The following articles
appear in the current monthly FOP newsletter.
By Mark Donahue
At a
full Negotiating Team meeting between the Lodge and the City on January 15th,
the City was informed of the Lodge’s disappointment at the pace and progress of
the negotiations. The City was also
informed that if there was not significant progress in both the pace and
progress of the negotiations, then the Lodge Negotiating Team would reach a
determination in the near future as to what course to take in this
process. The date for the next full
Negotiating Team Meeting has been set for February 11. The overall response from the City
admittedly has been favorable in that there have been meetings since which
could be described as progressive, but the significance of the response will be
determined on the 11th.
Anticipating a bleak proposal from the City in regards to Health Care,
the Lodge feels the City went beyond bleak in tendering its proposal to us on
January 22nd. This proposal
is the same for all of the City’s employees and is unacceptable even though we
understand the status of employer provided health care across the country. Based upon the controversy that was created
during the last negotiations process over this issue, it is amazing that the
City’s Budget Director could present such a proposal and seriously expect it to
pass. Regardless, with an issue as
important to our members as this, the Lodge will continue to strive to reach an
agreement and not leave health care to someone else to decide. Arbitration is not the goal of any
negotiating process. Although there are
some unions that may see this as an easy way out of the process with none of
the blame from the membership, we do not.
We are committed to reaching an agreement at the table if at all
possible and to have results that will positively affect the members of this
Lodge.
The
Lodge again found it necessary to go to the Courts seeking relief when the City
refused to comply with State Law. On
January 5th, the Lodge filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County to
have the City comply with the Illinois Uniform Police Officer’s Disciplinary
Act that was amended as of 1 January 2004 to include that “Anyone filing a
complaint against a sworn peace officer must have the complaint supported by a
sworn affidavit.” As was mentioned last
month, the City is taking the position that due to the fact that there is a
collective bargaining agreement in place which addresses discipline, the Act
allows them to disregard the provision.
We could not disagree more. An
article appeared in the Sun-Times last week which reported that four officers
were suing the City on this issue. That
suit is ours; Lodge attorney’s are representing those officers. The article also mentioned that if the Lodge
really wants to obtain a sworn affidavit policy that it should be negotiated
for at the table. Our position is that
we have already been to the table and have successfully negotiated for sworn
affidavits in the proper forum, the Illinois State Legislature. The Department has implemented a sworn
affidavit to be used in the case of allegations against exempt members and
P.P.O.s who are not covered by the collective bargaining agreement so the
transition when the case is resolved in the court should be a smooth one.
The
first day of the spring legislative session was 14 January. On that date, as promised by both House Speaker
Mike Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones, both Houses passed out bills
containing the language that had been agreed to in the fall veto session but
failed to pass. Precariously, in their
desire to assure that the “job got done”, both Houses crisscrossed bills with
identical language to each other. When
all was said and done, the House concurred with the legislation, as an
amendment to HB600 on 15 January and the Governor signed this legislation into
law on 16 January. Although this bill
included significant changes for the other pension fund representatives as well
as the FOP, the changes that will affect the members of the Police Pension Fund
include: decreasing the amount of time it takes to reach the maximum pension of
75% from the current 32 years and a day to 29 years and a day retroactive to
January 1, 2004; increasing the minimum amounts that retirees and widows
receive by an additional $100 per month in 2004 and another $100 per month in
2005 retroactive to January 1, 2004; correcting the language that was
misinterpreted by the Pension Fund to cover “all” mandatory retired members
with a minimum pension formula if they had attained at least 10 years on the
job before being retired. Although this
legislation had been previously passed, about 9 members were left out due to a
misinterpretation of its retroactivity.
The passage of this legislation was a difficult task that got the input
and support of a great number of our members, but it is understood that not all
of our members will benefit from it. In
consideration of that the Lodge, through its Committees, is directing its
efforts to ensure that all of its members receive benefits of our actions. The issue of wage compression in contract
negotiations has taken on greater emphasis for the Negotiations Committee and
while in Springfield on January 14th, widows have been included in
our legislation for compounding of the COLA increases, which has been given a
higher priority by the Legislative Committee.
