Page 13 - January 2021

Recording Secretary’s Report
Keeping your Lodge in the loop
Lodge 7, it’s 2021 now. Let us keep the faith and continue to strengthen our membership. I have had conversations with many of our members about how to update different changes that have occurred in their lives. It can be anything from getting mar- ried, having children or changing your address. I would like to point out that many members call, and we update their information daily. Lodge 7 membership cards include your name, star, email, address, cell phone, unit of assignment, employee number, hire date and date of birth. The member-
ship card also certifies, with your signature, your designated beneficiary and your relationship to that person.
This is important information your Lodge needs to help you in a variety of ways. I can think of more than a few times where I needed to help members, and I needed the correct information to resolve their issue. The other concern members must know is, when you change your information with the Department or when contacting the Chicago benefits office (phone number 877-299-5111), there is no transfer of information to FOP Lodge 7. We are separate entities. So just to be on the safe side, always check with Lodge 7 to make sure your information is correct.
You can call your Lodge so a membership card can be sent
to your house or unit of assignment by police mail, then please return the card to FOP Lodge 7 either in person, by mail or by police mail. Another good practice is to check with the Police- men’s Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago (aka the pension fund, phone number 312-744-3891) to ensure accuracy of doc- umentation and pension-related questions.
On Dec. 20, during a Christmas event, a patriotic group called McCarthy’s Brigade held a beautiful Freedom Tree Lighting Cer- emony in Beverly Park, located at 102nd and Artesian (see pho- tos below). Present were a Gold Star mom (Conner T. Lowry’s mother), Chicago Police Officers, Chicago firefighters, Marines, soldiers, veterans, Lodge 7 board members and many residents. The ceremony included the playing of the national anthem, the “Marines’ Hymn” and “Taps.” The ceremony honored those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the mili- tary, police and firefighter services. Pat McCauley (retired CFD) organized this event, and it was beautiful. The tree ornaments were CPD, CFD and military patches.
Members, please stay safe and stay healthy, and remember, if documentation or information that does not sound right or is clearly violating our contract is put out into a district, call your Lodge immediately. We will protect our contract.
Feel free to contact me at rnoceda@chicagofop.org.
ROB NOCEDA
Freedom Tree Lighting Ceremony in Beverly Park
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JANUARY 2021 13