48 Deputies laid off

[Jo Donner]

Hi everyone!  My name is Jo Donner and I'm a Deputy with Milwaukee County.  On February 6th, 48 of my brothers and sisters were laid off!  This has been a political battle that has been going on for a couple of months, but rather that get into everything that is wrong with that, I'm here to ask for your help. 

I'd first like to tell you about those deputies who have been laid off.  They have a minimum of 8 years on the job, most with 10 and 11.  They are NOT new hires, but rather seasoned, well trained (couple of SWAT members, a detective and 2 Mounted Patrol officers included), dedicated officers.  We have not hired a sworn officer since 2003.  We even have a couple who is married and recently had twins...both laid off. These are people who are well established in their careers and lives.  Suddenly, they are now filing for unemployment and wondering what department is going to want them at 40+ years old.  I went with the man who silently vowed to always have my back, be by my side even if it meant guns a blazing and to step in front of me when I pushed too far when he turned his badge and gun in.  It was heartbreaking.  The closest relationships are formed in a squad.    

We are having a fundraiser for them at Greco's Pub located at 10166 S 27th St in Oak Creek Wisconsin on February 18th from 5pm-close.  All are welcome.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  If you are not able to make this event, you can visit www.61friends.com (the original lay off number was 61, hence the name) and click on the donate button for a secure donation through paypal.  100% of the funds donated will go to the deputies.  All fees and admin costs are being donated too.  You can also like 61 Friends on facebook to watch for updates on this ongoing struggle. 

We are also looking for door and raffle prizes!  We will take anything!   Thanks so much in advance!!

 

A PINK PIECE OF PAPER CANNOT BREAK OUR THIN BLUE LINE!   

[Bobby Strickland]

Your preaching to the choir on that. As a matter of fact our FOP Lodge just voted last night to file a Class Action suit against Harris County for Breach of Contract making retirees pay for the benefits they contracted out with the county to have as part of their pay package during their employment and following their retirement. Now they want only retirees to pay for it w/o giving up a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). So now we take em to court with our signed contracts in hand and force them to live up to the contract they had us sign when we retired... We'll keep the prayers going your way! By the way, if you get the chance to check out the site I am about to give you, it is a tool we use to vent and get things through fact, rumor, or just to get some PO'd. WWW.HCSOBRAVEHOST.COMThen click on the "Let the Venting Begin" and happy reading. The media even reads this site and it has been the demise of several county administrators who thought they were all that... The folks who place items do it using Pseudonyms. Anyway just an idea and if not it is some good reading, sort of! LOLBigtime ;)

  

[Jo Donner]

Thanks Bobby.  I appreciate it.  I think the union still has a couple of things up their sleeves, but you know how the red tape is with litigation. 

[Bobby Strickland]

I will be monitoring this issue. I will also advise some of the area lodges or this as well and see if there is any available support they can muster? Meantime you all are in our prayers!

[Jo Donner]

We have a union.  The original lay off number was 133, then in the 90's, then by contract, 61. We took some serious hits in the contract in order to limit the lay off number. The county ended up laying off 48.  Our union threw out every injunction known, but that only lasts so long.  We aren't done fighting, not by a long shot, but until then we're doing what we can to help the 48.   

[Bobby Strickland]

Brother... here is my question. Are you all affiliated with any police labor or fraternal organization like the Fraternal Order of Police or Union? If so are they doing anything for you at all? 

[Karen Bartuch]

The WTA will be donating a prize pack and a few scholarships for some of our upcoming course! Happy to help!