The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting on Tuesday August 13, 2024 at 1100 hours, on Zoom.
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, and Lou Barberini, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Ray Kane made a motion to accept the minutes from last month’s July 2024 meeting. President Ryan Walsh seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: There are no suspensions this month. Trustee Ray Kane will respond to the San Francisco Police Academy and present our membership opportunity to the 282nd Recruit Class, for the Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department. The following suspended members have not paid their dues and fines per their suspension in April. Treasurer Taylor provided the list of names, and I presented the list to the Board and President Walsh. President Walsh, per the WOAA Constitution Article III, Section 4, declared the following suspended members as DROPPED from our roll. The following Dropped individuals can file for reinstatement up to 2 years from their suspension. The dropped former member must submit the reinstatement application with a note or report of “Good Health” from their Physician, and must pay their back dues and fines. The following suspended members listed are now dropped from our roll:
Retirees Cody R. Barnes, Edward A. Barrientos, Michael D. Beaird, Josephine Borges, Donald A. Carlson, Adriano E. Castro, William J. Conley, Luis P. DeJesus, Matthew T. Fambrini, Jennifer G. Fiorello, Aaron Fischer, Edgar A. Gonzalez, Tracy A. Green, Dennis A. Gustafson, Donald L. Hansen, Sherry E. Hicks, Gregory A. Huie, Omar U. Iverson, Jacklyn M. Jehl, Alan J. Jou, Derrick W. Lee, Alphonso J. Livingston, Caitlin A. Lowe, Jeffrey B. Lubey, Scott L. McBride, Jeffrey M. McHale, Jeremy C. Morgan, James P. Moylan, Brian Neill, Oscar A. Padilla, John Pai Jr., Troy P. Peele, Christos Sinchuk Rallis, Michael A. Shavers, Samuel A. Snadow, Brian G. Stansbury, Mychael S. Thompson, Arlen J. Vanderbilt, Omar M. Vaquerano-Herrera, Kenneth Wong, Jarrod Yee, Mark A. Yesitis. ACTIVE: Lilibeth S. Bautista, James F. Franks, Michael J. Hill Jr., Bryson L. Holbrook, Amber D. Smith, Sean C. Thompson. Secretary McDonough will send a certified letter to all the above dropped individuals. Secretary McDonough will send the letters to the last known address of the individuals. Suspended members Randy Caturay and Antonio Landi paid their dues and fines and were reinstated by the WOAA Board vote.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud our monthly bills, our final audit bill of $5,250, and the beneficiary claims for recently deceased members Charles Beene, Bernie Gidal, and Ronald Martin. Trustee Leroy Lindo made a motion to pay the bills and beneficiary claims. Secretary 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 that four of our members has passed away:
Mario Di Lorenzo, age 91: Mario Di Lorenzo was born in Tientsin, China on May of 1933. He was born into an “old China Hand” family and spent most of his youth in the North Chinese cities of Tientsin, Peking, and Tsingtao, as well as Manila, Philippines. Mario’s great=great Grandfather moved from Italy to China while his great-great Grandmother fled Russia for China. Mario’s father was Italian-Chinese. He and his family were interned during part of World War II by the Japanese troops occupying China. Mario, at age 4, and his brother were grabbed as they exited their church, and taken away to the camp. Mario later graduated from Joan of Arc High School in Shanghai and again was caught up in China’s internal turmoil. While in the Camp, Mario’s Grandfather taught him to play music which led to Mario playing in a band for the Japanese Soldiers. Mario later learned to speak English by American Soldiers after the War. Upon release from China by the Red Chinese authorities, Mario moved to Japan for several years. Mario was able to ship out to San Francisco in 1955 where he immediately enlisted into the United States Marine Corps serving with the 5th Marines, Marine Detachments aboard the USS Columbus and the USS Princeton. Mario ended his Marine Corps enlistment at Weapons Training Battalion Camp Matthews, California. Returning to the San Francisco Bay Area, Mario aimed for a career in Law Enforcement. Mario is listed as being a Lead Cargo Agent Prior to his career in Law Enforcement. Mario entered the San Francisco Police Department on April 16, 1962. Mario was assigned to Star #1417, and worked the following assignments during his 27- year career: Richmond Police Station (July 23, 1962), Taraval Police Station (May 2, 1964), Northern Police Station (May 11, 1973), Park Police Station (June 17, 1973), Ingleside Police Station (November 2, 1975), Taraval Police Station (June 39, 1982). Mario retired with a Service Pension on February 20, 1989. AWARDS: Officers Mario DiLorenzo and Peter G. Tasseff were awarded with a 2nd Grade (Silver Medal) Medal of Valor for services rendered on August 6, 1963, in the disarming and arrest of an alleged insane woman who had threatened her parents and had threatened to kill anyone who entered her residence. DiLorenzo and Tasseff entered the residence and were fired upon by the suspect who fired two shots with a .22 caliber rifle. The Officers fired two shots through the bedroom door where the suspect was hiding. DiLorenzo and Tasseff ordered the suspect to put down her weapon and to surrender. The suspect