On September 19, 2025, the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) proudly hosted its Twelfth Annual Jeff Barker Scholarship Program Poker Tournament at the POA Building.
The evening brought together more than eighty of the finest women and men of the San Francisco Police Department, including both active-duty and retired members, for a night of camaraderie, poker, and purpose. Guests enjoyed Texas Hold ’Em play, delicious food and drinks, and exciting prize drawings, all in good spirits filled with laughter and friendly banter.
This year’s tournament was dedicated to the memory of POA panel attorney Chris Shea (October 3, 1966 – October 3, 2023). A native son of San Francisco, Chris was a loving father, son, brother, and husband who cherished the outdoors, the Grateful Dead, and the San Francisco Giants. Professionally, Chris was an unwavering advocate for our members, defending more than 350 SFPD officers during his career. For many of us, he was the trusted attorney we turned to in our most difficult moments — someone we could rest easy knowing always had our best interests at heart. Chris was truly one of the Guardians of our City, and he is deeply missed by all who knew him.
The SFPOA was also honored to welcome special guests, including Commander Tracy McCray with Bernie, Oakland Police Department President Huy Nguyen, and Oakland Police Department Deputy Chief Casey Johnson. Their presence added to the strong sense of solidarity and community between law enforcement agencies.
This tournament tested the critical thinking, mental toughness, and competitive drive of our members and law enforcement friends — the same qualities they use daily while serving San Francisco. After nearly five hours of intense play, the Final Table featured Alan Yu (OPD), Mike Hara, Rob Imbellino, Oleksiy Holub, Gina DeBellis, Brian Kneuker, Lauren Kelly (the better half of our own Dan Kelly), Michael Cunnie, and Chhunmeng Tov. In a thrilling finish, Rob Imbellino held off strong competition to take the championship trophy, defeating 2nd place winner Alan Yu, 3rd place winner Chhunmeng Tov, and 4th place finishers Lauren Kelly and Michael Cunnie.
The night also included an exciting lineup of raffled prizes such as a MacBook Air, iPad, Nintendo Switch, Bose Soundbar, and more. and organized a silent auction of premier sports memorabilia featuring autographs from Steve Young, Jim Plunkett, Mike Tyson, Buster Posey, Muhammad Ali, and other legendary athletes.
All proceeds from the tournament directly benefitted the SFPOA Scholarship Fund, which provides college scholarships to the children of POA members — active, retired, and those tragically killed in the line of duty while serving San Francisco. This tournament remains the only annual SFPOA fundraiser where 100% of the profits go directly to our members and their families, making its success especially meaningful.
The SFPOA extends heartfelt thanks to every participant, volunteer, sponsor, and guest who helped make the 12th Annual Jeff Barker Scholarship Poker Tournament another outstanding success — and to the memory of Chris Shea, whose legacy of loyalty and dedication will always live on in our association.
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