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DON’T WAIT FOR A DISASTER TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. ACT NOW! |
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Law enforcement professionals are taught, both through training and experience, to always prepare for the worst. From the first day of our police academies our instructors ingrained in our minds the necessary practice of approaching every call as having the potential to deteriorate in an instant. In such cases our instincts and training kick in like a well integrated process designed to ensure our safety and success. Without the proper mental, physical, emotional, and educational preparation, this process would, no doubt, prove unsuccessful.
It would seem elementary that we would apply these same standards, mental clarity, physical conditioning, emotional stability, and educational investments, to every aspect of our professional lives. Unfortunately, many of us have failed to fully recognize and understand the important role the Police Benevolent Association plays in the preemptive and reactive protection of our family and career interests.
For several years I was the typical PBA member who harbored a negligent attitude about this organization. Why not? I was a young and successful police lieutenant who always scored well on promotional examinations and employee evaluations. With the advancement of payroll deduction with regard to my monthly dues, I rarely gave the PBA a second thought, and even then it was in the context of “PBA on demand” or “I’ll call you if I need you.”
During the month of March, 2003 I found myself in a position where I needed the Police Benevolent Association. Unlike the Fraternal Order of Police, who refused to even entertain my professional complaint, the PBA acted without hesitation, providing an impeccable level of support and assistance. And while my tribulation has not yet been resolved, the PBA has continued to stand firmly by my side, affording me a sense of security and resolve.
As I reflect on my career to date, and the cavalier attitude I once embraced, I can’t help but wonder why I failed myself by not supporting this important organization prior to a crisis stepping up to stare me squarely in the eyes. Had I invested the time and effort in support of this association, and the agenda they are committed to pursue, I may have been able to encourage changes which, ultimately, would have eliminated the circumstances which led to my need for assistance.
During the early part of this year I learned, quite accidentally, that our chapter was without local representation. And although it would be a few months until I learned of all the important benefits membership offers in addition to legal representation, I made a conscientious decision to commit myself, with unwavering support, to the organization which did not hesitate in supporting me in my time of need.
With the assistance of the members of the Alabama Division Executive Board, I embarked on a journey to establish a dedicated and competent steering committee capable of serving the members of our chapter. I am proud to say that we were successful in our endeavor, securing a solid core of professionals committed to the goals and objectives of the Police Benevolent Association. In order to ensure our effectiveness, we’ve spent the past five months training under the guidance of experienced organizational leaders. We look forward to our Chapter board election which will be conducted within the next few weeks.
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to both encourage and challenge each and every member to make a personal commitment to support our Chapter by reserving one hour a month in order to attend our meetings. We meet the second Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at the Alabama Division office, 125 S. Ripley Street, Suite 1, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, (334)834-8622. Your concerns and opinions are important to the continued success of our organization. Remember, you don’t have to wait for a disaster to declare an emergency. Become involved and let your voice be heard! Together we can improve our professional futures.
If there is ever anything my staff or I can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to call on us as we look forward to serving you.
Sincerely,
Andrew J. Signore Police Benevolent Association, Central Alabama Chapter Steering Committee Chairman
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