Y Broward Centurion PBA Endorses Alex Sink For Governor The

the official publication of the broward county police benevolent association
The
Broward Centurion
bcpba.org
Volume 13, Issue 9
September 2010
PBA Endorses Alex Sink For Governor
by Pat Hanrahan, President
Y
es, the Police Benevolent Association has endorsed, is supporting
and is asking every PBA member, their families and their friends
to vote for Democrat Alex Sink for Governor.
This should be a no brainer for every law enforcement officer in the State of Florida. One must only
recall this year’s legislative session where the Republican led Senate and House of Representatives
proposed SB 1902, which would have limited benefits
to a member of a retirement system or plan who had
not attained 10 years of service by a certain date and
revised the calculations used for upgrading a special
risk member’s contributions for past service; HB
1319, which would have required public employees to contribute an additional specified percentage
of their gross income; SB 2022, which would have
changed FRS from a non contributory system to a
employee contributory system; and a last-minute bill that would have
reduced the DROP interest rate from 6.5% to 3 %.
Do not believe for a moment
that we have seen the last of
the attacks on our pensions and
benefits from the Republican
Party. Not every Republican
legislator supported this, but
the party as whole, particularly
the leadership, who allowed
—The Tampa Tribune,
this to happen, showed their
August 13, 2010
arrogance and disdain for
employees. If the House and
Senate stay in Republican control as it appears they will, then law enforcement will need a governor who will not owe the Republican Party
or “rubber stamp” their wishes.
“One sign of Sink’s support is the
Police Benevolent Association
endorsing her despite its longstanding history of supporting
Republicans.”
In this issue...
Primary Results.................................................................. 4
Legislative Affairs................................................................ 6
Thank You To Election Volunteers................................... 7
Alex Sink is that person. Alex has always
been solid in her commitment to public
safety and providing law enforcement officers the tools
and resources necessary in
order to protect all Floridians. She has overseen more
than 300 sworn law enforcement officers as Florida’s
Chief Financial Officer and
has also served as a pension
fund trustee. Making public
safety her first priority has
earned her the respect, support and friendship of the
PBA and law enforcement
officers across the State.
The PBA supports Alex Sink for Governor
because we care about our members and
making sure we elect leaders into office who
put public safety at the top of their list. It is
imperative that we elect into office leaders
who understand the challenges, and the risks
you face everyday on the job, and who will
then, once in office, give you the resources
you need to do that job.
For more information go to alexsink2010.
com.
Stand Your Ground Law Tested....................................... 8
As Seen In The Sun-Sentinel............................................ 10
A Deadly Six Months For Law Enforcement............... 11
September 2010
The Broward
Centurion
President’s
Letter
The Official Publication of the
Broward County PBA
(A Charter of the Florida PBA)
2650 West State Road 84
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
Telephone: 954/584-7600
Fax: 954/583-0405
Megan Gordon, Editor
E-mail: [email protected]
The Broward Centurion is published
by the Broward County Police
Benevolent Association for the
sole benefit of its members. The
Broward Centurion is dedicated
to the advancement of the law
enforcement profession through
better and stronger community
relations. The opinions expressed
in the publication of The Broward
Centurion are not necessarily those
of the Broward County PBA, its
Executive Board or the Board of
Directors.
Members or readers submitting
letters to the editor or articles for
publication are requested to adhere
to the following:
• Submissions should be
sent to:
Broward County PBA
Attn: Centurion
2650 West State Road 84
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
•
Letters or articles must be
accompanied by the
writer’s true name and
address.
•
All articles submitted for publication must be
accompanied by a
statement giving
permission to publish.
• All submissions must be
legible.
•
The Broward County PBA
reserves the right of the
Executive Board or Editor to amend or to add an editor’s comment to any
article or letter submitted.
•
Advertisement in this
publication does not imply
endorsement by the
Broward County PBA
unless otherwise specified.
