GEORGIA FOP HISTORY
THE 2000's (2000-2009)
The New Decade 2000
The State Lodge January full board meeting was held on January 29th, in Jekyll Island, Ga.
Vice President Dan Scoggins called the meeting to order, and the President welcomed the members to Jekyll Island. Immediate Past President Ricky Rich advised that his committee had been working on rewriting the State Lodge Constitution and By-Laws and they would be submitting their amendments to the current Constitution at the upcoming State Conference.
National Trustee Bill Peacock announced the upcoming meetings, Day on the Hill, Southern States, President’s meeting and the upcoming National Conference to be held in Phoenix City, Az. He also announced that Brother Howard Billingslea was appointed to the National Easter Seal Committee.
P. J. O’Hanlon of lodge 3 stated that their lodge membership is now up to 200 Members and invited all members and the State Executive Board to their new lodge building.
Roger Clay of lodge 7, introduced George Walker as their new Secretary/Treasurer.
David Stone gave his legislative report and advised that the Georgia Day on the Hill will be March 7th, this year.
Billy Mull gave the Shop with a Cop report and advised that it was a big success for 1999, where we helped approximately 600 kids and spent about $50,000 on the program.
State Conference chairman Jack Willis advised the State conference will be held July 27th,28th and 29th, and they have booked the Best Western and Days Inn (50 rms. each). Thursday night will be low country boil. Friday will be the conclusion of meeting and the auxiliary will hold an auction at 7:00pm. Request that each lodge bring one item for auction. The banquet is scheduled for Saturday night.
Awards Committee Chairman Dan Scoggins stated that there will be awards for two categories and a mailout will be made to the lodges for their nominations. One for Meritorious Service and one for heroic acts.
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On July 27th thru July 29th, the State Conference was held in Savannah, Ga. at the Hyatt Hotel on River St. A memorial service was held prior to the meeting by the State Auxiliary. The meeting was called to order by Vice President Dan Scoggins.
Secretary/Treasurer Marlin Humphrey presented the charter to the Coosa Valley Lodge #96 and to the Henry Co Lodge #95.
Member Services Chairman Dan Scoggins introduced AFLAC and Liberty Mutual who gave a presentation to the membership. He also talked about the Scholarship Program which provides ten $1000.00 scholarships to F.O.P. members and F.O.P. dependents. Names of recipients this year are Alexander Walker, Misty Palmer, Erica D. Wright, Ryan Corkron, Danielle Wright, Cory Hallett, Jennifer Wiggins, Malareo McLaughlin, Wesley Wilcox and Mary Beth Weaver.
Nomination of Officers:
a.) President – Steve Bollinger
b.) First Vice President – Dan Scoggins
c.) Second Vice President – Howard Billingslea & David Stone
d.) Secretary/Treasurer – Marlin Humphrey
e.) Conductor – Wayne Thaxton
f.) Inner Guard – Billy Mull
g.) Outer Guard – Carlton Stallings
h.) Chaplain – Sarge Orr
i.) National Trustee – W. E. Peacock
j.) Site – Columbus & Jekyll Island
Brother Bill Peacock made a motion that the Secretary/Treasurer cast one vote for
each of the uncontested offices, show them as unanimously seated and only
the names of the contested offices appear on the ballot.
Legislative Chairman David Stone brought the lodge up to date on the legislative activities.
David introduced Sid Miles, who is with a lobbying firm. Sid Miles gave a presentation on lobbying.
Day two
President Bollinger recognized guests attending to include National F.O.P. President Gilbert Gallegos, Ray Franklin, Kenny Gorman and Rick Whelan.
National President Gilbert Gallegos spoke to the membership and gave an update of the National’s programs.
Jack Willis stated that the resolutions committee has reviewed the endorsement resolution and the committee had no problems with the resolution. David Frazier read the resolution and made a motion to approve. Howard Billingslea made a motion to amend the resolution to include the offices of Insurance Commissioner, Labor Commissioner and the Secretary of State's office be included under Item #1 of the resolution. The motion was adopted. John McCraw made a motion that the State Lodge allocate an additional $5,000.00 for a total of $10,000.00 to have a lobbyist at the State Capitol. Seconded. Carlos Lorens of Lodge #66 made an amendment to the motion to include an additional $5,000.00 for expenses. Amendment seconded and passed. Original motion passed.
