The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting on Tuesday January 13, 2026.
Roll Call: President Ray Kane, Vice President Jim O’Meara, Trustees Maureen Leonard, Rob Forneris, Lou Barberini, Ryan Walsh, and Leroy Lindo, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present for the meeting.
Approval of the Minutes: President Kane made a motion to accept the minutes from last month. Vice President Jim O’Meara seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: No report this month.
Report of Visiting Committee: No report this month.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA Board received the sad news of the following members who recently passed away:
Ralph Edward Domer, age 80: Ralph Edward Domer was born on New Year’s Day 1945, in Muncie, Indiana. Muncie, Indiana is known for Ball State University named after the Ball Brothers who owned a glass manufacturing plant, for the Garfield comic strip, and for the Muncie 4-speed transmission. Ralph was in the military prior to his Law Enforcement career. Ralph entered the San Francisco Police Department on October 16, 1967, and was assigned to Star #1395. Ralph worked at the following assignments during his 31-year career: Richmond Police Station (February 12, 1968), Potrero Police Station (November 17, 1969), Ingleside Police Station (May 4, 1972), Potrero Police Station (June 17, 1973), SSB (promoted to the rank of Asst. Police Inspector and transferred on (March 2, 1977), Inspector’s Bureau (October 9, 1977), Northern Police Station (March 15, 1978 promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and transferred), Potrero Police Station (March 22, 1978), Taraval Police Station (August 11, 1978), Station (August 11, 1980), PT&DP (September 30, 1980), Taraval Police Station (December 29, 1980), Communications (August 8, 1987), CWB (April 29, 1989), Taraval Police Station (March 13, 1993). Ralph Domer retired with a Disability Pension on July 5, 1999. AWARDS: Ralph Domer was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor on May 13, 1968 when he captured two suspects who had just robbed a store. Domer located the suspects as they were hiding in Golden Gate Park. Domer had to apprehend them at gunpoint. Ralph Domer was again awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor on March 23, 1973. No report available.
Michael P. Cowhig, age 77: Michael P. Cowhig was born in San Francisco, California on June 24, 1950. Mike was the eldest of four children, and was raised in San Francisco. Mike graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School in 1968. Shortly after graduation, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country in the Vietnam War. After completing his tour of duty, Mike met and married Deborah Bigelow in Wichita, Kansas. The couple returned to San Francisco, where they began raising a family. Mike and Deborah welcomed their first son, Aaron Michael Cowhig in March 1973. Their second son Adam Joseph Cowhig was born in October 1977, followed by their daughter Nicole (Lowman) Delbridge, in November 1980. In his final five years of his 31-year career, Mike played an instrumental role in the development of Police Crisis Intervention Training and served with both the Stress Unit and as the Psychiatric Liaison Officer. In 1987, Michael began a personal journey of recovery that profoundly shaped his life and deepened his commitment to serving others. A highly respected Officer, Michael assisted countless members of the department in accessing support and resources. Mike entered the San Francisco Police Department on April 4, 1973. Mike was assigned to Star #2086 and worked the following assignments during his 32-year career: Ingleside Police Station (July 15, 1973), Southern Police Station ( April 18, 1976), Mission Police Station (May 18, 1977), C.S.T.F. SCU (March 26, 1980), Southern Police Station (October 26, 1980), Southern Police Station (October 1, 1988), Communications (December 14, 1987), (October 1, 1988), Pysch Liasson (January 17, 1998), Behavioral Science ( November 9, 2002), FOB Behavioral Science (September 27, 2003). Michael P, Cowhig retired with a Service Pension on June 30, 2005. In retirement, Mike continued his dedication to service by volunteering with the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat and several Veterans Administration Programs. He gave his time and compassion quietly without seeking recognition. Mike’s greatest joy were his eight grandchildren all of whom he loved deeply. Mike was also a devoted fan of the San Francisco Giants, and loved living in Montana. Mike is survived by his children and their spouses: Aaron and Wendy Cowhig, Adam and Laurie Cowhig, and Cary and Nicole Delbridge; his brother James Cowhig, and sister Nancey Del Florentino. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Nancy Cowhig, his brother Patrick Cowhig, and his beloved Dachshund and constant companion, Earl. AWARDS: Officers Michael P. Cowhig, Bernard L. Shaw, Sherman L. Ackerson, Richard P. Wallet, Robert J. Deltorre, and Joseph J. De Renzi were each awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on December 9, 1974, at approximately 2144 hours. The Officers apprehended a trio of gunmen who perpetrated a series of three armed robberies and threatened to kill people including a uniformed Security Guard. One of the gunmen appeared as though he would shoot it out with the Officers rather than surrender. After a tense moment and realization of the futility of the situation, the armed suspect threw down his firearm and was taken into custody with the other two-armed suspects.