I
t’s hard to believe that there are still PBA members who do not understand the
importance of the PBA’s involvement in politics even though “politicians” control
every major aspect of our lives, such as wages, insurance, job security, benefits,
and pensions. I would believe this would be especially obvious considering our last
legislative session and the vast calls of concern about pensions. Who solved our
problems in Tallahassee last year? Friendly politicians that the PBA has supported,
including a PBA-supported Governor, who helped us with a last-minute veto.
Those with military experience can identify with the concept of “sticking your head
out of a foxhole”. When you find yourself hunkering down in a foxhole under fire,
you have two choices… stick your head out and fire back (exposing yourself to hazardous fire) or remain hunkered down in the foxhole (in which case the enemy will
surely come to you and eventually overwhelm you). Being politically active means
sticking your head out of the foxhole and risking some hazards for victory. There
are those who think we shouldn’t, but be reminded that with or without your input,
politicians are going to make decisions that affect you, your family and your career.
As I have said before, the PBA endorsement is not handed out freely or lightly. It is
one of the toughest and most sought-after endorsements; it carries significant weight
with voters. Our endorsement of a candidate comes after interviews and analysis of
track records. It is not based on party affiliation or positions on other issues. When it
comes down to who the PBA will support, we aren’t concerned about anything other
than who will be the best advocate for public safety. If this makes us a “special interest” group, than so be it, because to us, there is no greater “special interest” than you,
our members, who risk your lives to keep our community safe.
Voting is the most fundamental right and expression of American citizenship. It is
the sustaining principle of our democratic system. And yet, too many Americans do
not take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to choose their own leaders. It
is very important that each and every one of you get out and not only vote, but vote
for the PBA-endorsed candidates. This is the time that the voice of law enforcement
should be strong and direct. This is the time for law enforcement to show our elected
officials that not only want our support but need our support. If we show unity at
election time, they will give us the respect we deserve.
As a reminder, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission will be conducting a Regional Probable Cause Hearing on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at 10:00
a.m., at Broward College, Bldg. 22 Auditorium, 3501 S.W. Davie Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33314.
Remember to keep those who are serving in the United States Armed Forces in your
thoughts and prayers and also pause a moment to remember those brave souls who
have not yet returned home – POW, MIA, KIA.
Since 1972, the Broward County PBA has been the “Voice of Law Enforcement.”
We are proud to represent each and every one of you who is brave enough, proud
enough and strong enough to wear the badge. You are among the best in Broward
County, the State of Florida and the nation. I thank each of you and your families for
your sacrifices, your hard work and the risks you take.
Pat Hanrahan
2
The Broward Centurion
September 2010
Executive Board
President
Patrick Hanrahan
Treasurer
Senior Vice President
Debbie Reggio
Jeff Marano
Secretary
Vice President
Rodney Skirvin
Neil Vaughan
General Counsel
Barbara Duffy
Assistant General Counsel
Claudia I. Estrada
Board of Directors
BSO (Support)
Paul Weiss
BSO – At Large (LE)
Michael Joseph Catalano
Ian Doriot
Pete Geary
Robert Lahiff
Jay Leiner
Lee Martin
Jim Pendergast
Rich Pisanti
Jeff Poole
BSO – District (LE)
Joseph Achilarre
Craig Bachan
Matt Baldwin
Christopher Bradley
Alex Briz
Joseph Capua
Kelli Covet
James Demato
Rich Engels
Dean Mirra
Robert Petoskey
Osvaldo Tianga
Jerry Vosburgh
Eric Weiner
BSO (Lts)
Linda Canada-Stuck
Broward Schools
Investigative Unit
Kathleen Anderson
Richard Orzech - Alt.
Coconut Creek
Dan Eberly
Jason Kohlhorst
Coconut Creek (Sgts)
Curt Cuddeback
Hallandale Beach
Marc Dady
Ed Diaz
Ed McGovern
Thomas Montellanico - Alt.
Hillsboro Beach
David Clark
Hollywood
Steven Bolger
Chris Christianson
Billy Ferguson
Keith Wadsworth
Wilbur Fernander - Alt.
Lighthouse Point
Daniel James
Laura Tyler
Margate (Spvrs)
Andy Zettek
Miramar
Wayne Dunlap
Marc Greenstein
George Mankowski
Ro Durney - Alt.
