Page 33 - November 2019 FOP

Welcome Visit
President Trump makes bold statements on behalf of police officers during historic speech in Chicago
n BY MITCHELL KRUGEL
n PHOTOS BY FRANK ALATORRE, CPD NEWS AFFAIRS
Where were all the heads of state, elected officials and assort- ed dignitaries who typically and respectfully greet Air Force One when the president lands? Why did the receiving line at O’Hare on Oct. 28 when President Trump came to keynote at the Inter- national Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in- clude only Secret Service and Chicago Lodge 7 President Kevin Graham?
The president descended the Air Force One steps anticipat- ing seeing the Lodge 7 leader. He had communicated with the National FOP prior to the conference, inquiring, “How is my friend in Chicago doing?” So National FOP President Pat Yoes set it up for Lodge 7 to be front and center when the president’s plane landed.
But when Graham stepped onto the tarmac, he realized was flying solo here. Save for twin sentries offering military salutes to. Trump, agents cleared the deck. Graham reached out to shake hands with the president like two old friends as much as an official welcoming to town.
Turns out, this moment was a harbinger of President Trump’s classified mission for coming to Chicago. He would eventually conclude his hour-long speech at IACP by signing the execu- tive order convening the Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice to address many issues plaguing policing in the 21st century. But the president also stated vo- ciferous and direct support for Chicago Police Officers in his inimitable style that was as firm as the grip he laid on Graham.
politics of the president – realize that Lodge 7 was front and center with the White House on that day,” Graham assessed. “A day like that has a reinforcing effect when so many politicians have not supported us. It was nice to see the president recog- nize us for the effort we put forth every day.”
The president didn’t stop recognizing Chicago Police Officers even four days following his visit. In the highest form of rec- ognition he offers, Trump sent out a tweet on Nov. 1, praising, “Thank you to Kevin Graham and all the GREAT Chicago Po- lice Officers I just had the privilege to meet. Tremendous crime fighting potential if allowed to do your thing!”
The first sign of what the president was about to do on be-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
“I think all members of FOP – whether they like or dislike the
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2019 33