The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting on January 12, 2021. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we continue to hold our monthly meetings via Zoom technology.Roll Call: Outgoing President and 2021 Trustee Jim O’Meara, incoming President Al Luenow, Incoming Vice President Rob Forneris, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees Ryan Walsh, Lou Barberini, Leroy Lindo, Ray Kane, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present. Outgoing President Jim O’Meara respectfully “handed the gavel” to new 2021 WOAA Al Luenow to facilitate the meeting. Al Luenow now has the rare distinction of being one of very few members to lead our Organization for a second time as our President.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Ray Kane made a motion to accept the minutes from our December 2020 meeting. Trustee Leroy Lindo seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspension and Reinstatements: We have no new applications, suspensions, or reinstatements. Trustee Ray Kane will respond to the Police Academy in an effort to present our membership to recruit class #272 at the end of February, and to recruit class #273 in July of 2021. DUES are in effect as of January 1, 2021. We received our dues from automatic payroll for our active members, automatic bank payments and pay pal from most of our retirees. We will send out a bill to the remaining retirees who pay by check or money order and have not selected automatic payment as an option to pay dues. Members who use automatic payment will not be held responsible for a bank error. The dues payment is the responsibility of the financial institution, not the member. Members who send a check or money order are at risk of suspension or being dropped from our roll if they forget to send a check, or as in the majority of our suspended members when they relocate their residence and do not forward their new address. Our mailed bills most often do not arrive at the new residence of a relocated member. San Francisco Police Officers who become members and subsequently leave the San Francisco Police Department for greener pastures no longer have their dues paid by payroll and are responsible for sending the dues or paying by automatic payment. Many of the former Officers relocate their residence and do not send us an address which results in a suspension.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud our monthly bills and the beneficiary claims from the families of passed members. Taylor presented the bills with beneficiary claims from the families of fallen members Kippy Locati, Michael Connors, Paul Forslind, and David Dillon, our monthly bills, and our audit bill. Secretary McDonough made a motion to pay the bills and the beneficiary claims. President Al Luenow seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Report of Visiting Committee: Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions there is no visitation for memorial services.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA board received the sad news of the following members who passed away within the past month:
Ken Foss, age 87: Kenneth Arnold Foss was born in San Diego, California on March 1, 1933. When he was 8 years-old he witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor with his brother from their home on the base. After the bombing, the family was transported back to San Diego in a Naval Ship Convoy on the USS Harris. After WWII, the navy stationed Ken’s father in San Francisco, where Ken attended Balboa High School. Ken later attended San Jose State University and the University of California at Berkeley where he received his undergraduate degree in Criminology, and went on to study and graduate at Golden Gate University where Ken received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Ken was listed as “Student” prior to entering Law Enforcement. Shortly after entering the San Francisco Police Department, Ken was drafted into the United States Army. The Army stationed Ken in Berlin, Germany as an interpreter. Ken met his first wife Barbara during his time in Berlin. Barbara returned to the United States with Ken where they were married and had four children together. Ken completed his military service and returned to the San Francisco Police Department. Ken Foss began his career with the San Francisco Police Department on September 19, 1955. He was assigned to Star #597 and worked the following assignments during his 34 year career in the S.F.P.D.: Potrero Police Station (January 3, 1956), HDQ Personnel (December 12, 1957), Potrero Police Station (December 30, 1957), Southern Police Station (October 1, 1962), Park Police Station (December 1, 1965), Southern Police Station (promoted to the rank of Q-50 Sergeant and transferred on July 1, 1966), Taraval Police Station (February 28, 1971), Ingleside Police Station (promoted to the rank of Q-60 Lieutenant and transferred on February 7, 