Adam Lerner - Alt.
Pembroke Pines
Andrew Brooks
Adam Feiner
Al Xiques
Sea Ranch Lakes
James O’Brien
Mike Tarr - Alt.
Sunrise
John Jaslowski
Sunrise (Lts)
Bob Dorn
Wilton Manors
Shawn Chadwick
Grant Gundle
Frank Pilewski
Immediate Past President
Dick Brickman
Welcome
New Members
Christopher C. Campbell
Jiam Y. Ge
Samuel H. House
Jorge J. Infante
Vidia J. Judon
Angela M. Munaretto
Melinda R. Shannon
Robin L. Shepherd-Ryan
Vincent B. Van Hasselt
Elias Vazquez
Yahmed Yema
Hollywood PD
BSO
Wilton Manors
Pembroke Pines
Pembroke Pines
Hillsboro Beach
Miramar PD
BSO
Plantation PD
Margate PD
Hollywood PD
Retired
Frank Cornetta
Joseph F. Dalton
John T. McCabe
David C. Jones
Reinstated
Craig I. Obrentz
Office
Staff
bcpba.org
Pembroke Pines
Charter Secretary
Linda
Receptionist/Membership
Lynn
Secretary/Detail Coordinator
Kim
Legal Assistant
Maryann
Communications Director
Megan
Information Technology
Chris
3
The Broward Centurion
September 2010
August 24 Primary Results
P
BA-endorsed candidates won most of their races during the August 24th primary. Thank you to all who voted the
PBA way!
State Representative
David Maymon (R) - Lost
Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed (D) - Won
Hazelle P. Rogers (D) - Won
District 91
District 92
District 94
Circuit Judge
4
Kenneth L. Gillespie - Won
Elijah H. Williams - Won
Carlos A.Rodriguez - Won
Susan Lebow - Won
Matthew Isaac Destry - Won
Carlos Rebollo - Won
Barbara Anne McCarthy - Won
John T. Luzzo -Won
Lisa Porter -Won
Lee Jay Seidman - Lost
Eileen M. O’Connor - Won
Group 2
Group 4
Group 6
Group 9
Group 15
Group 22
Group 23
Group 24
Group 47
Group 51
Group 53
County Commission
Ken Keechl - Won
Sue Gunzburger - Won
Barbara Sharief - Won
Al Jones - Lost
District 4
District 6
District 8
District 9
County Court Judge
John D. Fry - Won
Peter Barry Skolnik - Won
Edward H. Merrigan, Jr. - Won
John “Jay” Hurley - Won
Linda R. Pratt - Won
Mary Rudd Robinson - Won
Mindy Solomon - Won
Kenneth “Ken” Gottlieb - Won Nathaniel “Nate” Klitsberg - Lost
Group 1
Group 3
Group 4
Group 12
Group 13
Group 14
Group 15
Group 20
Group 26
Broward County School Board
Ann Murray - Won
Patti Good - Won
Laurie Rich Levinson - Won
Nora Rupert - Won
Jennifer Leonard Gottlieb - Won
District 1
District 2
District 6
District 7
District 8
Municipal—City of Sunrise
Roger Wishner - Lost
Mayor
The Broward Centurion
September 2010
General Election Endorsements
November 2nd, 2010
Federal
U.S. Senate
Charlie Crist (I)
U.S. Representative
Ted Deutch (D)
Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D)
Ron Klein (D)
Alcee Hastings (D)
District 19
District 20
District 22
District 23
State
Governor
Alex Sink (D)
CFO
Loranne Ausley (D)
Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Adam Putnam (R)
State Representative
Irving “Irv” Slosberg (D)
James “Jim” Waldman (D)
Ari Abraham Porth (D)
Franklin Sands (D)
Evan Jenne (D)
Matt Hudson (R)
District 90
District 95
District 96
District 98
District 100
District 101
County
County Commission
Ken Keechl
Suzanne “Sue” Gunzburger
Barbara Sharief
District 4
District 6
District 8
Vote The PBA Way
bcpba.org
5
The Broward Centurion
Legislative Affairs
September 2010
Dear Members,
I
am happy to report that the PBA had an extremely successful election day as almost all
PBA-endorsed candidates prevailed. One of our biggest victories was the re-election of
County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger. It is important to note that the PBA was the only
labor organization to solely endorse Commissioner Gunzburger and our loyalty and hard
work paid off in the end. We are confident that Sue will continue to be a great advocate for
law enforcement while serving on the County Commission. We are also thrilled with anticipation of having a new advocate on the Commission in Barbara Sharief. She was successful
in her election by defeating Pembroke Pines City Commissioner Angelo Castillo and Shevrin
Jones to serve on the County Commission. Also, Mayor Ken Keechl won his primary. Both he
and Barbara will face challengers in the November election. Once again your support will be
vital to their continued success.
