PAX Centurion - Summer 2017

Page 10 • PAX CENTURION • Summer 2017 617-989-BPPA (2772) Heard on the Hill: Lawrence A. Calderone, BPPA Legislative Agent O nApril 29, 2017, I was proud to represent the BPPA at the Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge 38 th Annual Luncheon. Boston Police Officer Cliff Singletary and Boston Police Sergeant Norberto Perez were chosen by the Foundation as the 2017 GeorgeWashington Medal of Honor recipients for their bravery and heroic actions during the ambush of Boston Police Officers Matt Morris and Richard Cintolo in East Boston in 2016. Officers Singletary and Perez were accompanied by their families, fellow officers and friends from District Seven in East Boston, Commissioner Bill Evans, Captain Kelly McCormick, Commanding Officer of District Seven, and Judge JosephV. Ferrino, Founder of the Bay State Chapter to the event. Cliff and Norberto were honored to have been chosen by the Foundation Board of Directors as the 2017 recipients, but had many reservations about accepting the award. According to Cliff and Norberto, there were so many of their fellow officers involved in the gun battle and rescue that night that they felt uncomfortable being recognized without their peers on stage next to them. They repeatedly met with committee members and expressed this concern. However, even though the Foundation could only choose two Boston Police Officers as their “Heroes” this year. Officers Singletary and Perez respectfully accepted the award and honored their fellow officers from the battle and rescue in their acceptance speeches. They spoke of how they were dealing with the aftermath of tragic events that night and the effect it has had on them and their families. They commended their fellow officers’ actions that evening and gave thanks for everyone’s professionalism and survival. I was honored to be in their presence and a part of their ceremony representing the entire BPPAMembership. On Beacon Hill, we are watching all aspects of the proposed 2018 Massachusetts Budget as it’s being negotiated between the Governor’s Office, House of Representatives and the Senate. Standard & Poor’s recent downgrade of Massachusetts’ credit rating was due to inadequate progress toward rebuilding the state’s rainy day fund reserves. But, all parties are very optimistic that the new budget will be approved by the new fiscal year of July 1, 2017. If not, have no fear, government and municipal operations will continue to run as normal under a temporary budget until the new one has been agreed upon. Thus far in the process all looks positive for the law enforcement community. I’ll keep you posted if things change or when it’s finalized. Another topic being discussed and negotiated by a House and Senate Conference Committee is the new Marijuana Bill. Last November, voters approved to legalize marijuana sales and use in Massachusetts. However, our lawmakers are trying to make sure that all aspects of the new law work best for the citizens in the Commonwealth. They’re reviewing everything from enforcement and security to sales, storage facilities, taxes, and violations of the law. Lawmakers are hopeful to have this completed before the summer recess inAugust. I’m very excited to report that the legislative coalition of police organizations that I put together at the BPPA last year has been making great strides. Over the past few months, we’ve been able to meet and review each organization’s priorities on Beacon Hill and develop a team approach on how to handle pushing our interests forward in a unified manner. We have been successful in our meetings thus far with members of the Joint Judiciary Committee, Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, and Public Service Committee. So successful, that Representative Hank Naughton, Chairman of the Joint Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee, attended our most recent meeting in June and discussed many of our concerns. We are appreciative and honored by his willingness to attend our meeting and listen to our concerns. Chairman Naughton is and has been an outspoken supporter of the BPPA and law enforcement in general and we are proud to call him a friend. Summer will soon be in full swing! Manpower is short and vacations have begun. The City of Boston is booming with events and the department will be ordering to fill all those vacant shifts. Please do the best you can to spend time with your families and enjoy what precious little time off you can spend with them. They are the most important part of your life and always come first!! Stay safe and see you soon. BPPAmembers honored for heroism