BLUE LINE - Illinois Fraternal Order of

BLUE LINE
News from the
Illinois Fraternal Order of Police
Spring 2013
Message from Rocky Nowacyzk, National
Trustee, Illinois Fraternal Order of Police...... 2
State-Employed Police Officers - A National
Review of Pension Plans................................ 3
Scholarship Applications Due June 1............. 5
Illinois FOP “Members in Need” Program......5
State Lodge Accepting New and Renewing
Associate Members .................................... 5
Local Lodges Make a Difference in Their
Communities................................................. 6
Illinois State Lodge Hosts 50th Anniversary
Celebration....................................................7
Message from Darrin Bourett, Chairman of
Trustees, Illinois State Lodge........................10
About the Illinois FOP.................................. 11
State Lodge Accepting Host Lodge Proposals
for 27th Biennial Conference in 2014
T
he Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois State Lodge is calling for proposals
from local lodges and/or groups of local lodges who wish to host the
State Lodge’s 27th Biennial Conference in 2014.
Why Host the Biennial Conference?
Hosting the biennial conference is a great way to generate revenue for a
local lodge. As with any fundraising project, there is hard work required –
but it can be well worth the effort.
What is Required to Host the Biennial Conference?
The State Lodge has put together a document of Requirements &
Considerations that specify needs regarding dates, lodging, meeting space,
hosted activities and more. Please visit www.ilfop.org for more information.
What is the Process for Submitting a Proposal and Being Selected?
Interested lodges are asked to submit a written proposal that fully addresses
the specified criteria to the Conference Committee by July 1, 2013.
The Conference Committee will review proposals and present them at the
Board of Trustees meeting on July 25, 2013.
For additional information or questions, please contact Rebecca Phillips at
(217) 726-8880 or [email protected].
www.ilfop.org
Look inside for highlights and photos from the
State Lodge’s 50th Anniversary Celebration!
A Message from Rocky Nowaczyk
National Trustee, Illinois State Lodge
G
reetings to all my brothers and
sisters!
The spring season brings a time for
renewal, fresh grass and flowers, and
the soft rain make the air fresh and
the pavement clean. So it is with a
new National FOP Conference that is
scheduled for August 11-15, 2013 in
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Executive Board
The National Conference will be a time
President: Ted J. Street, Sangamon County
for new ideas, new resolutions and new
First Vice-President: Kevin Graham, Chicago
controversies. As we contemplate the
Second Vice-President: Mark Krampf, Belleville
approach of the National Conference, we
(Ret.)
Third Vice-President: Kevin Farrell, Cook County are reminded about the men and women
who put on a uniform, uphold the duty to
Sheriff’s Office
serve and protect, and put themselves in
Secretary: Chris Southwood, Illinois State Police
peril – everyday.
Financial Secretary: Dennis Kazarian, Elmhurst
Sergeant-at-Arms: Jeff Newberg, Calumet City
The FOP has always tried to make sure
Chairman of Trustees: Darrin Bourret, Chicago
that those officers have safe, fair and
Immediate Past President: Mark Donahue,
equitable working conditions, as well as
Chicago (Ret.)
a fair wage. Many issues will be talked
National Trustee: Robert “Rocky” Nowaczyk,
about, discussed and voted on at the
Illinois State Police (Ret.)
National Conference. These issues range
Executive Board Chairman, FOP Labor Council:
Tim Kobler, Willowbrook
from the controversial gun resolution to
State Chaplain: Reverend Dan Lovin
where the 2017 National Conference will
be held.
District Trustees
District 1: Darrin Bourret, Chicago
District 2: Steven Bundy, Illinois State Police
District 3: Greg Johnson, Illinois Department of
Corrections
District 4: Jason Moran, Cook County Sheriff’s
Office
District 5: Manuel Ruiz, Oak Park
District 6: Casey Klingberg, Elk Grove Village (Ret.)