1973), Mission Police Station (June 17, 1973), CPC (March 15, 1974), Crime Specific Task Force (CSTF) to Park Police Station (April 2, 1976), Vice Crimes (January 5, 1977), Park Police Station (August 24, 1977), Southern Police Station (December 14, 1977), Staff Inspection Administration (September 21, 1980), Communications (promoted to the rank of Q-80 Captain in January of 1981 and transferred to Communications), Traffic Division (May 11, 1981), Muni Transit Division (September 12, 1984), Southern Police Station (January 25, 1986). Ken retired on October 8, 1989. During his career, Ken enjoyed serving his community and helping people. Ken loved the camaraderie of the Police Force and enjoyed his participation in running, biathlons, swimming, playing softball and participating in the Police Olympics. Ken was inducted into the Police Olympics Hall of Fame in November of 2006. Ken met his second wife Sharon, in 1980 while he was in the hospital with pneumonia. Sharon was his assigned Nurse after Ken had been ‘difficult’ with the previous assigned Nurses. It took a special person to be able to take care of Ken, and he eventually married Sharon in 1981 and together had two children of their own. After retiring from the San Francisco Police Department Ken moved to Germany where he enjoyed his time as a young soldier. He lived in Frammersbach, Germany with his wife and two youngest children for 17 years. Ken enjoyed a 2nd career teaching Criminal Justice to soldiers who wanted a career in Law Enforcement after their military service. Ken spent his final 15 years in California, where he enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and watching his children and grandchildren grow up. Ken was predeceased by his parents Harry Carson Foss and Alice Gertrude Foss (born Noack), his brothers Carson, Gary, Ronnie, and Douglas, and his children Erik, and Dirk. Ken is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sharon Jenke Foss (born Sharon Annette Jenke), his children Kenneth, Kristina, Karl, and Kristian, his son in law Robert, and his daughter in laws, Barbara and Megan, and family friend Jenny Morales. Additionally, he is survived by his grandchildren; Kelsey, Kaitlin, Mitchel, Robert, Kyra, Kurt, and Kara. He is also survived by Ruth Price, wife of Bart Price, who was his best friend of 75 years, having passed a few weeks before Ken.
Awards: Officers Ken Foss, Richard Abbey, Gerald Blume, Richard Kazarian, and Sergeant William Dowd were awarded a Second Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on October 30, 1960. Ken Foss and the above listed Officers and Sergeant responded to a four-alarm fire, entered the burning Hotel, and traveled the hallways knocking on doors in an effort to evacuate the occupants. The Officers had to force open many doors and arouse sleeping occupants while risking their own lives in the fire and smoke-filled corridors. Sergeant Ken Foss, and Officers Dennis McClellan, Leonard Sweetman, and David Letsch were awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor when they captured two suspects who had committed and armed robbery. The Officers and Sergeant Foss, at approximately 2245 hours, engaged in a foot chase when they observed the suspect fleeing the area. Sergeant Foss and the Officers located the suspect in a Sanitorium while holding an employee hostage. Sergeant Foss and the Officers were able to abate the hostage situation and arrest and disarm the suspect. Sergeant Joe May received a Police Commission Commendation for his part in the arrest.
Richard Frost, age 77: Richard Francis Frost was born in San Francisco, California on July 26, 1945. Rich served his country as a member of the United States Navy, and later as a member of the United States Air Force Reserve. Rich is listed as a “Medical Steward” prior to his career in Law Enforcement. Rich entered the San Francisco Police Department on June 16, 1968 and was assigned to Star #1796. Rich worked the following assignments during his 28 plus years for the S.F.P.D.: Ingleside Police Station (October 28, April 7, 1969), Co. K Admin (promoted to the rank of Sergeant and Transferred on December 3, 1980), Mission Police Station (May 21, 1985), Central Police Station (March 30, 1991), and Legal (March 24, 1994). Richard Frost retired on March 20, 1996 with a Service Pension. Awards: Officers Richard Frost, Robert Berry, and James Kinavey were awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Thursday February 24, 1972. The Officers, at 2145 hours, responded to a call of a suspect threatening to shoot a man with a gun. Upon the arrival of the Officers, the suspect drew his firearm toward the Officers. Frost, Berry, and Kinavey were able to physically and disarm the suspect. Rich earned several other Unit Commendations and Letters of Appreciation. Rich was loved by his family who acknowledged that Rich served the citizens of San Francisco with respect while performing his duties to the highest level.
