2012

MEMBERSHIP
To become a new 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 $40 for law enforcement officers and $50 for those who support law enforcement. Make the check out to SIFOP 120. For our present members 2011’s dues must be received by November 1st. After that we are required to suspend delinquent members until their dues are paid. Delinquent members create a ton of paperwork because we have to list every member who’s late and submit their names to the State Lodge. When you do send in your dues we must send in your information as if you’re a new member and submit you as reinstated. In the past I’ve spent days doing this. If you have one put your e-mail address on the application. We’re considering e-mailing the April and July Newsletters. If you need additional FOP cards and/or decals they are $2 for cards and $1 for decals. Please add that amount to your dues check and include a note with how many of each you want. I’m asking the members to let me know if someone is sick or hospitalized during the dues paying period. I’ll contact that member so he/she’s dues are taken care of. None of us wants a member to possibly lose a benefit for reasons beyond their control. Also, if you are called up for military service or you know a member who is, please let us know. As a way of saying thanks the Lodge takes care of our members who are serving our country by covering their dues.

MEETING DATES
The 2012 meeting schedule is as follows: January 19, February 16, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21, September 20, October 18, November 15 and December 20. Please mark these dates down on your calendar. All meetings start at 7:30 and are held at the Marine Corps League at 46 Ontario Ave on Staten Island. A buffet and 1 hour open bar follows immediately afterwards. Please try to make the meetings. Besides meeting other members we relay whatever we find out during the month. If you are unable to attend and want to make an announcement please contact the Lodge. Directions: SI Expwy, exit at Todt Hill Rd. East bound make a left at the light. West bound make a right at the light. Make a right at Victory Blvd. Make a right 1 block past the 2nd light (baseball field on the corner). The hall is 300 feet on the right. From the ferry take Victory Blvd. Ontario Ave is 2 blocks past Clove Rd. Public transportation: take any bus running on Victory Blvd or Clove Rd. Get off at Victory Blvd and Clove Rd. Walk 2 blocks west along Victory Blvd. If you need further directions please contact the Lodge.

PLANNED EVENTS FOR 2012
Besides our breakfast for our wounded troops in May, our Day at the Ballpark at Richmond County Stadium in the summer, our Family Meeting in September and the Kids Christmas Party in December we are planning two other events. We're looking at having a dinner at the Staaten Restaurant. We're also looking at having a barbecue with food, beer and soda, rides and games for the kids, and games for the big kids (you) in late spring-early summer. What we're asking is that you contact us if you would like to attend. We're just trying to get an idea of how many members we might get. There will be more information in the April-June Newsletter.

HR 218 QUALIFICATION
Recent revisions now allow law enforcement officers to be certified by private instructors who are licensed by the State as firearms instructors. If you are interested in being certified to carry outside NY State Clet LLC has ranges in Brooklyn and in Manhattan. The cost is $50 for non-Lodge members and $45 for Lodge members and includes certification, enhancing your understanding of laws and methods of transporting firearms outside NY. For more information or for an appointment contact Clet at 718-490-4598 or cletllc@verizon.net. A few more tidbits, if you were in law enforcement for 10 years or more and left in good standing you qualify. Retirement isn’t required. So long as you’re in good standing and not on probation there is no time restriction if you’re out due to disability. If you left due to a psych disability you don’t qualify. Only firearms you would regularly carry on routine patrol (revolvers and automatics) are permitted. All ammo not banned Federally is OK. If you’re subject to disciplinary charges, intox or in Federal buildings or private locations banning firearms you’re no good. Federal buildings include Post Offices. For our active members, if your department says you can’t carry outside the state that would leave you subject to disciplinary charges.

ZADROGA BILL (9/11 DISABILITY)
I spoke with someone about this bill. Although it has passed in Congress there is no set up on the disbursement of the Fund. I will keep an eye on this and inform our members of its progress. I realize that this is a tough subject to bring up to your family but for those who got sick from their exposure to debris at Ground Zero or from the clean up and received a disability pension and later on pass away as a result of that disability the death is considered a Line of Duty Death. This means that your family is entitled to the same benefits as any other Line of Duty Death. If you know anyone in this situation please pass this information along.

