Registration for the 83rd Annual PBPA Convention is now open! The Convention hosted by PBPA Unit #27 Peoria Police will be held October 11 and 12, 2019 at the Peoria Were Marquette Hotel.

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Please mark your calendars for the Annual PBPA Golf Tournament and Softball Tournament.

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PBPA Units: Please share the information below with your retirees…

COPLINE: AN OFFICER’S LIFELINE…needs your help

1-800-Copline 1 (800) 267-5463

Copline is the first national law enforcement officer’s hotline which is entirely manned by retired law enforcement officers. These retired officers receive intensive training in active listening and bring the knowledge and understanding of the many psychosocial stressors that officers and their families go through both and off the job. An Active or retired officer or their families can call 24/7 and be assured there is a trained retired officer on the other end of the line. 

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NAPO is  seeking nominations for the 26th Annual Top Cops Awards. The Awards Dinner will take place in Washington, DC on Sunday, May 12, 2019, as part of National Police Week events.

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Rauner has made no secret about his hatred for organizations that protect police and provide them legal assistance after critical incidents. He has called public sector labor organizations such as the Police Benevolent Protective Association and the Fraternal Order of Police “corrupt” and says that such police groups are in “conflict with taxpayers.”[i]

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As expected the United States Supreme Court invalidated all unions’ ability to collect fair share fees.

 

In a 5-4 decision, authored by Associate Justice Samuel Alito, the Court overruled its 1977 decision in

Abood v. Detroit, holding that: “The State’s extraction of agency fees from nonconsenting public-sector

employees violates the First Amendment. Abood erred in concluding otherwise, and stare decisis cannot

support it. Abood is therefore overruled.”

Because this is a First Amendment case, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, this decision is binding in

every State.

The Court also rejected arguments raised by the PBPA, our national affiliate NAPO, and others in

an amicus curie brief, finding that: ”Neither of Abood’s two justifications for agency fees passes muster

under this standard. First, agency fees cannot be upheld on the ground that they promote an interest in

“labor peace.” and, “Second, avoiding “the risk of ‘free riders,’ is not a compelling state interest.

Free-rider “arguments . . . are generally insufficient to overcome First Amendment objections,”

The Court’s opinion did recognize, though, that Unions are free to refuse to represent non-members

in disciplinary matters, and to charge non-members for the cost of representing them if the Union

chooses to do so. (See decision - footnote 6, page 17).

 

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PBPA #71 in DeKalb is organizing a concert on June 23, 2018, to benefit 16-year Member of the PBPA and 20-year Member of the department, Police Commander Craig “Woody” Woodruff and his family, as he continues his battle against stage four colon cancer. 

The event will be held at the Egyptian Theatre and feature a live performance by rock band Luxury Pork, plus, drinks, raffles, t-shirt sales, and more. 

For more information, visit: www.backuphasarrived.com

 

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Wake and Funeral Services for Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer will be as follows:

His wake will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday (February 16) at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church at 653 W. 37th St., according to a department release. The St. Jude Police League will honor Bauer at 6 p.m. Friday at the church.

Bauer’s funeral is set for 10 a.m. Saturday (February 17), also at Nativity of Our Lord.

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Commander Paul Bauer, 53, was the commander of the Near North District. He was off-duty when he went to assist other officers who were chasing a man after an altercation. Bauer was fatally shot. 

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Annual PBPA Golf Outing Hosted by Peoria  Unit #27
July 17-18, 2018
Weaver Ridge Golf Course (5100 N. Weaver Ridge Blvd., Peoria)

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As a public safety employee you are entitled to certain benefits under the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act ("PSEBA" - 820 ILCS 320). Your professional association, the PBPA was at the forefront of pushing the legislature to pass this legislation and ensuring that you and your family’s medical needs are taken care of in the event you are injured or killed in the line of duty while responding to an emergency.

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The 2018/19 Hobart "Curley" Scholarship Application is now available

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The Labor Committee is very pleased to announce that Joe Andruzzi has joined our staff as Chicago Metro Counsel.  He will be working alongside attorney Tom Pleines until Tom’s retirement at a later date. 

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To view the One-year Progress Report of The President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, click here.

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The 2016/17 Hobart "Curley" Rogers Scholarship winners are: 

 

Madeleine Hubbard, Daughter of Frank Hubbard-Unit 39 Decatur, Maroa-Forsyth High School

Rachel Keil, Daughter of Todd Keil-Unit 21 Bloomington, University High School

Elizabeth Cunningham, Daughter of James Cunningham-Unit 2 Moline, Moline High School

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Please call Governor Rauner's office immediately at 217-782-0244.
Tell the Governor to STOP lying about the layoff of 33 Conservation Police Officers being a "budget issue" because it is not! Tell him to rescind the layoff notice and to stop threatening police officers and their families.  If the layoffs go into effect, 34 Counties throughout Illinois will be left without a designated Conservation Police Officer.

