The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting on Zoom. The meeting commenced at 1130 hours on Tuesday February 13, 2024.
Roll Call: President Ryan Walsh, Vice President Leroy Lindo, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor; Trustees Ray Kane, Jim O’Meara, Maureen Leonard, Rob Forneris, and Lou Barberini, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Ray Kane made a motion to accept the January 2024 meeting minutes. Trustee Jim O’Meara seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: Trustee Ray Kane responded to the Police Academy last week and presented our membership to the 280th San Francisco Police Department Academy Class. Ray was able to sign-up 16 of the 19 class members for membership in the Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department. President Ryan Walsh made a motion to accept the new 16 signees. Trustee Jim O’Meara seconded the motion. The motion passed. Congratulations to the new temporary members to the WOAA. They will become permanent members after passing their probation phase in the San Francisco Police Department. There are no new suspensions or reinstatements. All members must send their 2024 dues by March 31, 2024. By order of President Ryan Walsh, members who have not paid their dues by March 31, 2024 will be placed on Suspension. A letter of Suspension notice will be sent to suspended members.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud the monthly bills and beneficiary claims from the listed beneficiaries of members William Wakefield and Steve Wilhelm. Secretary McDonough made a motion to pay the monthly bills and beneficiary claims. President Ryan Walsh seconded the motion. The motion passed.
2023 Summary Annual Report: The 2023 Summary Annual Report is available on our Website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. , or by U.S. mail upon request. Contact me at 415 681-3660 to request a copy by mail.
Report of Visiting Committee: No report this month.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA Board received the sad news of the passing of our following members:
Richard Holder, age 76: Richard Darnell Holder was born on January 29, 1947 in Oakland, California to Peggy Jean Holder and the late Richard Donald Holder. Rich was raised in the city of San Francisco. Rich attended McKinley Elementary School, Everette Middle School in the Mission District, and Polytechnic High School. Upon graduating from High School, Rich joined the United States Army in 1965. Refusing to leave his men, Rich served two tours with the 101st Airborne Division (1965-1867). A proud veteran of the Vietnam War, Rich was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. Rich is listed as working as a Mail Clerk prior to his Law Enforcement career. Richard entered the San Francisco Police Department on November 27, 1972, and was assigned to Star #1873. Rich worked the following assignments during his 29- year career: Richmond Police Station (March 11.973), Potrero Police Station (June 17, 1973), Crime Specific Task Force (July 1, 1976), Park Police Station (promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and transferred on July 16, 1980), Tactical Division (October 8, 1980), Rich was promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant on September 19, 1984, Park Police Station (January 4, 1988), Muni Transit (January 8, 1989), Potrero Police Station (May 12, 1990), Special Operations ( November 12, 1992 and promoted to the rank of Police Captain on September 8, 1993), and Field Operations Bureau ( January 20, 1996). Rich retired with Disability Pension on March 30, 2001. Rich had worked in the Tactical Division and returned as a Sergeant and was a team leader. Rich served with the Tactical at the rank of Lieutenant. At the rank of Lieutenant in the Housing Task Force, Rich was in charge of the Operation Dream Midnight basketball program. Rich later led the entire Special Operations Division at the rank of Police Commander. Rich became the first African American San Francisco Police Department Deputy Chief and was in charge of the Field Operations Bureau and all of its patrol units. Rich was subsequently assigned as the Deputy Chief of Investigations. Rich was a man of truth, duty, and integrity and would do anything for his family. His greatest joys were his family, the San Francisco Giants, the San Francisco 49ers, and Disney. Rich was preceded in death by his sister Linda Gale Holder, his beloved Grandmother Blanche Fines Patterson, and his brother-in-law Ernest Lee. Rich is survived by his wife Rita Holder; his children A.J. (Katherine), Rachel Penn (Jared), Andre and Veronica; grandchildren Rebeka, Brandon, Nikolas, and Isabella; mother Peggy J. Holder; sister Cheryl Lee; many loved nieces, nephews, extended family, and his golden doodle, Romeo. Awards: Richard Holder was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on December 16, 1976, at 2215 hours. Rich, with Officer Robert C. Davis, Michael W. Conway, and Gregory W. Winters observed three males acting boisterously while standing in front of the Project entrance at 1742 Turk Street. They heard a gunshot coming from the direction of the three boisterous males. The