Page 3 - FOP BlueNote 2017 September October Issue EAST

Grand Lodge Update…

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1. This resolution continued the position the FOP has held for years opposing legalization of marijuana. It
does allow for legislation for the prescribed medical use of marijuana in situations where there is irrefutable
medical evidence supported by the National Institute of Health for such use.

2. This resolution voiced support for Crisis Intervention Team training for officers following the "Memphis
Model". This training has helped many officers across the nation to gain a better understanding of mental
health issues and how to best assist those experiencing a mental health crisis.

3. Consolidated with resolution #5
4. This resolution voiced support for the Albuquerque Police Department officers in their efforts to increase

staffing levels, and achieve better pay and working conditions.
5. This resolution directed that a media statement be issued setting forth that the American flag that is black

and white with a blue line running through it is a symbol of peace, respect, and honor and should never be
interpreted as a symbol for hate or antagonism.
6. This resolution said our members declare and condemn any actions taken by any group directed at sup-
pressing free speech, promoting hate, racism, violence or any other action that promotes the abridging of
any rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America.
7. This resolution recognized all officers heroism involved in the June 15, 2017 attack on lawmakers practic-
ing for the Congressional baseball game in Alexandria, Virginia.

The election process that was used at this conference was totally accurate and above reproach. It did take, how-
ever, over 6 hours for everyone to vote. The National Trustees were advised at our post-conference board meeting
that the slow process was the result of having only ten check-in stations for delegates to obtain their ballot. The
internet access for the voting area could only handle the ten stations. To add a dedicated data line needed for more
stations would have cost about an additional $18,000. This issue will be addressed in future conferences to prevent
this backup. The delegate attendance at this conference was the most we have ever had so this did contribute to the
slow process.

All FOP members, I am certain, have been seeing the horrible destruction that has been taking place in the Texas
and Louisiana area. Many Texas FOP delegates that were supposed to attend the conference had to stay home to
deal with this catastrophic flooding. FOP members attending the conference donated over $130,000 from the floor
to help FOP members in the affected areas. I serve as Chairman of the National FOP Disaster Assistance Committee
and spent much time at the conference and after my return home helping arrange assistance for our members. I ask
that your lodge and/or individual members contribute to help our brothers and sisters. Donations should be made to
the Fraternal Order of Police Foundation with the memo line reading Disaster Relief. Checks should be sent to the
National Office in Nashville. Members can send checks to this location or donate on an FOP Text to Donate Site.
It is a two-step process for members to use this site. They text 615-640-1317 and then put the amount in the message
box. They will receive a link in the text to set up their Credit Card information. We will maintain this phone number
and use it for funding the Foundation. The process should be easy for members to use. This information will be
placed on our website and Facebook page. Hurricane Irma is approaching the United States at the time I am writing
this report so we very well may have many more members having a need for disaster assistance. All members please
keep all brothers and sisters facing these horrible conditions in your thoughts and prayers.

I have talked with the re-elected National FOP officers and those that were newly elected since the conference
concluded. They each have made a commitment to work to move the FOP forward during the next two years. I am
honored to serve as your National Trustee and look forward to helping our national leaders continue the great rep-
utation of the largest organization representing law enforcement in the Country. Please let me know if I can be of
any assistance to you or your lodge.

www.ncfop.org 3