Editorial by Brian Moran, Chairman TN State FOP Legal Defense Plan;
I would like to take a moment and address what I believe to be a disturbing trend in our society. As most of you know I have served in many different leadership positions in the Fraternal Order of Police on both a local lodge and state lodge level, and I am presently Chairman of the State Lodge Legal Defense Committee. It is during my service in these different positions that I have seen just about every possible situation a fellow member could find themselves facing; be it administrative charges, criminal charges, civil charges, or all three at the same time.
I am proud to say that in the vast majority of these cases the State FOP Legal Defense has stepped up and provided the best in legal representation that could be found. What I am not proud about however is the quickness by society, to include fellow officers, to judge an officer, accused of wrong doing, guilty before any evidence has been presented in any formal hearing or courtroom. All too often an officer is convicted in the court of public opinion before they have had their right to due process through whatever means the agency they work for provides, or in a courtroom.
Anyone who has been in this profession for any length time expects this from the press and other misinformed civilians, but I would submit that the practice of judging one of our peers guilty when accused of wrong doing before any evidence is presented to support, or refute, the accusation is all to common among fellow officers. If we, as brothers and sisters in law enforcement, aren’t willing to stand behind one of our fellow officers when they are facing charges of wrong doing, on any level, then we should not be too quick to judge the press and civilians who do the same. We must never forget that even a law enforcement officer is INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY, and as a fellow officer it is in my opinion your moral duty to support any officer until there is actual evidence, and not just locker room rumor, of wrong doing.
In this profession of constant review and criticism from arm chair quarterbacks it is more important than ever that you as a law enforcement professional have access to professional legal representation. We are fortunate here in Tennessee that our State Lodge does have a legal defense plan that has a proven track record of working for it’s members. It is important to know that just by joining the FOP does not automatically make you a member of the legal defense plan. I would suggest you check with your local lodge to see if they automatically include membership in the plan or if you have to join it separately, on your own. If the latter is the case then I suggest you check the state lodge web site for informa-tion on the legal plan. At just $48 a year it is one heck of a bargain for the service and peace of mind you get from joining.
Brian Moran, Chairman
TN State FOP Legal Defense Plan
National Conference News
This was an unusual conference in that this was the first conference in many years that had multiple candidates running for National Office. The pool of candidates had a vast FOP knowledge and experience that made each equally qualified to hold office. The Tennessee delegation was fortunate to hear from all of the candidates either during our caucus on Tuesday afternoon or during the General Sessions. There was lively and spirited discussions with and amongst them and time for questions and answers. Although, we may not always agree with what we hear, first and foremost we need to be respectful of those running fo office and our brothers and sisters with opposing opinions. It is okay to agree to disagree as long as we keep the spirit of fraternalism alive. Although your candidate may or may not have been elected, I feel the candidates that we elected will serve the members of the Fraternal Order of Police in a professional manner. I wish them great success over the next two years in their service to the membership and this great organization.
Johnny
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Sister Dee Eubanks and the Scenic Lodge No. 8 in the recent loss of Brother John Eubanks. He was a good friend to all of us and will be missed.
Coming Next Issue…
Ed Mason, Chairman/Compliance Committee
Upcoming Events
November1, 2011 First Half 2012 Per Capita Due
December 2-3,2011 TN State FOP Fall Board Meeting Baymont Inn & Suites Cookeville, TN
February 9-11, 2012 Leadership Matters Airport Marriott Nashville, TN
February 22-23, 2012 Annual Labor Forum Flamingo Hotel Las Vegas, NV
February 24-25, 2012 Legal Counselors Seminar Flamingo Hotel Las Vegas, NV
TBD National FOP Day on the Hill Capitol Hill Washington, DC
March 22, 2012 President’s Meeting Renaissance Hotel Baltimore, MD
March 23-24, 2012 National Board Meeting Renaissance Hotel Baltimore, MD
May—date TBA TN State Memorial Service Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN
May 13-18, 2012 Police Week Washington, DC
May 15, 2012 National Police Memorial Service White House Lawn Washington, DC
May 31, 2012 Registration for TN0ST Conference Sheraton Music City Nashville, TN
June 1-3, 2012 TN State FOP Conference Sheraton Music City Nashville, TN
Associate FOP Member Tags
We have been told by the State of Tennessee that our new Associate Member License plates will be in circulation by December. You must contact the State Lodge to receive the necessary paperwork prior to going to your County Clerk’s Office for the actual plate.