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November 15, 2006 - Worcester County Sheriff Guy Glodis met earlier this month with New England PBA Executive Director Jerry Flynn and New England PBA Executive Vice President Bill Ryan to discuss a number of issues involving the unionized members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department, including the Worcester County Correction Officers’s Union, NEPBA Local 550 and the Worcester County Superior Officer’s Association, NEPBA Local 275.  These issues involved morale problems, security issues, contractual matters and potential personnel lay-offs.

The New England PBA, I.U.P.A., AFL-CIO told the High Sheriff of Worcester County, “Lay-offs are NOT an acceptable option for our our membership; while high paying political appointees remain on the payroll.”

Furthermore, Sheriff Glodis was told in NO uncertain terms, “We will NOT allow this administration to balance the budget off the backs of our union members.”

Today, the Sheriff laid-off over 25 members of his department and NONE were the unionized members of the New England PBA. We salute the Sheriff for fulfilling this promise and for his continued support in making labor-mnagement relations a major mission of his administration.

We also salute New England PBA Local 550 President Paul Salvadore and his Executive Board for their hard work and determination, as well as due diligence with respect to the issues facing their membership. We would also like to thank and commend the hard work and determination of Capt. Paul Quinn, who did not seek re-elect as President of the Worcester County Superior Officers’ Association,  NEPBA Local 275. Capt Quinn was a tremendous advocate for his membership and an extremely knowlegable representative who’s serve will be sorely missed.

We recognize this is NOT an end, but rather a beginning to the dialog with Sheriff Glodis and his administration to further enhance the needs of both the administration and the union. We also discussed a number of other issues with Sheriff Glodis and they are as follows:

The Sheriff also agreed that security and safety was of paramount concern to his administration and he would continue to work with the union on issues of mutual concern. He stated, Deputy Superintentdent Jeffrey  Turco would continue to meet with union leadership regarding institutional security problems and safety issues in order to facilitate a mutual understanding and to address concerns between labor and management.

Sheriff Glodis also agreed that the members of his department  were “GROSSLY UNDERPAID” and vowed to fight to increase wages for those who “perform the toughest job in America.”

We are optimistic that together we can fulfill these promises and as long as Sheriff Glodis continues to suppport the members of the New England PBA - we we will continue to support the Sheriff, but the proof is in the pudding. So far, the Sheriff has shown good faith and we applaud him for his efforts.

THE VERDICT HAS JUST BEEN ANNOUNCED OUT OF MANCHESTER, NH. MICHAEL ADDISON HAD BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER FOR THE OCTOBER 2006 KILLING OF MANCHESTER POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL BRIGGS.

The next phase will be Sentencing - the Jury will consider whether to sentence Addison to Death or Life in Prison. We will update as soon as details become available.

Our prayers, as always, are with Officer Briggs’ family.

New Hampshire - The New England PBA, I.U.P.A., AFL-CIO endorsed Jeanne Shaheen, the former NH Governor, in her bid to unseat Sen. John Sununo for the United States Senate. The former Governor was a friend of organized labor and was an advocate for public employees during her tenure as Governor. She as also been endorsed by the current Governor John Lynch, who sign “Michael’s Law” in memory of slain Manchester Police Officer Michael Briggs.

New England PBA Executive Director Jerry Flynn along with New Hampshire AFL-CIO President Mark McKenzie presented their “wholehearted” support behind Jeanne Shaheen and her effort to become the next Senator from the Granite State. 

New England PBA NH State Director Ron Scaccia called the endorsement “a major endorsement for a tremendous candidate” who believes in the same ideals we fight for every single day.

New England PBA NH Legislative Director Steve Arnold stated “Jeanne Shaheen will be a great US Senator and has always put the rights of the working class in the forefront”.

October 29, 2008 - The Vermont Labor Relations Board certified the New England PBA as the exclusive bargaining agent for the Springfield, Vermont Police Union, after their membership voted unanimously to join the fastest growing all exclusive law enforcement labor organization in New England. The City of Springfield is also the official home of “Homer Simpson” and NOW home to the 1st New England PBA local in the State of Vermont.

Union President Chris Norton cited the “great representation” the New England PBA has shown us with respect to our neighbors in Lebanon, NH and Hanover, NH.  He also cited the quality people associated with the New England PBA, including Regional Director Sean McArdle, Organizing Director Russ Taylor and General Counsel Diane Byrnes, Esq. who worked hard to ensure they received quality representation.

