The June 2008 Arizona Highway Patrol Association monthly meeting was called to order at 0900 hours by President Jimmy Chavez at the Mountain Preserve Conference Center located at 1431 East Dunlap, Phoenix, Arizona. President Chavez began the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
President Jimmy Chavez
Executive Officer Pat Eagan
D-2 & Northern Vice President
(Proxy) Celina Murrieta-Gonzales
D-3 & Recording Secretary Jim Bee
D-4 Ed Simpson
D-5 (Metro Central) Tim Kvochick
D-6 B.C. Dunn
D-7 Raul Garcia Jr.
D-8 Kevin McNichols
D-9 (Proxy) Kevin McNichols
D-11 Bert Chaney
D-12 Nathan Teel
D-13 (Metro East) (Proxy) Nathan Teel
D-16 (Proxy) Ed Simpson
Executive Vice President
& OCI Bob Gilbert
OCN/II (Southern CI) (Proxy) Kevin McNichols
Civilian Northern Zone Rebecca Smith
Civilian Central Zone II Vickie Williams
Civilian Southern Zone &
Southern Vice President Celina Murrieta-Gonzales
Retired Southern Zone J.R. Ham
Retired Civilian Elizabeth Gallery
Treasurer Dave Schroder
Asst. Treasurer
& Ring Coordinator Beverly Fuller
AHPA STAFF PRESENT:
Executive Secretary – Colleen Girard
Legal Counsel – Greg Robinson
Lobbyist – Nicole LaSlavic
Financial Advisor – Thomas Jonovich
Insurance Advisor – Pat Madden
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Greg Girard
Sharon Manson
Patty Simpson
Paul Dimerman
GUESTS PRESENT:
Todd Madden
Steve Pomerantz
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FLOWERS / THANK YOU LETTERS:
Flowers – Hank Axtell
Lloyd Robertson
Thank You Letters – none
NEW SWORN MEMBERS:
Maro A. Alvarez #6040
George Luna #6254
Alan C. Fuchs #6483
Michael J. Conner #6506
Benjamin J. Huddleston #7083
NEW CIVILIAN MEMBERS:
Nathaniel Moore Jr. #4985
Joseph J. Soubie #6987
MEMBERS WHO HAVE RETIRED:
Commander Bill McCance #796
Deputy Director David Felix #900
Lt. Terry DeBoer #1252
Commander Robert C. Holliday #1255
Gary L. Durree #1584
Bill Schantz #1940
Scott E. Dodd #4616
MEMBERS WHO HAVE LEFT DPS:
Sworn: Forrest W. Mueller #4722
Civilian: none
SICK & DISTRESSED:
Officer Bobby Wooley #6519 was involved in a serious 962A. Kevin McNichols gave a brief summary of the collision. Officer Wooley was admitted to ICU, Tucson Medical Center.
Retiree Ernie Johnson, was admitted to the Thunderbird Hospital and diagnosed with a severe bladder infection.
Retiree Dave Madrid #1592, had surgery for prostate cancer and is now home recovering.
Retiree Roger Boddy #1198 was admitted in the hospital for lung cancer.
Retiree Wayne Zimmerman #1272 had an artificial heart transplant, pending viable organ transplant.
DEATHS – LINE OF DUTY / FAMILY:
Retired Officer Keith A. “Pete” Brewer passed away on June 11th.
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Retired Officer Hank Axtell #1055 passed away on June 16th.
Retired Officer Lloyd Robertson #17 passed away on June 30th.
Mrs. Doris M. Bratcher, mother of Sgt. Dennis Bratcher passed away on July 5th.
Mr. Pete Shill, father-in-law of Janet Shill Vehicle Theft & CI, father of former IT employee Dave Shill passed away on July 7th.
Mrs. Dolores Young, wife of retired Sgt. William A. Young Jr #9695 and step-mother of retired Officer & District 6 Operations Assistant Wayne Young #2083, passed away on July 13th.
Retired Civilian Marjorie Clarks husband Robert passed away.
