OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer by Corey Wilson.
MEETING DEDICATION
Joe Gamaldi then read the meeting dedication for Officer Michelle Groves who was killed in the line of Duty in 1987.
GUESTS:
Ray introduced Liza who is giving St Michaels medals out to Officers and she explained her mission to the Members. She stated after the Officers in Dallas were murdered she felt a calling to show support for Police. She stated with twenty blessed St. Michaels medals and to date has passed out over 18,000.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Officers Krantz and Ware from North was this months Officer of the month and were presented the award by Joe Gamaldi
INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Ray also advised the Membership that Sgt. Terry Seagler and Det. Carol Calabro from major offenders are the investigators of the month. Capt. Ready presented the award.
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
Ray then provided a pension update and advised he believed the Pension Bill as presented to the membership would be passed. Ray also stated the rumors about Mark Clark and Terry Bratton Rumors are not true.
Ray advised the membership that he does not believe that investigators will not have to ride patrol once a month.
Ray then advised the Membership that Questions for Ogg have always been answered. Ray advised he did not have any questions for Ogg but encouraged anyone who had one to email him and he would redacted the Officers information and forward the email.
Ray told the Membership that Lt. Governor met with Ray and Eric Carr in regards to the Law Enforcement Advisory Board, and Eric Carr from APOL was appointed to that board.
Ray advised the board that Tillman donated his winnings, over $160,000 from the NCAA final four to the Houston police foundation.
Ray advised the Membership that the policy regarding tattoos should come out this month. Ray advised Officers could have visible tattoos as long as they were no inappropriate as deemed by the Chief.
Ray then reminded the Membership to turn the body cameras ON.
Ray reminded Officers who pass the Physical Agility test who were hired prior to 03-30-2011 you get $800, and hired after that date get 40 hours of PD time.
Ray advised that a luncheon would be held this Sunday from 1300-1500 by the Compassion Outreach Team and all members were invited.
Ray then advised the Membership that the Scholarship Breakfast would be on April 18th at 1030. He also advised that $40,000 has been given in Scholarship.
Ray advised the Membership that the Cookout at SC was a success but stated that this Month’s cookout was cancelled due to the Wild Game Cook off being on the same day.
Ray reminded the Members that open enrollment will end on April 7th.
Ray then reminded the membership of the upcoming Stars and Stripes Golf Tournament, which was approaching. Ray stated it was April 20th at Kingwood Country Club and is anyone wanted additional information contact Captain Freemin.
Ray then advised the membership that the ATO will host a fundraiser at Under the Radar Brewery on May 6,2017 where 10% of the proceeds would go to Assist the Officer.
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 May 4, 2017.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
None
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Colton made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Joe Gamaldi seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary
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