Winter 2005
OPOA NEWSLETTER
Vol 31 No.1 ~ Winter 2005
President’s Message
by Sgt. Rick Igou, Independence Police Department
Why should I be an OPOA member? The main question is actually, “What’s in it for me?” That is the criteria we consider when making most decisions, from joining a health club to choosing between satellite TV or Cable. I want to use that same standard in explaining why someone should join OPOA.
First, I want to introduce myself as this is my first article in this newsletter. I am the 2004-2005 president of OPOA. I have worked at the Independence Police Department for 17 years, first as an Officer and now as a Sergeant.
Now more about OPOA. I first joined OPOA in order to attend a conference they were hosting. Once at the conference I met several other people who were just like me. They cared about the Law Enforcement Profession and in improving themselves. I continued to go to the conferences and then became a board member. It seems that the more I learned about OPOA the more I liked it. I began working on the board with others, who were all trying to improve OPOA and the profession we serve.
Now I have the privilege to lead this organization for the next year. Although I was worried at first about this responsibility I am comforted in the fact that many past presidents like Brenda George (Myrtle Creek), Mike Harmon (Linn County), and Malcolm Lewis (Oregon State Police) are all still active and helping out. We also have a great compliment of officers serving on the Executive Board this year. I have found that most of us do not just work in Law Enforcement, we embrace it. It is a “calling” to most of us for reasons many cannot easily explain. It goes much deeper than just “driving fast and carrying a gun.” It is a profession that actually calls to us and it feels right to try to bring order to the chaos society sometimes creates.
So now you find yourself in this profession and a member of OPOA. It does not matter if you are on the front line taking calls and apprehending bad guys, or in support services; answering phones, dispatching police officers to dangerous situations, you may be a parole or probation officer keeping an eye on selected individuals, analyzing evidence in a crime lab, or guarding prisoners who are put behind bars. The bottom line is we are all in the same Criminal Justice System and each component relies upon the other.
For those of us that consider this career a “profession” not a “job” we will probably work between 20-40 years. We should use that time to support the profession so that we can leave it better than when we got into it, which is why OPOA exists. It is a way for the criminal justice employee to influence the profession and the organization.
Just being a member of OPOA helps. We have over 1,000 members from all over the state and from a variety of positions. This is a powerful statement to make when talking to people about OPOA. Another way to help might be as part of a subchapter or special committee (See article in this issue on What OPOA Needs). Together we make a much stronger team and have more impact than we do as individuals.
Now I want to answer my opening question and tell you how OPOA can benefit you. OPOA has partnered with 2 insurance companies, which can offer you outstanding coverage and rates. We have several groups working on current issues such as working with the legislature or the Board at DPSST. We offer a variety of trainings from our annual conference to specialized training from our subchapters. In addition, we offer a death benefit, newsletter, web site, and affiliation with our professional organization. That’s what’s in it for you!
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts about OPOA.
What OPOA Needs
By OPOA President Rick Igou
OPOA offers the following subchapters and other committees. In order to continue to maintain a high professional organization we are looking for individuals with a special interest and or skills that want to help in any of the following areas. If you are interested, please contact me by e-mail at Rick.Igou@ci.independence.or.us.
Subchapters:
1. Robbery / Homicide
2. Child Abuse / Sex Crimes
3. Oregon Association of Reserve Peace Officers
4. Background Investigators Association
5. Oregon Association of Evidence Officers
Committees:
1. Website @ OPOA.INFO
2. Board on Public Safety Standards & Training
3. Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (LEDS)
4. Legislative Committee
5. Liaison with Oregon Washington Lawman’s Association
6. Liaison with Oregon Sheriff’s Association
7. Liaison with Oregon Association of Chief’s of Police
8. Liaison with Oregon Narcotics Enforcement Association
9. Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS)
10. Awards
11. Fund Raising
12. Law Enforcement Directory
13. Membership
14. Training
15. Newsletter
16. Police Memorial
17. Political Action Committee (PAC)
Insurance Benefits OPOA members
As one of the benefits for being an OPOA member you are entitled to special discounted rates for Insurance through California Casualty. A basic description of that coverage is listed here to help give you more of the details, which we receive as OPOA members. If you have any problems or concerns with any aspect of your service from California Casualty you can contact our 1st Vice President Chris Woolcock, insurance liaison.
Auto and Home Insurance Available to OPOA Members
As an OPOA Member, you are eligible to participate in the A+ Auto & Home Insurance Program though California Casualty. This program is not available to the general public and has been an OPOA partner for the past 21 years. The A+ Program combines good rates with unique coverage for OPOA members; including a $5000 limit for off-duty weapons (most insurance companies only give you $1000).
SPECIAL RATES
Competitive rates for OPOA members
Auto discounts for good drivers, good students & mature drivers
Multi-policy discount for insuring auto and home
New home, nonsmoker, and smoke detector discounts on home policies
COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE
Theft of personal property from your vehicle covered automatically up to $250 on the auto policy (not covered with most insurance companies) Coverage available for high performance and custom motorcycles, boats, and other watercraft
Umbrella and Flood coverage now available
Unlimited towing and roadside service with no dollar limit
Call toll-free 1-877-889-8928 for a rate/coverage comparison.
