May15 Volume 19 Issue 5. The Broward Centurion A Publication of the Broward County Police Benevolent Association

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1 The Broward Centurion A Publication of the Broward County Police Benevolent Association May15 Volume 19 Issue 5 In this issue: - National Police Week May Contract Updates - Rep Election News - C.O.P.S. Run for the Money

Contents IN THIS ISSUE President s Message 3 Member Updates 3 Run for the Money 4 Recently Wed 4 On the Road with Secretary Lee Martin 5 Rep Election News 5 Contracts Update 5 Day of Action 6

8 Local Election Results 8 VP s Vision 9 Member Marketplace 11 The Official Publication of the Broward County PBA (A Charter of the Florida PBA) 2650 West State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312

2 Contents IN THIS ISSUE President s Message 3 Member Updates 3 Run for the Money 4 Recently Wed 4 On the Road with Secretary Lee Martin 5 Rep Election News 5 Contracts Update 5 Day of Action 6 National Police Week 7 May Remembrances 7 BCPBA Who s Who? 8 Local Election Results 8 VP s Vision 9 Member Marketplace 11 The Official Publication of the Broward County PBA (A Charter of the Florida PBA) 2650 West State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, Florida Telephone: Fax: Editor: Tina Koenig tkoenig@bcpba.org The Broward Centurion is published by the Broward County Police Benevolent Association for the sole benefit of its members. The Broward Centurion is dedicated to the advancement of the law enforcement profession through better and stronger community relations. The opinions expressed in the publication of The Broward Centurion are not necessarily those of the Broward County PBA, its staff, Executive Board or the Board of Directors. Above: National Police Week is May 10-16, Join in on all the events online at Get in Touch Write Letters to the Editor Broward County PBA 2650 West State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, FL editor@bcpba.org Fax Letters or articles submitted must include the writers true full name, address and daytime phone number. Any letters or articles submitted for publication must be accompanied by a statement giving permission to publish. The Broward County PBA reserves the right of the Executive Board or Editor to amend or to add an editor s comment to any article or letter submitted. The Broward Centurion is published 12 times a year and distributed to over 2,800 County PBA members and associates. Advertising rates effective 1/1/15 Business card ad $ One-quarter page ad $ One-half page ad $ Full page ad $ On the Cover: Officer Joe Mercogliano from the Plantation Police Department and Detective Ian Hunt of BSO run the Ft. Lauderdale A1A Half-Marathon while wearing generic blue police uniforms outfitted with C.O.P.S. patches. Cover Inset: This month we celebrate National Police Week. Some of the events are listed inside. For more events, visit the nleomf.org website. Let us also remember those who fought bravely on Memorial Day. Meet Your PBA Staff Office Manager/Detail Coordinator Kim Receptionist Maryann Membership Ann Legal Assistant Irene Director of Communications Tina General Counsel Julio Office hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Prices are for b/w; add 10% per month for color. An advertising agreement must be signed and all ads prepaid before insertion. The minimum agreement period is three (3) issues. Member Marketplace $100/year. Advertisement in this publication does not imply endorsement by the Broward County PBA unless otherwise specified. Page 2 - The Broward Centurion May bcpba.org

Members: It seems that a day doesn t go by when you can t turn on the television, or read a newspaper, and not be faced with yet another story alleging police misconduct in America.

Of course the good deeds by the men and women in uniform, violent acts perpetrated by offenders, or the meritorious acts taken by law enforcement seem to miss being reported by the media.