Additionally, we had great success with our judicial endorsements. We succeeded in our
pursuit to fight off the challengers of the African-American judges. In doing so, Circuit Court
Judges Ken Gillespie and Elijah Williams as well as County Court Judge Mary Rudd Robinson were all re-elected. Those were essential victories to continue the important diversity of
our judiciary. As our best reminder that even when you lose you can still win, Sandy Pearlman, whom we did not endorse, defeated Judge Lee Jay Seidman. However, we still view that
election as a victory. Sandy is an excellent attorney and will be an exceptional judge. Lastly,
it is important to mention that a long time friend of the PBA, Ken Gottlieb, was elected as a
County Court Judge. He has been a supporter of the PBA for many years and we look forward
to his common sense and even temperament on the bench.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank those members who, for the betterment of every PBA member, volunteered their time to assist in our candidates’ campaigns.
Make no mistake; our involvement in political campaigns makes a difference to the outcome
of elections. If we did not have the loyal support of our membership, our organization would
lack the strength it currently enjoys. The hard work of the listed volunteers should be admired and applauded by every member, as their hard work benefits all of us.
We must keep in mind that August 24th was only the primary election. The general election
will take place on November 2 and will include the most important gubernatorial election in
recent history. If CFO Alex Sink is not elected governor, a reduction in our pension benefit
(FRS and local plans) is almost certain. Please contact one of your PBA Representatives or
myself if you are able to assist at the polls on November 2.
Please remember, “United we stand, Divided we fall.”
In solidarity,
Neil Vaughan
Vice President
6
The Broward Centurion
September 2010
Thank You
A sincere thank you goes out to those members who took the time to help
on election day
BSO
Pat Hanrahan
Paul Weiss
Alexander Briz
Jeff Poole and family
Pete Geary
Bob Lahiff
Lee Martin
Coconut Creek
Dan Eberly
Jason Kohlhorst
Hallandale
Michel Michel
Jamie Cerna
Alex Rodriguez
Sean Walters
Eric Key
Ray Buckley
John Faul
Matt Casey
Hollywood
Jeff Marano
Keith Wadsworth
Billy Ferguson
Chris Christianson
Chris O’Brien
James Barnick
Kris Doyle
Josh Mclean
Ronnie Cannella
Al Pollock Jr.