Norman S. Lee, age 59: Norman S. Lee entered the San Francisco Police Department on January 8, 2001. Norman was assigned to Star #264 and worked the following units during his 20- year career: Academy in 2001, Potrero Police Station (January 12, 2002), Ingleside Police Station (June 8, 2002), Taraval Police Station (June 7, 2003), San Francisco Airport (June 22, 2013). Norman passed away on December 25, 2020.
Joseph Lordan, age 88: Joseph T. Lordan was listed as being a Factory Worker/Aircraft Instructor Mechanic prior to his career in Law Enforcement. Joe entered the San Francisco Police Department on June 16, 1957 and worked the following assignments during his 28 plus year career: Mission Police Station(September 23, 1957), Northern Police Station (May 19, 1957), Central Police Station (February 29, 1959), Richmond Police Station (June 20, 1960), Northern Police Station (promoted to the rank of Q-50 Sergeant and transferred on June 1, 1965), City Prison (November 3, 1969), Northern Police Station (promoted to the rank of Q-60 Lieutenant and transferred on January 4, 1971), Central Police Station (July 1, 1971), Criminal Information (June 25, 1972), Patrol Bureau (April 18, 1973), Park Police Station (June 17, 1973), Patrol Bureau (April 11, 1976), Investigations (April 28, 1976), Richmond Police Station (promoted to the rank of Q-80 Captain and transferred on March 22, 1978), Investigations Property Crimes (January 16, 1980), Investigations Personal Crimes (January 18, 1980), Internal Affairs (September 9, 1981), Investigations (August 18, 1982). Joseph Lordan retired with a service pension on January 16, 1986. Awards: (Sergeant Joe Lordan and Officer Kenneth W. Williams were awarded a 2nd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on December 21, 1968. Lordan and Williams apprehended two armed suspects who were in the act of robbing a Motel Manager. No further information is provided for this incident. Lieutenant Joe Lordan, with Sergeants Owen Kenny and Elmer Schenck, and Officers Robert Cardinale, James Collins, Michael Edmond, James Evans, Donald Schneider, and Robert Shepherd were awarded Police Commission Commendations for services rendered on Saturday December 11, 1971 at 1700 hours. The named Officers combined their efforts in an armed robbery investigation. All avenues of escape were sealed off and the suspects were apprehended and in possession of a large supply of narcotics and stolen property.
Larry Mack, age 57: Larry Mack was born on May 21, 1963 in the Presidio of San Francisco, California. Larry was raised in San Francisco’s Richmond District by his parents Warren and Maureen Mack. Larry attended St. Monica Elementary School (class of 77), and George Washington High School. Larry attended and graduated from San Francisco State University (class of 87) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Larry entered the San Francisco Police Department on January 29, 1990. Larry was assigned to Star #1789. Larry worked the following assignments during his 29-year career: Mission Police Station (June 10, 1990), Park Police Station (September 15, 1990), Mission Police Station (April 27, 1991), Taraval Police Station (August 3, 1991), Tenderloin Task Force (January 1992), Narcotics (January 10, 1996), Homicide (promoted to the rank of Q-50 Sergeant on July 16, 2005 and to the rank of Q-35 Inspector in 2011, and transferred on September 5, 2009 to Homicide), Special Investigations (October 21, 2013). Larry retired on March 22, 2019. Author’s Note: I had the honor and pleasure of serving as one of Larry’s Sergeants at the Tenderloin Task Force. I quickly learned that Larry was not only an outstanding Police Officer, but that he was also a person of very high character and principles. Larry was well liked and highly respected by the Tenderloin Task Force members. I explained Larry to my wife in the following words…. If all Police Officers were like Larry Mack, you would never see or hear of a negative story about Law Enforcement. Awards: Larry was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on September 13, 1991. At approximately 0130 hours, Larry responded to a 10-25 back-up, to abate a fight involving 14 to 18 people at Brighton and Holloway Streets. This location has a history of drugs, gang activity, fights, and shootings. Larry and his partner attempted to detain two suspects, however, one suspect fled on foot. Officer Mack pursued on foot. The suspect ran in and out of parked vehicles for three blocks attempting to evade Officer Mack. The suspect proceeded to a dark location where he brandished a firearm, assumed a combat stance, aimed, and shot at Officer Mack from approximately 15 feet away. Larry dove to the ground and took cover behind a car. Larry drew his service weapon and radioed for assistance. Responding units arrived with the knowledge of the armed suspect and