April 2007 Newsletter

The

Hispanic Pulse

April 21, 2007

Hispanic Police Officers Association

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT It has been another exciting month running our organization and watching the rapid growth, as well as the involvement from our members. Everyday, I am receiving new applications and police officers asking what the HPOA is about and how can they become members. With the deepest joy, I tell you that I am seeing Bill Hernandez an excitement in our organization that I have never seen while serving as a board member. Our organization is about to surpass 1,200 members and best of all we are receiving phone calls and e-mails from our members who are asking what they can do to be more involved. This is one of the reasons we are going back to having HPOA Representatives throughout the department (read Message from the Sergeant at Arms for more detail.) Members have been coming up with great ideas and we need help implementing these ideas, as well as: chairing events, represent the HPOA and functions, dinners, pass out flyers, informing our new police officers what we are about, show members how to locate us on the web, sign up new members, and just answer basic question. So join us in making a difference. Last month I wrote about our organization purchasing its first location in its 28 year history. Well the goal has been achieved. The organization is the proud owner of a property located at 1470 NW 107 Avenue, Suite P, Doral, Florida. We will be moving out of the office space we have been renting on Saturday, April 28th. That is when the work begins. I am asking for a few members to give a couple hours of their Saturday morning and help the board move the office and take a trip to the dump. If we get a good size response, I do not foresee this taking very long. So please call any of the board members or e-mail them if you want to be part of this historic day. Another point of interest deals with preliminary discussions with the City of Miami's Hispanic Police Officers Association and the prospects of creating a new Chapter Membership throughout the county. This would enable all organizations to have one voice on issues of mutual concern. These discussions are still in their infancy and there are many logistical issues to review. But we will keep you posted on our progress. I informed our membership last month that I wanted our organization to grow and succeed and the only way to do this was by creating a road map. I am a true believer in creating short term and long terms goals and the only way to do this is by knowing what the membership wants. I ask what you liked most about the HPOA and these were your responses:

Hispanic Police Officer's Association 1470 N.W. 107th Avenue Suite P Doral, Florida 33172 Phone 305.594.1173 Email: [email protected] The Hispanic Pulse We are on the Web: www.hpoadade.org

We are available 24 Hours HPOA HOTLINE

(786) 924-0100 Association Attorney's Mark Seiden Tim Martin Toby Soto Joel Kaplan Larry Ploucha

The way we help our members with the promotional process The events that we put on (Valentine's Day Dance, Christmas party, etc.) The Domino Tournaments

Though the responses are valuable, I want our members to know that we are more than a social club. Our organization contributes in so many ways to the department and the community we live. So get involved, get informed, and be proud of what your organization is doing for you, your department, and your community.

Al Milian Next meeting: Will be held at the Doral Park Country Club at 7:30pm on Monday April 30, 2007. All memebers are welcome to attend.

MESSAGE FROM THE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

MESSAGE FROM THE 2nd VICE PRESIDENT Help Make a Dream Come True This year's first HPOA domino tournament and perhaps one of the most significant ones we Jose Gonzalez have ever held will take place this month. In the past, our domino tournaments have been organized for such things as our scholarship fund and the last one to benefit the daughter of fallen Officer Armando Bello. Benefits raised from this tournament will help Officer Patrick "Pat" Pedraja and his 11-year-old son, who is battling Leukemia. Monies raised will go to make Pat's dream "Driving for Donors" come true. Driving for Donors will be the first law enforcement marrow donor drive through 25 major cities in the United States in hope of adding more possible donors, specifically minorities to the National Bone Marrow Registry. So come out and join us on Thursday, April 26, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. at the Doral Park, located at 5001 NW 104 Court. Entry fee is $10.00 per player. Like always, we will have an open bar throughout the evening, plenty of food, hand rolled cigars, and raffle prizes. This event will be open to members and anyone who wants to be a part of this special dream. Please call Joe Gonzalez at 305-970-5273, Carlos Arguelles at 305-979-8414, or Hiram Rodriguez. If you still have not received your HPOA guayabera or want to purchase another, they will be available on Thursday, April 26th at the Domino Tournament. Hurry as supplies and colors are limited.

Additional Messages from your board Liga Contra El Cancer "League Against Cancer" Annual Telethon 2007: Annually, the LAC conducts a telethon in order to raising funds to continue this noble cause. As such, the HPOA has devotedly participated in this function. This year; the telethon will take place on Sunday, June 3rd, 2007, at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo Center (11201 SW 24 Street/Tamiami Park), during the hours of 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. At present, we have over twenty -five volunteers who will donate their time to provide security presence during the event. This is on a voluntary basis and, short of doing a good thing for others; no compensation will be received by those who elected to participate. Any one interested in being part of the team may contact Alex Alfonso at [email protected], Eric Garcia at [email protected], and Bill Hernandez at [email protected]. Your help is not only wanted, but it is greatly needed to make a difference. To find out more about the LAC, visit http://ligacontraelcancer.org . Thursday, May 3, 2007, 7 p.m. - Mark your calendar for the Law Enforcement Memorial, which will be held at the new memorial site in the center of Tropical Park, south of the stadium. We hope you will join us in offering our condolences to family, friends and colleagues of the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while in the performance of their duties.

