DEPUTY THOMAS ALBANESE
End of Watch: February 25, 2021
On Thursday morning, we received the heart-wrenching news of the tragic, line-of-duty death of Deputy Thomas Albanese. The 41-year old motor deputy was killed in a traffic collision with a vehicle at an intersection in Lakewood shortly before 9:00 a.m.

"Deputy Albanese demonstrated his commitment to provide public safety right up to his final moment and his loss will have a profound effect on the Sheriff's Department and the communities he served." said PPOA President Tab Rhodes. "Our thoughts immediately turn to his wife and children as we express our deepest condolences for their unimaginable loss."

As a lifelong public servant, Deputy Albanese was a highly decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served four tours in Iraq before beginning his career with the Sheriff's Department in 2013 as a Security Assistant. He then promoted to Security Officer before ultimately promoting to Deputy Sheriff in 2015. His last assignment was as a Pico Rivera Station Motor Deputy although he was working overtime at Lakewood Station when the tragic accident took place.

Deputy Albanese is survived by his wife and two sons, ages 7 and 11. We ask that you please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
PPOA Objects to DA Gascon's Request for Brady List Info
Yesterday, PPOA sent an email to all members regarding our objection to recent efforts from District Attorney George Gascon to collect confidential Brady List information about law enforcement officers. This ill-advised move from D.A. Gascon is not only inappropriate but very discouraging as it relates to collaboration between the District Attorney and law enforcement organizations.

LA County Federation of Labor Meeting
February 22: PPOA representatives joined fellow LA County Federation of Labor members for a "House of Labor" teleconference on Monday. Participants from PPOA included President Tab Rhodes, Executive Board Member Robert Maus, Board Member Jim Blankenship and Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr.

The County Fed is comprised of more than 300 unions and labor organizations, representing more than 800,000 members.
PPOA Delegates/Custody Assistants Meeting
February 22: PPOA Executive Board Member Tony Coleman hosted a Zoom meeting for union delegates who are Custody Assistants on Monday evening. Topics of discussion included CCWs, position review, station jailer vacancies, safety equipment, contracts and more.
PPOA Delegates Meeting
February 23: PPOA hosted a Zoom video conference for delegates on Tuesday evening. More than 50 members participated in the meeting and topics of discussion included Measure J, salary contracts, transfer lists, promotions, potential by-law amendments and more. PPOA Attorney Jim Cunningham also spoke about COVID-19 issues impacting members. Meeting participants from PPOA included President Tab Rhodes, Vice President Ryan Vienna and Board Members Tony Coleman, Jim Blankenship, Henry Jimenez, Joyce Kato and Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr.
Coalition of County Unions Meeting
February 24: 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 regarding the CCU partnering with SEIU 721 to evaluate and discuss a request for proposals regarding County-sponsored medical 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 impactinCounty employees and their families. 

Sheriff Discusses Current Events
February 24: Sheriff Alex Villanueva hosted a Facebook live stream on Wednesday to discuss current events, including crime stats, CCW permits and the accident involving Tiger Woods.

COVID-19 Conference With PPOA Legal Team
February 25: 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.
Law Enforcement Technician Class Study
February 25: PPOA board and staff members met with representatives from the Sheriff's Department, County CEO's Office, Employee Relations and Personnel to discuss the ongoing Law Enforcement Technician (LET) classification study. The meeting was led by PPOA Board Member/LET Jim Blankenship. PPOA President Rhodes, Executive Director Quint and LASD Chief Eli Vera also participated. Substantial progress is being made with draft job specification documents currently being reviewed by all parties.

All parties will meet again next month for regularly scheduled next month.

LET Class Study Background: Upon recommendation from the LET Labor Management Committee (a byproduct of contract negotiations between PPOA, County and LASD), the CEO Classification Division is conducting a review of the staffing and classification concept, standards and duties of LETs throughout the department. For more information about the studyclick here to read "The Quest for Equality and Reform for LETs" by PPOA Board Member Jim Blankenship.
PPOA Member in Need of Support
Law Enforcement Technician Kira Donahue, assigned to Lomita Station, has been off work for an extended leave due to health-related reasons. She has exhausted all of her time and is in desperate need of time donations. If you are a represented employee and in a position to donate time, she 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.
PPOA Members: We Need Your Input
In 2020, we all learned to adapt to significant changes and challenges. As expected, a unique set of issues has already emerged for 2021 and we want to ensure you are kept up to date on the latest news and updates affecting PPOA members.

Tomorrow, we will email a brief survey to PPOA members in order to better understand how you prefer to receive communication from your union. Please keep an eye out for that email and thank you in advance for your valued input.

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