The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting on Thursday evening December 5. 2024, at the Italian Social Club in San Francisco, CA.
Roll Call: President Ryan Walsh, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees Jim O’Meara, Maureen Leonard and Louis Barberini, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present. Vice President Leroy Lindo and Trustees Ray Kane and Rob Forneris were excused.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Lou Barberini made a motion to accept the minutes from last month’s Board meeting. Trustee Jim O’Meara seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications, Suspensions; and Reinstatements: No report this month. Mark Alvarez’ status was resolved as an error in banking created a problem. Mark Alvarez is a member in good standing.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud the regular monthly bills, and the beneficiary claims from the families of our recently deceased members Dennis Gustafson, and Larry Birch. Trustee Lou Barberini made a motion to pay the bills and claims. Trustee Jim O’Meara 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 two of our members passed away:
Michael T. Dempsey, age 77: Michael Thomas Dempsey was born in San Francisco, California on May 25, 1947. Mike was employed as an Airport Police Officer prior to his employment as a San Francisco Police Officer. Mike entered the San Francisco Police Department on November 28, 1972. Mike was assigned to Star #1087 and worked the following assignments during his 31-year career: Southern Police Station (March 11, 1973), Mission Police Station (May 18, 1977), Richmond Police Station (February 22, 1984), Park Police Station (promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and transferred on March 8, 1986), Richmond Police Station (August 14, 1992), Teleserve (February 8, 1997), Richmond Police Station (February 10, 1997), Ingleside Police Station (November 2, 2002). Michael T. Dempsey retired with a Service Pension on November 3, 2003. AWARDS: Officers Michael T. Dempsey, Michael J. Ambrose, Larry Murdock, and Greg Ovanessian were awarded with Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on October 3, 1978 at 1550 hours. The Officers responded to a working fire at 530 Valencia Street and entered the burning building. The Officers raced up the stairs and began knocking on doors and helping the occupants evacuate. Two elderly women ran back into the fire in an effort to save personal items. The Officers re-entered the building and assisted both women to safety outside. Officers Luis A. Duran, Michael T. Dempsey, and Kippie A. Locati were each awarded with Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on March 19, 1979, at 1630 hours. The Officers responded to 22nd and Eureka Streets on a call of a wild “800/221” crazy man with a gun. The suspect ignored the Officers commands to drop his firearm. The suspect waived his firearm in a semicircle pointing the gun at all the Officers. The Officers continued to talk and plead with the suspect to drop his firearm, The suspect, after a considerable amount of time finally placed his gun on the ground and surrendered to Dempsey, Duran, and Locati. Officer Michael T. Dempsey was awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Wednesday August 23. 1978. While off-duty and in civilian dress on his way to a job assignment, Dempsey observed one man chasing after another man. Dempsey also observed that the man being chased had a purse tucked under his arm. Dempsey joined the chase and caught the man with a purse. Dempsey identified himself as a Police Officer. The suspect began screaming loudly and struggling violently with Officer Dempsey. The suspect’s screams alerted nearby neighborhood citizens who rushed to the scene to help the suspect. The crowd of people were punching and kicking Dempsey and the first man in the chase who were both hospitalized. Officer Dempsey could have called-in the incident and chose to not get involved. However, Dempsey came to the aid of the innocent man and attempted to make a felony arrest going beyond the call of duty and suffering a beating for his efforts. Officer Michael T. Dempsey, with Sergeant James J. Hughes, and Officers Thomas J. Vellone, Thomas R. Argo, Rey P. Ibay, Walter L. Pinosky, Steven Jones, Richard S. Knappick, John J. Loftus, and Ivan K. Yee received Police Commission Commendations for their combined efforts in the apprehension of an armed robber at 2591 Mission Street. Sgt. Michael T. Dempsey was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for his support and actions in the November 13, 1994 assassination of San Francisco Police Officer James Guelff. Guelff ultimately risked, and gave up his own life to save innocent citizens while under fire from a rooftop sniper. I have chronicled the incident in this article in the past and do not wish to do it again. Fifty- six Officers of various ranks were awarded for their bravery and supportive actions on that day. Sergeant Michael T. Dempsey and Joyce Watkins, with Officers Steven Zukor, Louis Clark, Robert Ford, Liam Frost, and Mark Soloman all received Police Commission Commendations for services rendered on Thursday September 22, 1998 at 0425 hours. Officer Zukor observed a working fire on the second floor of a drug store at Haight and Cole streets. Zukor reported the fire to headquarters and requested assistance. Sergeants Dempsey and Watkins, with Officers Clark, Ford, Frost and Soloman arrived to assist. Sergeants Dempsey and Watkins directed the rescue operations as Officers Zukor, Clark, Ford, Frost, and Soloman evacuated all occupants from buildings on the street side of the fire. There were no injuries as all occupants were led to safety by the Officers. The 5- alarm fire resulted in several millions of dollars of damage.
