A message from David Cowan, Sergeant At Arms

I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday, whether you call it… Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza or Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. This is also the time of year when many of us reflect upon the past year and set goals and resolutions for the new year.

As we enter 2011, I would encourage all members to add something to their list of resolu-tions, check your current beneficiaries on your personal insurance policy and update this same information with your local lodge. You might also review your will and make updates that reflect your current and accurate status, most of us have not reviewed these items since we initially purchased or wrote them.

I know personally of a recent incident involving a member who passed away unexpectedly and he had not reviewed his insurance policies or will. This lead to a former spouse receiving the benefits. I hope each of you will resolve to review your information and make any neces-sary changes.

If you keep no other resolution in 2011… PLEASE KEEP THIS ONE!

Johnny

I recently had the opportunity to attend a Management/Supervisory Class in Rutherford County (Thank you RCSO for your hospitality!!). We spoke about and discussed a lot of words that we think are synonymous with good leader-ship. Courage, honor, respect, loyalty were all at the top of the list, just to name a few, but the one that stuck out for me was compassion. I just wanted to take a moment this Holiday Season, and remind everyone to take care of each other. Look for the brother or sister that may be struggling during the season and help them along. We never know when the one needing help, may very well be ourselves.

I would also like to encourage everyone that is able, to participate in your local ‘Cops and Kids’ event. Some of these kids may otherwise not have a Christ-mas and the impact on them can be phenomenal and rewarding for you as well!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season this year. I look forward to a new and exciting year up and coming soon! During this time of resolution making, lets all resolve to make our TN FOP the best! Take a moment to read our Mission Statement, apply it whenever possible, and lets all make 2011 the best year ever for our organization!

Help yourself and the Tennessee State FOP Foundation before the end of the year. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 organiza-tion, which means any donation you make can be taken on your taxes. Make your check payable to the TNFOP Foundation and mail it to the State Lodge, Today!