2022 Meeting Minutes

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
December 14, 2022

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 1155 hours in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club . Nick Bulpin led the Pledge of Allegiance and Taylor asked all to remain standing for a moment of remembrance for the following:

• Robert Kirkbride #3569 retired Seattle Police Officer passing away November 3rd at 70 years
• Jon Olson #3485 retired Seattle Police Detective passing away November 12 at 85 years
• Virgil P. McDonald #5159 Seattle Police Hostage Negotiator passing November 11 at 69 years
• Erling Butte-Dahl #2704Retired Seattle Police Officer passing away November 27 at 78 years

Board Roll Call showed Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Rich O’Neill, Terri MacMilllan, Joe Bouffiou as present with John Sullivan, Jeff Caldwell, Dan Melton and Dan Oliver excused.

President Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the November meeting that have been distributed and asked for any corrections, additions or omissions. Ed Grant made the motion to approve the minutes as written, second to motion by John Nordlund and passed.

Nick Bulpin gave a financial report and stated it will be submitted for audit.

President Taylor reported the Seattle City Council will have seven of nine seats decided in the 2023 Seattle elections. It is imperative to pay attention and be supportive of those candidates who may help the SPD.

President Taylor introduced retired Seattle Police Officer, Jim Ritter, president of the Metropolitan Police Museum.

Jim saw the need to preserve as much local police history as possible. In 1997 Jim was able to secure a street levellocation in Pioneer Square suitable for a law-enforcement museum. Artifacts, photos, and displays were to be used for nostalgia and education. This was made available through donations and financial support.

A power-point program was narrated by Jim showing the deterioration of the 100-year-old building and its eventual demise. Jim took it upon himself to preserve the contents of the museum and provide for relocation. Jim stores those along with 35 police vehicles at a facility he owns near Ellensburg. He has secured 9 acres of farmland in this centrally located community. He is now going through the permitting process to create a financially viable Center for a variety of events (weddings, shows, celebrations, etc.) along with the Law-enforcement Museum. Jim responded to many questions before being thanked and applauded for his great presentation.

John Guich conducted the door prize raffle that included 2 bottles of fine Scotch Whiskey that was donated by Mark Wubbena.

There being no further business President Taylor thanked all for participating in the Christmas lunch hosted by the RSPOA. He then called for adjournment and 53 folks enjoyed a fine lunch.

Nick Bulpin,
Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
November 9, 2022 - Minutes of Monthly Meeting

President Taylor called the meeting to order in the Red Room of the Nile Golf Club at 1145 hours November 9, 2022. In honor of the 247th Marine Corps birthday 11/10 Taylor asked Honorary member Paul Barden to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Taylor then asked all to remain standing for remembrance of recent passings:

• Dale Douglas #2159 October 24 at 87 years,
• George Stablien #2534 October 17 at 80 years,
• Roy Burt #2574 September 29 at 86 years,
• Greg Zatrine #4974 September 29 at 65 years,
• Eric Norberg #2605 September 20 at 77 years,
• Sorensen #1863 September 19 at 89 years
• Charles Villagracia #4431 September 19 at 67 years.

Roll call of board members showed Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Rich O’Neill, Dan Melton, Joe Bouffiou and Dan Oliver present with John Sullivan, Jeff Caldwell and Terri MacMillan excused. Taylor then called Dan Oliver to the podium to award him an RSPOA plaque recognizing his dedicated service as Executive Secretary of Seattle Police Pension

Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the September 14th meeting that have been distributed and asked for any additions, corrections or omissions. There being none, Joe Bouffiou moved the minutes be accepted as written, second by Ed turner and passed.           Nick Bulpin gave the financial report and stated it would be submitted for audit.

Mike Burke was called on to introduce guest speaker, Nathan Sugg, Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor-Appellant Division. Nathan talked about a current case being appealed regarding the legality of law enforcement officers asking for identification from violators of public transportation rules regarding fares. He outlined the sequence of punishment for those violating rules and the subsequent issue of warrants of arrest. The futility of warrants issued because of court back-logs. Several questions followed and Nathan responded to many. Taylor thanked Nathan and presented him with an RSPOA badge.

Joe Sanford conducted the door prize drawing, there being no further business, Taylor called for adjournment and 43 folks enjoyed a nice lunch.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary  

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
September 14, 2022   

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 1150 hours in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club September 14, 2022.  John Nordlund led the Pledge of Allegiance and Taylor asked all to remain standing for a moment of silence and remembrance for Charlie Mittman #2125 passing on September 9th at 82 years of age, Pilar Curtis #4733 passing August 21st at 58 years of age, Dick Sherwood #2902 passing August 18th at 82 years of age and Don Berg #941 passing August 12th at 96 years of age.