Officers then saw one of the males holding a gun and pointing it at Officers Winters and Holder. Officers Conway and Davis ran toward the suspect who turned and ran toward a stairwell approximately five feet away. The suspect then turned and pointed his firearm at all the Officers. Officer Davis fired one shot at the suspect. The shot missed the suspect, but caused the suspect to drop his gun and surrender. Officer Richard Holder was awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Saturday January 20, 1979 at 0120 hours. Rich, with Sergeant Ronald L. Jackson, and Officers Robert J. Del Torre, Richard P. Hesselroth, Robert E. Hoch, Michael A. Mc Elligott. Mark A. Potter, and William S. Taylor while performing a SWAT Team assignment courageously assaulted a building the was occupied with an armed suspect who barricaded himself at 6th Avenue and Kirkham Street. The suspect had already fired several shots with a shotgun killing one person and injuring several others. There was no more information provided to me, however, I have written about this incident in a past obituary and I recall that the suspect was eventually taken into custody. Richard Holder was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Wednesday April 30, 1980 at approximately 2120 hours. Officer Holder, with Inspectors Alfred Matteoni and Paul H. Schneider, and Officers James W. Bloesch, Richard W. Barber, Kevin F. Callanan, Michael P. Cowhig, Brian M. D’Arcy, Donald I. Hensic, Douglass Kidd, Mark A. Potter, and Robert G. Sudano responded to 18 ½ Valley Street on information that there were escaped convicts from the County Jail. The above-named Inspectors and Officers surrounded the building and entered arresting 6 escapees. One of the suspects was one of the most, if not the most, notorious serial killers in California history being the Night Stalker, Richard Ramirez. Sergeant Richard Holder was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on June 5, 1980 when he and Sergeants Julian Landman, James Bailey, and Officers James Bloesch, George Cima, Brian D’Arcy, Robert Del Torre, Jerry Donavan, John Hennesy, Ed Dullea, Donald Hensic, Michael Lawson, Douglass Kidd, Mark Potter, Richard Sheehan, Wayne Smith, Richard Sudano, and Michael Travis responded to 1125 Folsom Street where a radical group named Tribal Thumb were staying. Tribal Thumb was a branch of the Black Liberation Army. The Officers made 5 arrests of dangerous individuals who were known to carry firearms. Deputy Chief Richard Holder was awarded a Police Commission Commendation for his leadership in the summer of 1995. At this time, a controversial shooting occurred at the Oceanview Playground involving an undercover Officer. Tensions were high between African American residents and African American San Francisco Police Officers. Community members from Oceanview-Merced Ingleside Community and other communities met to develop a strategy. Other community leaders from Hunters Point, Double Rock, Sunnydale, and Western Addition were also involved. Deputy Chief Holder directed a Task Force to assist in the tension reduction. After 50 meeting, strategies were agreed upon helping Officers to work side-by-side with the communities. The San Francisco Police Officers with the Community Group called Turf, helped reduce crime and tensions. Deputy Chief Holder, with Asst. Chief Prentice Sanders, Sergeant Herman Jones, and Officer Donald Clyburn, Nash Balinton, Anthony Johnson, Bart Johnson, Cornelius Johnson, Rosalind Reid, and Yolanda Williams all received a Police Commission Commendation for their participation in this effort.
John W. McClelland, age 84: John W. McClelland was born in Newcastle, Pennsylvania. John is listed as being a Finance Clerk prior to his career in Law Enforcement. John entered the San Francisco Police Department on February 16, 1966, and was assigned to Star #917. John worked the following assignments during his 30-year career: Taraval Police Station (May 2, 1966), Park Police Station (December 1, 1967, Richmond Police Station (April 20, 1974), and back to Park Police Station on June 17, 1973 where he remained until he retired with a Service Pension on July 3, 1996. Awards: Officer John W. McClelland was awarded with a 3rd Grade (Bronze) Medal of Valor for services rendered on September 24, 1969. John, with Officer Frank L. Macillas responded to a call of a robbery at 3950 Balboa Street. The Officers located the escaping suspects and stopped them at Haight and Scott Streets. The suspects pointed their firearms at the Officers who in turn, drew their service weapons and pointed them at the suspects. After a lengthy confrontation, the suspects surrendered. Officer John W. McClelland was awarded with his second 3rd Grade (Bronze0 Medal of Valor for services rendered on Thursday November 13, 1969. John, with Sergeant Robert P. O’Brien, and Officers Andrew W. Citizen and Peter S. Seckols responded to a call of two mentally deranged persons, one of which was acutely homicidal armed with two revolvers and 213 rounds of ammunition, and mace cannisters. For their teamwork and bravery in capturing the suspects, all were awarded with the 3rd Grade Medal of Valor (no further information on the capture).
