PPOA Week in Review - March 2, 2024

PPOA Scholarships Available — Apply Now!

PPOA is once again proud to announce that 12 scholarships are available to help further the education of PPOA members and their children. Since the inception of this scholarship program, PPOA has been honored to contribute nearly $150,000 to help college students achieve educational goals. Eligibility is limited to active, full dues-paying PPOA members and the biological children, stepchildren or adopted children of active full dues-paying PPOA members or retired PPOA members who were paying full dues prior to retired membership.

Click here for details and applications. The submission deadline is April 19, 2024 at 5:00 pm.

Support for Family of LADA SGT Emilio Guerrero

February 25: An impressive showing of friends, colleagues and supporters gathered in Pomona on Sunday at a fundraiser for the daughters of LA County District Attorney Bureau of Investigation Sergeant Emilio Guerrero (EOW: 10/08/23). The event was hosted by the LADA Investigators Association.

Sergeant Guerrero began his LA County law enforcement career in 1994 as Sheriff’s Deputy graduating with Class 286. In 2006, he joined the District Attorney’s Office, where he served with distinction for 17 years. Tragically, Sergeant Guerrero and his wife Annabel were killed in a traffic collision last October.

Photo at top: LADA Senior Investigator Jason Jarvis, PPOA 1st Vice President Jay Chapman, PPOA Board Member Joe Walker, and PPOA President Steve Johnson.

LA County Federation 'House of Labor' Meeting

February 26: Los Angeles County Federation of Labor members, including PPOA President Steve Johnson and Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr., gathered on Monday evening for the monthly "House of Labor" meeting. These sessions help County union leaders compare notes and analyze the many issues impacting public employees throughout the County.

The County Federation of Labor includes more than 300 unions, representing more than 800,000 members.

Photo at top: LA County Federation of Labor President Yvonne Wheeler and PPOA President Steve Johnson.

Meet and Confer re: Measure R

February 27: PPOA and ALADS continued the Meet and Confer process with LA County representatives to discuss the impacts of Ballot Initiative Measure R, which was voted into law by LA County voters on March 3, 2020. This measure significantly strengthens civilian oversight of the Sheriff's Department.

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

PPOA Delegates Meeting

February 27: PPOA delegates met with union board members and staff on Tuesday evening in Monterey Park. Topics of discussion at the quarterly meeting included bargaining unit contracts, legal updates, peace officer memorials and more. We were also honored to present a retirement plaque to Custody Assistant Eddie Smith, who is set to wrap up his career after 33 years of dedicated service. The longtime PPOA delegate has always been quick to step forward to help this Association in a number of capacities, including committee work, volunteering at events, and more.

Support for Family of LASD LT Luan Dang

February 28: Personnel at NCCF hosted a very successful fundraiser to support the family of Lieutenant Luan Dang, who remains hospitalized with a serious medical condition. PPOA President Steve Johnson and Board Member Luis Orozco attended the event on behalf of PPOA.

Meet and Confer re: Proposed MPP Revisions

February 29: PPOA representatives met with LASD executives to discuss two proposed Manual of Policy and Procedure (MPP) revisions regarding Station and Unit Logos and Grooming and Dress Standards. A follow up meeting will be scheduled. Meeting participants from PPOA included President Steve Johnson, Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr. and union legal counsel.

Support for Special Olympics of Southern California

February 29: PPOA was proud to support the Special Olympics of Southern California (SOSC) on Thursday evening. The Bill Shumard Hall of Fame Awards ceremony is an annual event that pays tribute to hundreds of local peace officers who dedicate their time to volunteer and raise funds for SOSC athletes.

President Steve Johnson, 1st Vice President Jay Chapman, and 2nd Vice President Tony Coleman attended the ceremony on behalf of PPOA.

Meet and Confer re: Proposed Field Operations Directive

March 1: PPOA representatives met with LASD executives to discuss a proposed Field Operations Directive regarding use of force. A follow up meeting will be scheduled. Meeting participants from PPOA included President Steve Johnson, Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr. and union legal counsel.

Communications Committee Meeting

March 1: PPOA board and staff representatives hosted a videoconference yesterday to discuss on ongoing assessment of PPOA's communication with its membership. The PPOA Communications Committee is chaired by 1st Vice President Jay Chapman and he was joined for this meeting by President Steve Johnson, 2nd Vice President Tony Coleman, Board Member Luis Orozco, and PPOA staff member Greg Torres.

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.