the official publication of the broward county police benevolent association The Broward Centurion bcpba.org Volume 13, Issue 9 September 2010 PBA Endorses Alex Sink For Governor by Pat Hanrahan, President Y es, the Police Benevolent Association has endorsed, is supporting and is asking every PBA member, their families and their friends to vote for Democrat Alex Sink for Governor. This should be a no brainer for every law enforcement officer in the State of Florida. One must only recall this year’s legislative session where the Republican led Senate and House of Representatives proposed SB 1902, which would have limited benefits to a member of a retirement system or plan who had not attained 10 years of service by a certain date and revised the calculations used for upgrading a special risk member’s contributions for past service; HB 1319, which would have required public employees to contribute an additional specified percentage of their gross income; SB 2022, which would have changed FRS from a non contributory system to a employee contributory system; and a last-minute bill that would have reduced the DROP interest rate from 6.5% to 3 %. Do not believe for a moment that we have seen the last of the attacks on our pensions and benefits from the Republican Party. Not every Republican legislator supported this, but the party as whole, particularly the leadership, who allowed —The Tampa Tribune, this to happen, showed their August 13, 2010 arrogance and disdain for employees. If the House and Senate stay in Republican control as it appears they will, then law enforcement will need a governor who will not owe the Republican Party or “rubber stamp” their wishes. “One sign of Sink’s support is the Police Benevolent Association endorsing her despite its longstanding history of supporting Republicans.” In this issue... Primary Results.................................................................. 4 Legislative Affairs................................................................ 6 Thank You To Election Volunteers................................... 7 Alex Sink is that person. Alex has always been solid in her commitment to public safety and providing law enforcement officers the tools and resources necessary in order to protect all Floridians. She has overseen more than 300 sworn law enforcement officers as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and has also served as a pension fund trustee. Making public safety her first priority has earned her the respect, support and friendship of the PBA and law enforcement officers across the State. The PBA supports Alex Sink for Governor because we care about our members and making sure we elect leaders into office who put public safety at the top of their list. It is imperative that we elect into office leaders who understand the challenges, and the risks you face everyday on the job, and who will then, once in office, give you the resources you need to do that job. For more information go to alexsink2010. com. Stand Your Ground Law Tested....................................... 8 As Seen In The Sun-Sentinel............................................ 10 A Deadly Six Months For Law Enforcement............... 11 September 2010 The Broward Centurion President’s Letter The Official Publication of the Broward County PBA (A Charter of the Florida PBA) 2650 West State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 Telephone: 954/584-7600 Fax: 954/583-0405 Megan Gordon, Editor E-mail: [email protected] The Broward Centurion is published by the Broward County Police Benevolent Association for the sole benefit of its members. The Broward Centurion is dedicated to the advancement of the law enforcement profession through better and stronger community relations. The opinions expressed in the publication of The Broward Centurion are not necessarily those of the Broward County PBA, its Executive Board or the Board of Directors. Members or readers submitting letters to the editor or articles for publication are requested to adhere to the following: • Submissions should be sent to: Broward County PBA Attn: Centurion 2650 West State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 • Letters or articles must be accompanied by the writer’s true name and address. • All articles submitted for publication must be accompanied by a statement giving permission to publish. • All submissions must be legible. • The Broward County PBA reserves the right of the Executive Board or Editor to amend or to add an editor’s comment to any article or letter submitted. • Advertisement in this publication does not imply endorsement by the Broward County PBA unless otherwise specified. I t’s hard to believe that there are still PBA members who do not understand the importance of the PBA’s involvement in politics even though “politicians” control every major aspect of our lives, such as