The National Fraternal Order of Police hosted a conference call, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for State and Local Law Enforcement, for local and state lodge presidents, the National Executive Board and other key leaders to provide an update regarding current activities related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Speakers included National President Patrick Yoes; John Hill, Assistant Secretary, Office of Partnership and Engagement, DHS; Brian Dorow, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office for State and Local Law Enforcement, DHS; Keith Ferrell, President of Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio; and John McNesby, President of Philadelphia Lodge #5.
COVID-19 Activity Updates
National President Patrick Yoes delivered a message regarding COVID-19. The video can be viewed on the FOP’s social media pages or by clicking here.
Executive Director Jim Pasco spoke with Jack A. Rauch, Deputy Associate Director with the White House Office of Public Liaison, regarding the administration’s activities to combat the coronavirus.
Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson participated in a conference call hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office for State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE), in conjunction with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), to provide an update regarding current activities related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the impact it is having on law enforcement. Speakers on the call included Steven R. Casstevens, IACP President; John H. Hill, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE) within DHS; and Jack A. Rauch, Deputy Associate Director with the White House Office of Public Liaison.
National President Patrick Yoes announced that the FOP will be unable to host the 39th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. Click here to watch National President Yoes’ remarks. Click here to view the press release.
The National Legislative Office provided FOP members with information regarding the measures undertaken by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) with respect to keeping officers, correctional staff and incarcerated offenders healthy and safe. We urge our members who work in corrections at the local and state level to also review the guidance in addition to following your own agency’s plan. To view BOP information, please click here.
President Donald J. Trump, flanked by business and health leaders, declared a national emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This declaration expands the powers of certain federal officials and allows for federal monies to assist local and state response, including law enforcement, to the virus. Executive Director Jim Pasco was in constant contact with the White House and the administration about this issue specifically and about the role of local and state law enforcement. To view the declaration, please click here.
National President Patrick Yoes, National Auxiliary President Linda Hennie and National Memorial Committee Co-Chair Andy Maybo participated in a teleconference regarding the forecasted impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on National Police Week, May 9–16. While it is impossible to predict what the status of the virus will be two months from now, we are all keeping a close eye on the situation. At this time, there are no immediate plans to cancel the events of National Police Week 2020 in Washington, D.C.
National President Patrick Yoes sent a letter to the House and Senate leadership and appropriators identifying the needs of local and state law enforcement officers and their role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to view the House letter. Click here to view the Senate letter.
National President Patrick Yoes sent a letter to President Trump, thanking him for his leadership on the pandemic and identifying the needs of our members as they work to keep our citizens safe during these difficult times. To read the letter, please click here.
