Daily Archives: December 31, 2014

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day – 1/9/15

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A message from FOP National Secretary Pat Yoes

  

FOP Members,

In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.

Can you imagine going to work each day and wondering if you’ll survive your shift and see your family that night? Most people can’t. But in law enforcement, this is a fact of life. Each day 780,000 police officers across our country put a badge on and go to work knowing they may face extremely dangerous situations. Yet, they go to work anyway.

On average, between 105 and 203 officers die in the line of duty each year, 50,000 officers are assaulted in the line of duty each year, 14,000 officers are injured in the line of duty each year, and over 300 officers commit suicide each year. There is no other profession in the world, except possibly the military, where you will find these kinds of statistics.

On January 9th, we call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given, are encouraged take time on Friday, January 9th to show their support.

Support can be shown in a number of ways:

  • Change your profile picture on social media to LEAD
  • See a police officer?  Thank a police officer.
  • Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement.
  • Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency.
  • Share a positive story about positive law enforcement experiences on social media.
  • Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement.
  • Participate in Project Blue Light.  Proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement.
  • Organize an event or rally in support of your law enforcement officers.
  • Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards.
  • Post the public service announcement supplied by C.O.P.S. to your webpage or social media pages.

 

LEAD Orgs

FOP Legal Plan – 2014

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fop_logo1As 2014 draws to an end, I thought I would take this opportunity to say a few things about the FOP Legal Defense Plan.

No other Legal Defense Plan provides as much coverage to law enforcement officers as the FOP Legal Defense Plan.  FOP attorneys are available to FOP members for a variety of needs and are available 24/7.

Going into 2015, I would like to tell FOP members that NO MATTER IS TOO INSIGNIFICANT to take advantage of the services provided through the FOP Legal Defense Plan.  Members are encouraged to call their FOP Legal Defense Plan attorney for anything involving the administrative disciplinary process.  This includes statements (whether accused or witness), disciplinary hearings, Rule IX hearings, Accident Review Board hearings, Civil Service extension hearings, and anything else dealing with the disciplinary process.  No matter is too minor.  Sometimes the most innocuous matters have broader implications.

The FOP Legal Defense Plan also offers a Salary Reimbursement Option (SRO) to its members.  The Salary Reimbursement Option allows members to recover up to five (5) suspension days in lieu of appeal.  YOU MUST BE REPRESENTED BY AN FOP ATTORNEY THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS TO QUALIFY FOR THE SALARY REIMBURSEMENT OPTION.  For example, if you are represented by an FOP attorney in a DI-1 investigation for missing court and you receive a one (1) day suspension.  If, after consulting with your FOP attorney, you decide that your chances of success on appeal are slim, the FOP will reimburse you $150 for your one day suspension.  The FOP Salary Reimbursement Option will cover up to five suspension days at $150 per day.  Of course, if it will be beneficial to file an appeal with Civil Service, your FOP attorney will be able to guide you in the right direction.

In addition to legal representation in the disciplinary process, the FOP attorneys are available to assist officers with a myriad of different issues.  I have helped officers with promotions, injuries, reinstatements, grievances, etc., etc., etc.

The FOP Legal Defense Plan also provides notary services to its members at no cost.

The FOP Legal Defense Plan also provides up to two hours of legal services for any legal matter that would not normally be covered by the Legal Defense Plan.  For example, wills, power of attorney, divorces, etc.

Finally, we have also assisted many officers in legal cases involving automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other types of personal injuries.  The firm of Livaccari Villarrubia Lemmon, LLC consists of myself and my father.  My father has been practicing personal injury law for over thirty years, initially representing insurance companies and for the past 20+ years representing plaintiffs in personal injury actions.  The benefit of working with an attorney who you know and trust can not be overstated.

My phone number is widely available and is on your membership card.  As a former police officer, I feel as though I am able to provide a unique understanding and knowledge-base when handling matters involving members of the FOP.

Livaccari Villarrubia Lemmon, LLC
101 W. Robert E. Lee Blvd.
Suite 402
New Orleans, LA 70124
504-488-3702

 

Going back through 2014, I, as an FOP attorney represented 382 individual police officers (roughly 30-35% of all New Orleans Police Department officers) through the FOP Legal Defense Plan in the following capacities (figures are slightly underestimated):

Accident Review Board – 36
Disciplinary Hearings – 72
Recorded Statements – 213
Rule 9 Hearings – 23
Notary Services – 95