Roll call of Board members showed Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, John Sullivan, Rich O’Neill, Dan Melton, Dan Oliver and Joe Bouffiou as present with Jeff Caldwell and Terri MacMillan excused.

Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the August 10th meeting that have been distributed. He then asked for any corrections, addition or omissions. There being none, Dan Melton moved the minutes be accepted as written second by Joe Bouffiou and passed. Nick Bulpin gave the financial report and stated it would be submitted for audit.

President Taylor apologized for Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell who had been scheduled to be the guest speaker. The mayor notified us two days ago he had a conflict and there was no time to schedule a replacement.

President Taylor reminded everyone the Retired Officers Banquet is scheduled for October 12th here at the Nile with doors open at 5:00. The buffet dinner is provided by RSPOA and the Relief Association. Please notify John Nordlund or Nick Bulpin if you are planning to attend

Rich and Kevin O’Neill gave an outline of the scheduled program. Tickets for attendance are not issued, however you must notify us if planning to attend. There will be a check-in table with name badge at main lobby. They noted Eric Michl has arranged transportation from the SPAA Pavilion to and from the Banquet to assist those travelling from the south. Please let us know if planning on using that feature.

Taylor announced the pension office is working diligently calculating the Management Association’s new pay raise and retro pay and that should be reflected on the September 30th check. He also directed any questions regarding the DRS LEOFF payout scheduled for January 30, 2023 must go to DRS at 1-800-547-6657. Taylor also advised all to contact DRS.Wa.Gov to review your current information on file.

There being no further business, John Guich conducted the door prize drawing, the meeting adjourned at 1230 hours and 43 folks enjoyed lunch.

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
August 10, 2022

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 1150 hours in the Red Room of the Nile Golf and Country Club August 10, 2022. Eric Michl led the Pledge of Allegiance and Taylor asked all to remain standing for a moment of silence and remembrance for: Hans Marx #2612 passing Monday August 1st at 79 years of age, Gordie Barnett #2561 passing July 21st at 79 years of age and Greg Seth #3369 passing July18th at 75 years of age.

Roll call of board members showed Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Terri MacMillan, Dan Melton, Joe Bouffiou and Dan Oliver as present with John Sullivan, Jeff Caldwell, and Rich O’Neill excused.

Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the July meeting that have been distributed and asked for any corrections, additions of omissions. There being none, Joe Bouffiou moved the minutes be accepted as written, second by Dan Oliver and passed. Nick Bulpin gave the financial report and stated it will be submitted for audit.

President Taylor reported the Annual Retired Officers Banquet is scheduled for October 12th. Current RSPOA members are admitted free of charge. Spouses and guests are $30.00 each. Reservations are needed for all attending and can be made by contacting:                                                                            

John Nordlund jkenneth2909@gmail.com    206 465 6252 or
Nick Bulpin bulpin@comcast.net     206 919 6425

Eric Michl reported he will provide bus transportation from the SPAA Pavilion to this year’s banquet like last year. If a ride is needed, please make arrangement when securing your reservations to the Banquet.

Meryl Carner introduced the guest speaker Jim Fuda, retired Sergeant with the King County Sheriff’s office where he established a 33year career in law enforcement.  As director of Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound, Jim has travelled extensively learning of the exploitation of children worldwide. He shared some of the horrors encountered including sexual trafficking, human organ harvesting, brutal working conditions for children, etc.  Crime Stoppers is branching out with P3Tips mobile phone app and soliciting donations to fund expansion of anonymous tips to local law enforcement agencies.  With the power point presentation, a lot of information was shared resulting in numerous questions. Jim was applauded and awarded a RSPOA lapel pin.

Dan Beste, visiting from Arizona held both winning door prize tickets.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1240 hours and 40 folks enjoyed lunch.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
July 13, 2022

President Taylor called the meeting order in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club at 1145 hours July 13, 2022.  John Nordlund led the Pledge of Allegiance. Taylor then asked all to remain standing for a moment of remembrance for Marnie Oslin #2822 passing July 6th at 87 years of age and Mike Nelson #3365 passing July 4th at 75 years of age

Roll call of Board members showed Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Rich O’Neill, Terri MacMillan, Dan Melton, Joe Bouffiou, and Dan Oliver as present with John Sullivan and Jeff Caldwell excused.
Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the June 8th meeting that have been distributed and asked for any corrections, additions or omissions. There being none Frank Kampsen moved the minutes be accepted as written, seconded by Joe Bouffiou and passed. Nick Bulpin gave the financial report and stated it will be submitted for audit.

