Page 8 - November 2020

First Vice President’s Report
Life-saving tools require regular maintenance
At the end of September, Lodge 7 hosted its yearly Gun Safety Days. This event is usually held in May, but with the uncertainty of COVID-19, it was post- poned. Thank you to all of the vendors that were able to come to help our members: Acme Sports–Sig Sauer (Tony Grootens, Dennis Carroll, Dean Hill), Smith & Wesson (Ken Paradise), Kiesler Police Sup- ply-Glock (Craig Villanova), Rock River Arms (Jim Peck), Ray O’Herron (Adam Hacklman). A special shout-out to Officer Sean Hayes from the Academy
Range for being our safety officer. Even with things being as they were, both days were a success for our members, whether they came in for a repair or just a cleaning.
As police officers, we come and go from work without giving much thought to our duty weapons. Having run the program for the first time this year, I became much more aware of the fact that something needs to be said for how we take care of the tools of our trade. Gun Safety Days are a way for our members to make sure our duty/off-duty weapons are in a fully functioning state. Our busy schedules and lives can lead to neglect of our firearms. It is a good practice to clean your firearm at least once every few weeks, more often during times of inclement weather. As the saying goes, the two loudest sounds when using a firearm are a click when it should go bang, and a bang when it should have gone click. I did not get to see every firearm brought in for inspection, but I did see more than a few that needed some extra care.
Several duty weapons brought in were not in good working
order, and several posed real problems for our armorers. In our line of work, our lives and the lives of our partners and citizens of this city may depend on the use of our firearms. Regular care and maintenance of our firearms are very important. Good main- tenance helps keep us comfortable in manipulating our firearms and can give us a heads-up if something needs to be fixed or re- placed.
I will not name names for the worst gun brought in, but I will say it was not an active P.O. Several active members did come in with weapons that were in less than working condition. This is un- acceptable and an issue that should be addressed more than once a year. I understand the constraints on the Department when it comes to training, but making sure your duty weapon is in work- ing order should be a priority and is your responsibility alone. Many officers told me this was the only time of the year they have their weapon cleaned. Again, not a good habit to have concerning something that can save your life.
The Gun Safety Days are held for you on behalf of the FOP and the wonderful vendors that help each year. These vendors show up year after year on their own time to ensure your firearms are in good working order. I cannot thank them enough for their hard work and dedication to our members. Next year I hope to see all of them again, along with a few new vendors as well. Remember, if you have any questions regarding the care and maintenance of your firearms, please contact any of the area ranges or the main range at the Academy.
As always, stay safe and watch out for each other.
MICHAEL METTE
8 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2020