URGENT MESSAGE REGARDING FOP PAST PRESIDENT TONY FONTANA

**JAVI ORTIZ** · 12-06-2009, 10:15 PM

Dear Miami FOP Members,

I have some very sad news to report. I was advised by President Armando Aguilar that Tony Fontana has entered hospice care in Tallahassee after battling illness. His dying wish is to have his funeral service in Tallahassee and then his body to be brought with honors to Miami for burial.
For those that don't know Tony, he is one rare and exceptional individual with a storied career as a visionary leader in the FOP in Miami starting way back in the 1950’s. He served us politically in Tallahassee as one our State Legislators and on the Florida Parole Commission. Even as a retiree, Tony has continued to participate and fight for many of the rights and benefits we have for our membership today. He is a hero and has always been a warrior for our lodge. In 2008, Past President Tony Fontana was unanimously voted “President Emeritus” at the Florida 59th Annual State Lodge Conference by the delegates for his long and outstanding career in law enforcement and service to the FOP.

Please keep Tony in your prayers. The Miami Fraternal Order of Police will stand behind Tony's dying wishes. When we receive more information, you will be emailed. Below is an email sent by FOP Florida State President Jim Preston.

Fraternally,

Sergeant Javier Ortiz, Vice President
Miami Fraternal Order of Police Lodge#20

Please sign into FOPMIAMI.COM for the latest information.

Brothers and Sisters,
I have received word from Tallahassee Lodge President John Beeman that our beloved Florida State Lodge President Emeritus Tony Fontana has entered Hospice care. Tony has been battling illness for some time now as his health started failing him. According to John, the doctors will no longer treat his condition any further.

As John reminded us, unless the Lord intervenes, it could be but a matter of time before Tony is called home. It is Tony’s wish to have his service in Tallahassee followed by interment at a grave side service in Miami. Brother Al Cotera is working to organize that service.

We will be working on an Honor Guard Escort from Tallahassee to Miami if the time comes.

Please keep Tony in your thoughts and prayers. He is a tough fighter and has led a full lifetime of achievements for our organization and law enforcement officers. I visited with Tony in October and he is so very proud of the FOP.

As we get more information, I will share it with you. God Bless and keep Brother Tony Fontana.

James W. Preston
State President
Florida State Lodge
EMAIL FROM THE STATE PRESIDENT-------

12-07-2009, 01:29 AM

When the time comes, let there be traffic jams, due to the great number of Miami active and retired cops, paying their respects to one who never stopped fighting for all cops.

12-07-2009, 01:36 AM

We all owe Tony for his effrots in our behalf: Heart Bill, 1%, pension issues keeping criminals in jail.
He is one of us and is proud if it. His loss will truly be huge.

12-07-2009, 02:23 AM

Tony is a hero and will always be in our hearts.

**Phaedrus11** · 12-07-2009, 06:30 AM

From the bill of rights to the one percent, all officers owe a great debt to President Fontana. He bleeds blue and always had the FOP in his heart. You will be in my prayers, Tony.