The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting on Tuesday June 11, 2024, at 1100 hours.
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, Lou Barberini, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Lou Barberini made a motion to accept the minutes from the May 2024 meeting. Trustee Ray Kane seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: WOAA Suspensions were listed in the April minutes, and we have had several suspended members return in good standing. We list the members who have been suspended and later reinstated. Suspended member Jordan Oryall paid his dues and fees. Trustee Lou Barberini made a motion to reinstate Jordan Oryall. Secretary Mark McDonough seconded the motion. The motion passed. Welcome back Jordan Oryall. Secretary Mark McDonough made a motion to reinstate Jennifer Fiorello. Vice President Leroy Lindo seconded the motion. The motion passed. Welcome back, Jordan Oryall and Jennifer Fiorello.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud the need to pay our monthly bills and to accept the beneficiary claims to our recently deceased members Gerard Evans, Lionel Hess, and Michael Nowlin. Treasurer Dean Taylor made a motion to pay the bills and claims. Secretary Mark McDonough 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 followed member who passed away:
Grant H. Fahs, age 83: Grant Fahs was born in San Francisco, California on August 9, 1941. Grant entered the San Francisco Police Department on January 18, 1965 after working as a Field Draftsman. Grant was assigned to Star #121 and worked the following assignments during his 29-year career: Central Police Station (April 4, 1965), Ingleside Police Station (March 21, 1966), Central Police Station (December 1, 1967), Park Police Station (Promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and transferred on March 17, 1971), Northern Police Station (April 20. 1972), Potrero Police Station (June 6, 1973), Central Police Station (March 2, 1977), Potrero Police Station (Promoted to the rank of NCS Police Lieutenant and transferred on November 14, 1983), reverted back to the rank of Police Sergeant on September 9, 1984 and promoted back to the rank of Police Lieutenant on July 27, 1985, Central Police Station (August 19, 1989), Richmond Police Station (January 27, 1990), Park Police Station (February 3, 1990), Mission Police Station (January 4, 1991), General Work Detail Inspector’s Bureau (April 13, 1991), Taraval Police Station (January 2, 1992), Richmond Police Station (October 9, 1993). Grant Fahs retired with a service pension on February 12, 1994. AWARDS: Officer Grant Fahs was awarded with a Third Grade (Bronze) Medal of Valor for services rendered on April 13, 1968. Officer Fahs pursued and captured an armed holdup man who had fired a shot at Officer Fahs’ partner. Officer Bruce Marovich was awarded with a Second Grade Medal of Valor for his part in the arrest (no further information), Officers Grant Fahs and William T. Wasley were awarded with a Captain’s Commendation for the pursuit and arrest of an armed holdup man who had shot one of his crime partners after perpetrating three armed robberies. The arrest by Fahs and Wasley took place on October 1, 1968. Sergeant Grant Fahs, and Officers Richard M. Yoell and Joe W. Patterson were all awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Sunday October 22, 1972. Fahs, Yoell, and Patterson responded to a 419 in progress. The Officers, at great risk to their lives, apprehended a mentally deranged man who threatened to shoot them with a bow and arrows. The deranged man then threatened to jump off the roof of the five-story building. Fahs, Yoell, and Patterson were able to distract the man and eventually closed the distance and placed the suspect in custody. The following Officers received a Captain’s Commendation for their part in the arrest of three armed suspects who had committed a robbery at Broemell’s Pharmacy at 450 Sutter Street: Lieutenant Larry Gray, Sergeant Salvatore F. Marota, Inspectors Barry D. Johnson, Kenneth Murphy, Charles E. Brewster, Christopher B. Sullivan, and Officers William F. Johnston, Bud A. Armstrong, Denis A. Meixner, Donald T. Ross, Michael F. Lawson, and Robert J. Del Torre. On Tuesday January 15, 1980 at 1130 hours, the named Officers combined their efforts to apprehend the three- armed suspects. The armed suspects had engaged an exchange of gunfire with an off-duty Officer. A trail of blood from the suspects led the Officers to 679 Pine Street where two of the suspects were captured when hiding in the basement. The third suspect was apprehended at 665 Pine Street in the basement hiding under a car.
