2006

MEMBERSHIP
To become a member of the FOP simply fill out the application on this web site and send it to the address on the top along with a check for $35 for law enforcement officers and $45 for those who support law enforcement. Make the check out to SIFOP 120.

MEETING DATES
The remaining Meeting dates for 2008 are April 17, May 15, June 19, September 18, October 16, November 20 and December 18. Please mark these dates down. All Meetings are at the Marine Corps League at Ontario Ave on Staten Island. The Meetings begin at 7:30 sharp. If you have any suggestions for guest speakers please tell any officer at the meetings or contact the Lodge. Directions to the Marine Corps League: from NJ take the SI Expwy east to Todt Hill Rd. Make a left at the light. Make a right at the 3rd light. Ontario Ave is the first street past the second light. Make a right. The League is about 300 feet on the right. From Brooklyn take the SI Expwy west to Todt Hill Rd. Make a right at the light. Make a right at the 2nd light. Ontario Ave is the first street past the second light. Make a right. The League is about 300 feet on the right. From the Ferry take Bay St to Victory Blvd. Make a right at Victory Blvd. Ontario Ave is the 2nd street past Clove Rd. Your Lodge tries to make the general membership meetings as informative as possible by having guest speakers. However, there is a condition in the Lodge’s Constitution and By-laws that any speaker must have prior approval by the Board before addressing the membership. This is to maintain order and to avoid several speakers from appearing at one meeting. If a member would like to introduce a speaker please let the Lodge know in advance. If any member would like the Board to contact a speaker on behalf of the Lodge we would be glad to. We’d like the speaker to have something to do with the law enforcement community or bills supporting law enforcement.

9/11 HEALTH BENEFITS
New York State has extended the deadline for New York City employees to file a WTC-related Notice of Participation with their respective retirement systems to June 14, 2009. Filing a Notice of Participation enables eligible employees to apply for disability retirement benefits under the WTC Disability Law in the future even if they aren't sick now. City employees who wish to file a Notice of Participation should contact their retirement system for more information. New York State also extended the registration deadline for September 11 related Workers' Comp. September 11 rescue, recovery and clean-up workers and volunteers must register with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board no later than August 14, 2008 in order to preserve their right to file for September 11 related compensation in the future. To register you must complete and submit Form WTC-12. To get this form go to nyc.gov/html/doh/wtc/html/news/2007-3.shtml or call 877-632-4996.

BENEFITS OF BELONGING TO LODGE 120
Every member of the FOP in New York State gets the same benefits from the State and National Lodges. What I’d like to stress is the benefits of joining this Lodge. Over the years your Board has looked around to find things we can do for our members. We’ve taken ideas from other lodges as well as coming up with a few of our own. Every member is automatically entered in the Lodge’s raffle with 3 prizes valued in the hundreds of dollars. Every child or grandchild born during the year to a member receives a savings bond for $50. There are two scholarships sponsored by the lodge for the children and grandchildren of our members valued at $500 each. We set aside funds to help our members facing financial difficulties due to illness. There is a quarterly Newsletter with not only what’s happening with the Lodge but with benefits you’re entitled to as well as legislation affecting law enforcement. There are events that, if not free are run at or below cost. We have defensive driving courses throughout the year for our members and their families. We have a web site that’s constantly up-dated to keep our members informed. We provide free advertisement to members in business for themselves on the web site. We are constantly seeking out and inviting speakers with expertise in areas important to our members. Then there are the benefits that don’t go in your pocket. Through Assemblyman Mike Cusick we’ve initiated bills in Albany to help retired federal law officers and the families of slain officers. We support the Survivors of the Shield and the NY Police and Fire Widows and Children’s Benefit Fund with not only contributions but by inviting them to the Lodge’s events, gratis. Through the Lodge our members have supported, both financially and by volunteering, Juvenile Diabetes Research, the SI Leukemia Association, Pee Wee Football, Little League Baseball, the USO, Project Home Front, Meals for the Elderly, and Special Olympics. Last but definitely not least the greatest benefit is that you get to hang out with me.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE
The Lodge will once again be holding Defensive Driving Courses. Presently, it will be open to members and their immediate family. The course is $40. It reduces your auto insurance and/or reduces or eliminates any points on your license. If you’re interested please let us know. The class size is limited so if you sign up for a class make sure you’re there. Members are responsible for picking up the certificates for themselves or anyone they bring to the classes. They will be contacted when we receive the certificates.

