The 82nd Annual Retired Officer Banquet is scheduled for September (date to be determined) at the SPAA pavilion. Rich and Kevin O’Neill are preparing for another successful gathering like last year, with over 445 in attendance. The the banquet doors will open at 3pm and like last year, it will be held on a Saturday.
We have streamlined the reservations with an electronic reservation program. You can also pay electronically with the Zelle banking app, or you can mail a check.
More details will be published as the event planning continues.
I take this opportunity to look back at some of our history. The first Retired Banquet was held at the Town and Country Club in 1958. (Honor the Old Guys) was the focus of the gathering of Retired Officers and spouses/guests. Since that time, we have moved from several locations continuing the Annual Banquet. It was once held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, but we moved the banquet to a Saturday and heard positive feedback!
Highlights from the 2025 Banquet
(The 81st Annual Retired Officers’ Banquet)
Photos from the 2025 Banquet are available. Click here to view the photos.
You will find banquet photos for all banquets since 2008. Also you can order photos or you can download any photo and print it out yourself for free.
Not many traditions have gone on for 81 years, but the Seattle Police Retired Officers’ Banquet is one of them! Saturday, September 20, 2025 was the day and the sold-out crowd started lining up outside the SPAA Range Pavilion before the doors opened at 3pm. Once inside, the retired officers and their guests were greeted by Stephanie Coleman and her welcoming team! Each attendee was given a program and a name tag (which proved to be essential when you see someone that you worked with years ago.)
The pavilion was decked out floor to ceiling with elegant white draperies. The tables were covered with either a white or blue tablecloth. Each table had a “police motorcycle themed” centerpiece de-signed and donated by Marianna Matthews! Each table also had fresh flowers donated by one of the sponsors, Sunrise Senior Living. This year the banquet was saluting all those who ever served on the SPD Motorcycle Drill Team. A special memorabilia area was set up. It contained pictures and souvenirs from over the years dating back to the 1960’s. Around the room there were posters and full-sized board cutouts of officers. The bar was busy during the “happy hour” as people mingled around greeting each other, enjoying appetizers and looking at the posters and displays. In one corner was the Silent Auction, organized by Terri MacMillan. Guests had fun bidding on the 14 items.
Throughout the night, pictures of retired SPD officers were shown on the three huge screens so that everyone could see, regardless of where they were sitting. Just before 5 pm, the SPD Honor Guard marched on stage and presented the colors. Kathy Ness, wife of retired SPD motorcycle officer Cory Ness, did a stunning version of the National Anthem. The invocation came next and it was beautifully done by retired SPD Detective Tony Porter, who had served as a Navy Chaplain before joining SPD.
The emcee for the night, retired Officer Kevin O’Neill then introduced RSPOA President John Nordlund. As John took the stage, the presidential song, Hail to the Chief, played through the speakers, bringing a good laugh from the crowd. John welcomed everyone and then introduced the SPD Chief of Police, Shon Barnes who spoke briefly and thanked all those assembled for their many years of service. John also brought to the stage SPRA President, Detective Fran Smith. The banquet simply could not happen without the generous support of the Relief Association. Fran introduced Traci Speziale who handles all of the Relief condo reservations so well. The buffet line opened, and lowest serial numbers were called first. Seniority still counts for something! During dinner, guests were entertained by the sweet saxophone playing of retired SPD Sergeant, Alvin Little and the guitar songs from former SPD Officer and retired SFD Fire-fighter, Steve Olson. After dinner, the official program began with the introduction of VIPs which included Seattle City Council members Joy Hollingsworth and Bob Kettle. Former SPD Chief of Police and motorcycle drill team member, Harry Bailey, received a loud round of applause.
Retired Sgt. Verlin Judd was celebrating his 89th birthday and he had several tables of family and friends with him. The crowd of almost 500 sang Happy Birthday to Verlin! The solemn tradition of remembering all those officers who have passed since the last banquet was next. The crowd quieted down for the Last Ring ceremony. Each name was read and a single bell was rung as the picture of the person was shown on the big screens. A total of 45 officers were remembered.
The SPD Pipers then took the stage and played Amazing Grace as many tears were shed. The mood then took an upswing as all those who had retired since the last banquet were recognized and those present were given a RSPOA lapel pin.
Next up, there was a special salute to the Motorcycle Drill Team. The drill team’s main fundraiser over the years was their Talent Show, so the big screens displayed video clips of a few of the memorable acts over the years. From the 1980’s was “Diana Ross & The Supremes”, or John Bernasconi, Jerry Hicklin and Terry Terrell lip syncing in wigs and evening gowns. The crowd roared in laughter. Also from the 80’s was the Rapping Cops, Run SPD. Alvin Little and John Carlson rapped about their Tom-8 squad. Another clip was from 2014 with Nick Metz and the Temptations singing and dancing. Then there was Elvis of the 50’s (Rich O’Neill) and Elvis from the 70’s (Kevin O’Neill). The final clip was the one that always brought the house down and that was The Blues Brothers, John Bernasconi and Jerry Hicklin. The crowd laughed and enjoyed the old talent show clips. Next was a short documentary on the motorcycle drill team which featured parade maneuvers and current and former members talking about the history and the thrill of being on the team! All former Motorcycle members then came up on the stage for a group picture!
Next up was the Roll Call of Units where Kevin called out various units and asked those who served in that unit to stand up. Some were hilarious, “if you ever served as a food taster for the Chief, please stand up!” The always popular Salute to Veterans was next as the theme song from each branch of service was played and those who served stood for recognition. The fun awards were next.
Awards were given to Highest Serial Number in the room, Farthest Traveled (which went to retired Officer Mike Jongma from Choral Springs, Florida), and the lowest three serial numbers in the room.
| Gold | Silver | Bronze |
 |  |  |
| Lowest Serial Number went to Lt. Marty Spotanske, Serial #1534. He was hired January 1, 1954, and retired December 30, 1983. He received the Gold Medal and a $300 cash prize. | Second Lowest Serial Number went to Sgt. Mary Hallowell, Serial # 1656. She was hired August 22, 1955, and retired on September 17, 1986. She received the Silver Medal and a $200 cash prize. | Third Lowest Serial Number went to Sgt. Riley Brice, Serial #1826. He was hired December 11,1957 and retired on December 31, 1982. He received the Bronze Medal and a $100 cash prize. |
The last item for the night was the “Guich Door Prizes” and 19 people went home a little richer when their raffle ticket numbers were called! The bar stayed open and the music continued as many hung around and continued to mingle and enjoy the evening!
Photos from the 2024 Banquet are available. Click here to view the photos.
Mark Sigfrinius was our special guest at the 2024 banquet. Follow this link to view a video presented at the banquet.
You will also find a link to the Last Ring video from the banquet.
Chief Rahr attended the banquet. Following the event she sent an email to all of the active members of the department. We think she did a great job of detailing the importance of the RSPOA. We have posted her comments here.