On March 9, in the midst of a tough legislative

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1 the official publication of the broward county police benevolent association The Broward Centurion bcpba.org Volume 12, Issue 4 Officer Down Memorial Dedicated At Capitol Statue commissioned by PBA On March 9, in the midst of a tough legislative session, a large group gathered in front of the Old Capitol Building in Tallahassee to dedicate a very special statue honoring Florida s fallen heroes. The ceremony took place on the steps of Florida s historic Old Capitol and was attended by hundreds of officers, survivors and friends. Governor Charlie Crist spoke about our collective debt to officers who gave their lives in service to the public. Today, in unveiling this memorial, we especially honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Our hearts and eternal gratitude go out to these officers and their loved ones, he said. Officer Down depicts a police officer on the ground while a fellow officer kneels beside him reaching for her radio. The piece resides in the Capitol Plaza, the site of the annual state law enforcement memorial ceremony and was commissioned by the Florida, Dade, Broward and Palm Beach PBAs. Also included in the memorial are time capsules that include Roll Calls of Honor from across the state: letters and mementos from friends, coworkers and loved ones of officers killed in the line of duty. Officer Down Officer Down was created by Michael Jernigan, a Tallahassee sculptor, who added some interesting details to the piece. The officer on the ground has no wounds and his gun is holstered this symbolizes hope, according to the artist. Also included are a few mentions of the PBA and the dedication date, which is carved into the officer s watch. The female officer is looking at the nearby monument engraved with the names of fallen officers while making the officer down call. In addition to members of the Florida PBA and its charters and chapters around the state, Governor Charlie Crist and other top state officials attended the dedication. Public safety is the first duty of government, he said. This memorial will forever be a reminder of the ultimate sacrifices paid by your loved ones. A replica of the statue is on display in the lobby of the Broward County PBA office. Sources: The Tallahassee Democrat/Tallahassee.com and the Florida PBA Capitol Report continued on page 4 In this issue... Memorial Dedication... 4 PBA Honors Dick Brickman... 7 Legislative Affairs... 9 What s Up? Letters & Thanks Lazaro Mesa Returns To Work... 15

2 The Broward Centurion The Official Publication of the Broward County PBA (A Charter of the Florida PBA) 2650 West State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, Florida Telephone: 954/ Fax: 954/ Megan Gordon, Editor The Broward Centurion is published by the Broward County Police Benevolent Association for the sole benefit of its members. The Broward Centurion is dedicated to the advancement of the law enforcement profession through better and stronger community relations. The opinions expressed in the publication of The Broward Centurion are not necessarily those of the Broward County PBA, its Executive Board or the Board of Directors. Members or readers submitting letters to the editor or articles for publication are requested to adhere to the following: Submissions should be sent to: Broward County PBA Attn: Centurion 2650 West State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, Florida Letters or articles must be accompanied by the writer s true name and address. All articles submitted for publication must be accompanied by a statement giving permission to publish. All submissions must be legible. The Broward County PBA reserves the right of the Executive Board or Editor to amend or to add an editor s comment to any article or letter submitted. Advertisement in this publication does not imply endorsement by the Broward County PBA unless otherwise specified. President s Letter On March 9th, the PBA s Officer Down Memorial statue was unveiled. The memorial is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices every member of the law enforcement community willingly and proudly makes for the safety of the public. It honors the men and women of law enforcement and pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I had the privilege and honor to stand on the steps of Florida s historic Old Capitol for the ceremony and was able to look upon the faces of the crowd of officers, survivors, legislators, families and friends that had gathered for this event. But it was the faces of the survivors that affected me most, watching them as they obviously were remembering their loved ones. After the ceremony was over, I was talking to the sculptor, Michael Jernigan, as several of the survivors approached him. They all thanked him for his outstanding work and asked him about the memorial. Mr. Jernigan said that it portrayed more than a dying officer on the ground while his partner makes the call for help. He may be injured or in trouble in some way, he may be dying but we don t know that. His vision is one of hope. It not only portrays the officer who may live or die, but also the first person on the scene and their trauma. Not just calling for help, but offering comfort while waiting for help to come. As I started walking away, one of the survivors quickly approached the artist. Her emotions were obvious. She hugged him and said, That s me and my husband! Thank you to each and every one of you and your families for your sacrifices, your hard work and the risks you take. There is an honor and distinction that comes from wearing the badge. Be safe. Pat Hanrahan 2

