Corrections Officer Eugene Dykes
Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office
Dear Mr. Dykes:
The newest contract between the OPBA
and the Sheriff has been a long and tedious journey.
However, the members won the right to donate sick leave
to fellow employees.
With the illness of Corrections
Officer Michelle Roberts, you entered uncharted waters.
You successfully obtained many hours of sick time,
donated by you and your fellow employees for Ms.
Roberts. This donated time kept her covered under the
Counties Healthcare plan in her time of need.
Your actions are well noticed and
appreciated by your fellow employees and the OPBA.
Please accept our appreciation and gratitude for your
exemplary efforts and behalf of Ms. Roberts, and the
inspiration you have given us all through your selfless
actions.
Very truly yours,
Terry Gallagher, Executive Director
Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association
December 17, 2007
I am writing to you today to express
my appreciation and joy at having Attorney Dominic
Vitantonio as a representative; on my now exonerated
court case. Attorney Dominic Vitantonio showed a level
of class and professionalism that is expected of a fine
attorney and he did not disappoint, at any turn of this
case. He made the prosecution dig deep and made them run
hard in pursuit of a case that he was determined that
they would not win. He was called to duty and a duty he
did do with not only knowledge and know how, but
integrity. I tell you from the heart that his
performance was truly of a higher caliber. I also thank
the OPBA for all the assistance that they gave me and
all the requests that they afforded me in this case.
Respectfully yours,
Eric E. Rives
CMHA Police Department
August 12, 2007
Dear Mr. Gallagher:
I would like to take the time to say “thank you” to
you, the union and especially Dominic Vitantonio. I
recently went through a federal trial claiming excessive
force, I was facing ten years imprisonment, and $250,000
on each count due to false allegations brought against
me from the juvenile detention center, Lucas County
Children Services and the FBI. The past two and half
years have been very stressful for my family and myself
not knowing what the outcome of the trial would be.
Because of the professionalism that Dominic displayed in
my four-day trial, I was found not guilty on all four
counts of the indictment. I cannot express how grateful
my family and I are for the help that the union supplied
for me. I would describe Dominic as being a top-notch
attorney that is very knowledgeable of the law and I
would recommend him to anyone.
Thank you,
Deputy Sheriff Troy W. Jackson, Sr.
Lucas County Sheriff Department, Toledo Ohio
September 22, 2007
Dear OPBA Executive Board, Staff and
Members:
Thank you for the wonderful gifts, I
was so surprised by the generosity of this membership
that it made me realize how fortunate I was to be a
member of this organization. I went through a very
trying time in may of 1998, when I was reduced in rank
from Captain down to Officer, but with the OPBA behind
me the matter was settled in less than three months,
that is amazing being settled so quickly, but it sent
out a message loud and clear through the Department of
Rehabilitation and Corrections that the OPBA was an
organization that you did not want to tangle with.
I don’t think I would have made it
during that time without the OPBA in my corner and for
that I thank you again and again.
Sincerely,
Captain Dana Darling, Retired
November 10, 2007
To: Executive Director Terry
Gallagher:
As an active member of the OPBA for a
couple of decades I wanted to write to you and tell you
what a great article Randall Weltman, Esquire wrote in
the Police Beat Magazine, Fall 2007, Volume 29, Number
3. His article “Remember: You’re on Candid Camera”
is an excellent article and on the mark with its
message. Currently we have placed new tools,
specifically, Mobile Data Terminals (MDT’s) as well as
Arbitrator Camera’s and microphones into our cruisers
equipment scheme. Our intent is to protect our officers
as they perform their daily assignments, assist them in
presenting evidence to support their charges, assist in
criminal investigations and to win our court cases. The
cameras also assist us when citizens make accusations
against our officers and they allow us to immediately
assess the issue. The camera tapes can also be used to
assess crimes/assaults against our officers, if needed,
and with the proper perspective used as training tools
to increase our skills and professional approaches to
incidents.
Mr. Weltman is also on the mark with
the Cleveland area T.V. market. One example is Channel
19 News “See it, Snap it, Send it” at
pics@19actionnews.com.
We have encountered instances in which pictures of an
incident were on line with the news media prior to our
public release. As we cannot control all of the
information sent into the news media and by whom and
under what circumstances, it is incumbent upon us to
keep our officers as informed as possible about the fact
that they are always under scrutiny. All one has to do
is think of how many evidence recordings that we obtain
from retail stores, banks, gas stations and now even
private residences that use video recording as a method
of security. You only have to go to Youtube.com and
observe videos sent in by practically everyone who can
operate a cell phone camera and in which they can set
the stage for the event, record and edit the activities,
and paint a jaundiced picture that favors their bias.