President Taylor announced the Retired Officers Banquet is scheduled for October 12th at the Nile. The menu is being developed and when finalized invitations will go out. Reservations are required for all attending. Once the dinner menu is determined the cost will be publicized.  There is no charge for active RSPOA members, however guests and non-members will require tickets with no sales at the door.
 John Nordlund or Nick Bulpin may be contacted for reservations

Rich O’Neill announced LEOSA qualifications are open at the range for 3 dates: Aug 9, Oct. 11th and Dec 13th shoots at 1000 and 1400 hours. Gun inspection prior. Arrive 45 minutes early

President Taylor introduced Ichabod Caine as this month’s guest speaker. Ichabod is noted radio personality from stations KJR, KMPS and KNBQ. He is now retired from Rock n Roll and Country music radio broadcasting. Through his life’s journey,  Ichabod related a touching perspective of what a grandfather relishes with a 15-month-old granddaughter. He has always been supportive of law enforcement and shared several supportive readings from scripture. Taylor awarded Ichabod a RSPOA badge and was applauded by all.

The proposed speaker for August meeting will by Jim Fuda  with a 33 year career in law enforcement. The September meeting will welcome Mayor Bruce Harrell as current Seattle mayor and former member of the city council for several terms.

The door prize drawing concluded the business of the day and 43 folks enjoyed a great lunch.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
June 8, 2022

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 1145 hours in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club June 8th 2022.  Frank Kampsen led the Pledge of Allegiance. Taylor asked all to remain standing for a moment of remembrance for the following:

• Jim Tagart #2207 retired Sergeant and former Mount Vernon Chief of Police, passing May 22nd at 83 years,
• Francis “Frank” Jones #1885 retired Captain passing May 18th at 88 years,
• Jerry Wabschall #3074 retired Sergeant passing May 18th at 75 years,
• Duane Lewis #3305 retired Detective passing May 17th at 75 years,
• Stan Schumacher retired Lieutenant passing May 14th at 81 years.

 
Corporal Ashley Saunders of the Edmonds Police Department sang an outstanding rendition of the National Anthem with wholehearted approval.

Taylor called for roll call of board members with Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Terri MacMillan and Joe Bouffiou present with John Sullivan, Rich O’Neill, Dan Melton, Dan Oliver and Jeff Caldwell excused.
Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the April 13th meeting that have been distributed and asked for additions, correction of omissions. There being none Joe Bouffiou asked they be approved as written, second by Frank Kampsen and passed. Nick Bulpin gave the financial report and stated it would be submitted for audit.

Myrle Carner introduced his guests with a brief introduction of Shannon Sessions, along with Dr. Robert Mitchell of “Support 7”. Shannon is a member of the Lynnwood city council as well as Executive Director of Support 7. A power point presentation was aired with Shannon explaining the purpose of Support 7 which is comprised of specially trained compassionate volunteers who respond to serious on-scene events to provide support for victims and survivors. Support 7 have been servicing the community for 40 years with hundreds of callouts providing families with support during their darkest hours. Dr. Mitchell “Doc” continued explaining their mission. He asked for anyone considering joining a team providing this type of community service to contact Support 7. RSPOA badges were awarded to all.

The door prize drawing was conducted with meeting adjourned at 1235 hours.  53 folks enjoyed a very nice lunch.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
May 11, 2022

President Taylor called the meeting to order in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club at 1145 hours May 11, 2022. Terri MacMillan led the Pledge of Allegiance and Taylor asked all to remain standing for a moment of remembrance for Dave Sorenson #3441 passing Monday, April 25th at 79 years of age, Marc Olson # 4256. Retired as Lieutenant following 36 years of service passing April 19th at 64 years of age and Doug Dills #3326 retired as Captain following 28 years of service, passing April 13th at 79 years of age.  A moment of silence was observed.

Roll call of board members showed Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Terri MacMillan, Dan Melton as present with John Sullivan, Rich O’Neill, Jeff Caldwell, Joe Bouffiou and Dan Oliver excused. Nick Bulpin gave the financial report and will submit it for audit.

President Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the April 13th meeting that have been distributed and asked for additions, corrections or additions. Their being none, John Nordlund asked the minutes be accepted as written, second by Nick Bulpin and passed.

