The contract negotiations with the Sheriff’s office are finally behind us; to say the least it was a frustrating year. It began with the attack from a rival organization—which the PBA won by a 2-1 vote—and ended with the vote on the final proposed contract. Over 1200 ballots (out of 1450 bargaining unit members) were cast, and out of those over 90 percent voted to accept the three-year contract. When we took the first proposed contract back to the members, the PBA and the BSO representatives made it well known to that we did not feel that it was a fair offer and advised the membership to vote no. The membership rejected it by a 2-1 margin. Although 10 members resigned their PBA memberships, the majority stood their ground and it paid off. We finally got a contract that the PBA and the BSO representatives could take back to the members with our full support.

Isn’t that what unity is all about—sticking together to get what the membership feels is a fair and equitable pay and benefit package? The first package would have had BSO in the bottom third in the County in top pay, but the second will place BSO in the top third in the County—satisfaction in the end.

Thanks to all the BSO representatives who stood together to make it a successful year.

Dear Members,

I would like to take this opportunity to commend and congratulate the BSO membership (Deputies and Sergeants bargaining unit) for a job well done during contract negotiations. They clearly demonstrated how unifying for a righteous cause can pay off. Those members ratified a contract which includes an economic package of 15% over three years, a contract the PBA was able to negotiate because the membership united and turned down a “final offer” of 9%. Most significantly, the membership did not allow the critics, even those from within, to fragment them. They came together, presented a unified front and rejected the offer by a 2-to-1 margin. Such a margin was quite impressive considering the frustration level felt by all in dealing with difficult and protracted negotiations. That being said, I would be remiss if we did not thank Sheriff Lamberti for his willingness to come back to the bargaining table and propose a fair and equitable offer.

Unfortunately, at this point, not every local government is in a financial position to provide its officers with an economic package of 15%. However, that does diminish the need for unity and steadfastness. In fact, it creates an even greater necessity for cohesion and solidarity. The example set by the BSO membership should serve as both a reminder and illustration for other bargaining units that are facing trying times. Whether it’s fighting for more money or fighting to keep the benefits you have, success cannot be obtained without unity.

It’s been said that, adversity does not build character, it only brings it to light. Thus, the adversity of budget constraints will quickly reveal the character of our elected officials. Most importantly, we shall soon discover who our true, loyal friends really are. It is easy to be a friend in good times, but loyalty is tested in trying times. Once the light separates our friends from our enemies, we must take note and on the appropriate election day, reward our friends and punish our enemies. As I’ve said many times, investing your time in political campaigns, is investing in your future. Remember, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.”

In Solidarity,

Neil Vaughan
Vice President

Dear Members,

Things are certainly not getting any easier for us in law enforcement. Assaults against police officers continue to rise, while streets increasingly become more dangerous. In addition, we are forced to deal with a dismal economy and shrinking budgets. Now more than ever, is the time for us to band together and create a strong, united front.

It seems that lately we have been dividing ourselves, which only serves to hurt us and our cause. From writing anonymous complaints against each other to writing anonymous posts on LEOAffairs.com to attempting to split bargaining units, we are only defeating ourselves. The cause of which I speak is creating a culture of unity for all of law enforcement in order to facilitate enhanced benefits and working conditions. If we remain divided we will fall. “United We Stand, Divided We Fall” has resonated in history as it captures the essence of success. For us, as both PBA members and law enforcement officers, the need to embrace and epitomize that truth has never been more critical than now.

As I write this letter and you read it, somewhere, a police administrator is trying to earn “brownie points” by devising a not-so ingenious way to save money. Whether it’s modifying shifts or reducing units, our way of life as we know it is hanging in the balance. Far too often, there are those administrators who don’t see the forest for the trees and propose to maintain favored projects while programs or units, which positively impact the community, are cut. As usual, it is us and not those administrators who suffer.

Consequently, we must strive to put all of our personal agendas and differences aside in an effort to build unity to succeed in this fight. When we fight against each other the only people who win are the City Commissioners, Police Chiefs and the Sheriff. Make no mistake, the attacks on our livelihood will not cease until the economy takes a turn for the better and our elected officials no longer have to prioritize between law enforcement and other services.

As always, the PBA will continue to fight, unyieldingly, for a balanced approach to budget reductions as well as enhanced pay and benefits. However, we cannot do it alone! We need you, more than ever, to unify and help us defeat the all-out assault on law enforcement.

In Solidarity,

Neil Vaughan
Vice President

We are gearing up for a very important political race here in Broward County. This race for Sheriff will effect the PBA and a majority of our members; it has kept the entire PBA staff extremely busy. By the time you read this, I hope that the screening committee has made its decision on the PBA’s will endorsement for the November election.

Last month The PBA—for the first time ever— sponsored a debate so the candidates for Sheriff could discuss in an open forum the issues that are important to both the PBA and our membership. Former Channel 10 anchor Mark Shumacher asked questions of the Democratic candidates, one of whom will be running against the incumbent Al Lamberti after the August primary. The debate was extremely informative, giving members insight into each of the viable candidates. Our screening committee will delve deeper with each candidate to determine who will be the best person to run BSO and work with the PBA in the future.

Congratulations to all of the students who were awarded scholarships from the PBA to help out with costs for college. It is always great to see and hear from members’ children who want to enhance their educations. I also want to thank the sponsors that help the PBA give out these awards.

In May I attended Police Week in Washington DC; to say the least it was a moving experience. During the Candlelight Vigil on May 13 the names of the 181 officers that were killed in 2007 were read, along with over 300 other names that were added to the memorial this year, bringing the total to 18,274 slain officers honored. Florida lost the second highest number of officers last year, just behind Texas.

One of the other events I attended was the Top Cops Awards. At this ceremony there were reenactments from the honorees — these stories were heartwrenching. Some were shot several times but survived, some were involved in gunfights and used great police tactics to take down the suspect, one ran into a burning house not once but twice, saving three small children. Talk about cops going beyond the call! It was amazing to me that none of the recipients thought they did something heroic although they thought the others deserved the honor. These officers all thanked their families for being beside them throughout their ordeals; it was evident that God was by their sides as well.

But the most compelling part of the entire evening was when John Walsh, from the TV series “America’s Most Wanted,” gave a speech about the 181 officers we lost in 2007 and how they are the real heroes. He said, “If there were 181 newspaper writers killed, or 181 judges, or 181 of any profession killed in one year this country would be up in arms, but when 181 police officers are killed we just accept it..That is wrong.“  He commented on the people who march in protest when a police officer is found not guilty in the shooting of a suspect — when was the last time there was a protest march when a police officer was killed?

We need more people like John Walsh to step up and let the public know that this many police officers losing their lives in one year is not acceptable.