Volume 80, No. 1 - Wisconsin Professional Police Association

The Official Publication of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association
What’s Inside?
The WPPA’s Efforts to Protect
All in Law Enforcement page 3
The Contract, an article by
WPPA Member Brian Austin
page 9
News from the Upper
Peninsula page 10
Calculating Net Effect of WRS
Contribution page 11
Retirement Age Update
page 11
The WRS Study: What You
Need to Know page 11
Victory In
OCONTO
COUNTY!
Arbitrator Says
Employers
Can’t Force WRS
Contributions
argued that the interests and welfare
of the public are best served when
well-trained officers are treated fairly,
and the arbitrator in this case agreed
with the WPPA’s assertion that if
the legislature had intended for law
enforcement officers to make a pension
contribution when they overhauled the
state’s collective bargaining laws, they
could have done so. The arbitrator, also
acknowledged that the new bargaining
laws do treat public safety employees
differently that other employees, but
she refused to allow the County to put
itself in the place of the legislature and
to demand of its officers that which the
Legislature did not seek.
Benefitting law enforcement officers all
across Wisconsin, the WPPA prevailed
in an arbitration case in Oconto County
in which the employer attempted to
force the deputies to pay the same
pension contribution as other public
employees without bargaining for it
in exchange. The WPPA successfully
In turning down the employer’s offer of
a one year contract in which the deputies
would be forced to pay 5.8% of their
wages into their pension on top of a
wage freeze, the deputies’ final offer of a
4% wage lift over two years was awarded.
Employers all across the state continue
to confront law enforcement unions
January 2012 • Vol. 80, No.1
with a variety of detrimental tactics
meant to impair their rights and ability
to negotiate fair wages and benefits.
Many employers have threatened to
use the arbitration process to impose
WRS contributions on our members.
Due to the WPPA’s victorious efforts
on behalf of its members in Oconto
County, other officers will be spared
what we now know to be an empty form
of intimidation.
The WPPA is currently pursuing a wide
variety of additional cases impacting
law enforcement officer rights and
benefits. Please be sure to read future
issues of your Wisconsin Police Journal
or check us out online at www.wppa.
com for updates on these important
developments to learn how they will
directly impact you. If not already a
member of the WPPA, contact us today
at 800-362-8838 to learn more about
how we can serve you.
DAILY NEEDS DIRECTORY
Governor Scott K. Walker
Concerns of Police Survivors
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen
Legislative Information
P.O. Box 7857, Madison, WI 53707-7857
608-266-1221, Fax 608-267-2779
Hotline 800-362-9472
Local 608-266-9960
Division of Law Enforcement Services
Purposes And Aims Of The
Wisconsin Police Journal
Crime Information Bureau
The Official Publication of the Wisconsin
Professional Police Association
P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707-7863, 608-266-1212
P.O. Box 7857, Madison, WI 53707-7857
608-266-7751, Fax 608-266-1656
P.O. Box 2718, Madison, WI 53701-2718
608-266-7314, Fax 608-267-1338
Training and Standards Bureau
P.O. Box 7070, Madison, WI 53707-7070
608-266-8800, Fax 608-266-7869
State Crime Laboratory-Madison
4626 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705-2156
608-266-2031, Fax 608-267-1303
State Crime Laboratory-Milwaukee
1578 South 11th St., Milwaukee, WI 53204-2860
414-382-7500, Fax 414-382-7507
State Crime Laboratory-Wausau
7100 W. Stewart Ave., Wausau, WI 54401-8410
715-845-8626, Fax 715-848-5833
Division of Criminal Investigation
Wisconsin Chapter 866-420-2500
The Wisconsin Police Journal is the voice of thousands of
WPPA members throughout Wisconsin and the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan. The Wisconsin Police Journal is
dedicated to the following principles:
• T
o disseminate important news and information affecting
the WPPA membership.
• T
o publicize the purposes, programs and public service
projects of the WPPA.
• T
o inform government officials and state legislators of the
problems and concerns of the membership.
• T
o inform the citizens of Wisconsin of the duties of the law
enforcement officer and to encourage public acceptance of,
and compliance with, the laws of the state.
Wisconsin Emergency Management
• T
o reflect the proper and deserved image of law enforcement
officers in order to help them perform their responsibilities
to provide security for all persons and protect the rights of
the individual regardless of race, creed or religion.
Department of Agriculture Trade and
Consumer Protection
• T
o defend and promote the integrity of the vast majority of
law enforcement officers who, at great personal sacrifice, are
devoting their lives and careers to the noble profession of
law enforcement.
P.O. Box 7857, Madison, WI 53707-7857
608-266-1671, Fax 608-267-2777
P.O. Box 7865, Madison, WI 53707-7865
608-242-3232, Fax 608-242-3247
Hotline 800-422-7128
Office of Crime Victim Services
P.O. Box 7951, Madison, WI 53707-7951, 608-264-9497
Driver License Records and Checking
4802 Sheboygan Ave., Madison, WI 53705, 608-266-2353
Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement
P.O. Box 8933, Madison, WI 53708-8933, 608-266-3969
Wisconsin Police Journal - 2
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
James L. Palmer, II
Executive Director
Comments and letters can be sent
to Executive Director Jim Palmer at
WPPA, 660 John Nolen Drive, Suite
300, Madison, WI 53713, or e-mail
at palmer@wppa.com.