President Taylor asked Myrle Carner to introduce his guests, his wife Dorothy, several friends, and the featured speaker, Denny Behrend with his wife Gayle.

Denny took the podium and explained his leaving the SPD after 5 and half years to join the U.S. Marshal’s service where he served for 27 years. The Marshal’s service was needed to facilitate the extradition of Martin Pang from Brazil where he fled facing the death penalty for the 1995 arson murder of four Seattle Firefighters. With the help of unnamed informant and Arson Investigator Mike Shannon from SFD it was determined Martin was guilty of the Pang Warehouse fire owned by his parents. Because the Death Penalty was possible the international extradition was delayed by Brazilian laws.  Eventually the extradition was a success and Martin served a prison sentence before being paroled. Denny was applauded and awarded a RSPOA badge.

President Taylor called for the Guich door prize drawings(s) including a donated select wine set. He then reminded everyone to mark their calendars for October 12th this years Retired Officers Banquet and note the change from usual September date due to scheduling conflict.

Taylor then called for adjournment and 54 people enjoyed a nice lunch.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
April 13, 2022

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 1145 hours in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club April 13, 2022.  John Gray led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by moment of remembrance for David Buff #3481 passing April 9 at 84 years of age, Rand Hannon #2719 passing March 25 at 77 years of age and Jim Cvar #2686 passing March 13 at 75 years of age.  A moment of silence was observed for these officers who spent their entire careers working patrol.

Roll Call of board members showed Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Rich O’Neill, Dan Melton, Dan Oliver as present with Terri MacMillan, Jeff Caldwell, Joe Bouffiou and John Sullivan excused.

The minutes of the March minutes were distributed for review and Nick Bulpin gave the financial report which will be submitted for audit.

President Taylor reported the Governor has signed SB 5791 and HB 1701 which will distribute surplus funds from LEOFF 1 & 2 pension funds. Checks will be issued January 31, 2023.

Merle Carner was called upon to introduce his guests including Brandi Kruse, this month’s guest speaker.  He gave an introduction citing her continued support of law enforcement.

Brandi spoke briefly of her childhood and early interest in the television reporting of current events. Following a college education she entered into investigating current events and reporting for KING, KOMO and eventually FOX channel 13.  Two years ago, she left FOX news and began her own podcast radio program “Undivided” airing 3 times a week. She envisioned hosting the show with an unbiased coverage of current news events.  As an example, Brandi spent time discussing a recent Seattle Times newspaper article citing racial encounters with law enforcement as an inaccurate account of percentages of the citizenry in Seattle.   Brandi responded to questions from the audience.

President Taylor awarded Brandi a RSPOA badge thanking her for her presentation and continued support of law enforcement. A warm ovation followed.

The door prize drawing was conducted and no further business the meeting adjourned at 1240 hours and 64 people enjoyed a great lunch.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary/Treasurer

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
March 9th 2022

Vice-President John Nordlund called the meeting to order at 1145 hours in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club March 9th 2022. Joe Sanford led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of remembrance for Bob Moffett #2098 passing February 19th at 88 years, Jerry Bickford #3693 passing February 21st at 74 years and Nat Crawford #1931 passing February 23rd at 87 years. A moment of silence was held.

Roll call of board members showed Jerry Taylor excused, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Joe Bouffiou, Dan Oliver, and Dan Melton present with Rich O’Neill, Terri MacMillan, Jeff Caldwell excused.

John Nordlund directed attention to the minutes of the February meeting that have been distributed and asked for any additions, corrections or deletions. There being none, Merv Henderson moved the minutes bee accepted as written, second by Joe Bouffiou and passed. Nick Bulpin read the financial report and stated it will be submitted for audit.

John Nordlund expressed gratitude for the attendance of today’s meeting and acknowledged several folks not seen recently along with the family of Mike Germann. He then turned to Dan Oliver to say a few words about Mike. Dan recapped the distinguished career of Mike and his many achievements from his two tours of duty as a Marine in Viet Nam, returning to become a member of the Seattle Police Department where he rose through the ranks to Captain. Mike became a board member of the Pension office and eventually replaced Dave Grayson as Executive Secretary. A position he held for 18 years.

Dan invited Julie Fitzsimons to relate her relationship with her father, Mike Germann.  Julie gave a detailed tribute to her dad with much emotion, respect and adoration. This was received with a standing ovation by all.

Dan Oliver went back to business announcing the recent COLA increase was 4.75 percent and will be reflected in upcoming checks. Those receiving city checks will see the amount go down and the state amount go up.

