The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting at 850 Bryant Street room 125 on Tuesday March 13, 2018.
Roll Call: President Leroy Lindo, Vice President Ray Kane, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees Jim O’Meara, Al Luenow, Rob Forneris, Lou Barberini, and Ryan Walsh, and Bookkeeper Sally Foster were present. Secretary Mark McDonough was excused.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to accept last month’s minutes. Trustee Rob Forneris seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection.
Receiving Applications, Suspensions; and Reinstatements: The WOAA Board will respond to the Police Academy on March 2, 2018 to present our membership to the 259th Recruit Class. There were no suspensions or Reinstatements. Trustee Al Luenow made a motion to change the suspension process for non- payment of dues, from 6 months to 3 months. Dropping a member from our roll for non-payment of dues would be enforced 6 months later making the process of suspension and drop to nine months. It is currently 12 months. The suspension would be in effect if dues were not paid by March 31st of each year. Members will be dropped after September 30th and will need to pay back dues and late fees for reinstatement. Members will also need a note from a physician that the applicant is in good health. Late fees will increase to $10 per each month that passes in the suspension period. Trustee Ray Kane seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud the regular monthly bills. Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to pay the month bills. Trustee Al Luenow seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection,
Report of Visiting Committee: No report this month.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA Board received the sad news of the following named members who passed away recently:
Frank Kerlin, age 81: Frank Kerlin was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 6, 1936. Frank entered the San Francisco Police Department on April 16, 1962. Frank was assigned to Star #1056 and worked the following assignments during his 26 year career: Park Police Station (July 23, 1962), Co. K Solos (May 4, 1962), Inspector’s Bureau (April 20, 1970, promoted to Q-50 Sergeant on July 1, 1970), Co. K Solos (January 27, 1971), Crime Specific Task Force (CSTF) (January 25, 1976), Co. K Solos (March 17, 1976),. Frank was promoted to the rank of Q-60 Lieutenant on November 16, 1983, but reverted back to Q-50 Sergeant on September 19, 1984. Frank sustained on on-duty injury and was granted a Disability Retirement on February 16, 1988. Frank was a highly decorated Officer. For Services rendered on May 24, 1964, Frank and his partner Officer Arthur Gerrans, and Officers Edward Packard and Michael J. Williams were awarded a 2nd grade Medal of Valor. The Officers arrested a man with a knife who had already cut his victim. The Officers broke down a door to get at the barricaded suspect. The suspect was now armed with a revolver and pointed it at the Officers. The suspect refused to drop the firearm as the Officers rushed toward the suspect. A physical altercation ensued as the Officers were able to overpower the suspect and place him under arrest. Kerlin and Gerrans were awarded a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on September 4, 1964. Kerlin and Gerrans arrested an armed assailant who had cut one person and slashed at several others with a knife. The suspect attempted to cut the Officers as they subdued him with physical force. Frank was awarded a 2nd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on December 19, 1967. Frank pursued and captured a suspect who had committed a strong-arm robbery. The suspect had viciously beaten the victim. Subsequent to the arrest, Frank recovered the stolen money, a loaded firearm, and narcotics in the suspect’s vehicle. Frank was awarded a 2nd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on April 4, 1969. While on Motor patrol Frank observed a man with a sawed-off shotgun. The armed suspect entered a taxicab. Frank stopped his motorcycle and ordered the suspect to exit the cab. The suspect exited the cab with the sawed-off shotgun pointed at Frank. The suspect was screaming threats at Frank when Frank, not having enough time to draw his service weapon, grabbed the suspect and engaged in a physical struggle. Frank punched the suspect who was nearly a foot taller than Frank. The suspect was knocked off balance allowing Frank to gain control of him. Frank placed the suspect in custody and prevented the sawed-off shotgun from being fired. On December 16, 1969, the Police Commission upgraded the Medal of Valor to FIRST GRADE. Frank was awarded his second First Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on April 7, 1969. On this day, Frank apprehended a armed robbery suspect. The suspect, armed with a firearm, had robbed a liquor store. Frank observed the suspect who fired shots directly at him. Bullets struck Frank’s motorcycle, went through his leather jacket, and one bullet struck Frank’s leg. Frank returned fire and cornered the suspect in a doorway. After a tense confrontation, Frank was able force the suspect to surrender. Sergeant Frank Kerlin was awarded a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on October 18, 1972. Frank apprehended an armed robbery suspect. The suspect had severed an artery of the elderly victim during the commission of the crime. Sergeant Kerlin was awarded a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on July 7, 1978, Frank, and Officer George Walsh responded to a shooting at the 9th and Howard Streets Service Station. Two suspects fired several shots at four people, Frank and George Walsh cocked their weapons and observed the suspects fumbling with their firearms. Kerlin and Walsh were able to rush in and arrest the suspects. Frank was awarded a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on October 5, 1979. Frank and Officer David Sheehan rescued an elderly woman from a streetcar at 2215 hours. The Officers and the woman were under Sniper fire during the rescue. The Sniper was firing shots in all directions. Frank was awarded a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on October 28, 1986. Sergeant Frank Kerlin with Officers Brian Perry and William Griffin responded to 34 6th Street at 5:00pm. They arrived at the Seneca Hotel and were informed that a man armed with a shotgun was threatening to kill several people and kill himself. Sergeant Frank Kerlin took charge of the situation and placed Perry and Griffin in cover positions. Perry, Griffin, and Kerlin were able to apprehend the suspect without a shot being fired. The Officers took custody of a loaded shotgun and 21 live rounds of ammunition.