took positions. Officer Larry Mack ordered the suspect to drop his weapon. The suspect, realizing he was overmatched and out-gunned, finally dropped his firearm and submitted to arrest. The suspect’s gun was loaded with 13 rounds of hollow point ammunition with one in the chamber. Subsequent to the arrest the suspect stated he was on Parole with nothing to lose and would have shot Officer Mack if he had the clear opportunity. Larry Mack, and Officers William Taylor, James Garrity and Steven Lee were awarded with a Police Commission Commendations for services rendered on January 28, 1994. The Officers responded to the area of a Homicide involving a two-year-old child and a vehicle. They conducted an intense search of the area. Officers Garrity and Lee Observed a vehicle parked on Mason street which matched the reported description of the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was parked and unattended. The Officers set up positions of surveillance on the suspect vehicle. The Officers later observed the suspects to enter the vehicle and drive away. The Officers followed the suspect vehicle onto Taylor Street where the suspects exited the vehicle and fled on foot. One suspect drew a revolver and threw it into a nearby dumpster as he continued running away. The suspect ran into a lot and attempted to climb a fence but was apprehended by the Officers. The driver of the vehicle continued to flee until he was outnumbered by the Officers, and surrendered. Both suspects were held at the scene and subsequently positively identified as the suspects involved in the Homicide. Officer Larry Mack was awarded with a Purple Heart award of valor for services rendered on October 24, 2003. Inspector Mack, with Inspector Ted Mullin were on duty in an undercover capacity in the Tenderloin District. Mullin and Mack were assigned to the Narcotics Detail and were attempting to purchase narcotics in the Tenderloin. Inspector Mack bought narcotics on the street at 1430 hours, and at 1450 hours. Inspector Mullin was covering Inspector Mack during the purchases. Suspects in the two cases were arrested by cover officers in the area. Larry prepared to make a third buy. Mack and Mullin discussed Larry’s planned route. Inspector Mack would ride his bicycle eastbound on Golden Gate Avenue, northbound on Leavenworth Street, and westbound on Turk Street. The arrest team which consisted of Inspectors Robert Doss and Will Scott, and Officer Jim Trail were informed of the route and placed themselves in positions of cover. Inspector Mack rode his bicycle northbound on Leavenworth Street towards Turk and observed a subject walking towards him southbound on Leavenworth. Mack recognized the subject as a person who near the second buy. The subject had also offered to sell crack cocaine to Larry at the time. Inspector Mack traveled closer toward the subject Larry observed the subject to nod his head in Larry’s direction. Inspector Mack then slowed down on his bicycle. Mack passed the subject left side to left side and observed the subject to swing his right arm while holding something shiny in his right hand. Inspector Mack felt what he thought was a punch to his left back area. Inspector Mack jumped-off his bike and ran into the middle of the street and now observed the subject running at him. Mack then, as part of pre-arranged signal for his cover Officers to leave their positions and immediately move in for assistance, raised his hands over his head. Inspector Mullin arrived first ordering the subject now a suspect to stop. The suspect fled but was tackled by Mullin as the chase traveled westbound on Turk Street. During his time Inspector Larry Mack felt a warm liquid on his back. Larry reached back to the spot with his hand and then observed his hand to covered with his blood. Larry had the presence of mind to respond to Mullin’s unmarked Truck and broadcast that he had been stabbed by the suspect who Mullin had taken into custody. Officer Jim Trail ran to Larry’s aid as Larry was experiencing shortness of breath which brought him to his knees. Inspector Mullin located a witness who saw the stabbing incident and observe the suspect drop the knife during the chase and arrest. Mullin recovered the knife. The witness stated the stabbing suspect was with a man who was arrested earlier. Larry was transported by ambulance from the scene to Mission Emergency Hospital. While in the ambulance Larry was given an I.V. and oxygen. The first Xray revealed possible blood in Larry’s lung. A CT scan was performed for Larry and the physician told Larry that he received a mild puncture to left lower lung and air in the lung wall. Doctors performed a battery of tests and determined that Larry’s lung would not collapse, Larry was released later, and as a result of the incident, was awarded with a Purple Heart of valor award. Larry relished his annual trips