A few weeks ago, I accompanied a young officer to an interview at the Office of Citizen Complaints. During our preparation, the officer noted that he couldn’t believe the complainant could have even remembered what happened since he was so old. I made the mistake of asking about how old, and the number was a little south of the age I will be pushing next month.
It was that realization, as well as a few other things that have happened over the past few weeks, that caused me to make the decision to leave the San Francisco Police Officers’ Association.
I have enjoyed a great career serving the City for 30 years as a police officer and the SFPOA for 24 years as a POA Representative, a member of the POA Executive Board, and, for the past 12 years, as your business agent. There are so many people I owe a great deal of thanks to, starting with my wife, Barbara, and our two daughters, Christina and Lauren, for putting up with the many hours I spent at Police Commission meetings representing officers, community meetings pushing our ballot measures while, at the same time, trying to share life at home in-between working at Mission Station and the POA.
I wish to thank all of the past and present members of the SFPOA Board of Directors for your persistence in making our Association what it is today - one of the most dynamic and powerful employee organizations in the country.
But it wasn’t always that way. You’ve heard all the horror stories of the past about what little benefits we had, so I’m not going to repeat our climb to the top. However, at the very beginning of the turn-around in our economic status, we had just taken office and met with the Mayor’s representatives. We told them we wanted better guns, better cars, and radios that worked. They were more than glad to accommodate us. Afterwards, we met with a labor attorney and he called us a bunch of idiots for asking what the City should be supplying in the first place. So we went back to the Mayor’s people the next day and told them, “Forget the guns, cars, and radios . . . we want money.” And that was the beginning of a long and successful ride.
I especially owe a great deal of debt to Kevin Martin, Marty Halloran, Joe Valdez, and the freshman on the team, Brian Stansbury. As well as the staff at the POA Building both past and present. Without them the place would sink.
It’s pretty much like Brian Stansbury said in his article last month - unless you see the inside of the POA and how it works, you won’t have a good understanding of the demands made on a daily basis and the sacrifice everyone puts forth. I’m leaving an excellent team.
And, let’s face it; the new police administration with Chief Greg Suhr in charge is doing an excellent job with what few resources they have. Greg and his command staff are always willing to work with us for the benefit of the men and women the Department.
And, before I forget, there is one other person I need to thank and that’s Gary Delagnes. Gary and I had a love/hate relationship. He always hated it when I was right. But we also had a special bond that we’ve shared over the years when the going got tough and the decisions we made were sometimes not all that popular, but it was the right thing to do.
And to all the members who proudly wear the uniform of a San Francisco police officer, putting your lives on the line 24/7. Thank you for allowing me to represent you over the years. It was a privilege.