LODGE GOLFSHIRTS & HATS
The Lodge has hats and shirts for sale. The hats are $8 each or 2 for $15 and come in navy blue. The shirts are $25 each or 2 for $40 and come in navy blue, white and gray. The hat size is adjustable. The shirts are golf shirts, sweatshirts and long sleeve tees. We can get just about any size on the shirts. You can check them out at any meeting.

OFFICER IN NEED PROGRAM & 1013 MEETINGS
Each year the Lodge sets aside money in case a member runs into a financial dilemma due to illness. When necessary we also hold 10-13 meetings. It may not be a lot compared with what you may be going through but it’ll help pay a few bills. We do need your help with this. As brilliant as we may seem to be or at least as brilliant as we think we are we don’t know if a member needs a hand or not. If you’re the one needing help or you know of a member who does please let us know. All it takes is a note with who needs the help and why. Please try to get it to us by the December 20th meeting. All requests are kept strictly confidential. While I’m on the subject, if you have health insurance that doesn’t completely cover you think about getting the Optional Rider. It costs less than $10 a month. I’ve had 3 operations in the last 5 years and it cost me less than a thousand dollars for all three.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Enclosed in the next newsletter you will find applications for the James Quinn Scholarship and the City of Heroes Scholarship. The James Quinn Scholarship is for our member’s children who are graduating from elementary or high school. The City of Heroes Scholarship is for our member’s children or grandchildren graduating from elementary or high school. Each scholarship is for $500. Please forward the James Quinn Scholarship to the State Lodge and the City of Heroes Scholarship to our Lodge. There are no tests. These scholarships are awarded by lottery. Applications for both scholarships must be received no later than April 30.

MEETING RAFFLE
The Lodge holds a raffle at the monthly meetings. There is no cost to the members. Every member’s name will be thrown into a box and one name drawn. You must be present at the meeting to win. If the winner is not present his/her name will be thrown back in and there will be no winner. If there is a winner his/her name will also be returned to the box to possibility be drawn at another meeting. The raffle started at $35 in October and it’ll go up $10 each month until there’s a winner.

LEGISLATION IN WASHINGTON
For you retirees frustrated by the lack of progress by your state (according to NY CJB no NY retiree can qualify) in implementing the Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act (HR 218) there is some good news. Senator Patrick Leahy (D VT) has introduced S 376 that would amend HR 218 and basically allow a state certified instructor to qualify you under the state standards for qualification or if there are no state standards under standards of any law enforcement agency in the state. It also lowers the years to qualify as a law enforcement officer from 15 to 10. The Law Enforcement Officers’ and Judges’ Protection Act (S 1235/HR 2325), Sen. Cornyn (R TX) and Rep. Gohmert (R AZ), increases sentences, including death, for threats and violence against law officers, judges and courtroom personnel. It also addresses problems with HR 218 by slightly modifying the documentary requirements. The Sergeant Henry Prendes Memorial Act (HR 2281), Rep. Porter (R NV), closes loopholes in current law and creates a new criminal offense for conspiring to, attempting to or killing a law officer working for any agency receiving federal funding. The State and Local Law Enforcement Officers’ Discipline, Accountability and Due Process Act (S 449/HR 688), Sen. Biden (D DE) and Rep. Ramstad (R MN), protects the Due Process rights of officers during internal investigations. The Drug Trafficking Elimination Act of 2007 (HR 1118), Rep. Keller (R FL), increases penalties for dealers of large quantities of marijuana, methamphetamines and heroin and for anyone working for a large drug trafficking organization. The Protecting Americans Fighting Terrorism Act (S1369/HR 1640), Sen. Collins (R ME) and Rep. Pearce (R NM), exempts individuals from civil liabilities for reporting suspicious behavior to federal, state or local law enforcement. Obviously, these bills are good for cops as well as America but there are bills that should rub us the wrong way. The Ex-Offender Voting Rights Act (HR 818), Rangel (D NY), gives convicted felons the right to vote. The Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act (S 447), Feingold (D WI), abolishes the death penalty for federal crimes that currently carry that sentence. The Traffic Stops Along the Border Statistics Study Act (HR 258), Jackson-Lee (D TX), requires the US Attorney General to collect race and other data on traffic stops by state and local cops. Knowing about these bills is just the first step. As pro law enforcement it’s up to us to let our Senators and Representatives know how we feel. You can be sure that those guys who don’t like cops are writing and calling theirs. While we here in New York wait for the State to decide how to implement HR218 members of the Lodge have informed us of ways to carry in other states. Pennsylvania and Florida have programs whereby residents, as well as non-residents with carry permits in their home state, can get permits. With carry permits from Pennsylvania and Florida you’ll be permitted to carry in a plethora of places. These two states have agreements with a number of other states allowing gun permittees access. If you have a computer go to www.state.pa.us in Pennsylvania and type in Firearm in the subject search then click on PSP: Carrying Firearms or www.doacs.state.fl.us in Florida & click on Licensing Permits Reg. then clicking Firearms for more info. For other states go to WWW.PACKING.ORG and click on License Tool at the top of the page. If you don't have a computer you can get more info by calling or writing any county sheriff in Pennsylvania or in Florida call (850) 488-5381or write to: Division of Licensing Bureau of License Issuance Post Office Box 6687 Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6687.

