Page 11 - FOP August 2021

ThirdVice President’s Report
Be sincere and read body language
Hope you had a safe and healthy summer. I am writing about the meaning of the word “fraternalism.” According to the dictionary, fra- ternalism means “of or being a society associ- ated in a brotherly union, as for mutual aid or benefit.” That’s a very generic and bland state- ment. The truth is that belonging to the Frater- nal Order of Police means more. Fraternalism is about caring about the people you work with
who become part of your family.
I have had partners who have baptized my children and
are forever part of my life. I’m forever a part of theirs. We in- vite each other over to each other’s houses; we break bread together. We have become more than partners — we have become family. My kids call my partners either tio (uncle) or padrino (godfather). We are family. We have a friendship and brotherly love for each other that most civilians will never understand. We literally depend on each other for our lives.
As noted in John 15:13, “There is no greater love than one who lays down his life for his friends.” Being part of the FOP is being part of a family that not only is here but is nation-
wide and international. It is a family that will be part of you as long as you want it to be. Is it perfect? No, but what family is? As long as we all work together for the common good, we will be moving in the right direction.
We need to reach out more to one another. Reach out to that one copper who seems to be the outsider. Ask if they are OK, ask if they need someone to talk to. Instead of asking “How you doin’?” ask them “How are you?” Be sincere and read their body language. See if something doesn’t seem right.
We have seen an alarming rate of suicides within this De- partment, which is unprecedented. We need to do better as police officers and as friends and watch out for not only our partners’ physical health but also their mental well-being. If you need emotional support or someone to talk to, you can always call EAP at 312-743-0378 or the Lodge at 312-733- 7776 and ask to speak with one of the field reps. Some of us have been through the ringer a couple of times and made it through to the other side. Please feel free to reach out. The human psyche is a very fragile thing and needs to be looked out for and protected. Please, there is no shame in asking for help. At some point, we all need a little help. You are not alone.
I have recently lost two of my old partners in 014. One was retired; the other wasn’t too far off from retirement. Both good coppers, both good men, both will be missed dearly. Please get your annual checkups, get your blood work done on a regular basis, get the prostate checked, get the breast exams. Do whatever it takes to live a longer, healthier life so that you can collect as many pension checks as possible. Do it for yourself and the people who care about you. Even if you just want to be around longer to be a pain in the ass to someone else, so be it.
I would like to thank all the motorcycle clubs and riders who rode in the 17th annual Ride to Remember. I got to see some old friends and made some new ones. It was a good ride and a great showing. About 700 bikes showed up: some out-of-state riders, some retirees, civilians and active police. It was one helluva procession riding down the boulevards and down Lake Shore Drive. People stopping and waving, cheering and clapping as we passed through. Great to see the people who support and want us out in their neighbor- hoods come out and show their appreciation.
As always, remember, “No lawyer, no statement.”
FERNANDO FLORES
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ AUGUST 2021 11