New England PBA Executive Director Jerry Flynn called the addition of the Springfield, VT Police Union, “A welcomed addition to our growing family of law enforcement professionals”.  Flynn also stated, “This is our 3rd state in three years and we will be expanding into two more states within New England before the end of the year.  New England PBA has become the premier law enforcement labor organization in the northeast and we are proud of our dedicated staff, our organization and the support we receive from I.U.P.A., AFL-CIO.

New England PBA President Bryan W. McMahon stated, “We are extremely proud to be representing the dedicated and professional men and women of the Springfield , VT  Police Union. This is another milestone for the New England PBA and we are very proud of our legal staff and organizing team for a job well done!

 IPBO/NAGE BECOMES UNION FOR “FLAGGERS”

Boston – Who says you can’t be all things to all people? Just ask the “Clown Prince of Labor” David J. Holway the alleged President of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) and the President of the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), which is the NEW Union that now represents the “FLAGGERS” employed by the Massachusetts Highway Department.  Just how hard did Holway and his IBPO lobbyist pal Ray McGrath fight for their members of the IBPO? Obviously NOT at very hard – since they now represent the “FLAGGERS” who are taking the work of the dedicated and hard working police officers across the commonwealth.

In fact, neither Holway nor McGrath were present at the public hearing by state officials to proclaim their lack support for Governor Deval Patrick’s foolhardy measure against police officers. The dynamic duo were among the missing as Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Robert  Haynes, Boston Police Patrolman’s Association President Tom Nee, MassCop President Hugh Cameron, International Police Union Association Vice President Jerry Flynn, joined New England PBA Legislative Director Paul Larkham who spoke so eloquently in opposition of FLAGGERS.  Even the Massachusetts Chiefs Association and the Major Cities Chief spokesman Chief Fred Ryan of Arlington, MA spoke against “FLAGGERS” – BUT NOT PRESIDENT HOLWAY!

Was Holway too busy cutting a deal with the state to represent the state employees who ultimately became the FLAGGERS? Or was he selling his dwindling IBPO police officers members down the drain in an attempt to save face with his NAGE state members who are going to be laid-off due to budget cuts? Whatever the case NAGE now represents the FLAGGERS who are taking our details and who were NEVER properly trained!

THE NEW ENGLAND PBA WILL BE TAKING THE APPROPRIATE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST NAGE AND THE COMMONWEALTH TO PUT THESE POLICE OFFICERS BACK ON THE STREETS.

Fellow NEPBA Members,

I asked for this to be posted so that everyone may help to support the Officers in Manchester, NH as they move forward during this difficult time. Any support you can give them would be much appreciated by all of us.

Thank You,
Rich Brabazon,
Executive VP, NEPBAPresident,
Portsmouth Patrolman’s Union NEPBA Local 11  

Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 7:45 AM

Subject: Addison (Briggs) Trial 

From Dave Connare, Manchester Police Patrolman’s Association President:

I am sending this E-mail out to alert all of you of the upcoming Michael Addison trial, the scumbag that cut down one of our own on October 2006.  Speaking for all of the Manchester Police Dept. we very much appreciate the overwhelming support and expressions of brotherhood that members of the Law Enforcement family extended to us throughout that difficult time.  We understand that the pain and anger of Mike’s death was not exclusive to the Manchester Police Dept.  The upcoming trial will reopen those wounds, but the inevitable justice will give us a small measure of satisfaction.

Recently I received a copy of the current combined defense/prosecution witness list. I also spoke with a party very involved in the case and learned that there are over a hundred Manchester policemen on that list, the majority of whom will never testify. There is a sequestration order in effect throughout the trial which in effect bans many of us from supporting Michael and his family. This is an obvious attempt to keep us out of the courtroom and influence the jury. We have also learned that there are organized efforts underway to fill the courtroom with Addison supporters and Death penalty opponents. Apparently there are studies documenting that this practice is effective.

On behalf of the Manchester Police Patrolmans’ association and the entire MPD, I appeal to all of you to make every possible effort to attend these proceedings. I’m sure many of you would have already been so inclined. But understand that it is now more important than ever. I can tell you that it means very much to the Briggs family when we all rally around them.

At this time the schedule is as follows:

Jury selection is on *September 22nd* and is expected to take *three
weeks*

After jury selection is the actual trial - referred to as the *Guilt
Phase*, which should take *about three weeks*.