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The Association is currently in the planning stages for the upcoming Sergeant's Assessment Center Training Conference. In order to prepare Hiram Rodriguez our members, the board is planning to interview numerous instructors and review their materials to ensure that the Association receives the most current information available. As in the past, the training conference will prepare our members for the badge and in-basket. The Association needs your help. On Saturday, April 28, 2007, the move to the new office will take place. We are looking for anyone with pick-up trucks, vans, SUV's, etc., that will be available to assist us in the move. Please contact me at (305) 525-1101 or Joe Gonzalez at (305) 970-5273 for further information

MESSAGE FROM THE TREASURER Morgan Stanley Presents, "Managing Retirement Risk" Morgan Stanley is currently managing the Hispanic Police Officers Associations cash management accounts. And as members of our organization, Morgan Stanley will help with your retirement planning needs. At this monthly meeting, Monday, April 30th, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, James Enea, and Wealth Advisor, Peter Howard will be offering a free seminar to our members. This is a seminar that is only offered to our members and their spouse. So take advantage of this and retire the way you want to. E-mail me if you have any questions at [email protected] Arnold Palmer

Last month the HPOA contributed to the following notable charitable events: Southeast Police Rodeo The American Cancer Society DEA Enrique Camarena Golf Tournament National Telecommunications Week

President Bill Hernandez [email protected] First Vice- President Hiram Rodriguez [email protected] Second Vice-President Jose R. Gonzalez [email protected]

Secretary Eric Garcia [email protected] Treasurer Arnold Palmer [email protected] Sergeant At Arms Alex Alfonso [email protected]

The Hispanic Pulse

MESSAGE FROM THE SERGEANT AT ARMS We are searching for volunteers. One of the major complaints that we have heard over and over again, is that Alex Alfonso members have a hard time getting information about organization events and news. We have come a long way updating our website, primarily through the efforts of Bill and Eric, but sometimes that is not enough. We are asking for members, ideally two from each locations of assignment within the department, to volunteer to become HPOA District Representatives. These representatives would be required to attend monthly meetings and disseminate pertinent information back to the rest of the members of their respective assignments. It is our hope that this would encourage member participation and make this organization better for all of us. Anyone interested may contact Alex Alfonso at [email protected], Eric Garcia at [email protected], and Bill Hernandez at [email protected]. Remember without you we have no organization. Promotional Examinations: As most of you know, the Promotional Examination Review has already begun. For those who do not know, there are five more sessions still remaining. The next one will be held on Tuesday, April 24th in the Headquarters Cafetorium and it is open for any member that is in good standing. It is not too late. From what we have seen, the turn out has been promising. However, why do I bring this up? Our worst enemy is complacency. Many members get complacent and express no genuine interest in getting promoted beyond their current level. Everyone has their reasons. For those of you who are planning to take the next step, these are some questions and answers you may want to ask: Is it more responsibility being a supervisor? Yes. Is it an aggravation to be a supervisor? Sometimes. Will it line my pockets with more money? Not necessarily. One thing that we must be cognoscente of is that we are the future leaders of this department. This department is on verge of many changes and obstacles that it has never faced before. Be it incorporations, severe budget cuts, Active Strategy Enterprise reporting, politics or the news media. We do not only have to endure these issues but overcome them. How do we overcome these obstacles you may ask? It all starts with each and every one of you picking up those books, dusting them off, studying and passing that promotional exam. By doing that, it will put you one step closer to being able to actively get involved with these issues and help develop solutions. Once you've started, don't stop there. If you haven't finished getting your college degree or if you haven't even started, get to it. One class per semester is far better than no classes at all. Not only will it help you get a pay increase, but it will make you a better rounded individual. Basically, you can either sit on the bleachers or you can get into the playing field. But if you sit it out, don't complain when you don't like the way things are going. All of the members of this organization are all committed to helping you in this promotional endeavor. The rest is up to you. Don't be complacent.

The Hispanic Pulse

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY Join Our E-mail List

Eric Garcia

In a little less than 2 months, the colorful and informative website of the HPOA has recorded over 16,000 hits. The site has become an effective tool to express our opinions and to update our membership about our successes and to keep them informed about current issues.

The HPOA is making maximum use of its website to seek input from members who belong to the email list. Most recently, we sent out emails via the email list announcing the upcoming Domino Tournament and requesting volunteers for the Liga Contra El Cancer Telethon. Our email list allows us to send information or an inquiry to our members and compile that input. This email list is not used or sold for any commercial purpose. I encourage you to join this email list if you have access to email. You may do so through our web site at www.hpoadade.org (just go to the bottom left of the home page and click on the "sign up for our mailing list" button). Or email [email protected] and ask to be added to the list. Internet Safety Presentation Allowing kids to go online without supervision or ground rules is like allowing them to explore downtown Miami by themselves. The Internet, like a city, offers an enormous array of entertainment and educational resources but also presents some risks. Kids need help navigating this world. On May 30th the HPOA will be hosting an Internet Safety presentation which will be presented by the Sexual Crimes Bureau, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. The presentation will inform parents on Internet Safety, computers, chat rooms, and social networking sites such as Myspace. I strongly urge all members, along with their spouses, to attend and learn how to keep the children and teens in your life safer both on and offline. So take advantage of what your organization is offering for the safety of your children.

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Morgan Stanley Presents: “Managing Retirement Risk” Did you know Morgan Stanley is currently managing the Hispanic Police Officers Associations Cash Management accounts? As members of the association, Morgan Stanley is here to help you with your retirement planning needs! Who:

James Enea Financial Advisor (305)347-6748

Peter W. Howard, SVP Wealth Advisor (305)347-6724

What: Free Dinner and Presentation on “Managing Investment Risk” Where: Doral Park Country Club, 5001 NW 104th Ave, Doral, Florida 33178 When: April 30, 2007 (At the Monthly Association Meeting) How:

Please RSVP to Morgan Stanley by calling Carmen Drake at (305) 347-6751

This seminar is offered solely by Morgan Stanley DW, Inc. and is neither endorsed nor co-sponsored by Hispanic Police Officers Association Investments and services are offered through Morgan Stanley DW Inc., member SIPC

Hispanic Police Officer Association

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

1470 NW 107 Avenue Unit, P Doral, Florida 33172

PAID MIAMI, FL. PERMIT NO 1655