Thank you and Mr. Weltman for
bringing such a current topic to light to all members of
the OPBA. You are truly looking out for your member’s
interests.
Chief Daniel A. Hoffman
Parma Police Department
November 20, 2007
Dear Mr. Gallagher:
Recently the Norton Police Department went through a
very trying time as we were forced to fight for our jobs
as the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and one lone
councilman attempted to abolish the Norton Police
Department on Election Day 2007. On November 6th
the citizens of Norton voted to keep their police
department by a 69% to 31% margin.
I want to thank you for your support during these
past few months. I also want to thank the OPBA as a
whole for their financial support. Early on in this,
Attorney Kevin Powers held a meeting with our members
and gave us advice and an opinion as to what we were
going to have to do to defeat this issue. Our members
heard things in that meeting that they didn’t
necessarily want to hear but they needed to know the
facts.
Unfortunately, we were forced into a fight that we
didn’t want. Again, the OPBA was there to assist us and
offer whatever they could to see to it that we were
victorious on Election Day. We fought aggressively and
our hard work prevailed at the end.
Thank you Mr. Gallagher and the OPBA.
Sincerely,
Ptl. John Canterbury
Norton Police Department
June 13, 2007
Dear Mr. Gallagher:
I am writing this
letter to make sure you are aware of the superior
performance of Attorney S. Randall Weltman. Recently
members of the Norton Police Department went through a
very long and stressful contract negotiations with the
city of Norton. After Fact-Finding, Conciliation and an
Appeal through the Summit County Common Pleas Court a
decision was rendered that gave positive results to the
bargaining unit members. Attorney Weltman’s
professionalism and experience were invaluable.
Attorney Weltman’s hard
work was evident during the many phone calls we had
together. As you know, Attorney Weltman has a long
history in labor issues with the city of Norton. His
expertise in confronting issues that at times seem
unique with the City of Norton provide insight like no
other. Putting it simply, Attorney Weltman's work is
exceptional.
His hard work and
determination should make the Ohio PBA stand up and take
notice. I have had the opportunity tow work with Randy
through many contacts here in Norton. Our contract has
a long history in that we have been members of the Ohio
PBA for about 23 years. On behalf of the members of the
Norton Police Department I want to express our
appreciation to Attorney Weltman for a job well done.
I also want to commend
Attorney Mark J. Volcheck for a superb job in handling
our representation during the Appeal to the Summit
County Common Pleas Court. His performance did not go
unnoticed.
Mr. Gallagher, you are
the Executive Director to a fine organization that
provides help to police officers and dispatchers in all
kinds of labor issues. The Ohio PBA is a professional
organization that I am proud to be associated with.
Please keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Ptl. John Canterbury
Norton Police Dept.
June 28, 2007
Dear Mr. Gallagher:
Please accept this
letter as my appreciation for the excellent job done by
my OPBA union attorney Joe Hegedus.
I was terminated
unexpectedly on June 23, 2005 by the, Delaware County
Sheriff Al Myers. Thankfully, I pay union dues as a
non-bargaining member of the OPBA and was blessed to
have Joe Hegedus stand by me and represent me for the
past two years. I am happy to report that I was
recently re-instated back to the Delaware County
Sheriff’s Office.
I feel compelled to
share with everyone that Joe Hegedus is well respected
in the Central Ohio community as a fierce contract
negotiator and excellent union attorney. In addition, I
recognize him as an honorable and compassionate man.
Joe was very supportive to me during this extremely
trying period in my life. He was always in constant
communication with me, gave me hones and sound advice,
and was an incredible litigator in my hearings.
I am so thankful that I
am part of the OPBA, and used one of your most valuable
resources, JOE HEGEDUS.
Thankfully,
Lieutenant Kevin Savage
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
July 31,
2007
Dear Mr. Gallagher:
In August
2006, the sergeant’s contract expired. The OLC was our
bargaining representative. We had a decision to make.
Would we continue with a rubber stamp of a contract &
stay with the OLC or would we make a switch to the OPBA?
Even
though the OLC negotiated our previous contracts, all of
the sergeants continued throughout the years being
paying members of the OPBA. There were reasons for this.