The new laws dramatically diminishing
the labor and employment rights of
Wisconsin’s dedicated public employees
are having an enormous impact on
the ability of many public servants to
make ends meet. While public safety
employees were affected less than others,
police officers and fire fighters have
Wisconsin
January 2012 • Vol. 80, No. 1
OFFICERS
President – Dennis LeCaptain, Janesville
Vice President – James Schumitsch, West Allis
Treasurer – Kevin Sorenson, Portage County
Secretary – Terri Smoczyk, Oneida County
Sergeant at Arms – Timothy Fletcher, West Allis
DIRECTORS
Todd Ayers – Superior
John Baumgartner – Beloit
James Brigham – Dane County
Cord Buckner - Wausau
Michael Chinander – Eau Claire
Michael Doud – Waukesha County
Keith Fabianski – Oneida County Non-Protective
Scott Favour - Madison
Brian Fredericks – Waukesha County
Lisa Gerbig – Onalaska
John Hetland – Racine
Todd Hoover – Racine
Scott Jennings – Juneau County
Susan Krause – Madison
seen their right to bargain over their
health insurance stolen from them,
and employers all across the state are
using their ability to make unilateral
health insurance decisions to strongarm officers into paying a pension
contribution. The number of employers
who attempt these coercive tactics will
only grow in the year to come. Making
matters worse, local governments in
2012 will see a substantial $73 million
cut to the funding they receive from the
state. Wisconsin’s cities, villages, towns,
and counties will have to find new ways
to navigate a terribly difficult economic
environment while providing core
services like public safety with far less
money. Significant service reductions
across the state are expected.
Governor Scott Walker
and the Republican
legislature have made
their brand of reform
clear: they will cut your
funding, your services,
and when that’s not
enough, they will cut
your legs out from under
you and steal your rights.
Throughout this horrendously
challenging era, the WPPA has been
carrying the mantle for Wisconsin’s
labor community. We are waging battles
all across the state, in our courts and
before the Wisconsin Employment
Relations Commission. As explained
on page 1 of this issue, we recently won
a significant battle in Oconto County
in which the employer tried to use
arbitration to force their deputies to pay
a pension contribution. In addition to
a variety of current cases to determine
the extent to which health insurance can
be bargained under our new laws, the
WPPA is fighting many others as well,
and they will all Continue to Page 5
Professional Police Association
Dale Marsolek – Arcadia
Nichelle Nelson – Waukesha
Kurt Pierce – Dane County Sups.
David Raddatz – Fond du Lac
Robert Richardson – Dane County
Andrew Rosenow – La Crosse
Jeryl Vonderheid – Eau Claire
Jerold Vreeland – Retirees
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
James L. Palmer, II
GENERAL OPERATIONS OFFICE
660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713
608-273-3840; 800-362-8838; 608-273-3904 Fax
Web Site: www.wppa.com
Editor: Julie Neeley
Printing: American Printing, Madison
CORRESPONDENCE
Address all magazine editorial correspondence to:
WPPA, 660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison WI 53713.
POSTMASTER: send address changes to:
Wisconsin Police Journal
660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713
ABOUT THE WISCONSIN POLICE JOURNAL
The WISCONSIN POLICE JOURNAL (ISSN 10865187) Vol. 80, No. 1, is owned and published by the
Wisconsin Professional Police Association, 660 John Nolen
Dr., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713. The WISCONSIN
POLICE JOURNAL is published quarterly ( January, April,
July, and October) and is circulated to dues-paying members
of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. Members’
subscriptions are included in dues. For non-members, the
subscription price is $12 per year. Subscriptions will be
accepted only from bona fide law enforcement officers and
students enrolled in law enforcement.
COPYRIGHT & POSTAGE
Periodical Postage Paid at Madison, Wisconsin, and
additional mailing offices. Material contained herein shall
not be reproduced in any form without express advanced
written permission. Manuscripts and photos will not be
returned unless accompanied by an addressed, stamped
envelope.
Copyright© 2012 Wisconsin Professional Police Association
Wisconsin Police Journal - 3
MESSAGE
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Comments and letters can be sent
to President LeCaptain at WPPA,
660 John Nolen Drive, Suite 300,
Madison, WI 53713, or e-mail at
dlecaptain@wppa.com.
As eloquently explained in Jim Palmer’s
article, the legal battles the WPPA is
fighting, benefit every officer and public
employee in Wisconsin. In adopting
the WPPA’s annual budget for 2012,
your board of directors recognized
this dynamic and worked tirelessly to
address a substantial decline in revenue
as a result of the decrease in civilian
members, all the while ensuring that this
organization has the resources required
to protect our existing members’ rights.
The board imposed a wide variety of
significant and difficult cuts, including
those that directly impact the WPPA
staff that protect and promote you
and your families each and every day.
In short, the budget reflects the tough
economic climate confronting our
members while making sure the WPPA
can be there to serve your needs. This
was no easy task, and your board of
directors, consisting of officers from all
across Wisconsin, logged many hours
on your behalf to get this crucially
important job done. I am confident that
we were successful in this effort, and I
am very thankful for their commitment
and dedication.
Like you, I am anxious about the future.
While I know that my employer has the
upper hand at the bargaining table, I
also appreciate that my local association
and I are represented by the best labor
WE REMEMBER
union in Wisconsin. As evident in the
consistent arbitration victories we record
every year, the WPPA clearly has the
expertise and resources to protect me
and my job, and that kind of security
means a great deal. Other officers
around the state seem to be recognizing
that as well. Since Governor Walker’s
new bargaining laws went into effect,
more and more police unions have
joined the WPPA. They understand
that now, more than ever, is the time for
officers to band together to prevent our
rights from being eroded further, and to
get back that which was taken from so
many other invaluable public employees.
No organization in Wisconsin is
better-suited to lead this charge, and I
am proud and honored to be associated
with this organization and to see the
legacy that we will leave behind. It is
a legacy that stands not for what is
partisan, but for what is right and just.
That is our calling as public employees,
and I hope that you, as members of this
organization, will join me in answering
this call as we work to change the face of
our government and put our state back
on the track.
WILLIAM GUERIN
JERRY MCALLISTER,JR.
DEBRA GLESSING
Longtime WPPA
member and
past president,
William Guerin
passed away on
Sunday, October
30, 2011. He
was a veteran of
WWII ArmyAir Force. Bill was a West Allis police
officer for 35 years. He was president
of the WPPA from 1974 to 1976. Bill
was also the cofounder of the Wisconsin
Coalition of Annuitants.
