Dear Law Enforcement Member,

Since taking the office of President of the West Central Missouri Lodge #50, there have been three deaths of law enforcement officers. All three at one time had been members of this organization, however only one was a member at the time of his death. It saddens me to attend these funerals knowing the only thing I can do for the family is to give them a bible, knowing that the family is in far greater need of financial help at this grieving time.

We choose the profession of law enforcement, knowing we will never get rich at it, but for the rewards we feel in helping other people at their time of need. Why do we forget to protect the one's we love during their time of need? As a member of Lodge #50, the dues you pay of $20.00 a month will give your family a $2,000.00 line of duty death, or $1,000.00 accidental death benefit for yourself, your spouse, or children. Also, there is a $7,500.00 benefit from the Missouri State Lodge.

Also, by being a member, you receive legal protection from any unfair job actions. Along with a united voice from law enforcement members in the four county area. We are growing as the Fraternal Order of Police in west central Missouri and will continue to grow in the next few years. There is and has always been strength in unity and we have and will continue to unite in this metropolitan area.

Over the last year or so, I have often heard the question, "Why should I join the Fraternal Order of Police?" I guess the first place to start to answer that question would be to discuss the current environment in which law enforcement members find themselves. The intense scrutiny under which you must perform an excruciatingly difficult job has made you the targets of the media, politicians, and special interest groups. These groups are eager to watch everything you do closely, just waiting for a mistake so that it can be blown out of proportion and they can then advance their agendas or enhance their positions at your expense. They love to paint you with a broad brush and say that the "cops" are a bunch of Neanderthals. All the time this drives a wedge between the Police and the public they protect. This kind of manipulation has made you a target of opportunity and exploitation. Without the benefit of an organized group like the F.O.P., you are out there on your own. If for no other reason, the legal protection you receive as a benefit of membership should convince the sworn Law Enforcement employee to join.

When you join the F.O.P., you are joining more than 275,000 law enforcement professionals across the United States and over 1000 members in the four-county area. You are joining an organization dedicated to the welfare of the Law Enforcement member and the cause of law enforcement. And it is organized and run by fellow law enforcement members, people who understand what you are contending with and what you need to do an extremely important job.

Every group in this country that has been able to accomplish anything, has done so because they banded together, got themselves organized, and formed a strong advocacy group. Just think about that. There is strength in numbers. There is also accomplishment in sacrifice. You may have to invest some of your money, some of your time, and some of your abilities.

If you are not a member of the F.O.P., you are only a voice of one. You need to unite with and become an active and important member of the F.O.P. today.

Here are just some of the benefits you will enjoy as member:

• A united support to protest unfair job actions.
• Strong support from fellow members for picketing and information dispersal.
• Legislative and Labor Committees working year-round for the membership.
• An information network that includes E-Mail, a monthly newsletter, and a Web site that is updated on a routine basis.
• Combined funds from a large area to provide services and benefits to members and their families.
• Combined political voice and support for the politicians who support law enforcement locally and nationwide.
• FREE legal aid for job-related incidents. In 1995/96, FOP Lodge #50 paid out over $89,000 in attorney and court fees to defend members in unjust job actions. How deep is your pocket?
• $1,000 death benefit coverage, $2,000 Line-Of-Duty death benefit.
• $1,000 death benefit for members’ spouse and qualified dependent.
• $120,000 in Line-Of-Duty and/or Accidental Death/Dismemberment coverage.
• An Executive Board who will listen to you and help in any way they can.

Help the F.O.P. fight for fair treatment and fair compensation for all law enforcement members. Please make my job easier knowing your family and yourself have the protection the Fraternal Order of Police can provide.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to receive any other information. The Lodge #50 phone number is 358-7727.

Fraternally,

Chris Atwood
President
West Central Missouri Lodge #50
Fraternal Order of Police