The Utah Peace Officer Association

Karl Hirst

73rd President 2001 - 2002

Orem DPS

80th UPOA Convention held June 5 - 8, 2002 at Sherwood Hills, Sardine Canyon

Department Patch

UPOA 2002 Winter Olympic Collectors Pins

President's Message, Vol. 79, Issue 2 Since this will be my last message as president of the UPOA, I would be remiss if I didn't thank some of the people that made this year a memorable one. If anyone thinks that Veronica Trujillo doesn't love the UPOA, and that we are not all in her debt. Hasn't been watching close enough. Veronica does all of the office work required by this organization. She remembers events from our history and provides guidance that is invaluable. Veronica puts up with an executive board and board of directors that participate in the organization on a part-time basis. Veronica is the glue that holds "us" together. And, yes Veronica I do appreciate the gentle prodding and teasing that was meant to focus my attention and move this organization along. Thank You.
Brigitte Dawson is another invaluable friend to this organization. Even through a very tough year, she supported and promoted the UPOA. The success of the Olympic pins sales program is due largely to Brigitte and Veronica's efforts. The magazine that Brigitte puts together is recognized nationally among police associations as the pinnacle that all others strive for. Brigitte was able to give me information that would of required hours of searching through board meeting minutes to obtain. I consider my time very valuable and this information alone has put me in her debt. Thank You.
For anyone who has not participated in the management of the UPOA, it would appear that things just happen. A representative always seems to be at every important meeting at the capitol. When new legislation is brought forward that helps or hurts law enforcement, the UPOA is always there. When an officer is killed or injured the UPOA is always one of the first to call and offer our assistance and compassion. The memorial at the capitol doesn't occupy its place of honor by chance; the UPOA got it placed there. None of these things, and hundreds of others, just happens, the UPOA makes them happen, and we will be stronger when more officers realize this. To those who have given their time to help manage the UPOA, I commend you and thank you. There are too many to individually thank, but please accept this public thank you.
Recently I was asked to describe the biggest obstacle facing the UPOA. I answered the question in one word, apathy. Our biggest obstacle is not crime, or the league of cities and counties, or department administrations, it is ourselves. The UPOA commands the history, membership, and knowledge to rule and dictate our own agenda, but because of our own apathy; we are left with nothing more than complaints and finger pointing. I have been a complainer and finger pointer, and I have been a fighter. Each of us needs to look inside and decide which side of the equation we are on. The first question should be "What have I done to promote law enforcement in the State of Utah recently?" If the answer is nothing, shame on you. Sign up to be a regional representative and make a difference.
I was also recently asked what I will miss most about my service to the UPOA. The answer was easy, the friendships I have made. Many of which I would have not made without the UPOA. I will never punch the center of a target out with a handgun, and may never convince the legislature that we deserve a retirement increase, but I will always have these friendships. And for that I am very grateful.
Thank you for letting me serve you and be your voice.

President's Message, Vol. 79, Issue 1 If you have spent any time in the downtown Salt Lake area in the last few weeks, you have undoubtedly been faced with road closures, military checkpoints, automatic weapons, and the almost constant vibration of armed helicopters patrolling the air space. Freedom of movement and how much we take it for granted has never been illustrated more clearly. Prior to the arrival of the Olympics and the devastation of September 11th, when was the last time you were confronted by an armed soldier when entering a public area. While I gladly accept the inconvenience this protection provides, I mourn the lose of freedom and innocence.
As service agencies, our role in protecting freedom is being examined. Even with the power and might of America's military, law enforcement is still the front line protector of freedom. If we bend the fourth amendment in the name of safety, when does it break? If race enters into decision-making, where does it stop? Who decides what freedoms, and who has them. The ethical question of would you kill one child to save a thousand comes to mind. To restate the question: Would you accept the possibility that a person will be falsely imprisoned, to possibly save hundreds of lives. Freedom-does the word mean something different today than it did in the past.
We are in the middle of another legislative session. Our freedom to elect, question, disagree with, and speak out against our government is often neglected. Pride is not what I feel when watching our representatives practice governing. Pride is what I feel about the nation and the state our government has provided. Pride is what I feel while watching Utah peace officers protecting this state and this nation. Pride is what I feel knowing that because of this association providing this protection has been made easier.
By the time you read this, the Olympics will be over and hopefully everything has gone smoothly. Life begins again for the State of Utah in March; I expect many of you will be taking some well-deserved time off. While taking this time off, I would like to ask that you not forget the First Law Enforcement Memorial Golf Tournament in May. This tournament will kick off Law Enforcement Week and will be followed by the memorial service at the Capitol. Further information is available in this issue of the magazine.
Many thanks also go out to all of you who helped make our Olympic Pins sales a success. The money is still being collected, but it appears that we will come close to selling out the limited edition sets. This money will allow the UPOA to assist the families of those officers killed in the line of duty to attend the national memorial. It will also put us miles ahead of the curve in promoting the memorial golf tournament.
At the legislature it was good to hear representatives make reference to the number of e-mails and calls they had received from law enforcement officers in their districts. We are getting better at getting our voice heard and I want to thank those who took the time to contact their representatives. It does have an effect, and is important to our cause. We have some very serious issues facing us in the future, and getting our voice heard will be very important.
I appreciate this opportunity to serve the peace officers of Utah, and thank you for your support. Seeing our Olympic Pins displayed in every venue, pins shops, and on the collars of appreciative citizens has shown us how far the impact of this association extends. Thank you for all of your efforts.

