POMF’S RIDE FOR THE FALLEN ANOTHER GREAT SUCCESS
Riders gather at the Memorial for service.
On Saturday, May 4, peace officers came from around the state to once again participate in the annual “Ride for the Fallen” motorcycle event sponsored by the Peace Officers Memorial Foundation. Attendance at the event set a new record. This year riders rode first to the Peace Officers’ Memorial site on the Capitol grounds where a short tribute was held prior to beginning the Hill Country ride.
The POMF raises funds throughout the year in order to conduct the bi-annual memorial service at the State Capitol during each legislative session. As those who have attended this moving ceremony know, it is one of the highlights for officers, families and legislators at the Capitol. The POMF has always provided meals for all those in attendance on the Capitol grounds after the ceremony. In addition to the ceremony that is conducted bi-annually, the POMF provides scholarships to officers and family members without regard for membership in any organization. Working in concert with CLEAT, which volunteers hundreds of hours of staff time each year, the POMF conducts research to make sure that all officers who have been killed in the line of duty are recognized. This includes finding names and grave locations of officers in communities where both had been forgotten. As part of its contribution to the POMF effort, CLEAT has for several years provided assistance to any department when an officer is killed in the line of duty to make sure the department and the surviving family knows of the benefits available and to help with obtaining those benefits. Whether it is the “Ride for The Fallen”, the “Cops and Joggers” event, the Memorial Service at the Capitol or any other POMF event, we encourage all Texas officers to be a part of this unique opportunity to participate in making sure those who sacrifice are recognized.
Created: 5/7/2008 6:53:50 AM
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LAREDO POA CLOSES THE DEAL
Rick Self and Asst. City Manager Cynthia Collozo seated with both bargaining teams behind them. President Armando Elizondo directly behind Rick.
After months of sometimes tense negotiations, the City of Laredo and the Laredo Police Officers Association have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. Rick Self, CLEAT Field Services Director, said it is a contract with something in it for everyone. “The proposed agreement includes more than a 20% increase in base pay, new categories of special pay for the bomb squad and canine, increases in certification, education, and shift differential pay; and a sick leave buy back provision.
LPOA President Armando Elizondo advises that the proposed contract will go to the membership for a vote on the 24th and 25th of April. He anticipates that it will be approved by the members.
Laredo has been bargaining for years and has been the first to implement a number of innovative contract provisions. “We have never been afraid to try out new approaches when it comes to pay and benefits for our members.” said Elizondo.
Created: 4/19/2008 2:16:55 PM
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CLEAT and SAPOA make sure officers are fed at Fiesta 
SAPOA board members and volunteers gather to begin cooking
During the Fiesta celebration in San Antonio, many officers work lots of hours providing security and police services at the event. Last year CLEAT and SAPOA set up water distribution points for officers who were working the event.
After all the positive feedback, SAPOA and CLEAT decided to go a step further. The SAPOA rolled out their cooker, parked it next to the Carnival near the Alamo Dome and cooked lunch and Supper for the members working the Carnival.
The Association, in combination with CLEAT, prepared food ranging from hotdogs and burgers one day to chicken fettuccini another. The meals were welcomed by all officers and the Association and CLEAT received much praise for the effort.
Created: 5/5/2008 6:26:32 AM
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NEGOTIATING IN AUSTIN AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
Members of APA team enjoys breakfast as Denton, bent over the campfire stokes the fire.
Sometimes negotiating sessions can be tense and last into the wee hours of the morning. Other times they start early and don’t create controversy.
In the case of the Austin Police Association, they decided to get an early concession from the City’s chief negotiator, Lowell Denton. Denton, a San Antonio attorney who negotiates contracts for a number of cities around Texas is also an accomplished “cowboy cook”. The APA negotiating team convinced him to prepare a campfire breakfast for both teams before negotiations began. The menu included eggs, sausage, campfire biscuits and gravy and coffee cooked over the flames. Everyone enjoyed the unique breakfast fare before getting down to the business of negotiating a new meet and confer contract. Both sides expect to complete the process before the new budget year begins, but probably not until after Denton agrees to another big breakfast. CLEAT Chief of Staff Larry Watts is serving as the APA's chief negotiator and has assured his team that he can get at least one more breakfast out of the deal.
Created: 4/23/2008 2:12:09 PM
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Sweetwater POA has new slant on raising funds 
Sweetwater President Rob Hohman listens to members
SWEETWATER---The CLEAT-affiliated local in Sweetwater met recently at the residence of one of the members, Melinda Moncada. Several members attended as did CLEAT Senior Staff Attorney Richard Carter.
Richard reports that while there were no burning or controversial issues addressed at the meeting, it was interesting and refreshing to hear about a fund raising effort that includes community involvement. Association members routinely volunteer their services at local events for off-duty security. The officers donate their time to these events and if the sponsors choose to, they make a donation to the association.
These funds are used to award scholarships and to participate in other community-oriented events.
Created: 4/20/2008 11:33:53 AM
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Orange MPA Gets Active in Local Political Races 
One of the candidates answers questions.
CLEAT Attorneys Mitch Adams and Richard Aman recently attended a meeting of the Orange Municipal Police Association at which the OMPA hosted a candidate night for the city elections. Prior to hearing the candidates, a short meeting was held at which Mitch Adams, CLEAT’s newest addition to our East Texas legal staff was introduced to the membership.
Seven of the eight persons seeking office in the upcoming city elections came out to talk with the group and seek an endorsement. Orange firefighters also attended the meeting to hear what the candidates had to say. Although the Association did not make endorsements at the meeting, it has since been reported in the local newspaper that the OMPA endorsed all challengers for the council positions.
Created: 5/5/2008 6:40:55 AM
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