As has been reported, a great deal of effort went into the legislative
program this past year. This year saw
our members get involved like never before with calling and visiting members of
the legislature including the two bus loads of members who went to Springfield
last April. With that many members
involved, inevitably there will be progress in spite of a few setbacks. As well intended as all of our actions were,
in the future we must all abide by the directions of the committees that are in
place to give direction so that we all speak with one voice. In Father Nangle’s article last month he
spoke of the potency of individuals that when joined together is strong, and
easily broken when separated. Even the
smartest of us should readily recognize something so simple and should use it
as an advantage in dealing with the legislature and the City as well.
The topic of identity theft has taken on increasing importance since an arrest was made on the south side in which the arrestee was in possession of a number of pages which contained personal information on city employees including members of the Department. Our website has information on it which instructs on how you can get a credit report to ascertain if you have become a victim. We appreciate the many members who have been updating us on this issue as well as the officers and detectives who are working these cases. Please keep in mind that the Lodge 7 web site is updated at least every business day with information that is pertinent. Most calls received at the Lodge on a daily basis are the subject of note on the web site. It’s your site, please use it frequently.
Vice
Presidents’ Article
The
City Has Way Too Much Money
An
officer took his child to their family dentist and found out that his daughter
needed several teeth extracted. This
procedure had to be done by an orthodontist.
The orthodontist was chosen from a list provided by the dentist. After the procedure was done, the City
refused to pay the bill because they said that the orthodontist was not on the
list. The officer filed appeals through
CompDent and the Benefits Management Office.
Both of these appeals were denied.
The officer then contacted the Lodge to file a grievance. The grievance went to mediation several
times with no offer from the City. The City also could not produce the list
that they claimed the orthodontist was not supposed to be on. The Lodge then demanded arbitration. The arbitration was held in August. At issue was whether the denial of dental
care benefits rendered to the grievant’s daughter was arbitrary, capricious or
unreasonable under the parties’ Dental Care Plan Benefit provisions, as
incorporated into the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Lodge and the
City, and therefore, in violation of the agreement. At arbitration, the City changed their position and stated that
the orthodontist was on the list, but the orthodontist only treats
children that are under 6 years of age.
The arbitrator fortunately saw through this charade and ruled in favor
of the grievant/Lodge. The City now has
to pay the officer $880.00 for the bills that the officer paid. The City also has to pay the full arbitrator’s
fee, which is $4100, and their attorney's fees. Instead of paying $880.00 to the officer, the City's total is
closer to $15,000. The City also had a
consultant at the arbitration that probably cost the City more than what the
officer’s bills were.
MyHealthLink is back and will be at the Lodge Hall on February 24th
through February 26th. See the full-page ad for complete listings of
prices and details.
When
you are listed as IOD or on the medical roll and you are required to bring a
note from your doctor to the Medical Section, make sure that your doctor
addresses whether or not you can come back in a full duty or
limited/convalescent duty capacity.
If your doctor does not want you returning to work in any capacity, then
your doctor should address that in the note to the Medical Section. This should save officers from running
around trying to adjust their doctor’s notes to satisfy the Medical Section.
The
Lodge is putting together a list of disabled police officers that have applied
for permanent disability and have heard nothing from the pension board. Some officers have been waiting 15 months
for a response and have still heard nothing.
The Lodge and the Disability Committee will be meeting this month to
discuss which direction we will be taking in the near future. The Lodge has contacted the pension board
via a letter and will inform officers of their response. Please contact Bill Dougherty if you have
applied for permanent disability and have not received the courtesy of a
response from the pension board. We
will need your name and the date that you applied.
The
C.R. by Affidavit Law took effect on January 1st, 2004. The City’s stance is that the Law does not
apply because they have a collective bargaining agreement with the F.O.P. On January 5th 2004, the Lodge filed suit
against the City in the names of the first four officers who received C.R.
numbers without a sworn affidavit.
Until this matter is resolved, the Lodge Attorney’s have written an
additional disclaimer that must be used on all “to-from” reports answering C.R.
allegations obtained against you after Jan. 1st 2004. After you write the disclaimer found on page
142 of the F.O.P. handbook add this paragraph:
R/O further objects to this investigation because Illinois State
Law now requires that anyone making a complaint against a sworn peace officer
must have the complaint supported by a sworn affidavit. R/O does not believe that the required
affidavit has been obtained in this case.
