The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting on Tuesday November 12, 2024.
Roll Call: President Ryan Walsh, Vice President Leroy Lindo, Secretary Dean Taylor, Trustees Ray Kane, Jim O’Meara, Maureen Leonard, Rob Forneris and Lou Barberini, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present for the November 2024 meeting.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Lou Barberini made a motion to accept the minutes from our October 2024 meeting. President Ryan Walsh seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: There are no new applications, suspensions, or reinstatements.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud the monthly bills and the beneficiary claim for the family of Michael J. Mahoney. Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to pay the bills and beneficiary claims. Trustee Ray Kane 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 passing of our following members:
Larry P. Birch, age 90: Lawrence Perry Birch was born in Carmel, California on July 13, 1934. Larry was listed as having been a Postal Clerk prior to his career in the San Francisco Police Department. Larry entered the San Francisco Police Department on January 16, 1969. Larry was assigned to Star #1100, and he worked the following assignments during his 25-year career: Richmond Police Station (April 7, 1969), Permit Bureau (December 2, 1973), Mission Police Station (April 9, 1978), FOB/Admin (February 3, 1983), Communications (February 10, 1983), Warrants (June 14. 1993. Larry P. Birch retired with a service pension on July 15, 1994.
Awards: Offices Larry P. Birch and Joanne Lozenski were awarded Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on Tuesday December 27, 1988 at 1050 hours. While on routine patrol, Officers Birch and Lozenski responded to a vehicle accident at Ocean and Plymouth Avenues. Birch and Lozenski arrived and observed a minor rear end collision of two vehicles that were now blocking the streetcar tracks. The Officers exited their vehicle and approached one of the vehicles involved. The driver of that particular vehicle exited his vehicle with a Bolo knife in his right hand. The armed man, now a suspect, began slashing at Officer Lozenski’s face with the knife. Officer Lozenski jumped back and ordered the suspect to drop the knife. The suspect did not comply and advanced toward Lozenski continuing to slash at her with the knife. Officer Lozenski discharged her entire cannister of mace on the suspect. The chemical in Mace is similar to tear gas and is now not legal in every state. Officers are now using pepper spray which contains oleoresin Capsicum (OC) a naturally occurring substance from hot peppers. The mace had no effect on the suspect who continued his assault on Officer Lozenski who used her baton to parry the suspects attempts and was unsuccessful in knocking the knife from the suspect’s hand. The suspect then confronted and threatened the occupants of a vehicle stopped at a red light. Officer Birch drew his service revolver and ordered the suspect to drop the knife. The suspect did not comply. Officer Birch ordered the suspect a second time to drop the knife. The suspect complied and dropped the knife, but resisted arrest. A struggle ensued until Birch and Lozenski were able to overpower the suspect and place him in custody. Birch and Lozenski were subsequently each awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor. Officer Larry P. Birch was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on July 9, 1989 at 1404 hours. Officer Birch responded to Geneva Avenue and Cayuga Street on a call of an injury accident with one driver in possession of a knife. Upon arrival Birch observed several San Francisco Fire Fighters shouting at the driver of the vehicle that had crashed into a pole. The driver was slashing his dashboard with a hunting knife and speaking incoherently. The driver then exited his vehicle and made thrusting movements with the hunting knife. Officer Birch believing the Fire Fighters were in imminent danger, fired two shots wounding the suspect who dropped to the pavement. The suspect dropped the knife as he hit the pavement. Birch placed the suspect under arrest and handcuffed the suspect’s wrists and ankles to the ambulance stretcher prior to prisoner transport to Mission Emergency Hospital. Officer Birch’s quick decisive actions prevented serious injury or death to the San Francisco Fire Fighters. The Medal Committee awarded Officer Larry Birch with a Police Commission Commendation.