3 Members: It seems that a day doesn t go by when you can t turn on the television, or read a newspaper, and not be faced with yet another story alleging police misconduct in America. The reality is there are more cameras or video recording devices than ever before--including the smart phones the public possesses to capture just about anything. Of course the good deeds by the men and women in uniform, violent acts perpetrated by offenders, or the meritorious acts taken by law enforcement seem to miss being reported by the media. Supervisors in roll calls, briefings, or line ups everywhere should and must constantly remind their subordinates to conduct themselves as if they are on video the entire shift. Remember: Officer safety is paramount. Continue BSO At Large (LE) Kevin Bolling Meghan Anderson Bob Lahiff Vince Marlin Chris Palamara Ralph Romb Jerry Vosburgh BSO District (LE) Alan Adkins Christopher Bradley Anthony Cenno Kelli Covet Armand Demosthenes Neil Dodge Rich Engels Mike Hencken Dean Mirra James Pedre Art Perry Robert Petoskey Aimee Russo Eric Swenson BSO (Lts) Jeff Morse President s Message Board of Directors Broward County District School Board Police Rich Orzech Coconut Creek Dan Eberly Joe Gallman Coconut Creek (Sgts) Fred Shelton Coconut Creek (Lts) John Leonard Hallandale Beach Todd Crevier Marc Dady Mike McKenzie Pietro Roccisano - Alt. Hillsboro Beach David Clark to take charge of the situation and do not hesitate to use force to protect yourself or the public. The pendulum will swing back to the conservative side when the public is tired of being victimized by these so called troubled people. The proposed legislative bills affecting PBA members statewide have been closely monitored and tweaked by our legislative staff and statewide PBA executive board officials attending the session. Please visit the PBA website for the weekly updates from Tallahassee staff via the Capitol Report. Stay safe out there. Hollywood Derik Alexander Dan Bromley James Gibbons Richard Losenbeck Tony Fernandez - Alt. Lauderhill (Lts) Gregory Solowsky Lighthouse Point Chris Oh Carmen Roldan Margate (Spvrs) Jonathan Shaw Miramar Jared Bloom Lonnie Nix Thomas Tiberio Lawrence Calicchio - Alt. George Mankowski - Alt. Marc St. Fort - Alt. Jeff Marano Pembroke Pines Dan Donato Adam Feiner Chris Grant Sea Ranch Lakes Ron Stabile Sunrise Joel Schiller Sunrise (Lts) Craig Cardinale Wilton Manors Nicholas Fiacco Bonnie Owens Frank Pilewski Legislative Coordinator Chris Palamara Immediate Past President Pat Hanrahan Past Presidents Dick Brickman Steve Bias Executive Board President Jeff Marano Senior Vice President Debbie Reggio Vice President Rodney Skirvin Treasurer Drew Brooks Secretary Lee Martin New & Reinstated Members Broward District Schools Erik Fundarburk Broward Sheriff s Office Angel Alcantara Thomas Arce Milan Asous Jordano Bahamonde David Celis Christopher DeSanto Yasel Gutierrez Zachary Hasson Marcous Hepburn Eric Hoff Kenny Matthews Danny Polo Angel Rivera Danielle Quinones Felipe Santamaria Joshua Sapp Demetrius Williams Coconut Creek Michael Donnelly Andrew Renna Hallandale Joel Leon Hollywood Kwesi Alleyne Frank Denenberg David Diaz Kerry Donohue Kevin Murphy Jonathon Sosa Josue Vazquez Lighthouse Point Michael Tomassi Miramar Jorge Gacita Jehud Presume Seminole Carlin Coleman David Walsh Retired Members Diana Brown (BSO) Mitchell Gordon (BSO) William Billy Ferguson (HWPD) Kyle Bruening (MARGATE) Jeffrey Whitehurst (MIRAMAR) Bryan Davis (PINES) Peter Desmond (PINES) Lawrence Diago (PINES) bcpba.org - The Broward Centurion May Page 3

Inside BSO Just Wed! Dept. of Congratulations Memo: Best wishes to BCPBA Representative, Deputy Megan Brooks, and Deputy Christopher Anderson who were married January 25, 2015. C.O.P.S. Run for the Money On February 15, 2015 Officer Joe Mercogliano from Plantation P.

Mercogliano and Hunt ran the half marathon to raise money for the South Florida Chapter of the Concerns of Police Survivors and to highlight that law enforcement officers play an active and

Officer Mercogliano and I completed the race in 2 hours 17 minutes, which included stopping for photos and talking to people along the way.

We were so thankful for the beautiful weather and course along Fort Lauderdale s beach. The run was so successful that the two are already planning for next year s run and fundraiser.