Also
add this paragraph to the disclaimer for T.R.R. reports if a C.R. number has
been obtained. Posters and sample
copies of this disclaimer have been sent out to your Unit Rep. as well as given
to them at the last Unit Rep. meeting.
If the posters are not posted on the F.O.P. bulletin board, call the
Lodge so that we can get one posted in your Unit. This disclaimer will also be used by Lodge Attorney’s in oral
statements given to IAD/OPS.
If
you want to read the Law it can be found on the Illinois General Assembly
website at www.legis.state.il.us The Bill is SB946 and can also be found in
Public Act 83-981 or 50 ILCS 725.
Lawsuits
We
have two recent cases where officers have written traffic violations and the
citizen has, in turn, filed a complaint against the officers: one stating that
the officer was drunk and the other stating that the officers were high on
drugs. In the first case the officer
was given a breath test and blew zero and the other the officers were given a
drug test that came back negative.
Lodge Attorney’s filed suit in the first case and are prepared to file
suit in the second case against the citizen who made the false
allegations. If we are successful these
frivolous complaints might stop. This
is another reason the City should follow the Law and require sworn affidavits
in all complaints.
Police
Trials
During the month of January there were two trials for murderers of
Chicago Police Officers at the Criminal Court Building located at 26th
& California. The trials started at
the beginning of the month and were attended daily by many officers.
The
trial for the murderer of PO Eric Lee has concluded with a finding of Guilty of
1st Degree Murderer of a Police Officer. The trial for the murderer of P.O. John Knight has concluded with
a finding of Guilty of 1st Degree Murder of a Police Officer and
Attempted Murder of a Police Officer. I
would like to thank all of the Police Officers, Detectives, States Attorneys
and the Victim Assistance Unit on both cases for all of their hard work and
dedication.
I
would also like to thank the many Police Officers, Supervisors and Command
Staff who attended both trials daily supporting the Lee and Knight Families
during this difficult time. I could not
have been more proud as I personally observed the care and devotion to both of
these families by the many supporters who were at the courtrooms on a daily
basis and for this I personally commend and thank each of you.
A
hearing has been scheduled for 4 February 04 at the Federal Court Building for
the offender who shot Detective Joe Airhart.
We
will continue to support our Officers and their Families during these difficult
times, regardless of obstacles such as small court rooms, restrictions on firearms
in the court rooms or the wearing of our uniforms during these
proceedings. We as police officers will
remain professional at all times and relentless in our support of these
Officers and Their Families during these difficult times. We Will Never Forget!
The
Lodge has learned that a gun manufacturer is marketing and selling small and
highly concealable handguns in the area.
Some of these handguns are as small as a credit card in size or may
resemble a pen which fires a single bullet.
The Lodge has distributed fliers to the Unit Reps city wide to make the
officers aware of these particular weapons.
Uniform
Resale
The
semi annual Lodge #7 Uniform Resale will be held at the FOP Hall on 21 April 04
from 1300 hrs till 1800 hrs. Officers,
take advantage of this event if you are looking to purchase an additional
uniform item for Spring Inspection or to sell those old uniforms, which are no
longer worn. Officers wishing to sell
their uniform items need only come into the Hall and set up on one of the
tables before the start of the resale. Officers who wish to donate their
uniforms for the Lodge to sell need only to drop these uniforms off to the
Lodge Office up to the day of the sale.
The proceeds of these donated uniforms will be donated to the Chicago
Police Chaplains Ministry.
By Sidney M. Davis
Military
Reservist
As
of 23 January 2004, 55 police officers have been deployed to serve their
country. In the coming months many more
will be called upon to serve in some capacity.
Some will be deployed to Iraq; god speed them safely back home to their
loved ones in a timely fashion.
Officers, if you know of a member in your district or unit that has been
deployed, please drop them a line or two and say hello. Let them be aware that you are concerned
about their safe return home. It is not
an easy task to wear that second hat as a soldier being away from home and
loved ones in a hostile environment.
(Retired Sergeant Major Sid Davis)
2004
Fishing
Tournament
The date for the 2004 FOP Fishing tournament has been set for Wednesday 9 Jun 2004. All members who anticipate fishing should mark your calendars. This is a change in date from previous years. Need a fishing partner, take your son or daughter for a change of pace. It promises to be an event that they will never forget.
