A Message from the Executive Director

By:  Tom Austin

OPBA Continues to work at State Level

Finally it appears the winter is ending and spring is near.  The OPBA has been hard at work and continues to fight for its members at the State level.

On February 27^th I along with OPBA Attorneys Joe Hegedus, Dan Leffler and Andy Douglas were invited to Columbus to speak with Dr. Reginald Wilkinson.  Dr. Wilkinson is a member of the commission formed by the Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Office.  The mission of the commission is to review police training standards in Ohio.  This review by the commission starts at the police academy level and continues for active officers and deputies.  The OPBA’s representatives stressed to Dr. Wilkinson that the commission must not create “unfunded mandates.”  The OPBA believes that training for all Police Officers, Sheriff’s Deputies, Corrections Officers and Dispatchers is important, but with local government funding continuing to be cut there must be a funding mechanism in place.  The OPBA will continue to monitor this commission.

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The OPBA has also been mindful of our members’ interests in the Ohio Pension Systems.  In fact an OPBA member George Sakellakis from the Brook Park Police Department is running for Trustee of The Ohio Police and Fire Pension Board active police officer position.  I have come to know George from his attendance at OPBA meetings.  George is currently a Police Sergeant within his Department.

George has military experience in the Army and also has three college degrees, including a law degree.  George is a practicing attorney and holds law licenses in Ohio and Washington D.C.

The OPBA Executive Board voted in February to endorse George Sakellakis for Trustee to the OP & F Board.  Good Luck George!

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I am excited to announce that the OPBA will have three family baseball outings throughout the State.  Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo will be the venues.

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Please plan to attend Police Week activities.  National Police Week begins May 10^th in Washington D.C.  The Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society’s 30^th Anniversary Commemoration takes place May 14^th – 17^th.  Never forget to “Honor Our Fallen”.

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It is that time of year to remind our membership that the OPBA policy is not to release any information to any company or vendor.  If a company has information that they wish to send our membership they must use our mail house and incur all the costs of such mailings.  There is one free benefit, a $4000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment policy, that is currently provided by American Income Life, (AIL).  Members in good standing do not need to do anything to receive this benefit.  If you choose to return the enclosed card from AIL they will contact you to list your beneficiary and to also present other insurance or investment products.  This information is in the cover letter.  They have assisted at least 6 families over the last 6+ years of being associated with the OPBA.  They have similar relationships with other police and labor unions in Ohio.

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Stay Safe!