FOP Endorsement

Just a note for everyone that the local lodge for the Fraternal Order of Police (Highlands County Lodge 99) voted to endorse Sheriff Susan Benton for our candidate of choice for the upcoming general election.

Big Deal :devil:

Question????

How many members belong to FOP???
I never received any information on FOP and what do they do exactly. Will they have legal counsel, or have a life insurance policy for my spouse?
And if FOP was a sound orginization why haven't all the Officers joined before PBA was voted in?

Question, Get with me at my office and I'll gladly answer your questions. I would do it here but some of the answers would be to long for this forum. JP

Someone please turn off Ouverson's emoticon buttons. While your at it, turn off mine too. :snicker:

IT WOULD SEEM TO ME THAT DISCUSSING THE FOP IN JP FANE'S OFFICE (I GUESS THAT MEANS HE IS ON DUTY) JUST MIGHT BE POLITICAL AND IN VIOLATION OF DEPARTMENT POLICY, SINCE THE FOP ENDORSED THE INCUMBENT, AND SINCE OTHER DEPARTMENT MEMBERS HAVE BEEN "CAUTIONED" ABOUT DISCUSSING THE SHERIFF'S RACE WHILE ON DUTY.

TO BAD THE FOP DIDN'T OFFER A FORUM OR DEBATE BETWEEN THE CANDIDATES BEFORE ARRIVING AT AN ENDORSEMENT.

IT WOULD SEEM TO ME THAT DISCUSSING THE FOP IN JP FANE'S OFFICE (I GUESS THAT MEANS HE IS ON DUTY) JUST MIGHT BE POLITICAL AND IN VIOLATION OF DEPARTMENT POLICY, SINCE THE FOP ENDORSED THE INCUMBENT, AND SINCE OTHER DEPARTMENT MEMBERS HAVE BEEN "CAUTIONED" ABOUT DISCUSSING THE SHERIFF'S RACE WHILE ON DUTY.

TO BAD THE FOP DIDN'T OFFER A FORUM OR DEBATE BETWEEN THE CANDIDATES BEFORE ARRIVING AT AN ENDORSEMENT.

I don't care about the FOP - they are useless. Did they interview both candidates before deciding who they would endorse? Did they take a poll of their members to see who their members wanted for Sheriff?

What a joke. I'm voting for Grimming - we need change.

I will not sit down with you JP as you are good at not being forthcoming with answers.
The questions were simple and with the PBA that has over 50% membership of the road I think I would trust its members judgement.
They are there when needed and anyone can tell you what when why about them.
Those 10 or so people that belong to FOP are in there from the good ole days when you had to be "INVITED" to attend.

JUST ANSWER THE QUESTIONS ON HERE SO ALL CAN SEE THE TRUTH

Dear Mr/Ms Question,

I had chosen not to discuss lodge business on this forum because it is rather impersonal and as a fraternal organization in person is a preferred method of communication. You have to fill out an application to join, so you might imagine not knowing who you are or where you work I can’t answer some of your questions.

There are currently 66 active/retired law enforcement officers that make up our lodge. The have legal defense (we have local attorneys as well as one from larger firms on the coast and through out the state) as well as health and life insurance plans. Some lodges are also labor lodges.

Joe Stump is the individual that did the initial campaigning for PBA for the Sheriff’s Office. There just wasn’t any member of the FOP here at that time that wanted to take on that task.

Sound organization?=. In 1917, the idea of a National Organization of Police Officers came about. Today, the tradition that was first envisioned over 90 years ago lives on with more than 2,100 local lodges and more than 325,000 members in the United States. The Fraternal Order of Police has become the largest professional police organization in the country. The FOP continues to grow because we have been true to the tradition and continued to build on it. The Fraternal Order of Police are proud professionals working on behalf of law enforcement officers from all ranks and levels of government, ya maybe sound.

All officers of the FOP are voted for and can not be self appointed.

Question????

How many members belong to FOP???
I never received any information on FOP and what do they do exactly. Will they have legal counsel, or have a life insurance policy for my spouse?
And if FOP was a sound orginization why haven't all the Officers joined before PBA was voted in?


Since PBA’s arrival at the SO we have doubled in size, I see that trend growing.

Guest 00007; Since the FOP is currently a Fraternal organization there are no rules, regulations nor laws that prohibit discussing it’s organization at work. If there are please enlighten me. The person in question asked solely about the organization not a political conversation, I think you just like to read things into every little corner you look into. As for the PBA it is the current labor organization with strict rules and guidelines that control that type of thing. I’m sure you were aware of that before your post but since you just like to remain angry and stir things up enjoy.


Anser???? I would challenge you statement of covering over 50%, I don’t see you actually having the membership of covering the 50% of the 68 assigned to the road patrol. But then you are missing other members that you represent and don’t bother to fill in on what you are doing. Every member of the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge was advised and invited to the monthly meeting to discuss the possibility of endorsing a candidate for the Sheriff’s race. Of the 28 people that showed up (how many showed up at your last meeting?) 82% voted for the endorsement of Sheriff Benton.

