Page 10 - November 2017 Magazine

Commitment to service and dedication
Brothers and sisters, by the time you read thisarticle, the Cubs have won the 2016 World Series and we will have elected a new presi- dent to lead our great country. Just as many of us have sported the Cubs’ red, white and blue logo showing our support for them, we will also display Old Glory during Veterans Day on Nov. 11, celebrating our veterans. Many of our veterans have fought to defend our country’s
an agreement is reached, the City sign off on the settle- ment first, so that when the member and Lodge sign it, we can hand the member a copy of a completely signed settlement by all parties for his or her record. This allows the member to have proof of his or her settlement for fu- ture reference.
RAY CASIANO, JR
interests around the world, and protect democracy
and our way of life. Many of our veterans have seen
and felt the pain of war and some will never be
able to erase the images engraved in their mind,
nor heal the scars left behind from the battles fought. Many of our citizens will never be able to
grasp the sacrifices made by the men and women of
our Armed Forces past and present; nor of Police Officers. The commitment, dedication and bravery needed to pro- tect our freedoms has given us the right to free speech, even if it’s used to protest against us.
Our members know what that is like all too well, as seen recently with public demonstrations and hearings at City Council on COPA, calling for extreme Police oversight and accountability from groups and individuals. The average Joe Citizen has no idea what it’s like to fight crime while balancing the rights of those who need to face our justice system. Nor would Joe Citizen be able to imagine what it’s like to rush a baby in your arms that was just shot to paramedics to save its life with its blood on your uniform hours after the child has been treated. Or while riding in the back of an ambulance with a teenager who is about to die; the kid asks the responding Officer to hold his hand because he is so afraid. Only a COP would understand this pain and sadness, because they live it. Like many of our veterans, our members are underappreciated and have experienced their share of battle wounds while serving and protecting our City’s streets. Only their families and other law enforcement officers could understand and re- late to their sacrifices.
To all who have served our country in the Armed Forc- es, I wish you a happy Veterans Day. For my fellow Ma- rines, Happy 241st birthday, and continue to live up to the Marine Corps’ motto to stay faithful: Semper Fi.
Medical corner
The Lodge has had much success with medical griev- ances during mediation. So far this year we have had a 62-percent success rate. Since the beginning of our term, the Lodge has done things a little differently than the pri- or administration, that has given the process of media- tion a chance to work for the members’ best interest. We now allow for reasonable follow ups with the City, giving opportunity to reach settlements versus waiting years for arbitration. But that is not all! We have ensured that, once
10 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2016
What future reference, you ask? Sometimes agreements are reached and settlements signed, but never imple- mented for whatever reason – like medical bills not paid, or time off due to an on-duty injury improperly cod- ed. If you have ever faced these issues, you know what I’m talking about. So my advice is, from the moment of your certified IOD, you should keep a file on that incident and anything related to it. The records you keep may help in future claims of a re-
currence that the Department may deny.
On the other hand, if a settlement is reached on your behalf due to a grievance won, make sure that you check with your timekeeper several weeks later to ensure that your time was coded properly. If your award has not been received within a reasonable time, feel free to call the
Lodge for assistance.
Acknowledgment
The commitment to service, dedication and discipline could not be more evident than with some of the events our members faced last month. We started off October with one of our members, desperately trying to avoid being the next headline, who refrained from shooting a crazed offender who battered her several times while attempting to make good his escape. Although she was justified to use deadly force, much was to be considered during that time including the safety of her partner if she would have shot. That day things could have turned out much differently for either side, but I am glad to report that our sister is on her way to recovery along with her partner – both of whom are very good Officers and indi- viduals.
On Oct. 16 at about 8:55 p.m. in the 11th District, Offi- cers responded to an armed robbery in progress at a gas station on Cicero and Augusta. Officers arrived and found themselves faced with an armed offender who would not comply with the Officers’ orders to drop his weapon. In- stead, the offender pointed his firearm at one of the Offi- cers, intending to kill him. In fear for his life, the Officer returned fire, striking the offender several times. Even then the offender would not drop his weapon. The Officer took actions that he felt were appropriate at the time and disarmed the offender.
In both of these incidents the Officers displayed an ob- vious respect for life in the actions they each took. Both incidents resulted in different end results, without having some pathetic attempt of a revised order reminding them of the sanctity of life. There was no need for the Depart-
First Vice President’s
REPORT