Justin Schweighardt
Bryan Campbell
Eric Augustus
James Gibbons
John Switter
Ernie Candelmo
Perry Beckford
Lenny Tinelli
Aldo Blanco
Barry Rumble
Brian Kalish
Rick Losenbeck
Ken Haberland
Dinielly DeAndrade
Meredith Tisch
Darryl Levy
Mark Hazel
Misael De La Torre
Yahmed Yema
Chis Campbell
Rachel Weiss
Joseph Gatz
Justin Lang
Donald Hanson
Kenny Klingman
Michael Wagener
A Gomez
Larry Vandusseldorp
Jason Bloch
Will Scalzitti
Gina Graziani
Joe Tango
Patty Smires
Johnathan Commella
Antonio Dabreau
Diivory Edgecomb
Miramar
Wayne Dunlop
Pembroke Pines
Viola Judon
David Thompson
Charles Keegan
Kevin Peddy
Carlos Bermudez
Luis Bermudez
Anthony Lennon
Dawn Mcclaskey
Christopher Sengelmann
Diana Rairden
Michael Walsh
Travis Adams
Angela Goodwin
Chris Stasio
Robert Goulding
Brian Leboeuf
James Desilva
David Light
Brandon Mazone
Daniel Rakofsky
Thomas Varnadoe
James Ryan
Jennifer Schmidt
David Balladares
Olayemi Okegbola
Chris Grant
Ed Bolliger
Dawn McClaskey
Christina Rogers
Adam Feiner
Al Xiques
Drew Brooks
Kipp Shimpeno
Dean Soubasis
Terry Reid
John Baker
Helms James
Burke Benjamin
Jon Cusack
Russell Munzer
Christopher Palmer
Christian Rogers
Thomas House
Kevin Venema
Jason Elias
Richard Barnes
Federico Pereira
bcpba.org
7
The Broward Centurion
Stand Your
Ground Law
Being Tested
September 2010
Book Your Next
Event At
The PBA Hall
Florida high court will take on concerns wtih the law
A
case to go before the Florida Supreme Court may
help clarify guidelines for the application of the
Stand Your Ground law.
Since Governor Jeb Bush signed the bill into law in 2005,
some prosecutors have complained that there are no rules in
place to guide courts in deciding whether a claim of immunity under the law is valid or not.
Stand Your Ground is based on
the Castle Doctrine, an American legal principle that says an
individual has protection from
trespassing and violent attack in
their place of residence and gives
a person the legal right to use
deadly force to defend that place.
The Florida law goes further
and adds any place that is legally
occupied, such as a public area
or place of work. In essence, the
measure gives individuals the
right to defend themselves with
deadly force against a threat
without having to retreat first.
Some prosecutors around the state feel that the statute has
unintended consequences, shielding criminals from prosecution. Proponents argue that the law specifically states that
if a person is engaged in criminal activity the protections do
not apply.
Since its passing, the law has only been invoked infrequently.
In October the state Supreme Court will rule on whether or
not pre-trial immunity hearings are needed in Stand Your
Ground cases.
Source: Tallahassee Democrat, Florida Today
8
Weddings • Birthdays • Reunions • Retirements
Special Rates For
PBA Members
For reservations, call 954.584.7600
2901 SW 26th Terrace • Dania Beach
(behind the PBA office)
The Broward Centurion
September 2010
What’s Up?
Hallandale Beach Police
Department First &
Second Quarter Awards July 29
O
fficer Edward McGovern was awarded
the 2nd annual Lola Salzman Award in
recognition of his superior investigative
skills exhibited during his tenure in the Special
Operations Division/Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics, (VIN Unit).
2nd Quarter Continuous & Good
Conduct Awards
25 Years
Major Jose Cardoso
20 Years
Sergeant Paul Winter
15 Years
Det. Eric Williams
10 Years
Officer of the 1st Quarter Award
Officer Christopher Keating
Det. Marc Dubuisson
Officer Raymond Buckley
Officer RaShana Donovan
Officer of the 2nd Quarter Award
2nd Quarter Life Saving Award
Sergeant Brian Hubbert
Detective Eric Williams
1st Quarter Meritorious Awards
Congratulations to all!
Sergeant Michel Michel
Sergeant Edward Diaz
Detective Gregory Hippolyte
Officer Erik Camero
Officer Christopher Keating
Officer Eric Key
Officer Wissem Mejdoub
Officer Miguel Mirabal
Officer Michael McKenzie
Officer Gerardo Novoa
Officer Andrew Raphael
Officer Michael Springer
1st Quarter Life Saving Award
Sergeant Brian Hubbert
Detective Lane Sauls
Officer Christopher Keating
2nd Quarter Meritorious Awards
Sergeant Todd Crevier
Sergeant Edward Diaz
Officer Christopher Goulding
Officer Miguel Mirabal
Officer Thomas Montellanico
Officer Alan Warren
Hollywood Officer
Of The Month
D
etective Sean Keough has
been selected Officer of
the Month for June 2010.
