May/June 2011 From the Presidentmembers.floridastatefop.org/.../newsletter_may_jun... · State...

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From the President May/June 2011 Over the Memorial weekend, police work does not stop for a holiday. In fact many times holidays bring even more challenges in our line of work. I received a call from our General Counsel Tony Livoti. A police shooting had just occurred in Marion County. Lodge 145 member Deputy Owen Confessore had been shot in the chest with a shotgun while on a call. He was being airlifted to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida was the initial information we received. Our FOP attorney, Lodge President Todd Tucker, FOP Staff Rep Bill Hastings, and Scott Nagele from Ocala were on route to the scene. I immediately called Todd Tucker to find out the status of Deputy Confessore. He had taken a shotgun slug which struck his ballis- tic vest. The next call went to Gator Lodge President Jeff McAdams in Gainesville, who without any hesitation responded to Shands to assist Confessore. Jeff called and reported that Owen would survive. Jeff took the further step of getting a room for Owen’s girl so she could be close with him. Brother Confessore is sore, but alive and has since been released. We can thank God that Owen will once again see his family rather than gathering for another law en- forcement funeral. If ever there was a reason to wear your vest, this is the example. They are hot and uncomfortable but this one saved a life. This simple response - is what we do! We are family that takes care of each other in our weakest moments as well as our strongest mo- ments. Thanks to everyone who made this story have a happy ending. We have not been so lucky elsewhere in Florida as already in 2011 we have lost 10 law enforcement officers in the line of duty. There is a disturbing upward trend in assaults and law enforcement line of duty deaths across the nation. Return home safe, stay alert on every call. The Florida State Lodge Memorial Committee did another outstanding job honoring our fallen heroes in Tallahassee on May 1st and 2nd. Hundreds gathered together with the survi- vors to Honor, Respect and Remember. In Washington, D.C., during Police Week, I had the extreme honor to stand before the thousands gathered at the Candlelight Vigil and speak the names of our Florida Fallen Heroes and then watch from the stage as the sea of light from thousands of candles were lit in their honor. Once again - this is what we do! The 62nd Annual Florida State Lodge Conference is ready to start this week in St. Pete Beach at the Trade Winds Beach Resort. District 3 has been working hard to make this a memorable event for all of the delegates, trustees, guests and families. We will recognize an FOP Member of the Year selected by the Past Presidents. We will honor a Florida Law En- forcement Officer of the Year. Our State Lodge Scholarship winners and the FOP Star and Shield Academy Scholarship recipient will receive their awards. State Senator Jack Latvala has been selected as our Senator of the Year for all of his hard work during the legislative ses- sion and State Representative Evan Jenne has been selected as our Representative of the Year. They will attend so we can properly thank them for standing strong for law enforcement. These outstanding legislators stood strong against a tide of anti-union and unfriendly bills. The state was intent on balancing the state budget on the backs of our public employees. Senator Latvala knew this was the wrong answer and work to prevent harm to our member- ship. Representative Jenne led a strong battle in the House and we are very grateful to him. President - James Preston 1st Vice President - Lonnie Miller 2nd Vice President—Armando Aguilar Secretary—Kenny Mack Treasurer—Tom Bonney Conductor—Larry Lockwood Inner Guard—Bill Trushel Outer Guard—Sam Azicri Chaplain—Terri Straw Immediate Past President - James Mann Chairman of Trustees—Bruce Porter National Trustee Nelson Cuba Parliamentarian—William Corser District 1 Director—Rob Bell District 2 Director—Mark Harris District 3 Director—Gene Leonard District 4 Director—Kelly Shifflett District 5 Director—Ralph J. Dean, Sr. District 6 Director—Robert Jenkins District 7 Director—Kevin Carlucci Communications—Ralph J. Dean Editor—Sarah Preston Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police 242 Office Plaza Tallahassee, Fl 32301 Phone: (800) 873-3671 Fax (954) 724-4170 [email protected] www.floridastatefop.org

Transcript of May/June 2011 From the Presidentmembers.floridastatefop.org/.../newsletter_may_jun... · State...

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From the President May/June 2011

Over the Memorial weekend, police work does not stop for a holiday. In fact many times holidays bring even more challenges in our line of work. I received a call from our General Counsel Tony Livoti. A police shooting had just occurred in Marion County. Lodge 145 member Deputy Owen Confessore had been shot in the chest with a shotgun while on a call. He was being airlifted to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida was the initial information we received. Our FOP attorney, Lodge President Todd Tucker, FOP Staff Rep Bill Hastings, and Scott Nagele from Ocala were on route to the scene. I immediately called Todd Tucker to find out the status of Deputy Confessore. He had taken a shotgun slug which struck his ballis-tic vest. The next call went to Gator Lodge President Jeff McAdams in Gainesville, who without any hesitation responded to Shands to assist Confessore. Jeff called and reported that Owen would survive. Jeff took the further step of getting a room for Owen’s girl so she could be close with him. Brother Confessore is sore, but alive and has since been released. We can thank God that Owen will once again see his family rather than gathering for another law en-forcement funeral. If ever there was a reason to wear your vest, this is the example. They are hot and uncomfortable but this one saved a life. This simple response - is what we do! We are family that takes care of each other in our weakest moments as well as our strongest mo-ments. Thanks to everyone who made this story have a happy ending.

We have not been so lucky elsewhere in Florida as already in 2011 we have lost 10 law enforcement officers in the line of duty. There is a disturbing upward trend in assaults and law enforcement line of duty deaths across the nation. Return home safe, stay alert on every call. The Florida State Lodge Memorial Committee did another outstanding job honoring our fallen heroes in Tallahassee on May 1st and 2nd. Hundreds gathered together with the survi-vors to Honor, Respect and Remember. In Washington, D.C., during Police Week, I had the extreme honor to stand before the thousands gathered at the Candlelight Vigil and speak the names of our Florida Fallen Heroes and then watch from the stage as the sea of light from thousands of candles were lit in their honor. Once again - this is what we do!

