Page 56 - March 2022

The View from the Staff
A few words from the amazing women
at the Lodge 7 office who serve members every day
Catharine Manning
Administrative Assistant
How long have you been on the job at Lodge 7?
In June, it will be 22 years.
What do you like most about working at the FOP?
Talking to, meeting and being able to help many different po- lice officers, being good at my job and having supervisors that respect and appreciate me.
What have you learned about Chicago Police Officers?
They are among the bravest people on this planet to go out on the streets every day in this very violent City with so much up- heaval and risk their lives to protect the rest of us. I admire them so much and am so grateful for every one of them. I try to tell all I come in contact with to stay safe out there.
How has your view of Chicago Police Officers changed since you started working at the FOP?
I think that the job has become increasingly more difficult with- in the last two decades of my working here and become much more challenging, with numerous pressures and stresses from the brazenness of criminals today, as well as with trying to maintain a good rapport with supervisors, co-workers and citi- zens they meet in everyday life.
56 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MARCH 2022
Ina Zimmermann
FOP Store Manager
How long have you been on the job at Lodge 7?
Twenty years.
What do you like most about working at the FOP?
I thoroughly enjoy going to work; my co-workers are awesome. They are truly like family, and we make a great team. I also have the pleasure of working with a wide variety of police officers ev- ery day, ranging from recruits to retired officers, which makes every day a little different, interesting and enjoyable.
What have you learned about Chicago Police Officers?
When I first started working at the FOP 20 years ago, I really didn’t know any police officers. Over the years, I have learned a great deal about police officers. I quickly learned that police officers have their own language. There was a learning curve on figuring out their terms, such as VRI, CRs, grievances, etc. The dedication that police officers have, protecting the City streets and the people that live here, is exceptional. The sacri- fices that they make daily are extraordinary. I have noticed the sheer amount of resilience that they have with everything that is thrown their way.
From left, Marikay Evans, Kathy Spiewak, Ina Zimmer- mann, Maria Flores, Catharine Manning, Maggie O’Grady and Brita Wilson.