Washburn
County Deputy
Jerry McAllister
passed away
on December
16, 2011. After
high school he
attended Law
Enforcement
Recruit School, graduating at the top of
his class. Jerry was extremely patient and
compassionate, even during challenging
situations. In 2005, Taser International,
Inc. awarded Jerry the John H. Cover
Medal for Non-Lethal Heroism for
choosing to use his taser rather than
deadly force.
Washburn
County Jailer/
Dispatcher Debra
Glessing passed
away on January
2, 2012. Debbie
was a medical
transcriptionist
and in 1991
joined the Washburn County Sheriff ’s
Department as a jailer/dispatcher. She
enjoyed traveling, fine arts, dancing and
gardening. Mostly she loved her family
and truly enjoyed spending time with
her grandchildren.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Bill’s
family and friends.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Jerry’s
family and friends.
Wisconsin Police Journal - 4
We extend our deepest sympathy to Debra’s
family and friends.
Executive Director’s Report Continued:
directly impact every law enforcement
officer in the state. More so than ever
before, the labor battles fought by the
cops will determine the bargaining
landscape for officers and non-officers
alike
In December, I was asked to go to
Washington, D.C. to meet with
senior White House staff to share the
Wisconsin experience of 2011. It is
increasingly clear that the nation has
turned its attention to this state, and
that they will watch how we endure
this difficult time with great interest. I
was proud to tell them how we stood
up for our members’ long-term interests
in opposing anti-union legislation, how
we stood collectively with our union
brethren, and how we will stand up and
fight to protect our members’ interests
and needs in every corner of our state.
Law enforcement officers know full
well that their remaining rights are ripe
for a further attack if something does
not change very soon. We have seen
Scott Walker grant millions of dollars
in tax breaks to corporations and the
wealthy while at the same time gut the
funding used to keep our communities
safe. He has done all of this as the
number of assaults on officers continue
to increase at an alarming rate. These
cuts will impact public safety and officer
safety, and law enforcement officers
cannot stand idly by and allow that to
happen. That is why officers from all
across the state stood with Wisconsin’s
labor community to participate in the
historic and massive rallies at our State
Capitol, and that is why the WPPA’s
membership has become more politically
active than during any other time in our
state’s history.
At present, a historic movement to recall
Governor Scott Walker has begun. There
is a huge grass-roots effort underway
to replace him with someone who will
protect and promote our state and the
dedicated men and women who serve
its citizens. In the last nine months, law
enforcement groups from all across the
United States have contacted the WPPA
to learn more about the state of affairs
in Wisconsin and how it will likely
affect them. In a fashion that is typical
amongst officers, many have asked
how they can help put an end to this
dangerous trend. Many people across the
country appreciate that if the domino
falls in Wisconsin, the likelihood that
they will be next will be exponentially
greater. By contrast, if the recall effort
of Scott Walker is successful, governors
around the country will do whatever
they can to avoid sharing a similar fate.
Police officers used to be safe from
political meddling and drastic cuts, but
it is clear that this is no longer true.
It has never been more crucial for our
law enforcement community to stand
together to preserve fair wages and
benefits, thus ensuring the quality of
life that our children deserve. Scott
Walker has millions of dollars pouring
in from the wealthy backers to whom he
panders. We must show them all that we
are stronger and that our collective voice
is louder!
Update Your Death Benefit Information!
When was the last time you updated your WPPA Authorization Form?
Have you married? Do you wish to change your beneficiary?
WPPA dues-paying members can update their Death Benefit Beneficiary
online at www.wppa.com under Resources. If you are unsure of who you have
listed as your beneficiary, please e-mail Lori McDougall, lmcdougall@wppa.
com. This form is for beneficiary changes only.
DATES TO REMEMBER
2012
March 17-18
WPPA Bowling Tournament, hosted
by Clark County Law Enforcement
Association
April 8-14
National Public Safety
Telecommunicators Week
May 5-7
The WPPA’s 80th Annual Convention,
Wisconsin Dells
May 6-12
National Correctional Officers Week
May 13-19
National Police Week
May 18
WPPA-Sponsored Law Enforcement
Breakfast, Olin Park, Madison
May 18
Wisconsin Law Enforcement
Memorial Ceremony, State Capitol
June 6-7
Law Enforcement Torch Run®
June 7-9
Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer
Games, Stevens Point
August 13
WPPA Golf Tournament, hosted
by Marshfield Professional Police
Association
September 9-11
35th Annual Police Musky Hunt,
Minocqua
Please Note: In observance of
national holidays, all WPPA Offices will
be closed on the following dates: May 28;
July 4; September 3; November 22–23;
December 24–25; January 1
If you have an emergency, please call 608273-3840, local or toll-free, 1.800-3628838 and tell the operator that you need to
be called immediately.
Wisconsin Police Journal - 5
SUCCESSFUL 25TH
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN® FOR THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WISCONSIN
Wisconsin Athlete Honored at
International Law Enforcement
Torch Run® Conference
The Law Enforcement Torch Run®
(LETR) for Special Olympics recently
celebrated it 25th Anniversary at the
2011 International LETR Conference
in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Wisconsin
received the Diamond Level of
Excellence Award, being one of 13
programs that raised more than $1
million in 2011. Wisconsin has the 6th
largest LETR Program in the world
raising $2,386,592 in 2011 and a grand
total of $19,270,049 since the LETR
began in Wisconsin in 1986!
Although Wisconsin’s fundraising
efforts are much to be celebrated, the
delegation was more pleased to see a
local athlete recognized as one of three
inaugural recipients of the LETR
International Executive Council Athlete
Award. Surely a seasoned veteran,
Martha Hill of Sheboygan, has been
involved with the organization for 17
years competing in swimming, bocce
ball, basketball, softball, tee ball, and
golf, all while developing as a leader
throughout Wisconsin and eventually
the world. She currently serves as the
athlete representative on the state and
international committees for the LETR.