complied and was taken into custody. Officers Mario DiLorenzo and Curtis C. Rider were awarded with 3rd Grade Medal of Valor (Bronze Medals) for services rendered on June 30, 1965 in assisting in the apprehension of a suspect who, with two other suspects, were in the act of committing a burglary at the Olympic Club Golf Club. Officers Arrieta and Creed were also awarded with a 2nd Grade Medals of Valor. No information on actions by Arrieta and Creed. Officers Mario DiLorenzo, Robert J. Macey, James W. Waite, and Sergeant Gerald D. Mahoney were awarded with Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on Thursday January 28, 1971 when they responded to an accident wherein the victims were trapped in an overturned and burning vehicle. The Officers, cognizant of the possibility of an instantaneous explosion, did not hesitate to place the flaming vehicle in an upright position and, with an extreme effort, were able to free the victims. Officer Mario DiLorenzo and William J. Kelly were each awarded with a Siver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Monday March 5, 1979 at 1545 hours. The Officers were informed that a person had fallen into the Bay at Pier #41. DiLorenzo and Kelly removed their clothing and dove into the cold and choppy waters of the San Francisco Bay. The Officers having to expend extraordinary effort, were able to free the helpless person who was trapped underwater between two pilings and bring him to safety. Both DiLorenzo and Kelly were working off duty and working secondary employment for Pier #39 at the time of this rescue. Officers Mario DiLorenzo, Joseph W. Weatherman, Danilo G. Estimada, Maurice E. Edwards, Leonard C. Bell, Robert J. Barbero, Allen L. Yip, Mark C. Donzelli, Antonio L. Casillas, Michael Gonzalez, Robert C. Springer, Leon K. Loew, Douglas M. Clennell, and Sergeant Isacc J. Henry were each awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on the morning of November 7, 1980, when they responded to a call of numerous shots fired in the immediate vicinity of 2183 Revere Street. The Officers apprehended the Sniper suspect who had plagued the lives of motorists and passengers along Highway 280 for several months. The Officers located and seized an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a gas mask, five boxes of .38 caliber and .357 caliber ammunition, a pair of binoculars, and a flashlight from the suspect’s closet.
Luciano E. Ortega, age 29: On August 2, 1994 Luciano Enrique Ortega was welcomed into the world by his loving parents Glenn Ortega (retired SFPD) and Jaqueline Selinger (active SF {D Lieutenant). At an early age he had a vibrant and joyful personality. Luciano attended San Francisco Schools, Our Lady of Visitation School, painting, and playing his Ukulele. Luciano excelled in school athletics, primarily Football and Baseball. After graduation from Sacred Heart Cathedral, Luciano attended San Francisco State University where he found his love for Rugby. Luciano entered the San Francisco Police Department on July 28, 2015 as a proud member of the 248th Recruit Class. Luciano graduated from the Police Academy and was assigned to Star #2449 and worked the following assignments during his 9-year career: Southern Police Station (March 12, 2016), Ingleside Police Station (July 16, 2016), Park Police Station (July 29, 2017), Mission Police Station (May 5, 2018), Community Engagement Division (CED) (March 9, 2019). Luciano sadly, and tragically passed away on July 29, 2024. Luciano considered his coworkers as his brothers and sisters of his extended family. Luciano fell in love with the love of his life, Cynthia Sanchez. They were married on October 12, 2022, and together they shared their life with their dog Kingston. They enjoyed food, music, dancing, travel, deep conversation, and spending every minute with each other. Luciano sadly, suddenly, unexpectedly, and tragically passed away on July 28, 2024. Luciano is survived by his wife Cynthia Sanchez, his loving parents Glenn Ortega (retired San Francisco Police Officer and was a member of the Traffic Solo Motorcycle Unit), (and Jaqueline Selinger (currently the Lieutenant in the San Francisco Police Department’s Burglary Detail), and his four nieces Kenese, Tanaia, Toatasi, and Luisa (his namesake). Luciano was a loyal and loving husband, son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, and friend.
Edmund F. Pryal Jr., age 86: Ed Pryal was born in San Francisco, California on October 24, 1937. Ed graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School, and the University of San Francisco. Ed enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. When Ed was discharged from the Marine Corps, he pursued a career in Law Enforcement. Ed worked as a Postal Driver prior to joining the San Francisco Police Department. Ed entered the San Francisco Police Department on July 1. 1959. Ed was assigned to Star #1260 and worked the following assignments during his 30 years in Law Enforcement: Richmond Police Station (October 6, 1959), Central Police Station (September 5, 1960), Park Police Station (May 21, 1961), Taraval Police Station (January 23, 1963), Co. K E&I (March 30, 1964). The record states that Edmund Pryal accepted a position with the Juvenile Court on January 26, 1968, however, when Ed returned to the San Francisco Police Department on April 27, 1970, it is documented that he was employed as a California Highway Patrol Officer.