President's Message, Vol. 78, Issue 4

It has been interesting to watch the nations response to the events of September 11th. At least during my tenure in law enforcement, I have not seen such an outpouring of support for police and fire services employees. It is of no surprise to us that those officers that died in the WTC collapse did so helping others. We have always been the ones that walked toward danger; to face danger on it's own ground - on its own terms. The outpouring of gifts, support, well wishing, and concern has almost over shadowed the non-law enforcement individuals that also had their lives taken from them. One question still remains. Where was this support when 150 officers, almost three times the number who lost their lives in New York, lost their lives protecting our nation last year. And the 143 during 1999Ö. and the 173 during 1998Ö. and the 179 during 1997. There wasn't a national vigil for Trooper Tod Kelly who was killed yesterday (11-7-01) in Pennsylvania.

It is encouraging that maybe now for the first time police officers are seen in their true light as protectors of a nation and a culture we often take for granted. The actions of the officers killed at the WTC will never be forgotten by this nation. The sharpness of the emotion will fade, but the memory will persist. The CIA, FBI, and all other law enforcement agencies are being flooded with applicants. It is vogue once again to be in law enforcement. The ìmillionaire by thirtyî rally cry of the Gen-X age group has given way to protect and serve. Those of us that have been proud to wear a badge for decades understand.

Fear is a very powerful emotion, and it is fear that marks the end of the Gen-X generation. The Gen X generation had never seen American bloodied, or put down. What is now being called the 9/11 generation has, and like our parents and grandparents who witnessed Pearl Harbor. They will be changed by it. It will be some time until the true impact will be know, but my personal view is that their perception of police officers and our role will be more accepting and understanding of the work we do.

Here in Utah we have also been bloodied. The year 2001, will be remembered as the third worst year for officers killed in the line of duty in the history of Utah. These were our officers, protecting our communities, and providing for and remembering them is our responsibility.

In this effort the First Officer Memorial Golf Tournament will be held this spring. You will find time and place information in this magazine and on the web page. The sole purpose of this tournament is to generate funds to assist the families of officers killed in the line of duty protecting Utah's citizens. We all know that life begins again in Utah after the Olympics, so you will not see very much publicity before that, but your support and dollars will be greatly appreciated.

The UPOA is also ahead of the curve this year with legislative issues. Many of you have already received a letter from the Law Enforcement COLA Network asking for a donation. The UPOA does support the actions of this committee and has membership on the committee. A $500 donation toward operating cost has been forwarded by the association. People have asked if they should donate. That is up to you, I like what they are doing and I'm assisting in the effort. For the first time, we are getting the ear of legislators with regards to our retirement concerns. Your donation will be spent wisely in a combined effort to increase law enforcement retirement benefits.

It is a unique time in American history. I have never been more proud to be an American, a peace officer, and a member of this association. The world is coming to our doorstep in a matter of weeks, and their safety will be in our hands. The world can rest easy because we are Americans and peace officers.