Hill feels inspired and empowered by
the involvement of law enforcement
officers.
“They give from the heart and spend
countless hours year round working
to support and sustain the Special
Olympics Movement,” says Hill. “Many
of them have families of their own but
they spend hours making life better for
the athletes of Special Olympics. I have
no words to thank them enough for all
they do.”
Wisconsin Police Journal - 6
The LETR is the largest grassroots
fundraiser and public awareness vehicle
in the world for Special Olympics.
Annually, more than 85,000 dedicated,
compassionate and volunteer law
enforcement officers participate in the
Torch Run throughout 35 nations,
12 Canadian provinces and all 50 US
states, raising $42,651,200 worldwide
for Special Olympics programs in 2011
and more than $414 million since its
inception in 1981.
Join us at one of the 12 Polar Plunges
and be sure to check out our web site,
SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org so your
team can pick a date and location near
you!
Wisconsin Rapids Polar Plunge:
Grand Rapids Lions Club, February 4, 2012
Menomonie Polar Plunge:
Elk Point Resort, February 11, 2012
Southeastern Wisconsin Polar
Plunge: The Brat Stop, Kenosha
February 11, 2012
Muskego Polar Plunge:
Muskego County Park, February 12, 2012
Fox Valley Polar Plunge:
Menominee Park, Oshkosh, February 18, 2012
Madison Polar Plunge: Olin
Turville Park, February 18, 2012
Whitewater Polar Plunge:
Cravath Lakefront Park, February 18, 2012
Wausau Polar Plunge:
Man-Made Lake at Sunny Vale Park, February
25, 2012
BE A BELOW ZERO HERO!
February is fast approaching, and that
means its time to get your team together
for the 2012 Polar Plunge® winter
fundraiser. Be a below zero hero by
raising money and taking the Plunge
for nearly 10,000 Special Olympics
Wisconsin (SOWI) athletes.
The Polar Plunge is one of many Law
Enforcement Torch Run® events which
take place throughout the year to raise
money for Special Olympics athletes.
We invite you to take this opportunity
to show friends, family and co-workers
that you are a fan of Special Olympics
Wisconsin in addition to thanking
all the law enforcement officers from
across the state that support our athletes
by organizing these events. Last year
a total of 9,320 plungers participated
in 12 events statewide and helped to
raise more than $1.9 million for Special
Olympics Wisconsin!
Green Bay Polar Plunge:
The Watering Hole, February 25, 2012
Eau Claire Polar Plunge:
Half Moon Beach in Carson Park, February
26, 2012
Coulee Region Polar Plunge and
NEW 5K Run/Walk:
Pettibone Beach, La Crosse, March 3, 2012
Milwaukee Polar Plunge:
McKinley Marina, March 3, 2012
SOWI provides year-round training
and competition opportunities through
18 different olympic-type sports for
nearly 10,000 individuals with cognitive
disabilities. Thank you to Fox Sports
Wisconsin, Buffalo Wild Wings and
the Tavern League of Wisconsin for
their support of the Polar Plunge
statewide, along with Kwik Trip and
the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, the
Mission Partners of SOWI, enabling
the organization to hold 137 events
throughout Wisconsin and five state
tournaments per year.
OVER
THE EDGE
WRAP-UP
Special Olympics athletes overcome
challenges every day, and earlier this
year daring participants overcame
a challenge of their own by going
“Over the Edge” for Special Olympics
Wisconsin (SOWI). For the second year
in a row, the newest Law Enforcement
Torch Run® event sent participants
rappelling down the side of Madison
and Milwaukee’s tallest buildings, along
with Lambeau Field in Green Bay, while
raising funds for nearly 10,000 athletes
in Wisconsin.
In August, 79 brave participants
took the Ultimate Lambeau Leap by
rappelling down the legendary walls of
Lambeau Field and in October, a total
of 105 participants went Over the Edge
at The City Center at 735 in Milwaukee
and the Tenney Building in Madison.
The events attracted a wide range of
Edgers, from local media personalities
to mascots, as well as WPPA Executive
Director, James Palmer!
A huge thank you to Milwaukee’s Event
Host, The City Center at 735; Madison’s
Event Host, the Tenney Building; Green
Bay’s Event Host, Lambeau Field, as
well as everyone who participated and
helped Edgers reach their fundraising
goals.
Next year’s Over the Edge events are
already being planned to take place
tentatively in September at the Tenney
Building in Madison and The City
Center at 735 in Milwaukee, and
tentatively in August at Lambeau
Field in Green Bay. Stay tuned to the
Wisconsin Police Journal and the SOWI
website, SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org
for dates and more details!
Wisconsin Police Journal - 7
2012 WPPA
BOWLING TOURNAMENT
Hosted by the Clark County Deputy
Sheriff’s Association
This Tournament is open to all
active and retired WPPA members
and non-members of law
enforcement and related fields.
at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. The team
event will be held on Sunday, March 18
with squad times at 9:00 am and 12:00
pm. Team event will consist of four (4)
bowlers per team. Times are subject to
change depending upon the number
of entrants. Your bowling times will be
confirmed prior to the tournament.
Entry Fees:
The annual WPPA Bowling
Tournament will be held on March 17
and 18, 2012, at Strike-Time Lanes in
Neillsville; 11 S. Grand Ave., Neillsville,
Wisconsin. Strike-Time Lanes is a 12lane house with wood lane coverings,
automatic scoring and a full service bar.
All entries must be postmarked by
Friday, March 2, 2012. However, in
order to ensure that requests for specific
bowling times are met, we ask that you
return your completed registration forms
as soon as possible.
The Singles and Doubles events will be
held on Saturday, March 17 with times
Team $100.00
$25.00/Bowler
Doubles $50.00
$25.00/Bowler
Singles $25.00
$25.00/Bowler
All Events $5.00
Optional
All USBC members and non-members
may participate in a Moral Support
sanctioned tournament with award
recognition automatically extended to
USBC members. Eligible non-members
may qualify for award recognition
at their option by paying the USBC
affiliate membership fee.
