Page 17 - 01_CL7_SEP20Revised2.indd

Recording Secretary’s Report
FOP keeps fighting, stays tough
Here at Lodge 7 we stay busy. We have many mem- bers who call about a variety of things, from the re- tirement process to insurance coverage. Many mem- bers want to know what information is available. Other members call about their contracts, grievances or other issues that may require the Lodge to take legal action. Sometimes these questions take a little longer to answer and the explanation or researched information given to each member may differ for each set of questions. Responses also depend on the severity of the issue. I like to respond thoroughly and
want to make sure the member knows his or her options.
We also have members who call with general inquiries, such as where can they get a will, trust or family law attorney. I let our members know that those businesses that advertise in our mag- azine and that support Chicago Lodge 7 are great resources to
contact.
Many times during the day, I email the Department to follow
up on various member issues and email or call members to follow up on their questions and concerns. I field calls from business- es that wish to do business with the Lodge. There are also many meetings and committee meetings I attend. These meetings ad- dress business and other concerns of the Lodge that need to be resolved.
One of my other duties as Military Committee co-chairman is to ensure that our members who continue to serve in the mili- tary are treated fairly by the Department. Recently, I intervened quickly and helped a deployed military member resolve an issue in which he was shorted thousands of dollars. I am glad the mem-
ber was paid properly and did not have to wait long for resolu- tion. No member should have to worry about financial matters while stationed in a combat zone.
I also have pointed out and displayed my frustration with nu- merous issues within the current Military Leave of Absence Act Employee Resource E01-14, which puts our members at a disad- vantage. I am fighting vigorously to ensure that this employee re- source gets changed as soon as possible. It is not up to standard with the current law (Illinois public act 100-1101) or USERRA and ISERRA requirements.
All members who still serve in the guard or reserve, please contact me at the Lodge or via email if you have any issues or questions. I have already spoken with many members about their military concerns. I have a list that I am sending to the Depart- ment for the Military Makeup Sergeant’s Exam. This is for military members who were deployed overseas and could not participate in the Sergeant’s Exam part one. The makeup test date has yet to be determined while I write this.
Your FOP is fighting hard for all members. The battles will keep coming and we will keep pushing back. I will continue to help all members who need my assistance.
To close, we all know this is a troubling time for law enforce- ment in our city, state, and country. I’m reminded of what my late grandmother once told me about life being hard. “Stay tough. You can handle it,” she’d say. My fellow brothers and sisters, never for- get the great work you do and the sacrifices you make every day and night. Please stay tough in every sense of the word. I know our members can continue to handle it. #FOPTOUGH email Rob at rnoceda@chicagofop.org.
ROB NOCEDA
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ SEPTEMBER 2020 17