wages, insurance, job security, benefits, and pensions. I would believe this would be especially obvious considering our last legislative session and the vast calls of concern about pensions. Who solved our problems in Tallahassee last year? Friendly politicians that the PBA has supported, including a PBA-supported Governor, who helped us with a last-minute veto. Those with military experience can identify with the concept of “sticking your head out of a foxhole”. When you find yourself hunkering down in a foxhole under fire, you have two choices… stick your head out and fire back (exposing yourself to hazardous fire) or remain hunkered down in the foxhole (in which case the enemy will surely come to you and eventually overwhelm you). Being politically active means sticking your head out of the foxhole and risking some hazards for victory. There are those who think we shouldn’t, but be reminded that with or without your input, politicians are going to make decisions that affect you, your family and your career. As I have said before, the PBA endorsement is not handed out freely or lightly. It is one of the toughest and most sought-after endorsements; it carries significant weight with voters. Our endorsement of a candidate comes after interviews and analysis of track records. It is not based on party affiliation or positions on other issues. When it comes down to who the PBA will support, we aren’t concerned about anything other than who will be the best advocate for public safety. If this makes us a “special interest” group, than so be it, because to us, there is no greater “special interest” than you, our members, who risk your lives to keep our community safe. Voting is the most fundamental right and expression of American citizenship. It is the sustaining principle of our democratic system. And yet, too many Americans do not take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to choose their own leaders. It is very important that each and every one of you get out and not only vote, but vote for the PBA-endorsed candidates. This is the time that the voice of law enforcement should be strong and direct. This is the time for law enforcement to show our elected officials that not only want our support but need our support. If we show unity at election time, they will give us the respect we deserve. As a reminder, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission will be conducting a Regional Probable Cause Hearing on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., at Broward College, Bldg. 22 Auditorium, 3501 S.W. Davie Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33314. Remember to keep those who are serving in the United States Armed Forces in your thoughts and prayers and also pause a moment to remember those brave souls who have not yet returned home – POW, MIA, KIA. Since 1972, the Broward County PBA has been the “Voice of Law Enforcement.” We are proud to represent each and every one of you who is brave enough, proud enough and strong enough to wear the badge. You are among the best in Broward County, the State of Florida and the nation. I thank each of you and your families for your sacrifices, your hard work and the risks you take. Pat Hanrahan 2 The Broward Centurion September 2010 Executive Board President Patrick Hanrahan Treasurer Senior Vice President Debbie Reggio Jeff Marano Secretary Vice President Rodney Skirvin Neil Vaughan General Counsel Barbara Duffy Assistant General Counsel Claudia I. Estrada Board of Directors BSO (Support) Paul Weiss BSO – At Large (LE) Michael Joseph Catalano Ian Doriot Pete Geary Robert Lahiff Jay Leiner Lee Martin Jim Pendergast Rich Pisanti Jeff Poole BSO – District (LE) Joseph Achilarre Craig Bachan Matt Baldwin Christopher Bradley Alex Briz Joseph Capua Kelli Covet James Demato Rich Engels Dean Mirra Robert Petoskey Osvaldo Tianga Jerry Vosburgh Eric Weiner BSO (Lts) Linda Canada-Stuck Broward Schools Investigative Unit Kathleen Anderson Richard Orzech - Alt. Coconut Creek Dan Eberly Jason Kohlhorst Coconut Creek (Sgts) Curt Cuddeback Hallandale Beach Marc Dady Ed Diaz Ed McGovern Thomas Montellanico - Alt. Hillsboro Beach David Clark Hollywood Steven Bolger Chris Christianson Billy Ferguson Keith Wadsworth Wilbur Fernander - Alt. Lighthouse Point Daniel James Laura Tyler Margate (Spvrs) Andy Zettek Miramar Wayne Dunlap Marc Greenstein George Mankowski Ro Durney - Alt. Adam Lerner - Alt. Pembroke Pines Andrew Brooks Adam Feiner Al Xiques Sea Ranch Lakes James O’Brien Mike Tarr - Alt. Sunrise John Jaslowski Sunrise (Lts) Bob Dorn Wilton Manors Shawn Chadwick Grant Gundle Frank Pilewski Immediate Past President Dick Brickman Welcome New Members Christopher C. Campbell Jiam Y. Ge Samuel H. House Jorge J. Infante Vidia J. Judon Angela M. Munaretto Melinda R. Shannon Robin L. Shepherd-Ryan Vincent B. Van Hasselt Elias Vazquez Yahmed Yema Hollywood PD BSO