The 62nd Annual Florida State Lodge Conference is ready to start this week in St. Pete Beach at the Trade Winds Beach Resort. District 3 has been working hard to make this a memorable event for all of the delegates, trustees, guests and families. We will recognize an FOP Member of the Year selected by the Past Presidents. We will honor a Florida Law En-forcement Officer of the Year. Our State Lodge Scholarship winners and the FOP Star and Shield Academy Scholarship recipient will receive their awards. State Senator Jack Latvala has been selected as our Senator of the Year for all of his hard work during the legislative ses-sion and State Representative Evan Jenne has been selected as our Representative of the Year. They will attend so we can properly thank them for standing strong for law enforcement. These outstanding legislators stood strong against a tide of anti-union and unfriendly bills. The state was intent on balancing the state budget on the backs of our public employees. Senator Latvala knew this was the wrong answer and work to prevent harm to our member-ship. Representative Jenne led a strong battle in the House and we are very grateful to him.

President - James Preston

1st Vice President - Lonnie Miller

2nd Vice President—Armando Aguilar

Secretary—Kenny Mack

Treasurer—Tom Bonney

Conductor—Larry Lockwood

Inner Guard—Bill Trushel

Outer Guard—Sam Azicri

Chaplain—Terri Straw

Immediate Past President - James Mann

Chairman of Trustees—Bruce Porter

National Trustee Nelson Cuba

Parliamentarian—William Corser

District 1 Director—Rob Bell

District 2 Director—Mark Harris

District 3 Director—Gene Leonard

District 4 Director—Kelly Shifflett

District 5 Director—Ralph J. Dean, Sr.

District 6 Director—Robert Jenkins

District 7 Director—Kevin Carlucci

Communications—Ralph J. Dean

Editor—Sarah Preston

Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police 242 Office Plaza Tallahassee, Fl 32301 Phone: (800) 873-3671 Fax (954) 724-4170 [email protected] www.floridastatefop.org

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Our Grand Lodge Executive Officers and candidates for National office will be visiting at the Conference on their way to the National Conference in Salt Lake in August. Be sure to meet them and extend a warm hand of Flor-ida hospitality to all of our guests. “Its what we do!”

The contentious 2011 Legislative Session thankfully ended after great effort from many of our members fight-ing to protect our benefits. We will review the last session and begin preparations for the next session which prom-ises to be just as challenging. Committee meetings begin in September and the 2012 Session starts early in January.

If you made a call or contacted a legislator, attended any of our FOP Days on the Hill, wrote a letter or email, or went to Tallahassee, you made a difference. Together - its what we do! Many of our members came to Tallahassee, some for the first time, to witness the legislative process first hand. We have made great new friends and were very disappointed in some of our old friends in office who worked against the benefits and pensions our members earned with their blood and sweat. Our Legislative Committee will evaluate our endorsement process and look carefully at suggested bills for the 2012 Session. We also owe gratitude to our labor union coalition partners representing public employees across the state. The one thing we all have in common is the need for collective bargaining and advocat-ing for the absolute best in pensions, working conditions and benefits. They lent strong support and resources that made all the difference.

The delegates and trustees will be conducting the business of the state lodge. We will be reporting on the status of the State Lodge and Memorial Foundation which are now in the most fiscally sound position ever in their history. A big thank you to the 660 FOP members who have already purchased our Florida FOP tags, our Memorial Founda-tion will be self sustaining for years to come. Since they went on sale in early February, sales to our members have been steady. If you have not purchased an FOP tag, please consider it next time you renew your vehicle registration and proudly display the FOP on your vehicle.

Our hurricane season has just started in Florida but elsewhere across the country we have seen the effects of severe weather this spring. In Arkansas, Alabama and Missouri, terrible high power tornados have struck and lev-eled communities. Along the Mississippi River, flooding is occurring that will destroy many homes and property. Our FOP members have been affected and the National Disaster Relief Committee that I chair has been working on requests for assistance. When your entire home and all of your possession are completely destroyed while you are at work trying to protect the community, the FOP is there to lend a helping hand. Please consider a donation to the Na-tional Disaster Relief Fund before the next disaster strikes. We have received 27 requests from FOP members al-ready and expect more from officers who have lost everything, their homes destroyed and possessions gone in an instant. Riverside Police Department Master Patrolman Jefferson Taylor was fatally struck by lightning while work-ing during a tornado in Missouri. We extend our sincere and heartfelt sympathy his family, friends and all our broth-ers and sisters in Missouri.

The Grand Lodge National Conference is fast approaching in August. Being held in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Salt Palace, it promises to be a great event.

I look forward to seeing many of you this week in St. Pete Beach at our conference. Enjoy your summer and remember to practice the best safety techniques on each and every call and return home after each shift to your loved ones.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover Police Memorial Day 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 The Bills We Worked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Line of Duty ’54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 State Park Benefits for Survivors . . . . . . Page 13

Sheriffs Targeted by CAIR-Tampa…. . Page 14 Mike Braswell Officer of the Year. . . . Page 16 Senator of the Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17 Representative of the Year. . . . . . . . . . . Page 17 Jeff McAdams Singled Out . . . . . . . . . . Page 18

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TheTop Priority Issues:

HB 303 by Representative Fred Costello: This issue was the first bill on local government pen-sions to arrive on the scene and though we went and worked with the bill sponsor, which led to his withdrawal of the bill, he later worked diligently against us on the committee bill, even going and testifying at a committee that he did not sit on. This bill would have destroyed the local pensions that are presently in place and would have given the cities complete control of all premium tax dollars. Failed

HB 825 by Representative Ritch Workman: This bill was a single stand alone bill that would have done away with DROP. This bill was as-signed to committees but never heard. Failed

SB 830 by Senator John Thrasher: Known by several different names “Workers Gag Bill” and “Paycheck Protection”, this is the bill that would have done away with payroll deduction of dues and more importantly would have denied any dues (payroll deducted or not) to be used directly or indirectly for any political activi-ties. There were statements that the legislature wanted to get out of the dues collection business but since there were over 360 payroll deduction in state payroll alone, it became evident that the bill was more about limiting the voice of the union members than it was about payroll deduction. This bill was backed by Republican Leadership, The Governor, Former Governor Jeb Bush, The Tea Party, The Florida Chamber Of Commerce, The Florida Sheriffs Association, and Associated Industries Of Florida. This battle was ugly, but in the end the Coalition Of Labor Unions prevailed with the guidance and fierce fighting of the Fabulous 24 of the Flor-ida Senate. This group led by Jack Latvala and Greg Evers, managed to keep a coalition of Republican and Democratic Senators focused and they never waivered in their support of public employee rights. The bill died in the Senate and we will forever owe the Republican legislators that stuck out their necks , risking all to pro-tect us. And of course the Democrats who stuck by us. Please note that up until the last hour of session the Governor had his Lt. Governor working the floor of the senate threatening members regarding the union dues issue. Failed