Harvey G. Harrison, age 88: Harvey G. Harrison was born in New York City on July 8, 1936. Harvey was a Grocery Clerk prior to his Law Enforcement career. Harvey entered the San Francisco Police Department on October 22, 1958 and was assigned to Star #1080. Harvey worked at the following assignments during his 30- year career: Potrero Police Station (March 9, 1959), Northern Police Station (December 14, 1959), Mission Police Station (November 1, 1960), Northern Police Station (February 5, 1961), Co. K E&I Solo (August 6, 1962), Ingleside Police Station (July 19, 1978), promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant on June 24, 1979, Communications (January 10, 1980), Co. K Solo (February 17, 1988). Harvey G. Harrison retired with a Service Pension on July 7, 1989.AWARDS: Officers Harvey G. Harrison and Darol I. Smith were awarded with 2nd Degree Medals of Valor for services rendered on August 6, 1060 when they apprehended two suspects who were involved in a shooting in Richmond, CA. Harrison and Smith observed the get-away car on the freeway and forced it to an off-ramp where they took the suspects in custody, and seized a shotgun from the vehicle that was used in the shooting. Officers Harvey G. Harrison and Lee I. Clark both received a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on June 15, 1970 at 1515 hours. Harrison and Clark responded to the South Park area where a large crowd had gathered where two people were shot. Harrison and Clark were informed that the suspect fled south on Third Street. Harrison and Clark located the suspect and approached him. The suspect brandished his firearm and pointed it at Harrison and Clark who rushed the suspect and engaged in a violent struggle. Harrison and Clark overpowered the suspect, disarmed him, and placed him under arrest.
Richard Klapp, age 91: Richard D. Klapp was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on August 3, 1933 to Clifford and Helen (Barton) Klapp. After High School and some time at Central Michigan University, Richard joined the United States Marine Corps and served honorably. Richard was a clerk-accountant prior to his career in Law Enforcement. Richard D. Klapp entered the San Francisco Police Department on October 22, 1958. He was assigned to Star# 791, and worked the following assignments during his 30- year career: Mission Police Station (March 9, 1959), Northern Police Station (December 14, 1959), Mission Police Station (promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and transferred on December 1, 1967), Personnel (April 20, 1970), Mission Police Station (November 8, 1970), Patrol Bureau (July 23, 1972), Mission Police Station (August 9, 1972), Promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant on February 8, 1973, Northern Police Station (June 17, 1973), Personnel (April 28, 1976), Personnel and Training (May 11, 1981, and promoted to the rank of Police Captain on July 1, 1981), Tech Services (January 19, 1984, and promoted to the rank of Police Commander), Golden Gate Division ( May 20. 1985). Police Commander Richard D. Klapp retired with a Service Pension on March 18, 1988. During his career Richard Klapp achieved several accomplishments including but not limited to 10 Medals of Valor, 2 Police Commission Commendations, 3 Mayors Commendations, 4 Board of Supervisors Honors, and Certificates of Appreciation from the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service. Richard developed a good relationship with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police when he was a consultant for the visit of Pope John Paul II visit to Canada. Richard Klapp was one of the Officers who helped establish the SFPD Hostage Negotiation Unit, and successfully negotiated dozens of hostage negotiations situations, as well as training over 300 Hostage Negotiators from 7 western states. He commanded the San Francisco Police Academy and was responsible for training hundreds of Officers who served honorably. Richard commanded and coordinated several security details including the 1984 Democratic National Convention and the visits of Queen Elizabeth and Pope John Paul II in 1987. In 1986 Richard met and married San Francisco State University Professor Sue Bessmer. In 38 years of marriage, they were inseparable, happy, and traveled the world. In recent years, Sue suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease and Richard cared for her as long as he could as her health declined before she was moved to a health care facility. Richard is survived by his wife Sue, his daughter Theresa Porter (Rydell), his son Michael Kenney (Karen), and stepson Kevin from his marriage to Janet. AWARDS: Officer Richard D. Klapp, with Officers William F. Schmidt, Arnold E. Strite, Robert E. Diehl, George D. Barron, Robert M. Forni, Horace Lawrence Jr., William C. Roberts, Thomas Martin Walsh, Walter C. Watson, and special Lawrence Heap were awarded 3rd Grade Medals of Valor for services rendered on January 19, 1963 in the arrest of four armed suspects who held up a Safeway store. All four suspects fled the store in separate directions but were apprehended due to the quick response