Did you ask you PBA dues paying members if they wanted to have the PBA spend over $7,000 dollars for flyers against the Sheriff? Who voted in your current representatives?
Yup, one fine organization you have there.

The post that states is is by Guest 00007 and Anser?? was actually mine, I made a mistake. Sorry in advance.

As far as the flyers:
I see those as getting the truth and with what is on there ans what Highlands Today has on their website tonight as shocking.
It is embarrassing to think that orders are made to change a report as important as this and then when one refuses that have to make a decision of doing what is wrong or doing what is right and stand up for the integrity of ones personal morales. I like the idea of standing up for my integrity and being able to sleep at night knowing that I have done the job I was hired to do.

If I am wrong in anyones eyes for doing what is right: I can look in the mirror and be happy as I can see you behind me with the knife in your hand when you are going to stab me in the back.

I had not made up my mind until today...
Grimming in 2008

As an FOP member I can tell you all, that during our Augest meeting we had a motion...a second...and a verbal vote on the matter to endorse a canadate or not. The vote tallied was in favor of not to endorce or to get envolved in politics. It seems that JP took it upon himself this month to take another vote, against our bi-laws, and push for endorcement. Although I fully suport Sheriff Benton, it seems that the FOP endorcement is in reality a JP endorcement. It seems that FOP Lodge 99 should be renamed "JP's Lodge 99", as he does all business without the memberships input or vote. Thanks for bringing us down JP. I think I will keep my dues from now on, buy bait, and just go fishing.......I don't go to many meetings anyway, I don't like pizza.

Buy the way...tell the PBA to POUND SAND...I did. They have spent over 1/2 million dollars in Florida over the past 2 years to slam 4 Florida Sheriff's that just dissagree with them. That is what they are spending your dues money on!

I don't know who JP is but how can the FOP vote to not take a position and then a single member make a public statement like he did on this site. I only know what I read on this site but it sounds as though JP has hidden motives.

I will not sit down with you JP as you are good at not being forthcoming with answers.
The questions were simple and with the PBA that has over 50% membership of the road I think I would trust its members judgement.
They are there when needed and anyone can tell you what when why about them.
Those 10 or so people that belong to FOP are in there from the good ole days when you had to be "INVITED" to attend.

JUST ANSWER THE QUESTIONS ON HERE SO ALL CAN SEE THE TRUTH

Just so you know, the PBA doesnt have half of the road and lost another one today. And don't believe that crap they tell you about being there when you need them. They are a phone call away and that's as close as they get when you "need" them.

To Mr or Mrs question?????

The article on TBO.com is a little misleading. First, Mr. Pinnell took pieces of a letter sent by Hill and made it look much different, purposely omitting other things that were written in the letter. Next, did you notice that Joe Selig wrote the first article and not the one today by Pinnell. Wanna know why? It was an unpopular decision by the publisher of the Tribune when Selig gave the sheriff a chance to respond to the PBA ellegation before the article went to print. It was only supposed to be one sided and Joe did the admirable thing and got the other side of the nickle. A complaint from the other side was made and today's article was the result. Next, Jerry Hill is a personal friend of Mike Brown and holds his standards through the Bartow office of the SAO as an "auxilary state attorney investigator". Never heard that position before but it is true. It isan't in the Sebring office, but straight to where Jerry works. Just in case those of you don't know, Brown has been promised a high level position if Grimming wins. Both of these statements can easily be verified if you take the time to find the "real" truth. Those of you who are Benton supporters will probably shake your head in disgust. Those who are not will say you know what. I will post a new fact each night without any wise cracks, which can be independently verified. I encourage everyone to print out a copy of the 13 page report from the PBSO retired guy and please ask questions about it. I will follow up with a response to every legitimate question that has to do with his document. If you fail to do so, then you have bought into the ex-parte version of the alleged misdoings, which is clearly one sided by one person. Please take me up on this offer so you get the truth, even though you may not want to hear it. Thanks and be safe out there!

Guest LEO

What's your evidence that Brown has been offered a high ranking job? You've only made a statment without providing any evidence. Anyone with any knowledge of the election laws in Florida knows that it is illeagle for any candidate to make an offer of employment prior to being elected. I beleive its a felony. If ya got the proof put up or shut up. Take it to the State attorney, after all whats fair is fair.

I am a FOP member and was never made aware of the voting or endorsement of Sheriff Benton. Not that it matters (or maybe so), I was just curious how if there are 66 members and only 28 people showed up for the meeting. That means realistically only 42% of FOP voted or "endorsed" the Sheriff. Maybe it is my own fault for not keeping up with the meetings but in such a heated debate I think maybe more attention should have been taken in the endorsement. At the least a mail in ballot or an email. By the way, last time I checked Sheriff Benton and members of the admin. are members of FOP lodge 99. Either way more information should be released on the FOP (meetings, benefits, enrollment, Vs. PBA, etc.) Be safe.