House Bill 1021 by Representative Chris Dorworth: This was the companion bill of senate bill 830 and though it passed the house it died in Senate Messages. The House Democrats fought a hard battle trying to protect us, but leadership strong armed all their Republican members into voting for the bill. Failed

House Bill 1023 by Representative Plakon: This bill was a recertification requirement bill, which would have financially devastated the lodges, requiring annual membership sign up. Thomas Grigsby worked very hard on blocking this bill, and was very successful in keeping this issue quashed. Failed

Continued on page 7

(l-r) Adam Teichner, Lodge 123, James Preston, Florida State F.O.P. Presi-dent, Jeff McAdams, Gator Lodge 67 President

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Continued from page 6

House Bill 1025 by Representative Broeder: This bill was the decertification bill and would have caused problems if membership of a unit fell below 50%. It would have automatically decertified the bargaining unit. We managed to block this bill as well. Failed

HB 1031 by Representative Frishe: This bill is no newcomer, we have been fighting the Sheriffs as a legislative body issue for four years. With the help of Representative Patronis and Thomas Grigsby we were successful in blocking the bill from being heard in House Governmental Operations. Failed

SB 1098 by Senator Hays: This was the companion bill to HB 1031 and was the Sheriffs Legislative Body Bill. This bill was heard in it’s first committee of reference, but thanks to Senator Anitere Flores and Brother Armando Aguilar the bill was blocked from be-ing heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Failed

SB 1128 by Senator Ring: This was the local pension bill, that was testified on, amended, and debated for hours . We worked arm and arm with the FPFF (Firefighters) on this issue and the though most of our coalition partners were not effected by this issue, they worked against the issue as well. This bill started out devastating the local pension plans and would have allowed the cities unlimited power over the pensions. Senator Ring worked with all of us, and came to compromise that later was sent to conference. It is important that we note some of the people who dedicated a lot of time and energy to defeating this bill, Thomas Grigsby worked with Representative Patronis, who delayed doing a local pension bill until forced in his last meeting of the session by House Leadership. Thomas Grigsby worked with Representative Patronis daily to make certain that staff understood our position and what the most important things to focus on were. Attorney Bob Klausner walked us thru each rewrite of the bill, making certain that we did not over look and “tricks” from the Florida League Of Cities. Miami Beach police and fire hired Bill Helmich to work the local pension bill and he made a deter-mined effort to save the three hundred hours of overtime. Rep. Patronis and McKeel kept their door open and allowed a free flow of information and in the end came up with what is considered a fair bill. Representative Clemens, Taylor and Williams fought for us every step of the way and deserve a thank you from us. Senator Jeremy Ring held fast to protecting the use of premium tax dollars and deserves a strong thanks for all of his efforts. : From conference the following issues came out:

No change to premium tax dollars use for enhancement of pension benefits

Cities may not lower their contribution during the good years any longer.

300 hr cap on overtime annually for the AFC

The pension board language was changed to our suggested language which protected the ratio and auton-omy of pension boards.

Upon agreement of both parties the contribution of the employee may be increased without a new benefit.

Continued on page 8

(l-r) Senator Jack Latvala, Matt Williams, Lodge 104

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Continued from page 7

SB 1160 by Senator Gaetz: This bill would have not only done away with DROP but would have made it impossible for someone to come back and draw both a retirement and pay check. This bill was blocked and not heard. Failed

HB 1405 By Representative Ritch Workman: This was the FRS Gutting Benefits bill, it would have several different bill numbers by the end of session but ended up being budget conference/conforming bill 2100. Rep-resentative Workman, Mayfield, and O’Toole should get specific attention for increasing the age for special risk retirement. Their reasoning is that 60 is the new 40, and most of the officers are working an extra five years in drop anyway. Special thanks should go to Representative Ana Rivas Logan for attempting to save the COLA. If the legislator had a “D” in front of their name, they fought long and hard for you. If they had an “R” in front of their name, they either played follow the leader or debating and fought against you. (This is of course in the House only).

SB 2100 – FRS Conforming Budget Bill- This bill changed FRS and listed below are the changes that were made. I want to emphasis that this bill came a long way from what was originally intended and that though salary and pension only makes up 3% of the budget, over 1.1 billion dollars that were used to fill the 4 billion budget deficit was taken from the pensions. This was never about fixing a broken system, it was about balanc-ing the budget on the benefits of public employees. Though we won many battles on this issue, below is a list of what the current changes are. The three percent that the employees will be paying does not go into the pen-sion fund, it goes to reduce the employers contribution to FRS. For special risk the employer is paying 11.99% lower than during 2010, so please make note of that savings when going into contract negotiations.

1) For all new hires after July 1, 2011 normal retirement age will increase by 5 years. 2) All employees will pay 3% contribution to their retirement as of July 1, 2011. 3) A Freeze on earning a COLA from July 1, 2011 till 2016. 4) All new hires will have their AFC calculated with their high 8 instead of 5 years. 5) DROP interest rate after July 1, 2011 will be 1.3 instead of 6.5 . 6) All new hires will reach vesting in 8 years instead of 6.

We kept the Defined Benefit Plan, Overtime, Health Insurance Subsidy, contribution is not 5%, COLA is only frozen and DROP was simply reduced to 1.3%.

Good Legislation That We Helped Pass HB 3/ SB 484 by Representative Nehr and Senator Jack Latvala: This is the Blue Alert bill which is basi-

cally that same thing as an amber alert, but affects the assault and/or death of a law enforcement officer. This was also placed on the list of priorities for National and Florida will now help lead the way. This bill passed.

