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2023 Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes 2023

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
January 11, 2023

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 1145 hours in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club January 11th, 2023. Frank Kampsen led the Pledge of Allegiance and all remained standing for a moment of remembrance for the following:

  • Michael Severance #2866, SPD Patrol Officer passing December 14th at 76 years of age
  • Steve Redmond #5763 Active SPD Officer passing December 30th at 54 years of age
  • Hentry Vanderlaan #3134 SPD Detective passing at 79 years of age
  • John Mason #2884 Assistant Chief of Police passing January 1st at 79 years of age
  • Richard Rovig #1920 SPD Detective passing January 1st at 88 years of age
  • Dennis Hossfeld #4401 SPD Detective passing January 10th at 76 years of age

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

Riley Bryce was present celebrating his 91st birthday. M/M Joe Tolliver, John Gray, and several others were welcomed for not being to recent meetings.

President Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the December meeting that have been distributed and asked for any corrections, additions or deletions. There being none a motion was made and passed to accept the meeting minutes as written. Nick Bulpin gave a financial report and will submit to audit.

Frank Kampsen, from the Behind the Badge Foundation reported in 2022 the State of Washington had four law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Frank continued with FBI's Line of Duty deaths nationwide for 2022 along with the number of serious assaults requiring hospitalizations that never get reported outside of FBI statistics.

President Taylor reminded everyone the City of Seattle will have seven of nine council seats open in the 2023 elections. Attention and support should be given to those who may help the SPD.

Myrle Carner introduced Sheriff Adam Fortney, elected as 32nd Snohomish County Sheriff in December 2019. Adam spoke of his background in Law Enforcement coming from street patrol to command his department including the jail. The transformation was a challenge trying to balance effective policing while answering the demands of the public and elected officials. He feels he has set goals and visions in keeping with the requirements of being Sheriff and hopefully will succeed. He provided a power point presentation displaying support from across the state from other police agencies.

John Guich and Joe Sanford conducted the door prize raffle. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1230 hours and 55 folks enjoyed a very nice lunch.

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
February 8, 2023

President Taylor called the meeting to order in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club at 1150 hours February 8, 2023. Joe Bouffiou led the Pledge of Allegiance and Taylor asked all to remain standing for a moment of remembrance for

  • Gary Fowler, passing away January 15th at 80 years of age following 25 years of service and retiring June 1, 1993.

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

President Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the January 11th meeting that have been distributed and asked for any corrections, deletions or additions. There being none, Joe Bouffiou moved the minutes be accepted as written with a Riley Brice second and passed. Nick Bulpin gave the financial report and stated it will be submitted for audit.

President Taylor reported the 2023 Seattle elections will see seven of nine seats of the City Council decided. He urged all to pay attention and support those candidates you think will help SPD President Taylor introduced Seattle Police Guild President, Mike Solan. Mike began by reporting the membership is currently working on contract negotiations. SPOG members are working the second year without a valid contract and negotiations are at a standstill. Mike reported the department is working with insufficient staffing at present with more reductions projected as members are leaving for various reasons. Efforts are being made to reduce the patrol schedules to a 4-10 workweek that will provide for 3 days off. This will not be achievable with current staffing levels.

With help from a visual presentation Mike was able to display footage from recent encounters with organized groups aimed at disruptions, demonstrations and assaults on Law Enforcement.

Mike introduced newly elected SPOA Secretary/Treasurer, Ben Hughey on hand to answer several questions. Both appreciated the opportunity to participate and be present at the RSPOA lunch.

John Guich conducted the door prize drawing. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1245 hours and 44 folks enjoyed a fine buffet lunch.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
March 8, 2023

President Taylor called the meeting to order in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club at 1145 hours March 8, 2023. Mike Ward led the Pledge of Allegiance and Taylor asked all to remain standing for a moment of remembrance:

    Richard Hume #2223 retired detective sergeant passing away February 10, at 90 years of age.
    Dan Cameron #2192 retired patrol/harbor sergeant passing February 11th at 89 years of age.

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

President Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the February 8th meeting and asked for any corrections, additions or omissions. There being none Frank Kampsen moved the minutes be accepted as written, second by Mike Deacy and passed.

Announcements were made reminding everyone the 2023 Seattle elections will have seven of nine council seats on the ballot and urged all to support those who will be favorable to the SPD. The April checks will reflect an 8.86% COLA increase and will affect state and city retirement amounts.

Myrle Carner took the opportunity to introduce the guest speaker, Adrian Diaz, the current Seattle Chief of Police. Chief Diaz has been with Seattle for over two decades starting in Patrol, Mountain Bike Unit, Anti-Crime Team before moving to Investigations Bureau. He served as Assistant Chief of the newly created Collaborative Policing Bureau before being promoted to Deputy Chief.