4 Inside BSO Just Wed! Dept. of Congratulations Memo: Best wishes to BCPBA Representative, Deputy Megan Brooks, and Deputy Christopher Anderson who were married January 25, C.O.P.S. Run for the Money On February 15, 2015 Officer Joe Mercogliano from Plantation P.D. and Detective Ian Hunt of the Broward Sheriff s Office ran the Ft. Lauderdale A1A Half-Marathon wearing generic blue police uniforms outfitted with C.O.P.S. patches, their duty belts and vests. Mercogliano and Hunt ran the half marathon to raise money for the South Florida Chapter of the Concerns of Police Survivors and to highlight that law enforcement officers play an active and supporting role in the fabric of our society. The race was a great success, said Detective Hunt. Officer Mercogliano and I completed the race in 2 hours 17 minutes, which included stopping for photos and talking to people along the way. We are very thankful for the support that we received from all of our donors--including the PBA--who helped us to raise more than expected for Concerns of Police Survivors. We were so thankful for the beautiful weather and course along Fort Lauderdale s beach. The run was so successful that the two are already planning for next year s run and fundraiser. Next year we are considering making it a full marathon run! Officer Mercogliano set up a Go- FundMe page to raise money and all totaled raised over $5,000. All donations will be used by the Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty as determined by Federal criteria. Page 4 - The Broward Centurion May bcpba.org

On the Road with Secretary Lee Martin Lee Martin No Good Deed Goes Unpunished! This expression effectively sums up the BSO DLE 2015 contract negotiations initial meeting that was held on April 9th.

In GOOD FAITH, we negotiated what was fair given the financial strains that EVERY Deputy knew were taking place. As a group, we were fair and equitable. Now, those strains have dissipated.

Also, they have proposed charging $50 for a single, $100 for a single +1, and $150 for a family for all insurance categories.

5 On the Road with Secretary Lee Martin Lee Martin No Good Deed Goes Unpunished! This expression effectively sums up the BSO DLE 2015 contract negotiations initial meeting that was held on April 9th. When the Broward PBA negotiated the last two contracts, citizens of our county and our country were going through some of the worst financial woes they had ever seen. In GOOD FAITH, we negotiated what was fair given the financial strains that EVERY Deputy knew were taking place. As a group, we were fair and equitable. Now, those strains have dissipated. Yet, the proposal given to us by the BSO negotiation team seems less than fair and equitable. They proposed a two year contract with 2% raises in each year. Also, they have proposed charging $50 for a single, $100 for a single +1, and $150 for a family for all insurance categories. Note: If you already pay a premium (POS and PPO) then you tack those numbers onto what you already pay. BSO negotiators advised that there is no money and no hope for anything outside those numbers. BCPBA will not waver on what is fair and equitable for our members. We will exhaust every available source to get you, our members, what you deserve. We played fair when it was our turn to understand the needs of our community. It is our turn to be treated fairly. A calm sea never made a skilled sailor! I love you all! Please call me at or me (lmartin@ bcpba.org) if there is anything you wish to discuss or with any ideas you may have. REP Election News In March, the BCPBA held rep elections for Hollywood and Miramar. Here are the results. James Gibbons is a new rep for Hollywood. Richard Klima is a new BSO rep for Oakland Park. Jared Bloom is a new rep for Miramar. Mark St. Fort is a new alternate rep for Miramar. Lawrence Calicchio is an alternate rep for Miramar. George Mankowski is an alternate rep for Miramar. Congratulations to the winners. ~ ~ ~ In April, the BCPBA held elections for representatives in Pembroke Pines. Dan Donato, Adam Feiner and Chris Grant will continue to represent members working for the Pembroke Pines P.D. Legal Activity Report The Broward County PBA opened 22 new cases in March and closed 23 cases. As of March 31, 2015 there were 204 cases pending. Contracts Update BSO The BCPBA had its initial meeting with the Broward Sheriff s Office on Thursday, April 9, We brought proposals based on input from the membership survey. Please read BCPBA Secretary, Lee Martin s, column to learn what happened at the meeting. Hallandale The BCBPA met with the City of Hallandale on March 26, 2015 to open negotiations. The next step is for the city to set tentative dates to hear our contract proposals. Hollywood On Thursday, April 9, 2015 a second meeting about pension issues and reform was held at the Fred Lippman Center in Hollywood. On April 16, 2016 the BCPBA also held a negotiation session with the city. Miramar The BCPBA notified the City of Miramar that it is ready to begin negotiations. We are waiting for a meeting date to be scheduled. Sunrise A notice that the BCPBA is prepared to begin negotiations was sent to the Sunrise city manager. The BCPBA is waiting for a meeting date to be scheduled. The BCPBA has received positive feedback on our progress working with the city. bcpba.org - The Broward Centurion May Page 5

BCPBA Contributes Winning Assist to Clinton Foundation Day of Action On Sunday, March 8, 2015, attendees participated in the Clinton Foundation Day of Action, a morning of community service in

Broward County PBA Executive Board Member and Pembroke Pines Detective, Drew Brooks, participated along with professional football players and other celebrities.