travelling to different U.S. cities to watch the Giants play and always searching for a unique steak house. Larry enjoyed supporting his daughters in athletics throughout their high school years including coaching them in basketball and soccer. His biggest joy was going on annual trip to a Resort on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Larry likened Tahoe to a “spiritual retreat” for him. Pismo Beach was another popular destination for Larry who would visit by himself just to “chill”. Above it all, Larry was devoted to family. Larry was kind, loyal, and generous and will be missed deeply by all those who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him. Larry is survived by his wife of 23 years Cindy (Warman), and beloved daughters Hana and Isabelle, his brother Don (Lisa), sister Michele (Bill McDonald), nephews Jason (Adriana), and Shawn Brockmeyer, any Ryan Mack (Chloe), and great nieces Adriana and Milana Brockmeyer, and Gwendolen Mack. Larry Leaves behind his Aunt Ann and Uncle Charlie Curtis of Los Gatos. He is also survived by numerous cousins both is the U.S. and Canada, and many members of Cindy’s family. Larry was predeceased by his brother John.
Wassil N. Rolovich, age 90: Wassil N. Rolovich was born in West Hazelton, Pennsylvania on December 1, 1930. His father had emigrated with relatives from Montenegro in 1905. They worked as Miners in Arizona, Montana, and in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Nikolas brought his wife Velika to the United States aboard the Lusitania in 1914. Nikolas contracted Black Lung disease and moved his family, his wife Velika, and his two sons Wassil and Branko to Oregon, to work as a lumberjack. Nikolas eventually moved to San Francisco in 1939. Wassil lost his brother Branko (who was a Doctor) to WWII. Branko had traveled back to Yugoslavia to fight the German’s as a member of the underground resistance. Branko was killed in an ambush. After the War, Wassil worked as a busboy at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The United Nations delegation was in San Francisco at that time, and had a chance meeting in the hallway with Wassil. The United Nations representatives discovered that Wassil spoke fluent Serbian. The U.N. Delegate made Wassil an Interpreter for him at the Hotel. Wassil graduated from Drew Hight School and met Barbara Carlson, the love of his life, at a Star of the Sea dance. They were married for 53 years until Barbara’s passing. Wassil joined the United States Air Force that same year (1951), during the Korean Conflict. Wassil is listed as a “Machine Operator” prior to his Law Enforcement Career, Wassil entered the San Francisco Police Department on June 8, 1953 at age 22. Wassil was assigned to Star #1495 and worked the following 2 assignments during his 31-year career: Richmond Police Station (July 20, 1953) and Personnel (April 20, 1970). Awards: Wassil Rolovich, with Sergeant Karl Sonne, and Officers George Radford, Carl Anderson, Walter Martinovich, Edward Bencik, and Libert Meyers were award a 2nd grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on January 7, 1956. The Officers and the Sergeant responded to a hold-up of a tavern, and engaged in a “gun duel” with the suspects. The suspects were eventually apprehended and placed under arrest. There is no further information on this incident. Wassil leaves of legacy of Civil Servants in his immediate family-9 Law Enforcement Officers, and 5 Firefighters. Family members worked for the San Francisco Police Department, the San Francisco Fire Department, the San Francisco Sheriffs Office, the Marin County Sheriffs Office, and the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office. Wassil was exceptionally social and always dressed to the nines with his jet-black pompadour that gave Elvis a run for his money. His beaming personality attracted many cronies from work and the racetrack. While walking a foot beat in the Richmond District in 1954, he chanced upon the Joe DiMaggio- Marilyn Monroe wedding party. Wassil and Joe became close friends from that day forward, sharing many down-to the wire moments. Wassil always bet on the 5 horse to win for Joe. Wassil is highlighted in Joe’ biography. Wassil is survived by his 4 children: Michael, Patti (Anthony Dumont), Susan (Stephen Smith), and Sandi (Tom Newland), 15 grandchildren: Nick (Analea), Kristen, Jack (Courtney) Rolovich, Beau (Catherine), Scott (Erika), Lauren, Nico (Jacqueline), and Jacquelyn Dumont, Michael (Jessica), Christopher, Sandra (Anthony Brusati) and Anthony Smith, Peter (Casey), Patrick and Paul Newland. Wassil is also survived by 16 great grandchildren. Wassil is survived by his loyal dog and sidekick Sonny, who brought him many hours of joy and happiness. Wassil was preceded in death by his loving wife Barbara, children John, Mary, Michelle, and many loving canine friends.
