THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2008

CHOOSING A PRESIDENT  06/26/08

The following paragraphs are taken from the FOP Grand Lodge website.

After consulting with the members of the Presidential Screening Committee, I have decided to post the responses, in full, from the campaigns of Senators John S. McCain III (R-AZ) and
Barack H. Obama II (D-IL), the presumptive nominees for the Office of President of the United States by their respective political parties.

These responses are being provided to you for your review and information, but please understand there are several steps yet in the FOP's endorsement process. Follow-up questions, based on these responses, have been created and will be put to the candidates when they meet directly with the Presidential Screening Committee.

Each State Lodge has (or should have) a process by which the members of the local lodges within the State Lodge would convey their preference for a candidate to their National Trustee. It is important that each member know about his or her State's process for instructing their National Trustee so that all FOP members can meaningfully participate in this process.

The Board of National Trustees will meet and vote in September and the candidate who receives a two-thirds majority will receive the endorsement of the Grand Lodge.

I ask that you bear in mind that there is not and never will be a candidate with whom we will agree 100% of the time. I ask that you carefully and deliberately review the candidates, their responses, and their history on the issues that matter to us and then participate in the process devised by your State Lodge to convey your views to your National Trustee.

Chuck Canterbury
National President

KICKn4CHRIS SHOP n SHARE  06/26/08

Chris Doherty is the son of Sgt. John Doherty. Chris has been undergoing treatment for cancer. The medical costs for Chris' treatment are astronomical. Jewel Foods has offered to help offset some of these costs by offering Shop n Share days on 6/30, 7/1, and 7/2/2008. Click here to download the Shop n Share forms.

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS  06/20/08

One of the most frequently asked questions is, "What is going on with contract negotiations?" The easiest way to keep up to date on the latest proposals made by the City is to visit the Current Contract Page on the FOP website. Click on the 2007 Contract Progress link. You will see a summarization of all of the proposals made by the City in comparison to those made by FOP. This document will be updated as proposals are submitted.

WELLNESS BENEFIT  06/19/08

Many of our members are unaware of what our wellness benefit encompasses. The following paragraphs should explain the benefit.

The Wellness Benefit is a $600.00 allotment that is available to each covered family member.

This benefit includes:

Members should ensure that their physician codes the visit as a wellness visit.

Members may also take advantage of the many health fairs conducted by Interactive Health Solutions. These health fairs are a no-cost option that uses the benefit allotment. The times and dates of the health fairs are published in the monthly newsletter and posted on the FOP website on the Current Updates and Upcoming Events pages.

The Wellness benefit is only for members who are covered by PPO Insurance. Members who have HMO insurance already have these items included in their insurance. Please call the Benefits Management Office at (312) 747-8660 with any questions.

THE NEW 100 CLUB OF COOK COUNTY  06/18/08

Many of our members are not familiar with the services of The Hundred Club of Cook County. Hopefully, you and your family will never have to take advantage of the services offered by this organization. The Hundred Club assists surviving members of first responders in many ways. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with this organization by reading The Hundred Club Press Release.

FOP LODGE #7 ANNUAL GOLF OUTING  06/17/08

Tee times are being reserved now for the FOP Lodge 7's Annual Golf Outing.  The outing is scheduled for Monday, 25 August 2008 and tee times start at 0800 hours.  We are using both courses at St. Andrew's Country Club again and there are great times available right now.

The cost for a foursome is $400 and includes golf, cart, lunch and dinner.  There are raffle prizes and a top shelf cash bar.  Also, the FOP Gift Shop sets up a small shop and great items will be for sale. Please call 312-733-7776 today and reserve your tee time. 

DAVE RAPOSO POKER RUN  06/12/08

Officer Dave Raposo of the Zion Police Department recently passed away after a battle with cancer. His department, family and friends are organizing this Poker Run. The Poker Run will take place at Harbor Lights in Winthrop Harbor, IL. on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 11:00 am. All proceeds and donations will be given to his wife, Kristen. Please see the Poker Run Flyer for more details.

AMERICAN RED CROSS OF GREATER CHICAGO  06/13/08

The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago is seeking volunteers to assist in disaster relief situations. Many of us have been involved in on-duty situations where the Red Cross has been instrumental in assisting citizens in need. The people that you have seen in those situations are there as volunteers. Your time can make a tremendous difference to others. Please see the Red Cross Brochure and Red Cross Flyer for more information.

CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT  05/07/08

In 1998 a class action lawsuit was filed against the City by several Chicago police officers who missed time from work due to injuries caused by third-party tortfeasors. Judgment has now been entered against the City. The lawsuit alleged that the City sought read more .....

If you have any questions/suggestions or comments please send them to Rich Aguilar