President's Message, Vol. 78, Issue 3

After recently attending the funerals of two respected Utah Chiefs of Police, my emotions are running very close to the surface. I set many goals, but had only one wish for the coming year. My sole wish was that the UPOA wouldn't have to place a name on the Police Officer Memorial at the State capitol during my tenure. That wish stood for only a matter of weeks, ending with the death of Chief Gurr.

I didn't personally have the opportunity to know Chief Gurr, but from the thousands of Roosevelt residents that lined the streets, waving flags as the funeral procession moved through town. It was obvious that he was a very popular and respected public figure. From the officers that worked with him, I found out how much he was liked, that his officers trusted him, and how much he will be missed. Officers who knew him told of his hatred for drugs and what they had done to HIS community. How he had donated countless hours, over and above his Chief's assignment, to fight drugs. I was also told of his love for the residents of Roosevelt, and how he had touched the lives of many of them. I wish I had made the effort to know Chief Gurr.

Utah law enforcement also lost a great friend in Chief Dawson. Sam has been a prominent figure in Utah for many years. Many other departments have copied his accomplishments in Sandy. I had the opportunity to talk with a Sandy officer shortly after his death. What I remember from that conversation is the uncertainty of the future with Chief Dawson gone, and the respect that this officer showed for his department and for his Chief. My memories of Chief Dawson were that he spoke his mind, there was very little fence sitting. You might not like what he had to say, but you would well be advised to listen. Chief Dawson left a legacy through his efforts in Sandy that will live on for many years.

Funerals have always been a time for reflection and self-evaluation. A time to look at our own mortality and judge what stage our life is in. A somewhat forced opportunity to self evaluate ones life and reevaluate our priorities. A chance to answer the question: What is truly important? You will find tributes to both these fine officers later in this issue.

Since this is my first President's Message, I would like to give you some insight into where I hope the UPOA goes during the next twelve months. My primary goal for this year is to increase the visibility of the Utah Peace Officers Association. As an association we do many great things that impact the lives of both officers and citizens in a positive way, but no one knows about them. Many times we desire the anonymity, other times I feel we could benefit from the exposure. With this goal in mind, at the August board meeting I will be asking the board to consider the following:

- Establish a new trial membership category for officer candidates graduating from the various academies. This membership would allow the graduates to attend UPOA sponsored training for one year free of charge, and receive the quarterly magazine. No other benefits would be attached to this membership. This will allow new officers to see what the UPOA has to offer. I'm convinced that if we show them what the UPOA is doing to enhance officer benefits and promote professionalism in law enforcement, they will want to join.

- POST now offers training on cultural diversity to its new officers. I will propose that the UPOA be the vehicle to take this training statewide. Racial issues and how to combat the perception of racism have overshadowed ever other law enforcement effort at the Capitol for the last two years. Law enforcement has been criticized nationwide for its inability to adequately address this perception. Providing this training statewide is a step in the right direction. This program will not work without the support of the chiefs and sheriffs. If the board gives me approval, I will ask the chiefs and sheriffs to support our efforts at EDI and the Sheriff's conference in September.

- Recognize officers and citizens (with an emphases on citizens) at their home department. The UPOA gives a number of awards each year, but they have traditionally been given at board meetings and conventions. Whenever possible we need to recognize the officer or citizen in a way that allows the department and the association some visibility. Let the Citizens of Utah know what great things its peace officers are doing.

- We have also been given the opportunity to host a golf tournament, involving corporate sponsorship, to establish a memorial fund to assist officer's families who are in need. Further details are not available at this time, but look for it in the spring.

- Minutes of the UPOA board meeting will soon be available on the web page. Vice-President Ken Wallentine suggested this and I think it is a wonderful idea.

- I will also take advantage of the web page to receive guidance on a number of issues. The first will be police disability retirement issues. I was given the opportunity to meet with the League of Cities and try to find some common ground to join forces and get something accomplished at the Capitol. Look for surveys on the web page to provide guidance on the issues that were discussed.

I look forward to serving the law enforcement officers of Utah, and have high expectations for the coming year. I'm continually looking for guidance and insight into the issues facing individual officers and departments. Please feel free to call me with regards to anything facing the UPOA or law enforcement, or just to say hello.

Law Enforcement Family and the welfare of the communities it serves - since 1922
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