Prentice Sanders, age 83: Prentice Earl Sanders was born to George Sanders and Kissie Macana Baxter in Houston, Texas on October 12, 1937. Earl spent his early childhood in Texas but later moved to Los Angeles with his mother who passed away when Earl was 14. Shortly thereafter Earl moved himself to San Francisco and began building an exceptional life in the City he loved. Earl had a passion for education and graduated from George Washington High School, City College of San Francisco, and Golden Gate University earning a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice. On July 16, 1960 Earl married Espanola Wiley. Earl and Espanola had two children, Marcus Adrian and Marguerite Suzette. Earl loved and adored his family and was an outstanding provider. Prentice was listed as an Office Supervisor prior to his Law Enforcement career. Prentice entered the San Francisco Police Department on January 3, 1964, and was assigned to Star #901, Prentice worked the following assignments during his 39-year career: Potrero Police Station (March 30, 1964), Richmond Police Station (March 15, 1965), Inspector’s Bureau (December 18, 1967), Criminal Investigations (July 1, 1976), Promoted to the rank of Sergeant on May 7, 1980 and remained in his assignment, Support Services (May 26, 1995), Chief’s Office (January 20, 1996). Prentice was also promoted on this day (January 20, 1996) to the rank of Assistant Chief, and to the San Francisco Police Department Chief of Police on August 2, 2002. Prentice retired with a service Pension on September 12, 2003. Awards: Prentice Sanders was awarded with 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on May 12, 1967. Prentice, with Officers Richard Gamble and Willie E. Johnson Jr., responded to the arrest of an armed hold up. Upon arrival the Officers observed the suspect to be holding his female accomplice as a “shield” while engaging in a gun battle with the Police. The Officers, while subject to the gunfire, were able to eventually convince the suspect to drop the weapon and submit to arrest. Prentice Sanders was awarded with a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered in 1967 for the investigation of a series of robberies involving gas stations, grocery stores, buses, street cars, and newspaper and food delivery. Officer Prentice Sanders, with Inspectors Rotea Gilford Jr., Richard L. Miller, Paul H. Schneider, and John Wydler, and Officers Gerald Blume, Willie Johnson, and Felton J. Miles exhibited diligent and painstaking research, and their persistent pursuit of all available evidence, the Officers were able to identify and arrest three suspects. The arrest cleared 42 robberies. Officers Prentice Sanders, Laurence Pasaro and Herman Clark, with Inspectors Francis O’Leary, Timothy Casey, Renzo Panelli, Richard Miller and Rotea Gilford were awarded a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on May 23, 1968. The Inspectors and the Officers conducted a stakeout and captured a suspect wanted for the murder of a Police Officer, and boasted he would shoot it out with the Police. Inspector Prentice Sanders and his partner Inspector Rotea Gilford were awarded with Meritorious Conduct awards for services rendered on Tuesday May 13, 1975. At approximately 0600 hours, the Inspectors conducted an investigation into the shooting death of a young woman and within a period of five hours, they identified and traced the suspect to an address in Oakland, California. Sanders and Gilford staked out the suspect vehicle near the suspect’s address. The suspect eventually exited his residence and were confronted by Sanders and Gilford. The suspect brandished his 9mm semi-automatic pistol from his waistband as he began to flee, however, the gun dropped to the ground and the Inspectors were able to capture the suspect. Inspectors Prentice Sanders, Willie Johnson, and Rotea Gilford were awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on February 18, 1971, for assisting in the arrest of a dangerous suspect who had just held up a bar. Inspector Hobart Nelson and Officer Frank McCoy were awarded Bronze Medals of Valor for this arrest. Prentice Sanders, Rotea Gilford, Walter Ihle, and Richard Miller were awarded a Meritorious Award for services rendered on Wednesday March 24, 1971. At 0900 hours, they terminated their outstanding investigation which took 96 plus hours of concentrated effort. The conclusion of this investigation