HB 411/ SB 416 by Representative Burgin and Senator Bogdanoff: This bill is simply a public records ex-emption for video or pictures of the depiction of the killing of another human being. Law Enforcement and the courts will still have access, they just will not have to turn the video or pictures over to the public. This bill was instituted because the press was demanding the video of two police officers killed in the line duty in Tampa. The bill passed.

HB 95 / SB 236 by Representative Bembry and Senator Hays: This bill will allow the parents of fallen vet-erans to have annual passes to state parks free of charge, and Senator Hays inserted the survivors of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters into the legislation. The House tried to insist that the language

Continued on page 9

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Continued from page 8 be bill to the Governor. The FOP President James Preston has agreed to make and issue these passes to the family of the fallen, making it possible for the bill to have a lower fiscal impact and allowed to pass.

Seeing the insurmountable task that we faced this session the legislative committee had the insight to allo-cate funds for us to fight the battle with outside help. We owe a special thanks to Thomas Grigsby and Pregeiz & Weems, Inc. These lobbyists worked hard on the issues and that made them targets for very little money and a determination to protect the law enforcement officers of this state. They were an amazing asset/tool and we commend them for all of their hard work.

Last but probably the most crucial is a huge thank you to the United Labor Coalition, which is made up of over 49 unions (big and small) that banned together and fought all pension and anti-union issues. Thousands of hours and dollars were spent by this coalition, and it gave us an ad-vantage of large mass numbers and constant media atten-tion. The organizing leader was the AFL/CIO (Mike Wil-liams, Rich Templin and Josh Anijar) This Coalition was made up of AFL/CIO, FOP, FPFF, FEA, ATU, AFSCME and many others. Our numbers and commitment were strong, and we look forward to continuing our participa-tion in the Coalition, as we still have another three years under this Governor. ■

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By Ryan Mills, Naples Daily News

And so it is now for Officer Carl Strickland, Naples’ first black police officer who was gunned down in the line of duty in November 1954, and lost to history for more than five decades.

On Sunday night, Strickland’s name was added to Florida’s memorial to fallen law enforcement officers. His name and end-of-watch date were called out during an annual memorial service on the Capitol rotunda.

“He was forgotten, but he will never be forgotten again,” said Officer Bill Gonsalves, one of 10 Naples of-ficers who traveled to Tallahassee to participate in two days of ceremonies.

Nine Florida law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2010, along with Strickland and five other officers who were never recognized in years past, were remembered during the ceremonies.

“Together, let us honor and remember our fallen heroes for their ultimate sacrifice,” said Miriam Fernan-dez, the guest speaker at Sunday night’s candlelight vigil, whose son, a Hollywood police officer, was killed in the line of duty in 2008. “And also, thank the peace officers here tonight, and in the nation that every day go out and sacrifice their lives to protect us. You are our living heroes. May God bless each one of you.”

More than 500 law enforcement officers and friends and family members of the fallen officers attended Sunday’s ceremony.

Gonsalves, who did much of the research to prove that Strickland was killed in the line of duty, accepted a shadow box containing the Medal of Valor on Strickland’s behalf.

Strickland’s only known living relative, his adopted daughter, Margaret, couldn’t attend Sunday’s cere-mony because of health concerns. Gonsalves said he hopes to present the shadow box to Margaret in the near future.

Participating in the ceremony was a “humbling experience,” Gonsalves said.

“It’s our way of showing respect for a fallen brother police officer,” Gonsalves said of making the 6-hour drive to the state Capitol.

Strickland was hired in October 1954 to patrol the old McDonald’s Quarters slum in Naples. About a month later, he was gunned down – shot in the mouth and head – after breaking up a fight.

Strickland’s killer, John Wesley, was caught two days later, charged, and eventually convicted of first-degree murder.

Continued on page 11

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Continued from page 10

For some reason, in the more than five decades that followed, Strickland’s story was lost. He was never included on any local, state or national memorials.

It was only two years ago that Gonsalves, with the help of former Naples police chiefs Ben Caruthers and Gary Young, started digging into the rumor that a black Naples officer had been killed in the 1950s.

“I think a lot of people were surprised, because they honestly didn’t know about it,” said Officer Jennifer Casiano, who also traveled to Tallahassee.

“It’s right, now,” Casiano said. “He deserves it. It’s a shame it took so long.”

On Monday morning, hundreds of Florida law enforcement officers, including the Naples police honor guard, marched down Monroe Street to the Capitol for another memorial. The rotunda was flooded with offi-cers during the hour-long ceremony.

“The men and women we honor today are true examples of nobility and service,” Gov. Rick Scott said dur-ing the ceremony, adding that Florida’s crime rate is at a 40-year low. “Public safety stems from the commit-ment of selfless public servants. We’re always mindful that sometimes that comes at a high cost.”

During the sometimes emotional ceremony, Scott and his wife, Ann, hugged the family members of the officers killed in 2010. A volley of rifles was fired in their honor as helicopters did a fly-over of the Capitol.

The Fraternal Order of Police union representing Naples police paid for the hotel rooms for the 10 officers. The city allowed them to drive police vehicles to Tallahassee for the ceremonies.

The Naples Police Department allowed officers who were supposed to work over the two days of ceremo-nies to attend without taking a day off, Gonsalves said. Officers who already were off attended on their own time.

Shifts were fully staffed in their absence.

In two weeks, the Naples officers are flying to Washington, D.C., on the FOP’s dime to attend national me-morial ceremonies. In addition, plans are being finalized for a permanent memorial to Strickland at the Naples police station, and a marker on his currently unmarked grave in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Fort Myers.

“Although none of us knew him, none of us were alive at the time that he died, he was one of ours,” Gon-salves said of Strickland. “This is the respect that we show to one of ours that was killed in the line of duty.”■

Kyla E. Aracena, Lodge 66 Rachael J Casini, Lodge 46

Christopher Daniel Mottola, Lodge 45 Stephanie Iorio, Lodge 45

Congratulations to the 2011 District 3 Scholarship Winners

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State Park Benefits for Families of Fallen Military, Law Enforcement and Firefighters

State Representative Leonard Bembry (D-Greenville) is pleased to announce that the Florida Legislature has ap-proved a bill he sponsored to allow parents of deceased military veterans, as well as spouses and parents of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters, to join a select group of people eligible to receive lifetime free entry to Florida State Parks.

