Message from President

Greetings,

As you know on November 10, 2011 Chief Ciesielski authorized a procedural notice/G.O. change reflecting the mandatory purchase of new hat shields as well as the “5-star” uniform hat.  The G.O. also reflects that the campaign hat is no longer authorized. The procedural notice also stated that the purchases had to be made through The Uniform House by November 30^th, and that uniform inspections will commence January 19^th, 2012.  Since the release of the P.N., I have received many emails, texts, and comments regarding the P.N.  I could not respond to each individual communication due to the sheer number of responses it would require.  I did immediately go to work on attempting resolutions to many of the issues that were brought up by you. I can tell you that I have had at least four candid and in-depth conversations with Chief Ciesielski regarding the issues brought up.  The Chief related to me that he noticed during the funeral for David Moore that there needed to be some consistency in our appearance and that led to the decision to go to one uniform hat.  The 5-star hat has been issued to at least the last two recruit classes.  I discussed the fact that the shields, like our badges, have always been issued by the department.  I also asked why it took so long for a decision to be made if his observations were made in January.  He advised that there was a period of time where they had looked into the department purchasing the headgear but determined that it wasn’t in the budget. It hasn’t been explained why the decision came November 10^th and not earlier. I also asked more than once to delay the inspections or the requirement to order until after the clothing allowance came out in December. After my conversations and requests, the bottom line is this: nothing changed.  In my opinion, you can be required to purchase the headgear as part of the uniform as you receive $900.00 in clothing allowance a year. I did, however, want the membership to know that the FOP attempted what we feel were very reasonable resolutions to artificial deadlines and made a diligent effort to ease the burden created by the procedural notice.

Fraternally,

Bill Owensby