District 7: Victor Almaguer, Elmhurst
District 8: Michael Bennett, Hodgkins
District 9: Jeff McBrayer, Calumet City
District 10: Michael Donnenwirth, Waukegan (Ret.)
District 11: John Albrecht, Joliet (Ret.)
District 12: Dan Crippen, East Moline
District 13: Doug Thompson, Jacksonville
District 14: Mark Krampf, Belleville (Ret.)
District 15: Michael Vladetich, Mt. Vernon (Ret.)
District 16: David Parsons, University of Illinois
District 17: John Dunning, Southern Illinois University (Ret.)
District 18: Terry Trueblood, Secretary of State
Police (Ret.)
I strongly recommend that the leadership
of each local lodge send at least one
person to the conference to observe,
learn and report back about the work the
FOP does for the membership. The only
way to make the FOP stronger and larger
is to get the word out that the FOP truly
serves the membership. It is a real honor
to be represented by working police men
and women—those that have walked
the streets, patrolled the rural areas,
and have seen the good and bad of the
society we protect and serve.
The National Conference will also include
mini-seminars that are held at the close
of business each day. I encourage all
who attend the National Conference
to go to at least one of these seminars.
Knowledge is power, and what we learn
today can help us tomorrow.
Past Presidents
Gerald J. Gorski, Illinois State Police (Ret.)
James Lis, Chicago (Ret.)
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One of the
greatest benefits
of attending
the National
Conference is
the contacts
you make among your fellow brothers
and sisters. Talking to other officers and
learning about other departments and
states is truly a wonderful experience.
Many times you learn firsthand how well
you have it compared to many other officers
throughout the country. You will also learn
that many of their problems, successes
and issues are also ones that you and your
department have experienced.
Overall, the experience, information and
networking is priceless. You will be glad
that you made the commitment to attend
and then, in 2015 when the National FOP
celebrates its 100-year anniversary, more of
your members will want to attend and get
involved.
I would like to thank all my brothers and
sisters from Illinois for your trust and
confidence in me. I consider my service to
you as your National Trustee a privilege
and I pledge to work for your rights and
benefits. Please consider the National
Conference. I hope you have a wonderful
spring and summer with family and friends.
More information on the National FOP
Conference can be found at www.fop.net.
Stay safe and I will see you in Cincinnati.
State-Employed Police Officers - A National Review of Pension Plans
By Dan Nelson, Director of Governmental Affairs/General Counsel
T
o date, the Illinois General
Assembly has limited its
so-called pension reform to the
five state-run retirement systems. Of
those pension plans, law enforcement
officers* are covered in the State
Employee Retirement System (SERS)
and the State University Retirement
System (SURS).
Due to the potentially dangerous
nature of the law enforcement
profession, every state has some form
of what Illinois calls an “Alternative
Formula Annuity”—the retirement
formula for state employees in
high-risk jobs, e.g., police officers,
firefighters, and other public safety
employees.
According to a 2012 review of 104
state-sponsored public safety plans
by the National Conference of
State Legislature (NCLS), there are
significant differences nationwide
between state-sponsored plans
for “general” employees and those
for public safety employees. The
following highlights those differences
related to retirement age, access
to Social Security benefits, and
employee contributions.
Retirement Ages
The NCLS report states that 60
percent of public safety plans
permit normal retirement by age
50 or earlier, while 94 percent
allow retirement by age 55. Normal
retirement means the member has
complied with specific age and/or
service requirements. No state has a
minimum age for retirement above
age 60.
Earliest Allowed Age of Normal
Retirement Under 98 StateSponsored Public Safety Retirement
Plans
Minimum Age
for Normal
Retirement
Percent of Public
Safety Plans
45 - 49
23%
50
37%
51 - 54
11%
55
23%
56 - 59
2%
60
4%
Employee Contributions
Illinois public safety employees
already pay well above average for
their pensions. These employees
covered by Social Security contribute
8.5 percent of their salaries. Law
enforcement officers not covered
by Social Security contribute 12.5
percent of their salaries.