The legislation (House Bill 95), which will be pre-sented to Governor Rick Scott for consideration, builds on legislation Representative Bembry passed last year that made state park passes available to spouses of de-ceased members of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard, or reserves who have fallen in combat.

“I am proud to help Florida continue a tradition of being a veteran-friendly state by passing legislation that provides free lifetime family passes to parents who have lost a son or daughter who has fallen in military combat,” said Representative Bembry. “House Bill 95 also will allow spouses and parents of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters to obtain annual en-trance passes to state parks at no charge.

“I believe this is a thoughtful way for a grateful state to thank those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. It is only fitting that this legislation was voted on during the month that we commemorate Memorial Day,” added Representative Bembry. “I look forward to Governor Scott’s favorable consideration of this de-served legislation.”■

State Representative Leonard Bembry

Congratulations to the Florida State Lodge Scholarship Winners

Tyler Bammert—$2,000 four year renewable

Michael Rodriguez—$2,000 non-renewable

Chelsea Fordham—$1,000 Tony Fontana Award

Kelly Green—$1,000 Don Merritt Award

Brianna Henyecz—$1,000 Award

Steven Lemer—$1,000 Award

Rebecca Condon—$ 500 Lonnie Miller Sr Award

William Corser—$2,500 Star and Shield Award

Jalesa Owens—$2,000 renewed

Matthew Davison—$2,000 renewed

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Sarasota and Pasco County Florida Sheriffs Targeted by CAIR-Tampa

By Dr. Richard Swier, May 7, 2011

Florida has historically been the center for jihadi activities since 1990. Eleven of the nineteen 9/11 hijack-ers trained in Florida before the attack. Three of the pilots including Mohammed Atta, the leader of the 9/11 attack, learned how to pilot the jet aircraft used on 9/11 at a flight school located in Sarasota, Florida. The Is-lamic Society of Sarasota-Bradenton helped raise funds for the terrorist group HAMAS two years ago.

Given all of this you would think that Sheriff Tom Knight's efforts to train his deputies on how to recog-nize shariah Islamists would be welcomed by everyone, especially Muslims, who have been the victims of attacks around the world. Well not so. The Council on American Islamic Relations in Tampa (CAIR-Tampa) wants this type of training to stop all across Florida. They have singled out Sheriffs Tom Knight from Sara-sota and Bob White from Pasco County. What is their crime? Their efforts to protect and defend citizens against acts of terrorism by training their deputies on how to recognize suspicious activity.

According to the CAIR-Tampa website:

"Law Enforcement Trainings about "Radical Muslims" - We reference two examples of a cottage in-dustry made up of anti-Muslim groups and individuals, who sell themselves as "experts" on radical Islam and Muslims, and then offer trainings to law enforcement agencies throughout Florida. Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has already done this and now Pasco County Sheriff's Office may be doing the same. The DHS repre-sentative at the meeting was aware of this and has pledged to contact the Sheriff's offices with alternative trainings by the DHS."

The expert they are referring to is Sam Kharoba, President and founder of the Florida based Counter Ter-rorism Operations Center. Sam felt compelled after 9/11 to defend America against future attacks by shariah Islamists. A former computer programmer he developed a software program to help law enforcement do online searches using Muslim names and aliases. Sam, using his skills, began teaching law enforcement, the military and other security agencies how to recognize individuals and groups who have become radicalized to the point of taking action against civilians or facilities. His lecture series has been embraced by those in the counter and anti-terrorism business nationally.

As has been reported, CAIR has been identified by the FBI as a front group for the Muslim Brotherhood. CAIR leaders have been linked to the Department of State designated terrorist organization HAMAS. CAIR's efforts have been and remain focused on keeping the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from do-ing its job. CAIR is in the forefront of efforts to ham string law enforcement. They do this by providing "Muslim sensitivity" training. This is akin to the Mafia training the FBI on "Italian sensitivity".

CAIR-Tampa has joined with other CAIR chapters nationwide to prevent Americans Muslims from talking to the FBI. On their website the following warning appears:

If The FBI Contacts You - Contact Us!

Continued on page 15

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Continued from page 14

"There have been recent concerns over the recent "foiled plots" by the FBI. Particularly, CAIR criticizes the FBI for its use of agent provocateurs specifically targeting American Muslims and entrapping them in "manufactured" crimes they never intended to commit in the first place.

While there is a legitimate use of informants by law enforcement agencies, a fine line is crossed when those agencies target a specific community and create the crime they are trying to prevent. In many cases where the FBI has "foiled a plot," they have actually provided the motivation and the necessary resources to carry out the crime through agent provocateurs."

The "agent provocateurs" mentioned above are any American Muslims who may be willing to stand up and report other Muslims for suspicious activity. The kinds of suspicious activities that Sam Kharoba trains our non-Muslim law enforcement and military officers to recognize. Activities that American Muslims would im-mediately recognize and have a duty to report to the FBI, Homeland Security, the local Sheriffs and City Po-lice forces.

Security of the Homeland in more important now than ever. With the death of Osama bin Laden attacks are expected. Florida is a hot bed for shariah compliant organizations like CAIR and the Muslin Students Asso-ciation at the University of South Florida. As the saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" when it comes to terrorist attacks. ■

FOP Breaking News!

May 9, 2011

After nearly 3 years, it appears that the fight over our right to bargain retiree health insurance is finally over. The 1st District Court of Ap-peals ruled today that the City of Gainesville committed an unfair labor practice when it re-fused to bargain changes to retiree health insur-ance for active employees.

This is a huge victory for our members be-cause now the City must return all members back to the status quo and bargain the issue. The City will have the opportunity to file an appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. If they do not, the order becomes final.

A huge debt of thanks go out to the Law Firm of Donnelly and Gross for their out-standing representation.■

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Michael Braswell Named Officer of the Year

Mike Braswell and his partner Paul were working in conjunction with the Pro Cap Program, investigating a series of burglary trends in a small Florida Neighborhood.

The officers noticed a young man riding a bicycle down the road; they would not have been suspicious however the young man was riding late at night in the dark. According to Officer Braswell, his suspicious grew when the individual quickly crossed the street and later jumped off his bike upon realizing that they were Police Officers. "It was the look on his face when we pulled him over...the wad of cash that fell from his pocket...I've seen it 100 times and every time its drug related."