by the Officers. Richard D. Klapp and Daniel J. O’Hara were each awarded with a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on February 8, 1963 for the arrest of an armed suspect who had just robbed a store. Klapp and O’Hara observed the suspect hiding and ordered him surrender. The suspect surrendered and the Officers seized a .38 caliber revolver Robert D. Salaiz and George F. Walsh were each awarded with a 3rd Frade Medal of Valor for services rendered on December 12, 1967 when they arrested an armed suspect who had committed an assault. The suspect threatened to shoot the Officers and was overpowered and placed under arrest. Sergeant Richard D. Klapp was awarded with a 2nd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on April 9, 1969 when he captured two suspects, one armed, who had just robbed a Cab Driver. Klapp pursued the suspects. The armed suspect fired several shots at Sergeant Klapp and the Cab Driver before surrendering to Sergeant Klapp. Sergeants Richard D. Klapp and George G. Rosco, with Officers John C. Gleeson, Rober E. Rames, and Louis A. Lituanio were each awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Friday January 15,1971 when they apprehended a shotgun wielding suspect who had fired the shotgun in the process of taking his girlfriend’s child. Sergeant Richard D. Klapp was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Tuesday January 26, 1971 at 0320 hours when he apprehended a suspect who fired a shot at Sgt. Klapp’s Police Vehicle. Klapp exited the vehicle and ordered the suspect to drop his weapon. The suspect dropped the weapon but attempted to pick it up when Klapp approached. Klapp immediately took control of the suspect who he disarmed and placed under arrest. Lieutenant Richard D. Klapp, with Officers Robert P. Salaiz, and James P. Deasy were each awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for apprehending a suspect who committed a Burglary and was armed with a shotgun and a rifle. Lieutenant Richard D. Klapp, Sergeant Elmer W. Cuadro, and Officers Paul C. Morse and James Taylor were each awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Wednesday April 4, 1973 at 0220 hours when they observed a vehicle traveling a high rate of speed and crashed into a parked vehicle and then into a utility pole causing the car to burst in flames. Knowing a gas tank explosion was imminent, Klapp, Cuadro, Morse, and Taylor with disregard for their own lives were able to pry open the doors to the burning vehicle and free the trapped occupants. Lieutenant Richard D. Klapp was awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Monday March 25, 1974 at 0153 hours when he responded to 851 46th Avenue where an estranged husband was holding his young son at gunpoint. Klapp responded inside the home unarmed and confronted the suspect who placed the gun at Klapp’s head and threatened to kill him. Klapp conversed with the suspect for two hours and the suspect finally complied, placed the gun down and was placed in custody by Lieutenant Klapp. Lieutenant Richard D. Klapp and Officer Peter H. Godbois were each awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on June 14, 1977 when they responded to 3761 23rd Street on a call of a mentally disturbed woman who was in her bedroom with a gun pointed at her head and threatening to commit suicide. Officer Godbois approached the bedroom and began a conversation with the armed woman. The woman became agitated and fired a shot at Officer Godbois. Godbois continued his conversation and brought Lt. Klapp into the conversation. Klapp and Godbois slowly walked to the foot of the bed. The woman continued to waive the gun at the direction of Klapp and Godbois. Klapp and Godbois observed the woman squeeze the trigger on her revolver causing the cylinder to slightly move. Klapp and Godbois then rushed the suspect and disarmed her during the struggle and placed her under arrest. Lt. Richard D. Klapp and Officer Frank A. Palma were each awarded a Gold Medal of Valor for services rendered on Thursday March 9, 1978 at 0820 hours when they responded to a 221 call (man with a gun) on the campus of City College of San Francisco. Klapp and Palma learned that the armed suspect took a woman hostage and was walking her off campus toward Monterey Blvd. They located the suspect and hostage in a doorway at 599 Monterey and immediately began conversing with the suspect assuring him they were there to help ensure that nobody would be hurt. Lt. Klapp and Officer Palma negotiated with the suspect for a few hours resulting in the hostage being released. However, Klapp and Palma negotiated and had disarmed themselves to gain the suspect’s trust and now were hostages of the suspect. The suspect appeared to be surrendering but then raised his gun to his head. Klapp and Palma rushed the armed suspect and disarmed him and placed him under arrest. Captain Richard D. Klapp and Lt. Lawrence A. Gray were awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on December 10, 1980 when they responded to a shooting at 1512 Franklin Street. Klapp and Gray made critical decisions in bringing the incident to a successful conclusion.
