Page 9 - November 2015

Commitment to service
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
RAY CASIANO, JR.
Brothers and Sisters, all of us chose the career path in law enforcement understanding that it was a commitment to serving others for the greater good. We also have members among us that, in the past and present, have taken the same dedication and commitment in joining the military, serving our country and earning them the distinction of “Veteran.”
Thankfully many of our comrades returned home safe and joined us once again in patrolling the city streets. Unfortunately, because of the harsh realities of war, not everyone returns the same, or at all. There are many similarities between our Veterans that serve our country and our members that patrol our city streets. We are certain of our duties leaving roll call and the cause we are to serve, but we don’t know if and when we’ll return at the end of our watch. We are a special breed with a degree of separation from the rest, as we stand guard giving them the security to rest. In honor of Nov. 11,, a day that once marked the end of World War I and in later years became to be known as Veterans Day, as a proud U.S. Marine Veteran, I wish you a Happy Veterans Day and, for my fellow Teufell-Hundens (Devil Dogs),
Happy 240th Birthday.
Far From Fetal
In October, there were concerns from our members about what the mayor may or may not have said as reported by several media outlets. President Angelo responded to the concerns and defended the membership working to keep our City safe. I know first-hand that our members working the streets are not fetal, as was the case on the morning of Oct. 4 in the 11th District, where I responded as a Field Representative for several officers involved in a shooting. Their response to a citizen calling for help was everything but fetal. These officers worked as a team as they stacked themselves in a stairwell to gain entry to an apartment to save a woman’s life when time was not a luxury. At some point, these officers found themselves face-to-face with an armed offender that would not stand down. The officers, in defense of their own lives, and to save the woman inside the apartment from further life-threating injuries, were forced to shoot and stopped the threat. It’s without a doubt that these officers’ actions saved that woman’s life.
I finished that call later, when another call came in from officers working in the 25th District. These officers went after an armed offender who made the mistake of pointing a revolver at them. Shots were fired by the police and the offender was apprehended. Brothers and Sisters, we are not fetal nor do we stand down. Instead, we stand up in the face of danger to protect those who can’t. Why? Because it’s our job.
Medical Corner
“Bedside manner” refers to a way a patient is treated by medical staff, usually by doctors or nurses. Nurses are to be attentive and caring and have the patient’s best interests at heart. You may be wondering where I’m going with this. Well, last month it was bought to my atten- tion that nurses at the Medical Services Section (MSS) have been short on bedside manners, and are bothered with our members going into the MSS for IOD recurrence referrals.
In one case, the member almost forfeited rights under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by going outside of the IOD recurrence process for treatment. Being frustrated with the inattention from the nurse, the member was willing to go on non-IOD medical. It was explained that the nurse’s demeanor changed and became more pleasant, since this meant less work was needed.
If you believe that an injury may be from a previous IOD, do not go through your own health care insurance. Immediately contact your unit to be placed on IOD recurrence and report to the medical section for a referral. I was concerned about this on many levels, considering that the nurse in question is also a Lodge member. I contacted the medicalsectionandMLAS anddemandedthatourmembersbegiven their referral.
It was by chance that I came across this situation; my intervention afforded this member the use of the benefits secured under our con- tract. It goes without saying that our members receive treatment as soon as possible without unnecessary delay for their own well-being and to restore a good quality of life to them.
Acknowledgment
Heroes behind the scenes play a major role in aiding us as we enter harm’s way. The heroes at the other end of our radios monitor our every move as they dispatch jobs. We may never meet them or see thematrollcall,butrestassuredtheyare partners.Wemayenterdark alleys as 99 Units with the comfort of knowing that we have someone to call for assistance when needed. They are as cool under pressure as we are in the middle of heated situations. As we are qualified with our firearms, they are skilled with their communication. Their hearts race as we are on foot chases. It is no secret by that I am referring to, our dis- patchers.
I would like to salute them all, but especially dispatchers Karen Gesi- akowki and Minka Giles. On the morning of Oct. 4, they assisted 11th District officer responding to a call of a domestic where shots were fired. They were able to provide details and remained calm during intense moments. They kept the airways clear of traffic and brought in the necessary back-up for our members and medical attention. There is no doubt that their professionalism contributed to saving a woman’s life and bringing our officers home safely.
From all of us here at the Lodge, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2015 9