Page 10 - December 2020

ThirdVice President’s Report
Lay low and stay off the radar
First off, I hope you and your families are healthy and safe.
With that said, let me give you a scenario. You are informed by your watch lieutenant that your sergeant will be driving you down to IAD. More than likely, you are going to be stripped. If you would like a union rep to go with you, please notify the Lodge and ask for one.
We understand that this is a very unsettling sit- uation to be in and that having a person on your side can make this process go a little easier. You will bring in your shield, your ID and your star, which will be turned over to the Department and inventoried. You will also fill out some paperwork. The paperwork is not an admission of guilt; it is just your acknowledgement of the proceedings. You will be issued a temporary Department photo ID and be told to notify Unit 376 that you will be reporting there soon. It is your responsibility to notify Unit 376. Let them know which watch you would prefer
to be on, and they will try to accommodate you if possible.
I know it’s a crappy situation to be in, having been in that trick bag a couple of times myself. But when whoever is with you tells you to be respectful, don’t ask any questions and above all don’t be argumentative or confrontational, they are telling you this
for a reason.
Recently, I was with a member at IAD when he was being
stripped. Prior to us speaking with the IAD sergeant, I advised to the member to be quiet, get your paperwork, fill it out and let’s get out. Well, the officer did not take my advice. He became agitated and confrontational towards the sergeant, who then said to him, “So far, the only allegations you have are the ones which you have been presented with. Let’s keep it that way.” I had to ask the sergeant for a moment in private with the officer, and the sergeant obliged. I told the officer point blank that he should “shut up, fill out the paperwork and let us get the hell outta here.” The sergeant returned, and we finished what we had to do.
Whether you believe that the process you are going through is not fair or is just B.S. does not really matter. You will not help your cause by digging yourself into a deeper hole that you may not be able to get out of. The only consolation in this mess is that as long as the 1st and the 16th keep coming, you are getting paid and you still have a job. Trust me, it beats the alternative. Lay low and stay off the radar. Don’t be your own worst enemy.
Remember, you are not alone. If you need someone to listen to you, someone to talk to, we are here to help. Some us have been through the darkness you are going through right now; we’ve been where you are. Please reach out to us or to someone you trust. May God bless you and keep you and your families and loved ones healthy and safe.
FERNANDO FLORES
10 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2020