Page 40 - December 2020

POINTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39
Noceda observed.
Noceda is prone to include inspirational sayings to empha-
size a point. In assessing the successes for the Lodge 7 leader- ship in 2020, he made a profound statement.
“Teamwork makes the FOP work,” Noceda declared.
An integral part of that team has been Gorman, whose experience as part of previous ad- ministrations has made him a voice of reason. He expounded on the teamwork
point. “Everyone
on the team
has something to offer, and we allow other peo- ple’s input,” Gor- man specified. “More importantly, John is the leader we needed at this time. John is the chief spokes- person, and he does not
back down.”
One of the great Lodge successes
of 2020 has been Catanzara speaking out as the voice of the cop- pers on the street. Nary a week has passed when he hasn’t been on TV or quoted in the news media standing up for members and advocating for improved working conditions. His team- mates admire the way he never stops thinking, trying to come up with something different for every situation.
“I think it’s his passion to make sure coppers are taken care of,” Lodge 7 Trustee David DiSanti asserted. “He has gone through some of the same trials and tribulations in his career as they have, and he wants to make sure they are protected from the City when they overstep their bounds.”
Looking ahead
All the incidents and accomplishments of 2020 give great rea- son to look ahead to 2021. Fitzpatrick related that in his latest visits to roll calls around the districts he has heard members are motivated and excited about the leadership speaking out on their behalf, and that has bred total confidence in the union.
Gorman revealed that Catanzara has even more ideas in store for 2021. He reiterated how that will enable the FOP to stand its ground against the City.
“We will win 2021,” Catanzara charged.
He envisions the growth of the Lodge presence might include finding a new location for FOP headquarters. There’s no doubt that the coming year will enhance the union as a force to be reckoned with on every level.
The 2020 Vision Team is emboldened in its vision for 2021.
“The vision is to strengthen our membership,” Noceda pro- fessed. “We’re fighting each day to do anything to help them day to day on the job.”
40 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2020