Page 7 - FOP BlueNote 2017 May June Issue East FINAL

John Ledford… The firing of Agent Ledford was another in a long line
Continued from Pg. 5 of frivolous terminations of police officers. Senator

games with John Ledford’s career. Judge Morrison Jesse Helms spoke of the frivolous firings of police of-
found as follows: ficers on the floor of the United States Senate.

“Ledford’s evidence showed that over the years, “Law enforcement officers across America face
great challenges every day as they fight the war
including until he was terminated, he had served
against crime and drugs. They are on the front
the ALE Division with commitment, dedication line; their lives are in constant jeopardy. All of

and loyalty. His last performance evaluation us owe them our gratitude and our respect...
rated him as “Outstanding”, the highest possible [T]oo often law enforcement officers lose their
for employees.” jobs for frivolous reasons - or for no reason at

The Court of Appeals affirmed Judge Morrison’s ruling all. For example, an officer may have a differ-
for Ledford. The Court of Appeals explained as follows: ence of opinion with a superior.”
Senator Jesse Helms, Congressional Record, January 31,

“Ledford had also established that DPS treated 1991, Vol. 137, No. 21, 102nd Congress (emphasis
him differently than other ALE Special Agents added).

in failing to follow its own ALE internal disci- The John Ledford case teaches valuable lessons. DPS
plinary policy by not providing him notice of his failed in its effort to “scapegoat” Agent John Ledford.

being investigated; not allowing him an oppor- The compelling evidence of discrimination against agent
Ledford afforded the Court the ammunition needed to
tunity to respond to the charges against him by impose justice for one of our own. All five judges saw it
two disgruntled employees who had been disci- for what it was: a case of unlawful disrespect against a
plined; not involving his immediate supervisors career law enforcement officer. This sound precedent
now stands for the future generations of FOP members.
in an investigation and decision to terminate his
employment…”

2017 State Presidents Meeting
By Randy Hagler – State President

The 2017 FOP State Presidents serves as the Chairman of the The Illinois State FOP also had a
Meeting, along with the National National FOP Disaster Assis- gentleman sing the National An-
FOP Spring Board of Directors tance Committee, and both of them prior to the start of the busi-
Meeting, was held from March our National FOP Committee ness session to really get things
30th to April 1st in Peoria, Illi- Chairmen had reports to present started on a positive note.
nois. These two meetings have during the National Board of Di-
been held together for a number rectors Meeting. In addition to National President Chuck
of years bringing FOP leadership these meetings, the National Le- Canterbury was first to report.
together for three days of meet- gal Aid Committee met for two He spoke about the high profile
ings and networking with fellow days of business meetings to meeting which the National
FOP leaders from across the keep the National Legal Aid Plan Lodge Executive Board had just
United States. Attending along moving in the right direction. had with President Donald
with me were National Trustee Trump. Most of the E-Board
Dennis McCrary and Immediate The State Presidents Meeting traveled directly from Washing-
Past President and Chairman of was held on Thursday, March ton, DC to Peoria for the Board
the National FOP Constitution 30th and began promptly at 9:00 of Directors Meeting. President
and By-Laws Committee Terry a.m. Like all FOP meetings, it Canterbury reported that Presi-
Mangum. Dennis McCrary also began with the posting of colors dent Trump was very cordial and
and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Continued on Pg. 9
www.ncfop.org
7