TAX DEDUCTIONS
Retired law enforcement officers can now deduct premiums they pay for their health insurance. If there is a deduction on your pension stub for your insurance you can put that amount on line 16B on your federal returns. Write “PSO” for the reason. This deduction is only for service pensions. Disability pensions do not get this deduction.

FOP ID CARDS
The NY State FOP has started a program to issue FOP ID cards to its members. The cards will have your picture along with other pertinent information. The Lodge will be setting up sessions to take photos of those members interested. The cost for the card is $15 for the first year and $10 per year thereafter.

STATE FOP CONFERENCE
The State Conference will be on October 6th at the Marriott in Tarrytown, NY. Presently we are entitled to 9 delegates and 9 alternates. Nominations for these positions will be held at the April 17th meeting and elections will be held at the May 15th meeting. The Conference is to set the State’s agenda for the next 2 years and to elect the State’s officers. Just to let you know how important each delegate is, at the last National Conference a vote was taken as to where we would hold the 2011 Conference. Boston (our choice) lost out to Salt Lake City by less than 50 votes. That was out of votes from several thousand delegates.

TAXED PENSIONS BY STATE FOR RETIREES
For anyone that is retired or thinking about retiring and find a state to live in, this might be of some interest to you. This is the most up to date information on all 50 states as reported in the American Police Beat magazine. You may want to check with the state you’re planning to move to to make sure that this information hasn’t changed. Wherever you move you better keep up your membership in THIS Lodge. Pension not taxed: Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Pension taxed, no exemptions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Oregon. Pension taxed with exemptions: Arkansas: Up to $6000 of your local government pension will be taxed. Colorado: Your pension will be exempt up to $20,000 for ages 55 thru 64, and $24,000 over 65 years old. Delaware: If you are over 65, $12,500 will be exempt. Georgia: If you are over 62, $14,000 is exempt. Iowa: If you are over 55, $6,000 is exempt for a single and $12,000 for a married status. Kentucky: Up to $37,500 in pensions are state tax exempt, Louisiana: If you are over 65, &6,000 is exempt for a single, and $12,000 for married status. Maine: $6,000 is exempt but may be offset by Social Security benefits. Michigan: $36,090 is exempt for single and $72,180 for married status. Missouri: Your pension has a $6,000 tax exemption. Montana: Your pension is exempt for $3,600, but is phased out if your federal adjusted gross income exceeds $33,600 for married or $31,800 for single status. New Jersey: If you are over 62, $9,375 is exempt for single and $12,500 for married status. New Mexico: You are exempt $8,000 only if your income is under $28,500 single or under $51,000 if you are married and over age 65. New York: If you are over 59 1/2, $20,000 is exempt from state tax. North Carolina: $4,000 is exempt from state income tax. Ohio: Your pension is taxed after a $200 credit. Oklahoma: Has a modified Oklahoma adjusted gross income formula that may allow a $5,500 exemption for people over 65. Pennsylvania: People over 59 1/2 are exempt from state income tax. South Carolina: $3,000 is exempt under 65 and $10,000 is exempt over 65. Utah: If you are 65, you may exclude up to $7,500 if your income is under $25,000 for single and $32,000 for married status. Virginia: People 62 to 64 will have $6,000 tax exempted and people over 65 have $12,000 tax exempted.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR NYPD & THEIR FAMILIES
The NYPD supplies wheelchairs, oxygen, walkers, etc. to its members and their families free of charge. You will need a prescription from your doctor. The items will be delivered to the home. For more info call the Medical Desk at 1-718-626-9320. You may not need this but there are others who do so pass this along.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR YOUR FAMILY
Presently, families of NY City workers can now be covered by City health benefits upon the death of that worker. For those with 3/4 injuries who die as a result of the injuries your family will be covered permanently. For those who have a service retirement or 3/4ers who die from other than their injuries, your family will be covered as if you were still living for 36 months and can continue that coverage afterwards under the City's group plan which is a lot less than an individual plan. The surviving spouse must notify your Pension Section within 60 days of your death to qualify. It's suggested that you discuss this with your spouse. If not, you may want to put this information with papers your family will read after you're gone. You may want to see if you can get the paperwork while you're still living to make it easier on your family later. This is a result of a Federal action so those members who do not work for the City should qualify. Check with your own Pension Section to see if this applies to you. There is now a bill in the City Council that would make coverage of the surviving spouse permanent. Initiative 728, introduced by Councilman Weprin, has a strong chance of passing but an even stronger chance of being vetoed by the mayor.Mayors as far back as Lindsey have been fighting this. The Initiative does have the support of other elected officals other than those in the City Council. You can bet the Mayor will be lobbying City Council members to vote against this. It's up to you to lobby your representative in the Council.

