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My Brother’s Keeper… Continued from p.14 The Fraternal Order of Police is the greatest law en-

forcement support organization anywhere! This organi-
Facebook, Instagram, Kik, Twitter, Facetime and Snap- zation is a membership based driven organization, which
chat, we have now reached a point where it is necessary makes it so great. Moving forward, we (the State Execu-
for us (the older generation) to learn how to use and nav- tive Board) will need each and every member in each and
igate these mediums to open the lines of communication. every lodge in the state to continue to step-up and main-
We have to learn how to navigate this change in the same tain the same level of success of the previous administra-
manner as we did when cell phones were deregulated in
the early 1990’s and became a part of everyone’s daily tion. Together as more than 6,000 members, we can con-
tinue to move this organization into uncharted waters and
life. Secondly, we need to find ways to attract individuals find that long term sustainability which we seek. We
who are career minded and seeking more than just a job. must remain as “Our Brothers Keepers” as the leaders of
We should examine our traditional methods of recruit- the local, state and national lodges. At no point should
ment and possibly research other options. For example,
maybe model the Military’s ROTC program and have a we ever be questioned as to whether or not we are “Our
Brothers Keepers” as it relates to our profession, mem-
higher focus on the Police Explorers program. We could bers and society.
expand the current Police Explorers program and utilize Finally, as I close I would like to take a moment and
a combination of Reserve/retired personnel to create, personally thank each and every one of you (the mem-
teach and manage the curriculum. During the summer bers of the NCFOP) for your years of dedication and
months, the program would offer participants the oppor- frontline service to the profession and to the Fraternal
tunity to participate in a 2-4 week paid “mini” summer Order of Police. Your sacrifices both personally and pro-
academy. The expansion of the Explorers program fessionally reach far beyond
would serve several purposes: first, it would promote an what any words can ever de-
understanding of law enforcement operations to a scribe. There is no doubt that
younger generation which is generally influenced by the you are and have always been
negative stereotypes; secondly, it would serve as a deter- “Your Brother’s Keeper.” I am
rent to a young person who could possibly be on the path certain that you are the major
to making a bad life-changing decision. The overall ben- reason(s) as to why we continue
efit would also serve as a major recruitment tool that to exist as an organization. So I
could steer interested persons into a law enforcement ca- say “thank you” to each of you,
reer.
and may God continue to bless Bobby Gaddy

each of you. State Vice President

LEGISLATURE RETURNS FOR BIENNIAL SESSION

By Jeff Gray – State Lodge Legislative Agent

It has been an interesting few months since the Ses- and the destruction caused by wildfires in the Western
sion adjourned on July 1, 2016. Before the “short ses- part. The fourth Extra Session was held on December
sion” began on April 26th, there had already been two 14th, 15th and 16th to confirm the appointment of two Spe-

Extra Sessions. The first, held on February 18th and 19th, cial Superior Court Judges, to confirm one appointment

was called to address redistricting issues regarding the to the Industrial Commission, to restructure the State

election of members of the U.S. House of Representa- Ethics Commission and the State Board of Elections, and

tives from North Carolina. The second Extra Session to make various changes in the election and duties of the

was held on March 23, 2016 to address an ordinance Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.

passed by the City of Charlotte. The result was House Also in the fourth Extra Session the General Assem-
Bill 2, “Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act” being bly approved legislation to make various changes in the

enacted into law. (If you have not heard of this bill, authority of the State Board of Education and the State

please call in your 10-20 for the last 10 months. The Superintendent of Public Instruction, to clarify the Sen-

Mother Ship is looking for you!) Then, in December, ate’s authority to approve the Governor’s appointment of

there were three more in quick succession. cabinet secretaries, and to change the Governor’s author-

The third Extra Session was held on December 13 ity to appoint members of the Board of Trustees of The

and 14, 2016 to provide funding for relief from Hurri- University of North Carolina and its constituent institu-

cane Matthew flooding in the Eastern part of the State Continued on P. 20

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