PAX Centurion - January / February 2014

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • January/February 2014 • Page 7 Secretary’s Thoughts: Patrick M. Rose, BPPA Secretary I believe that we have to get down to serious business and finish interpreting the language spelled out in the award. There were quite a few changes made to the way in which we conduct business and a lot of the language affects our benefit package. We cannot allow certain individuals to become obstructionist (regardless of their position or title) and slow down this important work. The changing of the guard in Boston T he NewYear is here and with it a change of the guard, so to speak. With the election of a newMayor comes a regime change or change of command for the BPD. Commissioner William Evans has finally been appointed as the Commissioner from ‘Acting”, believe me he doesn’t have to act, a finer choice could not have been made. Commissioner Evans is a street cop that worked his way up for the bottom to the top, commanding at every level. He is a proven leader that understands the nuances of the neighborhoods, the overall city, the business community, the colleges, the politics and most importantly the Police Officers themselves. He might have had the nickname: Mouse or Mousey, but he has the Heart of a Lion, the Courage of a Bear and the Intellect of a Law Enforcement ‘Einstein’! We are very excited to follow this man and work with him in bringing the BPD, the finest department in the land, to the next level. We congratulate you Commissioner Evans, you lead we will follow! Speaking of lead- ers, Welcome new Superintendent in Chief WilliamGross! Like the new Commissioner, a man that comes from this city’s neighborhoods, a cop who also understands the special nuances of this wonderful city that we are lucky enough to police. Someone that can be the Top Cop and still lead us from the front, a ‘ follow me or get the hell out of the way’ type guy! A man that knows what it takes to motivate and get the job done. A professional Police Officer of very high-caliber. Congratulations to you Chief Gross, we’ll follow you to hell and back if that’s what it takes! Do I seem a little excited, just a little. I am actually excited for this department, for the City and for us, the Police Officers. I feel like we are part of something that comes around too infrequently in history, we hope to be a part of a team, a group of people that are actually going to have a serious effect on the day to day operation of this department. A group of people that are going to ensure that our city moves forward for all. A group that seems to have been destined to be here at this time to move us to the next level. I know there will be bumps in the road. I know there will be a lot of moving parts and transfers that will have some smiling and others crying. Some new Policy changes and some old Policies newly enforced. Maybe a different way of doing business, based on the new administration’s own police and leadership experience. I realize there will be times that the Union and our members will not agree with the new administration and we will be forced to file grievances or seek legal redress to solve some disagreements, I’m not saying we will achieve nirvana, but I firmly believe we couldn’t have been luckier to have these two men selected and appointed at this time! As I stated in my December article, “ I would publically challenge everyone involved in this latest ‘battle’( ie: the protracted negotia- tions ) to stand tall, hold your heads high, no matter which side of the proverbial ‘table’one has been, it is now time to get back to work protecting and serving the citizens of this great and wonderful city ”. With the aforesaid, I believe that we have to get down to seri- ous business and finish interpreting the language spelled out in the award. There were quite a few changes made to the way in which we conduct business and a lot of the language affects our benefit pack- age. We cannot allow certain individuals to become obstructionist (regardless of their position or title) and slow down this important work. The sooner the City Labor Division and the Union come to an understanding on each and every change, the sooner we can get back to conducting business. Conducting business in a man- ner that benefits not only the Citizens of the City, and the Department, but also the Police Officers. Once the City and Union are in agreement on all Award issues, we will print a new contract (CBA) pocket book and distribute them to each and every Patrolman. I personally believe that the new administration sees the importance of having a good, honest, truthful working relationship with the Unions and the Officers. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention outgoing Chief Danny Linskey. Chief Linskey worked with the Union as best he could, given the circumstances. Chief Linskey championed many a cause for the Patrolmen’s Association and went to bat for a lot of Officers that found themselves in precarious circumstances. As the Secretary, I will be forever grateful for his assistance in dealing with some very sensi- tive issues in our member’s lives. There are many members that owe their careers to his assistance and work done with us in your name. The outgoing Chief worked hand in hand with us in trying to better equip and train our members. On a personal note, I thank him for taking my phone calls when he didn’t have to, for being there with us for our members and their families at the hos- pitals, in the living rooms and funeral homes and lending an ear when no one else would listen. Best of luck! Be careful out there, don’t forget to back each other up.Your num- ber one responsibility is to get home safely to your loved ones. I wish you all a Healthy & Prosperous NewYear! Do I seem a little excited, just a little. I am actually excited for this department, for the City and for us, the Police Officers. I feel like we are part of something that comes around too infrequently in history, we hope to be a part of a team, a group of people that are actually going to have a serious effect on the day to day operation of this department.