Terry Gan, age 72: Terry Gan was born on September 20, 1953, in San Francisco, California. Terry’s parents, Albert and June, immigrated from China and raised their family in San Francisco. Terry graduated from Lowell High School, class of 1971. Terry fondly remembered his days at Lowell High School, especially the Pedro games in the cafeteria with Ben, Barry, and John. After graduating from Lowell High School, Terry attended City College of San Francisco for one year. Terry then joined the United States Navy in April of 1973. Terry spent two years overseas and departed for duty aboard the USS Oklahoma City with their home port being Yokosuka, Japan. The USS Oklahoma City accumulated 13 Battle Stars for Vietnam-era engagements as flagship of the Unted States Seventh Fleet. In April of 1975, Terry participated with his ship in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon, Vietnam. Terry was honorably discharged in 1975 and served four additional years in the Naval Reserve. Terry served the City of San Francisco for 33 years as a Police Officer. Terry served as a Patrol Officer, a member of the Mounted Unit aboard his Tennessee Walker horse named Shorty, and as Rangemaster of the Police Range having instructed new recruits and veterans for over 8 years. Terry met his wife, Mary, in 1982 and they married in 1984 in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Together they had a daughter, Ashley, who they raised in Marin County. Terry shared his appreciation of nature, taking Ashley hiking and fishing around Mount Tamalpais throughout her childhood. Terry enjoyed his free time every summer water skiing at Clear Lake, every winter snow skiing at Squaw Valley, and in between playing tennis and golf and hiking the may trails of Mount Tamalpais and the Trinity National Forest and the Marble Mountain Wilderness area. Terry is survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Ashley, and his son-in-law Mitch, and Bernie their loving Berna Doodle. He is further survived by his three older sisters Lena Gan Grotz (Tom), Krishelle Leong Marc-Aurele, Christopher his nephew, Dina Gan, and Nora Gan and his nephew Loren. Terry Gan entered the San Francisco Police Department on November 16, 1981, was assigned to Star #488, and worked the following assignments during his 31-year career: Northern Police Station (March 14, 1982), Southern Police Station (June 23, 1982), Communications (February 19, 1986), Southern Police Station (April 19, 1986), Police Range (June 6, 2001), Park Police Station (July 4, 2009), Academy (July 10, 2009), Tactical (July 11, 2009). Terry Gan retired with a Service Retirement on June 12, 2012, AWARDS: Terry Gan, with forty-one additional Officers were awarded with a Police Commission Commendations for their response and actions on November 13, 1994. On that date, a sniper took the life of Officer James Guelff. The sniper also fired upon and wounded Sergeant John Paine. During this tragic ambush, James Guelff returned fire hitting the suspect twice and was able to alert other Officers for help. Many other Officers were awarded with Medals of Valor for their actions. Terry Gan received a Police Commission Commendation for his response and actions on January 15, 1999 at the Bank of America, at 33 Montgomery Street. On this day a masked suspect entered the bank and demanded money from one of the bank tellers. The suspect was armed with a long- barreled revolver. A citizen attempted to stop the robbery by attempting to subdue the suspect. The suspect over-powered the citizen, knocked him to the ground, and shot the citizen in the head. After murdering the citizen, the suspect returned to the counter, picked up his bag of money and exited the bank. Officers Mark Cota and Dennis O’Mahoney responded to the call of the bank robbery and shooting and observed the suspect at Mission Street and Anthony Alley. Cota and O’Mahoney exited their vehicle to apprehend the suspect. The suspect open-fired upon both Cota and O’Mahoney wounding both Officers. Cota was shot in the leg above the knee and fell to the ground while O’Mahoney was shot in the ankle and was attempting to remain standing on one foot. The Officers and the suspect then exchange fire in a gun battle. Officers Eric Tapang, Jessie Serna, Harold Vance and George Fogarty arrived at the scene. Citizens were frantically fleeing the immediate area and many were in the line of fire. Tapang, Serna, Vance, and Fogarty evaluated the situation. Tapang and Fogarty, exposing themselves to the shooter, dragged Cota and O’Mahoney to safety while Serna engaged the suspect in a continued gun battle. Officer Vance had pulled nearby citizens to safety. Subsequent to the gun battle, the suspect succumbed to gun-shot wounds and fell to the ground while dropping his firearm. Officers Terry Gan, Timothy Kiely, Irene Huey, Jody Kato, Matt Castagnola, Brian Michaud, Anthony Holder, Matt Maciel, Keith Lai, Nicholas Shihadeh, Sergeants John Garrity, William Bush, Michael Favetti, Jerome Defilippo, and Captains Stephen Tacchini, and Dennis Martel all received Police Commission Commendations for their response and actions. Officers Mark Cota, Dennis O’Mahoney, Jesse