3 Executive Board Senior Vice President Jeff Marano Vice President Neil Vaughan Board of Directors BSO (Support) Paul Weiss BSO At Large (LE) Jonathan Bailen Michael Joseph Catalano Ronnie DeAngelo Armando Enrique Robert Lahiff Jay Leiner Jim Pendergast Rich Pisanti Jeff Poole BSO District (LE) Craig Bachan Michael John Catalano Joseph Capua Kreg Costa Kelli Covet James Demato Ian Doriot Rich Engels Pete Geary Tom McPartland Dean Mirra Robert Petoskey Al Rodriguez James Snell Osvaldo Tianga Jerry Vosburgh Eric Weiner BSO (Lts) Andy Dunbar Broward Schools Investigative Unit Gary Rowe Bobby Spence - Alt. Coconut Creek Dan Eberly Jason Kohlhorst Coconut Creek (Sgts) Curt Cuddeback President Patrick Hanrahan General Counsel Barbara Duffy Assistant General Counsel Claudia I. Estrada Immediate Past President Dick Brickman Treasurer Debbie Reggio Secretary Rodney Skirvin Hallandale Beach Gary McVey Michel Michel Alex Vera Ralph Matias - Alt. Hillsboro Beach David Clark Hollywood Steven Bolger Chris Christianson Billy Ferguson Keith Wadsworth John Brasso - Alt. Lighthouse Point Daniel James Laura Tyler Margate (Spvrs) Andy Zettek Miramar Wayne Dunlap Marc Greenstein George Mankowski Ro Durney - Alt. Adam Lerner - Alt. Pembroke Pines Andrew Brooks Adam Feiner Al Xiques Sea Ranch Lakes James O Brien Mike Tarr - Alt. Sunrise John Jaslowski Sunrise (Lts) Roger Torres Wilton Manors Shawn Chadwick Grant Gundle Chuck Howard bcpba.org Viveky N. Barrios Tracey L. Cabal Jody C. Certain Reginald Cleophat Christopher Manekas Eric D. Strzalkowski Reinstated Munib M. Ahmed Marcella DiPietro Douglas E. Lashbrook Retired Linda Furnell Terrance M. Burnke Tim Nicholls Office Staff Welcome New Members Miramar P.D. BSO Seminole P.D. BSO BSO BSO BSO BSO BSO Hallandale Beach Miramar Hollywood Charter Secretary Linda Receptionist/Membership Lynn Secretary/Detail Coordinator Kim Legal Assistant Maryann Communications Director Megan Information Technology Chris 3

4 Memorial Dedication (continued from page 1) President Rivera addresses the crowd Memorial inscription Memorial Is Accessible To All Floridians The Officer Down memorial has a unique feature, one that sets it apart from all others on the Capitol grounds: It s accessible to the blind. With the help of the Florida Divison of Blind Services, sculptor Michael Jernigan added a smaller version of the statue along with a three-foot stand containing a Braille inscription. This will allow those who are visually impared to see the statue by feeling it and to read the inscription. 4

