Page 13 - June2020 FOP Magazine

Field Representative’s Report
An informed membership is a strong membership
Hello, Lodge 7.
I am Rob Noceda, one of your field representa- tives here at the Lodge. I am honored and humbled to serve in this position. I will represent and serve all our members to the best of my ability. I would like to congratulate the board of directors on being elected to serve the largest FOP Lodge in our na- tion. They will serve with distinction. I would also like to thank all the membership for the excellent service and dedication to duty they have provided our city during this world crisis. Please continue to
use safety precautions in all that you do.
The question that I often get now that I am here at the Lodge
is: what is a field rep? The answer is more than one concrete sentence. A field representative is like what other unions call a business agent. The business agent (or field rep) safeguards workers’ rights under our collective bargaining agreement (CBA), or as we call it on the job, “the contract.” Field repre- sentatives have a wide array of responsibilities, from relaying information to members, filing grievances, assisting with le- gal defense issues, researching information, troubleshooting membership problems and responding to officer-involved in- cidents. Those are just a few examples. Field representatives
field questions from all members concerning many issues. There is a lot of information that our members need to re- ceive. I am going to have a role in ensuring that our members receive information as quickly and efficiently as possible. A well-informed membership is a strong membership. I have been a big fan of disseminating information for a long time. The information you receive is powerful. It allows our union to
operate effectively and stay educated on many issues.
Going forward, the Lodge will keep up with technology to better serve you and keep you much more informed. You will have the answers to the questions that always come around. Going forward, I will be out in districts, briefing and informing
you on the current events we face together.
Lastly, I have been a hard worker my entire life, starting from
my early childhood and continuing through my military ser- vice and my time as a Chicago Police Officer. I will continue to work hard to ensure that all members are given the best service I can provide. I frequently tell my four children, “Hard work pays off.” I am a testament to that statement. I am here to help and assist the membership in multiple capacities to ensure that the membership of Chicago FOP Lodge 7 stays strong. Be safe and stay healthy. Feel free to email me at rnoce- da@chicagofop.org.
ROB NOCEDA
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JUNE 2020 13