Ronald Roy Martin, age 81: Ronald Roy Martin was born on August 9, 1941. in Wickenburg, Arizona. Wickenburg was a desert mining town 67 miles Northeast of Phoenix with a population of 995 in 1940. The town was founded in 1863 and survived Indian Wars which drew the temporary attention and protection of the Confederate Cavalry. Ron joined the United States Air Force in 1961 and was stationed in Germany during most of his four years. Ron Martin entered the San Francisco Police Department on October 16, 1966 after working as a Supermarket Clerk. Ron was assigned to Star #1324 and worked the following assignments during his 30-year career: Southern Police Station (January 30, 1967), Park Police Station (August 1, 1968), Taraval Police Station (July 8, 1970), Central Police Station ( 21, 1973), Park Police Station (February 10, 1974), Mission Police Station (Promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and transferred on June 13, 1979), Northern Police Station FTO Program (February 13, 1980), Taraval Police Station (January 14, 1981), Ingleside Police Station (January 9, 1989). Ron Martin retired with a Service Pension on August 23, 1996). AWARDS: Sergeant Ronald R. Martin and Officer Maureen D’Amico were awarded with Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on Thursday November 22, 1979. Martin and D’Amico responded to 1910 Mission Steet at 2320 hours on a call a man throwing Molotov Cocktails. Sergeant Martin and Officer D’Amico confronted the suspect who soaked himself in gasoline. Sergeant Martin and Officer D’Amico were able to calm the suspect and subdue him before he could throw several more Molotov Cocktails from the gasoline soaked-building. Patrol Special Officer Jack E. Menn received a Police Commission Commendation for his part in the arrest. Ron married Jolene Van Zant in 1965 prior to entering the San Francisco Police Department. Ron and Jolene had two sons, Steven and Eric. Ron was active during his 30 years in the San Francisco Police Department working in the Juvenile Division with young children and also with High Schools in Community Outreach Programs. Ron was also active with the Police Shooting Team. Ron retired in 1996 and moved to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He and Jolene joined a Corvette Club and had many years taking Runs with the club members. Ron is survived by his wife Jolene, and his two sons Steven (Kaye) and Eric (Katherine), grandson Mikel, and great-grandson Mason.
Steven C. “Max” Maxoutopoulis, age 92: Steven C. “Max” Maxoutopoulis was born in San Francisco, California on March 31, 1932. Max was raised in the Mission District and went to Mission High School where he played 3rd base on the 1949 and the 1950 Championship Baseball teams. He was also the Sports Editor for the School Newspaper, the West Wing. Following his graduation from Mission High, Max played 2nd and 3rd base for the City College of San Francisco Baseball Team. Max won the Dutch Elston Team Award. He later played Professional Baseball for the New York Yankees and the Cincinnati Red Legs. Cincinnati was known as the Red Stockings in 1881 and the Red Legs in 1953, and were concerned about the name “Reds” due to its reference to Communism. In 1955 Max married his High School sweetheart, Frances. Max and Frances welcomed their first daughter Diane later that year. Eighteen months later they welcomed their first son Stevie, Fifteen months later they welcomed their twin boys John and Jeff and were surprised when the nurse came to Frances carrying two sons. They located from San Francisco to San Bruno. Their fifth child Karen was born in 1964. Max entered the San Francisco Police Department on December 1, 1958, and was wore Star #1508. Max worked the following assignments during his 29-year career: Northern Police Station (March 9, 1959), Potrero Police Station (December 14, 1959), Southern Police Station (November 1, 1960), Co. K Solo Motorcycle Unit (August 6, 1962), Inspector’s Bureau (November 5, 1965), Star number changed from #1508 to #66 on August 19, 1969 when Max was promoted to Asst. Inspector. Max was promoted to full Police Inspector on August 14, 1971. The service record does not list Max’s Bureau Detail assignments; however, I was informed that he was a Homicide Inspector. Max retired on April 23, 1977 with a Disability Pension. AWARDS: Max was awarded seven times for his outstanding work performance. Unfortunately, the Awards synopsis information is very limited. Officers Steven C. Maxoutopoulis and his partner Mario Busalacchi were awarded with a Third Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on April 27, 1963. Officers Maxoutopoulis and Busalacchi responded to a neighbor dispute where one neighbor armed himself with a shotgun. Max and Mario were forced to physically disarm the suspect and place him in custody. Max and Mario risked their lives by opting to forgo deadly force and rushed the suspect to disarm him. Officer Steven C. Maxoutopoulis was awarded with a 2nd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on August 2, 1963. Max responded to an armed man with a rifle who was threatening patrons of a restaurant. Max was able to climb in through a window to the room where the suspect was located. Max surprised the suspect and engaged in a physical struggle with the suspect. Max was able to overpower the suspect, disarm him, and place him in custody. Officers Steven C. Maxoutopoulis, James Sturken, Lawrence E. Kelly, and Nool Nash were awarded with a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on November 14, 1964 for an arrest of an armed suspect who had committed several armed robberies of Drug Stores. The Officers spotted the suspect driving away from his latest armed robbery and pursued the suspect. The Officers and the suspect traveled at high rates of speed during the pursuit. The suspect then fired several shots at the Officers while driving. The Officers fired back at the suspect. The Officers were finally able to stop the suspect in his vehicle and take him into custody. Officers Steven C. Maxoutopoulis and William F. Musante were awarded with a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on March 30, 1965 when they conducted a traffic stop on a motorist for a violation of the California Vehicle Code. The situation escalated to a point where the Officers informed the driver that he was going to be arrested and booked at the District Station. Officers Maxoutopoulis and Musante were in the process of the arrest and while searching the suspect when the suspect pulled a .