We always had strong faith in the OPBA believing that in
a time of need the OPBA would be there for us & the same
could not be said of the OLC. Based on the current needs
of our unit & in order to achieve a fair contract in
upcoming negotiations, the OPBA would be the best union
to assist us. The OPBA has a proven track record & is
willing to go to great lengths & will spare no expense
as it represents its members' interests.
To find an example of the OPBA's willingness to
represent its membership, we have to look no further
than to our fellow patrol officers unit here in
Warrensville Hts. This unit is currently involved in an
almost unheard of situation. Despite being awarded a
fair contract at both the fact-finding & conciliation
level, this city has objected on baseless grounds. To
further prove this point, the OPBA had this fair
contract upheld to the scrutiny in common pleas court &
the OPBA has had the fortitude to continue this fight
which is currently involved in the Court of Appeals.
The OPBA has shown its commitment to its members’ for a
process that has lasted over 2 ½ years.
So in
reality it was an easy decision for us to make as we
voted unanimously to go with the OPBA. In a time when
some cities are apparently anti-union based on their
actions combined with increased healthcare costs & other
factors, the OPBA is best suited to handle these
matters. We want to specifically thank Randy Weltman for
all of his assistance & dedication that he has provided
throughout the years.
Sincerely,
Warrensville Hts (SERGEANTS UNIT)
Dear Sir:
My name is John Rumancik and I have been a police
officer with the Howland Police Department since 1975. I
have been involved with several police contract
committees and recently represented the supervisors in
the 2007, 2008 and 2009 contract. Attorney Nike Hostler
was our OPBA Representative. Mike was honest, knew what
we could get and what we could not. Mike had statistics
from other departments and he always had an immediate
answer when the Township proposed a questionable
proposal or idea. We feel the contract we bargain ed for
and accepted was fair and beneficial. All officers are
happy with this contract. We appreciate Mike’s hard work
and valuable input with this contract. Thank you.
Sergeant John Rumancik
Dear Terry:
Please accept this letter of appreciation for the
service of Marilyn Widman during our recent contract
negotiations.
Marilyn spent countless hours with our negotiating team
and “at the table” with our employer to ensure our
contract would be drafted to our benefit. Marilyn
offered guidance and leadership during this stressful
and extended process that began in June and ended
November with the ratification of our contract.
This was a new experience for all of us on the
negotiating team. Although the process was frustrating
at times, Marilyn’s knowledge and professionalism made
this a learning experience for the negotiating team and
beneficial for all members of the Sheriff’s Office.
In Conclusion, thanks to Marilyn and the OPBA for a job
well done.
Respectfully,
Wood County Sheriff’s Office Negotiating Team
Tim Spees, Donna Spees, Shelly Vajen, Ginnie Webber,
Melody Maurer, Jamie Webb
We filed a grievance with the
City reference Prisoner Transport Detail. It went
through the Steps as per the contract. The Safety
Service Director decided to pay one of our Patrolman 8
hours of Overtime. I believe he did this in lieu of
going to Arbitration. We think it’s a Win. Thank you
OPBA and Matt Baker, Esq.
Todd Aderholt, Alliance Police Dept.
Today I received a thoughtful
package from the OPBA Office! Thank you very much.
When collective bargaining came about for Law
Enforcement I served several years as a contract
negotiator before issues made it necessary to seek
professional representation. We went initially with the
State FOP supported organization; I forget their 3
letter initials. We were very disappointed during that
entire relationship!! OPBA members in the Bellefontaine
P.D. are very happy with the help and representation Joe
Hegedus, as well as everyone else in your organization.
Thanks again for the plaque, badge and case and check.
Your association walks its talk!
Sincerely,
J. Tetirick, Retired Bellefontaine
Dear Mr. Gallagher:
It is
with great pleasure I write to inform you of the
commendable performance of OPBA attorney Matt Baker
during my seven months of litigation after my
termination from Athens County 9-1-1. Matt’s tenacity
and resolve to have my termination overturned was a main
factor in the arbitrator’s decision that “…a discharge
in this case was unjustified”.
Please
take pride in knowing that the OPBA members who are in
Matt’s jurisdiction are well represented.
Respectfully submitted,
Warren Ferguson, Dispatcher
Athens County 9-1-1
Dear
Executive Director Terry Gallagher:
On
behalf of the union membership of the Canfield Police
Department, I want to make you aware of the fine work
being done by Business Agent Jeff Perry. Our
negotiations recently concluded with fact finding. Jeff
arrived at the session prepared, rehearsed, and in
possession of all necessary supportive documentation.
Jeff presented the union’s position with clarity and
competence. Due to Jeff’s hard work, the union received
respectable raises while keeping health care premium
contributions to a minimum.