Mr. William A. Johnson, Dave Johnson’s father passed away.
This year 58 Police Officers have died in the line of duty. Twelve Officers have died since the last meeting.
Four were killed by gunfire
Two were killed in automobile collisions
Two were killed by being stabbed
Two were killed by vehicular assault
One was killed after being struck by a vehicle
One died from a heart attack
Five were from Municipal Agencies
Three were from County Agencies
Two were from State Agencies (North Carolina Highway Patrol & Florida Department of Corrections.)
Eleven were male
One was female
1) Deputy Sheriff Steve Boehm
Onslow County Sheriff”s Dept., North Carolina
Age 36 Years of Service 10 years
Killed Saturday, June 14, 2008
Struck by vehicle
2) Deputy Sheriff Jose Antonio (Tony) Diaz
Yolo County Sheriff’s Dept., California
Age 37 Years of Service 10
Killed Sunday, June 15, 2008
Gunfire
3) Trooper David Shawn Blanton Jr.
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North Carolina Highway Patrol
Age 24 Years of Service 2
Killed Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Gunfire
4) Correctional Officer Jose Rivera
United States Department of Justice –
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Age 22 Years of Service 10 months
Killed Friday, June 20, 2008
Stabbed
5) Police Officer Nicholas Heine
Pueblo P.D., Colorado
Age 30 Years of Service 9
Killed Saturday, June 21, 2008
Heart Attack
6) Correctional Officer Donna Fitzgerald
Florida Department of Corrections
Age 51 Years of Service 13
Killed Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Stabbed
7) Sergeant Richard Findley
Prince George’s County P. D., Maryland
Age 39 Years of Service 10
Killed Friday, June 27, 2008
Vehicular Assault
8) Police Officer Gary Gryder
Houston P.D., Texas
Age N/A Years of Service 23
Killed Sunday, June 29, 2008
Vehicular Assault
9) Police Officer Richard Francis
Chicago P.D., Illinois
Age 60 Years of Service 27
Killed Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Gunfire
10) Police Officer Kenneth (Greg) Surles
Pell City P.D., Alabama
Age 29 Years of Service 8
Killed Friday, July 4, 2008
Automobile Collision
11) Agent Osvaldo Perez-Leon
Puerto Rico P.D., Puerto Rico
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Age 33 Years of Service 8
Killed Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Automobile Collision
12) Police Officer Joshua T. Miktarian
Twinsburg P.D., Ohio
Age 33 Years of Service 11
Killed Sunday, July 13, 2008
Gunfire
For more information on these officers, refer to www.odmp
[Officer Down Memorial Page])
A MOMENT OF SILENCE WAS HELD.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Seat New Board Members & Proxies
May & June minutes have not been posted on the Department’s EMS system, pending the new EMS system. They were posted on the Association & Retiree’s websites.
Motion from Dave Schroder, seconded by Nathan Teel to accept the consent agenda. Motion Passed.
PACIFIC FINANCIAL DESIGN:
Pat & Todd Madden briefed the Board on a new benefit program starting for Association members. Program options will include:
Long Term Care
Cancer-Intensive Care
Retirement Income Supplements
Medicare Advantage
Critical Illness
Family Protection Life
Retirement Package-Preparation
Website should be completed shortly allowing members to access information on each option.
GUEST SPEAKER – PATTY SIMPSON:
Patty Simpson presented to President Jimmy Chavez a check for $150.00 from the 107 members of Department’s OPCOM centers. She also presented to President Chavez a plaque to show the appreciation of the OPCOM employees on the work done by the Association to help them join the CORP retirement system.