Team Captain
We look forward to seeing you in
Neillsville for the annual WPPA
Bowling Tournament. If you have any
questions, please contact Greg Sampson
at 715-937-4200 or Steve Karau at 715743-5359.
Hotels-Neillsville
Non-WPPA Members add an additional $6.50
Team Name
For all bowlers that do not have a
USBC average and bowled in the 2011
tournament, we will use your 2011 all
events average (per tournament rules
approved by the Bowling Committee in
May, 2010).
Super 8
715-743-8080
1000 E. Division St., Neillsville
Heartland Motel
715-743-4004
7 S. Hewett St., Neillsville
Moraine Motel
715-743-2517
W6949 Ridge Rd., Neillsville
Fannies Supper Club & Motel
715-743-2169
W3747 USH 10, Neillsville
Department
E-mail
Address
Telephone
Singles/Doubles/All Events - Saturday, March 17
Bowler’s Name
Please Circle Desired Time: 10:30 am or 1:30 pm
USBC#
Average
Doubles $25/ea.
Singles $25/ea.
All Events $5/ea.
Total
$
$
$
1
1
2
2
Team Event - Sunday, March 18
Please Circle Desired Time: 9:00 am or 12:00 pm
Bowler’s Name
Average
$25/ea. Bowler
Total
$
1
2
3
4
Total Amount Enclosed with Registration: $
Checks Payable to: Clark County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
Attn: Steve Struensee
571 Court St., Room 308
Neillsville, WI 54452
Wisconsin Police Journal - 8
Non-WPPA Members add $6.50
Note: Please complete the contact
information so we may confirm your times.
THE CONTRACT
By Brian Austin, Madison
Professional Police Officers Association
There is a contract you enter into with
society when you become a police officer.
You sign up for the job with the full
understanding that you will never be
wealthy. You accept the fact that you will
work nights, weekends, and holidays.
You will work in the blistering heat of
the summer and the arctic chill of the
winter. You understand that there will
be family events cancelled at the last
minute due to a chaotic work schedule.
Little League games and piano recitals
will be missed. You will consistently see
the worst that human existence has to
offer. You know that, statistically, you
will die younger due to heart disease and
stress-related illnesses than the average
person (the most generous study has
police officers surviving to an average
age of 66, compared with 73 for the
average US male population).
Finally, you understand that your spouse
or partner may at some point receive
a visit from very somber people in the
middle of the night, a visit which starts
with the words “we have some bad
news.”
This is not a theoretical risk. In 2011,
173 police officers were killed in the line
of duty. That number represents a 14%
increase from the year before. For the
first time in 14 years, more police officers
were killed by gunfire than by on-duty
auto accidents. Firearms related fatalities
for officers rose 70% from 2008 to 2011.
In one 24-hour period in January of
2011, 11 officers were shot in 5 states.
Last year was open season on cops.
The deal with a contract, though, is that
obligations extend to both parties. In
return for the sacrifices listed above,
police officers have a right to expect
certain things. A wage that allows you
to raise a family in modest surroundings.
Patrol cars that don’t explode when rearended. Body armor that stops bullets
most of the time. The ability to take your
child to the doctor when she is sick.
however, things society can do to try to
hold up its end of the contract.
I had the sad honor of attending the
memorial service for one of my fallen
brothers last year. Police Officer Craig
Birkholz, age 28, was shot to death on
March 20, 2011 in the City of Fond du
Lac, Wisconsin. Craig was responding
to a domestic violence incident gone
bad, and officers on the scene were
calling for help. Craig was gunned down
as he approached the residence to help
his coworkers. Another responding
officer, Ryan Williams, and his canine
partner were also shot and seriously
injured.
Last year, Senate Bill 18 was introduced
to provide health insurance to the
surviving spouses and children of
Wisconsin’s fallen law enforcement
officers, retroactively. The bill passed the
Senate on May 17, 2011, by unanimous
vote.
These officers, and their
families, have given
everything. . . . The least we
could do for them, on behalf
of a grateful public, is to give
the survivors the peace of
mind of health care.
Craig was a decorated veteran of the
United States Army who had survived
combat deployments to both Iraq and
Afghanistan. He survived in a war
zone only to be killed on the soil of
his own back yard. This is almost too
heartbreaking to think about. The other
bitter irony is that Craig was murdered
by another combat veteran.
This incident devastated those of
us in Wisconsin’s law enforcement
community. It is remarkable how much
you can grieve for a man you never
met. A wonderful, happy, committed,
compassionate, and principled young
man was cut down in the prime of his
life.
The other tragedy is that Craig left
behind the love of his life, Ashley. I can’t
even begin to fathom the depth of her
loss. A young couple with hopes, plans,
and dreams, all cut short.
Nothing can take that pain away.
Nothing can soothe that ache. There are,
In August of 2011, Ashley attended
a hearing in front of the Wisconsin
Assembly to discuss SB 18. She wrote a
letter to the legislators, read by Fond du
Lac officer Jeff Harbridge on her behalf.
She told them about what the legislation
meant to her and the families of other
fallen officers. She was joined by others
who shared similar losses. On multiple
occasions, WPPA Executive Director
Jim Palmer explained to the Wisconsin
Legislature how much this bill meant to
the brave men and women of Wisconsin
law enforcement. Nobody can claim that
the Assembly members didn’t know the
importance of this legislation.
On November 1, 2011, the Wisconsin
Assembly was supposed to take up
this measure, and passage would have
certainly resulted in Governor Walker
signing the legislation. On that same
day, the Assembly was scheduled to
pass a resolution honoring the sacrifice
of Craig Birkholz. The Birkholz family
was supposed to go from the ceremony
honoring Craig to watching the health
insurance bill pass. It would have been
a positive day among many filled with
sorrow for this family.