President Steve Bollinger introduced John Cipolla who gave an update on the new insurance carrier.
Easter Seals – Howard Billingslea made a pass-out and gave the lodge an update on Easter Seals. He also introduced Mrs. Hooks who gave a talk on Easter Seals. Howard presented Mrs. Hooks with a plaque for her work with Easter Seals in Middle Georgia. Also, Howard showed a video on Easter Seals and presented a plaque to Ms. Hester. So far $17,500 have been contributed to Easter Seals this year. Howard also presented Tim Price of Cobb County with a plaque for his donation to Easter Seal. He also gave plaques to the following lodges, Gravitt, Everett Davis Lodge #66, Karl F. Eidam Lodge #9 and William E. Peacock Lodge #10 for their donations to Easter Seals. President Steve Bollinger stated that he had talked to Mrs. Hicks and she advised that they were in need of a riding lawn mower. President Bollinger informed the lodge of her need. A motion was made by Jack Willis for the State lodge to donate $200.00, and each lodge put in what they can so that they can raise the money for the lawn mower. Motion seconded and passed. John Halulka recommended that the hat be passed. Brother Wiggins from Dekalb Co. pledged to match the State Lodge with their donation of $200.00. Rudy Lovell of Lodge #9 pledged $201.00, John McCraw of Lodge #13 pledged $202.00, and Fulton Co. Lodge #64 donated $250.00. Gwinnett pledged $250.00.
Secretary/Treasurer Marlin Humphrey advised that there are two sites nominated for the next conference. They are Jekyll Island and Columbus, Ga. The representatives of each location made a short presentation.
By-Laws and Resolutions Committee Chairman Jack Willis presented the committee recommendations for the new by-laws and recommended their approval. Motion was made by Jack Willis and seconded. After discussion, Rudy Lovell, of lodge #9 made a motion to amend article 30, section 1-A, to change the amount from $5.00 to $7.00 to read as follows: each subordinate lodge shall pay to the State lodge an annual per capita tax of $7.00 for each member thereof. Motion was seconded and passed. Rudy Lovell of Lodge #9 made another motion to change in the proposed constitution and by-laws anywhere it referred to Secretary or Treasurer to combine them into the Secretary/Treasurer. Seconded and after discussion a vote was taken, and the motion was passed. Motion was made by Bobby Atkins of Columbus Lodge #9 to place the Conductor position into the new Constitution. Seconded and passed. The question was called on the original motion as amended vote was taken and passed unanimously.
Day Three
Technology Committee Report Chairman Wayne Thaxton passed around clipboards and asked each person to list their email address for themselves and their lodge. Wayne introduced Corky Yarbro who gave an overview of the new website.
Final report of Credentials Committee - Pete Stafford gave the report as follows: 62 Delegates, 13 State Trustees and 11 State Board members for a total of 86 voting.
Results of Election Committee: Milton Rose announced the following winners:
a.) President – Steve Bollinger
b.) First Vice President – Dan Scoggins
c.) Second Vice President – David Stone
d.) Secretary/Treasurer – Marlin Humphrey
e.) Conductor – Wayne Thaxton
f.) Inner Guard – Billy Mull
g.) Outer Guard – Carlton Stallings
h.) Chaplain – Sarge Orr
i.) National Trustee – W. E. Peacock
j.) Site – Jekyll Island
Rudy Lovell complimented the Savannah lodge on a great conference.
David Stone made a motion to increase the mileage at this conference from 25 cents per mile to 30 cents per mile. Motion was seconded and after discussion, vote was taken and motion was defeated.
Jack Willis thanked everyone for attending the Auxiliary Auction and informed the lodge that $1,675.00 was raised.
Steve Bollinger presented Marlin Humphrey, Carlton Stallings, David Stone, and John McCraw with an award.
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On October 28th, the Executive Board Meeting was held in Ellijay, Ga.
The meeting was called to order by President Bollinger.
Legislative Chairman David Stone advised that Sid Miles has agreed to our terms to be our lobbyist for the year 2001
David Palmer gave a report on Membership and Expansion. He talked about the St. Mary's Lodge low country boil and inquiries from Athens and Dublin about forming a new lodge.
