PAX Centurion - Fall 2016

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • Fall 2016 • Page 9 Treasury Notes: Robert P. Colburn, BPPA Treasurer Remember to use caution during this season of schools and elections! G reeting my Brothers and Sisters. It is the end of a long hot (and dry) summer. How sad to see the season end. I trust you all made the best of your summer that this crazy job will permit. We all know what a struggle it can be trying to get quality time with family and friends when the staffing is woefully short and the “special events” are seemingly non-stop. I hope you got to enjoy some rest and relaxation at least during your vacations. Now we are entering the crazy season! Downtown is clogged with the traffic of cars, trucks, and pedestrians, as the workforce is all back. The neighborhood streets are filled with students parading back and forth to school on foot, on bicycle, and on school bus. It is also the annual pilgrimage of college students and their bikes and their headphones and smartphones and their failing to look when crossing streets. Their heads and necks are permanently hunched down studying their not so smartphones, catching up on all the insignificant social interaction they had or wish they had if they knew how to look up once in awhile…. and not just for a selfie !!! Throw all this together coupled with the normal everyday city life struggles… add in an insane presidential election on top of the usual local elections and what have you got?About 500,000 calls to 911 and a million different interactions with some people who recently haven’t been showing the love to the BPD or many other police departments.Yes my brothers and sisters… It’s crazy time! During these times, I would suggest following the advice of an old dispatcher many years ago… “Use CAUTION on this assignment!” We have begun our Body Camera Pilot Program.You would like to believe that this new program would open the eyes of those who scream the loudest and are critical of the work we do. That it will enlighten them as to the everyday insanities that our members witness and endure day in and day out. Maybe it will, but my guess is it probably won’t, just remember to maintain your professionalism as you always do. Get Involved in Your Financial Planning A s we look at the state of today’s economy, it now may be the best time, and possibly last time, to lock in on record low interest rates. The Federal Reserve is strongly hinting at raising the rates before the NewYear. Talk with your spouse, your independent financial advisor (not a guardroom buddy…. a professional!) and see if its time for you to lock in. It may take the sting out of the cold winter months that lie ahead. ​As you do a little financial housekeeping, bear in mind that we are soon to be in the last quarter of the year and that means it’s time to load up on your deferred-income deductions through the Smart Plan or other plans you may have. Another plan that many people don’t take advantage of is the Flex Plan. If you have children who may need braces or you wear contacts or eyeglasses you should look at putting money into this plan. It allows you to take advantage of paying for selected items on a pre-tax basis. Before you pay taxes on your income, the amount you choose up to $2,500.00, is deducted for allowed expenses. This money can also be used for co-pays and in some cases parking at your doctor’s office. Better in these accounts than those accounts of the Tax Man! Remember that you have to take extra care of your financial health because as we well know our pensions are always under the threat of attack. Tucking a little away now pays big when it comes time to retire! Once again…. The Seven ‘P’s – “Prior proper planning prevents piss poor pensions!” Guess Who I n the last edition of the PAX - guess who – Page 33 – Officer John Quinn, K-9 unit – correct answer by Officer Frank Nogueira. $50.00 gift card to Frank. Page 45 – Officer Santino D’Addiacco - no correct answer. $50.00 gift card to Santino. Thank you for your participation. Retirement Seminar F riday, October 14, 2016, 10:00 am-2:00 pm at the BPPA. This seminar filled quickly last time - call to reserve your seat. Final Thoughts ​ I would like to thank all those who worked so tirelessly putting together our annual Retirement andAwards Banquet on September 9 th , 2016. Once again it was a tremendous success and all those in attendance at the Venezia Restaurant had a great time. The only regret is the number of retirees who chose not to partake. Let me assure you, you were missed more than you know. I would ask that if you did miss the banquet to stop by the union hall or give me a call. We have a little something we would like to present as a token of our appreciation for all your many years of dedicated service. Please, come on down!!! That goes for all our members.Your Union Hall is here for each and every one of you and you are always welcome so please stop by. I know there has been a lot of negative talk about things that have transpired in the past few months – please feel confident everybody on this leadership team has every member in their thoughts and decisions are made in the best interest of the organization as a whole . Veterans’Day is Friday, November 11 th . I would like to thank all of our veterans active and retired for their service. I would also like to wish all of you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving. Please remember to take care and be safe out there!