The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association held their monthly meeting on Zoom technology. The meeting was held on Monday March 11, 2024 at 1100 hours.
Roll Call: President Ryan Walsh, Vice President Leroy Lindo, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees Ray Kane, Maureen Leonard, Rob Forneris, Lou Barberini, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present. Senior Trustee Jim O’Meara was excused.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Ray Kane made a motion to accept the minutes from our February 2024 meeting. Vice President Leroy Lindo seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: There are no new applications for membership. There are approximately 120 unpaid members (108) are retirees) at this time. Any member who does not pay their membership yearly dues by April 1, 2024 will be suspended by order of WOAA President Ryan Walsh. A letter of suspension will be sent to the unpaid members at their last known address on our files. Suspended members who do not pay their dues and late fees of $10 for each month past due, will be stricken from our roll on September 1, 2024. Dropped members will be sent a notice of their status by certified mail and have a 2- year period to reapply for membership. Dropped members must pay their dues and back fees, and submit a physician’s letter that states the dropped member is in good health.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Taylor read aloud the monthly bills and the claims for the death benefit of the following recently deceased members: Shawn Jackson, John McClelland, Alan Phillips, Steven Rist and Richard Shippy. Secretary Mark McDonough made a motion to pay the bills and beneficiary claims. Vice President Leroy Lindo seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Report of Visiting Committee: No report this month.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA Board received the sad news of the following members who have recently passed away:
Charlie F. Beene, age 90: Charles F. Beene was born on September 4, 1933, in Bixby, Oklahoma to Marion and Dovie (Willis) Beene. Charlie was the 3rd of 6 children and the last child alive at the time of his death on March 10, 2024. Charlie lived several lifetimes in his 90 years. He spent his early years in Bixby and loved that he was named after the notorious bank robber Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd who allegedly destroyed mortgage documents for local citizens. At age 9 Charlie moved with his family to the Central Valley in California. He was always proud of the work by his family as farmworkers and picking walnuts, peaches, cotton and other crops. Charlie did all his schooling in Visalia, California and later helped with his father’s successful business “Keep Em Green with Beene’s Tree Surgery”. In 1950 at age 17, Charlie joined a semi-professional baseball team in Saskatchewan, Canada. He played alongside Gordy Howe, the future “Mr. Hockey”, and many other players who eventually went into the Major Leagues. Branch Rickey, the legendary baseball General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates (and the Brooklyn Dodgers) signed Charlie to his first professional contract. Charlie later played for the Billings Mustangs and teams in Waco, Missoula, Yakima and Hollywood. The Hollywood Stars was a Pacific Coast League team. Baseball fans can research the teams and discover their journey. The Hollywood Stars began as the Sacramento Solons in 1909. Branch Rickey was not only a highly successful professional baseball executive, he was also a soldier in World War I with the United States Army, a professional football player (Shelby Blues), professional baseball player in the early 1900’s, and a highly successful Professional Baseball executive who was a visionary and innovator (introduced the batting helmet into baseball). His legendary status was not the signing of Charlie Beene, but was breaking baseball’s color barrier in 1945 when he signed Jackie Robinson to a minor league baseball contract. Rickey, a highly successful professional, obviously saw something special in Charlie Beene. However, Charlie’s baseball career was put on hold as he served his country as a member of the United States Army 1953-1954, and was deployed to Korea. He entertained the troops by pitching for the Army baseball team. Charlie completed his years in the military and came home to continue playing minor league baseball. His true ascension to his personal major leagues was in 1955 when he met a beautiful local girl named LeAnne Norville. Charlie and LeAnne were married 3 months later at the First Methodist Church Chapel on Charlie’s 22nd birthday. He was proud to say that they were married 60 years, 3 months, and 23 days when LeAnne passed away in 2015. Charlie entered the San Francisco Police Department on January 4, 1960, and was assigned to Star #165. Charlie worked the following assignments during his 27-year career: Central Police Station (April 11, 1960), Park Police Station (February 5, 1961). Potrero Police Station (February 13, 1962), Southern Police Station (Dog) (September 