The tables to the right illustrate the
employee contribution rates for
those covered by Social Security and
those not covered by Social Security,
comparing general and public safety
employees, nationwide and in Illinois.
A Nationwide Comparison of
Contributions Made by General
Employees and Public Safety
Employees - United States and
Illinois
United States
NOT
Covered
Covered
by Social
by Social
Security
Security
General
Employees
(U.S.)
5.66%
8.86%
Public
Safety
Employees
(U.S.)
6.30%
9.62%
Illinois
Covered
by Social
Security
NOT
Covered
by Social
Security
General
Employees
(Illinois)
4%
8%
Public Safety
Employees
(Illinois)
8.5%
12.5%
Reference:
Snell, Ronald. (2012). State
Retirement Plans for Public Safety
Employees. National Conference of
State Legislatures. Retrieved April
23, 2013 from http://www.ncsl.org/
issues-research/labor/state-retirement-plans-public-safety.aspx.
3
We are proud to support
The Men and Women of the
Illinois Fraternal Order of Police
Ridge & Downes is a Chicago-based firm concentrating in:
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Contact us today for a free consultation!
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No fee until there is a recovery.
For workers’ compensation
and personal injury call
(800) 572-1136
Ridge & Downes
101 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 200
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ridgedownes.com
Scholarship Applications Due by June 1
E
ach year, the Illinois FOP
awards $9,000 in scholarships
to undergraduate college
students whose parents are
members in good standing. Chosen
at random, one applicant from
each of the 18 representative FOP
districtss in Illinois receives $500
towards college expenses.
Click HERE to apply now. Applications
are due by June 1, 2013. The drawing
will be held on June 13, 2013, in
conjunction with the State Lodge
Executive Board meeting. Winners
will be notified by June 21, 2013.
For more information,
please visit http://www.ilfop.
org/MemberResources/
ScholarshipProgram.
Illinois FOP “Members in Need” Program
W
hether you are a member
in need or someone
looking to assist, the Illinois
FOP “Members in Need Program”
can help. The ILFOP website includes
a dedicated webpage to publicize
special needs of member officers and
families, giving other members and
the public an opportunity to support
them.
Need Assistance?
• Report a need and request
assistance - contact the State
Lodge at [email protected] or
(217) 726-8880. We will post it on
our webpage.
• Contact an FOP Chaplain - State
Associate Chaplaincy Program
• Access confidential "peer-to-peer"
support - Critical Incident Support
Team - Peer Support
Want to Provide Assistance?
There are currently two active posts
for fellow members who are in need.
for the family on April 27 at the
Odeum in Villa Park. Donations for
the family are still being accepted.
Shawn Cookson, member of
Streamwood FOP Lodge 62, has had
to leave the Streamwood Police
Department and go on medical
disability after having brain surgery
for the second time in three years.
His fellow lodge members are
requesting donations to assist Shawn
in this time of financial hardship.
For more information about
how to offer assistance to these
members, please visit http://
www.ilfop.org/MemberResources/
MembersinNeedofAssistance.aspx.
Don Darby, member of Glendale
Heights FOP Lodge 52, was diagnosed
with stage 4 Glioblastome Multiforme
cancer - the most agressive malignant
primary brain tumor. Don is unable
to work regularly and his family’s
medical and personal expenses are
mounting. Lodge 52 hosted a benefit
Members are encouraged to check
the webpage often for new posts.
If you or a fellow member need
assistance, please contact the State
Lodge or access the chaplaincy or
peer support programs.
State Lodge Accepting New and Renewing Associate Members
It’s Time to Renew for 2013!
A
ssociate membership—the
civilian membership program
of the Illinois State Lodge—
gives family members, friends and
advocates the opportunity to support
law enforcement officers and their
families, as well as keep informed
about issues important to our state’s
police officers.