E-MAILS
The easiest & quickest way for us to notify our members of up coming events, changes in schedule, up coming votes on important legislation, etc. is via E-Mail. With over 480 members it would not be feasible to individually call each member. We have almost 350 e-mail addresses but if we don’t have yours we would appreciate it if you’d e-mail us at SIFOP120@AOL.COM and let us know what yours is. Please put your name as the subject. A sure way to find out if we have your e-mail or not is to check to see if you’ve received any e-mail from the Lodge or you can just ask.

BILLS UP IN ALBANY
Governor Pataki has just vetoed a bill that would have protected retirees’ health insurance. Please write your state representatives and ask that they override his veto of S6397 Titled: Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees. Other legislation presently being discussed in Albany that have an impact on law enforcement officers include: (A7915) legislature that would protect public employees from unilateral changes in health insurance benefits or premium contributions by employers. This would prohibit the City or State from reducing retiree’s benefits or causing those retirees to pay extra for health insurance/ (A6581) allows Tier II police officers to receive 1/50th of their final average salary for each year of service after 25 years and upon reaching the age of 55/ (S4458/A7395) the Heart Bill will also include stroke and hypertension/ (S3632/A6718) disability pensions will be based on the higher of the earnings in the year preceding retirement or the earnings in the year preceding application for disability/ (S3633/A6736) allows Tier II City Correction Officers below the rank of captain to participate in the 20 year improved benefit plan to withdraw their contributions when they cease to be members, regardless of length of service/ (S4444/A4895) removes the 30 year cap on Correction Officers/ (S6299/A9242) would grant 3/4ers to NYPD officers who are diagnosed with lung disease, cancer of the lymphatic, digestive, hematological, urinary, neurological, breast, reproductive or prostate systems or melanoma and who passed a physical exam upon entry into the service which failed to reveal evidence of such conditions/ (A6389) allows retirees receiving the Variable Supplement to also receive COLA/ (S3434/A6599) extends the Variable Supplement benefits to all police officers and firefighters who are presently ineligible for the benefits/ (A6382) would give peace officers who are members of the NYCRES a 25 year retirement, regardless of age, without reduction of benefits/ (S3337) removes removal or suspension decisions from the NYPD commissioner and gives it to the Civil Service Commission/ (S3339/A6208) would allow ALL correction officers who are members of NYCRES to obtain retirement credit for absences due to child care leave/ (S3356/A6225) would base a NYC correction officer’s pension on his/her last year of service/ (A6390) would exempt NYC correction officers who are receiving accidental disability pensions from Federal Income Taxes/ (A6381) would allow retired police officers to become teachers in the public school system without loss, suspension or diminution of their pension/ (A6522) would make detectives who transferred from the Housing or Transit Authorities permanent after 18 months in that position/ (S3034) allows police officers to take a cash payment in lieu of their terminal leave.