7, 1964). Park Police Station (promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and transferred on February 20, 1969), City Prison (November 3, 1969). Richmond Police Station, (June 7, 1974), Mission Police Station (Promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant and transferred on March 20, 1974), Tactical (January 22, 1978). Conv. Planning (January 25, 1984 and promoted to the rank of NCS Captain of Police on March 30, 1984), Staff Services (September 12, 1984). Charles F. Beene retired with a Service Pension on July 5, 1987. During his career, Charlie was a “Beat Cop}, a Sergeant in the Dog Unit, a Lieutenant who trained with the NYPD and developed an undercover decoy anti- crime unit, and was the Captain in charge of the Tactical Division. Charlie attended the FBI Academy for Law Enforcement Commanders in 1982, and was in charge of the security for the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. He handled crowd control for the 50th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1987. He was the published Author of 2 Law Enforcement Books. Charlie and LeAnne retired in 1987 and returned to LeAnne’s home town of Billings, Montana. Charlie worked as a Law Enforcement consultant and an expert witness. He also taught at the Billings Business College. He and LeAnne traveled throughout the United States and Canada in their motorhome and visited Ireland for their 50th wedding anniversary. Charlie loved to fish, hike and mountain bike. Charlie is survived by his children Marianne, Marty, and Casey, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister in laws Shirley (Donald) and Janice (Tom) Beene and his wife’s siblings T.J. (Ginger) Norville, and Barbara (Gary) Forberg. AWARDS: Officer Charles F. Beene, with Inspectors Carl A. Christiansen, and Earl T. O’Brien, and Officers Roy Beebe, Richard E. Leon, and William C. Sheffler were awarded a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on October 20, 1963 for the arrest of a suspect who committed a vicious robbery and an assault on an elderly woman who was praying in a church. Through an extensive investigation involving two other robberies and one battery case, the combined efforts of the Inspectors and Officers led to the successful arrest of the suspect. Officers Charles F. Beene and William C. Sheffler were awarded with a 2nd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on August 16, 1964 in their response to the scene of a shooting. Beene and Scheffler arrived at the scene and were informed that the shooting suspect was armed with a shotgun and had left the scene. Beene and Scheffler searched the immediate area and responded to the rear of a building. Beene and Scheffler observed the armed suspect coming toward them and holding the shotgun. The suspect began running from the Officers with Officers in foot pursuit. As the Officers closed the distance, the suspect stopped and turned at the Officers firing his shotgun directly at both Beene and Scheffler. The shotgun blast narrowly missed the Officers. The Officers now noticed two other individuals who appeared to be with the suspect. Beene and Scheffler returned fire shooting six rounds from their service revolvers at the armed suspect. The other two individuals dropped to the ground. The two individuals were taken into custody as the armed suspect fled. The armed suspect/shooter was later taken into custody at his residence as a result of a stakeout. Officers Charles F. Beene, Richard E. Estrada, Glenn M. Bardin, and Jesus Torres were awarded with 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on March 18, 1967 for the arrest of a suspect who shot and critically wounded another man. When the Officers forced their way into the suspect’s apartment, the suspect attempted to shoot his victim again. The suspect then pointed his gun at the Officers. The Officers acted quickly by rushing the suspect and were able to disarm him and place him under arrest before he could fire his gun at the them. Sergeant Charles F. Beene, and Officers Michael F. Moysard and Jesus Torres were awarded with a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on September 27, 1969. Sgt. Beene on-viewed a stolen vehicle at 0020 hours. The vehicle contained 3 suspects. Beene informed communications that he was behind a stolen vehicle with 3 occupants. Moysard and Torres responded to assist Beene. Sgt. Beene and Officers Moysard and Torres forced the suspect vehicle to a stop on a dead-end street. The Officers exited their vehicle to approach the stolen vehicle and suspects. The driver of the stolen vehicle attempted to run down the Officers as they drove straight at them. The Officers drew their service weapons and fired at the vehicle disabling it and successfully apprehended the suspects. Sergeant Charles F. Beene’s diligent and painstaking investigation of auto thefts and burglaries led to the arrest of the suspects and thereby cleared 30 business burglaries, recovered several stolen vehicles, and an undetermined number of stolen license plates. There is no date provided for Beene’s investigation and Meritorious Conduct Award.