Wilton Manors Pembroke Pines Pembroke Pines Hillsboro Beach Miramar PD BSO Plantation PD Margate PD Hollywood PD Retired Frank Cornetta Joseph F. Dalton John T. McCabe David C. Jones Reinstated Craig I. Obrentz Office Staff bcpba.org Pembroke Pines Charter Secretary Linda Receptionist/Membership Lynn Secretary/Detail Coordinator Kim Legal Assistant Maryann Communications Director Megan Information Technology Chris 3 The Broward Centurion September 2010 August 24 Primary Results P BA-endorsed candidates won most of their races during the August 24th primary. Thank you to all who voted the PBA way! State Representative David Maymon (R) - Lost Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed (D) - Won Hazelle P. Rogers (D) - Won District 91 District 92 District 94 Circuit Judge 4 Kenneth L. Gillespie - Won Elijah H. Williams - Won Carlos A.Rodriguez - Won Susan Lebow - Won Matthew Isaac Destry - Won Carlos Rebollo - Won Barbara Anne McCarthy - Won John T. Luzzo -Won Lisa Porter -Won Lee Jay Seidman - Lost Eileen M. O’Connor - Won Group 2 Group 4 Group 6 Group 9 Group 15 Group 22 Group 23 Group 24 Group 47 Group 51 Group 53 County Commission Ken Keechl - Won Sue Gunzburger - Won Barbara Sharief - Won Al Jones - Lost District 4 District 6 District 8 District 9 County Court Judge John D. Fry - Won Peter Barry Skolnik - Won Edward H. Merrigan, Jr. - Won John “Jay” Hurley - Won Linda R. Pratt - Won Mary Rudd Robinson - Won Mindy Solomon - Won Kenneth “Ken” Gottlieb - Won Nathaniel “Nate” Klitsberg - Lost Group 1 Group 3 Group 4 Group 12 Group 13 Group 14 Group 15 Group 20 Group 26 Broward County School Board Ann Murray - Won Patti Good - Won Laurie Rich Levinson - Won Nora Rupert - Won Jennifer Leonard Gottlieb - Won District 1 District 2 District 6 District 7 District 8 Municipal—City of Sunrise Roger Wishner - Lost Mayor The Broward Centurion September 2010 General Election Endorsements November 2nd, 2010 Federal U.S. Senate Charlie Crist (I) U.S. Representative Ted Deutch (D) Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D) Ron Klein (D) Alcee Hastings (D) District 19 District 20 District 22 District 23 State Governor Alex Sink (D) CFO Loranne Ausley (D) Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services Adam Putnam (R) State Representative Irving “Irv” Slosberg (D) James “Jim” Waldman (D) Ari Abraham Porth (D) Franklin Sands (D) Evan Jenne (D) Matt Hudson (R) District 90 District 95 District 96 District 98 District 100 District 101 County County Commission Ken Keechl Suzanne “Sue” Gunzburger Barbara Sharief District 4 District 6 District 8 Vote The PBA Way bcpba.org 5 The Broward Centurion Legislative Affairs September 2010 Dear Members, I am happy to report that the PBA had an extremely successful election day as almost all PBA-endorsed candidates prevailed. One of our biggest victories was the re-election of County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger. It is important to note that the PBA was the only labor organization to solely endorse Commissioner Gunzburger and our loyalty and hard work paid off in the end. We are confident that Sue will continue to be a great advocate for law enforcement while serving on the County Commission. We are also thrilled with anticipation of having a new advocate on the Commission in Barbara Sharief. She was successful in her election by defeating Pembroke Pines City Commissioner Angelo Castillo and Shevrin Jones to serve on the County Commission. Also, Mayor Ken Keechl won his primary. Both he and Barbara will face challengers in the November election. Once again your support will be vital to their continued success. Additionally, we had great success with our judicial endorsements. We succeeded in our pursuit to fight off the challengers of the African-American judges. In doing so, Circuit Court Judges Ken Gillespie and Elijah Williams as well as County Court Judge Mary Rudd Robinson were all re-elected. Those were essential victories to continue the important diversity of our judiciary. As our best reminder that even when you lose you can still win, Sandy Pearlman, whom we did not endorse, defeated Judge Lee Jay Seidman. However, we still view that election as a victory. Sandy is an excellent attorney and will be an exceptional judge. Lastly, it is important to mention that a long time friend of the PBA, Ken Gottlieb, was elected as a County Court Judge. He has been a supporter of the PBA for many years and we look forward to his common sense and even temperament on the bench. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank those members who, for the betterment of every PBA member, volunteered their time to assist in our candidates’ campaigns. Make no mistake; our involvement in political campaigns makes a difference to the outcome of elections. If we did not have the loyal support of our membership, our organization would lack the strength it currently enjoys. The hard work of the listed volunteers should be admired and applauded by every member, as their hard work benefits all of us. We must keep in mind that August 24th was only the primary election. The general election will take place on November 2 and will include the most important gubernatorial election in recent history. If CFO Alex Sink is not elected governor, a reduction in our pension benefit (FRS and local plans) is almost certain. Please contact one of your PBA Representatives or myself if you are able to assist at the polls on November 2. Please remember, “United we stand, Divided we fall.” In solidarity, Neil Vaughan Vice President 6 The Broward Centurion September 2010 Thank You A sincere thank you goes out to those members who took the time to help on election day BSO Pat Hanrahan Paul Weiss Alexander Briz Jeff Poole and family Pete Geary Bob Lahiff Lee Martin Coconut Creek Dan Eberly Jason Kohlhorst Hallandale Michel Michel Jamie Cerna Alex Rodriguez Sean Walters Eric Key Ray Buckley John Faul Matt Casey Hollywood Jeff Marano Keith Wadsworth Billy Ferguson Chris Christianson Chris O’Brien James Barnick Kris Doyle Josh Mclean Ronnie Cannella Al Pollock Jr. Justin Schweighardt Bryan Campbell Eric Augustus James Gibbons John Switter Ernie Candelmo Perry Beckford Lenny Tinelli Aldo Blanco Barry Rumble Brian Kalish Rick Losenbeck Ken Haberland Dinielly DeAndrade Meredith Tisch Darryl Levy Mark Hazel Misael De La Torre Yahmed Yema Chis Campbell Rachel Weiss Joseph Gatz Justin Lang Donald Hanson Kenny Klingman Michael Wagener A Gomez Larry Vandusseldorp Jason Bloch Will Scalzitti Gina Graziani Joe Tango Patty Smires Johnathan Commella Antonio Dabreau Diivory Edgecomb Miramar Wayne Dunlop Pembroke Pines Viola Judon David Thompson Charles Keegan Kevin Peddy Carlos Bermudez Luis Bermudez Anthony Lennon Dawn Mcclaskey Christopher Sengelmann Diana Rairden Michael Walsh Travis Adams Angela Goodwin Chris Stasio Robert Goulding Brian Leboeuf James Desilva David Light Brandon Mazone Daniel Rakofsky Thomas Varnadoe James Ryan Jennifer Schmidt David Balladares Olayemi Okegbola Chris Grant Ed Bolliger Dawn McClaskey Christina Rogers Adam Feiner Al Xiques Drew Brooks Kipp Shimpeno Dean Soubasis Terry Reid John Baker Helms James Burke Benjamin Jon Cusack Russell Munzer Christopher Palmer Christian Rogers Thomas House Kevin Venema Jason Elias Richard Barnes Federico Pereira bcpba.org 7 The Broward Centurion Stand Your Ground Law Being Tested September 2010 Book Your Next Event At The PBA Hall Florida high court will take on concerns wtih the law A case to go before the Florida Supreme Court may help clarify guidelines for the application of the Stand Your Ground law. Since Governor Jeb Bush signed the bill into law in 2005, some prosecutors have complained that there are no rules in place to guide courts in deciding whether a claim of immunity under the law is valid or not. Stand Your Ground is based on the Castle Doctrine, an American legal principle that says an individual has protection from trespassing and violent attack in their place of residence and gives a person the legal right to use deadly force to defend that place. The Florida law goes further and adds any place that is legally occupied, such as a public area or place of work. In essence, the measure gives individuals the right to defend themselves with deadly force against a threat without having to retreat first. Some prosecutors around the state feel that the statute has unintended consequences, shielding criminals from prosecution. Proponents argue that the law specifically states that if a person is engaged in criminal activity the protections do not apply. Since its passing, the law has only been invoked infrequently. In October the state Supreme Court will rule on whether or not pre-trial immunity hearings are needed in Stand Your Ground cases. Source: Tallahassee Democrat, Florida Today 8 Weddings • Birthdays • Reunions • Retirements Special Rates For PBA Members For reservations, call 954.584.7600 2901 SW 26th Terrace • Dania Beach (behind the PBA office) The Broward Centurion September 2010 What’s Up? Hallandale Beach Police Department First & Second Quarter Awards July 29 O fficer Edward McGovern was awarded the 2nd annual Lola Salzman Award in recognition of his superior investigative skills exhibited during his tenure in the Special Operations Division/Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics, (VIN Unit). 