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol and attempted to aim it at the Officers. Maxoutopoulis and Musante struggled with the suspect and were able to overpower him, disarm him, and place him in custody. Officers Steven C. Maxoutopoulis, Herman W. Clark, Lawrence R. Pasero, and Inspector John J. Webb Jr. were awarded with a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on March 4, 1968 when they pursued and arrested an armed Narcotics dealer who was wanted for the sales of narcotics and theft of property. No further information on this incident. Officers Steven C. Maxoutopoulis, Gerard D. Evans, and David G. Kellogg were awarded with a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on June 13, 1968 when they arrested an armed auto theft suspect who resisted arrest. The suspect was disarmed and placed under arrest. No further information. Inspectors Steven C. Maxoutopoulis and Hobert N. Nelson were awarded with a Meritorious Conduct Award for an outstanding investigation, for services rendered on December 17, 1971 for solving a murder case. The suspect fled the City and State, and was subsequently located in Dallas, Texas. Inspectors Maxoutopoulis and Nelson conducted a diligent and painstaking investigation which led them to the State of Texas. The suspect was extradited and held to answer in court for the charge of murder. Inspectors Wendell J. Tyrer and Donald J. Willett received Police Commission Commendations for their part in the investigation. Inspectors Steven C. Maxoutopoulis and Hobert N. Nelson were awarded with a Meritorious Conduct Award for an outstanding investigation. Their outstanding and painstaking investigation commenced in 1970 and culminated in May of 1973. The result was the arrest of a suspect who had murdered three young prostitutes. Inspectors Steven C. Maxoutopoulis and Hobert N. Nelson were awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on January 28, 1975 for their outstanding investigation of a female who was raped, strangled, and left hog-tied with her panty hose. The suspect was arrested shortly thereafter, and was convicted of first-degree murder and was the third individual to be sentenced to death under the new California Death Penalty law. During Max’s career, he worked on several high-profile cases including the Zodiac and Baron cases. Merging his passion for coaching youth sports and baseball, and police work, he was once featured in the San Francisco Chronicle “The Cop and the Kids”. Max developed a friendship with Willie Mays and brought Willie to St. Anthony’s School to sing happy birthday to the Principal Sister Eusebius, and to play baseball with the students. In addition, one of Max’s favorite claims to fame was being the last person to hit a “grand slam” at the Old Seals Stadium during a baseball game between the San Franciso Police Department and the San Francisco Fire Department (WON by the SFPD). For any young Officers who may be unfamiliar with Pro Baseball in San Francisco, Willie Mays and Seals Stadium were, and remain, a ‘big deal’ with many native San Franciscans. Seals Stadium was located at the corner of 16th Street and Bryant St. and was demolished in 1959 and replaced by the White Front department store, and now a shopping center. Max had coached and managed many youth teams including the Police Athletic Teams from San Francisco and the Peninsula and guided two American Legion teams to Championships. Max was passionate and committed to his players and tried to help all of them grow and develop in the game. After retiring, Max directed his sports passion to Golf as a member of the California Golf Club. In 2001 Max was proud to be inducted to the Mission High School Hall of Fame and was presented with the Marino Pieretti Trophy for Baseball. Max also worked in Real Estate and retired again in 2000. After the passing of his wife Frances, Max later married his long-time friend and confidant, Georgine Lonero in 2008. Max and Georgine spent many happy years together, and Georgine cared for Max and was at his side until his passing. Max will be remembered as a family man of faith, who was hardworking passionate and fun. He is survived by his loving wife Georgine, and his children Diane (Alan) Karcich, Steve (Stephanie) Maxoutopoulis, John (Laurie) Maxoutopoulis, Jeff (Terri) Maxoutopoulis, and Karen Coutant, and 12 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
Report of Special Committee: No report this month.
Old Business: No report this month.
New Business: Treasurer Taylor made a motion to allow retired WOAA members to pay their dues up to five years in advance. Secretary Mark McDonough seconded the motion. The motion passed and is now subject to review and approval by our Auditor/Accountant Joey Kennedy.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Ryan Walsh led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for all our fallen members, and specifically to our recently reported fallen members. President Walsh scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday July 11, 2024 on Zoom.
To All Members: WOAA members can access new beneficiary forms from our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Click on the Resources option and follow the link. Please complete the form and have it signed by a Notary, or a board member (see Roll Call above). Mail the form to WOAA, P.O. BOX 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. I can be contacted at 415 681-3660. Each month, on behalf of the WOAA Board and our members, I express my gratitude for the outside help we receive to assist our efforts in providing customer service. The following people provide monthly support for our organization: Retired San Francisco Police Captain and the current Defense Administrator for the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA), Paul Chignell; retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant and the host of the Gold Country Reaper Email, Rene LaPrevotte; retired San Franciso Police Sergeant and the long-standing editor of the SFPOA Journal Newspaper, Ray Shine; Maggie Wang of Personnel, and Kristine Singh of the San Francisco Police Commission Office.