Thomas M. Heffernan, age 75: Thomas M. Heffernan was born in San Francisco, California on August 4, 1949 to Timothy Patrick Heffernan of San Francisco, and Mary Agnes Heffernan (Kelly) of Mollaneen, Dysert, Ennis, Co. Clare. Ireland. Tom worked as a member of an underground construction team for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company prior to his law enforcement career. Tom entered the San Francisco Police Department on September 13, 1971, Tom was assigned to Star #1858, and worked the following assignments during his 34-year career: Potrero Police Station (December 5, 1971), Ingleside Police Station (May 4, 1972), Mission Police Station (September 9, 1972), Ingleside Police Station (April 9, 1978), Northern Police Station (October 18, 1978), Ingleside Police Station (September 30, 1989), Southern Police Station (October 24, 1992), Treasure Island (August 1, 1999). Thomas M. Heffernan retired on February 28, 2005 with an Industrial Disability Pension. AWARDS: Officer Thomas M. Heffernan was a highly decorated Officer during his career. Tom was awarded with 3 Silver Medals of Valor, 4 Bronze Medals of Valor, and 5 Police Commission Commendations for his bravery and outstanding performances as a Police Officer. Officers Thomas M. Heffernan and Randall P. Kocher were awarded Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on Saturday January 19, 1974 when they observed a knife-wielding suspect attempting to stab a victim who was backing up and attempting to avoid being stabbed. The victim put up his arm in defense and the suspect stabbed the victim’s arm. f The knife entered the victim’s arm and all the way through as it was protruding out of the other side of the arm. Heffernan and Kocher advanced on the suspect who attempted to stab the Officers. Heffernan and Kocher were able to overpower the suspect after the violent struggle, and placed the suspect in custody. Officers Thomas M. Heffernan and Edward J. Weaver, with Lt. Charles F. Beene and Sgt. Julian M. Landman were each awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Wednesday January 1, 1975. Lt. Beene, Sgt. Landman, and Officers Heffernan and Weaver responded to a call of an alarm at a bar at 2695 Mission Street. The Officers arrived and observed a raging fire. The fire was located in the rear of the building and had spread to the adjacent buildings. Lt. Beene, Sgt. Landman, and Officers Heffernan and Weaver carried several people to safety outside the buildings. One Officer collapsed on the sidewalk from smoke inhalation, and the other needed assistance from Fire Fighters to exit the building after being overtaken from the smoke. The report does not identify which Officer was in the building or out on the sidewalk. The effected Officers were transported to Mission Emergency Hospital for treatment. Officer Thomas M. Heffernan was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Friday February 21, 1975 at 2240 hours. Heffernan observed a man threatening a woman with a hammer. Heffernan took immediate action by responding toward the suspect who was then threatening to strike Heffernan. Officer Heffernan was able to physically disarm the suspect and place him in custody. Police Officers Thomas M. Heffernan, Edward J. Weaver, Paul D. Gossman, Charles M. Collins, Peter L. Cannan, Charles M. Mahoney, Patrol Special Officer Raymond Adkins, and San Francisco Housing Authority Sergeant William Palmer were each awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Wednesday November 5, 1975 at 2210 hours when they responded to a fire on the 300 block of South Van Ness Avenue. The above- Officers entered the building and removed residents from the flaming premises. Several residents had to be carried through the smoke and fire including one extremely heavy resident which caused the Officer to sustain a back injury. The Officers responded into the building several times to ensure the safety of the residents. Officers Thomas M. Heffernan, Frank A. Machi, Jeremiah W. Morgan, Brian M. D’Arcy, Michael B. Rolovich, and Richard H. Van Winkle were each awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Thursday July 8, 1976 at 0230 hours. The Officers responded to a major fire at 23rd Street and South Van Ness Avenue. The Officers, aware of the imminent danger to themselves, entered the building and rescued several residents from a life-threatening fire. Two young boys who were asleep in one flat, and a mother and her child sleeping in another flat. They were awakened by the Officers who saved their lives by taking them out of the building. Officers Thomas M. Heffernan, Bruno G. Pezzulich, Samuel R. Osborne, and James E. Ludlow, with Sergeant Fernando F. Gamez were each