Page 24 - APRIL 2019 FOP MAGAZINE

The tide will turn
“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give
up then, for that is just the place and time
cle Stickers for certain veterans. Now the Office of the City Clerk has launched a pilot program for our city’s veterans who have an Illinois driver’s license or state ID with a veteran’s designa- tion on or before Dec. 31, 2018. These veterans are eligible to receive one city sticker for a passenger car, large passen- ger car or motorbike for free. This offer can only be given at
the Office of the City Clerk locations.
Those who wish to obtain a veteran’s designation on their
Illinois driver’s license must obtain an official certification from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA). They can do so by visiting one of the IDVA offices throughout the state and providing a copy of their DD-214 or Certification of Military Service (NA Form 13038). For more information, veterans may con- tact the IVDA at 800-437-9824 or www.illinois.gov/veterans. After the necessary certification is obtained from an IDVA office, the vet- eran may apply for a new, renewal or updated driver’s license or ID
card at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
Did you know that veterans with a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for annual exemption? It reduces by certain amounts the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) on a disabled veteran’s primary residence, very likely lowering the tax bill. Also, veterans returning from active duty in armed conflict are eligible to receive a $5,000 reduction in the EAV of their property tax bill, but only for each taxable year in which they return. The details and forms for these exemptions can be found on the Cook County Assessor’s Office website: www.cook-
countyassessor.com/Exemptions/Exemption-Forms.aspx. Thank you for all you do, and please be careful out there.
If you have questions, concerns or comments, please email LTC_Cruz@wowway.com.
that the tide will turn.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe
Hello, my fraternal brothers and sisters. Depressive emotion is never permanent. Feelings of pleasure and happiness will return and when they do, you’ll be glad you were strong enough to continue living.
This past month, we lost another fraternal brother to suicide. It pains me to write these words, but I will not hide from it. Are you struggling with depression? Are you getting treatment for it? If not, you’re not alone.
About two thirds of people with major depression never seek ap- propriate treatment, and the consequences are devastating: per- sonal suffering, missed work, broken marriages, health problems and, in the worst cases, death. It’s hard to find out from officers why they are not seeking treatment, because if they are not seeking help — then they can’t tell us. I’ve previously written why I believe our fellow officers do not seek treatment, but now I want to hear from you. Send me your thoughts and I will share them with all of us. Let’s help each other and stop the suicide epidemic we have in our department by seeking help when depression sets in.
Please send an email or, if you prefer, send me an anonymous letter (either way I will not use names) at FOP or to Area Central Detective Division: Detective Jerry Cruz, Area Central Detective Division, 5101 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60609. Be CPD STRONG!
In February’s article, I wrote about No-Fee City of Chicago Vehi-
R
MILITARY
R
y
e
ec
cor
ord
R
R
di
E
E
in
n
P
P
g
gS
O
Se
e
c
cr
re
et
t
a
ar
r
y
COMMITTEE
O
R
RT
Report
T
JERRY CRUZ
On the Job, or New to the Job?
We Can Help You with a Uniform Loan for your Uniforms and Special Equipment!
Become a Member of CMECU today: Apply for a $6,000 loan at 4.99%-9.00% APR Based on your credit score
Easy monthly payments of $159 or less for 48 months with Direct Deposit!
For further information on becoming a Member and applying for a loan, please call, email or visit us in person or online:
Visit our Branch: Chicago PD Headquarters, 3510 S. Michigan Ave. 312-236-2326 www.cmecuonline.org
People Helping People. Serving The City of Chicago Since 1926
Savings * Checking * Loans * Investments * Insurance * Business Accounts
24 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ APRIL 2019