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Governor Bruce Rauner signed SB 1304 on August 11, 2015, to create the Police and Community Improvement Act. The bill was largely the result of the leadership of all police labor and management groups in Illinois.This makes Illinois the first state in the country to pass comprehensive legislation that includes procedures for police departments that utilize body cameras; establish reporting requirements for officers who make stops or arrests; crisis intervention and cultural competency training; and use of force training.

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2015 Kirk Edwards Foundation Faulkner & Gudat Memorial Golf Outing 

Proceed benefit the Jim Faulkner and Butch Gudat Scholarship Funds 

Metamora Fields Golf Club 801 Progress Street • Metamora, IL 61548 

Friday, September 4, 2015

 

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NAPO VICTORY!!!  
Congress Passes the Don’t Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act &  Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Law National Blue Alert Act 
May 14, 2015

 

NAPO is pleased to report two major legislative victories: the passage of the Don’t Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes
Act and the Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act. 

 

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And, folks, it’s been the honor of my career to work with NAPO for all these years.  I think I’ve made every TOP COP event but one when I was in the hospital.  And other than that, I’ve made every one.  And we go all the way back to the days when I was a local official in New Castle County, Delaware.

 

And ever since that time, we have supported each other on every single issue that’s been important to your membership.  And you’ve always had my back.  You've always had my back in these fights up on Capitol Hill, and it’s made a gigantic difference.

Allen Beck; Igor Soldo, Las Vegas; Brian Jones, Virginia; Officer Casey Kohlmeier, Illinois -- they are not here to receive our thanks and our appreciation, although they're here.  But I want to personally thank their families.

 

To Casey’s mom, Keri Jo, my heart aches for you.  No parent should ever have their child predecease them.  And to Riley, you know your brother is bone of your bone, blood of your blood.  He’ll be in your life forever.

 

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Congratulations to the 2015/16 Hobart "Curley" Rogers Scholarship Recipients!
Emily Ahrens, daughter of Michael and Sara Ahrens-Unit #6, Rockford
Taylor Williams, daughter of Paul Williams-Unit #21, Bloomington
Rebecca Marshall, daughter of Bill Marshall-Unit #5, Springfield
Christian Trujillo, son of Guillermo Trujillo-Unit #30, Aurora

Alternates:
Courtney Smith, daughter of Benjamin Smith-Unit #3, Rock Island
Mattison Gardner, stepdaughter of Joe Sims-Unit #101, Knox County Sheriffs
(Alternates fill in if the Recipients fail to meet the obligations of the Scholarship.)

 

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Public Pension Resource Guide:
Case Studies of State Pension Plans that Switched to Defined Contribution Plans

 

The “Public Pension Resource Guide” provides readers with facts and data on the important role that public pensions play in the economy—for employees and retirees, public employers, and taxpayers alike. 

A misperception persists among some that defined contribution (DC) plans “save money” when compared with traditional pensions. However, several states that switched to DC plans have experienced a much different reality over time. Indeed, a recent NIRS analysis of the economic efficiencies of defined benefit (DB) plans reconfirmed that pensions deliver the same amount of lifetime income for about half of the cost of providing the lifetime income from a typical DC plan. 

“Case Studies of State Pension Plans that Switched to Defined Contribution Plans” presents summaries of past changes in three state retirement systems that made the switch to a DC plan from a traditional DB pension. Case studies cover the following states: West Virginia, Michigan, and Alaska. Rather than save states money, these DB to DC switch exacerbated funding problems and drove up pension debt. 

 

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In light of the recent events in Ferguson, Staten Island, Cleveland, and around the country, the Obama Administration announced new steps to strengthen the relationships between local police and the communities they are supposed to protect and serve. One of the primary actions was the creation of a task force to improve community policing.

 

The President’s Executive Order directed the task force to prepare a report and present their recommendations; the interim report was provided to the President March 2.

 

 

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Governor Bruce Rauner's first Budget Address touched on major cuts in programs, including slashing the Department of Natural Resources' budget by $18 million; meaning the Illinois Conservation Police would be slashed by a third.  His proposals will hurt working families in Illinois. 

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Transcript of Governor Bruce Rauner’s State of the State Address 

February 4, 2015 

Heavy on anti-union, anti-public employee rhetoric. . . .Light on any semblance of an actual plan to solve Illinois' fiscal situation. Blaming previous politicians, state workers, and unions is NOT a plan. 

 

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The Executive Board met on February 7th, 2015. This matter was discussed at length. In an effort to increase participation and continue sponsoring the Annual State Softball Tournament the following changes are effective immediately: units in good standing may assemble a team or teams made up of non-members of the Association, provided that all those participating are active sworn law enforcement officers, either full or part time, including state and local correctional officers.