NYS & LODGE’S DEATH BENEFITS & LIFE INSURANCE
Our Lodge and the NYS Lodge have a Death Benefit for its members. The NYS Lodge's Death Benefit is $250 to all Active and Associate members whose dues are paid up and who joined before turning 63. If your dues are sent in after December 31 your Death Benefit doesn't go into effect until April 1. There is also an Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit . Under 70 years old it’s $10,000 and over 70 it’s $5,000. To augment the State’s life insurance and to ensure that no member of Lodge 120 is left without insurance we will be covering all dues paying members with $250.00. There will be no age restrictions and no lapse in case a member sends their dues late. The only requirement is that you’re a member of the Lodge for a minimum of 3 years. All our members in 2010 and any new members who get their dues in by the December 16th meeting of 2010 will be considered a member for 3 years. Depending on how the Lodge does in the future the coverage can go up but it will not go down.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE
The Lodge holds Defensive Driving Courses. It’s will be open to members, their family and friends. The course is $40 and it reduces your auto insurance for 3 years 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. To insure against loss in the mailing and that members and/or those they bring to the class will have at least a copy of the certificate all certificates will be e-mailed before they are mailed.

FOP ID CARDS
The NYS FOP offers photo ID cards to all members of our Lodge. The fees are $15 for Active members and $125 for Associate members. Fees for Associate members, who are family members of Active members, are the same as Active members provided that the Active member also has an ID Card. Photos are taken at each meeting. If you can't make the meeting you can e-mail your photo, in passport form, to the Lodge and we'll handle it from there. E-mailed photos must be "jpd". Active members (law enforcement) must also send a photo of their work ID card, Associate members (non-law enforcement) must send a photo of their drivers license. Active members must have a red background, Associate members must have a blue background. If you already have a FOP ID card no photo or ID card photo is needed. All that's needed is the $15 fee for Active members or $125 fee for Associate members. You will find the forms needed and instructions in the FORM section of this web site.

DISCOUNT TICKETS TO PLAYS AND MUSEUMS
Because a night out at a play or a day at a museum cost an arm, a leg and a pint of blood the FOP has hooked up with Tickets at Work. For more information or for up to 50% off on tickets to plays and museums go to WWW.TICKETSATWORK.COM. The code you’ll need for the discount is NYSFOP.

FOP AUTO & HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE & MORTGAGES
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. 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

FOP LICENSE PLATES
If you wish to purchase a FOP license plate you can get an application by going to the FORMS section of this web site. When the menu appears click on FOP License Plate. For our members who can’t get the form on their computers let us know and we’ll send you one. FOP license plates are for law enforcement officers only. If you already have a FOP license plate please let us know the plate number. The State Lodge holds local lodges responsible for keeping track of the plates.

FOP COLLEGE PROGRAMS
The FOP offers its members online accredited college Bachelor, Masters and PhD degrees. FOP members nationwide, their spouses and dependents, enrolled at these Universities are eligible for a special tuition discount known as FTAP - Federal Tuition Assistance Program. With FTAP, affordable tuition costs can be reduced by 15% for all Bachelor degree programs, and by 27.5% for Master degrees and graduate certificates. In addition, students benefit from free access to a cyber library (no cost for text books) and no application fee. FOP prospective students may transfer academic credits from Community and Junior Colleges, ACE approved courses, DANTES, CLEP, IT certificates, Military Colleges, FBI National Academy credits, selected Police Training such as CA POST certificates, and more. No-cost and no-obligation credit transfer evaluation maximizes such credit transfers by offering an efficient degree plan that reduces costs and time to graduation. For more information go to the FOP website at: www.fop.net/programs/education/fopu/tuiu.shtml.

