Our regular order of business was preempted by a report from our investors at Abbot and Downing/ Wells Fargo Bank. Abbot Downing presented the WOAA Board with the fourth quarter and year end results. The Fund was down 1.10% for the quarter, however, we have had a positive result of plus 4.06% for the year, and plus 5.28% for the past five years.
Roll Call: President John Centurioni, Vice President Leroy Lindo, Secretary Mark McDonough (per conference call), Treasurer Dean Taylor, and Trustees Ray Kane, Jim O’Meara, Al Luenow, and John Keane. Trustee Sally Foster was excused.
Receiving Applications for New Members; Suspensions and Reinstatements: Trustee Ray Kane received a new application for membership from Steve Oesterich of Recruit Class 247. Secretary Mark McDonough responded the San Francisco Regional Police Academy on January 17, 2017 and signed up twenty two of the thirty four recruit officers. Three officers stated that they will likely sign up soon. There were no suspension or reinstatements. Secretary McDonough will received a list of the 2016 suspended members who did not pay their dues for the year. Those members will be stricken from the roll. Any member stricken from the roll is required to have a Doctor’s note of “good health” when applying for reinstatement. The Doctor’s note must be accompanied with a written application for reinstatement with a check or payment of back dues and late fees.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor presented the monthly bills. The WOAA paid three death benefits in December. The Organization had received a large amount of donations in the name of our fallen member(s). Last month several donations were printed in this column in the name of Kevin O’Connor. Peggy Parenti of Novato, Ca sent in a donation in the name of Kevin O’Connor. Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to pay the bills. Trustee Al Luenow seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection.
Report of Visiting Committee: No report.
Report of Trustees: We received the sad news of the passing of the following WOAA members:
Walter Braunschwieg, age 86 : Walter Carl “Bud” Braunschwieg was born in San Francisco on October 21, 1929 to Walter and Vera (Belstedt) Braunschweig. Walter grew up in the Bayview District and graduated from Mission High School. Walter was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years in Korea during the Korean Conflict. Walter returned to San Francisco after his service discharge from the U.S. Army and worked as a driver and salesman for a dairy. Shortly thereafter Walter joined the San Francisco Police Department on October 16, 1957. Walter wore star #233 during his career. Walter worked the following units during his nearly twenty-nine year career: Central Police Station (November 29, 1957), Park Police Station (February 24, 1958), Northern Police Station (January 19, 1959), Southern Police Station Dog Unit (October 1, 1962), Promoted to the rank of Sergeant on February 2, 1969 and remained at Southern Station through January of 1973, Promoted to Lieutenant on February 7, 1973 and assigned to Central Police Station, Patrol Bureau (June 17,1973), CPC C.S.T.F. (March 15, 1974), Southern Police Station (September 3, 1978), and to SSB I.D. (February 8, 1979). Lt. Walter Braunschweig retired on July 2, 1986. Walter received the following awards and medals of valor: a third grade award Medal of Valor for services rendered on February 13, 1966 for disarming and arresting a suspect who had threatened hotel guests. A third grade medal of valor for services rendered on March 29, 1968 when he and his police dog Siegen flushed out and apprehended an armed robbery suspect from his place of concealment in a basement. A third grade medal of valor for services rendered on December 23 1968 for disarming and arresting armed robbery suspects. Walter observed a man leaving Southern Police Station with a bulge in his pocket. He followed the man down the street and observed him brandish a firearm and shoot at several people in the street. Walter jumped on the suspect and was able to place his hand between the hammer and the firing pin. Walter was able to overpower the suspect and take him into custody. A third grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on December 1, 1968 when he and Officer William Scheffler disarmed and arrested an armed suspect who had aimed his firearm at people on the street. A Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on August 25, 1971 when he and officers John Brandt, Dennis Dillard, Paul Juul, Dan Lynch, Gabriel Alva, and Frank Luttiken arrested a mentally deranged gunman who had fired several rounds from his pistol into his apartment wall, and then fired at police. Walter began his career as a Tenderloin Beat Officer. He later became a founding member of the Police Canine Unit. Walter later was a member of the S.F.P.D. Tactical Squad before retiring in 1986. Walter was a big sports fan and devoted father. He loved coaching his children’s sports teams, cooking, and just being around the house with his family. Walter usually had a dog by his side. Walter and his wife moved to Amador County after he retired and his passion of love for flags was born. Walter became a Vexillologist, one who studies flags. Walter collected flags from all over the world and every branch of the military and raised them often in town and at home. Walter is survived by his wife of forty nine years, Sherrill (Cookie Wood), his daughter Kali of Oakland, his son Kyle (Souky) of Novato and three granddaughters, his sister Peggy Zanatta of Pleasanton, a niece and several nephews. His sister Lois McEvoy predeceased him.
