MISSOURI FOP LODGE 15
Presidents Message
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| EASTERN MISSOURI COALITION OF POLICE |
www.mofop15.com
www.foplodge15.com
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
Cops Representing Cops
Those words are the premise, the foundation of the Fraternal Order of Police. It’s our creed, it’s what we’re about.
Every member of leadership from the local level through the national level of the FOP is either a current law
enforcement officer or a retired law enforcement officer. As such, knowing what’s needed for the rank-and-file
officers is always the first order of business.
From time to time however, some folks seek a new avenue to meet their representation needs. They seek a new
group, having been either removed from this one or not given what they want. And as always, traditional, organized
labor groups are waiting with open arms to take their dues money. Before I go any farther, it’s abundantly clear that
the FOP, at each level, works side-by-side with various facets of organized labor on a daily basis to reach some
common goals. Usually, neither seeks to raid the other’s membership and a relationship of respect and harmony
abounds. But as stated, there are times when splinter groups pop up. As always we meet this challenge with only
one weapon; the truth.
The FOP needn’t mislead their members about any part of their being. Members have total say on every issue that
comes before the organization. It’s a “member’s up” driven organization, not one in which appointed leaders and
their minions dictate a group’s every move. The FOP is totally and completely democratic, and always will be.
If you are approached by a representative of one of these groups, ask for proof not only of what they say and what
they will do, ask of what they have done. Look closely at so-called benefits and most importantly, of their legal
program. Ask where each penny of your dues will go and if you’ll have a say on the spending of the organization.
And also, let us know.
While organized labor most certainly has its place in our society and is definitely needed, it’s not for us. As longtime
St. Louis Police Officer’s Association (FOP Lodge #68) and (recently) retired SLMPD Sergeant John J. Johnson
once wrote, “as long as it’s a gun on my belt and not a hammer, I’m best represented by other cops.” Truer words
couldn’t be said.
Use your cop intuition, be suspicious. If something sounds better than it actually is, step away. The FOP, your
FOP, has been around for nearly 100 years in this country. Other groups have come and gone. There’s a reason…
Fraternally,
Tommy
Thomas W. Mayer, President