Page 27 - January 2021

has also realized the value of getting the 4-1-1 in the pipeline.
“I am thanked by my fel- low coppers when I relay information,” she says. “I do believe the current ad- ministration is putting out information the best they can, especially pertaining to contract negotiations. I do want to know that our union is doing all they can for us. The better we’re in- formed as members, the better voice we have.”
Speaking volumes
Given that coppers are trained to deal with evi- dence, perhaps members need to see it to believe the impact of getting involved. That has been happen- ing at least monthly at the Lodge general member- ship meetings.
Or it was until the latest
pandemic wave put in-person meetings on hold. But they will be back soon, and every member should attend. Get there early, though, because they are becoming harder to get into because attendance has overflowed the FOP hall.
Vrentas notes that she had attended a meeting with the previ-
ous administration, and they weren’t like the ones of the past several months. She de- scribes the packed house as enthusiastic, waiting to hear what Catanzara has to say.
The meetings have become renowned as an open forum where members are more and more stepping up to the microphone. FOP executive board members have become equally renowned for joining the president in stepping up to address the questions.
“Sure, there is some bitch- ing and moaning, but what the meetings have done is give everybody a voice,” San- chez observes. “Any ques- tions are addressed, and then we can go ahead and express the information to the troops on the watches.”
There’s no denying that Catanzara has become the main attraction at meetings and a catalyst for member partic-
ipation.
“For the 23 years I have been on, we have never really seen
bold leadership like we have now at Lodge 7,” Galloway con-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
Repeat After Me: Members find they are compelled to get involved by the way President John Catanzara has been outspoken.
Lifelong Chicagoan representing those who serve and protect since 2008.
JONATHAN SCHATZ, JD/LLM
Law Office of Jonathan N. Schatz
33 North Dearborn, Suite 1930 • Chicago, Illinois 60602
(312) 343-2800 SCHATZFAMILYLAW@GMAIL.COM
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CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JANUARY 2021 27