OUR BILLS UP IN ALBANY
Your Lodge has instigated two bills up in Albany. Assemblyman Mike Cusick has introduced both bills. The first bill introduced would let federal law enforcement officers have free gun permits upon retirement. It passed the Assembly and looks good in the Senate. We need you to contact your State senator and ask that he/she support bill # A2802A/S1538A Titled: Provides fees for possession of firearms are waived for retired federal law enforcement officers. The second bill would extend the time between parole hearings based on the category of the crime. This would make it easier on the families of cops who were killed in the line of duty as well as the families of all crime victims by extending the time between appearances by them before the Parole Board. Mike has told me that this bill is presently before the two committees that examine legislation on this topic. When we get a number and title for the bill on parole hearing we'll let you know so you can contact your state senator and assemblyman and ask for thier support. If Mike's your assemblyman you can give him a call and thank him for his support.

RETIREES PENSION LOAN PAYBACK
Retirees from the NYCRES (NYPD is ineligible) can now pay off their pension loans thus increasing their pension. There are a few catches. First, what you’ve already paid since you retired doesn’t count. Second, the amount of the loan must be paid in a lump sum. Last, the increase in your pension is not retroactive and only kicks in after the loan is paid. To find out if this is a true benefit you may want to check with a financial consultant or accountant to see if paying off your loan is worth it.

VISITING OUR INJURED TROOPS
Some of our members have visited or been visited by out troops injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. These young Americans really appreciate little tokens of our thanks. With this in mind a resolution was put forth for the Lodge to keep a supply of law enforcement items handy for distribution to our troops. The Lodge has purchased items to get this started but we’re asking our members to ask for items to be donated by their commands. Anything collected can be dropped off at the meetings or at the Lodge’s address. Please call or e-mail before you drop off any items at the Lodge’s address to make sure there’s someone there. If you’re interested in visiting our wounded troops please let me know. Seating is very limited.

VARIABLE SUPPLEMENT
The Variable Supplement will cap at $12,000 in 2007. There is no legislation for it to go up but it will never go down. As far as the Cost of Living affecting the Variable here's an explanation. COLA does not go into effect until you turn 55 with 10 years retired. COLA will appear in your pension check and the amount of COLA will be deducted from your Variable check. At 62 you will receive both COLA in your pension check and the full amount of the Variable.

FOP AUTO & HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE
FOP members are entitled to discounted auto and homeowners insurance through NCA. This insurance company deals exclusively with the FOP. For a quote or for more information you can call them at (631)-737-0700 or (800)-NCA-8809 or (888)-USA-FOP1. You can also contact them via the internet at NCA@copcoverage.com If you decide not to take advantage of this you may want to contact the Insurance Company you presently have and inform them that you're a member of the FOP. Some companies offer discounts to FOP members.

FOP MORTGAGES
The National Lodge, in partnership with National Advantage Mortgage Company, offers exclusive mortgages to our members. A guaranteed best mortgage deal will pay you $300 if you find a better deal. Some of the advantages are: free to apply and you’ll have your approval decision in as little as 10 minutes, get an actual approval even before you’ve found a home, no origination fee, which can amount to 1.5% of your loan and other fees are reduced or eliminated and up to 100% loan-to-value financing. To apply call toll free at 1-866-816-5143 or go to WWW.FOP ADVANTAGE.COM

BLOOD PATHOGEN TRAINING
All law enforcement personnel deal with prisoners who have AIDS or hepatitis. Because of this it is federally mandated that you be trained in techniques in safeguarding yourself from contacting these diseases. Presently, 35% of the prison population and 65% of ex-cons have either AIDS or hepatitis. OSHA training on this topic cannot be fully covered in 10 minutes at in-service training. Each member must be given 5 hours of initial training and must be trained each and every year thereafter to be kept up to date. If you are not receiving this training you should contact your supervisor or training officer. These classes are to be given by OSHA personnel or training officers who have been trained by OSHA. If you think that this is unimportant or just another training session, tonight go home and look at your loved ones.

