Mourning the Loss of Two Dedicated PPOA Members
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We were extremely saddened to learn of the passing of two active PPOA members this week. Custody Assistant Gregorio Soto-Vasquez (EOW: 2/7/22) and Sergeant Frank Murillo (EOW: 2/8/22) both passed away due to complications from COVID-19 and both were in their 16th year of dedicated service to the Sheriff's Department.
Custody Assistant Soto-Vasquez is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. Sergeant Murillo is survived by his fiancée and two daughters. PPOA extends our heartfelt condolences to the Soto-Vasquez and Murillo families and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
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ENOUGH ALREADY:
Board of Supervisors Vote to Overstep Sheriff's Authority on Vaccine Mandates
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On Tuesday, the LA County Board of Supervisors (BOS) voted to approve Agenda Item 18 (Amending the LA County Code to Enhance Compliance with and Enforcement of the County’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy). This motion directs County attorneys to work with the County CEO and Personnel Director to develop proposed amendments to County Civil Service rules, giving the Personnel Director "overriding authority to discipline the employees of any county department for noncompliance with the county's policy or directives related to the policy."
For more details, click here to read the email PPOA sent to all members that afternoon.
Following the hearing, County representatives contacted PPOA to begin discussions regarding this development. PPOA strongly objects to this obvious abuse of authority and will fight vigorously to prevent any member from being harmed as a result of this action by the BOS.
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Final Round of Sheriff Candidate Interviews |
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February 7: As part of our goal to keep members informed about the issues impacting their careers, PPOA's Sheriff Election Committee conducted the four final interviews with the candidates currently requesting the endorsement of PPOA. The first three interviews were recorded last Friday.
These interviews are a follow up to the Candidates Forum hosted on January 26th by PPOA and ALADS. As a reminder, you can view a video of that event at PPOA.COM.
Interviews conducted last week:
- Retired LASD Captain Matthew Rodriguez
- LASD Captain Britta Steinbrenner
- Sheriff Alex Villanueva
Interviews interviewed this week:
- LAX Airport Police Chief Cecil Rhambo
- LASD Lieutenant Eric Strong
- LASD Commander Eli Vera
- Retired Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna
We will notify PPOA members when videos from the candidate interviews are posted online at PPOA.COM.
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Discussions with Custody Assistants |
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February 7: PPOA 2nd Vice President Tony Coleman visited San Dimas Station on Monday to talk to Station Jailers about the vaccine mandate, C/A movement, vacancies and contract updates. |
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Cerritos Station Expresses Thanks for Support of Memorial Wall |
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February 8: Deputies from Cerritos Station paid a visit to PPOA on Tuesday to present a plaque in appreciation for this Association's support of the station's memorial wall to honor fallen officers. |
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LA County Union Leaders Demand Fair Pay Increase |
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February 8: PPOA representatives and counterparts from unions throughout LA County converged on the fronts steps of the Hall of Administration on Tuesday to demand a fair pay increase. Union leaders from PPOA, ALADS, the Coalition of County Unions, SEIU and more were all on hand to implore the Board of Supervisors to "lift up frontline workers" during a time of historically high inflation. Participants from PPOA included President Tab Rhodes, 2nd Vice President Tony Coleman, Board Members Joyce Kato and Jay Chapman as well as Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr. |
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PPOA Board of Directors Meeting |
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February 9: The monthly PPOA Board of Directors meeting took place on Wednesday via teleconference. Directors present included President Tab Rhodes, 1st Vice President Nancy Escobedo, 2nd Vice President Tony Coleman, Secretary Jose Rios, Treasurer Joyce Kato, and Board Members Joel Barnett, Jim Blankenship, Jay Chapman, Gerry Garcia, Chris Lee, Tony Romo and Jim Schallert. Collectively, the PPOA board brings approximately 300 years of County experience to the table.
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February 10: PPOA representatives hosted their weekly teleconference on Thursday to discuss the latest stats and updates regarding COVID-19 and its impact on PPOA members.
Meeting participants from PPOA included President Rhodes, Executive Director Quint, Senior Labor Rep. Venise Wallace, Labor Rep. Teresa O'Neil, Intake Rep. Kevin Thompson and PPOA legal counsel.
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Sheriff Election Committee Meeting |
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February 10: PPOA Board Members and selected Delegates took part in a video conference on Thursday night to continue their ongoing evaluation of the 2022 LA County Sheriff election and the seven candidates requesting an endorsement from PPOA. Discussions were centered on the candidate interviews that took place in the PPOA conference center last week and preparations for the membership survey expected to be distributed in a few weeks.
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PPOA Legislative Committee Meeting |
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February 11: The PPOA Legislative Committee hosted a teleconference with our full-time Sacramento legislative representatives — Lang, Hansen, Giroux and Kidane — to discuss updates to legislation that could potentially impact PPOA members and public safety employees throughout the state. Participants from PPOA included President Rhodes, 2nd Vice President Coleman, Board Secretary Rios, Legislative Consultant Art Reddy and Executive Director Quint.
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Support for Sheriff's Security Officers |
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February 11: PPOA was proud to support Sheriff's Security Officers (SSOs) from Court Services Bureau (CSB) as they underwent training at Industry Hills Expo yesterday. Board member/SSO Gerry Garcia was on hand and PPOA staff fired up the mobile BBQ to ensure all SSOs and CSB staff were treated to a freshly grilled lunch. |
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Acknowledging Law Enforcement Personnel for Outstanding Service |
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February 11: PPOA representatives were honored to join law enforcement personnel, fellow labor leaders and dignitaries at the Riverside Sheriffs' Association Board of Directors Awards Dinner last night. Participants from PPOA included 1st Vice President Nancy Escobedo, Board Member Joel Barnett and Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr.
Photo 1: PPOA reps with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Photo 2: PPOA reps with Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R) 23rd District.
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PPOA Set to Host 9th Annual Heroes Ride |
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Following a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic, PPOA is excited to announce the return of our annual Heroes Ride! This unforgettable motorcycle ride through Los Angeles on March 27th will honor the sacrifice of fallen officers and America's military veterans. The ride stages at the Hollywood Bowl before heading to LA National Cemetery for a veterans tribute and finishes at Biscailuz Center with a BBQ, vendors, music and more.
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Fraternal Order of Police |
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PPOA appreciates our longtime affiliation with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the world's largest organization of law enforcement officers, with more than 364,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges nationwide. All active PPOA members are part of California FOP Lodge 1, which represents public safety organizations throughout LA County and operates under the capable leadership of former PPOA President Roger Mayberry. Click here to read the latest bi-weekly update from the California FOP.
Please make it a point to check out the Washington Watch — a weekly 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.
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