John E. Brunner, age 83: John Evans Brunner was born on September 24, 1940, in Long Beach, California, to Lila and Frank Brunner. The Brunner family moved to Alcatraz Island in 1950 to pursue the American Dream. Frank worked as the Island’s electrician and little John rode a boat to school every day. During the summers as a teen, John worked on a Mule Train running supplies to Mount Whitney. John joined the United States Air Force in 1958 where he photographed escape tunnels under the Berlin Wall, and was able to travel through Europe. His photography skills were showcased in a near Pulitzer Prize winning photograph of an arrest in progress in 1959 earning him a promotion and foreshadowing the next stages of his life. On leave to a Dance on Alcatraz, John met the love of his life, Lesley, and the two would marry in 1964. John is listed as a Service Station Assistant prior to his Law Enforcement career in San Francisco, California. John entered the San Francisco Police Department on June 17, 1963, and was assigned to Star #820. John worked the following assignments including a photography specialist for the Photo Lab during his 28-year career: Northern Police Station (September 8, 1963), Photo Lab (February 20. 1969), John was promoted to the rank of Police Inspector on March 15, 1978, Academy (Promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and transferred on October 10, 1969), Southern Police Station (promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant and transferred on September 19, 1984), Robbery Detail (January 24, 1986), Crime Scenes (January 25, 1985), 2nd Patrol Division (July 7, 1990), Promoted to the rank of NCS Captain of Police (October 13, 1990), Administration Bureau (January 5, 1991). John retired with a Service Pension on July 8, 1991. AWARDS: Lieutenant John Brunner, with Inspectors Clifford Tawney, Michael Shubin, Gary Jiminez, Anthony Camilleri, Asst. Inspector Michael Griffin, and Officers Frank Achim, George Stasko, Sam Wong, Michael Stasko, John Joseph Garrity, and William Minkel were awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered in the first quarter of 1987. Lieutenant Brunner, noticing a large increase in reported robberies in the Geary/Van Ness area, proposed a Parole Offenders Strike Team to combat the situation. Research revealed that the possible cause in the increase was due to Parole Violators who frequented the Tenderloin area. During the Team’s one month of operation, led by Lieutenant Brunner, they arrested 164 Parole Violators and 195 other felony suspects. Upon conclusion of the project, the reported robberies had decreased by approximately 30%. Lieutenant John Brunner was awarded with a second Police Commission Commendation for services rendered with an outstanding investigation of a brutal robbery on Saturday July 8, 1989. The robbery occurred at 853 Folsom Street where the victim was struck repeatedly in the face with a hatchet. The result was the successful apprehension of the suspect in a little over 24 hours. Lieutenant Brunner assumed the responsibility of coordinating and directing the investigation immediately. He correctly identified what information and actions were necessary and arranged for its implementation in an expedient manner. The suspect was identified from latent fingerprints and it was discovered that he had a history of violent robberies. In retirement, John continued to engage in Photography projects, and built a home in the forest under the Sierra Nevada Mountains. John transferred his love of the Eastern Sierra’s to his grandson. John and Lesley enjoyed traveling. John is survived by his wife Lesley, his daughter Alex (San Francisco Police Department) and son Jay, and his grandson Nathan. I had the pleasure of meeting John and working under his night supervision in 1991 when John was the Night Supervising Captain. I was a new Sergeant working in the Southern Police District and I benefitted from John’s experience and guidance when our path’ crossed. John would respond to calls during the night was always ’10-8’ (in service) and willing to help any Officer. He definitely made a positive impact on the Officers who were fortunate enough to meet him.
Michael D. Nowlin, age 74: Mike Nowlin was born on February 7, 1950 in San Francisco, California. Mike was a Police Cadet in San Francisco prior to entering Law Enforcement. Micheal D. Nowlin was assigned to Star #1965 and worked the following assignments during his 30-year career: Taraval Police Station (May 16, 1971), Northern Police Station (December 28, 1975), Richmond Police Station (March 30, 1991), and Central Police Station (October 19, 1996). Michael D. Nowlin retired with a Disability Pension after 30 years and one day of service. AWARDS: Officer Michael D. Nowlin, with Lieutenant Thomas L. O’Donnell, Sergeant Anthony D. Ribera, and Officers David J. Ell, Donald W. Brewer, and Lamont M. Suslow were awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Monday July 28, 1975. Nowlin and the above-named Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Officers combined their efforts in apprehending an armed suspect who had threatened the life of his Father with a rifle, and by firing a round inside the family home. No further information provided.
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 Walsh led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for all of our recent and past members who have passed away. President Walsh scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday April 9, 2024, at 1700 hours.
To All Members: Members who wish to change or update their Beneficiary can access a Beneficiary Form from our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Click on RESOURCES on our face page and follow the link. Print the form and complete it with all our requested information. Send to the form to WOAA, P.O. BOX 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. Each month we acknowledge the following people who support and assist our efforts to bring our members the best customer service possible: Retired San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Captain and the Defense Administrator of the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA), Paul Chignell; Retired SFPD Lieutenant and the host of the Gold Country Reaper email, Rene Laprevotte; Retired SFPD Sergeant and the long-standing editor of the SFPOA Journal, Ray Shine; Maggie Wang of the Personnel Office of the SFPD, and Kristine Singh of the San Francisco Police Commissioner’s Office.