Brothers and Sisters,
It has come to our attention that complaints have been filed with the Washington Attorney General’s Office and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner regarding the Thin Blue Line Insurance program. I want to take a moment to clarify Washington State FOP’s role in this matter.
This plan is a benefit marketed and administered by the National Fraternal Order of Police. The Washington State FOP promoted this program solely because of National’s involvement, with the intention of making members aware of the options available to them. Beyond that, WAFOP has no direct role in the management, operation, or administration of this plan.
The Fraternal Order of Police offers a variety of plans and benefits to its members nationwide. In every case, these programs require active FOP membership, but the business and contractual aspects are entirely overseen by the National FOP. WAFOP does not control or influence these programs, nor do local lodges.
While this issue should not directly affect our local lodges, it is important to understand that many outside our organization see “the FOP” as a single entity. When concerns arise at the national level, they can reflect on all levels of the organization—national, state, and local alike.
We share this information to provide clarity and transparency. Should members have questions or concerns about the Thin Blue Line Insurance program, those should be directed to the National FOP, which is solely responsible for its oversight.
Fraternally,
Brothers and Sisters,
As we move forward from the National Conference, I want to express how wonderful it is to see so many people eager to get involved, along with many new faces. With that in mind, I would like to share information about our state-level committees and invite anyone interested in participating to reach out regarding the committees they'd like to join. Even if you were unable to attend the conference, I encourage you to express your interest. This organization thrives on your involvement and the contributions of your voice.
The committees are:
· Legislative Committee – Monitors and advocates for laws and policies that impact law enforcement, public safety, and members’ rights at the local, state, and federal levels.
· Recruitment Committee – Develops and promotes strategies to attract and retain qualified law enforcement officers and organizational members.
· Retiree Committee – Maintains connections with retired members, ensures they stay informed, educates on HR 218, assists with organizing and conducting LEOSA qualification shooting events, and provides opportunities for engagement and recognition.
· Memorial Committee – Coordinates remembrance efforts for fallen officers, including ceremonies, memorial events, and support for surviving families.
· Wellness Committee – Promotes physical, mental, and emotional health resources for officers and their families, with a focus on resilience and work-life balance. This includes organizing training events throughout the state.
· Scholarship Committee – Manages the process of awarding scholarships to members, their families, or community partners in support of educational advancement.
· Constitution and By-Laws Committee – Reviews, updates, and ensures compliance with the organization’s governing documents and operational rules.
· Awards Committee – Oversees the nomination and selection process for recognizing outstanding service and contributions to the organization or community.
· Marketing Committee – Develops and implements outreach strategies, branding, and communication materials to promote the organization’s mission and initiatives.
· Labor Committee – Addresses collective bargaining issues, contract negotiations, and workplace concerns to protect and advance members’ rights.
· Finance Committee – Oversees budgeting, expenditures, and financial planning to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency.
· Federal/Tribal Officers Committee – Represents the interests and unique needs of federal and tribal law enforcement members within the organization.
· Healthcare Committee – Reviews, evaluates, and advocates for quality healthcare benefits, insurance options, and medical resources for members and their families.
If any of these topics interest you or if you want more information, please feel free to reach out to me. I plan on having these appointments settled by the end of the month. I genuinely appreciate all your hard work and dedication to our profession and organization.