DISCOUNTED PRESCRIPTIONS
Many of our members are experiencing difficulties with medical bills. The Lodge established the Members Assistance Program to try and help. There are a number of programs our members should be made aware of. Members who are paying out of pocket can now get discounts on brand and generic medications through Linden Care. The discount code is NYSFOP. All insurance except Medicaid is accepted. This service offers free delivery, free blister packing and free pharmacist consultation. You can contact them at 516-221-7600 or Fax your prescription to 516-308-4339.

OTHER FOP INSURANCE PROGRAMS
Besides offering free financial advise Beacon Financial Group can also assist with a number of other benefits. DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION CARDS-Another way to get discounted prescriptions, in conjunction with Beacon Financial, you can also get a prescription card by going to NYSFOP and clicking on benefits. You can get the card as well as compared costs right off the NYSFOP web site. CANCER AND CRITICAL ILLNESS PROTECTION-These policies help to pay out of pocket expenses in the event you or a family member is ever diagnosed with cancer or suffers a critical illness such as Stroke, Heart Attack and/or other critical illnesses specified in the policy. Benefits are paid directly to you and on top of your current medical insurance. LUMP SUM CANCER AND CRITICAL ILLNESS-This policy pays a lump sum of $25,000 in the event that the policy holder or covered family member is diagnosed with cancer, stroke, end-staged renal failure, coma, paralysis or other critical illness specified in the policy. GUARANTEED ISSUE WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE-Members can get Whole Life Insurance based on their age with no medical questions. Accidental Death Benefits and coverage is available for their immediate family as well. GUARANTEED ISSUE DISABILITY PROTECTION-Based on their income FOP members can get up to $3,000 per month in disability insurance. This policy helps protect your income in the event of an off-the-job accident or illness. Applicants must be working 20 hours per week, however you may be self-employed or a 1099 employee. GROUP DENTAL PLAN-FOP members are entitled to two dental plans covered by Cigna. These are full dental plans that include two examinations per year Members interested in these programs should contact Michelle Jacoby at 888-769-4333 x 112 or you can e-mail her at mjacoby@beaconbenefitservices.com

YOUR UNION DRUG AND HEALTH PLANS
I know a lot of retirees are experiencing financial burdens due to prescription costs. This is one of the reasons your Lodge started the Member’s Assistance Program but even that is only a drop in the bucket to some members. Everyone is different and so are his/her health problems. I spoke with the PBA and the SBA. There are a number of programs including setting up a payment plan once you exceed your prescription allowance but you have to contact your union. They also have information on how you can get drug companies to help you out. For our members who worked during 911 please register with Mt Sinai. Most treatment for cancer is free. If you would like to check prices in Canada go to http://tabletsprescriptionstoremeds.net/ and compare costs. I’d also like to remind you that if you have a health plan that totally covers you and your family, cool. If you have plans such as GHI please update your coverage by getting the Optional Rider.

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.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR NYPD & THEIR FAMILIES
The NYPD supplies oxygen theraphy equipment, oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen, electric hospital beds, hip chairs, walkers, hoyer lifts, slings, orthro-biotic chairs, geriatric chairs, pulmo-aide equipment, wheel chairs, commodes, canes, crutches, trapeze bars, tent unit theraphy and intravenous stands to its members and their families free of charge. Other equipment may be available upon request. You will need a prescription from your doctor. The items will be delivered to the home. It also supplies ambulance service to transport non-ambulatory patients from their residence to medical facilities, from medical facilities to their residence or from one medical facility to another medical facility. Officers assigned to this ambulance service are highly trained EMT's as well as certified Cardiopulmonart Resuscitation experts. The patiemt must be an active or retired member of the NYPD, their spouse, unmarried dependant children, father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law and brothers and sisters who reside with the member and are supported by that member. The ambulance can travel up to 250 miles outside the city but one point must be within the city. This service cannot be used for EDP, emergency maternity, known airbourn communicable disease, intensive care transfers or any patient with open or oozing wounds. This service is available Monday to Friday from 0700 to 2300 hrs. If this service is needed at other hours it may be available upon request. 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. If you're not NYPD but your department has something similiar to this program please let me know.