Few could have predicted what
happened next. At the last minute, the
Republican legislators in control of the
Assembly blocked the bill from being
brought to a vote. BLOCKED the bill
that unanimously passed the Senate.
From what I have discovered, the
Birkholz family was given the choice of
coming to the Capitol for the resolution
only, but understandably opted not to
attend. Continue to Page 15
Wisconsin Police Journal - 9
NEWS FROM THE
UPPER PENINSULA
By Emil Kezerle
Business Agent/Coordinator
Upper Michigan Office
314 U.S. Highway 141
Crystal Falls, Michigan 49920
906-875-4990; 800-361-1269
In response to the changes in law that
have occurred and the anticipated
changes coming in 2012, the WPPA and
the Upper Michigan Law Enforcement
Association (UMLEA) intend to
sponsor a one-day training conference
which will be open to all Upper
Michigan WPPA members. The specific
date is still being identified but we are
looking at mid-February. We expect
that the training conference will be at
the Holiday Inn in Marquette and hope
to have rooms available at a reduced
rate for those that wish to stay either
the night before or the night of the
conference.
Wisconsin Police Journal - 10
We will touch on a significant number
of issues that have a direct impact
on each of you here in Michigan. In
addition to the changes relating to
health care, there are a number of issues
dealing with the Municipal Employee
Retirement System (MERS) that each
of you need to be aware of.
It is critical that as many of
our members as possible have
a working understanding
of the new law(s) and how
that relates to the collective
bargaining process.
We will have staff from the Madison
office available at this training
conference. In addition, there will be a
representative from the MERS present
who will provide an overview of what
has occurred or may occur in 2012.
We also expect to have a representative
from the Police Officers Association
of Michigan (POAM) available to
discuss how they are managing the new
law(s) as they relate to PA 312 (Binding
Arbitration).
You will receive a mailing which will
identify the exact date, time, and
location of the conference and an
agenda. As has been the case in the
past, this conference is open to all
our Upper Michigan members. We
always emphasize the attendance of
local Association leaders, but in this
instance we are placing equal emphasis
on the attendance of as many of you as
possible. It is critical that as many of
our members as possible have a working
understanding of the new law(s) and
how that relates to the collective
bargaining process. It will be worth each
and everyone’s time to attend.
CALCULATING NET EFFECT OF WRS CONTRIBUTION
My employer is floating the idea of giving
my union a pay increase if we’ll agree to pay
a pension contribution. When payroll taxes
and things like that are considered, how does
that actually work out?
As suspected, the effect of the WRS
deferral is larger on a net basis, but
you can see it’s more like 6.6%. Also,
a 6% offset increase still costs the
employee 1% because of FICA. It is
also more costly for the employer. That
is why employers have been making the
contribution all this time – it costs them
less than wages.
The following chart helps break this out in basic terms:
Base Wage
Increase
Total Gross
Empee FICA* WRS Defferal
Fed Tax
State Tax
7.65%
5.90%
25%
6.50%
Net Pay
Diff
% Diff
1,000.00
0.00
1,000.00
76.50
0.00
250.00
65.00
608.50
1,000.00
0.00
1,000.00
76.50
59.00
235.25
61.17
568.09
-40.42
-6.64%
1,000.00
60.00
1,060.00
81.09
62.54
249.37
64.83
602.17
-6.33
-1.04%
All wages, up to $106,000, are subject to FICA taxes. WRS deferral avoids Federal and State Income tax.
Anyone with any questions or comments is welcome to contact Jim Palmer at palmer@wppa.com.
RETIREMENT AGE UPDATE
THE WRS STUDY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The WPPA continues to be contacted
about a potential change in the “normal
retirement age” (or NRA) for protective
occupation participants (police,
firefighters, etc.). The term “normal
retirement age” refers to the earliest
age at which a member may retire
with an unreduced benefit. Introduced
during the last year of President Bush’s
administration, this new federal rule’s
effective date has been extended twice
since President Obama took office, and
is now set at January of 2013.
Many questions have been asked about
the current study of the Wisconsin
Retirement System being undertaken
by the Department of Employee Trust
Funds. This communication provides
some basic information about the study.
The WPPA has worked diligently on
this issue to make sure that our state
and federal lawmakers are aware of this
issue’s importance to our membership.
WPPA Executive Director Jim Palmer
has been in close contact with the
staff at the Wisconsin Department of
Employee Trust Funds, the National
Association of Police Organizations, and
our congressional delegation. In addition
to the WPPA’s efforts to have the IRS
either delay this rule’s implementation
or have it dropped altogether, it’s worth
noting that Congressman Ron Kind
(D-La Crosse) has also introduced
legislation which will eliminate this rule
as well. All signs continue to indicate
that this rule will not go into effect.
The Biennial State Budget (Act 32)
that was signed into law last summer
required a study of the Wisconsin
Retirement System (WRS). The
Department of Employee Trust
Funds (ETF), the Department of
Administration (DOA), and the Office
of State Employment Relations (OSER)
were directed to study the structure and
benefits of the WRS. The study must
specifically address the issues of (1)
establishing a defined contribution plan
as an option for participating employees;
and (2) permitting employees to not
make employee required contributions
and limiting retirement benefits for
those employees to a money purchase
annuity. The study is due no later than
June 30, 2012, and the findings and
recommendations must be reported to
the Governor and the Legislature’s Joint
Committee on Finance.
ETF is a non-partisan state agency
overseen by the independent Employee
Trust Funds Board with a core
responsibility to act in the best interests
of WRS members. ETF takes its
responsibility to complete the study
seriously and is currently gathering data
and conducting research in order to
complete it by the deadline. The WRS
is a very healthy, fully-funded pension
system. We believe the study will shed
more light on how the WRS works, its
unique features that make it so healthy,
and how the WRS supports retirement
security for public employees across
Wisconsin at a reasonable cost. As
noted above, the study will also look
at the issues of offering an optional
defined contribution plan and allowing
employees to opt out of making their
employee required contributions. The
study will examine how such changes
might affect the solvency, funding,
mission, and structure of the WRS.