PHARMACEUTICAL PLANS
With changes in union sponsored health services your Lodge has looked into a number of drug plans that may help out our members. TOTAL PHARMACY CARE-The FOP Grand Lodge has worked out a plan for its members to purchase their prescription drugs at discounted prices. By going to WWW.FOPRX.COM or calling 1-866-465-0471 you can get a quote and place orders. There is a $10 discount off your first order. Make sure you tell them what lodge you belong to so we get credit for referring you. This plan is open to family and friends too. VETERANS-By going to the Veterans Administration your prescriptions can be considerably lower. To qualify you must bring your discharge papers to the VA office (check the blue pages of your phone book under U.S. Office for the Veterans Administration nearest to you or go to the web links on our web page and check Veterans Administration). You will be issued an ID card with which to purchase your prescriptions. ELDERLY PHARMACEUTICAL INSURANCE PLAN (EPIC)-This program is available to senior citizens who are residents of New York State, 65 years of age or older. If the senior citizen is single and makes $35,000 or less a year or is married and makes $50,000 or less a year then he/she is eligible. To order an application or if there are any questions the toll free number is (800)-332-3742 or for those who have access to the internet go to our web page, click on web links, scroll down and click on EPIC. There are similar programs in other states. To find this in another state type the name of the state in keyword and search that state’s web page. PHARMACUETICAL RESEARCH & MANUFACTURES OF AMERICA-By going to the web links on the Lodge’s web page and clicking on this subject you will find a site that can drastically reduce the burden of prescription costs. This group is the drug companies. It supplies free and discounted prescriptions to those who qualify. You will find a questionnaire on this site that will let you know if you qualify. Unfortunately, I found no telephone number. DISCOUNTED MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION CARDS-Medicare is now offering discount cards to those who are eligible. By going to the web link on the Lodge’s web page and clicking on Medicare you will find everything you need to know on this subject. For those without access to the internet you can call them at 1-800-633-4227. For those hearing impaired/TTY call 1-877-486-2048.

LAW OFFICERS CALLED UP FOR MILITARY SERVICE
Many of our brothers and sisters are fulfilling their military obligations. We’re asking that you check with the families of members in your command who have been activated to ascertain if there’s anything they need. Please stop by your roll call or administrative office to find out whom in your command is serving. A phone call or a visit to the family would be greatly appreciated by not only the family but also by your fellow officer. Remember that the family is not only struggling with financial difficulties but is probably pretty lonely and knowing that their loved one’s buddies at work are thinking about them would be a big boost.

