9004 Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD 21234
(410) 668-7677 FAX: (410) 668-8109

March 2004

President's Message:

On February 12, 2004 your labor representatives from SLEOLA, FOP76, MTA, and CBMST received disturbing news that the Superintendent's chief of staff, Jack Howard, had been dismissed. The rumors then started that Colonel Hutchins was considering resigning his position. We gathered at the SLEOLA office to discuss strategy possibilities, and reactions. We contacted the Superintendent's staff to let him know he had our support. We contacted the Governor's office to let them know our position and our support of Colonel Hutchins.

Early in the evening we were requested to respond to the Annapolis Barrack for a meeting with Colonel Hutchins. At that time, he informed us of the changes in his staff including the promotions and demotions of agency personnel.

Two very important things took place on this day. First of all, it became obvious that Colonel Tim Hutchins is in charge of the Maryland State Police. He has control and he has the support of Governor Ehrlich.

Second, after all the tribulations and fighting, the labor representatives for the organizations that represent the men and women of the Maryland State Police have heard the cry of their constituents, and are now working TOGETHER on the issues that benefit EVERYONE. That is the direction I want to continue to go!!!!

Roll call of officers and reports:

President's report: President McElroy attended several meetings and ceremonies this month as both the FOP representative and as FOP 76's SLEOLA rep. The Coalition of Black Maryland State Troopers had a ceremony saluting Black Maryland State Troopers who have died in the line of duty. The guest speaker was Doug Deleaver. The ceremony was very well attended and CBMST should be commended for their hard work.

There were four main issues discussed during the month's LMC (Labor Management Committee). 1) The issue of the 12 hour day continues to be of concern. There are many troopers who want it, and there are many troopers who don't. The pilot program is going to continue for another six months to test the effectiveness of the schedule and how the schedule affects the troopers and the Department. The LMC is likely to put out a survey in the near future to get responses from all those troopers that are currently on the 12 hour work day. The additional issue with the alternative work schedule is the holidays and the number of hours we get for them. It is the position of SLEOLA and the labor representatives that a holiday is a holiday. It is not counted in hours but counted in days (stay tuned). 2) The Department's transfer policy was discussed in light of the number of grievances filed after the last transfer list. The department is working on a special order for the development of a committee to establish criteria for transfers. This committee is stipulated to in the contract. 3) It is the position of the Superintendent that the Maryland State Police Academy should be staffed by troopers holding the rank of Sergeant or above, (this is not to say that TFCs, and Cpls can't be guest speakers or instructors). 4) Promotional Process - there are no anticipated changes to the process at this time. The LMC has heard numerous complaints about the "Resume" element of the promotional process. We need clarification and need to start working on it now.

President McElroy and all other labor ,. representatives met with Colonel Hutchins regarding other issues. Colonel Hutchins told us that he has met with the president of Beretta to discuss trooper's concerns with the Beretta 96D. The problems with the weapon seem to be linked to the ammunition. He has asked Beretta to supply the Department with new magazines, springs, and followers. Beretta will have an engineer come and work with us to conduct testing on the weapon. They will also provide refresher courses to our armorers. The number 1 problem associated with malfunctions to the 96D has to do with improper care. Colonel Hutchins advises that this is a supervisory issue and supervisors need to be checking to make sure their troopers are cleaning and maintaining the weapon properly. The Department is also looking at a new prototype weapon from Beretta that may be tested later this year.

Colonel Hutchins advised that he will be starting a new Academy class of approximately 31 sometime in April.

Now for the bad news. Luke Gallant, the Agency Chief Financial Officer gave a report on the budget for the Maryland State Police. The report was great but the budget stinks. As a Department we have very little discretionary money to buy cars, computers, technology, equipment, uniforms, phones, pagers, etc.. We are currently facing a deficit of 2.2 million dollars for this fiscal year. We believe that a supplemental budget will be passed to cover 1.8 million of the deficit. This leaves management with an anticipated deficit of $400,000 (we are watching for what will be cut next).

As bleak as the $400,000 shortfall for this year is, next year looks even worse. The Department of the Maryland State Police will start the year with an anticipated shortfall of approximately $3,000,000.00. You do the math. You know what we need to do our job. You know the state of our vehicles, the inadequacy of our technology, the shortage of manpower, and the need for upgraded radio equipment. We need the Governor and the Legislators to make the Maryland State Police a priority. They'll all be wanting our support in the near future. We need their support now !!!!

VP Boniarski - Excused

Secretary Workman - Excused

Treasurer Thibadeau - Provided the President with a copy of the financial report. We are having Karaoke on two Fridays per month and considering the possibility of making it every other Friday Night. Come out and support the lodge.
We purchased a new projection system for the big screen TV and it works great. The quality is excellent.
Rentals are doing well, remember that active, retired, and Associate members get a $75 discount on hall rentals. If you are planning a party call Roger.
The lounge is open on Thursday and Friday evenings beginning at 5PM.
Remember our web site is FOP76.org. our E- Mail is FOP76@worldnet.att.net. Newsletters will be going out via e-mail so make sure Roger has your correct address.

Sgt at Arms Jones - New dart leagues are starting now. They will be on Monday and Thursday evenings. We had second place finishes in the steel tip division and Roswell took a 2nd place finish. Congratulations to all who participated. If you are interested in joining a dart league, give Roswell a call.

FOP Trustee Poist - There is legislation that is being considered to correct some errors when the state changed from the Annotated Code to the Public Safety Article. The Statewide FOP is trying to have corrected language to legislation that makes it a crime for a police officer to use a gun that is not approved by their agency. In other words, if you are involved in an off-duty shooting and you are using a weapon that is not approved by your agency, you are not only committing a violation of agency policy, but you are also committing a crime for which you can (and will) be criminally charged. We do not want this to happen.

Counsel Weiner - Staff members from the law firm testified against legislation previously discussed that would have changed wording in workman's compensation that would have had a negative affect on our membership. The Senate killed those bills.
The firm successfully completed their collective bargaining agreement between Ocean City PD and the Town of Ocean City.

Associate Membership Committee -.Flaherty 23 members present Donna Flaherty, Wife of Frank and Bartender Par Excellence, was recovering from a bout of pneumonia. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers

Retiree's Committee Spangler - excused

Old Business - None

New Business - Motion was made , seconded and passed to make a fifty dollar pledge to sponsor the fiance of TFC Jason McCrone. She is in a marathon to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Anyone wishing to sponsor her may contact her at Heather.burmeister@medstar.net

Good of the Order - Fr. Emala has been released from St. Joe's. We don't currently know where he is recuperating. If you have had contact with him please let someone at the lodge know.
Sgt Patrick Brady was in a serious accident on Monday, March 8. Keep him and his family in you prayers. The lodge will make a donation depending on what is needed.
On March 24, 2004 the Maryland State Police will have a ceremony to salute all the troopers who have served in the military since 9-11. Remember to use the law offices of Schlachman, Belsky and Weiner for all your legal needs. They protect you and your rights for agency related issues. They also offer you and your family discounted rates for personal injury, accident, workers compensation, etc. They have been a loyal supporter of FOP 76 and all our membership.

Drawing- Winner - Ray Leonard.

Motion to adjourn was made, seconded and passed.

Reminder- FOP Lodge 76 meetings are held jointly with the MTA Lodge 76 meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at the FOP Lodge 9004 Harford Rd (inside the Baltimore Beltway).
Draft Beer and soda's are available at no charge during the meeting nights.
There is a 50/50 drawing for all those who are present.
A copy of the budget and the contract will be made available on the website.