OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer.
MEETING DEDICATION
Randy Upton then read the meeting dedication for Officer Guy Gaddis who was killed in the line of Duty in 1994. Ray then presented the family of Officer Gaddis his duty weapon, which was released from evidence. The membership gave a standing ovation to the family.
GUESTS:
Ray introduced the newly elected Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. Ray called her to the podium and allowed her to address the membership. D.A. Ogg advised the membership she supported Police and would be there to assist in the investigations. She advised there would be reforms to the District Attorneys office and she would start with a marijuana diversion program.
Ray then allowed questions from the membership where D.A. Ogg advised don’t believe rumors, which were being put out by her opponent during the campaign. Ogg advised we are not in high school and if any officer heard a rumor they could call Ray and he could contact her directly.
Ray then thanked Ogg for her time and continue to acknowledge the remaining guests at the meeting. Ray acknowledged Jessica Holloway from Stan Stanart Office, Charlene Floyd from the Police Foundation and Roy McDonald from the HPROA.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Officers Tallant and Martin from North were this months Officer of the month and were presented the award by Luis Menendez-Sierra.
INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Officers Annette Keys was presented the award for Investigator of the Month.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Ray informed all in attendance that the treasurer’s report was on the tables and asked if there were any questions. Ray then advised the membership that if they had any questions to contact Tim Butler and he would assist them.
Reminders that the minutes are at HPOU.org
COMMUNICATIONS
Judge Maria Jackson swore in the new 2017 Houston Police Officers Union Board of Directors.
Ray then allowed Chief Acevedo address the membership in regards to the new badge proposal. Chief Acevedo told the membership the change of the badge would be put to a vote of the membership. Chief Acevedo stated that changes to the badge would be made because the current badge is very cheaply made and thin. Chief Acevedo stated that Houston Police Officers work too hard to obtain the honor of wearing the badge and they deserve a quality product. Chief Acevedo advised no funds for the badges would come from the department. He advised he would get the funds through donations.
Chief Acevedo then made the announcement that Assistant Chief Finner and Assistant Chief Slinkard will both be promoted to the rank of Executive Assistant Chief.
Ray advised the membership that the voting for the badge would start Friday January 6 at 0001hrs.
Ray then addressed the membership and stated the HPOU Scholarships will be due Friday February 24 at 1600 hrs. Ray stated that applications are in the Badge and Gun and on the website.
Ray then told the membership that new pension ballots will be mailed and will be blue in color. Ray encouraged all members to vote for the pension race.
Ray told the membership the HPOU will be closed on Monday January 16 for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Ray then advised the membership that the tax lady will be at the HPOU on Monday and Thursday beginning February 2nd for anyone needing to get their taxes done.
Ray then gave a body camera update and advised that North will be getting their cameras. He also advised that the Department was looking at some sort of trigger to activate the camera, but nothing has been done as of the time of the meeting.
Ray reminded the membership about the Physical Agility test where if you were hired prior to 03-30-11 you can get $800 and after 03-30-11 for your 40 hours of PD time.
Ray informed the membership that the next station cookout would be January 18th at the Westside command station.
Ray reminded all the membership to complete their wellness for themselves and spouse.
Ray then advised the membership that Cynthia Martin, daughter of Officer Richard Martin who was killed in the line of duty, has now maintained her sobriety for six months and is mentoring other people struggling with addiction.
REMINDERS
Ray reminded the membership to utilize the Doctors Council of Texas if there injured in the line of duty. Ray advised this would save a lot of headaches in the future dealing with workers compensation.
Ray spoke on the First Responder Peer Support and advised it is still being held on Monday and Thursdays.
Ray reminded to the membership that you can still fill prescriptions at the HEB, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Sam’s or Kelsey but NOT Target. Target and CVS have been removed from the approved locations to get medication filled.
Ray reminded the Officers at the meeting to get and use the new HPOU app for their smartphones, both Apple and Google. Ray stated that this is the quickest way for the HPOU to push out notifications to the membership.
Ray then reminded the membership if they were in the market for a home loan or refinancing to use Mickey Keys with Fairway mortgage. With every closed loan, Mickey makes a donation to the Assist the Officer Foundation.
Ray then advised the membership if they needed a Realtor to use Michael Bedner who advertises in the Badge and Gun.
Ray advised the membership that HOPA the Peer support group is live 832-200-3499 and that if any Officer was in need of assistance or knew of an Officer who needed help, to please call for assistance. Ray mentioned to the membership that there have been 3 suicides this year.
Ray advised the membership that there are guns for purchase from Tim Butler. Tim has AR-15s in stock, which will be sold at cost.
Ray then told the members to remember to KEEP YOUR FIELD NOTES! Ray advised we would address this in the legislature but for now officers need to keep them.
Ray Hunt reminded everyone to restrict his or her HCAD and voter registration information. Spouse may restrict voter information as well.
HPOU.org – Please update your address and/or email address at the HPOU office or by visiting www.HPOU.org (member tab).
Public Safety Financial Group (PSFG) –Thinking of retiring go see PSFG for a free financial analysis. The analysis is valued at approximately $500 and there is no obligation to join PSFG. Contact PSFG at 832-200-3440 for an appointment.
URGENT CARE vs. ER – Ray advised the membership to use urgent care centers instead of emergency rooms. Urgent care facilities are $65 compared to the ER visit of $400. Because the city is self-insured, the ER visits increase the costs to the COH.
Ray Hunt reminded everyone to wear seat belts at all times and to watch your speed.
Sobering Center – Ray asked all members to support and utilize the sobering center. Utilizing the sobering center helps the city and is an easy process for officers. Most officers are unsure of the location so encourage officers to look up the area before having to transport a person to the facility.
Facebook/Twitter – Ray Hunt asked members to invite officers to “like” the HPOU Facebook page. Additionally, HPOU is now on Twitter at @hpoutx. The HPOU is working to increase communications to members.
The next meeting will be on February 2nd.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
All of Class 228 was accepted after a motion from Don Egdorf and a second from Joe Gamaldi. Then Ray advised Chief Acevedo also wanted to be a member of the HPOU. Kawanski Nichols made the motion to accept the Chief with a second from Chad Crawford. These motions passed.
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes. Ray then announced that he had a special door prize to be given out.
ADJOURNMENT
Joe Gamaldi made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Joseph Castaneda seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary
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