Star & Shield is the official publication of the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA).
April 2026
PPOA Legislative Priorities: Turning Efforts Into Results
Our proud organization has the honor of representing thousands of our dedicated members. For nearly eight decades, PPOA has fought to protect the rights, safety and well-being of our members through smart, effective legislation. Read More
Honoring Our Fallen
Each year in the April issue of Star & Shield magazine, PPOA honors and pays tribute to our California peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the previous year and who will be memorialized in May at national, state and local memorial services. In 1962, President Kennedy signed a joint congressional resolution proclaiming May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Read More
Reflecting on the Difference-Makers in My Four Decades With LASD
When I was first elected to the PPOA Board in 1992, I knew very little about unions or the Department. I was voted on and off several times afterward, but one thing that made the ride so amazing was the incredible men and women I encountered along the way. Read More
The Debrief
Earlier this year, we wrapped up our 12-month leadership series in partnership with Echelon Front. I hope every Unit 612 member had the opportunity to read Extreme Ownership. If not, it should be at the top of your reading (or listening) list this year. The leadership principles covered in our webinars are simple, practical and applicable both on the job and at home with our families. Read More
A Difficult Transition for Sheriff Security Officers
By now, all of us have gone through the job fair process following the end of the Department of Mental Health (DMH) contract. For many Sheriff Security Officers (SSOs), this wasn’t just another administrative change — it felt personal.
C/As Showing Up for C/As
My fellow Custody Assistants, we are in a time when every person’s voice and involvement can make a difference. The PPOA elections were a prime example of the impact every vote can hold. This alone is proof that we, as individuals, hold more power than we often realize. But together, acting with altruism and uniting our voices and choices, we can accomplish so much more. While some of us have the ability to succeed individually, the real power is in our numbers. Read More
Reunions, Registration and Respect for the Men and Women Still Wearing the Badge
As I write this, I am packing up to attend the LASD Retiree Roundup in Laughlin. Like many of you, I’ve enjoyed this event for many years. Moon puts on a great show. I especially look forward to PPOA hosting the annual cigar night, a crowd favorite on the pool patio. Read More