Recognized
Vacancies/Districts & Units
Recognized vacancies for Districts and Units are posted the second
Friday after each period change. If you
are thinking about changing Districts or Units, it is your responsibility, to
submit the PAR FORM in a timely fashion.
Recognized vacancies when posted, generally are located in the C. O.
Book, the FOP bulletin board or a pre-determined location. You have 72 hours (from the time of
posting) in which to have your Commander verify your submission (his
signature). From that point your PAR
Form must be received by 1000 hours the following Friday morning to Management
and Labor for compliance. If you are
days off, furlough, or medical (full duty), it is still your responsibility to
submit a request to transfer. Officers,
it is your career and some highly sought after districts only come around a few
times each year. STAY INFORMED.
Recognized
Watch
Vacancies
Under Article 31.5, filling of vacancies, if and when the employer
decides to fill a recognized vacancy by bid, such vacancy to be bid shall be
posted on the seventh calendar day (Wednesday 10 March 2004), and also during
the sixth and ninth police periods. The
posting shall remain posted for 7 calendar days from the day of posting. The vacancy shall be filled by the most
senior qualified officer bidding for the vacancy. If no such qualified officer within the unit bids for such
vacancy, the Employer may fill the watch vacancy by reverse seniority.
F.O.P.
Website
The
FOP website contains valuable information for members to stay informed
regarding contract issues and pension laws.
The site can be located at www.chicagofop.org. Members who are reservists can find information on pay scales and
retirement plus more by clicking on the military button (left side of site)
under the links button.
F.O.P.
Board Meetings
The
Lodge conducts its monthly Board Meetings on the first Tuesday of each
month. Meetings start at 11 a.m. Any Lodge member (active or retired) may
address the Board (questions /answers) at 1 p.m. This privilege of attending Board Meetings was not available to members
prior to the current administration. To
date only a handful of members attend.
What a shame it is that members constantly complain about procedures and
current events yet fail to participate or get involved in their Lodge
affairs. Be active and participate
2004
Cops For Kids
Bowling
The
Annual "Cops For Kids" bowling tournament will be held Saturday, 21
Feb 04. This citywide bowling event
raises funds for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Chicago Metropolitan
Area. This is a non-profit organization
that offers adult supervision for children who come from single family homes. The tournament will be held at the following
locations:
Miami Bowl
5023 S. Archer Ave
0900 - 1300 hours
Laredo Lanes
3900 W. Columbus
1100 hours
Habetler Bowl
5250 Northwest Highway
0900 - 1300 hours
Turner Bowl
6625 W. Belmont Ave
1130 hours
Skyway Bowl
9915 S. Torrence Ave
0900 hours
For
registration forms and information, call the Special Activities Section, (312)
745-5844 or PAX 0207.
The following events listed will occur from
February 10, 2004 thru March 10, 2004.
For further information on any events posted below contact the Lodge
(312) 733-7776, and ask for Sid Davis.
10
Feb 04 Latin American Police Assoc. Meeting
10
Feb 04 Italian American
Police Assoc. Meeting
11
Feb 04 Recognized Openings
in Districts & Units
13
Feb 04 Recognized
Vacancies/Transfer Bids (Citywide)
16
Feb 04 Chicago Police Ski
Club Meeting
17
Feb 04 FOP General Meeting
(Noon)
18
Feb 04 Monthly Detective
Association Meeting
24
Feb 04 My Health Link
25
Feb 04 Ash Wednesday
25
Feb 04 My Health Link
26
Feb 04 My Health Link
27
Feb 04 Transfer Order for
the 3rd Period
01
Mar 04 Chicago Police Ski
Club Meeting
02
Mar 04 FOP Board Meeting
(11 a.m.)
02
Mar 04 Polish American
Police Assoc. Meeting
02
Mar 04 Chicago Police
Marine Assoc. Meeting
02
Mar 04 German American
Police Assoc. Meeting
03
Mar 04 Chicago Police
Women’s Assoc. Meeting
04
Mar 04 3rd Period Begins
09
Mar 04 Italian American
Police Assoc. Meeting
09
Mar 04 Latin American
Police Assoc. Meeting
10
Mar 04 Watch Bids Open
10
Mar 04 Recognized Openings
in Districts & Units
Park District Lawsuit Update
In November, the Lodge filed suit in Circuit Court over the City passing an ordinance that transfers the authority to regulate traffic control from the City to the Park District. The Lodge also filed a complaint with the Illinois Labor Board. While a temporary restraining order was denied by the Circuit Court, the case is still proceeding in Circuit Court. A hearing was held regarding this case at the Illinois Labor Board on December 9th and 10th. Written briefs will be due 30 days after both parties receive the transcripts of the hearing. Hopefully the Labor Board will render a decision sometime in March. There are two reasons the Lodge believes this ordinance should be repealed.