Serna, Eric Tapang, lGeorge Fogarty, and Harold Vance were all awarded the Gold Medal of Valor. Terry Gan was awarded with his 3rd Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on August 23, 1997. Terry Gan, and Officers Dennis Quinn, and Jason Sawyer, and Lieutenant Frank McDonagh responded to a “801 jumper” call at 5th and Bryant Streets. The citizen was trying to take his own life on the freeway ramp of 5th and Bryant. Upon their arrival, they observed a man standing on the outside ledge approximately 30-35 feet above the ground and was yelling that he was going to jump and kill himself, and that he wanted to die. The Officers moved closer to the man as Lt. McDonagh was attempting to use his negotiation skills. Suddenly, the man let go of the rail and away from the ramp wall. The man then fell back and away from the ramp wall and narrow ledge. The Officers rushed to the man and were able to grab him while they extended over the wall. The Officers struggled to pull the man up over the wall and to prevent him from falling. The Officers were able to get a firm grip on the man and pulled him over the wall to safety. The man was turned over to the Law Enforcement jurisdiction of the California Highway Patrol who transported the man to the hospital and placed a 5150 psychiatric hold on him. All of the named Officers were awarded with Police Commission Commendations.
John Mark Robertson, age 63: John Mark Robertson was born on May 11, 1962. John Mark Robertson entered the San Francisco Police Department on January 29, 1990. He was assigned to Star#1731, and later changed to #77. John Mark worked the following assignments during his 26-year career: Mission Police Station (June 10, 1990), Richmond Police Station (September 15, 1990), Ingleside Police Station (August 3, 1991), Mission Police Station (February 12, 1994), Airport (promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and transferred on March 28, 2001), Mission Police Station (April 29, 2006), Airport (August 12, 2006). John Mark Robertson retired with a Service Pension in 2016. AWARDS: Officers John Robertson, John Lewis, and Michael Robinson, with Lt. Thomas Donohoe, and Inspectors Cal Nutting, James Bergstrom, Armond Pelissetti, Glenn Pamfilofff, and Duane Otis, and Asst. Inspectors John Ehrlich and Robert McMillan were all awarded with Police Commission Commendations for services rendered on August 15, 1990. All of the above listed Officers played an integral role in the clearance of twenty-one robberies in San Francisco, and at least five robberies in Daly City, and numerous stolen auto cases. Three dangerous felons were brought to justice. The plan, the execution, the arrest and the interrogation in this case was exceptional. Officers John Robertson and Oscar Carcelen were each awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on March 25, 1993. Robertson and Carcelen gave chase on foot after an armed fleeing felon. Robertson and Carcelen caught up to the suspect and the suspect attempted to disarm one of the Officers. During the physical struggle the weapon discharged striking the suspect in the abdomen. The suspect was overpowered and taken into custody with no further injuries to anyone. Officers John Robertson, Steve Ford, Damon Williams, Kirk Tomioka, Peter Walsh, John Mulkern, Barbara Pinelli, Kenny Park, Severo Flores, and Patrick Tobin, with Sergeant George Pohley were each awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on August 14, 1993 at 2200 hours when they responded to 222 Schwerin Street on a call of a building fire. In spite of the danger involved, the Officers entered the building and responded to different parts of the building to assist the removal of 100 tenants, many of whom were elderly and disabled. Many of the Officers had their direction cut off by excessive smoke and many Officers were overcome by smoke inhalation. The coordinated operation was successful in the removal of all 100 tenants to safety. In total, the fire caused major damage, left nine Fire Department personnel injured, two Police Officers injured, and three citizens injured. For their efforts in the case of extreme danger and known risks, these Officers were awarded with the Bronze Medal of Valor. Officers John Robertson, Daryl Deen, Arkady Zlobinsky, Leo Kiang, Richard Ernst, and Sergeant Michael Stasko were each awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on October 3, 1999. The named Officers responded to a 4-alarm fire at 663 Valencia Street and entered the hotel to begin evacuation. The Officers were met with intense heat and thick smoke making breathing and visibility difficult. Undaunted, the Officers repeatedly assisted numerous petrified, disoriented, and confused residents from the intense inferno and escorted them to safety. The Officers were able to gain access from a building next door and evacuated persons who had been trapped on the roof of the burning building. Unfortunately, the fire took the life of one person who perished in the building. The actions of the Officers certainly saved the lives of many other building occupants. Tor their efforts, the Officers were awarded with the Bronze Medal of Valor.