Steve Bollinger talked about the moving of the State office and David Stone presented a report of his committee, recommending approval. Motion was made by Dan Scoggins to approve the relocation of the office to Ellijay, seconded by Ricky Rich. After lengthy discussion, Dan Scoggins withdrew his motion and Carlton Stallings made the same motion which was seconded by Ricky Rich. A vote was taken, and a motion passed with two descending votes.
Sid Miles addressed the Board meeting and gave an update on the upcoming legislative
session.
Marlin Humphrey talked about the upcoming National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona and the number of rooms blocked.
The following lodges were chartered in 2000:
05/25/2000 --- Coosa Valley #96
12/12/2000 --- Clayton County #97
2001
On January 13, 2001, the full board meeting was held in Warm Springs, Ga.
President Steve Bollinger introduced Joseph Elkins, the President of the Forest Park Lodge. President Elkins introduced Carl Jenkins, his father-in-law, who is the State Lodge President of Tennessee who addressed the lodge.
David Palmer the chairman of the state trustees talked about the BBQ event held by the Brunswick lodge. David Stone gave his legislative report and introduced Sid Miles who gave an update on our legislative activities at the State Capitol.
Secretary Humphrey talked about the upcoming 2001 National Conference to be held in Phoenix, Az August 12th through August 17th. He also advised that he had blocked 70 rooms at the Embassy Suites Hotel at a rate of $89.00 per night.
Roger Clay of the Savannah Lodge made a motion to send a letter to the lodge’s that do not attend the State meeting a “We miss you guys” letter. He also presented a fax machine to the Forest Park Lodge.
State Attorney Richard Alexander advised the lodge that he has taken the position as a Magistrate Judge and cannot represent a police organization according to the Judicial Qualifications Commission. He also advised that he would submit names of qualified attorneys to replace him. Bill Peacock made a motion that Richard Alexander be made a lifetime honorary member of the Georgia FOP.
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On June 30, 2001, the full Board Meeting was held in Jekyll Island, Ga.
President Bollinger opened the lodge and talked about budget cuts that had been made.
Sid Miles also discussed the legislative actives and the bills we are supporting and opposing.
Dan Scoggins chairmen of the scholarship committee announced the winners. They are Bobbie Atkins, member, Dependents are: Frank Massa, Jarrett Teaque, Dana Wurst, Ashley Foster and Katie Peacock.
Secretary Humphrey advised that Ballistic Vest were given to Hoschton PD (3 vests), Luthersville PD (3 vests) Richland PD (5 vests) and Woodbury PD (8 vests)
Wage Survey chairman Ricky Rich passed out the new wage surveys and stated that 316 agencies had responded to the survey.
Secretary Humphrey advised that the total membership in the State Lodge is now at 3,576.
Link to membership information.
At the Executive Board meeting in Jekyll Island, it was discussed for the President and the Secretary to have a credit card with a credit limit on $5,000 for use on Lodge expenses and it was approved.
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On October 27th, 2001, the Executive Board Meeting was held at the Amicalola Falls State Park.
President Steve Bollinger read a letter from Wayne Thaxton resigning his position as the State Conductor. He asked that nominations to fill the vacancy be sent to the Secretary/Treasurer by the 19th of November. President Bollinger announced the National Fraternal Order of Police was considering having there Spring Board meeting in Savannah, Ga.
The Lodge approved the contract with Civic Development Group for a business solicitation contract.
Dan Scoggins recommended that the State Lodge encourage all members to join the P.O.A.B Fund.
2002
On January 26, 2002, the State Lodge held their Full Board meeting in Augusta, Ga. President Steve Bollinger announced that Danny Thigpin has been elected to replace Wayne Thaxton who resigned from the Executive Board until the June Conference.
Sgt Orr talked about 9/11 and the funerals of two officers in South Carolina who died in the line of Duty.
Dan Scoggins stated that Mo Thrash will be taking over as our lobbyist as Sid Miles has resigned to run for Congress. After some discussion it was decided that our lobbyist would email or fax a weekly report to all the local lodges.
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The 6th Biennial State Conference was held on Jekyll Island on June 20th-June 22nd ,at the Buccaneer Inn.
Brunswick Police Chief Carl Alexander and Glynn County Sheriff Wayne Bennett welcomed the members to Jekyll Island.
President announced that Lance LoRusso is now the State Lodge Attorney.