Get real! Yeah, I'll take it too Jerry's office, I mean Mike's friend. Right!

To Mr or Mrs question?????

The article on TBO.com is a little misleading. First, Mr. Pinnell took pieces of a letter sent by Hill and made it look much different, purposely omitting other things that were written in the letter. Next, did you notice that Joe Selig wrote the first article and not the one today by Pinnell. Wanna know why? It was an unpopular decision by the publisher of the Tribune when Selig gave the sheriff a chance to respond to the PBA ellegation before the article went to print. It was only supposed to be one sided and Joe did the admirable thing and got the other side of the nickle. A complaint from the other side was made and today's article was the result. Next, Jerry Hill is a personal friend of Mike Brown and holds his standards through the Bartow office of the SAO as an "auxilary state attorney investigator". Never heard that position before but it is true. It isan't in the Sebring office, but straight to where Jerry works. Just in case those of you don't know, Brown has been promised a high level position if Grimming wins. Both of these statements can easily be verified if you take the time to find the "real" truth. Those of you who are Benton supporters will probably shake your head in disgust. Those who are not will say you know what. I will post a new fact each night without any wise cracks, which can be independently verified. I encourage everyone to print out a copy of the 13 page report from the PBSO retired guy and please ask questions about it. I will follow up with a response to every legitimate question that has to do with his document. If you fail to do so, then you have bought into the ex-parte version of the alleged misdoings, which is clearly one sided by one person. Please take me up on this offer so you get the truth, even though you may not want to hear it. Thanks and be safe out there!

Sounds like another patsy for benton, just read the paper, fool and leave the rumor at home. If you can't tell the truth-- shut up

Just another FOP member, I question your membership to the FOP and here is why. I pulled a list of active members from the state website to print up labels. Every member of the lodge was either mailed or had a notice of the meeting and its agenda sent to them. If you didn't get one let me know and I'll correct it but a check of our lodge mail box has not shown any returned notices. I forgot you won't use your name for fear of who knows what. But the meetings are still at the same time and place. Lodge elections are coming up, show up and run for office, it sounds as if you could help make improvements.

Guest Leo

Well if you can't take your case to Mr. Hill, you can certainly take it to F.D.L.E. or to the Division of Elections.......No more excuses, you either got it or you don't.

JP! you really don't want to hear what I have to say. LOL! :evil:

Well...JP, there are several new members that are not on your state list because you have not paid their percapada. Why don't you do the right thing and step down and let Overson take over. Now there is a man we can count on. Wake up JP there is a whole lodge membership you need to involve in all decisions.

You make a good attempt at sounding like a member, get the terminology down and you’ll be a little closer. Here are a few loop holes in your posting. Number one, Tom can’t just decide to be the lodge president he would have to get voted in. Some thing that he didn’t do for his current position (in all fairness to Tom I don’t believe anyone else wanted to jump in front of any bullets so he did). If Tom decides to become active in the lodge than this is better for the lodge (more active members make it a better lodge). Elections are coming up stop hiding behind a curtain of anonymity and get involved. If you think I would take it personal by not getting re-elected guess again.

Getting the lodge involved? I missed that one, at the August meeting a member made a motion to decide whether or not to support any candidate for Sheriff. That motion was seconded and voted on by those attending the meeting. It passed, this was recorded in the lodge minutes, which were made available to the lodge members prior to the September meeting and those minutes where accepted. Also an attempt was made to contact the lodge membership about that issue. While I don’t do all lodge business I will accept responsibility if you weren’t notified.

Of those members that chose to participate in the endorsement process 82% choose to support Sheriff Benton. Please explain to me how I did what I wanted. I might mention that one of your PBA brethren confronted me prior to the September meeting and asked what I would do if the lodge chose to endorse Grimming. I told him I would type the letter and make the announcement. (This should also cover the individual that asked where I make the decision to make the announcement).

I think you have personal issues greater than what you are attempting to lay on me but I won’t be able to change your mind.

Tag your it!

Tag...now your gone! :devil:

Yes, you are correct that I am gone as the chief representative of the FOP. I will not complain about the process that brought this about. I will tell you that it was at least done by a body of members of our lodge that were given the opportunity to vote their choice. Their choice was to remove me from office and I recognize that effort. If you think that I will make any apologies for any of my actions in office you will be a long time in waiting. I did the best I could for the lodge without personal thoughts in mind. If you can prove other wise please present the evidence here. I leave my post with no regrets. If by your lame anonymous post you think you will harm me or bring shame to me good luck. I will today and tomorrow support the FOP over the PBA for as long as breath comes out of my lungs.

If there are any other personal attacks you would like to make please bring them on!