Page 10 - May2021

First Vice President’s Report
It’s time to get your guns checked
Well, it is that time of year again! Time for the summer shooting season to officially begin, which means it is time to make sure your lifeline is in good working order. FOP Gun Safety Days will be held at the Hall on May 26 and 27. The hours for Wednesday, May 26 will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and for Thursday, May 27, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Last year we had a couple hundred mem- bers come through, and we hope to try and beat that this year. We have all the vendors from 2020 returning, as well as a couple of new additions. A fan favorite, Super Quick Clean, will be returning after missing last year’s event. We will have reps from Springfield Armory, Sig Sauer, Rock Riv- er, Glock, Smith & Wesson, Kiesler Supply, Ray O’Herron and Shield U. I am working on getting another fan favorite in the realm of the rifle to join us as well. I will not mention which
company just yet because I haven’t gotten confirmation.
I know this is beating a dead horse for some, and I wish it
were for everyone: You need to check on your sidearm at least once every couple of weeks. Even more frequently during in- clement weather. While cleaning your weapon, it is always a good idea to check on some of the common areas where things break, like springs, pins and sights. It is also a good idea to make sure you do not have any extra “things” inside the trigger group, especially with rifles. These are the tools of our trade, and they need to be in good working order every time you put on your uniform.
So if you have not had your duty or off-duty weapons checked by an armorer in a while, please stop in and have them checked out. Last year we had some whoppers come through and had some stressful moments trying to make them safe. We had some laughs after not having any negli- gent discharges, so this year I am going to have a couple of prizes set aside for the top three worst-maintained weapons brought into the Hall. I hope we have a tremendous turnout this year, and until then, stay healthy and safe!
MICHAEL METTE
10 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MAY 2021