First, the Lodge and the City are currently in contract negotiations for a successor agreement. Prior to starting negotiations, the Lodge filed a status quo letter with the City. This means that that there should be no changes in working conditions, during negotiations. Since the Lodge has a contract proposal under Article 20 that deals with traffic control as secondary employment, we believe this ordinance violates the status quo letter.
Secondly, we do not think the City has the authority to empower the Park District to regulate traffic. The authority to regulate traffic was taken away from the Park District, by the Illinois General Assembly over 40 yeas ago.
O’Hare Reassignment Grievance
This grievance involves 5 officers that were involuntarily transferred by the Department from O’Hare Airport, Unit # 050, to various districts throughout the City. There are thirteen prior arbitration decisions on Involuntary Transfer, so this is not exactly uncharted territory. The arbitrations won by the Lodge regarding Involuntary Transfer have been for issues such as moving a P.O. because of CRs, Demotions, Disciplinary Transfers, Discrimination, and Just Cause. However I don’t want to divulge the case the Lodge intends to put on in this arbitration. The arbitration dates are set for February 27, March 5, and April 5. Because this arbitration involves 5 officers, it could very possibly take all 3 dates to get in all the necessary testimony.
By John Capparelli
Telephone Solicitation
The Lodge frequently receives telephone calls from irate members and citizens because of telemarketers requesting donations in the name of the Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7. Effective immediately, the F.O.P., Chicago Lodge No. 7 no longer solicits telephone donations from either businesses or private homes. If anyone you know receives a solicitation call, instruct them to contact the Illinois Attorney General for more information by calling 312-814-3000.
PAC Fund Donations
Formerly, solicited donations were placed in the Political Action Fund. However, now that we have ended solicitations, any member who would like to donate to the Political Action Fund may do so by completing the donation form and sending it in to the Lodge, to my attention. Please complete the entire form as is required by law.
F.O.P.
Veteran’s Corner/Disability Report
By
PO Carlos “Sal” Saladino, Chairman
Disability Report
The best of health from all the Committee members and myself. The Disability Committee is available for calls at the FOP office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check out the Disability Page link on the FOP web site, www.chicagofop.org, for beneficial information.
Legislative Agenda
The Committee has submitted two bills that would remove the length of time to receive a raise for both Duty and Occupational (Heart), and receive the current salary of the officer each and every year. I received confirmation from President Mark Donahue and 1st Vice President Bill Dougherty that these bills have been submitted into the legislature. We are awaiting the proper bill numbers for your information.
Pension Board
Committee member INV Athena Mullen and I attended the 22 Jan 04 meeting. We were there to observe the proceedings of the meeting and support any disabled officer whose case is to be heard. This is strictly a volunteer choice by committee members to support all officers. We will be present throughout the year. P.S. FOP Sgt-at-Arms Steve Robbins also stopped by…I think he grabbed a donut.
Veteran’s Corner
Our thoughts and prayers go to CPD members serving our country as military reservists and National Guard members. If you have a spare moment, drop a line or two ‘from the World’ to PO Terry Lynn’s (DD) sons. They are both serving in the US Army in Bagdad, Iraq. **PFC LYNN, JAMES, HHC 1/6 INF. 2 BGE 93048, APO AE 09324-3048. **SPC LYNN, JONATHON, B CO. 123 MSB 3RD PLT., 1st SQUAD UNIT 92880, APO AE 09324-2880. Happy Birthday, Jonathon (Jan 26)!
Airborne! Sal
The best preparation for the ACT is a
solid academic high school curriculum.
However, in our competitive academic environment, students must also
have test “SMARTS.” Statistics have
shown that the students who have had preparation in testing strategies,
practice testing, test format and test instructions, substantially outperform
others. The COLLEGE VISIONS STRICTLY
STRAGEGIES workshop that will be offered at the FOP Hall focuses on these
important test strategies and techniques.
