Message From The President
By David Willis Jr.

Brother and Sisters, as we attempt to finish collecting the 2004 dues many people put the following questions to me: “Why should I join the FOP?” or “Why should I stay a member?” “What does the FOP do for me?” and “What do I get out of the FOP?” Here are a few reasons:

Not withstanding that the FOP is the largest police organization with over 310,000 members and growing, lobbyists are in Washington working for you and me. Also, a portion of our dues goes to the state and national FOP to support our causes and concerns.

In 1999, State FOP President Kevin Sommers was appointed to the National Safety and Technology Committee, which he still sits on today. That Committee is currently investigating bulletproof vests made of Zylon, which have been failing well before their expiration date. This has resulted in the death of at least two officers for failing to stop a 9mm and a 40caliber round. They are also working with Ford Motor Company on the problem with the Ford Crown Vic’s exploding on rear impacts. These are small samples of the causes the FOP works on that effect all of us.

Some of the other things the FOP is doing in Michigan: Donates annually to the Special Olympics, sponsors the 8th grade essay program, started the “kids don’t go with strangers” program, secured a $25,000 death benefit for officers killed in the line of duty in Michigan, working closely with MCOLES, and in 1969 secured passage of P.A. 312, the right for binding arbitration.

On the National level the FOP is working on the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, which will allow all police officers, active or retired, to carry a firearm in any state. But sadly, one of the things most important to me, is in May of every year, the FOP goes to Washington DC to honor all the men and women killed in the line of duty. Last year during some research, I discovered I had a cousin that was killed in Ohio, Green Willis who is now on the wall in Washington D.C. I could go on and on about what the FOP is doing, and has done for me as a Law Enforcement Officer, so please think when its time to pay your yearly dues or recruiting members in to the largest police organization, your membership counts for us all.

Fraternally Yours

Your 2004 Executive Board

President David Willis Jr.

Past President Thomas Willhite

Vice President Dan Heythaler

Secretary Matt Pecha

Treasurer Dennis Tomlian

Sgt-at-Arms Bill Mangan

Retiree-at-Large Bill Balfour

Trustee Thomas Scherer

Trustee Leroy Hoffman

Trustee Ed Morisette

Associate-at-Large Matt Ziolkowski

Chaplain Louis Perreca

Your 2004 Executive Board being sworn in by State FOP President Kevin Summers.

Pictured from L-R: State FOP President Kevin Summers, Thomas Scherer, Bill Balfour, Dennis Tomlian, Matt Pecha, Bill Mangan, David Willis Jr. and Dan Heythaler.

From the Executive Board

The following is a list of our members who are eligible for a Gold Card from our lodge. If your name does not appear on this list and you think it should, please contact the Lodge Secretary immediately. If your name does appear on this list please attempt to make the May 5th meeting.

Dennis Rickert     Mike Convery     Robert Anderson     Jeff Benoit     Max Patrick

Roger Benedict     Gerald Nichiow

Secretary’s Report
By Matt Pecha

I had a chance to look everything over since the election and I’m happy to report a few things. We raised our bonding to $75,000.00 due to anticipated revenue this year. Our membership stands still at 290 regulars and 40 associates or near that, since we have a few members who have not paid there 2004 dues at the time I’m writing this. Remember that our lodge address has changed to Central Macomb Lodge 187 P.O. Box 480487, Hew Haven, MI 48048.

Treasurer’s Report
By Dennis Tomlian

I want to thank everyone who voted in the recent election. I am very pleased with the turnout for the election. The transition is going very well thanks to the former treasurer Al Beindit who has been a great help to me. The books appear to be in excellent shape and our finances are increasing, but we must be conservative in our spending so we can attain our future goals. I would like to remind everyone that the 50/50 raffle generates a lot of income so I would urge everyone to take a book of ten to sell. The purchase of the tickets helps the lodge with needed income for the future. Thank you for your support. May you and your family have a safe and prosperous year.

****REMEMBER****

This will be your last newsletter and you will be dropped from membership in the lodge if your dues are not received by March 3rd, 2004.

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The Executive Board would like to thank the following two members:

Tom Ostin for offering to stay on as the Raffle Chairman.

Keith Ray for offering to stay on as Golf Outing Chairman.

FRATERNAL ORDER 0F POLICE
LODGE #187
2nd Annual Golf Outing
Friday August 27, 2004

Check In 8:00am   Shotgun Start 9:30pm

Four Person Scramble
Cost $125.00 Per Golfer

Cracklewood Golf Club
18215 24 Mile Road
Macomb Twp

Cost Includes: 18 Holes of Golf With A Cart
Full Breakfast-Lunch-Steak Dinner
Beer & Soft Drinks Served On The Course
Cocktails In The Club House From 2:30pm To 5:30pm
Every Golfer Gets A Door Prize

For Tickets or Additional Information before August 4th, 2004:

Officer Keith Ray (Afternoons)
Dennis Tomlian
President David Willis (Days)

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