MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

In 1915 the life of a law enforcement officer was bleak. Officers served very long hours under dangerous working conditions with inadequate training and very low pay. The Fraternal Order of Police was formed in May of that year in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Since that time the FOP has successfully fought for American law enforcement officers. The Fraternal Order of Police has flourished and grown in its success. There are now over 290,000 members in all 50 states forming into over 2000 local lodges.

The North Central Washington, Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 17 was started in October of 2000. It is one of Washington State's newest lodges. We started with only three members but have quickly grown to over 40. Our membership is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Wenatchee Police Department, the East Wenatchee Police Department, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, the Chelan Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol.

Our primary mission in forming the North Central Washington FOP is to unify the law enforcement officers of our region. Although there are several law enforcement agencies in close jurisdictional proximity in this area, there had been very little interaction or socialization between officers of separate departments. We are changing this tendency toward lack of unity by forming a single voice for our local law enforcement officers.

We have a further mission of improving the relationship between local law enforcement officers and our community. A college scholarship award program has begun, and with community assistance, should prove to be highly successful. Other community outreach plans are underway with great support from our membership. These programs will be expanded upon in the near future. Our lodge will also become a political shepherd with a watchful eye toward honest and diligent political leadership in our communities.

Without law enforcement, there is no law. Without law, there is no freedom. The national motto of the FOP is, "Jus Fidus Libertatum" (Law is the Safeguard of Freedom). I look forward to serving the Members of the North Central Washington FOP as it's second President with enthusiasm, and am fully committed to it's success.

Deputy Joe Hinkle, Honorable President
North Central Washington Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 17