Chief Diaz began by reporting the department staffing has suffered major downturn since the unrest that occurred following the George Floyd death in 2020. Two-thirds of the department officers have left following the over 100 days of unrest and repeated calls for “defunding” the police.

The Chief praised the work being done by officers even with the limited resources. The department has been working under the Federal Consent Decree for several years and has been recognized as successful in meeting the criteria set forth.

There have been 12 officer-involved shootings since 2020 all occurred without public outrage. Efforts are being made to ease individual stress by moving to 4 on-3 off 10 hour shifts. The Chief then successfully responded to many questions. He was applauded and was awarded an RSPOA badge.

John Guich and Joe Sanford conducted door prize drawing including Challenge Coins donated by Chief Diaz. Following that the meeting adjourned, and 48 folks enjoyed a nice lunch.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
May 10, 2023

Note: The April meeting was cancelled due to the lack of a venue.

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 1150 hours in the meeting room of the Shoreline Elks Club #1800 at 14625 15th Ave NE. Dan Oliver led the Pledge of Allegiance and Taylor asked all to remain standing for remembrance of the following:

  • Thomas Bacon #5144 passing February 19th at 67 years of age.
  • William Fenkner #2482 passing March 4th at 89 years of age.
  • Rodney Jackson #1196 passing March 8th at 95 years of age.
  • Kenneth Baker #2325 passing April 3rd at 83 years of age.
  • David severance #2381 passing April 11th at 79 years of age.
  • Doug Carlson #6121 passing April 19th at 64 years of age.
  • Al Rasmussen #1608 passing April 27th at 94 years of age.
  • Dix Baker #1760 passing April 28th at 89 years of age
  • William Karban #2342 passing May 5th at 86 years of age.

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

Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the March meeting that have been distributed. He asked for corrections additions or omissions. There being none, Joe Bouffiou moved the minutes be accepted as written, second by Dan Oliver and passed.

President Taylor welcomed everyone to the new venue, Elks Lodge 1800 and announced lunch is served He hoped all will enjoy the new surroundings. Suggestions for improvement will be greatly appreciated. 

President Taylor then introduced Alma Lara representing Aegis Living and Memory Care. She invited all to lunch May 30th dedicated to Seattle Police Pension families. She has been working with Jan in pension office who recommended the informational lunch would be worthwhile.

President Taylor asked Terri MacMillan to introduce her son, Brian the meteorologist with FOX 13 news. Brian gave a brief background of growing up in a police family with his dad, Don and Terri.  He graduated from WSU with a degree in meteorology and secured a position in Bend Oregon before moving into the larger market in Portland and eventually relocating to Seattle with FOX 13 Good Day Seattle. 

Brian outlined his morning routine with the weather news and gave insight of how the programming is done.  He responded to many questions with humor and humility. President Taylor thanked him and awarded Brian a RSPOA badge.

There being no further business, Taylor asked Joe Sanford and John Guich to conduct the door prize.

The meeting adjourned at 1245 and 43 folks enjoyed a nice buffet lunch.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
June 14, 2023

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 1205 hours in the meeting hall of the Elks Lodge 1800 located 14525 15th Ave NE, Seattle.  Rich O’Neill led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Taylor asked Myrle Carner to introduce Dan Templeman, Chief of the Everett Police Department.  Myrle gave a brief biography of Dan and turned the lectern to the Chief. Chief Templeman described his early interest in law enforcement following his experiences participating in ride-along-with State Patrol officers as a teen. Dan joined the Everett Police Department in1992 and quickly rose-up the ranks. He eventually became commander of the county-wide task force charged with investigation of police-involved shootings. He became Everett’s 37th chief in 2014. Everett has a population of 150 thousand with 215 police officers. Realistically the manpower is reduced by 30% due to time off, training, education, etc. Dan described the problems dealing with enforcing laws is not confined to Everett but a nation-wide issue facing all agencies attempting to find qualified officers. Chief Templeman opened the floor for many questions and was applauded for his presentation. Taylor awarded Dan a RSPOA Badge.

Rich O’Neill reported the progress being made arranging the annual Retired Officers Banquet (ROB) September 20th scheduled to be held at the SPAA Pavilion. The dinner cost will be $35.00 each for guests and non-RSPOA members. There will be no sales at the door.  Everyone, including members, need to commit that they will be attending.  Notify John Nordlund or Nick Bulpin of attendance and arrange payments for guests.