Howard B. Jackson, age 83: Howard Bobbie Jackson was born on June 10, 1932 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Howard served in the U.S. Air Force and later graduated from Grambling State University. Howard relocated to San Francisco and married in 1957. Howard furthered his education by obtaining a degree in Business Management from Golden Gate University. Howard, after working as a foreman for the U.S. Postal Service, joined the San Francisco Police Department on January 3, 1964 and wore star #687. Howard worked at the following assignments during his career: Potrero Police Station (March 30, 1964), Ingleside Police Station (March 15, 1965), Potrero Police Station as a newly promoted Sergeant (July 16, 1969), Crime Lab (August 1, 1971), S.F.P.D. Police Academy (March 7, 1977), Investigations Property Crimes (August 16, 1978), and Park Police Station (October 8, 1980).Lt. Howard Jackson retired on January 2, 1985. Howard received a third grade Medal of Valor Award for services rendered on March 17, 1968. Howard and Officer Robert McAlllister apprehended a suspect arm with a handgun who was threatening patrons of a tavern. Quick actions by the Officers prevented the suspect from using the firearm. Howard was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on April 5, 1970.Sgt. Howard Jackson and Officer John Kranci were on patrol and observed smoke coming from 1316 Fairfax Avenue. Howard and John, realizing the risk to their own lives, and without hesitation entered the burning building through the intense heat and smoke and rescued 12 people including a man and his son who were trapped on the top floor of the building. Howard and John carried them to safety. Howard was a founding father of the Officers for Justice, an organization focused on promoting social justice and equality within the S.F.P.D. Howard was one of three men who were the first African Americans placed in the rank of Lieutenant. Howard was known for his passion to mentor others towards the achievement of personal excellence. Among Howard’s favorite past times were reading, crossword puzzles, horse racing, fishing, and golf. Howard is survived by his daughter Andrea J. Steward, granddaughter Alexandra Stewart, son in law Bruce Stewart, sisters Dorothy Gage and Eunice Turner, and many nieces and nephews, the family of long time- companion the late Shirley L. Sullivan, and a very canine “Lola”.