After the Guilt phase is the *Eligibility Phase* (a hearing as to
whether or not the two elements were met to reach the death penalty
phase). This will be a *week or less*.

The *Penalty Phase* is the last phase and will determine death or life
w/out. The penalty phase will take *about four weeks*.
There will be live media coverage throughout all three phases. If
possible dress in civilian clothing. Prosecution is being cautious about
providing any appeal fodder. However, if you have to be in uniform it’s
ok.

Our intent is to have this e-mail reach as many officers as possible.
Please pass this along to assist. If you have any questions please
contact me at DCONNARE@MANCHESTERNH.GOV

Sept. 10, 2008 - A Norfolk Superior Court Jury found a 12 year veteran Police Officer and decorated war hero NOT GUILTY of all counts involving charges he assaulted a prisoner during an arrest last year. The 15 month horror show for 12 year veteran Holbrook Police Officer John P. Kearney is finally over and he is extremely grateful to the New England PBA and its stellar legal representation, which was provided by the Law firm of  Nolan Perroni & Harrington.

Patrolman John P. Kearney, 39, the former president of the Holbrook Police Patrolman’s Union, NEPBA Local 88 was indicted by a grand jury who issued four separate indictments against Officer Kearney: two charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, one charge of assault and battery, and one charge of filing a false police report.

The case against Kearney, who served with the Massachusetts Army National Guard in Afghanistan and Bosnia, as well as in New Orleans during the Hurricane Katrina crisis, was based on a videotape of his actions after he pulled the handcuffed prisoner out of a police cruiser and inside the Holbrook Public Safety Building, where the prisoner claims Kearney slamming him against a metal gun locker, kneeing him, slamming him against the wall, and then pepper-spraying him repeatedly where he fell.

The prisoner claimed “I wasn’t doing anything,” He also said. “The pepper spray burned a lot.”

During cross-examination New England PBA Attorney Gary Nolan froze the tape at one point and noted a pause by Kearney consistent with the prisoner’s refusal to get out of the cruiser. At another point, Nolan pointed out a move by Kearney consistent with his avoiding a kick aimed at him from inside the cruiser. The prisoner also refused Officer Kearney’s order to “get yourself out” or “get down on the ground” or that he “kept getting up…after being told not to.”

New England PBA Attorney Peter J. Perroni argued that Kearney’s actions were efforts to bring the prisoner under control and all were justified. Officer Keysha Mitchell testified that Kearney urged the prisoner to come “the easy way” and offered not to handcuff him in the house to avoid trauma to his daughter. Although the prisoner also testified that he did not provoke Kearney, but Mitchell and Officer James Morgan testified that after he was handcuffed, he tried to break free. During cross examination, Nolan noted that he also had concealed past convictions.

Attorney Nolan said the prisoner had been found guilty of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in May, 2007; receiving a stolen motor vehicle in 2006; assault and battery on a police officer in 2005; and uttering a false prescription in 2002. He finally admitted to the convictions.

Officer Kearney credited the New England PBA with providing him with “tremendous support” and “outstanding legal representation”.  He also stated,“I owe my career to Attorneys Gary Nolan and Peter Perroni, as well as the New England PBA.”

New England PBA Executive Director Jerry Flynn stated,“Officer Kearney is an outstanding police officer, a dedicated was hero and his prosecution is an shinning example of what is wrong with the judicial system. When a career criminal is treated like royalty and a decorated police officer is condemmed - something is wrong!” 

New England PBA Regional Director Sean McArdle concluded, “We are extremely happy for John and his family and we are extremely proud of the work our Attorney Gary Nolan & Peter Perroni did and the tremendous job they did for Officer Kearney!” 

In Memory of 

Andrew Ray

It is with tremendous sadness that we at the NEPBA announce the sudden passing of one of our own, Andrew L. Ray.  Andy was one of our founding members and was elected as our first Secretary-Treasurer. He also served as a dedicated member of the Tyngsborough Police Department for over fourteen years, including serving as their union president. He along with his long-time friend and former partner, John “Jack” Georges who died in the line of duty on May 8, 2007, were the HEART & SOUL of the Tyngsborough Police Union, NEPBA Local 8.

