We were profoundly saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Custody Assistant Arturo Guzman. PPOA extends our deepest condolences to his family and his colleagues throughout the Sheriff's Department.

The well-respected mentor and trainer was 46 years old and is survived by his wife. PPOA extends sincere condolences to Sergeant Castaneda's family and colleagues throughout the Department.

January 2: PPOA Legislative Committee members hosted a teleconference with our Sacramento legislative representatives — Lang, Hansen, Giroux and Kidane — for the monthly discussion about legislative proposals in the current 2023-2024 session that potentially impact PPOA members and public safety employees statewide.

PPOA has a proven track record of impactful legislative strategies that stretches back more than 50 years and has dramatically improved the rights and benefits of generations of PPOA members.

January 3: PPOA participated in a Custody Joint Labor Management Committee (LMC) meeting with LASD representatives to discuss issues impacting PPOA members assigned to Custody Division. Topics included Custody Assistant statistics, vacancies, pending academy classes for 2024 and more. These Custody LMC meetings are the result of contract negotiations between PPOA and the Sheriff's Department, as outlined in Article 26 of the Unit 621 Memorandum of Understanding.

January 3: PPOA representatives took part in a Meet and Confer with LASD executives on Wednesday to discuss the MPP proposed revision of the Use of Force Policy. Additional meetings regarding this issue will be scheduled.

January 4: PPOA representatives proudly welcomed 36 newly-promoted LASD Sergeants to this Association on Thursday. The Department's newest supervisors reported to the Sherman Block Building in Monterey Park to pick up their new badges and credentials and were joined by President Steve Johnson and PPOA staff members in order to answer questions and ensure the Sergeants would be protected by union representation. They will begin reporting to new assignments tomorrow and will soon be scheduled to attend their two-week Sergeant Supervisory School.

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