Page 12 - June2020 FOP Magazine

Financial Secretary’s Report
A Blue Family Thanks
First things first. I’d like to take the time to thank all of our officers for their continued hard work. During these long and exhausting hours that our officers have been tasked with working, I have wit- nessed and been made aware of the Blue Family coming together to support each other. This out- pouring of support has come in many forms, and not just in the generous food and drink donations packaged and delivered to police stations by busi- nesses who support their police. I have seen social
media posts of the spouses and families of our officers offer- ing childcare, meals and even dog-walking services for officers working extended shifts. This is what makes us a Blue Family.
Secondly, I’d like to thank all the retirees who offered support in any way they could. I fielded many retiree phone calls at the Lodge, some from as far away as Arizona, in which offers were made to come back to Chicago to help “kick some ass.” I know you still could. Thank you for your kind words of support and encouragement, and know that the members appreciate it.
The office staff at FOP is always thinking of our officers. Their work ethic and service to our members continues to impress me, and I cannot express enough gratitude. Thank you.
This brings me to my final and most important message.
While assigned to Unit 541 and working as a FOP Field Repre- sentative, I have responded to call-outs for officers who needed FOP assistance. These officers were involved in incidents that required them to use deadly force. I know that when we hear that radio assignment from one of our own, we respond and want to be of help. Once units on the scene have rendered aid, made the scene secure, protected evidence, and in some cases placed offenders into custody, they must call the FOP. The an- swering service will answer calls after normal business hours (your Lodge is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Please provide as much pertinent information as possible. If the officer has been transported to a hospital, we need to know their exact location. Many people who arrive on the scene will want to know “what happened?” Now is the time to act on behalf of the involved offi- cer(s) and limit our conversations. Be constantly aware of fellow officers wearing BWC, carrying car cameras and mics, and using private surveillance. Also be aware of citizens with cell phones, and even hospital staff. Our actions, words and even physical expressions are constantly over-analyzed, so don’t let them be used against us.
Officers, please feel free to reach out to me in any way. If you have new and fresh ideas to share, or just need to vent, I am willing to listen. Stay safe and God bless.
JIM JAKSTAVICH
Chicagoland’s Experts for Remediation Services
24 hour Emergency Response Service across the City of Chicago and all of Chicagoland
Bio-hazard/Crime Scene Remediation Body Removal
Crime Scene Remediation Hoarding/Distressed Clean up Experienced, confidential, compassionate staff
Who do you call when faced with an overwhelming cleaning dilemma?
ONLY ONE PLACE - CLEANING SPECIALIST INC!
Let our professionals assist you in resolving overwhelming situations
Cleaning Specialist Inc.
2739 Glenwood Dyer Road • Lynwood, IL 60411 (877) 570-1315 • www.csiillinois.com
12 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JULY 2020