PPOA Week in Review

Deputy Levi Vargas

End of Watch: March 28, 2026

PPOA received the tragic news that Deputy Levi Vargas died after suffering a medical emergency while competing in the Baker-to-Vegas relay on March 28, 2026. The 11-year department veteran began his LASD career as a Custody Assistant in 2015 and was assigned to San Dimas Station at the time of his passing. We express our sincere condolences to the Vargas family and all of Deputy Vargas' colleagues at this extremely difficult time.

Thousands Compete in Baker-to-Vegas Relay;

PPOA and ALADS Continue Partnership with LASD Homicide for Annual BBQ

March 28-29: PPOA members were among thousands of peace officers running 120 miles through the Mojave Desert last weekend. The Baker-to-Vegas Challenge Cup Relay brought together teams from agencies across the nation and a few from around the globe. We congratulate all of the athletes (click here to see unofficial race results ) and their invaluable support teams. We're also grateful to everyone who joined us after the race for the BBQ co-hosted by LASD Homicide Bureau, PPOA and ALADS.

PPOA representatives serving at the BBQ included President Steve Johnson, Board Treasurer Joyce Kato, and Board Members Vanessa Chow, Vardan Kasabyan, Noe Ramos, Melissa Rodriguez, as well as union staff.

PPOA Reps Join Hundreds of Friends at the LASD Retiree Roundup

March 29 - April 2: Four days flew by swiftly for more than 700 friends from all over the nation who rolled into Laughlin to reunite with fellow LASD retirees.

As always, PPOA representatives were honored to support and attend the LASD Retiree Roundup. We are grateful to Moon and Robyn Mullen and their dedicated team for hosting another impressive event.

The highlight of the Roundup for PPOA was hosting the annual Cigar Night on Tuesday and we're grateful to approximately 150 retirees who joined us for a memorable evening.

Click here to view photos from the Retiree Roundup.

Click here to view photos from the Cigar Night hosted by PPOA.

PPOA representatives at the Roundup included President Steve Johnson, Board Member/Retiree Representative Jim Schallert, Board Member Joe Walker, Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr. and union staff.

County Holiday Observance

March 30: The PPOA office was closed on Monday in honor of the County holiday. Farmworkers Day acknowledges justice, labor rights and community service.

Fraternal Order of Police Training Summit

March 30: President Steve Johnson joined fellow Fraternal Order of Police representatives at the Pathways to Excellence training summit on Monday. This education and empowerment event included specialized sessions on wellness, labor leadership, legal affairs, and more.

Meet and Confer re: Final Closure of Old LA County General Hospital

April 2: PPOA met with Department and County personnel to begin negotiating the impacts of the pending movement of County Services Bureau (CSB) and Access to Care Bureau (ACB). CSB and ACB presently use office/locker/parking spaces at the Los Angeles Medical Center-Old County General. The Department has been advised to vacate the Old County General and its parking spaces as construction will begin for a new health facility in 2026. All parties agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting to continue addressing this matter.

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

California Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation Board Meeting

April 2: President Steve Johnson joined fellow California Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation (CPOMF) directors for a board meeting to discuss enrollment of fallen officers, expansion of the memorial and final details for the upcoming ceremony on May 4, 2026.

Click here for more information about the California Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation.

Less Thank Two Weeks Remain to Apply for PPOA College Scholarships

PPOA Members:

Are You Registered for Union Elections?

Please be advised that all PPOA voting going forward will be conducted online. In order to cast electronic ballots, members need to complete a one-time registration. If you have not already done so, please click here to register.

Hundreds of PPOA members have registered in the last few months, but we still have a long way to go. Make sure you are eligible to vote online by registering today!

Fraternal Order of Police News Update

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 $48. To do so, please send an email to the FOP Lodge 1 Secretary at wmwestermann@sbcglobal.net

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.