Rhode Island IBPO Honors Military Members
May 2, 2008
Rhode Island IBPO presidents and members gathered recently for their annual luncheon in Cranston to honor Rhode Island officers who had performed active military duty in the previous year. National President David J. Holway; Chief of Staff Bernard Flynn, who is a colonel in the Massachusetts National Guard; and IBPO Director Paul Birks joined members at the event.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said President Holway. “I’m pleased to recognize members who served our country as well as their own communities. We can’t ever thank them enough for their service.”
Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch, making his second appearance at the annual event, pledged his continuing support for the public safety community and the state’s public workers. Rhode Island Director Tony Capezza updated members on several legislative developments, including a bill that would require cities and towns to pay the family portion of an officer’s health care premiums if s/he is activated by the military, and rumors of an upcoming attack on public pensions.
National Representative Paul Saccoccia urged members to ensure their locals had contributed towards the IBPO’s fundraiser for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The NLEOMF is building a museum in Washington, D.C. dedicated to the law enforcement community. The IBPO national union has promised to match local donations up to $10,000 each year for five years.