TREASURER REPORT:
General Checking: $ 193,900.46
Savings: $ 56,396.78
Merchandise: $ 8,864.27
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Bass: $ 1,763.46
Rodeo: $ 6,675.55
Golf: $ 40,991.24
Raffle: $ 49,237.24
Charities: $ 17,749.60
PAC: $ 27,483.10
AHPA Cabin $ 1,750.54
Merrill Lynch $ 407,405.00
Monument Account $ 14,671.00
Snedaker Account (Originally) $ 40,084.00
Officer Wooley Assistance $ 1,000.00
(Remaining) $ 21,784.00
Funding Requests (Budgeted) $ 5,000.00
Expenditures
July 0.00
August 0.00
September 0.00
October 0.00
November 0.00
December 0.00
January 2008 0.00
February 0.00
March 0.00
April 0.00
May 0.00
June 0.00
Balance $ 5,000.00
Sick & Distressed (Budgeted) $ 4,000.00
Expenditures
July 0.00
August 0.00
September 0.00
October 0.00
November 0.00
December 0.00
January 2008 0.00
February 0.00
March 0.00
April 0.00
May 0.00
June 0.00
Balance $ 4,000.00
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DONATIONS:
Anne Knight of Sun City – $200.00 for assistance provided by Officer Bryce Bigelow on June 9th at a collision scene.
Unknown D-4 Officer received $100.00 from an unknown citizen.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT:
Lobbyist Nicole LaSlavic from Williams & Associates gave a final end of session report to the Board of this year’s Legislative action. The Legislature adjourned after passing a 9.9 billion budget. Notable provisions include:
a) 100 photo-radar enforcement cameras statewide
b) Transfer of $106 million from the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) to the Department.
Summary of Bills:
a) HB2046 Special License Plates – signed on 4/22
b) HB2059 Health Insurance Subsidy – signed 5/23
c) HB2061 Global Security Risk Report – signed 4/29
d) HB2088 Vehicle Equipment Motor Carrier Safety – signed 5/01
e) HB2116 Retirement CORP – signed 5/27
f) HB2169 Vehicle Title/Registration – signed 5/12
g) HB2466 Critical Infrastructure Info – signed 4/22
h) HB2478 Redaction Orders – signed 4/28
i) HB2486 Prohibited Possessors Weapons – signed 3/21
j) HB2623 Peace Officers Status Constables – signed 5/1
k) HB2634 Concealed Weapons Felony Convictions – signed6/12
l) SB1056 Merit System Continuation – signed 4/4
m) SB1057 Representation Law Enforcement Officer – signed 4/16
n) SB1070 Instructors Qual Concealed Weapons – signed 6/10
o) SB1332 DNA Testing – signed 6/19
p) SB1339 Probation officer Investigations – signed 5/12
q) SB1407 Deferred Retirement ASRS – signed 6/10
LEGAL REPORT:
Greg Robinson reported on the following items:
1. Reviewed the language on the 2008 raffle flyer
2. There are two outstanding loans:
a) Paul Sennett
b) Christian Hernandez
3. Final By-law changes were made
RAFFLE REPORT:
Colleen Girard advised the Board that the 2008 raffle tickets have been ordered.
ASSOCIATION SCHROLORSHIPS:
President Chavez reported that the two scholarships to Arizona State University have been given to:
a. Amanda Blunder $ 750.00
b. #6093 $ 750.00
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Dave Schroder reported to the Board that the golf scholarships have been given to:
a. Leo Becenti III $ 500.00
b. Mathren Leffler $ 500.00
c. Ashley Jones $ 500.00
d. Amanda Bolger $ 500.00
e. Deanna Molina $ 500.00
GUEST SPEAKER: STEVE POMERANTZ
Steve Pomerantz, from the Phoenix Coyotes gave a presentation on the Association’s Fallen Officer Memorial Night Phoenix Coyotes hockey game which will be held on October 25th. Money raised will be given to the Officer memorial. The Department’s Honor Guard will post the colors.
ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE: PAUL DIMERMAN
1. Presented to the Board 5000 Employee information flyers on the Association.
2. Asked the Board permission on working with the Arizona Police-Fire Games
3. Wanted to modify the Employee flyer towards businesses.
PRESIDENT JIMMY CHAVEZ:
Received an e-mail from Bob Mitchell in regards to the Department’s Historical Committee. Board members at present are Betty Gallery & Greg Girard. The committee wanted to have another Board member appointed. Motion made by Bob Gilbert, 2nd by Dave Schroder to appoint Pat Eagan to the committee. Motion Carried.
EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT BOB GILBERT:
Reported to the Board he had contacted Arizona State University in reference to a Pay & Evaluation study on State employee pay. Project profile would be written and submitted. Cost of the study would be $4000.00 (expenses) with a pending $ 1000.00 for completed report. Motion was given by the Board to allow Bob further contact with ASU.
NEW BUSINESS:
Motion was made by Pat Eagan grant Jerry Landau, a life time membership due to the work he has done. Motion was 2nd by Tim Kvochick. Motion carried.
Kevin McNichols reported to the Board that there would be a golf tournament held at the Hidden Golf course in Green Valley for Officer Wooley. Date and more information are pending.
Dave Schroder made a motion to fund a lunch for the three OPCOM centers on September 26th, date of the CORP bill becoming law.
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Money raised by OPCOM and presented to the Board would be used. Motion seconded by Nathan Teel. Motion Carried.
Motion made by Dave Schroder to adopt the new By-law changes, 2nd by Becky Smith. Motion Carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Website Committee: Several changes were made to the current website.
Membership Committee: Employee Flyer was handed out for the Board members to hand out.
By-Law Committee: New By-Laws were approved by the Board members.
WESTERN STATES CONFERENCE:
Jim Bee & Celina Murrieta-Gonzales gave the Board a report on the Western States conference which was held in Redmond Oregon.
California:
a. Have new Executive Staff
b. New 4 year contact, separated from DOC
c. Have had several attacks on their Retirement & Health Care programs.
d. Looking at 12 hours shifts for Sworn
e. Having problems with Officer’s placed on the Brady list.
f. Have a Police Survivor Outreach Program
g. Taping of interviews during Officer investigations has been started.
h. Have their own Health plan, retirees have 100% paid.
i. Trying to get a Me-too bill for Sgts. (any new benefits would go to Sgt’s, they are not currently included in their benefits).
New Mexico:
a. Looking at forming a union
b. Member of NTC
Utah:
a. State employees received 5% pay raise
b. Lt. and below received 2.75% raise
c. Retirement system received 4% COLA
d. September 6th will have an Officer Memorial ceremony at Salt Lake City.
e. Upon retirement, members receive $2000.00 plus $1.00 for every member.
f. Fallen Officer Scholarships – 1 for each Fallen Officer
g. Looking at rejoining NTC
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Washington:
a. Have collected bargaining to select arbiter if needed.
b. Governing Board Bill to address Board retirements
c. No health care for retirees
d. Any new benefit for members, would split cost with the State.
e. Have been looking at carving out for 18 months.
f. Starting photo enforcement in construction zones
g. Having problems with public disclosure on release of Department data base information on employees.
h. Have telemarketing firm, $93,000.00 given towards scholarships.
i. Funding Honor Guard to attend all Officer Memorials, giving State flag to family.
Montana:
a. Starting to give 1 year scholarship to anyone interested in going into law Enforcement.
b. Have new video in-car system ICOP
c. Have pay parity every 2 years
Oregon:
a. 139 new positions
b. Any request for endorsement has required ride-a-long with Trooper.
c. Last contact received 14% raise
d. Have Officer-Firefighter Fund, every citation written has $2.00 placed into account. Pays for college for surviving children and $25,000.00 given to family.
Alaska:
a. For new laterals will pay for Trooper & family to move to the State, and upon completion of academy will pay for first duty station move.
b. Have Defined contribution into retirement system
c. Trooper Association has both State & local agencies.
REQUEST FOR FUNDING:
None
MOTION TO ADJOURN BY CELINA MURRIETA-GONZALES, SECONDED BY DAVE SCHRODER. MOTION PASSED.
NEXT MEETING:
Next meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 20th, 2008 at Mountain Preserve Reception Center, Phoenix, Arizona. Meeting will start at 0900 hours.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jim Bee, Recording Secretary
Article written by/or information provided by tcamos