Dan Scoggins announced the winners of the scholarship program this year are: Clyde Dent, Jorge Mestre, Paulette Teachey and Bobbie Atkins and the Dependents winners are: Janet Wiggins, Nicole DeNune, Sarah Bollinger, Chris Slouchick and Jennifer Wiggins. During the meeting the Officer Relief Fund was established to be responsible for making funds available to members in need.
Billy Mull, chairman of the Shop with a Cop program, advised that they helped 1,046 kids last year for a total cost of $107,061.00. He also advised that Ms. Barns, Governor Barns' wife, is the honorary chair lady of the Shop with A Cop Program.
Nomination of Officers was held:
a.) President – Dan Scoggins
b.) First Vice President – Carlton Stallings
c.) Second Vice President – Howard Billingslea & David Stone
d.) Secretary/Treasurer – Marlin Humphrey
e.) Conductor – Billy Mull
f.) Sergeant at Arms - Jack Willis
g.) Sergeant at Arms - Bob Mathews
h.) Chaplain – Sarge Orr
i.) National Trustee – W. E. Peacock
j.) Site – Savannah
The meeting was recessed until Friday.
On Friday, Howard Billingslea talked about the Easter Seals program and asked that old printer cartridges and old cell phones be collected for recycling. He introduced Donna Davison the CEO of the Easter Seals center who spoke to the members.
Bud Mote, the History Committee chairman, advised he is working on the History of the State lodge, which was formed on October 4, 1969, in Macon, Ga., and that this will be a work in progress. He also presented some life time achievement awards to the following: David Banks (accepting the award for David Banks was Evelyn Banks), Pete Stafford for his work as Secretary/Treasurer, Bill Peacock who is the longest serving member on the State Board, Sarge Orr who is Chaplain, and Marlin Humphrey, the present Secretary-Treasurer. Bud also requested that each lodge's State Trustee go back to their lodge and get information on their local lodge's history and forward to the State lodge.
David Stone introduced Sonny Perdue who is a candidate for Governor who addressed the members. David also introduced Bill Burnes, Chairman of the Cobb Co. Commissioners, who is also running for governor. Mr. Burnes gave a speech to the membership.
The meeting was recessed until Saturday.
On Saturday President Bollinger introduced the new State Lodge Attorney, Lance LoRusso, who addressed the membership.
Ellis Harper, Chairman of the Election Committee announced that there are 57 delegates, 15 State Trustees and 13 State Board members which is a total of 85. Secretary, Humphrey called the roll and passed out ballots.
President Steve Bollinger announced the winner of the Second Vice President position to be David Stone, which was the closest race in the history of the State Lodge. The winners and new officers are as follows:
President, Dan Scoggins
First Vice President, Carlton Stallings
Second Vice President, David Stone
Secretary/Treasurer, Marlin Humphrey
Conductor, Billy L. Mull
Sergeant At Arms, Jack Willis
Sergeant At Arms, Bob Mathews
Chaplain, R. E. "Sarge" Orr
National Trustee, William E. Peacock
Site – Savannah
President Steve Bollinger presented Bill Peacock with an award from the National Board of Trustees for his work as the Chairman of the National Board of Trustees from 1997 through 2001.
A vote of the State Trustees was taken between Bobbie Atkins and David Palmer. The announced results were that the vote was a tie. Under the Robert Rules of Order, the present Chairman will remain Chairman.
At the Banquet the award for Officer of the Year award was awarded to Sarge Orr and two Heroic Action Awards were presented to Debra Allen of Columbus Lodge #9 and Robert McGee of Cobb Co. Lodge #13.
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On October 26th, the Executive Board meeting was held in Helen, Ga.
President Dan Scoggins passed out his committee assignments.
J. D. Hawk, Conference Committee Chairman, talked about the National Board meeting to be held in Savannah, Ga. on March 20th through the 23rd. He also advised that C.D.G. would host the hospitality room and that the Savannah Lodge has secured and reserved the park on River St. for a Low Country Boil.
Dan Scoggins gave an update on the Auxiliary Committee and announced that a new Auxiliary Lodge had been formed in Cobb County.
Under Good of the Order – Bobbie Atkins asked that the lodge review their per capita rebate policy. Dan Scoggins asked the Finance Committee to review the policy and to make recommendations at the January Board meeting.
The Following lodge was chartered in 2002:
12/04/2002 --- Houston County Lodge #98