May 2012

Jon C. Cook Scholarship Cocktail Reception

July 1, 2002 - April 7, 2012

My husband, SFPD Officer Mark Trierweiler, brought “Pitt” home in August of 2005. Frankly, I was frightened by him. I had never had a dog while growing up, and Pitt was a big boy!

On Saturday, April 7th, 2012, the San Francisco Coordinating Council of Lions Clubs, held its 49th Annual Peace Officers, Firefighters and Sheriffs Awards Banquet. During this event, twelve of San Francisco Police Department’s finest were honored for their dedication to duty and service to their respective police districts with honor and distinction.

Moving Onward, Moving Forward

Of all the dispatches to the SFPOA membership I have written over the years, this is the single toughest. It’s because after much reflection and consideration, I have decided to leave my current vocation as a union labor lawyer and embark on a new course in what I hope to be the second half of my life and career.

On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, there was a surprise retirement luncheon for Captain Henry Parra at Patio Espanol. The place was packed with those who had served with Henry during his 34-year career with the San Francisco Police Department and many others who simply admired his leadership style.

On April 27, 2011, I was sworn in as the 42nd Chief of the San Francisco Police Department. Can it be that a year has gone by already? A look at the calendar shows that it is May 2012, so I guess so.

LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE

Q. Mike, I am a married, retired member – age 60. I am considering purchasing long term care. What is your recommendation?

A. I must first tell you that my wife and I have long term care insurance purchased through the Public Employees’ Retirement System’s long-term care program. I purchased it right around your age. I am not sure that I could get the coverage now and, if I could, the cost would be considerably higher.

When I took over as president of the POA in March of 2004, I needed to fill several vital positions. Three were on the executive board, and one was replacing our departing "in house" counsel.  The crucial role of selecting a trusted legal advisor is not as easy as one might think. It’s true that there are a lot of lawyers in the world. But good, experienced, and politically savvy attorneys are hard to come by, and those few who fill that bill are expensive. That said, if the right attorney is selected, and the fit is good, then he or she is well worth the money.