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A Synopsis in Plain English
(Issued by the National Public Pension Coalition)

In 2012, the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) adopted a new set of guidelines that significantly impact how states and municipalities report their pension obligations. Those standards have the potential to make pension obligations look far more expensive.  

 

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The PBPA is very proud to have President Obama appoint our director and Chief Counsel, Sean Smoot, to the Task Force.  As a strong voice for rank and file officers across the State of Illinois, and across the nation, Mr. Smoot’s inclusion will certainly aid the Task Force in offering recommendations on how policing practices can promote effective crime reduction while building public trust.

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November 21, 2014-The Illinois Pension Act has been ruled unconstitutional by Judge John W. Belz, Circuit Clerk for the Seventh Judicial Circuit Sangamon County, Illinois. The Act has been stricken in its entirety. More to come.

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Here you will find results from the 2014 General Elections including details of Illinois House, Senate, and Congressional seats.  Please note that new members are so indicated.

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Thank you to everyone who supported the Police Benevolent & Protective Association of Illinois by purchasing a raffle ticket.

The PBPA recently conducted a raffle for a Harley Davidson motorcycle (or a 50/50 under the terms of the raffle if less than 2,500 tickets were sold.)  A total of 1,438 tickets were sold.

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July 3, 2014—The Illinois Supreme Court sided with state government retirees today, overruling a Sangamon County judge who had thrown out the retirees' challenge of health-insurance premiums they began to pay last summer for the first time.

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The Sangamon County Circuit Court granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) and a preliminary injunction, as requested by the We Are One Illinois coalition and its plaintiffs, halting the implementation of Senate Bill 1 (Public Act 98-599).

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On May 12, 2014, the We Are One Illinois union coalition and plaintiffs filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in Sangamon County Circuit Court to seek a full stay of the implementation of Senate Bill 1 (Public Act 98-599), pending a resolution on the act’s merits.

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Congratulations to the 2014/15 Hobart "Curley" Rogers Scholarship recipients!

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The Casey Kohlmeier Memorial Highway will now be established through SJR46 following a vote by the Illinois House of 113-0; it previously passed in the Illinois Senate on February 26. 

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On Wednesday, February 26, 2014, a Resolution (SJR46) sponsored by Senator Jason Barickman (R-53rd District) was read and voted on by the Illinois Senate honoring Pontiac Officer Casey Kohlmeier, who was killed in the line of duty with his K-9 partner Draco last Fall.  The Resolution pays honor to Officer Kohlmeier’s public service and designates a section of Interstate 55 between Exit 197 and 202 as the Officer Casey J. Kohlmeier Memorial Highway.  

 

 

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The Illinois Police Insurance Exchange, powered by InsureXSolutions, gives members of the Illinois PBPA a new way to manage their health, dental, and vision insurance needs. 

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During the hasty legislative process of reforming the State Employees’ Retirement System in 2010, a Tier 2 benefit structure was created for law enforcement employees hired after January 1, 2011. An inadvertent change was made to the definition of “state police officer” in the process, and as a result three groups of Illinois police officers hired after 1/1/11 are excluded:  Illinois Conservation Officers, Secretary of State Police Officers, and Capitol Police Officers.  

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January 28, 2014—The We Are One Coalition, which includes the PBPA, filed a lawsuit today in Sangamon County Circuit Court to overturn Senate Bill 1, the “pension theft” law.  

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December 19, 2013 - Flexible Benefit Service Corporation (Flex) announced today that the company has launched an InsureXSolutions private health insurance exchange for the Policemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (PBPA). The Illinois Police Insurance Exchange allows the PBPAs 30,000-plus active and retired police officers to discover personalized health insurance options, compare plans and enroll by December 23 to have coverage beginning January 1, 2014.

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Yesterday, public sector employees, including a number of our members, suffered a major legislative defeat when the Illinois Senate approved the Conference Committee Report for SB 1 by a bare majority of 30 votes. Immediately thereafter, the so-called “pension theft” bill was approved again by a very thin two vote margin of 62 votes.  Leaders in the House and Senate, along with Governor Quinn, twisted legislator’s arms to the breaking point, and most assuredly made promises of political favors, to garner the minimum thresholds for approval. Governor Quinn will likely have signed this terrible bill into law by the time you read this report.

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Word broke midday Wednesday that the four legislative leaders agreed to a pension deal that will reduce cost-of-living adjustments, raise retirement ages, expand 401(k)'s throughout the state's retirement systems, and potentially other pension cuts. Leaders have said specific details will not be available until Friday, November 29.

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Politicians are expected to return to Springfield on Tuesday, December 3, to vote on a new pension bill that will likely be as damaging to public employees and retirees as any yet proposed.