After pulling him over to ask if everything was alright, Mike Braswell and his partner attempted to build a rapport with the young man. Shortly after the sus-

pect agreed to allow officers to search him, he gave the Officers his ID and headed toward the Police car for his pat down. Mike Braswell was following behind him when out of nowhere the suspect turned and fired sev-eral shots.

Officer Braswell watched his partner stumble backwards and fall to the ground; he had been shot. "He was only five to seven feet away...I fired my weapon from my hip and then I felt myself getting hit twice in the vest, once in the hand, and then again in the leg as I fell to the ground." According to Officer Braswell, he, the suspect, and his partner were all lying wounded on the ground and his partner was fighting for his life. The suspect had dropped his weapon, "I told him not to move and that nobody had to die that night...but he contin-ued to move for his gun and I was forced to shoot him."

According to his supervisor, Mike Braswell refused to die; he had a wife and two sons at home. His super-visor shares his amazement at how Officer Braswell remained so composed through the incident, that he man-aged to comfort his partner and radio the information to the department in spite of being shot. His instincts and his will to survive saved his and his partners lives that night. Doctors told him that he was nearly fatally wounded and that the bullet in his leg was only one centimeter away from taking his life; however Officer Mike Braswell was back to work in six weeks.

The 2010 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year says his department and his community were very suppor-tive to him and his family after the incident. Although many people may perceive police work as all fun and games, Officer Mike Braswell and his Supervisor say that this incident has made these small town officers realize how quickly their lives could be lost. ■

Congratulations and Thank You For You Service and Dedication

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Jack Latvala FOP Senator of the Year As President of the Fraternal Order of Police Florida State Lodge, I am very proud to announce your selection as our “2011 Senator of the Year”.

Your unwavering support and leadership during this challenging Legislative Session for our law enforcement members is greatly appreciated. We thank you for sponsoring your “Blue Alert” legislation for our officers on the front line of law enforcement protecting their Florida communities. Your hard work to protect these officers from those who would do them harm will enhance their safety.

The 2011 Session brought many bills that would affect the pensions our public safety officers work their entire career to receive. Our officers earn their modest pensions with their blood and sweat. Your hard work to insure this benefit remains strong for our law enforcement members is recognition of your commitment to the professional law enforcement officers throughout the State

of Florida while balancing the needs of the State budget during hard economic times. Your recognition of the fundamental unfairness of an attempt at legislation aimed to restrict payroll deduction for our organization and your efforts to block this legislation is greatly appreciated as well.

Finally, I want to personally thank you for your attendance at the funeral services to remember and honor our fallen heroes from the Saint Petersburg Police Department earlier this year as we violently lost 3 officers in the line of duty. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of law enforcement that our members face every day.■

Evan Jenne FOP Representative of the Year As President of the Florida State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, I am very proud to announce your selection as our “2011 Representative of the Year”.

Your continued and unwavering support during the challenges of the 2011 Legislative Session for our law enforcement and public safety members is greatly appreciated. Through your leadership and genuine understanding of our profession and the sacrifices our members make every day to protect the com-munities they serve, you stood firm to protect them and recognize not just the law enforcement officers but their families as well.

While the challenges of balancing the needs of the citizens of Florida during these tough economic times was high on the agenda, you worked hard to bal-ance those needs without compromising the rights and benefits of public safety members who are dedicated to delivering those vital services to the public.

I was personally honored that you took the time during debate on the floor to acknowledge and recognize the families and survivors of our fallen heroes in the gallery. It is something they will remember forever as a gesture from a grateful state for the sacrifice they endured. ■

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Gator Lodge 67 President Jeff McAdams Singled Out Recent events occurring between Alachua County Sheriff Sadie

Darnell and Fraternal Order of Police Gator Lodge 67 President Jeff McAdams highlight the struggle and years old arrogant abuse of power against the protection of union member’s rights to collective bargain-ing, fair and aggressive representation and application of the Police Officer’s Bill of Rights.

The Police Officer’s Bill of Rights enacted by the Legislature and affirmed by the Florida Supreme Court evolved from abuses. Yet, still today, Sheriffs continue to disregard the protections guaranteed by law. The Fraternal Order of Police began 96 years ago as an idea and con-cept of cops working for cops to improve their rights and benefits. To-day, the FOP continues that tradition and vigorously defends our mem-bers. We unite and stand firm against “union busting” tactics and in-timidation.

Fraternal Order of Police Gator Lodge 67 President Jeff McAdams has now been singled out and charged (against advice) by the Alachua County Sheriff with a crime for providing such a defense. In an at-tempt to humiliate, defame and embarrass President McAdams for his aggressive defense of a member of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office the Sheriff would rather try the case in the court of public opinion.

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Directive 347 – “No Expectation of Privacy” is blatantly unconstitutional and does not apply to President McAdams. Just as it would not apply to any attorney/client privilege, or news media representative or private citizen who happens to visit the Sheriff’s office. Citing the “right to inspect, with or without notice, any area, facility or equipment/containers being kept in or on Sheriff’s Office property, vehicles, lockers or equipment” should have a chilling effect on anyone entering the Sheriff’s property. The 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects everyone from such intrusion. Imagine a Sheriff demanding notebooks, cameras or laptops from a reporter just because that reporter came to the Sheriff’s office to report a story.

The Fraternal Order of Police supports President Jeff McAdams and the men and women of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. We believe these proud men and women provide the citizens of Alachua County honorable service to protect and serve. Management ruling by fear and intimidation of the workforce is ar-chaic and should have been relegated to the trash heap of time long ago.

The Fraternal Order of Police and our legal counsel remain confident that President McAdams did not vio-late any laws in his defense of a member.

The facts of the case when fully known will demonstrate an overzealous agency trying to bully its member and the lawful representation provided by the FOP. ■

Jeff McAdams, Gator Lodge 67 president

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Open If...I Don't Come Home By Sgt. Jeff Baker

** This is what someone sent to me in an E-Mail the other day, I read it, skipping around the different sen-

tences, and then deleted it. I got thinking about what the E-mail was saying and thought that is a great idea for all of us to do, even if not on active duty, to lay out everything to ease the minds of our loved ones, especially if you are the one who usually handles the family finances.