Duane Otis, age 86: Duane F. Otis was born in San Francisco, on January 30, 1938. Duane is listed as having been in Military Service prior to his Law Enforcement career. Duane entered the San Francisco Police Department on March 8, 1961 and was assigned to Star#331, and later #531. Duane worked the following assignments during his 30 plus year career: Police Academy (March 8, 1961), HDQ Criminal Information (April 14, 1961), Police Academy (January 2, 1962), HDQ Warrant Bureau (April 9, 1962). Duane left the San Francisco Police Department on January 2, 1968 for employment with the Juvenile Courts. Duane Otis returned to the San Franciso Police Department on November 17, 1975 and was assigned to Star# 531. Duane worked the following assignments during his career: Police Academy (November 17, 1975), Northern Police Station (January 3, 1977), Investigations Personal Crime/ Internal Affairs (December 21, 1977), Youth Services Juvenile (September 20, 1978). Duane was promoted to the rank of Police Inspector on December 21, 1979, and to the rank of Police Sergeant on April 2, 1980. Duane’s next and final assignment was at the Robbery Detail (May 26, 1985). Duane retired with a Service Pension on July 9, 1999. AWARDS: Duane Otis was awarded with two 3rd grade (Bronze) Medals of Valor, both in the year 1963. Officers Duane F. Otis and Terry R. Wallace were awarded with 3rd Grade Medals of Valor for services rendered on March 76, 1963. Officers Otis and Wallace responded to a call of an armed man threatening a woman in a bus stop. Otis and Wallace arrived and approached the suspect who turned and pointed his gun at them. Otis and Wallace rushed the suspect and had to disarm him by force. Officers Duane F. Otis and Terry R. Wallace, with Special Officer Lawrence L. Heap were each awarded with a 3rd Grade Medals of Valor for services rendered on May 29, 1963. Otis, Wallace, and Heap observed an armed suspect who had just shot a man. They pursued the man and engaged in a physical struggle to disarm the suspect and place him in custody.
Report of Special Committee: There is no Special Committee at this time.
Old Business: The Board held their monthly meeting on December 5, 2024 at the Italian Social Club in North Beach, and later held the yearly dinner event for the outgoing President Ryan Walsh. Ryan was honored for his dedication and service to our Board and the members of the WOAA. Ryan will serve through December 31, 2024, and decided to stay with the Board in 2025 as the Junior Trustee. Vice President Leroy Lindo will be our 2025 WOAA President.
New Business: No report this month.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Ryan Walsh led our Board in a moment of silence for fallen members Richard Klapp, Duane Otis and Michael Dempsey, and Harvey Harrison, and for all our fallen members over time. President Walsh scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday January 14, 2025.
To All Members: Members in need of changing their beneficiary can access a form on our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Members should locate the Resources box on our face page, follow the link and print out the form. Please complete the form with all requested information, have it signed by a Notary or by one of our Board members (see Roll Call), and mail it to WOAA, P.O. BOX 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. Members can contact me at 415 681-3660, or by email at markmac825@comcast.net. We express our gratitude each month to the following people who give us their time and assistance to bring the best customer service possible for our members: retired San Francisco Police Captain and the administrator of defense 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 Franciso Police Sergeant and the long-standing editor of the SFPOA Journal newspaper; Ray Shine, Maggie Wang of Personnel, and Kristine Singh of the Police Commission Office. Merry Christmas to all and have a happy New Year.