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.

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.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING
NY State holds training seminars to instruct first responders in handling disasters. Seminars are usually covered in one day. The training covers everything from bombings to evacuating injured persons. The seminars are free of cost and are held at several locations throughout the City and State. They are only open to first responders, both active and retired. You can check out the most current list of training courses by checking at http://www.security.state.ny.us/training/training_calendar.php. For our members with no access to the Internet please contact the Lodge for seminars and schedules. Please let them know that we referred you.

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.

COMPENSATING CRIMES VICTIMS
First, I’d like to thank our Lodge members in the US Coast Guard and the US Border Patrol for making us aware of this and their assistance in getting this information for us. This is something that every member of law enforcement should know, not only to assist a crime victim but for our personal use. US citizens who are victims of terrorism overseas are entitled to compensation from the Federal government. The Federal government also contributes to each state to assist crime victims for such items as medical costs (including dental and rehabilitation), mental health care, property loss, repair, replacement, funeral and burial costs and miscellaneous expenses such as temporary lodging, local transportation and emergency travel. For more information go to www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/welcome and click on FAQ’s. Click on “Can a victim apply directly to OVC for funding?” You’ll see what is covered. Click on “State victim compensation program” and you’ll be sent to a page with a map of the US. For the office to contact click on “State VOCA program” or on the map for whatever state you want. For our members who don’t have access to the Internet please contact the Lodge for the office in your state.

LAW OFFICERS IN THE MILITARY
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 members, if you’re still active in law enforcement and presently deployed to fulfill you military obligations in the reserves please let us know by submitting a copy of your notification of activation. Your dues for the year are on us as a way of saying “Thanks”. We’ll need to know your military address so we can send you any FOP material.

OUR WOUNDED TROOPS AT WALTER REED HOSPITAL
I realize that times are tough but I’m asking our members to remember our wounded men and women in Walter Reed. We have a set up with the Tamburri AMVETS to deliver PD commands or any other law enforcement agencies hats and shirts. I’m not asking you to buy the shirts and hats but that you approach your commands/agencies and ask for a few shirts and hats as a donation. The cost to the commands will be minimal and all it will cost you is a little time. The guy who delivers the shirts and hats said that when he doesn’t have enough the guys in hospital beds look like a kid who got nothing for Christmas. The cops at the Counter-Terrorism unit and a few members have been very generous but I’d like to hear from the other commands.

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 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. For our members, as we've been doing since 2003, the Lodge has been collecting the items listed above at our meetings and delivering them to Project Home Front. We're asking that you continue this by bringing a few of the items to our meetings. HORSES FOR HEROES There is a program currently underway to sponsor amputee troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to learn to horseback ride. Reports that I’ve heard is that these young men and women who’ve lost more than most of us could imagine have responded tremendously from this sort of therapy. It will be at Seaside Therapeutic Riding just off the Belt Parkway. The cost for the 8-week course is $465 per soldier. I know that’s a lot but just as these soldiers aren’t going it alone neither should you. There’s no law against you getting your buddies from chipping in with you. If you’re interested you can make a check out to Seaside Therapeutic Riding Inc. In the memo area (lower left hand corner) put Horses for Heroes and mail it to Seaside Therapeutic Riding Inc, 3903 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11235. They’re also looking for volunteers

VETERANS BENEFITS
Bobby Tamburri, the Veterans Benefits Committee chairman, is now a National Service Officer with the Veterans Administration. If you have any questions or concerns about your benefits as a veteran stop by his office at 245 W Houston St in Manhattan or you can reach him at 212-807-3178 or robert.tamburri@va.gov. It was also nice to find out that we’re the only FOP lodge in the country with a Veterans Benefits Committee.

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.

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
Several of our brother members have 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.