At the October 19th POA Board of Directors meeting, I used some regrettable language when referring to the respective presidents of the Officers For Justice, Julian Hill, and the Asian Police Officers Association, Paul Yep. I got worked up to the point that my passion got the better of my judgment, and that is something I regret. It’s no secret that, at times, I let my passion get the better of my message.
The taking-to-task of those two presidents was a downward spiral and a distraction from which I failed to salvage a reasonable dialog. That is too bad because the issue, union solidarity and loyalty, very much needs a serious and frank discussion. Both of those union presidents were central to the matter I was seeking to pillory – the backhanding of a deserving fellow cop. It was the outrageous actions of their respective organizations that I meant to kick around, not necessarily the two individuals that presided over them. We’ve all heard the phrase losing sight of the forest because of the trees. Well, that meeting was like my personal Arbor Day; I just kept bumping into trees.
“Solidarity and loyalty are fundamental tenets of unionism, and this was a blatant and inexcusable breech of that unwritten code.”
All my life I have been a passionate and loyal person. Nothing in my life matters more to me then loyalty. Growing up, I exhibited that quality to my family, friends, and teammates. I was the captain of both my high school and college baseball teams, and have often heard from others that they hated me as an opponent, but loved me as a teammate. That is the way I always wanted it.
For the past 33 years I have exhibited that same loyalty to my fellow officers both as a cop and as a union leader. People that know me will tell you that I am committed to my fellow officers beyond any doubt.
The issue that spurred me into a minor frenzy was the failure of the OFJ and the APOA to singularly endorse former POA President Chris Cunnie for Sheriff. I did then and still do see each of those endorsements of Chris’ opponent as inexplicably unappreciative and disloyal. Solidarity and loyalty are fundamental tenets of unionism, and this was a blatant and inexcusable breech of that unwritten code. My respect for Chris Cunnie goes beyond the traditional "fellow cop" relationship. I worked alongside him for eight years as his vice president, and I watched, heard, and felt his dedication to his fellow officers. Chris set the benchmark for championing the rights of working cops. No one has ever done it better.
I have also witnessed Chris’ battle with his own demons. Those demons were substantial, and he went at them head-on with tremendous courage and emerged a stronger and more empathetic man. I have never met anyone who would not want Chris Cunnie as a friend, someone in their corner, the guy who will always have their back.
Chris is my fellow officer and my friend and I simply cannot understand how any San Francisco police officer, or any employee organization within the SFPD, would not reward him for his selfless service, commitment, and loyalty. Every police officer in this department owes Chris that much, that small demonstration of loyalty and appreciation.
