PPOA Week in Review - Feb. 3, 2024

End of Watch:

RON CURLIS

Longtime PPOA Delegate/Retired Civilian Investigator

We were very saddened to learn of the passing of longtime PPOA delegate and retired Civilian Investigator Ron Curlis on January 25, 2024. In addition to his dedication as a union delegate and LA County employee, Ron selflessly volunteered in a number of capacities, including as a reserve deputy, a PPOA contract negotiations team member, and more. He retired from the Sheriff's Department in 2016 and made it a point to visit with fellow union members at the PPOA Retiree Luncheon and Labor Day BBQ every year.

PPOA extends our sincere condolences to the Curlis family and all of Ron's friends throughout the Department.

Support for Department of Medical Examiner Personnel During Recognition Week

January 31: PPOA was honored to bring our BBQ trailer to the LA County Department of Medical Examiner to provide lunch in acknowledgement of the diligent work of our members at that location, including PPOA Executive Board Member/Coroner Investigator Joyce Kato.

National Coroner/Medicolegal Recognition Week is observed annually during the last week of January.

Funeral for LASD Sergeant Danilo Castaneda Jr.

January 31: Family members of Sergeant Danilo Castaneda Jr. gathered with his friends and colleagues to pay final respects to the 23-year Sheriff's Department veteran, who passed unexpectedly on January 2, 2024.

Sergeant Castaneda was assigned to Norwalk Station after promoting in January 2023. His past assignments included Carson Station and Training Bureau. The well-respected mentor and trainer was 46 years old and is survived by his wife.

PPOA President Steve Johnson, Board Member Kevin Ahsmuhs and Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr. attended the memorial services at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove.

Support for Custody Assistant Class 110

January 31: PPOA 2nd Vice President/Custody Assistant (C.A.) Tony Coleman visited Biscailuz Center to speak with members of C.A. Class 110 two days prior to their graduation. Topics of discussion included conduct, expectations, preparedness, career survival, media reports and overtime.

Meet and Confer with LASD Executives

January 31: PPOA representatives took part in a Meet and Confer with LASD executives on Wednesday to continue discussions about the MPP proposed revision of the Use of Force Policy. Additional meetings regarding this issue will be scheduled.

Meeting participants from PPOA included President Steve Johnson, Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr. and union legal counsel.

District Attorney Bureau of Investigation Promotional Ceremony

February 1: PPOA representatives were proud to attend the LA County District Attorney Bureau of Investigation (LADABOI) promotional ceremony for five supervisors, including PPOA 1st Vice President/LADABOI Lieutenant Jay Chapman. Congratulations to all of you on this significant milestone in your dedicated careers.

President Steve Johnson and Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr. attended the ceremony on behalf of PPOA.

Graduation for Custody Assistant Class 110

February 2: The graduation ceremony for Custody Assistant Class 110 was hosted at East Los Angeles College yesterday. Second Vice President/Custody Assistant Tony Coleman and President Steve Johnson represented PPOA at this event.

Congratulations to every member of Class 110 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 ceremony.

Fraternal Order of Police News Update

PPOA members have long benefitted from our affiliation with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the world's largest organization of law enforcement officers, with more than 368,000 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 2024. To do so, please send an email to the FOP Lodge 1 Secretary at wmwestermann@sbcglobal.net

Please make it a point to check out Washington Watch — a weekly news 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.