FOR OUR TROOPS
Since America declared war on terrorism your Lodge has been collecting and sending items that our troops have requested. These kids, thousands of miles from home, only ask for things to make them feel a little more comfortable and closer to home. Items such as Baby Wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, or Brush Ups, shampoo, deodorant, anti-bacterial soap, waterless soap, hand sanitizer, lotion, shaving cream, disposable razors, (Mach 3 preferred) battery operated razors, toilet paper or tissues packs can serve two purpose, Sun block, throat lozenges, gum, lifesavers, mints, eye drops, blistex, chapstick,Vaseline, saline drops, q-tips both long and short, jock itch spray, boot liners ,insoles, Lotrium (tube or cream), foot powder, Self stick Envelopes, paper , pens, notebooks, Single-Use Camera, self-addressed envelope for letters back home, Batteries (AA,AAA,C),photos from home, cigarettes, newspaper clippings, comics from Sunday paper, news from home, books, magazines (no porn) Astronomy charts/books, sunglasses, eyeglass wipes, SOCKS, underwear, t-shirt(green), boot socks, Duct tape, electrical tape, flashlight with a red lens, Frisbee, Nerf Balls, HackySack, football, deck of cards, handheld games, travel chess set, crossword puzzle, word game puzzles 1 & 2 gallon ziplock bags(put all items in ziplock for shipping serves two purposes),FOOD ITEMS (NO PORK OR PORK BY PRODUCTS ALLOWED) Slim Jims(read label make sure it is beef), instant coffee, hot cocoa mix, tea, lemonade mix, Koolade mix Gatorade (powdered kind &most asked for), gum, lifesavors, mints ,nuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, trail mix, power bars, breakfast bars, small bags of snacks or individually wrapped snacks, any kind of chips, (Pringles, Ritz, pretzels etc), cookies(homemade is greatly appreciated) candy(no chocolate it will melt NIPS OK),tuna packs, chicken packs, salmon pouches, raisins or fruit snacks, apple sauce cups, chef boy are dee cups, chili in a box, Spices like Ms Dash tomatoe/garlic, Hot sauce. (ITEMS NEEDED FOR FEMALES) Sanitary napkins, Tampons, Feminine Hygiene products, Manicure sets, nail polish, hair scrunchies, combs, brushes, (ITEMS NEEDED FOR CANINE UNITS) Canned Dog Food, Gold Bond Cream, Flea Shampoo, Dog Treats, Rawhide Bones, Dog Toys, Large Pet Bedding are all they ask for. We’ve also sent hundreds of bulletproof vest donated by our members and other sources that our troops have used as additional protection. The Lodge has utilized Staten Island Project Home Front to get items you’ve donated to our kids in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now Staten Island Project Home Front needs some help with financing the delivery of the items. Every dollar they get goes to getting the needed items to the troops. ALL else is 100% volunteer. Please give whatever you can. Staten Island Project Home Front is Tax Deductible 501.c3. So, if you donate over $75.00 you get a receipt for tax deduction. Less then that you report it yourself. I hope you will give what you can. Donate whatever you can to: Staten Island Project Home Front 471 Bement Ave Staten Island, NY 10310 Another way to show your support is by assisting in Operation Phone Home. The USO has started this program to let our troops deployed in forward positions to speak with their loved ones here at home. You can help by going to WWW.USO.ORG/DONATE and filling out the form or by calling 1-800-876-7469 or by mailing a check made out to the USO with OPH written on the memo line to: USO World Headquarters, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090-6860. Many of those who’ve chosen to protect us here at home have suffered serious injuries and are confined to hospitals. To try and take their minds off their situation and raise their spirits the Take A Wounded Soldier To A Movie Program was started. To participate all you need to do is send a package containing a new or used DVD, candy, un-popped popcorn, an AT&T international phone card and a letter from you starting with a simple “Hi” or “Hello” sharing your thoughts and support to: Take A Wounded Soldier To A Movie, Attn: Pastoral Services, Landstuhl Regional Medical (Lanny White) Center, CMR 402, APO AE 09180. If you would like to do the same for our wounded troops who are back here in America repeat the process previously described with the exception of the phone card. Any domestic phone card will do. Mail the package to: Walter Reed Hospital, Attn: Red Cross, 6900 Georgia Ave NW, Washington DC 20306-5001. If you are unable to send a package a letter will do. The hospitals would not release any names but have assured me that all packages and letter would be distributed. Remember many of those in Army Hospitals are only kids, some with life altering injuries. A simple letter from you can make a big difference in their recovery. If you know of any groups looking to do something for the troops these are very worthwhile endeavors so pass it on.

POLICE ORGANIZATION PROVIDING PEER ASSISTANCE
POPPA provides assistance to NYPD officers suffering from stress, depression, trauma, acholhol dependency and family problems. It is independent of the NYPD, all interactions are confidential and is cost free. POPPA provides specially trained volunteers 24/7 who are or were cops. These cops will meet with you to talk about the problem and will assist in making referrals to professionals in POPPA's network who are trained to work with cops. Weather you are active or retired you can volunteer to help by contacting POPPA at (212)-298-9111. If you feel that you need to talk with someone give them a call at 1-888-COPS-CARE (1-888-267-7267).