By mandate of the State of Illinois
Department of Education, all public and private high school juniors will be
required to sit for the ACT Exam this April.
By attending this workshop and taking a practice ACT Exam, your child
will have a week or two to become more prepared in certain areas where they may
not have tested as well as they would have liked, prior to the ACT being
offered at their particular school. In
an effort to prepare the children of “LODGE #7, FOP” members for this
very important exam, the FOP has invited COLLEGE VISIONS to conduct their
workshop for the daughters and sons of FOP members. This workshop will be offered on 28 March 2004 from 1:00 PM until
4:00 PM and will be held at the FOP Hall (1412 W. Washington Blvd.) This program usually costs $45.00 or
more. The cost for the children of the
FOP will only be $20.00 per child.
The presenters of this program are knowledgeable and experienced educators. They have prepared thousands of students in the Chicagoland area to be “test smart.” The Lodge encourages you to involve your child’s participation in this program. If your child only picks up one or two items that assist him/her in taking the ACT Exam, it is to his/her advantage.
There is limited space available at the
FOP Hall, so please complete the application found on page 10 of this
newsletter and send it, along with a check or money order for $20 to Kathy
Moore at the Lodge, Unit 541. Ensure
that your child has a seat at this important educational event that might very
well effect his or her future.
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
Two men went fishing. One man was an experienced fisherman, the other wasn't. Every time the experienced fisherman caught a big fish, he put it in his ice chest to keep it fresh. Whenever the inexperienced fisherman caught a big fish, he threw it back.
The experienced fisherman watched this go on all day and finally got tired of seeing this man waste good fish. "Why do you keep throwing back all the big fish you catch?" he asked. The inexperienced fisherman replied, "I only have a small frying pan."
Sometimes, like that fisherman, we throw back the big plans, the big dreams, the big jobs and the big opportunities that G-d gives us. Our faith is too small. We laugh at that fisherman who didn't figure out that all he needed was a bigger frying pan; yet how ready are we to increase the size of our faith?
Whether it's a problem or a possibility, G-d will never give you anything bigger than you can handle.
Stop telling G-d you've got big problems. Tell your problems you've got a big G-d! Not always an easy task, but sometimes in life we are pushed to our limits as in the following parable.
A man was being chased by a tiger. He ran as hard as he could until he was at the edge of a cliff with the tiger in hot pursuit. The man looked over the edge of the cliff and saw a branch growing out of the side of the cliff a few feet down. He jumped down and grabbed the branch just as the tiger reached the cliff. The tiger growled viciously as the man sighed a great sigh of relief.
Just then a mouse came out from a crevice and began to chew on the branch. The man looked down to what was a drop of a thousand feet and sure death and looked to the heavens and yelled out, "Dear G-d, if you are there, please help me. I will do anything you ask but please help."
Suddenly a voice came booming down from heaven, "You will do anything I ask?" it questioned. The man shocked to hear a reply to his plea yelled back, "I will gladly do anything you ask, but please save me." The voice from heaven then replied, "There is one way to save you but it will take courage and faith."
The branch began to weaken from the mouse and the tiger was still growling a few feet above the man, "Please, Lord, tell me what I must do and I will do it. Your will is my will."
The voice from heaven then said, "All right then, let go of the branch."
The man looked down to a fall of a thousand feet and certain death. He looked up at the hungry tiger a few feet away and he looked at the mouse still chewing on the branch. Then he looked up at the heavens and yelled, "Is there anyone else up there I can talk to?"
Does that sound funny to you? Well perhaps. But let's stop and think about it. When you are in a terrible situation and you seek G-d for help what are you going to do when He asks you to step out in faith? Makes you think, are you ready to let go of the branch? As the saying goes 'Faith; with it you have no questions, without it you have no answers'.
May G-d protect you, keep you safe, and always keep you in his loving care. Amen.
Compliments of your Police Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Wolf 773-463-4780 or
moshewolf@hotmail.com
P.S. Please remember if any member of the Chaplains Unit can ever be of assistance, please don't hesitate to call.
Compliments
of your Police Chaplain
Rabbi
Moshe Wolf 773-463-4780 or
The Gold Star Families would like to thank, Superintendent Philip Cline and the Chicago Police Department for their tremendous support. Superintendent Cline truly has a warm and big heart and readily gives up his personal time and contributions to help a fallen Officer's family.