6 BCPBA Contributes Winning Assist to Clinton Foundation Day of Action On Sunday, March 8, 2015, attendees participated in the Clinton Foundation Day of Action, a morning of community service in conjunction with the Miami Children s Initiative (MCI) in Liberty City. Broward County PBA Executive Board Member and Pembroke Pines Detective, Drew Brooks, participated along with professional football players and other celebrities. He is pictured here with President Bill Clinton. Also participating in the event were several Miami Dolphin football players. Pictured above (left to right): Lauderhill Officer, Alejandro Gonzalez; Hollywood Officer, Carol Solowsky; Gregory Solowsky, Lieutenant Lauderhill Police Dept. and PBA Representative. (Pictured above from left to right: Dallas Thomas, Rashad Jones, Bill Clinton, Drew Brooks and Billy Turner.) Also participating in the event was Chelsea Clinton, who is pictured in the photo to the right with Drew Brooks. Page 6 - The Broward Centurion May bcpba.org

Event Highlights for National Police Week Sunday, May 10 - Saturday, May 16 Annual National Police Week 5K May 09, 2015 9:00 am 20th Annual LawRide May 10, 2015 11:00 am 22nd Annual NAPO TOP COPS

7 Event Highlights for National Police Week Sunday, May 10 - Saturday, May 16 Annual National Police Week 5K May 09, :00 am 20th Annual LawRide May 10, :00 am 22nd Annual NAPO TOP COPS Awards Ceremony May 12, :00 pm Police Unity Tour Arrival Ceremony May 12, :00 pm 27th Annual Candlelight Vigil May 13, :00 pm Standing Watch for the Fallen Flag Ceremony May 14, :00 pm 21st Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband March and Service May 14, :30 pm National Police Survivors Conference May 14, :00 am - 4:30 pm 13th Annual National Honor Guard Competition and Pipe Band Competition May 14, :00 am 34th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Day Services May 15, :00 am National Police Survivors Conference May 16, :00 am - 4:30 pm In May We Remember Clyde Dixon Hallandale PD 5/10/1928 Norman Eddy Jr. Ft. Lauderdale PD 5/25/1989 Frankie Mastrangelo Jr. Hallandale PD 5/25/1989 bcpba.org - The Broward Centurion May Page 7

Bromley, Derik Alexander Middle Left: Jared Bloom, Marc St.

Dan Eberly, Rod Skirvin, Joe Gallman Bottom: Drew Brooks, Dan

The PBA was successful in helping to elect Joshua Rydell in

for Broward PBA members and their families Troy Wilson, Realtor

8 BCPBA Board Meeting Who s Who? Top: Mike Saffran, Jeff Marano, Rich Losenbeck, Jim Gibbons, Dan Bromley, Derik Alexander Middle Left: Jared Bloom, Marc St. Fort, Lonny Calicchio, Lonnie Nix, George Mankowski Middle Right: Dan Eberly, Rod Skirvin, Joe Gallman Bottom: Drew Brooks, Dan Donato Thanks for voting the PBA Way! The PBA was successful in helping to elect Joshua Rydell in Coconut Creek, Joseph Miller in Deerfield Beach and Maxwell Chambers and Darline Riggs in Miramar. Your Dream Home 25% commission rebate on all closed transactions for Broward PBA members and their families Troy Wilson, Realtor (954) Year Broward LEO Broward PBA Member TroyWilson@kw.com KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY Page 8 - The Broward Centurion May bcpba.org

Happy Mother s Day on May 10! May 10th also kicks off National Police Week. Throughout the week, please remember the 286 officers who lost their lives in 2014.