2nd Quarter Continuous & Good Conduct Awards 25 Years Major Jose Cardoso 20 Years Sergeant Paul Winter 15 Years Det. Eric Williams 10 Years Officer of the 1st Quarter Award Officer Christopher Keating Det. Marc Dubuisson Officer Raymond Buckley Officer RaShana Donovan Officer of the 2nd Quarter Award 2nd Quarter Life Saving Award Sergeant Brian Hubbert Detective Eric Williams 1st Quarter Meritorious Awards Congratulations to all! Sergeant Michel Michel Sergeant Edward Diaz Detective Gregory Hippolyte Officer Erik Camero Officer Christopher Keating Officer Eric Key Officer Wissem Mejdoub Officer Miguel Mirabal Officer Michael McKenzie Officer Gerardo Novoa Officer Andrew Raphael Officer Michael Springer 1st Quarter Life Saving Award Sergeant Brian Hubbert Detective Lane Sauls Officer Christopher Keating 2nd Quarter Meritorious Awards Sergeant Todd Crevier Sergeant Edward Diaz Officer Christopher Goulding Officer Miguel Mirabal Officer Thomas Montellanico Officer Alan Warren Hollywood Officer Of The Month D etective Sean Keough has been selected Officer of the Month for June 2010. Sean will be recognized at the Awards Presentation Meeting held on September 15 at Hollywood’s city hall. Congratulations, Sean! bcpba.org 9 The Broward Centurion September 2010 As Seen In... 10 The Broward Centurion September 2010 A Deadly Six Months For Law Enforcement Officer fatalities increase 43% in the first half of 2010 A ccording to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund, after reaching a 50-year low in 2009, the number of LEOs in the U.S. that were killed in the line of duty shot up nearly 43 percent during the first six months of this year. If this trend continues, 2010 could be one of the deadliest years in two decades for law enforcement. Approximately 87 officers were lost between January 1 and June 30, 2010. That number was 61 for the same time period in 2009, an increase of 42.6 percent. Fatalities rose across all major categories: firearms deaths were up by 41 percent, traffic fatalities up by 35 percent and 75 percent for all other types of deaths combined. Thirty states and Puerto Rico lost at least one officer between January and June. Five federal officers have also been killed in the line of duty. Since 2000, about 48 percent of all annual fatalities happened during the first six months of the year. At the current rate, that could mean that the year-end total could be close to 185, the total number of deaths in 2007, the deadliest year for U.S. law enforcement since 1989 (with the exception of 2001, in which 240 officers were killed, 72 in the September 11 terrorist attacks). Source: nleomf.org Another Star Is Born Member’s daughter lands guest spot on TV show K ellie Kessling, daughter of BSO detective Joe Kessling and his wife, Lisa, landed a part in an episode of USA network’s “Burn Notice.” The series follows blacklisted spy Michael Westen, played by Jeffrey Donovan, as he uses his skills to help people in need while trying to stay alive himself. The show airs Thursdays at 9 pm on USA. Kellie and “Burn Notice” star Jeffery Donovan Kellie’s episode, entitled “Guilty As Charged,” features Kellie in the roll of Becky Scott and aired on August 26. If you missed her performance, past episodes of the series can be viewed on usanetwork.com/series/burnnotice or on hulu.com. bcpba.org 11 The Broward Centurion Letters And Thanks 12 September 2010 “ The Broward Centurion bcpba.org September 2010 13 The Broward Centurion September 2010 Member Marketplace NTTI Notice That Tee, Inc. • Silk Screening • Numbering • Custom Work • Personalized Gifts • Fundraising Items Kevin Bolling, President Cell: 954-520-5087 [email protected] 20% Off For PBA Members 2501 NW 34th Place, Suite 27 Pompano Beach, FL 33069 Office: 954-971-1018 Fax: 954-971-1019 Custom-Made Die Cast Metal Modelss 1:26 Scale Case Included 14 Paul Weiss 954-497-0400 The Broward Centurion September 2010 Reminder... Are You Up To Date? Unlawful Use of Badges, Etc. 817.311, Florida Statutes To update your personal information, please contact the PBA office Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm at 954.584.7600 or stop by in person. (1)(817.311 SS) from and after May 9, 1949, any person who shall wear or display a badge, button, insignia or other emblem, or shall use the name of or claim to be a member of any benevolent, fraternal, social, humane, or charitable organizations, which organization is entitled to the exclusive use of such name and such badge, button, insignia or emblem either in the identical form or in such near resemblance thereto as to be colorable imitation thereof, unless such person is entitled so to do under the laws, rules and regulations or such organization, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in S.75.082 or S.775.083. (2) This section shall be cumulative to any and all laws now in force in the state. Florida Statutes (1987) Prepaid Legal Services Michael Braverman, P.A. 2650 West State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954/791-2010 For Broward PBA Members bcpba.org 15 Broward County PBA 2650 West State Road 84 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 ©2010 Broward County PBA Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit #1677 Fort Lauderdale, FL
© Copyright 2024