Wisconsin law provides that benefits
already earned cannot be modified. No
legislation has been introduced and, to
our knowledge, no decision has been
made to implement either of the two
features mentioned above. Any such
changes would have to be approved by
the Legislature and signed into law by
the Governor, and they could only apply
to the accrual of future benefits.
The study will be publicly available after
it has been submitted to the Governor
and the Joint Finance Committee.
Reprinted from State of Wisconsin,
Department of Employee Trust Funds.
Wisconsin Police Journal - 11
THE WPPA’S
80TH
ANNUAL
CONVENTION
May 5 – 7, 2012
Kalahari Resort &
Convention Center,
Wisconsin Dells
Plans are underway for the WPPA’s
80th Annual Convention, which will be
held May 5 – 7, 2012 at the Kalahari
Waterpark Resort and Convention
Center in Wisconsin Dells.
The Kalahari is the largest hotel/resort
in the state of Wisconsin. To reserve
your room for the WPPA’s 80th Annual
Convention, call the Kalahari at 877253-5466 or 608-254-5466 and request
the group rate for the Wisconsin
Professional Police Association. Room
rates are $109 per night for up to
four people per room, for Friday and
Saturday nights and to encourage you
to stay, the Sunday night rate is $89. A
two-room family suite is $189 per night
for up to six people. A deposit of one
night plus tax is required at the time the
reservation is made.
PLEASE NOTE: The negotiated room
rates are ONLY for WPPA Convention
attendees. If you do not register to
attend the WPPA’s 80th Annual
Convention, you will be charged the
going rate – and NOT the WPPA rate.
Wisconsin Police Journal - 12
WPPA Convention 2012 Schedule
Events and times are subject to change.
Friday, May 4
1:00-7:00pm WPPA Directors
Committee Meetings
4:30-6:00pm Early Registration
7:00-Midnight Hospitality Suite
Saturday, May 5
8:00am-5:00pm Registration
8:00am-5:00pm Exhibits
9:00-11:00am WPPA Board of
Directors Meeting
9:45-11:15am Workshops
11:30am-1:15pm General Session I
Lunch; President’s Welcome; Executive
Director’s Report
1:30-3:00pm Workshops
7:00-Midnight Hospitality Suite
Sunday, May 6
8:00-10:00am Presidents Breakfast
“A Roundtable Discussion”
8:00am-3:30pm Exhibits
10:00-11:30am General Session II
Elections; Financial Report; Audit
Report; LEER; CERD; SORD;
Retirees Report; Legislative Report; Old
Business;
New Business
Noon-1:00pm Lunch
1:30-3:00pm Workshops
5:00-6:00pm Cocktail Hour
5:30-9:30pm Child Care Provided
– Free Movie & Pizza Party (PreRegistration Required)
6:00-9:00pm Awards Banquet/Torch
Run Raffle
9:00-Midnight Hospitality Suite
Monday, May 7
9:30-11:30am General Session III
(Closing) Speakers; Committee
Reports (Bowling, Shoot, Golf, Awards,
Scholarship, Torch Run, Convention);
Old Business/New Business; Door Prize
Drawings; Adjourn Convention 2012
RETIREES CORNER By Jerry Vreeland
RETIRED
Happy New Year. I hope that everyone
had a joyous holiday with their family
and friends and may 2012 be a great year
for everyone.
Congratulations to the following
WPPA members who have retired
from active service.
2011 will go down as a painful memory
for all public employees as we suffered
greatly. Our fight for our rights and
against additional changes continues
today.
The State of Wisconsin Investment
Board claims that it is holding its own
in the stock market. We hope December
was successful as we really need it for all
retirees. The board has also announced
that their CEO, Keith Bozarth, is
leaving. They will be looking for a
replacement and will be hard-pressed to
fill Bozarth’s capable shoes.
Wisconsin Department of Employee
Trust Funds has named its Deputy
Secretary, Mr. Robert J. Conlin, the next
Secretary of the department. Mr. Conlin
is uniquely qualified for the position
and offers tremendous experience
and leadership skills along with a
deep knowledge of ETF’s programs
and operations. Rob Marchant was
appointed as Deputy Secretary.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
J.B. Van Hollen
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s
Crime Laboratory System (WCLS)
has a history of working collaboratively
with the law enforcement community
and using advanced technology and
resources to ensure high quality analysis
of forensic evidence. This analysis can
only occur when lab personnel and
law enforcement are well-trained and
equipped.
As part of our mission, the WCLS
provides training on essential forensic
processes and principles. In furtherance
of this mission, we are updating and
expanding our basic field response
A study is being made of our pension
system to explore converting the WRS
to a defined benefit plan and it is due
June 2012. Such a change to our pension
system would be harmful. Fortunately,
the WPPA has already commenced a
statewide education and lobbying effort
to prevent that from happening.
Recall elections are again coming, so
be prepared. If you need information,
call the Madison office and obtain the
correct information so you can make an
educated choice.
This year, the WPPA convention will be
earlier and you will want to get started
on your reservations. I would like to
see more retirees attending, as your
experience and wisdom are extremely
valuable to those men and women still
within the working ranks.
The Bowling tournament is in March
and we hope to see many members there
as well. It is a fun time for all, and who
couldn’t use some peaceful camaraderie
amidst the many challenges facing us
all? Please consider joining us this year,
you won’t regret it.
HAVE A GOOD DAY.
class for Wisconsin law enforcement
professionals. In the past, we offered
two classes a year, one at the Wisconsin
State Patrol Academy in Fort McCoy
and one in the Milwaukee area. Based
upon your input, we are adding two
additional courses this year with
classes now slated for Green Bay and
Superior. We will expand to other areas
of the state as training facilities are
secured. These classes are open to law
enforcement officers from around the
state, but our goal is to provide regional
training on a regular basis to reduce
travel time and expenses. In recognition
of the budgetary pressures on local law
enforcement, the classes will be offered
free of charge, with a basic crime scene
kit provided to all trainees.