NYPD SUPPORT GROUP
The NYPD has a support group for members and their families that are going through a severe illness or injury. The Police Self Support Group usually meets on the last Thursday of each month at Lefrak City, Medical Division on the 16th floor. It is open to officers who have been catastrophically injured either on or off duty or who have been severly traumatized e.g. World Trade Center type situations, bombings, serious accidents or fires or if an officer is diagnosed with a serious illness e.g. cancer, MS, lupus, Hodgkin's disease etc. If an officer is eligible under the above, then his/her spouse can also come to the group for assistance. Usually the officer is sponsored by a Board member of the organization. The officer can be from another agency outside the NYPD. There is a special group that meets following the normal session for officers with catastrophic illness or trauma. Members of the NYPD get an excusal for the day to come to the meeting but they must call Employee Relations and must be on the member list. To register, for more information or if you have any questions you can call Tom Senft at (613)-244-9002 or Kathy Burke at (718)-956-0233. Besides getting to talk with other people who are going through what you may be going through there is a great network of information from medication to doctors. This is for retirees and their families as well as the active members.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS
In these days of global terrorism many communities are looking for people who can handle emergencies and instruct first responders in doing the same. Your Lodge has found a group that’s sole purpose is to prepare people to fill these needs. Certifying someone in anything from becoming an EMT to an anti-terrorism instructor, this organization is the place. This group is not only useful in preparing you for any unforeseen disaster but can open many doors to employment opportunities. There are many branches and odds are that there is one close to you. For more information go to the Lodge’s web page at WWW.SIFOP.ORG and click on web links. Scroll down to Community Emergency Response Teams and click on it. You can also call them at 631-754-6252.

NYC POLICE FOUNDATION
The NYC Police Foundation has been around since 1971. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting the NYPD. It has raised over $62 million to institute programs that otherwise would fall by the wayside. From the most modern technologies to a horse that’s helping to control a crowd, the Police Foundation has sponsored programs that have assisted the cop. It is the only organization authorized to raise funds but it never uses phone or telemarketers to solicit those funds. 94% of the NYPD’s budget goes to personnel services (salaries). It is through the assistance of the Police Foundation that the NYPD can keep up with the ever-changing technologies, strategies and training. For more information go to the NYC Police Foundation on our Lodge’s web links.

RETIREE MOBILIZATION PLAN (RMP)
To better facilitate the use of manpower in times of disasters the NYPD is organizing retirees. The NYPD will use its retirees for weather related emergencies, loss of essential services (blackouts and the like), acts of terrorism and other unforeseen accidents. The NYPD plans on scheduling drills, organizing volunteers based on experience and expertise and holding training sessions. Primary Mobilization Points are the Outdoor Range for the Bronx and north of the City, Floyd Bennett Field for Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island and 1 Police Plaza for Manhattan and Staten Island. Volunteers will be issued special ID cards and equipment at training sessions and if it becomes necessary, notified of their need via e-mail and phone. Unless circumstances demand, volunteers are only expected to work 8 hours and they are free to leave the disaster area anytime so long as they notify a supervisor. A volunteer's primary function will be to assist and support the active members of the NYPD. If you are interested, wish to register or want more information you can go to the Retiree section on the NYPD web page or call the Chief of Personnel at (646)-610-6612. When you do go to the Retirees section click on login (hint: your user ID is your tax number).

INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION
For our members who like to travel the International Police Association or IPA is an excellent group to belong to. Weather you like seeing other countries or want to explore the U.S.A. the IPA has the connections. It has branches in over 50 nations as well as all over America. The way it works is you contact the IPA region in the location you wish to visit. The local cops are there to help you with any questions you may have. They are also more than happy to show you the ins and outs of their departments. The IPA also has houses throughout the world that are available to you with rooms at reasonable rates. If you're interested or want more information check out the IPA section on the Lodge's web site.

ORGAN TRANSPLANTS
One of our brother members had gone through the process of an organ transplant. Another member's small son needed a bone marrow transplant. On both occasions the members had to wait years for the life saving process. We've just became aware of another FOP member from Staten Island on a waiting list for a transplant. After discovering that if a person has a matching donor then there is no waiting the Lodge suggested that the FOP look into creating a national data base of its members for organ donations to other members and their families. While we're awaiting thier answer the Lodge has made inquires itself into this. When we're told how to do this we'll work to get it off the ground but in the meantime every day someone is out there desperate for a new organ. The demand is way above the supply. As members of the law enforcement community we rush to the aid of our fellow citizens, many times at the grave risk of our own life. We scrimp and save to provide our family with stability after we’re gone. We make sure that our family knows how to get the benefits they’re entitled to yet, when we’re buried some of our most vital assets are buried with us. If we were to only look at the back of our driver’s license we would see how easy it is to help save a life upon our passing. There is a section for authorizing the donation of our organs. Sign it and make sure it’s witnessed (preferably by family members) or get more information by e-mailing coalition@shareyourlife.org or calling 804-782-4920. Also, let your family know you want to live on by helping out someone else. It only takes a few seconds for something that can last ANOTHER lifetime.