Jan and Lisa from the pension office presented an invitation for all to attend a free lunch hosted by Aegis Living Ravenna Tuesday, June 27. This is the second special program developed for Seattle Police Pension members.  Downsizing for Seniors: Alleviate the stress from this transition.  Stephanie was originally scheduled for this presentation but was required to be home attending to her seriously ailing husband. Good wishes and prayers on his behalf would be appreciated. 

Roll call of board members showed Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Terri MacMillan, Rich O’Neill and Joe Bouffiou as present with Dan Melton, Dan Oliver, John Sullivan as excused and Jeff Caldwell absent.
The minutes of the May meeting were distributed for review.

There being no further business Cloyd Steiger and Joe Sanford conducted the door prize drawing followed by adjournment. There were 36 folks for lunch.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
July 12, 2023

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 1150 hours in the meeting hall of the Shoreline Elks Lodge 1800 July 12, 2023. Dan Beste led the Pledge of Allegiance and Taylor asked all to remain standing for moment of remembrance for:
Robert (Bob) Martinson #3379 Retired Canine Sergeant passing June 27 at 76 years of age.
Gerald Jorve #2197 Retired Detective passing June 17 at 85 years of age.

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

President Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the June meeting and asked for any corrections, additions, omissions. There being none, Greg Pote moved the minutes be accepted as written with second by Joe Bouffiou and passed.

The annual Retired Officer Banquet will be held at the SPAA Pavilion, September 20th with doors opening at 4:30. The bar is hosted. There will not be ticket sales at the door, please contact John Nordlund or Nick Bulpin if planning to attend. RSPOA members are free with guests and non-members tickets at $35.00. Reservations are required for all planning to attend.

Jan Brandes of the Police Pension office gave an update of the status of Stephanie’s husband and his struggle with health issues. She then reported the Aegis Living/Ravenna will host another lunch July 25th 11:30 am to 1:00 pm featuring third special program developed for Seattle Police Members. Herb Weisbaum, former consumer expert/reporter for KIRO TV and KOMO radio will share his consumer expertise.

Myrle Carner introduced Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer who was active with Crime Stoppers and was the public information officer with Pierce County 1999-2020. Sheriff Troyer started with the county in 1985 and held assignments throughout the department for nearly 40 years. Troyer talked about the difficulty with staffing in the corrections division as well as the department. He is proud of the recruitment success he has achieved as Sheriff and the proactive patrol procedures he has put in place. He offered to welcome young folks 18 years and up into law enforcement and corrections employment careers. Sheriff Troyer talked about retiring and will be able to continue his work with kids. The Sheriff responded to many questions and was happy to have the opportunity. He was impressed with the RSPOA and the camaraderie it provides retired members.

There being no further business the door prize drawing was conducted by John Guich and then 43 folks enjoyed the served lunch by volunteer help of the Elks Lodge

Nick Bulpin, Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
October 12, 2023

President Taylor called the meeting to order in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club at 1145 hours October 12, 2023. John Nordlund led the Pledge of Allegiance and Taylor asked all to remain standing for last ring notifications which will be lengthy since last meeting in July:

  • Robert Avery #2121 passing July 29th at 86 years with 26 years retiring in 1988
  • Charles Layman #1584 passing August 3rd at 96 years with 20 retiring in 1975
  • Will Witt #6049 passing August 13th at 58 years with 24 years retiring 2018
  • Charles Scheufflele #1864 passing August 17th at 89 years retiring with 29 years 1988
  • Eldon Doty #2588 passing August 17th at 80 years retiring with 12 years in 1979
  • Donald Meyers #2566 passing August 19th  at 76 years retiring with 25 years in 1994
  • Albert Schrader #1897 passing August 23 at 88 years retiring with 25 years in 1984
  • Dennis Hanks #2764 passing August 25 at 81 years retiring with Chelan Co. resigned 1974
  • Cynthia Miller #4064 passing August 26 at 69 years retiring with 29 years in 2005
  • Jan Krachunis #2538 passing September 21st at 87 years retiring with 14 years in 1981
  • Charles Harris # 2459 passing September 8 at 85 years retiring with 17 years 1982
  • Richard Heintz #4219 passing September 28 at 71 years retiring with 37 years 2016
  • Jay Nicholson #2770 passing October 2nd at 75 years retiring with 28 years 1998
  • George Bechtel #3421 passing October 6th at 81 years retiring with 3 years 1973
  • Carol Caldwell widow of Jerry Caldwell and mother of Jeff Caldwell passing October 10th

Roll call of Board members showed Taylor, John Nordlund, Nick Bulpin, Rich O’Neill, Joe Bouffiou and Dan Oliver as present with John Sullivan, Dan Melton, Terri MacMillan excused with Jeff Caldwell absent. The minutes of the July meeting minutes were distributed, approved and passed by Bouffiou/Oliver.