Ford Long, age 88: Ford Ellsworth Long Sr. was born on June 9, 1928 on Paris Island, South Carolina Marine Base to Albert and Ida Long. He was the youngest of four children. Ford’s family transferred to Haiti, San Diego, New Orleans, Atlanta, and finally in San Francisco in 1945. He attended Polytechnic High School where he excelled in sports and was eventually voted into the San Francisco Sports Hall of Fame. More importantly he met his love of 68 years, Theo Jeanne. Ford joined the San Francisco Police Department in 1948 where he worked in patrol and undercover operations for his first ten years. Ford later worked in Planning and Research where he was in charge of the Department Budget issues and assisted in the development of the S.F.P.D. Operational Procedures. As Ford promoted he was in charge of the Criminal Information Division and was instrumental in the development of the Department digital information and communication systems that are in place today. Ford retired as the Captain Northern Police Station after serving the city for 31 years. Ford worked the following assignments during his career that began on October 1, 1949: Richmond Police Station (October 24, 1949), Southern Police Station (August 11, 1952, BSS (September 9, 1952), HDQ Survey and Planning (July 26, 1955), Planning and Research (November 27, 1956), HDQ Planning and Research as a newly promoted Sergeant (July 18, 1962), Crime Information as a newly promoted Lieutenant (March 1, 1970), SSB Communications (October 13, 1976), SSS I.D. (January 22, 1978), Planning and Research (July 15, 1979) and as a newly promoted Captain, Ford Long finished his career at Northern Police Station (February 27, 1980). Ford retired on September 30, 1980. Ford was awarded a Second Grade Meritorious Award Medal of Valor for services rendered on July 21, 1958. Ford, with Assistant Inspector Robert McLennan, Sgt. John W. Conroy, and Officer John Young combined their efforts to arrest an armed holdup suspect as he was in the act of robbing the proprietor of a Jewelry Store. Ford was a 55 year Mason and a member of the Asiya Shriners. Ford received many awards and high honors in the Mason Order. He is survived by his wife Theo, his children Suzanne (Tony), Ford Jr. (Ann), and Michelle, and many grandchildren.
Michael Pedrini, age 72: Michael William Pedrini was born on June 8, 1944 in San Diego, California. Mike’s was raised in Pacifica and graduated from Westmoor High School in 1961. Mike joined the San Francisco Police Department on October 16, 1968. Mike wore star #505 during his career. Mike Pedrini worked the following units during his thirty two plus years in the S.F.P.D.: Northern Police Station (April 7, 1969), The “S” Squad (November 11, 1980), The Auto Detail in the Investigations Bureau (September 9, 1981), Vice Crimes/ Narcotics Detail (July 12, 1986), and finally at the Burglary Detail (January 19, 1991). Mike retired on February 2, 2001. Mike was promoted to temporary Inspector on November 19, 1980 and full Inspector on November 19, 1982. Mike received a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on January 31, 1972, and a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on January 11, 1972. Mike and his partner Dale Smith pursued and apprehended a suspect who had committed thirty two gas station robberies. The suspects fled their vehicle while it was still moving. Mike and Dale positioned their vehicle to stop the moving car while they pursued the suspects. Mike and Dale engaged in a physical confrontation with an armed suspect and took him into custody while the other suspect fled. The second suspect was apprehended later. Mike was a devoted family man, very patriotic, and had an exemplary work ethic with a sense of right and wrong. Mike loved to travel, and before his illness took away his ability to travel, Mike and his wife Jan visited as many locations as possible in the U.S.A. and around the world. Mike was very proud to have two sons who followed him into the San Francisco Police Department. Mike is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janet (Stolp), his daughter Nicole Riley (Steve), his son Christopher, his son Vincent (Lisa), and ten grandchildren. He is aslo survived by Sandi and Sue (Jim), and his brothers Bob and Bill. He was preceded in death by his father Arthur, mother Frieda, and his sister Nancy.
