The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting for February 2022, via Zoom technology. The meeting on February 8, 2022 commenced at 1200 hours.
Roll Call: President Rob Forneris, Vice President Lou Barberini, Secretary Mark J. McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees Ryan Walsh, Leroy Lindo, Ray Kane, Jim O’Meara, and Maureen Leonard, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to accept last month’s minutes from our January 2022 meeting. Trustee Ryan Walsh seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: Trustee Ray Kane responded to the San Francisco Regional Police Academy to present our membership to the 274th Recruit Class. Ray scored 100% when he was able to sign up all 12 class members. Trustee Kane made a motion to accept all 12 signees for temporary membership in the Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department. Vice President Barberini seconded the motion. The motion passed. Signees become full-time permanent members when they complete their one- year probation phase of their employment in the S.F.P.D. There were no suspensions or reinstatements. Members who have not paid their dues by March 31, 2022, will be suspended at our April meeting. A letter of suspension will be mailed to each suspended member.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud the bills. The listed beneficiary for recently passed members Ray Austin and Walter Derby received their benefit. Treasurer Taylor stated that the W.O.A.A. paid our bill to our Accountant, the regular monthly bills, and $408.00 for the mailing of our notice to pay the 2022 annual dues. Secretary McDonough made a motion to pay all the bills. President Forneris seconded the motion. The motion passed. Administrative Assistant/ Past President Sally Foster mailed the notices to nearly 700 retired members, and stated that there will be one more mass mailing to members who have not paid their yearly dues as a reminder prior to the due date of March 31, 2022.
Report of Visiting Committee: No report this month.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA Board received the sad news of the passing away of the following WOAA members:
Thavied K. Richmond, age 80: Thavied K. Richmond, known as Karl Richmond, was born on July 19, 1941 in Fresno, California. Karl worked the following assignments during his 27-year career: Park Police Station (March 30, 1964), Central Police Station (March 15, 1965), BSS (September 5, 1968), Juvenile (May 27, 1971), Inspectors Bureau (July 19, 1976), Karl was promoted to the rank of Police Inspector on January 3, 1977, Fraud Detail (September 19, 1984). Karl retired with a service pension on October 25, 1971. Awards: Officers Karl Richmond and Carl Klotz were awarded with 3rd Grade Medals of Valor for services rendered on November 22, 1965. The Officers responded to a call of a man who struck his wife with a firearm and threatened his stepson. Richmond and Klotz located the suspect in a nearby tavern. As they entered the suspect attempted to draw his firearm on the Officers. The Officers quickly grabbed the man and his firearm as they disarmed him and placed him in custody. Officers Karl Richmond and Carl Klotz were awarded with their second 3rd Grade Medals of Valor as partners for their services rendered on March 2, 1966. Richmond and Klotz entered a restaurant where a suspect was threatening patrons with an 8” butcher knife. Richmond and Klotz ordered the suspect to drop the knife. The suspect refused and continued his threats and gestures. Richmond and Klotz waited a moment until the suspect was momentarily distracted and they rushed him, disarming him and placing him in custody.