John Nordlund, in keeping with business, asked guest speaker, Scott Bachler, president of the SPMA to update all on recent contract negotiations with the city. Scott was not at liberty to go into detail because the city has not ratified the contract. He did mention the priority was retirement medical along with disciplinary guidelines and felt some success in the process. He then answered questions regarding staffing levels of active officers on the street.

John Nordlund again acknowledged the family of Mike Germann who opened the bar for a tribute to Mike. He also thanked Eric Michl who was on hand to notarize required documents for the Pension office.

Joe Sanford conducted the door prize drawing before adjourning. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1245 hour and 65 folks enjoyed Saint Patrick’s day staple, corned beef/cabbage.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
February 9, 2022

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 1145 hours in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club February 9, 2022. Joe Bouffiou led the Pledge of Allegiance followed with a last ring moment of remembrance for: Joel Hayes #2247 passing February 5th at 84 years, Donna Brazel #1618 passing January 29th at 94 years, Steve Stokke #3209 passing January 20th at 74 years and Dennis Delorm #3207 passing January 18th at 80 years.  

Roll call of board members showed Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Rich O’Neill, Dan Melton, Joe Bouffiou and Dan Oliver as present with Terri MacMillan, John Sullivan and Jeff Caldwell excused.
President Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the January 12th meeting and asked for any corrections, additions or deletions. There being none, Joe Bouffiou moved the minutes be accepted as written with Dan Melton seconding and the motion passed.

Nick Bulpin gave the financial report and stated it would be submitted for audit.
President Taylor acknowledged the presence of John Gray, Jerry Trettevik and Ava Sundstrom who have not attended the meetings recently and continued welcoming everyone else.

President Taylor reported the legislative session continues in Olympia and announced SB 5791 passed out of the Ways and Means Committee and was forwarded to Rules Committee with recommendation to pass onto the Senate floor where it will likely be sent to the House for passage. This bill provides for a reduction in LEOFF 1 reserves by passing monies onto LEOFF 1 members based on months of service.  

SB 5652 is a similar bill for LEOFF 2 also passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee and was referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it remains since January 27th.   A companion House Bill 1701 has passed out of Appropriations and put forward to the House Floor without a hearing in House Rules.

Joe Bouffiou had the honor of introducing his daughter-in-law, Judge Valerie Bouffiou, as the guest speaker. Judge Bouffiou listed her accomplishments in the various communities surrounding Seattle. She served as prosecutor, defense counsel and Judge Pro-tem before becoming presiding Judge in Lynnwood. She described the various proceedings using the internet, Zoom telecasts and in-person contacts. She noted the city of Lynnwood is currently rebuilding the police, court and jail buildings to service the 44,000 population of Lynnwood along with the surrounding communities. She answered several questions and was presented with a RSPOA badge and applause.

There being no further business the door prize drawing was held. The meeting was adjourned at 1220 hours and 36 folks had a nice lunch.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary/Treasurer

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
January 12, 2022

President Taylor called the meeting to order in the Red Room of the Nile Country club at 1145 hours January 12, 2022. President Taylor announced Riley Brice turned 90 years of age yesterday and asked him to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
Taylor then asked all to remain standing for last ring respect for Loren “LD” Grumbly #5140 passing December 23rd at 66 years, Michael Scott #2557 passing December 16th at 82 years and Robert “Bob” Caruth #2244 passing December 12th at 82 years.

Roll Call of Board members showed Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Dan Melton, and Joe Bouffiou present with John Sullivan, Terri MacMillan, Jeff Caldwell, Rich O’Neill and Dan Oliver excused.

Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the December 8th meeting that have been distributed and asked for any additions, corrections or omissions. There being none, Joe Bouffiou moved the minutes be accepted as written. Second was made by Ed Turner and passed.  

Nick Bulpin gave the financial report and stated it would be submitted for audit.

President Taylor announced the legislative session was convened Monday January 10th for a scheduled 60-day session. Taylor listed several bills that have been drafted and gave a brief description of the contents proposed.  He urged everyone to familiarize themselves with proposals and contact their respective legislators and voice concerns/opinions.

President Taylor announced the February guest speaker will be Judge Val Bouffiou, Daughter-in-law of Joe Bouffiou. Taylor also asked for suggestions for future meeting guests.

With business being concluded, Taylor asked John Guich to conduct the door prize raffle resulting with two lucky winners.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1240 hours and 33 folks enjoyed a very nice lunch.
Nick Bulpin, Secretary