Page 31 - September 2019 FOP Newsletter

Unprecedented support from Washington D.C., for law enforcement officers came when U.S. Attorney General William Barr (left) and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise addressed the conference.
Messages delivered
Hayes added that he first got involved with the FOP 10 years ago when, after getting burned by some bosses, he questioned, “Who’s protecting me?” It was then that he started seeing how “the FOP is fighting for us every day.” So he was among the many who stood up and applauded repeatedly in New Orleans as comments came down from the podium to the conference floor about the results of that fight.
One of the most motivational and inspirational communica- tions came from the White House. President Trump did not at- tend, but he sent a greeting to be read that reaffirmed his com- mitment to law enforcement.
“The efforts of FOP members ensure that those who honor- ably pledge to serve and protect our communities receive the benefits and attention they deserve,” the president’s statement acknowledged. “I proudly stand with the men and women in blue, and my administration is resolute to supporting America’s law enforcement officers in our shared commitment to the rule of law.”
New Orleans is, of course, famous for its cuisine, and the con- ference crested with some home cooking. Cantrell wowed Chi- cago Lodge 7 delegates with comments that made them realize it is possible for a mayor to support a city’s police (see story on page 36).
And then Steve Scalise, the congressman from Louisiana’s first district that includes parts of New Orleans, perpetuated the standing ovations by recounting the response of U.S. Cap- itol Police officers who saved his life when a shooter attacked members of the Republican congressional baseball team at a practice field in June 2017. The telling of the story filled the con- vention center with goosebumps, as did the tribute he made to law enforcement.
“It’s an honor for me to be here today in front of everybody’s front line. You are our true heroes,” Scalise announced. “Every one of us on that ball field lived that day because of the brave work of the women and men in uniform. I personally want to thank you for what you do to risk your lives, and I will continue to work with the FOP as the Republican whip in Congress doing work to make sure you get the tools you need.”
Beyond Scalise’s declaration, the conference was repeatedly abuzz over how the FOP’s legislative influence has grown. The presence has contributed to the passage of some very signifi- cant federal legislation, including H.R. 218, the Law Enforce- ment Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), which exempts qualified ac- tive and retired law enforcement officers from local and state
Past Lodge 7 and past National FOP President John Dineen offered one of his renowned motivational and informational speeches when he took the podium to address the conference.
prohibitions on the carrying of concealed firearms while off duty across state lines. The National FOP also has been active in generating funding for the Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) program, the Hometown Heroes Act pension exclusion and the bill to provide permanent funding for the 9/11 Victims’ Compensation Fund.
The pride that oozed throughout the convention center re- sulted from the way the FOP quickly responded to the Janus decision by deploying a task force, how the organization’s disas- ter relief efforts continue to grow and how funding continues to flow for Easterseals, its national charity of choice. Additional reaction buzzed on the final day of committee reports when the Officer Wellness Committee provided news about advancement in one of the underlying themes of the conference: officers’ mental health.
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CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ SEPTEMBER 2019 31