Benefits
• Only $30 per year!
• Receive a membership card and
decal for your car!
• Stay informed about important and timely news and issues that affect law enforcement in Illinois!
• Support those who protect you
and your family!
5
To be granted Associate membership,
all applicants must have an eligible
sponsor or agree to undergo a background check by the State Lodge.
For additional information and the
application, please visit www.ilfop.org
or call (217) 726-8880.
Local Lodges Make a Difference in Their Communities
By Rebecca Phillips, Director of Communications & Member Relations
WIU Lodge 169 Provides Helmets to First Graders, Sponsors Little League, Supports Boy Scouts and More
Western Illinois University Lodge 169 continues to provide bicycle helmets to every first grader going to a McDonough
County School - a project started two years ago as part of the lodge’s Bike Safety Program.
Lodge 169 also supports two little league teams, two girls’ softball programs, a traveling little league team, a youth
summer program, a family shelter and the Special Olympics program.
In addition, the lodge—in partnership with Macomb FOP Lodge 189—operates a former Girl Scout Camp that is utilized
by many organizations.
Each first grader in a McDonough County school receives
a bike helmet, compliments of WIU Lodge 169.
Local cub scouts are allowed to use the Western Illinois
University police archery range.
Lansing Lodge 218 Teams Up with Community Schools to Raise Money and Food for Local Food Bank
On January 18, 2013 members of the Lansing Lodge 218 played against a group of 8th grade boys from Memorial Jr.
High School, with admissions donated to the Lansing Food Pantry. The boys are part of a group “Helping Our Minors
Excel” (H.O.M.E.) – an organization that provides guidance to teenagers.
On March 15, 2013, members of the lodge played 8th graders from Lansing Christian School, as well as a second game
against school faculty. The games resulted in approximately 750 pounds of food collected for the Lansing Food Pantry.
The Lodge donated shirts and prizes for attendees and participated in half-time events.
Members of Lansing Lodge 218 team up with Lansing Christian School students and faculty to support the Lansing Food
Pantry.
6
Illinois State Lodge Hosts 50th Anniversary Celebration
By Rebecca Phillips, Director of Communications & Member Relations
O
of the National and Chicago FOP
lodges. Dineen is especially noted for
his work to improve the standard
of living and working conditions for
police officers.
n April 5, 2013, the
Illinois Fraternal Order of
Police celebrated its 50th
anniversary with a black-tie optional
gala at the Drury Lane in Oakbrook
Terrace, Illinois.
The Program
The evening began at 6:30 p.m. with
a hosted reception, followed by an
opening ceremony that included the
Presentation of Colors by the Illinois
State Police North Honor Guard,
a moving presentation of the Star
Spangled Banner by Chicago Lodge 7’s
Arturo Andonaegui, and an opening
prayer by State Chaplain Dan Lovin.
Following dinner, Attorney General
Lisa Madigan provided a keynote
address that highlighted the long-time
relationship between her office and
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan
applauds Illinois law enforcement
professionals for their work—in
partnership with her office—to protect
children and bring child predators to
justice.
Illinois law enforcement, including
the successful collaboration to
capture child predators. Viewing of
the commemorative video and the
presentation of awards concluded the
evening’s program.
The Illinois State Police North Honor
Guard Present the Colors during an
opening ceremony. Arturo Andonaegui
(center, on podium), Chicago Lodge 7,
sings the National Anthem.
Commemorative Video
In celebration of its 50-year
anniversary, the Illinois State Lodge
sought to obtain historical accounts
and personal reflections from some
of its long-time and most active
members. Attendees enjoyed
viewing a compilation of personal
interviews with John Albrecht,
District 11 Trustee; John Dineen, Past
National and Chicago President; Mark
Donahue, Past State and Chicago
President; John Dunning, District
17 Trustee; Kevin Graham, 1st Vice
President; Mark Krampf, 2nd Vice
President; Robert “Rocky” Nowaczyk,
National Trustee; and Ted Street, State
President.