Ed retrained at the Police Academy and going forward, he worked the following assignments: Co. K. AIB (April 27, 1970), Mission Police Station (September 21, 1975), Personnel (promoted to Asst. Police Inspector and transferred on March 2, 1977), Inspector’s Bureau (May 1, 1977), Mission Police Station (promoted to Sergeant of Police on July 19, 1978 and transferred to Mission Station), Co. K. P/TC (February 13, 1980), Edmund F. Pryal Jr. retired with a Service Pension on July 6, 1989. AWARDS: Officers Edmund F. Pryal and Harold M. Suslow were awarded with a 2nd Grade (Silver Medal) Medal of Valor for services rendered on May 8, 1962. Pryal and Suslow arrested two armed suspects shortly after they had committed a holdup of a liquor store. Pryal and Suslow disarmed the suspects by force to make the arrest. Officers Edmund F. Pryal, William D. Langlois, and Allyn Bragg were awarded with Third Grade Medals of Valor (Bronze Medals) for services rendered on March 19, 1966 for the arrest of two armed suspects who were in the act of committing an armed robbery of the Western Union Telegraph Office. Western Union Telegraph sent its last telegram in 2006 and turned the business over to International Telegram. The Officers entered the premises while the holdup was in progress. The Officers stopped the robbery and disarmed the suspects at gunpoint. The Police Commission, on September 12, 1966, unanimously voted to upgrade the award to a 2nd Grade (Silver Medal) Medal of Valor for all three Officers. Officer Edmund F. Pryal was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Thursday March 23, 1972 at 1700 hours. Pryal was off duty working as a Bank Teller at the Bank of America when he apprehended a Bank Robbery Suspect who tried to make an escape by ducking into a nearby Barber Shop. The suspect threatened the Barber who then fled. The suspect was apprehended by Ed Pryal after attempting to impersonate a customer. Officers Edmund F. Pryal and William B. Hardeman Jr. were awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Monday December 11, 1972 when they assisted in the apprehension of one of three armed suspects who had robbed a Jewelry Store proprietor and pistol-whipped him in the process. Officers Edmund F. Pryal, Roy Giorgi, William B. Hardeman, and Sergeant Howard C. Kyle were awarded with Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on Monday April 1, 1974 at 2105 hours when they observed flames emanating from a third-floor window of a hotel at Turk and Taylor Streets. The Officers and Sergeant began pounding on doors to alert the occupants. The Officers awakened and led approximately 75 persons to safety. If it had not been for their and courageous actions, many occupants may have lost their lives. Sergeant Edmund F. Pryal was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Friday October 12, 1979 at 1330 hours. Pryal was conducting an investigation of a suspect who was attempting to cash fraudulent checks, when he was suddenly attacked by the suspect. Pryal sustained numerous facial cuts and lacerations to his person. Pryal was able to overpower the suspect after a furious struggle, and place him under arrest. The suspect had a long criminal history of various bank robberies, and armed strongarm robberies. Sergeant Edmund F. Pryal was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation (no date given) for services rendered while off duty and working as a bank teller at the Bank of America at 3624 Geary Boulevard. Pryal, informed that a woman who had robbed the bank on a previous date, was observed leaving the bank. Pryal pursued the suspect and apprehended her. After retiring from the San Francisco Police Department, Ed worked for the California State Police as a dignitary protector for Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, and Governor Pete Wilson. Ed enjoyed competing in the San Francisco Police Department Demolition Derby while working as an active Police Officer. Ed enjoyed traveling with Connie his long-time partner. Ed and Connie loved experiencing fine wine and cuisine together. Ed was a devoted member of the Catholic Church. Ed was survived by his loving companion/partner Consuelo Hooper, his four daughters Jolene McGrory-Pryal, Michele (Mike) Flindall, Kathy Pryal, and Jennifer (Josh) Kraxberger.
Peter M. Sorenson, age 87: Peter M. Sorenson was born in San Francisco on September 18, 1936. Peter joined the San Francisco Police Department on July 1, 1959. Peter was assigned to Star #779 and worked the following units during his short career as a San Francisco Police Officer: Ingleside Police Station (October 6, 1959), and City Prison (December 7, 1959). Peter M. Sorenson made a career change. Peter left the San Francisco Police Department on January 14, 1962, and started his career in the San Francisco Fire Department.
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 Ryan Walsh led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for all our fallen members, past and present. President Walsh scheduled the next meeting for Tuesday September 10, 2024, at 1100 hours, on Zoom.
To All Members: Members can obtain a new beneficiary form on our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Members should click on RESOURCES on our face page and follow the link. Print out the form with all required information, have it signed by a NOTARY or from one of Board Members (see Roll Call), and mail it to WOAA, P.O. Box 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. On behalf of the WOAA Board Members, I express our gratitude each month to the following people who assist us in our efforts to provide the best customer service possible: Retired San Francisco Police Department (S.F.P.D.) Captain and the defense administrator for the San Francisco Police Officers Association (S.F.P.O.A.), Paul Chignell; retired S.F.P.D. Lieutenant and the host of the Gold Country Reaper, Rene LaPrevotte; retired S.F.P.D. Sergeant and the long-standing editor of the S.F.P.O.A. Journal newspaper, Ray Shine; Maggie Wang of Personnel, and Kristine Singh of the Police Commission Office.