Baraboo
Oliver Burton
Onalaska
Peter Kroner
Brookfield
Robert Mekelburg
Sauk County
Charlotte Campbell
Bayfield County Polk County
Mark Ledin
Milo White
Chippewa
County
Arnold Pehlke
Dane County
Kevin Hughes
Shawano
County
Susan Eggert
Linda Strommen
Sturgeon Bay
Wendy Rabach
Delavan
Paula Guadian
Two Rivers
David Keery
Eau Claire
Jeffery Leppert
Ned Silber
William Wisener
Vernon County
Dan Britton
Vilas County
Florence County Buddy Slizewski
Evelyn Vassar
Waukesha
County
Greenfield
Kurt Ziebell
Janice Davis
Mineral Point
Steven Hermanson
Negaunee (MI)
Gregory Wright
Waushara
County
Sharon Johnson
Our goal is to develop the expertise
of law enforcement professionals who
collect and process evidence at crime
scenes. This allows the scientists and
analysts at the WCLS to focus on their
areas of expertise within the laboratories
and to assist at complex crime scenes
where specialized techniques and
equipment are required. By leveraging
the skill sets of both the scientists and
law enforcement officers, we can help
make Wisconsin an even better and
safer place to live, work and visit.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Nick Stahlke, Crime Laboratory System Training
Coordinator, at stahlkern@doj.state.wi.us
Kevin Jones, Crime Laboratory System Director,
at joneske@doj.state.wi.us
Wisconsin Police Journal - 13
A2
C2
A3
C3
C1
B
A5
A6
A7
A1
A4
C5
A8
C4
WPPA Merchandise
A1. Perfect Time Travel Alarm Clock $16
Gun metal with black imprint, “WPPA Since 1932”
Includes batteries and travel pouch.
A2. Thermos $15
Gun metal with navy blue imprint, “WPPA Serving
Law Enforcement Since 1932” on front. Holds 16 oz.
and includes a carrying case.
A3. Travel Wallet with WPPA Embossed Emblem
$14.00 Includes small atlas, pad of paper, pen, and
place for credit cards/cash.
A4. Roadmate Auto Set $12
Includes tire pressure gauge, flashlight, and pen in
case.
A5. Zippered Portfolio with WPPA Embossed
Emblem.
Small 9x7 $14
Large 10x13 $23
A6. WPPA Patch $3
A7. Leather Calendar Cover with WPPA Embossed
Emblem. $10
A8. Cooler $15
Sage green with white imprint, “WPPA Since 1932”
on front. Zippered pocket on outside with handle on
top and removable carrying strap.
B. Baseball Cap $17
Adjustable cap with WPPA embroidered logo.
Available in navy blue and tan.
Wisconsin Police Journal - 14
Clothing
C1. Men’s & Women’s Long-Sleeve Easy
Available in light blue or white with embroidered
WPPA logo. 55/45 cotton/polyester, button down
collar, patch pocket on men’s style only.
Men:
M, L, XL $35
XXL $37
Women:
M, L, XL $35
XXL $37
C2. Men’s & Women’s Short-Sleeve Polo
Available in white or sage green with WPPA
embroidered logo. 100% cotton, white polo has tan
trim around collar and sage green polo has forest
green trim around collar.
Men:
M, L, XL $40
XXL $43
XXXL $45
Women:
M, L, XL $40
C3. V-Neck Wind Shirt
Navy blue and gold with WPPA logo embroidered
on left side. 100% polyester with a jersey lining and
mesh insets. Left side seam zipper, pocket on each
side, and drawcord hem with toggle.
Adult:
M, L, XL $41
XXL $43
XXXL $45
C4. Replica of a Ford Crown Victoria Police Squad
Car $25
By Gearbox® Toys and Collectibles. Cars have over
60 parts and sequential numbering.
C5. WPPA USB Stick with 512 MB memory $15
C6. WPPA Challenge Coin $12.00
Merchandise Order Form
Quantity
Description
Size
Price Each
Enclose check or money order for the full amount. Sales tax and shipping are included.
Total
Total $__________________
Mail to: WPPA, 660 John Nolen Dr., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Daytime Phone
Please provide your daytime phone, in case we have a question, and your mailing address for proper delivery. Allow four weeks for
delivery.
The Contract Continued:
In a horrendous display of partisan
politics in what should have been
a unifying issue, Assembly Speaker
Jeff Fitzgerald’s office called SB 18
an “unfunded mandate” on local
governments that “isn’t ready to become
law.”
These officers, and their families,
have given everything in service to
the people of the State of Wisconsin.
EVERYTHING. Lives are lost,
and countless others are shattered.
The least we could do for them, on
behalf of a grateful public, is to give
the survivors the peace of mind of
health care. It doesn’t seem like a lot
to ask, but the Assembly Republicans
apparently believe it wouldn’t be “fiscally
responsible.”
It isn’t enough to attend the funerals
of fallen officers in your districts, or
memorial services during Police Week.
It isn’t enough to get teary-eyed when
the bagpipes play, and to talk about how
grateful the citizens of Wisconsin are
for this ultimate sacrifice. Your words are
hollow, because your actions have broken
the contract.
To read more Brian Austin articles, check
out his blog, Badger Blue, Times Two at
http://cops4labor.blogspot.com/.
Wisconsin Police Journal - 15
WPPA CASTS A
GIANT
SHADOW
PROFESSIONAL
REPRESENTATION
Comprehensive, skilled representation in
all areas of labor relations provides superior union power.
FULL SERVICES
• Contract Negotiations
• Job security - protection in grievance
matters, disciplinary cases and unfair
labor practices
• Political recognition - on every level
of government
• Special services
Wisconsin Professional Police Association
660 John Nolen Drive, Suite 300, Madison, WI 53713
800-362-8838