5 Thanks to these guests for their support and participation in the dedication ceremony: Governor Charlie Crist Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson Senate President Jeff Atwater Senator Victor Crist Representative Will Snyder There is absolutely nothing more important than protecting our people and our communities. Florida s law enforcement, correctional and correctional probation officers are among the finest in the nation, and each day they willingly service their communities through courageous acts. The dedication of the Florida PBA s Officer Down memorial is a tribute and reminder of the selfless courage that each officer embodies when he or she pins on the badge. On behalf of all Floridians, we thank them. Governor Charlie Crist Floridians are protected by some of this nation s bravest law enforcement officers, correctional and correctional probation. The PBA s Officer Down memorial honors the commitment and valor of every officer serving across the State of Florida. Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp am honored to have sponsored legislation supporting the creation of I the Florida PBA s Officer Down memorial. This memorial honors the bravery of law enforcement, correctional and correctional probation officers who bravely serve and protect communities across our State. Senator Victor Crist, Senate resolution sponsor Our law enforcement and corrections heroes serve day in and day out, facing unknown danger with every call for service they answer. These officers serve Florida s citizens proudly and with a commitment that is second to none. As a sponsor of the legislation supporting the creation of the PBA s Officer Down memorial, it is my hope that this memorial will remind every person of the risk our officers face every day while serving and protecting our communities. Representative William D. Snyder, House resolution sponsor continued on page 6 The memorial represents that moment in time when a fellow officer has called in officer down and then looks up to see the names of the other fallen officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of protecting the public. God bless the family and friends of these heroes. May this sculptural enhancement bring some comfort to you for your loss and a realization that we, the public, have not forgotten them or you. Michael Jernigan, sculptor bcpba.org 5

6 Memorial Dedication (continued from page 5) Left: PBA President John Rivera and Governor Crist unveil Officer Down. Above: Statue detail Right: The memorial The Broward PBA Executive Board attended the dedication. President Rivera and the sculptor, Michael Jernigan. 6

7 The PBA Honors Dick Brickman Dick, Linda, and his daughters, sons-in-law and his three grandchildren, who he can now spend more time with. Judge Geoffrey Cohen presenting Dick with a Proclamation from the Broward County Commission designating February 27, 2009 as Dick Brickman Appreciation Day. Chief Chad Wagner presenting Dick with a plaque thanking him for all that he has done for the Hollywood police department. The BSO reps. Who gave Dick a gift and a thank you for the work he has done with BSO. Steve Bias (L), the first Broward PBA president and Chuck McDonald, the first Sec/Treasurer, with Dick. Broward County PBA s Life Members, left to right: Chuck McDonald, Bill Mulcahey, Dick Brickman, George Covet, Mike Casey and Steve Bias The Broward PBA executive board presenting Dick with a plaque thanking him for his 29 years of leadership. bcpba.org 7

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9 Legislative Affairs Dear Members, The PBA, yet again, made a significant difference in the outcome of the elections held on March 10. Thanks to the hard work of our membership, ten out of the twelve candidates we endorsed prevailed. One of the most heated races took place in Coconut Creek; Colleen LaPlant attempted to oust incumbent Commissioner and PBA ally Lisa Aronson. Colleen s last campaign piece falsely claimed that she was endorsed by the Broward County PBA. She said that it was an inadvertent error and that the old flyer was mailed as opposed to the new flyer, as we had endorsed her in the previous election. When the PBA requested an immediate retraction, she said she would provide one, however, she was busy and it was not a priority. Had we received a simple apology and immediate retraction, we would have moved past it, but because our endorsement is a priority to us and because of Colleen s dismissive attitude, we were forced to go on the offensive. Pat Hanrahan worked with Commissioner Lisa Aronson s campaign and sent an automated telephone message to the voters clarifying the false endorsement claim. Additionally, he filed a complaint with the state so that the false claim would be documented in the event we need them for future campaigns. The PBA was also successful in electing Mikkie Belvedere, unseating an incumbent Coconut Creek Commissioner. Thanks to our members hard work, they now have a solid majority of the Commission on their side. Although Coconut Creek had a significant number of members who assisted in the election, I would be remiss if I did not specifically thank PBA Executive Board Member Rod Skirvin along with Larry Christopher, Jason Kohlhorst and Dan Eberly for their notable contribution to the campaigns. As usual, the PBA membership stepped up and played a major role in electing PBA-endorsed candidates. I would like to thank the following members who gave up their valuable time for a greater cause. Their hard work will reap rewards. Coconut Creek Larry Christopher Anthony Avello Scott Tabel Ralph Capone Tim Bradshaw Jenna Buckley Walter Depietto Darren Karp Jason Kohlhorst Dan Noordeloos John Leonard James Yacobellis Curt Cuddeback Mike Zombek Dan Eberly Leslie Eberly Fred Shelton Josh Bailey Steve Daniello Dominic Papa Anthony Mancuso Louis Klockziem Ryan Marken Joe Barretto Pete Lombardo Kevin Valade Edwin Almanazar Dave Freeman Joe Fariello Carl Diblasi Brandi Delvecchio Joseph Jahrsdoerfer Shana Conley Officer Lauthe Rodney Skirvin Dominic Coppolla Brian Mullin Larry Scates Andy Zettek (Margate PD) Hillsboro Beach Dave Clark Miramar George Mankowski Marc Greenstein Rosemary Durney Adam Lerner Wayne Dunlap Jonathan Black Eloy Gonzalez Ryan Shimpeno Edel Esponda Oscar Mendoza Michael Herrera Lesley Ritchie Jason Chen Bill Trimpler Gil Bueno Jason Brooks Yessenia Diaz Natasha Richardson Explorer Daniel Price Sunrise Roger Torres Bob Dorn In addition, I would like to express my gratitude to President Pat Hanrahan and Miramar PBA representatives George Mankowski, Adam Lerner and Marc Greenstein for their hard work and leadership during these campaigns. In Solidarity, Neil Vaughan Vice President bcpba.org 9