awarded with Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on Wednesday November 30, 1977 during the night (no time given), when they responded to 3131 26th Street on a call of “shots fired” coupled with an attempted murder. The Officers arrived and were informed by Officers Al Bernardi and Rich Van Winkle that one of the two suspects fired shots at them and were somewhere in the building complex. One suspect was captured at gunpoint. Sgt. Gamez coordinated a methodical building search. The second armed suspect was located on the 7th floor. The suspect pointed his firearm at the Officers. Officer Heffernan drew his service weapon and fired at the suspect causing the suspect to flee up to the 8th floor where he was located and placed in custody in a garbage closet. The suspect’s loaded weapon was found nearby after being discarded by the suspect during his+
ascent to the 8th floor. Officers Bernardi and Van Winkle received Silver Medals of Valor for their part in the incident. Officer Thomas M. Heffernan was awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Friday June 26, 1981 at 1050 hours. Officer Heffernan was off duty when he observed an armed robbery at the United Federal Savings and Loan at 2300 16th Street. Heffernan, outside in the bank parking lot, observed the suspects hop over the counter, scoop up all the money, and hurriedly leave the premises. Heffernan ordered all nearby citizens to take cover and stated there was an armed robbery in progress. Heffernan identified himself as a Police Officer and ordered the suspects to stop as they exited the bank. One of the suspects turned and pointed his firearm at Heffernan. Heffernan fired his weapon four times in rapid succession. The suspects dropped the cash trays and money bags and fled. Heffernan recovered all the money taken by the suspects which totaled $65,200 in currency and money orders. The suspects were captured shortly thereafter. Officer Heffernan risked his life in an extremely dangerous situation and was awarded the Sliver Medal of Valor. Officer Thomas Heffernan was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Wednesday May 28, 1986 at 2045 hours at 68 Sixth Street. Officer Heffernan was attempting to abate a heated argument between 2 men. One man left the scene momentarily and returned with his hand in a paper bag stating he had a gun and would blow the head off the other man. Heffernan seeing the gun through a torn portion of the bag grabbed the gun and the suspect and engaged in a physical struggle. Back up units arrived at this time and assisted Officer Heffernan in disarming the suspect and placing him in custody. Officers Thomas M. Heffernan, Keith Lai, and Robert Del Torre were each awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Tuesday July 5, 1988, at 1845 hours, at 28 Sixth Street. Officer Terry Cottonreader had just been shot inside the bar at 28 Sixth Street, and the armed suspect was in the rear area of the bar. The Officers responded inside the bar to confront the suspect who was hiding in the bathroom. Officer Cottonreader had returned fire but it was unknown if the suspect was hit with a bullet. The Officers kicked -open the bathroom door and observed the suspect laying on the floor. The suspect reached for his loaded firearm near him on the floor, but Officer Heffernan was able to safely secure the firearm before the suspect could seize it, thereby disarming the suspect who was then taken into custody. There is no further mention of the incident. I believe Officer Cottonreader was awarded with a Gold Medal of Valor. Officers Thomas M. Heffernan and Arthur Borges were each awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Tuesday January 2, 1990 at 1515 hours. Heffernan and Borges observed an armed suspect pointing a gun at a man he had just shot in the head at 29th and Church Streets. Heffernan and Borges exited their vehicle and ordered the suspect to drop his gun. The suspect pointed his gun at the Officers. Officers Heffernan and Borges feared for their lives but refrained from shooting their service weapons at the suspect. St Paul’s School had just let out, and their students and children were walking up Church Street. Heffernan and Borges did not want to risk a shootout with children and bystanders nearby. The suspect seized his opportunity to escape by fleeing through the St. Paul’s School Yard where children were continuing to exit the school. Heffernan and Borges gave chase and cornered the armed suspect at 270 Valley Street where he was taken into custody. The Officers showed devotion to public safety while risking their lives when they suspect pointed his gun at them. Officers Thomas M. Heffernan, Francis Rivero, John