No one wants to think about it, but it's your duty to leave information for your survivors.

One of the tasks I enjoy least in my role as a command officer is the death notification to a fellow officer's loved ones. I've been death's harbinger to parents and spouses enough times I know how to deliver the blow with the appropriate level of empathy, but clearly and directly. One doesn't obfuscate in situations like this.

There is nothing more wrenching in this realm than driving a marked car with a chaplain at your side, pull-ing up in front of a law enforcement officer's house, and driving a catatonic spouse to the trauma unit where his or her mate lies critically injured and clinging precariously to life.

And once the shock and grief fades just enough to allow them to think clearly, they all face the same terri-ble question: What do I do now?

There are steps you can take now to make life easier on your loved ones should you fall on duty.

You need an "Open If" file. And your family should know where it's located in your home, preferably in a secure, fireproof document safe.

The exact contents of your Open If file may vary, but I'll flesh out the basic elements of what your survi-vors need to know should they peer outside the windows of their home one day and see their worst nightmare walking up the steps.

Phone Numbers

If you perish in the line of duty, your agency is supposed to roll out the red carpet for your family and en-sure nothing of importance slips by the wayside.

Still, you should leave nothing to chance. That's why I recommend providing your family with a list of im-portant contact numbers, in case the worst happens.

Your phone list should include a close friend on the job who might act as a liaison between the department and your family. You'll also want to provide them with contact information for your agency's chief, sheriff, or superintendent, its human resources director, and the elected leadership of your union or police association.

If you have children from a previous relationship, direct numbers to reach them (through your ex-spouse or partner) are to be included here. Finally, add phone numbers for your attorney and your clergy, if applicable.

Continued on page 20

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Passwords and Account Information

There's a lot of financial and personal data that your survivors will need. Provide them with information on various bank accounts, e-mail accounts and passwords, retirement funds, life insurance policies, and member-ships of any organizations you may be a part of.

A bulleted, comprehensive list of Websites, account numbers, policy numbers, and Website usernames and passwords should be part of your Open If file.

And be sure to add a copy of the statement from each creditor from which you receive a recurring bill, in-cluding your mortgage, utilities, credit cards, phone, and Internet provider. Spend some time brainstorming and don't overlook the obvious.

Federal Death Benefits

If you fall in the line of duty, it's likely your family will qualify for the Bureau of Justice Assistance Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB). Enacted by Congress in 1976, this federal benefit can prove the difference maker between financial calamity and relative comfort for those left behind.

The current amount of the PSOB benefit is $318,111 for eligible deaths; the amount is adjusted annually in October to reflect the percentage of change in the Consumer Price Index. The onus for filing a PSOB claim falls primarily on the decedent's agency, but your family should be aware of the BJA benefit program.

In order to assist your family with applying for PSOB, place certified copies of your birth certificate and marriage license in your Open If file.

State Death Benefits

Some individual states have a survivor payout for line-of-duty deaths, but these benefits aren't uniform. Some states may provide a lump sum payment, tuition reimbursement at state-run universities, or health care coverage and/or reductions on property tax, so it literally pays to investigate.

The good news when it comes to these benefits is that Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) has done most of your homework for you. You can access the appropriate page for your state through the COPS Website. Your Guns

Your Open If file is not just about information on benefits and bank accounts. Many police officers are, to one degree or another, firearms enthusiasts. If you have a gun safe at home, make note of the combination and whether you store your firearms loaded. Even if you don't own a safe but do have a firearm or three stashed about the home, your family needs to know the exact whereabouts of your weapons so they can be retrieved and made safe. If your spouse is unfamiliar with guns, this task can be delegated to one of your cop friends.

Continued on page 21

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Funeral Arrangements

If you have (a) explicit wishes regarding how your funeral is to be conducted, (b) specific religious prac-tices you would like your survivors to adhere to, or (c) a fellow officer, boss, or spiritual leader you want to participate in your eulogy, write out the details and put them in your Open If file.

I know this is a hard thing to do. And it will make you feel morbid, but unless you've discussed these issues with your family, they may not know what you want. By writing them out, you can avoid worrying them about things that never happen and also ensure that your wishes will be followed.

Write Them a Note

If you've gotten this far, you're pretty much done with your work, but do take a little extra time to jot down your thoughts, prayers, and wishes for your family in a letter and seal it in the file.

Remind them you were doing a job you loved. And tell them you understood the risks going in. Explain the existence of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the healing benefits of Police Week each May; encourage them to attend for the fraternal support they'll receive there.

Finally, implore them to put the pieces of their lives back together. After all, the best way they can honor your life is to live theirs to the fullest.

Sgt. Jeff Baker is a decorated veteran of the Omaha Police Department. A law officer since 1988, Baker is a Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) certified police instructor.■

For More Information:

Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program

Repository of State Death Benefits

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

From National Vice President Dave Hiller:

Brothers and Sisters, I apologize for not being present at your conference but due to issues at work I am unable to attend. I wanted to thank you for your support over the last 6 years as your National Vice President. It has been an honor to serve you. It has also been a tremendous learning experience. As President Preston knows from being in D.C. this past month, I was honored to have OnStar present a check to the National FOP Foundation in the amount of $250,000.00 based on a project I was honored to coordinate on your behalf. I want to thank each of you that helped make this happen.

While I am unable to be with you in Florida, I am seeking your support and vote at the National Confer-ence in my bid for reelection to the National Board. Over the last 6 years we have accomplished a lot but I believe we have much more to do as many of our states are facing challenges we never thought would happen in the labor arena. I would appreciate your vote.

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Peacemaker Mediation Group www.peacemakermediationgroup.com

904-827-7817 Mediate Your Divorce

You can take the Attorneys out of the Process

Save Money and Negotiate your Interests with a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator

Joni A. Mathis is a retired Law Enforcement Officer who served in the field for over 25 years. She has experienced divorce as well as marriage to a law enforcement spouse and understands the unique

aspects of the law enforcement marriage from both sides.

She will negotiate your divorce serving as a neutral party. Her goal is to facilitate a settlement satisfactory

to each spouse. These economic times call for affordability in all aspects of life.