President Taylor called upon Myrle Carner to introduce Lynnwood Chief of Police Cole Langton.

Chief Langton joined the department as a Cadet in 1996 and rose to become Chief in August of this year. Chief Langton talked of his varied assignments in patrol, traffic, K-9 (master trainer) and regional Swat team leader.  The Chief talked about the challenges all departments are faced with limited support from the judicial process, scrutiny of every action enforcing laws by media, and dwindling interest in the law enforcement profession. He recognized the service of those present and hopefully, in time the pendulum will swing back to better times. He responded to many questions and Taylor awarded him a RSPOA badge along with applause from all.

The Guich/Sanford door prize drawing concluded the meeting and 50 folks enjoyed lunch at 1245 hours.

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
November 9, 2023

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 1145 hours in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club November 9, 2023. Joe Bouffiou led the Pledge of Allegiance and Taylor asked all to remain standing for a moment remembrance for:

  • Duane Christensen #2142 passing on November 4th at 84 years of age.
  • Garry Arnold #2929 passing on October 27th at 79 years of age.
  • William “Wild Bill” Richardson #4688 passing October 17th at 75 years of age.

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

Nominations for RSPOA board member positions are now open. Current members have indicated they will remain committed. Should anyone wish to enter their name for consideration for any position, contact election chairman John Guich. The election results will be posted at the December meeting.

The minutes of the October 12 meeting have been distributed for review and will be discussed at the December meeting.
Jan Brandes from the pension office reported the Medicare enrollment opening period has been repeatedly advertised in the media and suggested members should consult with the pension office before making any changes. 

Myrle Carner reported the RSPOA is organizing a fund-raising event for Dave Reichert’s campaign for Washington Governor scheduled for April 9th in the Ball Room at the Nile. Anyone wishing to become involved should contact his campaign headquarters. Jim Fuda from Crime Stoppers and former K.C. Sheriff working during Dave Reichert’s 33-year career in law enforcement introduced Dave as guest speaker. Former King County Sheriff and U.S. Congressman,

Dave Reichert thanked everyone for the opportunity to describe his intensions as the first Republican governor in over 40 years. He touched on several topics ranging from excessive taxes, criminal reform, homelessness/mental issues, abortion, etc. He responded to several questions from the audience with positive results. President Taylor thanked Dave and awarded him a RSPOA badge with loud approval from the 84 folks present.

Joe Sanford/John Guich conducted the door prize drawing and there being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1230 hours. Buffet lunch was ready for all to enjoy.

Nick Bulpin, Secretary

RETIRED SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
December 14, 2023

President Taylor called the meeting to order in the Red Room of the Nile Country Club at 1145 hours December 14, 2023. Mike Crist led the Pledge of Allegiance and Taylor asked all to remain standing for a moment of remembrance for Gary Veatch #2314 passing December 10th at 84 years and Floyd Walker #3239 passing December 10th at 81 years.

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

Taylor directed attention to the minutes of the November meeting that have been distributed and asked for corrections or additions. Joe Bouffiou moved the minutes be accepted as written with Rich O’Neill’s second and passed.

Rich O’Neill reported the SPAA Pavilion has been reserved for the 80th Retired Officers Banquet scheduled for Saturday September 14th noting the day will be easier rush-hour traffic wise. Myrle Carner directed attention to brochures on tables announcing the Dave Reichert fund raiser scheduled for April 9th in Nile Ball room from 10 to noon and table captains are needed. Pepper Prahmus announced there will be a hosted Christmas RAP meeting/lunch next Thursday and all are invited to attend.

President Taylor reported the RSPOA board has met, and recommended dues increase to $10.00 per month is needed to meet obligations. Joe Bouffiou moved for membership approval of the increase in keeping with RSPOA by-laws. George Basely seconded the motion and Taylor opened the floor for discussion. Nick Bulpin gave the current financial report and noted the current assets were $19,000 less than the first of January this year. Much discussion followed with possibly the $10.per month was not enough. Consensus showed the increase is the first since 2011 and would be adequate to meet current inflationary costs. Dues increase vote was held and passed with unanimous vote by all members present.

President Taylor reported the present board members have indicated they will continue service on the RSPOA Board. There were no applicants for election for any position. Mike Crist moved the current board be retained for a two-year term. The present board members will be retained by acclimation.

President Taylor asked John Guich and Joe Sanford to conduct the door prize raffle and then adjourned the meeting at 1245 hours. 47 folks then enjoyed buffet lunch.

Nick Bulpin , Secretary

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