PPOA Representation Plays a Crucial Role in the Workplace and in Times of Need

As a former sergeant at East Los Angeles Station in 2019, I took it upon myself to become a PPOA delegate. Fed up with the rumors swirling around the Department’s direction, I was eager to get more involved. Through my role as a delegate, I gained direct access to information about changes straight from the source. With over 100 delegates across various work locations throughout the County, it’s crucial to facilitate effective communication between the Board and membership. Quarterly meetings in different venues throughout the County cover multiple topics, including contract negotiations, legislation and lawsuits.

Two directors left their seats in 2021, and I jumped at the opportunity to apply for the Board of Directors position. Luckily, I was selected, and it’s been an honor to serve alongside such a talented and experienced group of individuals. Each director brings a unique perspective that has helped maintain PPOA’s “Tradition of Success” since its founding in 1951. PPOA representation plays a crucial role in the workplace by providing a collective voice for members to negotiate fair wages, benefits and working conditions. With PPOA representation, members are protected from unfair treatment or arbitrary decisions by their superiors.

I’m proud to say I’ve served as PPOA president since August 2022. When I first took on this role, I wasn’t aware of all the internal and external challenges ahead, but I remained determined to overcome them. With a focus on making a difference, empowering others, building relationships and developing organizational leadership, I and the PPOA team have worked tirelessly to navigate the complexities of labor relations and provide effective leadership. Since 2023, PPOA has received 1,326 calls from members reporting various issues. Of these calls, 335 were referred to the PPOA labor representation team. Over 100 of these calls resulted in cases taken up by PPOA labor representatives and/or union legal counsel. The rest of the issues were resolved through informal means such as phone calls, meetings, conflict resolution or other forms of correspondence. In 2023, the labor representatives handled 77 internal affairs investigations, 10 internal criminal affairs investigations and 26 grievances.

PPOA’s Star and Shield Foundation held its 15th Annual Peace Officer Memorial Golf Tournament on June 5 at the Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier. The event helped raise funds for peace officers’ families who passed away while on duty and other PPOA members requiring assistance. The event was a roaring success, with all golfer spots sold out. I’m grateful to our corporate sponsors, volunteers and PPOA staff, who worked tirelessly to make it an unforgettable event. The Star and Shield Foundation provided support to the families of Sergeant Christopher Bracks, Sergeant Armando Meneses and Sergeant Jamie Arakawa. The foundation covered travel and accommodation expenses for these families during the 2023 National Peace Officers’ Memorial. PPOA also contributed to the Unity Tour and held a luncheon at Arlington Cemetery.

Additionally, the Star and Shield Foundation provides aid to members during challenging times. If you’re interested in contributing to this noble cause or know of a member who needs assistance, please visit starandshieldfoundation.org.

In closing, PPOA is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of members. A few months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting retired LASD Sergeant Danny Coon. Danny retired in 2013 after honorably serving 31 years of public service and is the author of the book Broken: Understanding the Effect of Post-Traumatic Stress. He has extensive knowledge of law enforcement and brings a unique perspective to the job’s stresses. Danny has consistently contributed valuable insights into the critical topic of post-traumatic stress through his expertise and dedication. Please take a moment to read the article he authored on page 24. In this thought-provoking piece, he shares his profound understanding, paving the way to address the importance of employee wellness. By exploring this topic with compassion and emphasis on mental health resources, we hope to foster an open dialogue and promote avenues for support and healing.