9 The V.P. s VISION The month of May brings us several special days. On May 10th we celebrate Mother s Day. I would like to recognize and thank all the mothers out there for the extraordinary things that you do! You nurture and provide compassion to us all, and with you the world is a better place. Happy Mother s Day on May 10! May 10th also kicks off National Police Week. Throughout the week, please remember the 286 officers who lost their lives in We also remember the officers who have died in the line of duty so far this year. Life is precious and we sometimes take it for granted. Look out for each other because nobody else will. Administrations are more worried about spending millions of dollars on body cameras than they are on spending money to better train and protect their officers. We will continue to fight for tougher laws and longer sentences for criminals that do harm to officers; and we will continue to fight to make your jobs safer. The last day that I will mention is Memorial Day. Please take a moment to reflect on what the price of freedom has cost so many families in America. Enjoy the holiday weekend but please don t forget the price at which it came. Our nation is, and always will be, a special place because we continue to be willing to sacrifice ourselves on foreign soil, so our families don t have to fear the enemy at their doors. By the time that you get this newsletter, the legislative session will have concluded for this year. Up to this point the process has been relatively painless for law enforcement. The PBA is keeping a watchful eye on the items that concern us all. Our union is clearly the voice of law enforcement in Tallahassee and we will not let your voice go unheard. Hopefully, you all enjoyed PBA Law Enforcement Appreciation Day put on by the Florida Panthers. I was there with my family and had a great time. Remember to take advantage of all the special benefits that the PBA provides to you so that we can get sponsors for exciting events in the future. Please always be mindful to stay safe, wear your seatbelt, and wear your body armor. Rod Skirvin Do I understand the value of my retirement plan? Do I understand all of the options in my retirement plan? Do I know how the retirement plan option I choose can have long-term consequences on my retirement income? Do I understand how to utilize my Qualified Dollars, i.e., DROP, 457 Plan, IRAs or 401(k)s without IRS Penalties? The Professionals at DFS can help you secure a comfortable and successful retirement! Call & Schedule a FREE Personal Consultation! Jim Fondo or Ed Bennett RETIRED BROWARD SHERIFF S OFFICE CHIEF RETIRED BROWARD SHERIFF S OFFICE DEPUTY DATABASE FINANCIAL SERVICES 1004 COLLIER CENTER WAY #100, NAPLES, FL Securities offered solely through Ameritas Investment Corp. (AIC). Member FINRA/SIPC. AIC and Database Financial Services, Inc. are not affiliated. Additional products and services may be available through Database Financial Services, Inc. that are not offered through AIC. bcpba.org - The Broward Centurion May Page 9

10 Page 10 - The Broward Centurion May bcpba.org

Member Marketplace Open to Active PBA Members Susanne R. Mealer, LCSW, CHt Trauma & Abuse Specialist www.abusetraumalosstherapy.

com 12555 Orange Drive, Suite 265, Davie, FL 33330 (954) 642-6776 Don t be a Stranger. Continue your PBA membership after retirement. Call today for more details.

Schembri, President Office (954) 584-8220 Cell (954) 682-3000 Expert Team 1 Realty Tony Pineda, Broker 1101 NW 114 Avenue Plantation, Florida 33323 Retired Law Enforcement Cell: 954-605-2636

11 Member Marketplace Open to Active PBA Members Susanne R. Mealer, LCSW, CHt Trauma & Abuse Specialist Specializing in: Trauma & PTSD, Dissociation Acute Stress Reaction Avoidance, Loss & Abuse Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters Military and Other First Responders Orange Drive, Suite 265, Davie, FL (954) Don t be a Stranger. Continue your PBA membership after retirement. Call today for more details Calling all Cars & Trucks AUTOMOTIVE CONSULTANTS USA, INC. Auto Broker For All Makes & Models Serving Police Officers for over 30 Years Ronald R. Schembri, President Office (954) Cell (954) Expert Team 1 Realty Tony Pineda, Broker 1101 NW 114 Avenue Plantation, Florida Retired Law Enforcement Cell: ExpertTeamOne@gmail.com Buying, Selling or Renting? 25% commission rebate on all closed transactions for Broward PBA members and their families KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY Troy Wilson, Realtor 16 Year Broward LEO Broward PBA Member (954) mobile TroyWilson@kw.com Licensed/Insured Trimming Removal Stump Grinding KEVIN BOLLING Free Estimates Office: Cell: P.O. Box Coral Springs, FL Phone: (954) Fax: (954) steve@logoshirts.com Custom Embroidery Screen Printing Steve Adelman 1440 Coral Ridge Drive Suite 135 Coral Springs, FL bcpba.org - The Broward Centurion May Page 11

12 Broward County Police Benevolent Association 2650 West State Road 84 Ft. Lauderdale, FL NONPROFIT ORG. U S POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BEACH, FL PERMIT NO Broward County PBA

CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE FINANCE DEPARTMENT

CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE FINANCE DEPARTMENT To: From: By: Honorable Mayor and City Commission Ambreen Bhatty, City Manager Steven Chapman II, Finance Director Date: May 8, 2012 Subject: 2012 Amendment