PAX Centurion - Winter 2016 - 2017

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • Winter 2016-2017 • Page 3 A Message from the President: Patrick M. Rose, BPPA President Being Thankful this Christmas See President on page 7 W ith the Holidays upon us, Thanksgiving just passed and Christmas and NewYears ahead, (yes, I used the ‘C’ word: Christmas) , we are extremely Thankful for the gifts bestowed upon us; most notably the ongoing recovery of Officers Matt Morris and Richie Cintolo. I Thank God every day for the Blessing of their lives being spared, (not to mention the outstanding work performed by EMS along with the Nurses and Doctors), and the absolute courage and professionalism displayed by Officer Eric Schmidt. The word “Hero” has been thrown around quite a bit over the past few years; it’s been used to describe sports legends, political figures, celebrities and even social activists, although some of these people may have deserved recognition and in some cases even our accolades, they were not and are not Heroes. For a true description of who a Hero is or what deeds depict true Heroic action, please take time to read the reports describing the actions taken by Officer Eric Schmidt on October 12, 2016, or take the time to actually speak with Officers Cintolo and Morris. Anyone that doesn’t believe in God should take a long look on how the stars aligned that fateful night. If Eric hadn’t been transferred to East Boston and working that night, If Matt and Richie weren’t as strong as they are physically and mentally, if a tanker wasn’t making its’way through the harbor that night, if a renowned vascular surgeon and his team were not on duty at Mass General that night, if, if, if... . I hope everyone understands how unbelievably lucky we, as an organization, have been over the past few years. Our members have been attacked and yes, shot in record numbers and either through sheer luck or possibly divine intervention we haven’t had to bury one of our own from on-duty violence in quite a while, even though we’ve attended many funerals from other departments around the State and Country. I would certainly hope that all people recognize how truly dangerous this job really is and once again show the respect to our members that they deserve. It may take years for the anti-police sentiment that has been fostered by some across this country to subside, but I know in my heart and soul that regardless of how we are treated by a vocal minority within society, our members will continue to show up when called, will continue to display the most professional behavior possible in any situation and continue in our mission to protect and serve the citizens of our great City. Speaking of Heroes, the Boston Police Relief Association just hosted theAnnual BPDAwards Ceremony. This year’s ceremony was held at the Irish Social Club in West Roxbury on December 4 th . Many of our members were recognized and their achievements celebrated. It’s absolutely amazing to sit through this ceremony every year and listen to the stories relating to the fantastic police work and absolute Heroic actions performed by our members, who mostly will exclaim; “I was only doing my job.” This “job,” is like no other, brave men and woman continue to run towards the danger to insure the safety of others. Even after being shot, wounded, beaten or fighting the most desperate of criminals our members continue to perform admirably, rendering aid physically and emotionally along with protecting the most innocent around us; if that isn’t Heroism I just don’t know what is. You cannot help but feel proud as you sit with your Brothers and Sisters who are being celebrated! As busy as this season can be, please take the time to reach out to all of these Heroes and give them a well deserved pat on the back. Let them know that we all appreciate each other and the “jobs” that we collectively perform. Collective Bargaining Agreement P lease allow me to shift gears here; We are currently involved in active negotiations with the City of Boston for a successor collective bargaining agreement. We must reiterate; it is our sincere hope and desire that we can bring back a negotiated offer that we deem worthy of your review and ultimate vote. Even though we have publically stated our desire to achieve a collectively bargained contract, anyone reading this missive should fully understand that we will always choose the path that best supports the majority of our membership’s needs and desires. Hopefully, those making the decisions choose to show you the respect you deserve. Speaking of bargaining, please don’t allow yourselves to be pulled into the guardroom banter of what is and what is not being bargained. We are all aware of the ‘Guardroom Lawyers or Experts’ that have the ‘inside knowledge’ of what’s going on. If you have a question or a comment, if you have ideas you want to express, please speak with your representative, drop by or call your Union Hall at 295 Freeport St. We know that bargaining time can be very frustrating, whether you feel you’re not being heard or your concerns are not being addressed to the fullest. We have and will continue to keep your representatives informed of everything going on and they in turn should be communicating with you. We absolutely understand that there is no way to keep everyone happy, but don’t allow yourselves to Recipients of the 2016 Schroeder Brothers Medal for Bravery honored on December 4.