Brandt, Steve Hutzler, William Canning, and James Speros, with Police Reserve Officer Slote all received a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Tuesday February 18, 1989, at 1640 hours. The Officers were on patrol near #1 Powell Street when their attention was drawn to a citizen yelling “he just pointed a gun at me”. The citizen pointed to the two suspects who then ran into Hallidie Plaza. The Officers notified Communications and then pursued the suspects. One of the suspects exited Hallidie Plaza and ran across Market Street where he was apprehended by Officer Brandt. The other suspect continued running and upon seeing he was on a collision course with Officer Heffernan, then pointed his .38 caliber revolver at Heffernan. Officer Canning believing the suspect was going to shoot at Heffernan, fired his service weapon and grazed the suspect’s arm and abdomen. The suspect lost control of his firearm and collapsed to the ground where he was taken into custody. Officers Thomas M. Heffernan, Eric Washington, Richard Seidel, and Nelson Ramos were each awarded a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on December 16, 1996. The named Officers responded to a call of a man running with a knife at the Civic Center Motel. The Officers arrived and observed the armed suspect in possession of a 12” hunting knife who had barricaded himself inside the Lobby Elevator. The Officers observed the suspect to be sweating profusely, mumbling his words, and his eyes were dilated. They believed his behavior was due to a mental illness. The Officers closed the elevator gate and but kept the main elevator door open to prevent the suspect from operating the elevator. Officer Ramos began a dialog with the suspect and attempted to talk him into dropping the knife. The suspect raised the knife to his own throat and made a motion similar to cutting his own throat. Officer Heffernan joined Officer Ramos in the conversation with the suspect. Ramos and Heffernan both spoke in English, and in Spanish to convince the suspect to give up and drop the knife. After fifteen minutes the suspect dropped the knife and was taken into custody. Tom passed away on November 11, 2024. Tom is survived by his wife Graciela, sons Ismael and Michael, daughters Cynthia (Gavin), Anel (Antonelli), and Jessica (Siordia), and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tom was also survived by his brothers Timothy and Jerry, sisters Mary (Glaser), and Patty (McLaughlin as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.
Special Committee: No special committee at this time.
Old Business: No report this month.
New Business: Secretary McDonough made a motion to nominate the following Board Members for the WOAA Board Positions: Leroy Lindo for 2025 Board President (seconded by Trustee Lou Barberini), Ray Kane for Board Vice President (seconded by Trustee Lou Barberini), ) Mark McDonough was nominated by Trustee Rob Forneris for Board Secretary (seconded by Trustee Lou Barberini), and Secretary McDonough nominated Ryan Walsh for the vacant Trustee position for the 2025 (seconded by Trustee Lou Barberini). There were no other nominations on the floor. Secretary McDonough closed the nominations. The vote was unanimous for Leroy Lindo for 2025 WOAA President, Ray Kane for 2025 WOAA Vice President, Secretary McDonough for WOAA Secretary, and for Ryan Walsh for WOAA Junior Trustee.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Ryan Walsh led our Board in a moment of silence for our recent, and all fallen members. President Walsh scheduled our next monthly meeting for Tuesday December 5, 2024. President Walsh adjourned the meeting.
To All Members: All WOAA members can access new beneficiary forms through our website at ‘sfwidowsandorphans.org. Locate the RESOURCES box on our face page, follow the link and print out the beneficiary form. Complete all the required information and obtain the signature of a Notary, or one of our Board Members (See Roll Call above). Send the form to WOAA, P.O. BOX 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. I can be contacted at 415 681-3660, or by email at ‘markmac825@comcast.net’. Each month we express our gratitude for the following people who assist us each month in bringing our members the best customer service: Retired San Francisco Police Captain and the Defense Administrator for members of 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 Francisco Police Sergeant and the long-standing editor of the San Francisco Police Officers Association Journal Newspaper, Ray Shine; Maggie Wang of the Personnel, and Kristine Singh of the Police Commissioners’ Office. Thank you all, Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays.