Page 8 - June2020 FOP Magazine

First Vice President’s Report
Creating a true fraternal order here in Chicago
First and foremost, I would like to introduce my- self. My name is Michael Mette and I have more than 16 years of service, give or take a few hiatuses. I loved my time on the street and miss the action every day since I have been gone. The West Side of Chicago will always hold a special place in my heart. The bonds and friendships formed over the years will never fade, and neither will my love for the job.
I am grateful and honored to now be represent- ing each and every member, both active and retired, as your first vice president. I, along with Third Vice President Fernan- do Flores, will be heading up legal defense. Together, we aim to bring a tenacious fighting ability to legal defense.
Our team of field reps is unique in many ways. We have been there before. We understand what it feels like to be on the brink of losing our jobs, trying to make sure we could make our mort- gage, tuition for the kids and food for our families. For far too long, this City and Department have taken advantage of our members to the detriment of each and every one of us. You will now have a true voice that will bring our membership something to get behind and back.
Lodge 7 is the largest Lodge in the country. Yet for years now, we have allowed the City to slowly strip away our contractual rights. We as a Lodge have been sitting idle while the Depart-
ment has repeatedly subverted our contract or outright changed it. Enough is enough. Now is the time to finally create a true fra- ternal order here in Chicago. Our new president, John Catanzara, has repeatedly spoken about getting more and more members to become active within the Lodge. One of our goals is to make our Lodge more available to our members. After all, with being shut out for years, I wouldn’t expect you just to take my word for it.
This past Memorial Day, we began our new and approved FOP brand by hosting a BBQ for our members who had to be at work. We want you to take pride in being an FOP 7 member. We want you to feel at ease to just come on down to the hall and know that you will be treated respectfully. You should never hesitate to give us a call, no matter how small an issue you may think you have. I would like you to let us know what we are doing right and, more importantly, if you think we are doing something wrong. I know you will be surprised at just how responsive we will be to criticism.
As I close out my first article, I want to reiterate how honored I am to be in a position to be able to help and support each and every one of you reading this. This is your Lodge, and your new board is eager to get to work on your behalf. And for anyone who might not know this about the Lodge, we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you need us, we are available via our callout service anytime. Just call our regular officer number: 312-733-7776. Stay safe!
MICHAEL METTE
8 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JUNE 2020