resulted in the arrest of two suspects who had committed numerous armed robberies, the last in which they seriously injured a Patrol Special. Inspectors Rotea Gilford and Prentice Sanders were awarded with Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on Monday December 20, 1976. At approximately 1425 hours, while proceeding south on Highway 280, and after hearing the broadcast of a kidnapping with description and license number of a vehicle, and a description of the two-armed suspects, observed the suspect vehicle approaching from the rear. The Inspectors let the suspect vehicle pass their unmarked vehicle. The suspects began to accelerate and flee. The Inspectors gave chase and the suspect vehicle crashed into a guard rail at the 25th Street off ramp. The suspects were ordered out of the vehicle. One suspect exited the vehicle and pointed a gun at Inspector Gilford. Inspector Gilford stated that he believed the suspect was at the point of shooting at him when suddenly the suspect dropped his weapon. The suspects were taken into custody. Assistant Chief Prentice Sanders was awarded a Police Commission Commendation with Deputy Chief Richard Holder, Sergeant Herman Jones, and Officers Nash Balinton, Donald Clyburn, Anthony Johnson, Bart Johnson, Con Johnson, Rosalind Reid, and Yolanda Williams. During the summer of 1995, a shooting incident occurred at the Oceanview Playground involving an undercover Police Officer. This emotionally charged situation created conflict and civil disturbance and demonstration against the local Police and the local Government. Community Leaders met in an effort to resolve the ill feelings between the African American community and the African American Police Officers, and to develop a strategy and to implement a plan of action. The process began with five Officers meeting with five community representatives who represented a group called TURF (Together United Forever and Recommitted). The representatives from the Bayiew-Hunters Point, Oceanview, Merced, Ingleside, Double-Rock Sunnydale, and the Western Addition attended the meetings at the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center. At the direction of Deputy Chief Holder, a task force was formed. These Officers participated in approximately 50 meetings or community events. Officers attended these meetings in an on-duty and off-duty capacity. After several meetings, strategies were developed and implemented to improve relations between the community and the Police. The strategies included, but were not limited to Officers working side by side with community members to help clean-up certain neighborhoods. Officers and community representatives attended and participated in sporting events. Officers provided resources, advice, and counseling. The Officers trained community members in job opportunities, safety, and legal matters. TURF members and Officers were able to reduce crime on Muni Vehicles by 50 percent. Earl was San Francisco’s first African American Chief of Police. Earl was known for being a gracious gentleman and a pillar of the community. Earl was an avid reader, enjoyed gourmet cooking, and was accomplished outdoorsman as a skilled hunter and fisherman. Earl passed peacefully on January 11, 2021. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Espanola; his parents George Sanders and Kissie Baxter, and his brothers Andrew Sanders and William Lacy. He is survived by his two children Marcus Sanders and Marguerite Sanders Carmichael (Eric Carmichael) as well as several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Victor Silveira, age 52: Victor Silveira was born on July 25, 1968 in San Francisco, California. After graduating from John O’Connell High School in 1987. Victor joined the United States Marine Corps. Victor served honorably for six years. Victor Silveira entered the San Francisco Police Department on August 10, 1992. Victor was assigned to Star #1373 and worked the following assignments: Park Police Station (January 29, 1993), Mission Police Station (April 24, 1993), Muni Transit (February 12, 1994), Mission Police Station (July 16, 1994), Treasure Island Marine Unit (AKA Police Boat) (December 16, 2000), Mission Police Station (February 17, 2001), Central Police Station (June 8, 2002), FOB (January 13, 2007), Central Police Station (April 7, 2007), Mission Police Station (March 8, 2008), Chief’s Office (March 20, 2010), Mission Police Station (April 3, 2010), Operations (October 16, 2010), Mission Police Station (December 11, 2010), Operations (February 5, 2011), Bayview Police Station (March 1, 2011), Mission Police Station (November 26, 2011), Bayview Police Station (November 10, 2012). Victor retired on November 1, 2020. Awards: Victor was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on August 3, 1995. Victor and his partner Officer McEachern, responded to a call of a 913 on the corner of 16th and Mission and observed a man lying on a fence bordering the Bart Station. The man, now listed as a victim, was impaled through his buttocks and legs, by the 10” long iron spikes on top. The Officers requested an ambulance and the Fire Department. The victim was bleeding profusely and had lost consciousness. The Officers located nearby witnesses who stated that the victim was sleeping in a tree above the fence. Witnesses stated that they warned the victim regarding the dangers of sleeping in the tree. Witnesses stated the victim fell asleep and rolled off the tree and fell 10 to 15 feet down and onto the iron fence. Paramedics and Fire Fighters arrived. Paramedics rendered medical assistance while the Fire Fighters used the Jaws of Life and a saw in an attempt to cut away the fence from the victim. It became apparent that the Jaws of Life would further injure and possibly kill the victim. The Fire Fighters attempted to use torches on the fence but were unsuccessful in extracting the victim from the fence spikes. Officer Silveira told the Fire Fighters that he had prior ‘welding’ experience and would like to attempt to use the cutting torch. A bystander, Mr. Edmund King was enroute to his job as a Welder for the San Francisco Municipal Railway. King assisted Silveira and within minutes they had cut away the fence and extracted the victim. The victim was transported to Mission Emergency Hospital where he would recover from his injuries.
Victor leaves behind his father Mario, lifelong companion Alma and his beloved dog Luci. He is preceded in death by his loving mother Joyce and his brother Mario F. Vic and Alma spent 23 beautiful years together, traveling the world and enjoying family and friends. Growing up only one block away from each other, Vic and Alma were destined to be together. Vic was passionate about his love of cooking and feeding his family, friends, and co-workers. Vic loved to travel and one of his favorite destinations was Portugal. Vic was “old school “who liked hanging around, listening to music, and smoking an occasional cigar. Vic loved animals and was the ultimate matchmaker in pairing abandoned animals with their forever home. Vic passed away peacefully on Friday January 8, 2021.
Report of Special Committee: No report this month.
Old Business: No report this month.
New Business: The WOAA board discussed researching a new location for our files and our meetings. This discussion originated after Ray Kane reported that the plan for 850 Bryant Street Hall of Justice is for relocation of all S.F.P.D. personnel by October of 2021.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Luenow asked for a moment of silence for our recent passed members. President Luenow scheduled the next meeting for Tuesday February 9, 2021, by Zoom technology until our Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
To All Members: Beneficiary forms can be accessed by visiting our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. A member can click on the RESOURCE box on our face page and follow the link. Please print out and complete the form with all the requested information. The form requires a signature of a Notary, or a signature from one of our Board Members. On behalf our Board, I express our monthly gratitude to the people behind the scenes who assist us in providing the best possible customer service: retired San Francisco Police Captain and the current Defense Administrator for the SFPOA, Paul Chignell, retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant and the host of the Gold Country Reaper Website, Rene LaPrevotte, retired San Francisco Police Sergeant and the long-standing Editor of the SFPOA Journal, Ray Shine, Risa Tom of the San Francisco Police Commission Office, David Ng of the San Francisco Police Department Personnel Office, and to the entire Traffic Solo Command and Officers who graciously afford us space for our meetings (pre and post Covid-19 restrictions) and files.