The President’s Service Award
was given to Bill Mehrtens (post
humously), who passed away in
December 2012. At the time of
his passing, Bill served the State
Lodge as 2nd Vice President. Bill
is remembered for a career of
commitment, dedication and sacrifice
in representing the law enforcement
profession; and ever vigilant work to
remember, advocate for and look out
for the forgotten. This award, under
the name “Bill Mehrtens Memorial
Service Award,” will be given at future
biennial conferences starting in 2014.
In conjunction with this award,
attendees saw a memorial video that
includes tributes to Bill from those
closest to him.
Additionally, President Street
presented a Board of Trustees
Commemorative Plaque that will
hang in the State Lodge office in
Springfield.
Copies of the DVD are available for
$10. The two-disc set also includes
a copy of the video produced in
conjunction with the 40th anniversary
of the Illinois FOP. To order, please
visit www.ilfop.org.
Awards
John Dineen (pictured right)
received a Lifetime Achievement
Award in recognition of 50 years of
distinguished service as Past President
7
John Dineen, the only 50-year member
of the Illinois FOP, receives the Lifetime
Achievement Award for his distinguished
service as past national president and
past Chicago Lodge 7 president. Dineen
(left) is pictured with State Lodge
President Ted Street.
Continued on page 8....
50th Anniversary Sponsors
Thank
You!
Gold Sponsor
Ridge & Downes
Silver Sponsor
Illinois Department of Corrections Lodge 263
Bronze Sponsors
Chicago Lodge 7
Chicago Lodge 7
Illinois Public Pension Fund Association
ISPFCU - Your Law Enforcement Credit Unions
Kaplan University
Sikich LLP
Continued on page 9....
8
50th Anniversary Celebration, continued
Members from Elk Grove Village Lodge 35 and their guests enjoy an evening of
hospitality, dining and entertainment. Pictured left to right are: Michael McGreal,
Rebecca McGreal, Casey Klingberg, Bernice Klingberg, William Callaghan, Colleen Healy,
Jodi Perkins, Erik Perkins, Veronica Rohman, Steve Rohman, Robert Indurante, Michael
Patras.
More than 250 members, dignitaries
and friends attend the 50th anniversary
celebration on April 5, 2013 at the
Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.
Rebecca McGreal, member of Elk Grove
Lodge 35, provides a beautiful and
delicious anniversary cake. McGreal also
coordinated the centerpieces and table
decorations.
Members of Department of Corrections Lodge
263—Silver Sponsors of the event—take a break
from the celebration for a group photo. Pictured
on the top row, left to right, are Kevin Wilbur,
Greg Johnson, Jose Prado, Sr. and Dorsey
Douglas. On the bottom row, left to right, are
Mike Davey and Jose Prado, Jr.
National Secretary Pat Yoes
enjoys catching up with Illinois
FOP members before dinner.
Members of the Illinois State Lodge Board of Trustees pose for a group photo on April 5, 2013. Top row, from left to right: Michael
Bennett, Jose Alvarez, Victor Almaguer, Manuel Ruiz, Greg Johnson, John Albrecht, Terry Trueblood, Jason Moran, Rev. Dan Lovin,
Michael Donnenwirth, David Parsons, Casey Klingberg, Jeff McBrayer, John Dunning, Doug Thompson. Front row, left to right: Darrin
Bourett, Kevin Farrell, Rocky Nowaczyk, Mark Krampf, Kevin Graham, Ted Street, Chris Southwood, Dennis Kazarian, Mark Donahue,
Jeff Newberg, John Dineen, Tim Kobler.
Continued on page 10....
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A Message from Darrin Bourett
W
Chairman of Trustees, Illinois State Lodge
hy wear a memorial
button? I have shared this
story with my family and
President Ted Street, and now I would
like to share it with all members of
the Illinois FOP.