Theodore Aloysius Schlink III, age 73: Theodore Aloysius (meaning “famous warrior”) Schlink was born on July 11, 1951 in Evanston, Ill. The family moved to California in 1962. Ted grew up in Lafayette, California. Ted was a Police Cadet in Pleasant Hill, and soon moved to Oakland. Ted Is listed as having been a Student, and a Concord, CA Police Cadet prior to entering into Law Enforcement. Ted joined the San Francisco Police Department on September 11, 1972, at the age of 21. Ted wore Star #2041 and worked the following assignments during his 29-year career: Southern Police Station (January 21, 1973), Potrero Police Station (June 17, 1973), Northern Police Station (December 28, 1975), CSTF (Crime Specific Task Force July 1, 1976), Consent Decree Division (November 18, 1979), Tactical (November 16, 1980, Permits (July 8, 1989), Potrero Police Station (July 7, 1990), Treasure Island (May 39, 1998), Field Operations Bureau (March 17, 2001). Ted retired with a Service Pension on July 12, 2001. Ted attended Law School during his Police Career and earned his Law Degree in 1989/ Ted practiced Law after retiring from the San Francisco Police Department and moved to Arizona. Ted was an NRA training counselor from 2000 to present. Ted loved his family and his pets and will be truly missed. Awards: Ted was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on September 8, 1977 at 2205 hours. Ted, with Officers Steven R. Gough and Henry C. Hunter were conducting a “plainclothes blending” operation on the 200 block of Powell Street. The Officers observed a suspect approach his victim and remove a 9mm pistol from his waistband. The suspect struck the victim in the back with his pistol and then chambered a round. The Officers yelled “Police” and rushed the suspect who waived his pistol and then placed it into the abdomen of Officer Gough. Gough was able to spin away from the armed suspect. Officer Schlink, Hunter, and Gough grabbed the suspect and engaged in a physical struggle, and were able to disarm the suspect and place him in custody. Officers Theodore A. Schlink III and Albert G. Squair were awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on January 21, 1978 at 1615 hours. The Officers were patrolling at Eddy and Leavenworth Streets when they exited their vehicle and apprehended an armed suspect who was wanted for three armed robberies in San Jose, and six armed robberies in Los Angeles. The suspect, during some of his robberies, shot the suspect and in one incident, shot his victim once in the eye, and five times in the chest. Officers Theodore A. Schlink III and Charles J. Keohane were awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Thursday March 26, 1981 at 1420 hours. The Officers were driving their marked police vehicle on the 100 block of Howard Street when they observed an armed suspect holding his firearm against the stomach of his female victim. The woman screamed at the suspect, asking not to be shot. The suspect saw Officers Schlink and Keohane and pointed the firearm at them. The Officers drew their service weapons and strategically advanced on the suspect from positions that would not jeopardize the safety of innocent bystanders. The suspect, realizing he had no chance in an exchange of gunfire, lowered his firearm and surrendered. Officer Theodore A. Schlink III was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on April 17, 1981 at 1138 hours. Schlink had received information that an armed suspect had robbed the Bank of America at number one Powell Street. Schlink learned that the suspect fled and entered a Tavern at Ellis and Mason Streets where he secreted the stolen money. Officer Schlink responded to the Tavern and observed the suspect who had his hands placed in his pocket. The suspect ignored Officer Schlink’s order to surrender and advanced in a threatening manner. Officer Schlink choosing not to shoot the suspect, engaged in a violent struggle with the suspect and was able to subdue him and place him under arrest. Officer Schlink learned that the suspect was not armed and wished to commit suicide by forcing Schlink to shoot him. Officers Theodore A. Schlink III, Donald W. Woolard, and Vincent A. Catanzaro were awarded with a Meritorious Conduct Award for an outstanding investigation for services rendered on Friday July 9, 1982. The Officers conducted a three-hour investigation resulting in the apprehension and arrest of a wanted felon who had shown a propensity for violence and the ability to manipulate the Criminal Justice System and the Correctional System. Schlink, Woolard, and Catanzaro were awarded with the Meritorious Conduct Award for their outstanding investigation which uncovered criminal conduct on the part of the suspect. The suspect had eluded the experts in the San Francisco Police Department’s I.D. Bureau, the State of California Division of Criminal Identification and Information, and the California Department of Corrections. Officers Theodore A. Schlink III, Edgar J. Callejas, James P. Gaan, and Alejandro Serrano were awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Saturday March 17, 1984 at 2000 hours. The Officers conducted an outstanding investigation resulting the apprehension and arrest of a male and female suspect. The male suspect was a member of the Aryan Brotherhood and was on Parole. A search of the suspect’s room yielded two machine guns, four semi-automatic handguns, narcotics, narcotics kits, machine gun conversion kits, bomb making manuals and a significant amount of ammunition.
Report of Special Committee: No report this month.
Old Business: The WOAA Board will hold our yearly dinner in honor of our recently outgoing President Lou Barberini. The Board-only event will he held in March at a venue of Lou’s choice.
New Business: No report this month.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Walsh led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for our recently deceased members Richard Holder, John McClelland, and Theodore Schlink, and for all the past deceased members of our organization.
To All Members: Member who wish to change their address, contact number, or Beneficiary, can access the form on our website ‘sfwidowsandorphans.org’. Click on RESOURCES and follow the link. Complete the form and send it to us at: WOAA, P.O. BOX 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. I can be contacted at (415) 681-3660. I receive support and assistance each month from the following people to bring our members the best customer service possible: Retired San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Captain and the current Defense Administrator for the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA), Paul Chignell; Retired S.F.P.D. Lieutenant and the host of the Gold Country Reaper email that reaches out to thousands of active and retired Police Officers, Rene LaPrevotte; Retired S.F.P.D. Sergeant and the long-standing Editor of the SFPOA Journal, Ray Shine; Maggie Wang of Personnel, and Kristine Singe of the Police Commission Office.