DEPUTY PEDRO ROMO
End of Watch: Feb 14, 2021
We were deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of Deputy Pedro "Pete" Romo on Sunday. The 26-year LASD veteran succumbed to COVID-19 related medical complications and, as you can imagine, his family is in shock and heartbroken. Deputy Romo was a stellar husband, father, partner and friend who will be deeply missed. Please consider supporting his wife Natalie and their three children during this time of need. Click here for more info.
Support for Family of Sergeant Jaime Arakawa
As the men and women of the LA County Sheriff's Department mourn three COVID-related losses of LASD veterans in a nine-day span, it is incumbent upon all of us to support the families of the fallen. On Monday, PPOA President Tab Rhodes had the somber yet honorable privilege of meeting with the family of Sergeant Jaime Arakawa (EOW: 2/8/21) to express condolences on behalf of PPOA and present financial support from the union.

A few days later (Thursday), Sergeant Arakawa's family, friends and LASD brothers and sisters helped escort the 25-year LASD veteran for his journey from the hospital to the mortuary (photo below). Please continue to keep the Arakawa family in your thoughts and prayers.
Photo courtesy of Honor Our Fallen Facebook page
SERGEANT ARMANDO MENESES
End of Watch - Feb. 16, 2021
Hearts have been very heavy this week as the many friends and loved ones of Sergeant Armando Meneses mourn his passing due to COVID-19 complications. Sergeant Meneses
was a PPOA member with nearly a quarter century of dedicated public service to Los Angeles County. He was also a U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm. Sergeant Meneses was a devoted husband and father and we ask that you please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Coalition of County Unions Meeting
February 16: PPOA Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr. joined fellow representatives from the Coalition of County Unions (CCU) on Tuesday for a follow-up teleconference to last week's discussion about County-sponsored health plans. 

The CCU collectively represents more than 30,000 union members employed by the County of Los Angeles and is their unified voice on County-wide matters such as health insurance, vacation pay, retirement, and other issues impacting County employees and their families. 

New Issue of Star & Shield Hits Mailboxes
February 16: The February/March issue of Star & Shield magazine began arriving in mailboxes on Tuesday. Inside, you'll find: 
  • Can Political Extremism Jeopardize a Career? (Yes)
  • Public Safety and the 2028 Olympic Games in LA
  • Getting Mentally Ready for Retirement
  • Financial tips from POPA Federal Credit Union
Virtual 'Meet & Greet' with LADA Bureau of Investigation Chief
February 17: PPOA representatives took part in a virtual 'meet and greet' with the newly-appointed LADA Bureau of Investigation Chief Robert Arcos as well as Deputy Chief Kris Carter and DA Chief Administrative Officer Dorinne Jordan. Participants from PPOA included President Tab Rhodes, Executive Board Member/LADA Lieutenant Robert Maus and Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr.
California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations Meeting
February 17: President Rhodes joined fellow representatives of the Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations (CCLEA) for a teleconference on Wednesday to discuss the significance of California's upcoming legislative session.

CCLEA is the state's largest law enforcement organization, representing more than 40 police associations and 150,000 peace officers. For more information, visit CCLEA.ORG
Sheriff Discusses Current Events
February 17: Sheriff Alex Villanueva hosted a Facebook live stream on Wednesday to discuss current events including crime stats, COVID vaccinations, SGT/LT promotions and more .

Exercise Equipment Delivered to Unit Gyms
February 17-18: In an effort to support members, PPOA's Star & Shield Foundation teamed up with New Life Cardio Equipment (NLCE) to secure a limited number of treadmills and ellipticals each year for employee gyms. The machines are purchased by the Star & Shield Foundation at discounted pricing and delivered by PPOA to units in need of new machines. On Wednesday, PPOA donated and delivered treadmills to the gyms at Walnut Station and ICIB. Two more treadmills were delivered the following day to Antelope Valley Court and the Sherman Block building. PPOA has also arranged for NLCE to extend special PPOA pricing to any member interested in purchasing cardio equipment for personal use at home. Call Jason at New Life Cardio for more info: (323) 345-7216.
COVID-19 Conference With PPOA Legal Team
February 18: PPOA hosted its weekly legal meeting on Thursday in order for President Rhodes, Executive Director Quint, Sr. Labor Rep. Venise Wallace, Labor Rep. Teresa O'Neil, Intake Representative Kevin Thompson and PPOA attorneys to address and analyze COVID-19 issues impacting PPOA members.
Fraternal Order of Police
February 19: Click here to read the latest biweekly news update from the California Fraternal Order of Police (CAFOP). 

PPOA is a proud member of California FOP Lodge 1, which represents public safety organizations throughout Los Angeles County. The statewide CAFOP is comprised of 30 lodges with 17,000 members.
PPOA Member in Need of Support
Public Response Dispatcher II Eric Patton, assigned to Communications and Fleet Management Bureau, has been on extended leave due to a serious medical condition. He has exhausted all of his time. In order to ensure his medical benefits continue, he is requesting leave donations. If you are a represented employee and in a position to donate time, he would be extremely grateful. Employees must have an excess of 160 hours to donate sick time, however, you can also donate vacation time. Donating sick time will not affect your ability to be compensated for sick buy back. Anyone wishing to donate time should complete an "authorization to donate leave-represented employee" form and submit it to the unit timekeeper. If you have questions, please contact OAIII Wendy Cole at (323) 881-8005.
Sanitizer Replenishments Delivered to Units
In order to help members and their coworkers remain healthy and safe, PPOA staff members delivered individual-use bottles of hand sanitizer to 11 different units throughout the county over the last few weeks. Special thanks to PPOA members who help distribute these sanitizers to personnel at each location.
A Battle for LA's Best Chili:
Help Support Youth Groups Associated with LASD, LAPD & LAFD

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