 

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The following statement is attributable to the We Are One Illinois coalition of unions regarding the passage of Senate Bill 1523, intended to affect the Park Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago:

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We Are One Illinois Analysis on the Impact of a “Diet” COLA

Why a COLA Cut to Half-CPI Puts Retirement Security at Risk

Updated: October 10, 2013

Please click on the attached file to view the article

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A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE UNITS BELOW WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE 2013 PB&PA SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT HOSTED BY PB&PA UNIT  #39 (DECATUR)

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What a great way to show your support for the PBPA!!!

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NAPO WASHINGTON REPORT FLASH
 
NAPO’s LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS
 

Please find NAPO’s updated Legislative Positions document for your review here.

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Opposition Mounting to Parts of Plan Under Consideration by General Assembly Conference Committee

A group of university presidents and chancellors have endorsed a pension plan authored by five individuals associated with the Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) at the University of Illinois. Political insiders believe the IGPA plan will be the backbone of the pension bill being drafted behind closed doors by the conference committee on pensions.

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Effective April 1st the PBPA has moved their offices to: 840 South Spring Suite A Springfield, IL 62704.

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The Police Benevolent & Protective Association Unit #6 is a proud sponsor of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. This fund will make it possible for the construction of the National Law Enforcement Museum. The museum was authorized by Public Law 106-492 which stated the Museum should be built on federal land across from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Groundbreaking is projected in 2008, with the museum tentatively open in 2011.

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Can you Put a Price on Service? As of February 25, 2010, total fatalities are up 94%; gunfire fatalities are up 400% and traffic incidents are up 42% compared to 2009 statistics. Illinois ranks in the top 20 for states with high fatalities.

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Taking a youngster fishing can be one of the most rewarding experiences an adult can have with a child. The Rockford Police Benevolent & Protective Association Unit #6 hopes the 5th Annual Cops-n-Bobbers Kids Fishing Derby help not only to whet your appetite for fishing, but help bring the experience into focus. We believe the mentor is crucial to the development our community youths.

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In his State of the Union Address, President Obama promised that this year, for the first time ever, American taxpayers would be able to go online and see exactly how their federal tax dollars are spent. Just enter a few pieces of information about your taxes, and the taxpayer receipt will give you a breakdown of how your tax dollars are spent on priorities like education, veterans benefits, or health care.

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WE ARE ONE COALITION RALLY

What: Stop the attacks on collective bargaining and pensions!
When: Wednesday - October 26, 2011 from Noon - 1:00 PM
Where: State Capitol Rotunda

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NAPO is asking for your assistance with its Annual TOP COPS Awards ®. We ask that you help get the TOP COPS ® nomination form out to officers nationwide today 

The deadline for TOP COPS nominations is January 11, 2012.

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This week, perhaps unlike any other in recent history, has given us all cause to reflect on promises. We have seen a nation fulfill its promise to bring justice to a terrorist. For many days we will view images of the horrific attacks which occurred almost 10 years ago. And we will witness promises kept by the brave police officers and firemen who can be seen running toward the explosions, smoke, and destruction as others run away.

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This week the Senate is expected to act on legislation affecting funding for FY12 by packaging a small group of bills into a ‘minibus’. The three bills are up for consideration: Agriculture, Commerce-Justice and Science (CJS), and Transportation-HUD. 

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Please come out and join us and show your support for our fallen officers at the 2011 Police Memorial Ceremony! For the current itinerary, please visit the Police Memorial's website!

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Charges against two Peoria police officers accused of misconduct in connection with the beating and shocking of Bryce Scott in May 2008 were dropped Friday morning, one of the men’s attorneys confirmed.

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A Peoria County jury on Wednesday acquitted a Peoria police officer accused of overstepping regulations and beating a man after a traffic stop more than two years ago. Several police officers filled the second-floor courtroom to hear the verdict for Peoria police officer Andrew Smith. PB&PA Director and Chief Legal Counsel Sean Smoot was also present.

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The Police Benevolent & Protective Association of Illinois is proud to announce our goal of collecting $100,000.00 over the next 5 years to show our support of the National Law Enforcement Museum to be built in Washington, D.C. The National Law Enforcement Museum will be the only one of its kind in the world; it will be the only museum dedicated to telling the stories of the Law Enforcement Community. For more information on the Museum (and also the National Police Memorial which honors are fallen brothers and sisters) please check out their website at http://www.nleomf.com.

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Kevin Sitton, an 11-year veteran of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Jail passed away on September 6, 2007. Kevin had been a patient in th...

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First-ever national museum to honor American Law Enforcement moves closer to reality.

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PBPA State Treasurer Phil Fisher End of Watch: August 15, 2008 Memorials can be made to: First Bank Phil Fisher Education Fund 3037 Nor...

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