PPOA Week in Review: March 11, 2023

Support for 'Prepare for the Unexpected' Event

March 5: PPOA was proud to participate in and financially assist the Prepare for the Unexpected seminar last Sunday. Approximately 40 department members and spouses attended the seminar designed to help LASD families plan for unexpected events and engage in tough yet necessary conversations. Participants learned about benefits, beneficiaries, what to do upon a spouse’s death, and how LASD, PPOA, ALADS, and Sheriff’s Relief Association assist during, and after, tragedies. Board Member Tony Romo participated as a guest speaker on behalf of PPOA.

Meeting with Members at Sergeant Supervisory School

March 6: PPOA representatives met with 35 LASD Sergeants during their first day of Supervisory School at STARS Center to answer questions and discuss their crucial roles on the Department. Participants from PPOA included President Nancy Escobedo, Board Member Tony Romo, Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr., Labor Rep. Teresa O'Neil and staff.

Discussion with Sheriff Luna

March 7: PPOA President Nancy Escobedo met with Sheriff Luna via teleconference to discuss the report and recommendations of the Special Counsel to the Civilian Oversight Commission (COC) regarding 'law enforcement gangs.' All parties agreed to work collaboratively to address issues identified by the COC and other reports.

PPOA Board of Directors Meeting:

Board Member Rhodes Resigns, Supervisor Barger Visits

March 8: The monthly PPOA Board of Directors meeting was hosted in San Dimas on Wednesday. Directors in attendance included President Nancy Escobedo, 1st Vice President Jay Chapman, 2nd Vice President Tony Coleman, Secretary Chris Lee, Treasurer Joyce Kato, and Board Members Gerry Garcia, Tab Rhodes, Tony Romo, Jose Salgado, Jim Schallert, and Joe Walker.

During this meeting, Board Member Rhodes announced that his retirement from County service is set for the end of March and submitted his resignation as a PPOA Director. The Board expressed their gratitude for Rhodes' 11 years of dedication as a board member, including three years of invaluable leadership as PPOA President. Information about the vacant Unit 612 seat will be forthcoming.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger visited during the board meeting to thank PPOA for endorsing her re-election campaign and to engage in discussions about issues impacting PPOA members. Supervisor Barger represents the 5th District, is married to a retired LASD Deputy, and is an ardent supporter of public safety.

Special Election Announced for PPOA Board Seat

March 10: The Unit 615 seat on the PPOA Board of Directors is vacant due to the February 2023 resignation of Commander Joel Barnett. Per PPOA By-Laws, the Unit 615 seat is open to Captains and Commanders, irrespective of Department. Board nominating petitions were mailed (via USPS) to PPOA members in Unit 615 yesterday. Captains and Commanders are encouraged to check mailboxes over the next few days.

Custody Assistant Class 108 Graduation

March 10: The graduation ceremony for Custody Assistant Class 108 was hosted at STARS Center yesterday and 2nd Vice President/Custody Assistant Tony Coleman was honored to represent PPOA at this event. Congratulations to every member of Class 108 for the teamwork and dedication required to complete the academy and begin promising new careers with the Sheriff's Department.

Click here to view photos from the graduation.

Fraternal Order of Police News Update

PPOA members have long benefitted from our longtime affiliation with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the world's largest organization of law enforcement officers, with more than 364,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges nationwide. All active PPOA members are part of California FOP Lodge 1.

Important news regarding FOP membership for retired PPOA members: When a sworn PPOA member retires and wishes to reactivate his/her FOP member benefits, the following step must be taken:

To reactivate your membership as a retired peace officer, you will need to pay FOP annual dues of $40 for 2023. To do so, please send an email to the FOP Lodge 1 Secretary: wmwestermann@sbcglobal.net. Be sure to include your full name and advise you are a retired PPOA member requesting membership with FOP.

Please make it a point to check out Washington Watch — a weekly update provided by the National FOP. We encourage PPOA members to stay up to date on the legislative news and activity impacting public safety personnel nationwide.

Click here to read this week's Washington Watch.