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11 What s Up? Births Sunrise officer Ernie Aguado and his girlfriend, Sunrise firefighter Rena Serrara, welcomed Ernesto Charles Aguado on February 15. Ernesto weighed in at 7 lbs., 5 oz. Dominic Zjawin BSO deputy Jeffrey Zjawin and Stephanie Ruebottom had a son, Dominic Joseph Zjawin on March 3. Dominic weighed in at 9 lbs., 15 oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long. Hollywood officer Isaiah Pitts and his wife, Diane, are the proud paretns of new daughter, Lyndsey Madyson. Lyndsey was born on February 26 and weighed in at 5 lbs., 3 oz. and 18 inches long. Sunrise lieutenant Anthony Rosa and his wife, Jessica, welcomed their third child on February 12. Sarah Joanne weighted in at 5 lbs., 3 oz. big sisters Emily and Anna were excited to meet their new sister. Congratulations to everyone! Book Your Next Event At The PBA Hall Weddings Birthdays Reunions Retirements Special Rates For PBA Members For reservations, call SW 26th Terrace Dania Beach (behind the PBA office) Hollywood Announces Officer Of The Year For 2008 Congratulations to Hollywood detective Ernie Candelmo for being chosen as Officer of the Year for Ernie was recognized at an Awards Presentation meeting on March 18. Office Space Available Hollywood Officer Of The Month, January 2009 Detective Matthew Goodnow was selected as Hollywood s Officer of the Month for January Matthew was recognized at an Awards Presentation meeting on March 18. The Broward County PBA has office space available in our building at 2650 West State Road 84 in Ft. Lauderdale. The space is 994 square feet; the rent is $14.00 per square ft + C.A.M. charges and state taxes. Anyone interested in renting the office should contact Linda at the PBA office, Congratulations! bcpba.org 11

12 Letters & Thanks 12

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14 Member Marketplace Your Ad Here Broward County PBA Members Only Contact for more information 14

15 Do You Know These Members? Here are some members we need updated addresses and phone numbers on. If you know one of them, please tell him/her to contact Lynn at the PBA at 954/ or via at: to update their contact information. Thank you for your help! Stonewall Jackson Jeff Gilbert BSO Miramar PD Are You Up To Date? To update your personal information, please contact the PBA office Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm at or stop by in person. Legal Update: Lazaro Mesa Returns To Work On February 26, five months after a jury found him not guilty in his criminal trial, Deputy Lazaro Mesa has been cleared by an arbitrator and has returned to work with back pay. Lazaro was wrongly accused of stomping Anthony Monaco into unconsciousness as he lay pinned to the ground by bouncers at JB s on the Beach in Deerfield in October of We wish to thank Attorney Al Milian, who represented Lazaro in the trial and arbitration, for his relentless determination and dedication to our members. Prepaid Legal Services For Broward PBA Members Michael Braverman, P.A West State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, FL / bcpba.org 15

16 Broward County PBA 2650 West State Road 84 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit #1677 Fort Lauderdale, FL 2009 Broward County PBA