Andy died suddenly Friday morning of a heart condition at his home in Nashua, one day shy of his 45th birthday. As a founding member of our organization, Andy was a vital and intricate part of the New England Benevolent Association, Inc., I.U.P.A., AFL-CIO since it’s inception. He was and will continue to be the inspiration for those us who believe that together we can make a positive difference in the lives of working people and particularly those in law enforcement.  Andy Ray will always be remembered by the members of this organization for his gentle manner, his professionalism, wisdom and style, as well as his charming mannerism and devilish smile.

Andy is survived by his loving wife Michelle, with whom he celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary in June, as well as his daughter Jaime (23) and son Daniel (13). He is also survived by his parents Louis and Virginia (Souleotis) Ray who reside with them in Nashua.

Andy was a loyal union leader who labored tirelessly on behalf of working families, especially those members of the New England PBA, I.U.P.A., AFL-CIO he represented in the State of New Hampshire.  His allegiance and dedication to union issues could only be outdone by his commitment and devotion to his family.  He was a wonderful and loving husband, but he was a truly outstanding and committed father.

His daughter Jaime, was truly the apple of his eye and he could not have been more proud of his young son Daniel.  His admiration for Jaime’s work as a grade school teacher was something he spoke about in glowing terms and impressed upon her the same working class values he fought for everyday. Coaching Daniel’s baseball and football teams was one of Andy’s true passions and his devotion to his son was evident to everyone who knew them.  Andy’s devotion to his family was unwavering and their love for him was undying, Andy Ray was truly one of a kind!

We have set up a scholarship fund for Andy’s son Daniel to help with the cost of his schooling. We ask that ALL our Locals please make a SIGNIFICANT contribution.  The fund has been set up at the Lowell Five Bank, but checks can be mailed directly to the NEPBA Offices:

The Daniel L. Ray Scholarship Fund

Lowell Five Bank

c/o NEPBA

227 Chelmsford Street

Chelmsford, MA 01824

Andy’s Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

Tuesday, September 9, 2008   Wake

From 5pm-9pm at the Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex Street, Chelmsford, MA   978-251-4041

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 Funeral

10am from Dolan Funeral Home

11am Mass at Holy Trinity Hellenic Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell, MA.  

Burial in Tyngsboro Memorial Cemetary, Tyngsboro, MA immediately following.

The Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works will be holding a public hearing on the proposed regulations for the “Use of Road Flaggers and Police Details” on Monday, September 15, 2008 at 5:00PM. The hearing will be held at the:

State Transportation Building
2^nd Floor Conference Rooms 1, 2, and 3
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116

Information and updates regarding the hearing will be posted on the EOTPW website: http://www.eot.state.ma.us/

ALL MEMBERS ARE URGED TO ATTEND - If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

 Fraternally,

Paul Larkham, Legislative Director

New England PBA, I.U.P.A., AFL-CIO

e-mail:  plarkham@nepba.org

Office:  (978) 453-2500

August 18, 2008 - A high ranking member of the House of Representatives leadership team called the article being distributed by the International Brotherhood of Police Organizations (IBPO) and the International Brotherhood of Correction Officers(IBCO) regarding Police Details as “low class and without fact or merit”.  

Rep. David M. Nangle (D-Lowell) chastised the facts of the letter which attacked Senate Ways and Means Chairman Steven C. Panagiotakos (D-Lowell) and called the alleged author “gravely misinformed.”  Perhaps, this is why IBPO/SEIU lobbyist Ray McGrath and author of the “Propaganda Report” roams the hallways of the State Capitol - because he can’t get into the offices of those in leadership and it doesn’t appear that will change any time soon.

Yet, it was Rep. Thomas Golden (D-Lowell), Chairman on Bills in Third Reading, who called the New England PBA Leadership “Ahead of its time” on the issue of police details. He cited New England PBA President Bryan W. McMahon and New England PBA Executive Director Jerry Flynn and their work on the police contract in the City of Lowell as a “shinning example of what can be accomplished at the bargaining table by competent people during contract negotiations.”

New England PBA President McMahon and Executive Director Flynn negotiated contract language in the mid 90’s which only allows for local police officers to work details in the City of Lowell. They also had the foresight to add language which provided guarantee payment of the Quinn Bill Educational Incentive Program, in the event the Commonwealth eliminated or reduced their portion of the funding. 

Ironically, while the IBPO lobbyist was roaming the hallways and did nothing but criticize others - the New England PBA was negotiating with key members of the legislature in hopes of duplicating what they had already accomplished in the City of Lowell.  We find it almost laughable that they are just now telling their members to include such language in their CBA, the New England PBA has been doing that for years!