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.
I filled those executive board positions by naming former Treasurer Jack Minkel to Vice President, and appointing Kevin Martin and Marty Halloran. All three men exceeded any expectations. I have never regretted any of those moves. All three were and are consummate professionals who have been loyal to the membership, and have devoted themselves tirelessly to improving the lives of every San Francisco police officer.
The fourth position I had to fill was much more difficult. I would be bringing in a civilian attorney who had to understand police officers and, more importantly, had to gain the trust of a very closed fraternity.
The first name on my list was John Tenant. I knew of him through his fine work with the San Jose Police officers Association. He had established a reputation as one of the brightest, most talented police labor attorneys in the state. Every time a police labor issue would arise anywhere in the state of California I would get calls from POA presidents asking me how “this guy Tennant” sees things playing out." John was almost always right.
When I had a chance to hire John, I jumped at the opportunity. I knew that I could expect his loyalty and commitment to me and to this organization. Our investment returned immense dividends.
Intellectually, John Tennant is among the brightest people I have ever known. But, his Harvard Law training, love of French poets, and fascination with the philosophy of some guy named Plato aside, he also had the ability to readily understand and communicate with San Francisco police officers. He never came off as superior or condescending, and he paid the utmost respect to every one of our members, administration staff, and city hall operatives, even if he were being disrespected by one of them.
John became much more then a colleague to me. I think we developed a friendship and mutual respect that can only be achieved by going through the toughest organizational ordeals together. John knew what was important to cops, and his respect for the workingman and woman was and is beyond question.
John could have made much more money working in the private sector. But because of his roots as a small town kid from Indiana, and the son of two public school teachers, he never lost sight of the challenges that confront the working men and women in this country. He also is a man who appreciates the strength and solidarity of unions and powerful labor leaders.
John has served as my right arm these past seven years and the membership will never be aware of all of his many contributions to their careers and welfare. His keen contract and labor rights negotiations, and his adept political maneuvering will never be forgotten by me or those that have grown to respect his immense talent and wise resolve.
Now, just like many of the senior leaders of the POA, John is moving on. He is changing careers, in fact, clearing his bookshelves of tomes of case law, and replacing them with the ageless texts and writing of history’s greatest thinkers. He hopes to soon follow in the footsteps of his parents and become a teacher – another selfless and humble way to serve his community. He has been accepted into a Graduate Program at Stanford University preparing for a career teaching Greek philosophy. Go figure…
I am bidding farewell to a man whose company I will miss greatly. The POA is losing a talented and dedicated lawyer. Any of us in law enforcement can recite a liturgy of “lawyer jokes.” But, when one really needs advice – legal or otherwise – a good attorney can be a Godsend.
The POA membership and I wish all the best to John and his wife, Wendy, in their future pursuits. But please, John, don’t be a stranger. Stop by from time to time and let’s catch up. I will continue to educate you on the nuances of baseball, and I know you will master that before you are done. You are irreplaceable both as a friend and an attorney, and I know you will be successful.