The OPBA
is certainly a professional organization, and this is
clearly reflected through Jeff.
Thank
You!
Sincerely,
Dean S. Vrancic, Union Director
Canfield Police Department
Dear Terry:
I am writing to express my thanks to the OPBA for our
recent contract and for all of the assistance Joe
Hegedus provided us in reaching an agreement. After our
previous contract members of our bargaining unit
concluded that our legal representation through the OLC
was not adequate and we opted for a change. I spoke to
several other departments that were represented by the
OPBA in our area. All had positive comments and I
arranged to set up a meeting with the OPBA. After
meeting with Joe our membership agreed to petition SERB
to change our representation. Joe assisted us in this
process and provided guidance so we could make the
transition smoothly. Once recognized by SERB we began
negotiations with the City with the backing of the OPBA.
Since we are a public safety department providing
police, fire and emergency medical services, we have a
unique schedule and issues, which may differ from a
standard police contract. Joe understood our unique
situation and provided valuable insight in several areas
for us. Negotiations concluded with all parties agreeing
to accept the Fact Finders report in July. Joe provided
us with excellent counsel throughout the process. We
made significant gains in several key areas that I am
not sure would have occurred had we maintained our
previous representation. Joe attended every negotiation
session and numerous other meetings along the way. Every
phone call was returned and every question was answered.
I am very pleased with the representation we have
received form Joe and the OPBA.
Sincerely,
Lt. Randy Baldridge
City of Oakwood Department of Public Safety
Dear Terry Gallagher:
I am Deputy Aaron Maynard local OPBA Director of the
Athens County Sheriff’s Office. I wanted to take a brief
moment to thank you and the OPBA for having Matt Baker
available to us during these hostile times within our
organization. Matt has been extremely thorough,
tentative, and available to our needs. His
professionalism and subject matter expertise has been
unmatched and I thank you for that. It is extremely
comforting to know that at anytime I can reach out to
Matt with any problems, questions or concerns and
receives a call back from Matt in a timely and efficient
manner.
Respectfully submitted,
Aaron Maynard
Athens County Sheriff’s Office Local Director
Dear Mr. Gallagher:
I am writing to inform you of what an exceptional Union
I feel you have and specifically give a well deserved
pat on the back to Matt Baker, my union attorney. Matt
has proven to me that OPBA strives to hire the best
Attorney’s they can. He is a man of honor, “integrity”,
and loyalty to its members and to representing OPBA as a
union that any Officer would love to be a part of.
In late December of 2004 I was unjustly terminated from
my job, of eleven years, for allegedly violating the
Political Activity section within the ORC. In short I
did not support the incumbent Sheriff and he won the
election. Matt Baker was my Union representative and he
began immediately researching the ORC and Case Law in
reference to my situation. Through six month of constant
research, hard work, and determination on Matt’s behalf,
I was awarded my job back by an arbitrator in June with
full back pay and benefits.
Until you go through something of this magnitude you
will never understand how difficult it is. The many
sleepless nights of thinking how I was going to take
care of may family and all my responsibilities is one
experience I never want to go through again. I can
honestly say that it was because of Matt Baker and the
OPBA that I can now sleep a little better at night. I
cannot think of any words that are powerful enough to
express my sincere appreciation to Matt for all he has
done for my family and me. He would always call to check
on my family to see if we needed anything and would
always return phone calls in a timely manner. “Matt you
will always be in our hearts and prayers and I will
never forget what you have done for my family.”
In closing, my hat is off and a salute goes to you, Matt
Baker, for a job well done. Also to OPBA for recruiting
Matt to “our” union. And if anyone ever has the
opportunity to join OPBA as a union I guarantee you will
never regret it.
Sincerely,
Sgt. Bryan Cooper
Athens County Sheriff’s Office
Dear Mr. Gallagher:
I am writing this letter to commend an attorney that
works for the OPBA. I am a Union members and office
holder for the OPBA at Athens County Sheriff’s Office in
Athens, Ohio. This letter is to commend Matthew Baker on
the outstanding performance he does for all union
members in our organization. Each time I have called him
he has been prompt in returning calls and helping with
any problems that arise in our area. He by far has a
very hard task that could not be handled by very many
people but he does it in a very professional manner at
all times. He is a credit to the OPBA and to law
enforcement agencies across Ohio. Please tell him to
keep up the good work for me.
Thank you,
Jack Taylor
Athens County S/O, Deputy
