Page 14 - February 2016

14 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MARCH 2016
Patterns and practices
a date with an arbitrator to hear the case sometime during the upcoming summer months. The Lodge, along with attorneys from Baum Sigman, has met with several officers that were identified as key plaintiffs because of the level of documenta- tion they presented, as well as the specificities noted through- out their questionnaires. These officers’ responses were uniquely different from those of the earlier arbitration, which is exactly what we were looking for to move forward with this case. The Lodge will update when more information becomes available.
The print press
FIELD REPRESENTATIVE REPORT
The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, the group tasked with investigating the Chicago Police Department’s patterns and prac- tices, met with FOP members at the Lodge on Feb. 22. There were approximately 10 attorneys from the DOJ, as well as three subject-matter experts. The lead DOJ attorney, Deputy Chief Christy Lopez, stated that the investigation into the Chicago Police Department has been ruled a civil investigation and not a criminal one. This
was later reiterated by U.S Attorney Zach Fardon on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight. Lopez further stated that the DOJ investiga- tion is looking into policies regarding Department operations with emphasis on both the use of force and accountability.
I received a telephone call from retired Detective Bob Hehl, whom I had the pleasure of working with in Area One many years ago. Bob and I spoke about the anti-police movement that is sweeping the Chicago area. Both of us feel the media, especially the newspaper reporting, only fuels the fire on these baseless stories and warrantless claims. Furthermore, we talked about having the membership call the companies that advertise in these papers and point out that they only print one-sided, anti-police rhetoric in these rags. If any FOP mem- bers or family members know anyone that works for these companies, please point out that the local papers they adver- tise in notoriously publish one-sided stories in an effort to sell papers.
The DOJ will be attending roll calls across the city and will be requesting to ride along with various officers. We encourage members to utilize this opportunity to relay anything that you believe has made your job as a police officer more challenging. We encourage members to be candid and forthright about any training, equipment problems or any other issue that affects their job. The DOJ is here until this investigation is complete. Let’s make the most of their presence.
Desk Sergeant grievance
The (renewed) Desk Sergeant grievance is moving forward. Although progress has been very slow, the Lodge hopes to set
Here is a list of some of the companies we need to contact and share our discontent:
• Miracle Ear: 888-387-3068
• Four Seasons Heating: 773-648-2305
• Central Furniture: 773-486-7838
• Budget Construction: 773-283-9200
• Aron Bathtub Refinishing: 847-676-9310
• USA Vein Clinics: 847-983-6086
• Energy Saver Windows: 708-301-7426
• A-Consumer Heating: 773-778-4444
• Sherman Dodge: 800-411-1001
• Archway Home Remodeling: 888-662-4866
Brotherhood for the Fallen
The Brotherhood for the Fallen will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day Benefit on March 17 at Plumbers Local 130 Hall located at 1340 W. Washington from 6-11 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend this event and support an organization that does an amazing job supporting families of officers killed in the line of duty across the U.S. Food, refreshments and live entertainment will be on the agenda. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. I encourage everyone to attend and support this truly remarkable organization.
St. Jude stickers
If anyone is interested, I now have St. Jude stickers available for purchase. The stickers are $7 each. Please stop by the Lodge to pick one up, or contact me at 312-733-7776 or e-mail, tmc- donagh@chicagofop.org
To all my fellow Irish-American police officers, enjoy the high holy days in the month of March. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day. d
THOMAS MCDONAGH