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Recording Secretary’s Report
Standing up for and sending appreciation to our military members
Congratulations to all who took both examination parts and now have your sergeant promotion ranking. Unfortu- nately, members of the mili- tary who were deployed and on orders were unable to par- ticipate in either one or both parts of the test. There are also medical and IOD mem- bers who were unable to take
those examinations and have yet to be able to take the makeup exams.
On Dec. 23, 2021, I filed a formal USERRA form 1010 complaint with United Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, Department of Labor. I would have filed on Dec. 22, when the sergeant exam results were published, but I was as- sisting members at the COVID-19 portal process at Public Safety Headquarters.
I have received notice from the director of Illinois VETS (Veteran Employment & Training Service) that they have received my formal complaint. There will be an in- vestigator assigned to the complaint soon. I will continue to follow up. The reason for my complaint is the Department and City have yet to allow these affected mili- tary service members to take the sergeant makeup tests and be graded so those members can be placed in rank order. I see this as a clear violation of USERRA, the federal law that protects service members from employment discrimination. We will keep you posted.
Line of duty and on duty, the IOD para- dox
I think it is too common when an offi- cer says, “You were on duty, that should be IOD.” Let’s stop right there. There are actual past arbitrations and awards that show just being on duty is not enough for receiving an approved IOD.
Let’s solely take an on-duty example, an officer walking and then falling and tear- ing their MCL in the police district park- ing lot with no deficiencies in the parking lot. This is an example of a nonapproved IOD. On duty is not the same as perfor- mance and in the line of duty.
Let’s look at another example, an offi- cer running after an armed offender and tearing their Achilles tendon in the action of pursuing this offender. This is an officer in the performance of their duties and a consequence of work that would receive
an approved IOD. That is because it is spe- cific to their police duties. I am sure there are plenty of what-ifs to a lot of injuries that occur while on duty. They should be explored and looked at with all the facts presented. Unfortunately, many will not receive approved IODs.
The risk that arises out of a distinctly associated police function is the common road to follow regarding if an IOD will be approved. Please remember, simply hav- ing an IOD done does not mean that your IOD was approved by the City. That pa- perwork is always generated to document that the incident occurred. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at the Lodge.
Holiday wrap-up and military care packages
This was the second year we did mili-
tary care packages to our members who continue to serve in the military. They are away from all they hold dear during the holidays. The care packages are just a small token of appreciation for the love and respect we have for them and their service. Special thanks to Maria Flores, one of our office assistants, who spear- headed this endeavor.
I also would like to thank, for helping and donating items, Jose Sandoval, Will Andino, Greg Bella, Dan Quaid, Steve Ol- sen, Harold Brown, Mark Donahue, Dave DiSanti, Monica Ortiz, Father Dan Brandt and the Chaplain Ministry, the Alliance of Hispanic Law Enforcement, Ina from our FOP Lodge 7 store and Joseph. As you can see by the photos on this page, the Lodge 7 members in the military appreciated ev- ery care package.
ROB NOCEDA
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JANUARY 2022 13