Dennis Schardt, age 75: Dennis James Schardt was born on September 29, 1946, in San Francisco, California. Dennis passed away on February 5, 2022 after battling a long illness. Dennis graduated from Balboa High School in San Francisco in 1964. Dennis attended the College of San Mateo and worked at the Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard and graduated as a journeyman Shipfitter in 1969. Dennis came home one day to find his residence burglarized, and his valuables stolen. Dennis called the Broadmoor Police to file a report and the responding Officer suggested that Dennis join the Reserve Program. After his first Ride-along, Dennis knew he wanted to be a Police Officer. Dennis entered the San Francisco Police Department on April 27, 1970, and was assigned to Star #1936. Dennis worked the following assignments during his 33-year career: Ingleside Police Station (August 23, 1970), Chief’s Office C.P.E. (March 7, 1977), Investigations Operations “S” (November 19, 1980), Muni Transit (July 1, 1981, Dennis was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant on December 3, 1980), Investigations “S Squad” (July 15, 1981), Operations Center (September 14, 1983, Promoted to the rank of Police Inspector on March 26, 1982), Southern Police Station (promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant on January 21, 1986 and transferred on January 25, 1986), Communications (January 18, 1992), Special Investigations Bureau H.Q. (S.I.D.), (October 9, 1993), Forensic Services/ Crime Scenes (June 29, 1996), Taraval Police Station (March 18, 2000), Airport (January 20, 2001). Dennis Schardt retired with a service pension on June 20, 2003. Awards: Officer Dennis Schardt with Officers Layne Amiot, K. Lemoyne Baxter, Gino Giacanni, and Carl Jackson were awarded Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on May 8, 1972 at 1105 hours. The Officers apprehended three-armed robbery suspects who had just robbed the Bank of America at Diamond and Chenery Streets. The suspects fired shots inside the bank. The suspects were apprehended near the escape Vehicle and in some nearby bushes. Captain Eugene Caliwell, Sgt. Jack Girot, and Inspectors Lou Hutzler and John Ruggerio received Commission Commendations. Officers Dennis Schardt and Horace Young, with Sergeant Daniel Howard were awarded Meritorious Conduce Awards for services rendered on Sunday
April 21, 1974. The Sergeant and Officers conducted a stakeout at St. Michael’s Catholic Church due to several brutal and violent strongarm robberies of St. Michael’s elderly parishioners. The stakeout was a success as the Sergeant and Officers apprehended the two suspects who were responsible for the brutal and violent robberies. Inspector Dennis Schardt was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Monday February 8, 1982. Inspectors Tom Tyrrell, Jim Chase, and Robert Donsbach with Officers Joe Weatherman, Michael Norman, Charles Lofgren, James Colonico, Robert Armanino, and Mark Donzelli were also honored. The above Inspectors and Officers responded to 381 Turk Street on an Arson call. They met a hysterical female outside the building who stated her boyfriend was inside her apartment and threatening to set it on fire. The Officers responded to the apartment and observed a fire and the suspect attempting to start additional fires. They placed the suspect in custody and removed him from the premises. The Officers began evacuating building residents. During this time the lights inside the building went out as the fire escalated and several floors were engulfed in flames. The Officers with disregard for their own safety, led 80 occupants out of the building while the fire increased making vision and breathing almost impossible. The Officers named above displayed outstanding bravery during an incident that could have cost several lives including their own to save the building occupants. During his career, Dennis was assigned as the Liaison and Film Coordinator for the San Francisco Police Department. He became affectionately known as the Lieutenant to the Stars as he worked among celebrities in the Film Industry. Dennis was very honored and was dedicated to the San Francisco Police Department and the citizens of San Francisco. Dennis married Penny Martin on September 9, 2005, in San Francisco. They purchased a home and moved to Rio Vista, California. In 2016 they moved to Sagle, Idaho to be closer to family. Dennis was a member of the North Summit Church in Sandpoint, Idaho and was a member of the Sandpoint Elks Lodge, and a past member of the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed Horseback riding, singing Karaoke, playing blackjack, shooting pool, boating, dancing, traveling, cribbage with friends and socializing. Dennis is survived by his wife Penny Schardt of Sagle, Idaho and his four children David Schardt of Coeur d’Alene, Id, Jodie (Charles) Newson of Sagle, Id (and their mother Linda Loftis), and Kiandra Schardt of Hilo, Hi, and John David Schardt of St. Paul, Minnesota (and their mother Barbara Schardt). He was preceded in death by his parents John and Louise Schardt, and one sister Louella Gray.