*3 hour mediation session, plus negotiated Marriage Settlement agreement produced for your review and signatures starting at: $550; MSA with children involved (Parenting Plan that you and your spouse design) starting at $650. Don’t add a financial burden to an already stressful situation. Mediation puts the two of you, not the court system, in charge of the rest of your life. Mediators do not offer legal advice; it is wise to seek legal and financial counsel during the divorce process. Please visit us at: www.peacemakermediationgroup.com or call us at 904-827-7817. Evening and weekend appointments are available. If you and your spouse can agree to meet and discuss your individual concerns in a respectful manner, you can mediate your divorce. If you have contracted legal counsel, ask him/her about mediation—it may be the best solution for your situation. Serving Northeast Florida Law Enforcement Families.

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Will your money last? With a retirement plan it can. Having a plan and the right financial solutions can help you put a confident retirement within reach. Call me today at 1 (888) 872.2654

Mark Delmar, CFP® Financial Advisor Delmar, Coloret and Associates A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 1344 West Fletcher Avenue Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 961.2771

Our Advisors, Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH®

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved

HERZING ONLINE

UNIVERSITY As a former Reserve Deputy in Hillsborough County, I understand the impor-

tance of education and learning and the role that it is playing in law enforcement today. Herzing University Online is committed to working with agencies like yours to understand your learning and educational objectives. As a regionally accredited University, we offer your employees Associate, Bachelor and Graduate degrees, in Business, Technology, Health Care, and Health Care Technology. We have a bache-lor degree programs in Public Safety/Criminal Justice, and a specialization in Homeland Security. We will take up to 32 credit hours from any state accredited law enforcement academy and apply that to their degree. We are pleased to offer all certified law enforcement officers “The Badge to Grad” Scholarship. This scholar-ship will allow all certified law enforcement officers to utilize a $2,250.00 annual scholarship towards their bachelors’ degree, taking 12+ credits a semester. I have attached information on this program for you to re-view and to share with fellow law enforcement professional as well as a press release that can be used for dis-tribution and publication.

Elliot Feldman—M.B.A. Corporate Relations Executive-Southeast Herzing University Online

www.herzingonline.edu/lawenforcement

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Florida State Lodge is now an authorized distributor of “Blue Line Products”. Visit us on line at www.floridastatefop.org

Front side Reverse side

2011 Memorial Pin and T-Shirt on sale on the State Lodge Web Site

merchandise Section

www.floridastatefop.org

New FOP Challenge Coin is available online in a

Limited Quantity.

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Fraternal Order of Police FLORIDA STATE LODGE

Company Name Street Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Business Partner; I would like to invite you to become one of the first to advertise in “Florida On Patrol”, the official newsletter of the Florida State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police (FSLFOP). This long established newsletter reaches all corners of law enforcement in Florida and we have just begun our initial advertising program. Our newsletter will be digitally published four times per year and will be made available to all of 20,000 active and retired law enforcement professional mem-bers who live and serve within Florida. If you purchase a full year advertising spot in advance, not only will you receive a ten (10%) percent discount you will be automatically registered as a preferred provider for our members. The funds raised by these advertisements assist us in our many programs in-cluding Scholarships, Disaster Relief, Legislation and our Florida Law Enforce-ment Memorial Foundation for the families of fallen officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities. As a business, the location of your ad is very important to you. Your placement is reserved by your immediate response. Prices are included with this letter. Sincerely,

James W. Preston, President

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Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police 242 Office Plaza, Tallahassee. Fl 32301

Phone: (800) 873-3671 Fax (800) 873-3670 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.floridastatefop.org Attention: Greg Gecewicz—Newsletter Advertisements

Florida On Patrol FOUR SEASON ISSUE & AD CLOSE DATE ORDER SHEET SPRING February (ad close date January 2nd)

SUMMER May (ad close date April 1st)

FALL August (ad close date July 1st)

WINTER November (ad close date October 1st)

Season Placed Amount Enclosed

Size of page Placed 1x price per issue

Placed 2x price per issue

Placed 3x price per issue

Placed 4x price per issue Spring Summer Fall Winter

Full 650 600 550 500

2/3 Vertical 487 450 412 375

1/2 Vertical 325 300 275 250

1/2 Horizontal 325 300 275 250

1/3 Vertical 250 217 192 175

1/3 Horizontal 250 217 192 175

1/4 Page 162 150 137 125

1/6 Page (Horizontal or Vertical)

137 125 115 105

1/8 Page 100 87 75 62

Back Cover (full page) 1250 1035 862 750

Inside Back Cover (full page)

875 727 660 600

Inside Front Cover (full page)

857 775 695 625

The amount of times an advertisement is placed lowers the cost per issue. Also by paying in advance for all four issues you will save an additional 10%.

Prices are for camera ready advertisements.

Name of Company: _________________________________________Product or Service:_________________

Name of Representative: ______________________________________________Title:__________________

Address of Company: Street:______________________________ City:_____________________State:___________

Zip Code + 4 digits: _______________Telephone# ___________________Cell phone # __________________

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J.L. “Larry” Peggs, RFC

Larry Peggs is widely known throughout the State of Florida in Municipalities and Law Enforcement Circles, specializing in Retirement, Investment, Insurance, and Tax Planning. As an independent financial professional, he has met with large and small groups, as well as with individuals, regarding the education and imple-mentation of various retirement and estate plans.

Larry is an Investment Adviser Representative licensed with AXA Advisors, LLC, and is a member of the Paramount Planning Group at AXA.

He was admitted to The International Association of Registered Financial Con-sultants as a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) in 1998. Larry began his finan-cial career in 1970 after majoring in Agricultural Economics and Business Man-agement at Purdue University. He has been a resident of Florida since 1976 when he moved from Indiana with his wife Karen and their two children.

Larry may be contacted by calling 727-391-1707 or 800-293-6784

Securities and investment advisory services offered through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC, and annuity and insurance products offered through AXA Network, LLC and its subsidiaries. J.L. Peggs Financial & Associates, LLC is not owned or operated by AXA Advisors or AXA

Network. Paramount Planning Group is a division of AXA Advisors, LLC.