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2013 is One for the Books

December 1, 2013
Martin Halloran SFPOA President

The duties of being a San Francisco police officer consume large portions of our lives. But even so, I hope that your 2013 had more fond memories than bad. As you reflect on the highlights of 2013, let me give you a brief run down and reflections on this past year at the POA.

We began 2013 with one of our best decisions of this or any other year. We hired retired Captain Paul Chignell to serve as our new Legal Defense Administrator. After Steve Johnson retired, we needed a qualified, dedicated, and tenacious defender of member rights. No person fits that bill better than Paul.

In spring, we received notice from City Hall about a proposed re-opener of the MOU that included an extension of the current contract with modest salary increases on the back end. This was similar to an idea that Gary Delagnes and I initially floated six months earlier, and we were eager to meet with the city negotiators. We were confident that such an agreement would be easily ratified by the membership. We apparently got that wrong!

The memberships’ ratification vote failed by a thin margin. I still take blame for my failure to communicate to the members the advantages of the first TA. I took the defeat hard, but I learned my lesson well: Don’t take the members for granted.

After putting out a more clearly defined message for the second TA, the members were educated, engaged, and ultimately made the right call with an overwhelming ratification vote of 84%!

2013 saw the biggest transitions in power that the POA has experienced in more than a decade. After Gary, Kevin Martin, and Steve Johnson all departed in less than a year, I suddenly felt the full weight of this office. In my short time as President, I have come to realize how extremely important trusted executive officers really are in alleviating that burden. Several extremely important issues came to the forefront this past year, and this executive board made our positions clear at each turn. Whether it is in front of the Chief of Police, the Police Commission, or the Board of Supervisors I, along with members of the Executive Board, have either appeared in person or have stated the POA position in a letter.

I have been fortunate to have dedicated E-Board. Many thanks first of all to Tony Montoya who stepped up to serve as Vice President. I could not have done this without Tony. He is the best. I also am very grateful to Secretary Mike Nevin, Treasurer Brian Stansbury, and Sergeant-at-Arms Joe Valdez. All of these guys have made sacrifices in their personnel lives to serve the members and me. I am indebted to them all.

Other high and low points of 2013 were:

  • Celebrating the valor and deeds of several members at our POA Medal of Honor ceremonies. The recipients and their families are honored guests at the dinner ceremony held at the atrium in the POA building.
  • Awarding more education scholarships to the college-bound children of POA members through the POA’s Jeff Barker Scholarship Program. This program is funded by the annual POA Poker Tournament, which was also huge success this year.
  • Retaining past president Gary Delagnes as the POA political consultant. His local and statewide political network has proved invaluable many times during negotiations and re-negotiations. The California-based Big 11 coalition of police unions is stepping up to play a major role in the coming battle to defeat San Jose mayor Chuck Reed’s move to nullify vested rights provisions for public employees. Gary will spearhead that challenge.
  • Placing the name of POA Board of Director Representative Inspector Brian "Monkey" Olcomendy onto the Peace Officer Memorial Wall of Honor, both in Sacramento and on the National Memorial in Washington DC. Brian suffered injuries on the job in 2003 that led to his untimely death. Thanks to Gary, both the State of California and the National Memorial recognized and validated that Brian's death was work related.
  • Welcoming to the SFPD ranks several relatives of active and retired members. One such notable recruit is young Frank Olcomendy continuing the tradition of native San Franciscans entering the SFPD.
  • Mourning the loss of several old friends who succumbed to the ravages of cancer or other work related ailments. Tragically, some who struggled with depression or stress have taken their own lives.  The POA lost good men and women this year.  May they all rest in peace knowing that they served well.
  • Enjoying the 10th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at AT&T Park during a home Giants game. This popular family event has grown over the years and is enjoyed by all. The POA sponsors a pre-game reception at the Mariposa Yacht Club.
  • Publicizing the good work of our members through the production of re-enactment videos of their heroic acts. Check out www.sfcitycops.com to view the stories of Saving Baby Nash and Lifesaver. We also honored all first responders who responded to the tragic Asiana plane crash at SFO this past July. Commemorative Challenge Coins were cast and distributed to these heroes at a luncheon hosted by the POA at SFO.
  • Establishing new POA committees (LBGT, Women's Issues, etc), to enhance member out-reach and communication.

As the clock ticks down on 2013, I thank you all and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and Peace in 2014.

Slainte!