC SOUTH FLORIDA DIVISON IS BEING FORMED Brother John P. Pesce is the South Florida Organizer of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, Inc, for South Florida. He is inquiring if anyone, who is a practicing Catholic and is either of Irish birth or Irish ancestry may be interested in joining the largest social and fraternal Irish Catholic organization in the country. If so. please feel free to contact him at (954)734-0063 or e-mail: [email protected]. If there are interested people from other areas of Florida, they can contact him and he will get them in touch with the AOH Division nearest them or he can help them start their own Division in their particular area of Florida. Organized over 165 yrs. ago, the Hibernians have become the most influential body of people of Irish descent in the world. We are an American fraternal organization promoting the interests of those with Irish heritage. To be admitted for membership in the AOH, one must be of Irish heritage, birth or descent, a practicing Roman Catholic and at least 16 yrs. of age. For the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH), the same rules apply. Additionally, if she is married to an AOH member, she may also qualify.

ADVERTISING IN FOP FLORIDA ON PATROL NEWSLETTER

Fraternal Order of Police FLORIDA STATE LODGE

Company Name Street Address City, State, Zip Code

Dear Business Partner;

I would like to invite you to become one of the first to advertise in “Florida On Patrol”, the official newsletter of the Florida State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police (FSLFOP). This long established newsletter reaches all corners of law enforcement in Florida and we have just begun our initial advertising program.

Our newsletter will be digitally published four times per year and will be made available to all of 20,000 active and retired law enforcement professional members who live and serve within Florida. If you purchase a full year advertising spot in advance, not only will you receive a ten (10%) percent discount you will be automatically registered as a preferred provider for our members.

The funds raised by these advertisements assist us in our many programs including Scholarships, Disaster Relief, Legislation and our Florida Law Enforce- ment Memorial Foundation for the families of fallen officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities.

As a business, the location of your ad is very important to you. Your place- ment is reserved by your immediate response.

Prices are included with this letter.

Sincerely,

James W. Preston, President 22 Florida On Patrol FOUR SEASON ISSUE & AD CLOSE DATE ORDER SHEET SPRING February (ad close date January 2nd) SUMMER May (ad close date April 1st) FALL August (ad close date July 1st) WINTER November (ad close date October 1st)

Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police 242 Office Plaza, Tallahassee. Fl 32301 Phone: (800) 873-3671 Fax (800) 873-3670 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.floridastatefop.org Attention: Greg Gecewicz—Newsletter Advertisements The amount of times an advertisement is placed lowers the cost per issue. Also by paying in advance for all four issues you will save an additional 10%. Season Placed Prices are for camera ready advertisements. Amount Enclosed Placed 1x Placed 2x Placed 3x Placed 4x Size of page Spring Summer Fall Winter price per issue price per issue price per issue price per issue

Full 1300 1200 1100 1000

2/3 Vertical 975 900 825 750

1/2 Vertical 650 600 550 500

1/2 650 600 550 500 Horizontal

1/3 Vertical 500 435 385 350

1/3 500 435 385 350 Horizontal

1/4 Page 325 300 275 250

1/6 Page (Horizontal 275 250 230 210 or Vertical)

1/8 Page 200 175 150 125

Back Cover 2500 2070 1725 1500 (full page)

Inside Back Cover 1750 1455 1320 1200 (full page)

Inside Front Cover 1715 1550 1390 1250 (full page)

Name of Company: ______Product or Service:______

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Address of Company: Street:______City:______State:______

Zip Code + 4 digits: ______Telephone# ______Cell phone # ______

F P FLORIDA STATE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE AUXILIARY

LAW ENFORCEMENT FAMILIES ACTIVELY SUPPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT

Who can join?

• Open to All Family members of a Fraternal Order of Police member in good standing

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Widow/widower of a Fraternal Order of Police member

• Honorary membership may be granted to immediate family members, 18 years of age or older, of duly sworn law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the performance of their duties

Membership in the Auxiliary Offers...

• Automatic Membership in the National FOP Auxiliary

• Sharing a common interest with your spouse/family member

• Family organization dealing with family issues

• Assistance and training for critical incidents

• Communication among police families

• Educational scholarships for members and their families

• Information regarding legislative issues important to police families

• Opportunity to establish a fraternal bond with police families

• “Never Let Them Walk Alone” – cast a double shadow and share a single thought

• Membership Identification Card

24 Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary History Pittsburgh: The Beginning

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Steel Town, USA. It's the Roaring Twenties and American women's voices have risen to a roar. They were heard across the nation and all the way to the United States Congress which passed the 19th Amend- ment giving women the right to vote. Women were organizing!

Pittsburgh women caught the fever and organized a "Ladies Auxiliary" to the Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1 in November 1920. They joined their husbands on the picket line to secure pay increases and better working con- ditions for the police officers of Pittsburgh.

Key players in this pioneering effort were Kathryn Milton and Mary McNamara. Kathryn Milton drew up the by-laws and served as the first president. Restricted from membership in the FOP because of her gender, female Pittsburgh Po- lice Officer Mary Hummel was among the charter members of that first Ladies' Auxiliary.

From the shores of Lake Erie to the eastern border of Pennsylvania, "sisters" joined to create two more Auxiliaries in Erie and Scranton. Policewoman Elizabeth Jeffs organized the Erie Auxiliary and the third Auxiliary was formed to the E.B. Jermyn FOP Lodge No. 2 in Scranton.

Milestones and Sidesteps to Organizing the Auxiliary

1922 - National FOP is notified that the functioning Ladies Auxiliaries want the FOP to "charter" their organizations. A resolution is passed by the FOP allowing this, but no further action is taken.

1926 - National FOP advised the Ladies Auxiliaries to become incorporated to obtain legal standing. The Ladies Auxil- iary petitioned the FOP to allow Auxiliaries to incorporate and applied for a charter in the name of the "Grand Lodge Auxiliary". The petition was accepted by the FOP but no further action was taken.

1937 - The Auxiliaries, through Edythe Hinkle of Canton, Ohio, asked for "official recognition" and action to "clarify our status". No further action was taken.

1941 - In September 1941, at the FOP National Conference in Toledo, Ohio, the Grand Lodge Auxiliary was organized. Kathryn Milton, the Pittsburgh pioneer in the Ladies Auxiliary, was elected National President.

1949 - World War II has delayed the growth of the National Auxiliary. With the war effort over, the ladies' efforts began again and at the National FOP Conference of 1949 in Lexington, Kentucky, the official charter was presented to the Grand Lodge Ladies Auxiliary by the FOP.

Grand Gatherings of the 40s, 50s and 60s

Banquet dinners, tuxedos and formals. Edith Mills, National Auxiliary President from 1949-1953, recalls that a peach colored gown was her favorite for one conference.

Attire during conferences had been formal. Rituals for the Auxiliary require the wearing of white gloves. Hats were not allowed during meetings up until the 1970s. It was during the 1970s that attire became more casual. Dresses also became a sign of unity, with Auxiliaries within state delegations dressing in similar styles (some wore uniforms) or styles that reflected their regionalism. The entire delegation from Oklahoma wore red and white checkered outfits to show support for a candidate. Their outfits reflected a western motif. Who couldn't recognize the great state of New Mexico's delegates with their serapes?!

In 1959 the Kathryn M. Milton Scholarship Fund was established. The Grand Lodge Auxiliary provides an educational grant awarded annually through a random drawing for contributing Auxiliaries. Children of FOP members and Auxil- iary members are eligible for this grant.

25 The Auxiliary newsletter, the Journalette, was first published in the early 1960s, and then discontinued for several years, to be reinstated in 1973. At the 30th Biennial Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona the Jour- nalette was officially renamed the "Auxiliary Journal".

Breaking Traditions and Stereotypes in the 1980s

The 1980s brought a time of change, a time of breaking traditions, and tearing down old stereotypes. It was a time to come from behind the bake sale table to the front...to the podium. No longer did the Auxiliary simply conduct the Memorial Service at National Conference but in the early 1980s the Auxiliary President was given the opportunity to address the entire delegation at the Conference gathering!

A program to honor fallen law enforcement officers was established and on May 15, 1982 the first National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service was held in Senate Park in Washington, D.C. There were approxi- mately 125 in attendance.

FLORIDA FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Annual Dues: Dues are paid annually at $18.00 per calendar year prorated at $1.50 for each remaining month in the calendar year in which you join (National Per Capita is inclusive). Meetings: The Florida State Lodge meets in February, June and October. Locations are announced in the State newsletter and online at www.floridastatefop.org. Application: To the Officers and Members of the Florida Fraternal Order of Police – I hereby make application for active membership to the Florida Fraternal Order of Police. I am a family member of an active Fraternal Order of Po- lice member. Name: ______Family Member: ______Lodge Number: ______Relationship: ______Address: ______City, State, Zip: ______Telephone: ______Email: ______Signature: ______Please print this application, fill it out and return it with your dues check and mail it to: Fraternal Order of Police * 242 Office Plaza * Tallahassee, Florida 32301

26 J.L. Peggs Financial J.L. "Larry" Peggs, R.F.C. Larry Peggs is widely known throughout the State of Florida in Municipalities and Law Enforcement Cir- cles, specializing in Retirement, Investment, Insurance, and Tax Planning. As an independent financial professional, he has met with large and small groups, as well as with individuals, regarding the education and implementation of various retirement and estate plans. Larry is registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and is an Invest- ment Adviser Representative of Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and SIPC, 500 Bielenberg Dr., Woodbury, MN. 55125, 800-800-2638. Woodbury is a member of the Hartford Financial Services Group, one of the largest financial services companies in North America. He was admitted to the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants as a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC), in 1998. Larry began his financial career in 1970 after majoring in Agricultural Economics and Business Manage- ment at Purdue University. He has been a resident of Florida since 1976, when he moved from Indiana with his wife Karen, and their two children. Larry may be contacted by calling (727) 391-1707, (800) 293-6784, Nextel DC# 158*35*718, or emailing [email protected]. There are no fees for consultations.

Visit the FOP Travel Store on the Florida State Lodge web site

Your continued loyal support of the Florida FOP entitles you, your family and friends to join us at the FOP Travel Store where you will enjoy great competitive rates on all your travel needs that our law enforcement members earn. You receive great rates on airlines, hotels, rental cars and so much more. At the same time, you support the Florida FOP each time you book travel online. Visit www.ytbtravel.com/fop