A couple of months ago, I was at the
local hospital. While sitting in the
waiting area, a nurse started looking
at me funny. I thought maybe she
knew me or maybe her husband was
a police officer. I was in uniform,
wearing my Chicago Lodge 7 coat with
my Illinois State Lodge fallen officer
button (right).
The nurse then told me that she is a
gold star member – her father-in-law
was killed in the line of duty. I was
taken back for a moment, but quickly
told her how sorry I was for her loss
and that police officers never forget
the fallen.
When I was
back home,
I looked in
my “end of
watch” book
and found
the officer’s
name:
Patrolmen Melvin L Goosemeyer,
E.O.W., July 17 1960. I told my wife
about my encounter and came to
realize that you never know who you
may meet when wearing a button.
Brothers and sisters, May is National
Law Enforcement Memorial Month.
Let us remember our fallen by
attending the state and national
memorial events, and of course, let us
never forget them.
After a few minutes, the nurse
approached me and commented that
she likes my button. I thank her and
indicated that I wear it all the time.
50th Anniversary Celebration, continued
John &
Marilyn
Dineen
Dan & Sue
Lovin
Members and guests from Cook County Sheriff’s
Police Lodge 4 snap a group photo in the photo
booth. Pictured in the back row, left to right are:
Jose Rosario, Jerry Smith, Kevin Farrell, Larry Smith,
Guy Santillo, Frank Hernandez, Jason Moran. In the
front row are Maureen Donohoe, Melanie Moran
and Laura Tischauser.
Kevin &
Patricia
Graham
Casey &
Bernice
Klingberg
Ted & Pam
Street
Michael
& Clare
Donnenwirth
Victor &
Carina
Almaguer
Manuel &
Mariana Ruiz
Mark & Sharon
Donahue
Metro East Lodge 262 Chaplain Dan Haskenhoff (left)
and VP John Crump (right) enjoy the celebration with
their guests, Joyce Neff and Karin Jansen.
Jason & Melanie
Moran
To see all photos from the 50th Anniversary Celebration, visit www.
marcharris-photo.com. Click on “clients” and enter FOP in password field.
10
About the Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois State Lodge
T
he Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), founded nearly 100 years ago in 1915, is the largest organization of
sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing
officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois
FOP is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing nearly 34,000 active duty and retired police officers
– more than 10 percent of all FOP member nationwide.
Mission
The FOP, Illinois State Lodge has adopted the following MISSION: “To encourage fraternal, charitable, and
social activities among law enforcement officers. To increase the efficiency of the law enforcement profession
and thus more firmly establish the confidence of the public in the service dedicated to the protection of life
and property.” Current Lodge focus areas include attracting new members and associate members, informing
members, the public and encouraging donations to support member benefits and programs.
Lodge Preamble
“We, the law enforcement officers of the State of Illinois and the several political subdivisions thereof, as
representatives and delegates of the subordinate Lodges, do hereby associate the several Lodges we represent
and the members thereof for the following purposes:
To support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of Illinois; to inculcate loyalty and
allegiance to the state of Illinois and the United States of America; to promote and foster the enforcement of
law and order; to improve the individual and collective proficiency of our members in the performance of their
duties; to encourage fraternal, educational, charitable and social activities among law enforcement officers; to
advocate and strive for uniform application of the civil service merit system for appointment and promotion; to
support the improvement of the standard of living and working conditions of the law enforcement profession
through every legal and ethical means available; to create and maintain the tradition of esprit de corps,
insuring fidelity of duty under all conditions and circumstances; to cultivate a spirit of fraternalism and mutual
helpfulness among our members and the people we serve; to increase the efficiency of the law enforcement
profession, and thus more firmly to establish the confidence of the public in the service dedicated to the
protection of life and property.”
© 2013 by Illinois Fraternal Order of Police
4341 Acer Grove, Suite B • Springfield, IL 62711
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.