Henry Vartan Shishmanian, age 74: Henry Vartan Shishmanian was born on January 31, 1951., in San Francisco, California. He was the son of Vartan and Lucia Shismanian, and a brother to Ophelia. The Shishmanian family moved to Fresno when Henry was a young boy. Henry grew up in Fresno and worked as a lifeguard during the summers in Fresno where he began his lifelong service to others as a member of the Boys Scouts and Sea Scouts. Henry’s father passed away in 1968. After graduating from Herbert Hoover High School in Fresno, the family moved back to San Francisco. Henry attended City College of San Francisco. Henry, who loved sailing and the sea, went on to serve his country as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Henry served most of his four years on the USS Midway, an Aircraft Carrier now based as a tourist attraction in San Diego. After his discharge from the Navy, Henry wanted a career in Law Enforcement. Henry worked as a Store Detective at the Emporium department store in Stonestown of San Francisco. He also worked as a host at the Cliff House at lands end. Henry’s next job of employment started his career in Law Enforcement as a member of the San Francisco Airport Police Department, then a separate department from the San Francisco Police Department. Henry transitioned from the Airport to a major metropolitan city Police Officer. Henry V. Shishmanian entered the San Francisco Police Department on March 16, 1981. Henry worked at the following assignments during his 30-year career: Mission Police Station (July 26, 1981), Richmond Police Station (November 22, 1981), Traffic P&TC (December 5, 1983), Richmond Police Station (May 2, 1984), Central Police Station (October 8, 1988), Ingleside Police Station (October 24, 1989), Ingleside Police Station (July 1, 1990), Taraval Police Station (August 1, 1991), Planning (December 1, 1992), Fencing (May 3, 1997), Planning (April 4, 1998). Henry retired with a Service Pension on July 1, 2011. After retiring, Henry enjoyed traveling and participating in the Triple X Fraternity, and was a volunteer at the Bingo Games at the Armenian Cultural Center on Brotherhood Way, and at the St. Gregory Armenian Church Annual Food Festival every September, also on Brotherhood Way in San Francisco. Henry was diagnosed with Cancer approximately five years ago, and was given a bleak picture in terms of survival. Henry was informed that he had possibly 2-3 months of life remaining. However, Henry fought hard to live and never gave up. He received numerous sessions of radiation and chemo therapy, and experimental chemo therapy. He exhibited a gallant fight until he passed away. Henry would have been 75 on January 31st of this year. Those who knew Henry knew of his kindness and generosity for others as he was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, whether it be a simple act of kindness, or a grand gesture. Henry in turn, was the recipient of kindness and generosity from his former partner in the San Francisco Police Department, Rosemarie Smith who helped Henry in his 5 -year fight for survival. Greg Ovanessian, a life-long friend of Henry’s since age 3, and Jim Ramsey, all retired SFPD, helped assist Henry in his critical time of need.
Report of Special Committee: No Special Committee at this time.
Old Business: No report this month.
New Business: The 2026 WOAA Board is as follows: President Ray Kane, Vice President Jim O’Meara, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees Maureen Leonard, Rob Forneris, Lou Barberini, Ryan Walsh, and Leroy Lindo. Sally Foster is the Administrative Assistant.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Kane led our Board in a moment of silence for all our recently deceased members, and all WOAA members who have passed away. President Kane scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday February 10, 2026.
To All Members: Members have the option of accessing a new beneficiary form. Members can access a new form from our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org by clicking on RESOURCES on our face page. Members can follow the link, print out the form, and contact me at 415 681-3660 for further instructions. Members can also email me at Widowsorphans825@gmail.com. I can email a form to members, or send a form by U.S. Mail. Each month we express our gratitude to the following people who assist our efforts to bring our members the best customer service possible: retired San Francisco Police Captain and the long-serving Administer of Defense for members of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, Paul Chignell; retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant, Rene LaPrevotte; retired San Francisco Police Sergeant and the long-standing editor the San Franciso Police Officers Association Journal Newspaper, Ray Shine; Maggie Wang of Personnel, and Kristine Singh of the San Francisco Police Commission Office.
