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Financial Secretary’s Report
“We are CPD, and we matter!”
A Grievance Committee meeting was held on May 17. The committee voted to go forward with three grievances, withdraw five and defer 19. We reviewed a set of seven and then a set of five to talk to the officers. One set was from Jim McGuire, the 18th District unit rep, who was happy to explain each individual grievance so that I could bring it back to the Grievance Committee.
I would like to welcome Monica Ortiz as the new unit representative for Airport Law Enforcement Unit-North (O’Hare). Monica has always been involved closely
with the FOP and will be a supportive rep for the unit.
While on the subject, I was reminded by my highly efficient administrative assistant Catharine that two units have vacan- cies: Unit 171, which is the Central Detention unit, and Unit 384, which is the Juvenile Intervention Support Center (JISC). We sent out posters to the units asking for volunteers, but no one has responded. If you have the desire and the gumption,
please send us your request.
I also want to mention that to be considered for unit rep, your
unit must have more than a few people in it. Attend a meeting before you volunteer so that you know what you are getting into. A unit rep is the first line of defense for an officer who needs help when his or her contractual rights are being stepped on.
On to the City Hall demonstration: We at the union were dis- cussing responses to the recent attacks on police and the lack of
support from City Hall. We decided to go to a City Council meet- ing and sign in to vocalize our frustrations. After announcing it in the general meeting, the idea grew legs, and officers were responding and saying that they would show up. We opened up the construction of the picket signs, and off we went.
All in all, we had good representation inside and outside City Hall. The media coverage was good and, as far as I heard, widely positive (or at least not negative). Thank you to all the officers who showed the anti-police movement that we will not stand aside while you attack and berate us. Say it loud, say it proud (like Fernando at the demonstration): “We are CPD, and we matter!”
A reminder that the FOP picnic is on Tuesday, July 10 at Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th Street, Oak Forest. There will be free carni- val rides and candy for the kids (bring your own food and BBQ grills). Beer may possibly be involved. The FOP gift shop will be on hand with its famous bargain bin. Please try to stop and relax to enjoy some quiet time this summer. It is good for your family and your peace of mind. Stay safe.
Finally, on a sad note: John Bernath, the good man in charge of the FTO program in the academy, recently lost his father Ru- dolph Bernath, who was 82. When hearing John speak of his fa- ther, it reminded me of my dad and when we used to go out for a round of golf and drinking (more drinking than golf ). May you find peace in all the memories. d
MICHAEL GARZA
14 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JUNE 2018