Through out 2003 there were various events and benefits given by different organizations of the Chicago Police Department that need to be recognized for their thoughtfulness. Namely, Mark Donahue and The F.O.P., Pipes and Drums, St. Jude League, American Knights Motorcycle Club, Baseball Club, the Police Survivors, Rabbi Moshe Wolf, Father Tom Nangle and the Police Chaplains Ministry and Marie Tenerelli.
By John Dineen
The State Legislature has passed the City pension package and the Governor signed the Bill. Retroactive to January 1st, 2004 the minimum pensions of Retired Police Officers and Surviving Spouses are to be increased by $100 per month. This will raise the minimum pension of 81 Police Officers from $850 per month to $950 per month and effective January 1st, 2005 from $950 per month to $1,050 per month.
The minimum pension for Surviving Spouses is increased from $800 per month on January 1st to $900 and effective January 1st, 2005 from $900 to $1,00 per month. This increase will benefit 1,891 surviving spouses over the next two years.
Due to the short time frame since the signing of the Pension benefit, the $100 pension increase for the month of January will be paid with the February Pension check.
2004 Pension Legislation
The Lodge has introduced Legislation which will Compound the 3% Escalator for Retirees along with additional Legislation which would provide the 3% Escalator to Surviving Spouses. Additional information on this Legislation will be provided when Bill numbers are assigned and Pension Committee meetings are set in Springfield.
Pension Update
By Ken Hauser
The total Fund’s market value was $3.56 billion at the end of the fourth quarter, December 31, 2003. There was a 21% total return on the Fund’s investments for 2003. The year 2000 was the last year a positive return was recorded by the Fund and that return was 1.3%, (in 2001,
-4.4%; in 2002, -9.3%). 2003 was a great year, thank the Lord for the good times.
Spousal Annuity &
Benefits
Recently I have received a number of calls from active police officers requesting a set of guidelines for their spouse in case of a sudden death (not line of duty). I would like to start by informing your spouse that if the active police officer had at least 1½ years of service but had not completed 20 years of service, the widow’s annuity shall be the greater of (1) 30% of the annual maximum salary attached to the classified civil service position of a first class patrolman at the time of death; or (2) 50% of the retirement annuity (+ 20 years) the deceased police officer would have been eligible to receive if he had retired from service on the day before his death. The spouse is also entitled to a Death Benefit, which could be in the range of $6,400 to $12,000 depending upon the age of the deceased officer.
Also, the Benefits Management Office (BMO) of the City of Chicago provides three (3) months free health care insurance to the family of an active deceased officer. This benefit has been provided to temporarily relieve the families’ financial burden. There is a $25,000 life insurance benefit provided by the City of Chicago to all deceased active police officers beneficiaries. Besides these benefits, a spouse should check with the Social Security Administration (children’s benefits, etc), private insurance carriers, the Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union, Nationwide Retirement Solutions (Deferred Compensation). Police officers belong to many police organizations (FOP), check your spouses’ files because many of these organizations provide life insurance benefits.
Retirement Seminars
For those officers anticipating retirement in the near future, the Chicago Police Department is offering seminars on Tuesday, 23 March 04, Wednesday, 26 May 04, Wednesday, 14 July 04, and Wednesday, 20 October 04. Check to see which date is convenient for you and then contact the Personnel Section to make an appointment to attend. Attendance is limited at these seminars so call early to ensure yourself a seat.
Website Address
Don’t forget you can access The Pension Fund website at: www.chipabf.org. Our website contains information pertaining to the annual reports, meeting dates, board of directors members, staff, statutes regulating the fund, tax tips, important telephone numbers and current insurance rates. We also have links to the following sites: Chicago Police Department, City of Chicago, FOP Chicago Lodge 7, and Illinois State Legislature.
Pension Board Meetings
The monthly meetings of the Pension Board are open to all members and are held on the fourth Thursday of the month, unless there is an additional special meeting, which would be announced. Commencement is at 0900 in the office of the Pension Board located at 221 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1626.
Reminder
Just a reminder to our retired annuitants living outside the 312/773 area codes or in another state, the Pension Fund number is 1/800/656-6606. The fax number is 1/312/726-3216.