Sean will be recognized at the
Awards Presentation Meeting held
on September 15 at Hollywood’s city
hall.
Congratulations, Sean!
bcpba.org
9
The Broward Centurion
September 2010
As Seen In...
10
The Broward Centurion
September 2010
A Deadly Six Months For Law
Enforcement
Officer fatalities increase 43% in the first half of 2010
A
ccording to the
National Law
Enforcement
Officer’s Memorial
Fund, after reaching a
50-year low in 2009,
the number of LEOs
in the U.S. that were
killed in the line of
duty shot up nearly 43
percent during the first
six months of this year.
If this trend continues,
2010 could be one of
the deadliest years in
two decades for law
enforcement.
Approximately 87 officers were lost between
January 1 and June 30,
2010. That number was
61 for the same time period in 2009, an increase
of 42.6 percent. Fatalities
rose across all major categories: firearms deaths
were up by 41 percent,
traffic fatalities up by 35
percent and 75 percent
for all other types of
deaths combined.
Thirty states and Puerto
Rico lost at least one
officer between January and June. Five
federal officers have also been killed in
the line of duty.
Since 2000, about 48 percent of all
annual fatalities happened during the
first six months of the year. At the
current rate, that could mean that the
year-end total could be close to 185,
the total number of deaths in 2007,
the deadliest year for U.S. law enforcement since 1989 (with the exception
of 2001, in which 240 officers were
killed, 72 in the September 11 terrorist
attacks).
Source: nleomf.org
Another Star Is Born
Member’s daughter lands guest spot on TV show
K
ellie Kessling, daughter of BSO
detective Joe Kessling and his
wife, Lisa, landed a part in an
episode of USA network’s “Burn Notice.”
The series follows blacklisted spy
Michael Westen, played by Jeffrey
Donovan, as he uses his skills to help
people in need while trying to stay
alive himself. The show airs Thursdays
at 9 pm on USA.
Kellie and “Burn Notice” star Jeffery Donovan
Kellie’s episode, entitled “Guilty As
Charged,” features Kellie in the roll of
Becky Scott and aired on August 26. If
you missed her performance, past episodes of the series can be viewed on usanetwork.com/series/burnnotice or on hulu.com.
bcpba.org
11
The Broward Centurion
Letters And Thanks
12
September 2010
“
The Broward Centurion
bcpba.org
September 2010
13
The Broward Centurion
September 2010
Member Marketplace
NTTI
Notice That Tee, Inc.
• Silk Screening
• Numbering
• Custom Work
• Personalized Gifts
• Fundraising Items
Kevin Bolling, President
Cell: 954-520-5087
[email protected]
20% Off For
PBA Members
2501 NW 34th Place, Suite 27
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Office: 954-971-1018
Fax: 954-971-1019
Custom-Made
Die Cast Metal
Modelss
1:26 Scale
Case Included
14
Paul Weiss
954-497-0400
The Broward Centurion
September 2010
Reminder...
Are You Up To Date?
Unlawful Use of Badges, Etc.
817.311, Florida Statutes
To update your personal information,
please contact the PBA office Monday
through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30
pm at 954.584.7600 or stop by in person.
(1)(817.311 SS) from and after May 9,
1949, any person who shall wear or
display a badge, button, insignia or other
emblem, or shall use the name of or
claim to be a member of any benevolent,
fraternal, social, humane, or charitable
organizations, which organization is entitled to the exclusive use of such name
and such badge, button, insignia or emblem either in the identical form or in
such near resemblance thereto as to be
colorable imitation thereof, unless such
person is entitled so to do under the laws,
rules and regulations or such organization, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of
the first degree, punishable as provided
in S.75.082 or S.775.083.
(2) This section shall be cumulative to
any and all laws now in force in the state.
Florida Statutes (1987)
Prepaid
Legal
Services
Michael Braverman, P.A.
2650 West State Road 84
Fort Lauderdale, FL
33312
954/791-2010
For Broward
PBA Members
bcpba.org
15
Broward County PBA
2650 West State Road 84
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
©2010 Broward County PBA
Non Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit #1677
Fort Lauderdale, FL