Star & Shield is the official publication of the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA).
November 2019
Two Important Elections and a Critical New Hire
As we wrap up the last year of the 2010s and usher in the beginning of a new year and decade on January 1, there will be many challenges and opportunities awaiting PPOA. Rest assured that your union will hold strong and remain committed to a “tradition of success,” which has not changed during PPOA’s 68-year history. Read More
Wrapping Up a Year of Progress and Challenges for Custody Assistants
With this being the final article of 2019, I want to reflect on the past year and touch upon the items of concern going into 2020. This year has seen a continued growth in numbers, but that growth does not reflect an expansion of the role as a whole. There are numerous individuals with skill sets that have benefited their unit and this Department. Read More
Fighting for Better Protection for LASD Security Personnel
One of the most valuable benefits of PPOA membership is the team of trusted experts assembled to help guide this union and its members. They provide expertise on grievances, lawsuits, legislation, retirement and more. Read More
Dual Track, Promotions and You
In September, your union took action to defend you and the language in the current memorandum of understanding (MOU) by filing a lawsuit against the Department. This action was not taken lightly, debated at great length by the Board of Directors, and ultimately was agreed to be the best course of action. The Department must come to the table, work in good faith and consider the broad impact of its actions on its employees and our members. Read More
Who Is Looking Out for Your Benefits, Retirement and Best Interests?
One of the most important benefits of the career we chose is health care. Those of us now retired worked for decades under the promise that if we served as public servants for 25 years in a career that has a historically high level of short- and long-term injury, then the County will provide medical benefits for our lifetime.
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Proud to Honor Legacy of Fallen Custody Assistant
PPOA was honored to partner with the Twin Towers team at a barbecue fundraiser in late September to support the scholarship foundation for fallen Custody Assistant Anthony Thompson. As many of you know, Anthony was killed by a drunk driver on November 19, 2017. Please keep his mother, LASD Sergeant Ottawa Cureton, and her family in your thoughts and prayers as we approach the anniversary of Anthony's passing. Read More
Union Strength
PPOA President Tab Rhodes joined fellow Coalition of County Unions (CCU) representatives and elected officials from all over Los Angeles County for a gathering at an ALADS social gathering in late September. The renewed relationship between PPOA and ALADS is providing knowledge and access that will benefit members of both associations. We want to thank ALADS leadership for this collaboration. Read More
A Lifetime of Service; Two Nelsons Are Better Than One
Retired Sergeant John “Ron” Nybakken is a man who has given much to his nation, to Los Angeles County and to his fellow military veterans. In fact, the 84-year-old U.S. Navy veteran continues to volunteer his time to assist the leadership of American Legion Star Post #309 to this day. Maybe it was the way Ron was raised, maybe it was his generation, maybe it was something he ate as a kid, but he is one of the good guys. Read More