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Recording Secretary’s Report
A tragedy and a life gone too soon
What a tragic end to an already prosperous and beautiful life. Ella French will be in our hearts and minds forever. She was stolen from us too soon. She embodied what Chicago cops are: caring, compassionate, strong, fair, funny and intelligent. We must rally behind the life of Officer French and continue to fight against evil and criminal behav- ior. Ella fought the good fight to keep her partners and citizens safe. Let’s continue that fight and keep her spirit with us.
I also heard a story of Ella meeting an adult with special needs at a social function. This person was very appreciative and happy that Ella was friendly and good to him during their interaction. She made such an impression on him that he wanted to make sure he received one of her memorial cards. Remember, what you say in life matters, but what you do in life matters even more.
Officer Carlos Yanez Jr. and his family are going to need our continued support. And let us continue to support our broth- er in any way we can. Let us not forget about our brother Josh. He is a hero and survivor of a horrendous tragedy also, and he will need our support. If you or any one of our members needs any help, please reach out to me or anyone at the Lodge. We are here for you. I mean it.
Lodge 7 Military and Buddy Check Day event
The FOP Lodge 7 Military Committee is hosting a Military and Buddy Check Day on Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our hall, 1412 W. Washington Blvd. All Lodge 7 members, active and retired, are invited. It is an event that includes many ven- dors in the health and wellness professions to best serve our membership. We also have the privilege of having Medal of Honor recipient James McCloughan as our keynote speaker. So again: All members from Lodge 7, come on by. We want to see you. It is an event you do not want to miss.
No bid, no good
When fielding more than a few calls for questions for those officers on management, I hear, “Why am I getting moved around to a different watch?” “How long can they keep me on this new watch?” “Why are they doing this now?”
When you are on management, you give the employer the right to move you around. No steady watch, no steady assign- ment. There is nothing in our contract that prohibits the De- partment from moving a management option officer to an- other watch on change day.
The Department can keep you on the management option in your district/unit until you become a successful bidder for a watch. The Department does this to achieve balance on the different watches when there are shortages. That usual- ly means midnights are short, so that is where you would be headed.
Remember to fill in all four options on your watch bid slip this November. You don’t want your scheduled fate in the De- partment’s hands. They will put you where they want you, not where you want to be.
Better to bid than no bid.
Contact Rob Noceda at rnoceda@chicagofop.org.
SAVE THE DATE
Lodge 7 Military and Buddy Check Day event
Sept. 23
9 a.m.-4 p.m. FOP Hall
Active and retired members who have served in the military, as well as all members, are invited to check their health and wellness with businesses and services Lodge 7 has invited and enjoy a day especially for them.
ROB NOCEDA
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ SEPTEMBER 2021 13