Robert Salaiz,age 76: Robert (Bob) Paul Salaiz was born in Yorktown, Texas on March 26, 1939. Bob was raised in San Antonio, Texas. Bob was sickly child and overcame his illnesses with athletic training. Bob excelled at all sports at Brackenridge High School in San Antonio. He starred in Baseball, Basketball, Football, and Track but injuries kept him from pursuing sports collegiately. After High School, Bob joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for four years. He loved the Marine Corps for his entire life. He moved to San Francisco to be closer to the love of his life Barbara Fletcher. Four years after they met, Bob and Barbara married. Bob and Barbara had four children. Their twins Kim and Daphne never made it home from the hospital and their daughter Valerie died at the age of 26 from diabetes. The youngest child is Kevin who lives in the Central Valley. This prompted Barbara and Bob to move to Riverbank. Prior to being a police officer Bob worked as a shoe salesman, manager, and shoe buyer. Later Bob joined the San Francisco Police Department on June 16, 1965. Bob wore star # 1883 during his career. Bob is listed as having worked only at Mission Police Station during his career and had a retired due to a disability after twenty four years. Bob was awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor along with Lt. Richard Klapp, and Officer James Deasy. The Officers, on November 4, 1972, apprehended a Burglary suspect who was armed with a rifle and a shotgun. For services rendered on September 29, 1973, Inspector Larry Pedrodalosol, and Officer Bob Salaiz, James Boles, and Edward St. Andre confronted a known narcotics dealer. The suspect brandished a large handgun and fired several shots at the officers. The officers took cover and returned fire at the suspect wounding him. The suspect fled but was apprehended by the Officers five backyards away from the shooting incident. The Inspector and Officers were awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor that was later upgraded to a Silver Medal of Valor. Officers Deasy and Salaiz were awarded a Bronze medal of Valor for services rendered on June 1, 1972. Robbery suspects pointed a gun at the officers as they fled in a vehicle. Deasy and Salaiz fired shots at the suspects wounding one which led to the apprehension of all the robbery suspects. For services rendered on July 25, 1970, Officers Robert Salaiz and John Wallace were awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor. The Officers observed two suspects get into a stolen vehicle. The Officers attempted to stop the suspects who fled away recklessly. The suspects subsequently crashed into another vehicle at the intersection causing the vehicle to explode into flames. Salaiz and Wallace could not open the doors to the vehicle due to the heat causing the metal to melt. The Officers broke out the windows and were able to pull the suspects to safety, and, then placed them under arrest. Officer Salaiz and his partner George Walsh were awarded a Third Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on February 15, 1969. The Officers heard a broadcast of a robbery and suspect description. The Officers searched the area and apprehended the suspects who were committing a second gas station robbery. For services rendered on October 14, 1968, Officers George Walsh and Robert Salaiz responded to a call of a man with a gun sitting in a tavern. The Officers observed the suspect with a handgun in his lap. The suspect turned toward the Officers with the gun cocked and pointed toward them. The Officers avoided a shootout that would possible injure or kill several patrons in tavern. The Officers leaped onto the suspect and overpowered him before he could use the handgun or the 6 inch knife in his possession. The suspect was placed in custody. For services rendered on December 12, 1967, Sgt. Richard Klapp, and Officers Salaiz and George Walsh were awarded a Third Grade Meritorious Award for apprehending an armed assailant who had committed an assault and threatened to shoot the Officers. After a violent struggle the Officers subdued the suspect and placed him under arrest. And, for services rendered on September 16, 1967, Officers Salaiz and George Walsh were awarded a Second Grade Medal of Valor when they attempted to stop a suspect driving a stolen car. The suspect fired shots at the Officers. The Officers shot out a tire causing the suspect to stop the vehicle and exit onto the street. The suspect came at the Officers and attacked them with a switchblade knife. The Officers engaged in a violent struggle and subdued the assailant who had a handgun and rifle in his possession.
Report of Special Committee: No report this month.
Old Business: No report this month.
New Business: No report this month.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Centurioni led the Board in a moment of silence for all our fallen members. President Centurioni set our next Board Meeting for Tuesday February 14, 2017 at 1:00pm. The meeting will be held at 850 Bryant Street in San Francisco, room #150 in the Traffic Office. President Centurioni adjourned the meeting.
To All: Please visit our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Beneficiary forms can be accessed on our website by clicking on the RESOURCE box on our face page. New beneficiary changes must be signed by a board member or a notary. Please use the form for any address or contact number changes. We wish to express our gratitude and thanks for their time, and assistance in our business matters: Paul Chignell (retired Captain SFPD, and now POA), David Ng in personnel, Risa Tom and Sgt. Rachael Kilshaw in the Police Commission Office, Ray Shine of the POA Journal, Retired Lt. Rene Laprevotte who reaches many members through his website, and the Traffic Solo Command and their Officers who bestow their generosity to us each month by allowing us to conduct business in their Station.