Kenneth Williams, age 77: Kenneth W. Williams was born on May 29, 1944, in San Francisco, to Walter and Evelyn Williams. Ken was raised by his mother Evelyn. Ken attended Lawton Grammar School, Hoover Jr. High School, and Lincoln High School. At age 12, Ken worked at Seals Stadium in San Francisco where Ken made his way through the stands selling soda and hot dogs. Ken joined the Navy at age 16 and was shipped overseas where he spent two and a half years aboard a Destroyer, the USS Alfred A. Cunningham. Ken returned from the Navy and went to work for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. He took exams for both the Police and Fire Departments in San Francisco. Ken joined the San Francisco Police Department at age 21 on February 16, 1966 and was assigned to Star #197 and worked the following assignments during his 30-year career: Taraval Police Station (March 2, 1966), Northern Police Station (December 1, 1967), Richmond Police Station (May 26, 1967), C.P. Tactical (November 3, 1969), Mission Police Station (December 5, 1971), Co. K Solo (January 1, 1972), CSTF Crime Specific Task Force (January 25, 1976), Park Police Station (July 19, 1978), Ingleside Police Station (August 23, 1978), Ken was promoted to the rank of Q-50 Police Sergeant on June 13, 1979, Co.K -P/TC (February 13, 1980), Tactical (April 7, 1986), Honda Unit (June 9, 1988). Ken retired with a service pension on July 28, 1996. Ken retired and moved to Sun City West, AZ where he resided until his passing. There he spent the rest of his life with his wife Tonya. Ken and Tonya traveled across the United States, enjoying 45 Cruises, including a 30-day bus/cruise European Trip, many camping trips, to Lake Tahoe, Lake Berryessa, and Coloma. Ken predeceased his two prior wives and five children, Heather (Lorenzo), Cindy (Pete), Brian (Liz), Mike, and Samantha (Chad). Ken was an avid 49ers fan and held season tickets for over 20 years. He also enjoyed tennis, pickleball, bowling, bocci, hiking, dancing, playing cards, swimming, car races, and rodeos. Ken was a truly kind-hearted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Ken Williams passed away peacefully in his home on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13, 2022. He was rooting for the Cincinnati Bengals. AWARDS: Officer Ken Williams and Sgt. Joseph Lordan were awarded with 2nd Grade Medals of Valor for services rendered on December 21, 1968, for apprehending two armed suspects who were robbing a Motel Clerk. Officer Ken Williams, with Officer Greg Beatty and Sergeant Ralph Schaumleffel were awarded with Silver Medals of Valor for their services rendered on June 28, 1970. The Officers were on patrol at 0155 hours on Fillmore Street and were fired upon by a suspect standing on the sidewalk. The Officers exited from their vehicles and chased the suspect. The Officers cornered the suspect who threatened to shoot the Officers, however, the Officers preferred not to shoot the suspect and calmly talked him down to dropping his firearm. The Officers took the suspect into custody and seized the firearm. Officer Ken Williams and his partner John J. Currie were awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Tuesday June 22, 1971. Williams and Currie with the knowledge of the robbery suspects M.O., located the suspect’s vehicle, apprehended the suspects, and seized their weapons. Officer Ken Williams, with Officers Henry Bakay, George Bodrov, Walter R. Cullop, John J. Currie, Jean Donaldson, Dave Sieber and Patrol Special Officer Serge White were awarded with Bronze Medals of Valor for their services rendered on Thursday September 23, 1971, at 0220 hours. The named Officers located a working fire on Golden Gate Avenue, entered the three-story building, and led 17 occupants through flames and thick black smoke, out of the building to safety. Sergeant Ken Williams, with Lt. Jean Donaldson, Inspectors James Bergstrom and Michael Byrne, and Officers Barbara Brewster, Mel Cardenas, Daniel Everson, Brian D’Arcy, Richard Huddleston, Charles Keohane, Daniel Linehan, Frank Lee, Victor Tsang, Jerry Salvador, David Shinn, John Chestnut, Brett Higdon, Michael Travis, Richard Lee, Nikolaus Borthne, and Neil Swendsen were awarded with Police Commission Commendations for services rendered on February 16, 1990. The named Officers participated in the arrest of a dangerous suspect who had committed Murder in the past and attempted to kill Police Officers. Police Officers Jeremiah Morgan and David Seid received Gold Medals of Valor for their efforts in this incident.
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 Forneris led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for our recent fallen members. President Forneris scheduled next month’s meeting for Tuesday March 8, 2022 at 1200 hours.
To All Members: Members who need to change their beneficiary can access our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Members can access the beneficiary form by clicking on the Resources Box on our face page. Please complete the form in full with a signature of a Notary or one of our Board Members (see Roll Call). Send the form to WOAA, P.O. BOX 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. I can be contacted at 415 681-3660. Each month we express our thanks to the following people who volunteer their time to assist our efforts in bringing the customer service
you deserve; San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) Defense Administrator and retired San Franciso Police Captain, Paul Chignell, retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant and the host of the Gold Country Reaper email, 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 personnel, and the President of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, Tony Montoya.