Quin Jones, age 77: Quin Jethro “Buzz” Jones was born on May 7, 1941 in San Mateo, California. Buzz enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an E4 Specialist. Buzz was listed as a Barber before entering the San Francisco Police Department on May 17, 1971. Buzz wore Star #871 and worked the following assignments during his 29 year career: Mission Police Station (August 1, 1971), BSS (May 28, 1972), Potrero Police Station (June 17, 1973), Northern Police Station (February 15, 1976), Planning (March 5, 1984), Mission Police Station (August 5, 1985 promoted to Q-50 Sergeant), Management Control (August 11, 1986), Personnel (February 26, 1990), Buzz was promoted to Q-380 Police Inspector on September 2, 1992. Buzz retired from his assignment in Personnel as the Department Sick Sergeant on January 2, 2000. Buzz was awarded a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Thursday October 3, 1974 through Thursday October 17, 1974. Buzz with fellow Officers Steve Bosshard, Warren Omholt, and Michael Keys took part in the arrest of 33 felony suspects, who were charged with stolen auto, possession of heroin for sale, narcotic paraphernalia, receiving stolen property, possession of counterfeit money, gambling, and numerous outstanding warrants of arrest. Buzz was awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Thursday December 12, 1974. Buzz and Officer Donald Hensic on-viewed a fire at 0315 hours at the rear of 4100 3rd Street which was a combination Bar and Restaurant. The Officers entered the premises and were engulfed in smoke and intense heat. However, they continued into the premises waking the occupants and directed them to safety. Arson Inspectors determined it was an Arson with three separate fires being set to cover up a burglary at the Bar/Restaurant. Buzz was a member of SIRS and the Elks of Petaluma. Buzz was a 49ers fan, enjoyed trips to Reno, golfing, fishing, whiskey, cigars, and being with great friends. Buzz was preceded in death by his parents Quin and Antonia “Toni” Jones, his brother Kurt “Lad” Jones and his loving wife Linda Jones. Quin is survived by his loving daughter Stacia Jones-Hale (Doug), and many friends. Per his request there will be no services. Donations in his name may be made to Hospice of Petaluma.
Steve Silvers, age 69: Steven Robert Silvers was born on April 28, 1948 in Grand Island, Nebraska. After graduating from Galileo High in San Francisco, Steve joined the Air Force and served in Vietnam. Steve was a grocery store checker prior to entering the San Francisco Police Department. Steve entered the S.F.P.D. on September 13, 1971. Steve wore star #1067 and worked the following assignments during his highly decorated 17 years: Potrero Police Station (December 5, 1971), Ingleside Police Station (May 4, 1972), Potrero Police Station (June 17, 1973), Crime Specific Task Force (CSTF) (May 23, 1976). Steve worked in the Bomb Unit, Swat, and the Mounted Patrol (Horses) during his career. Steve resigned from the San Francisco Police Department on November 25, 1988. Steve was awarded a Meritorious Conduct Award for services rendered on February 25, 1976. Steve and Officer Reagan Howe observed an individual who they recognized from prior conduct and fit the description of a robbery suspect. The suspect had committed a series of robberies during the month of February. The Officers responded to the I.D. Bureau and obtained the suspect’s mug shot photo. The Officers showed the photo to several of the robbery victims. The victims identified the suspect as the robber and the Officers obtained a felony warrant for several robberies leading to the arrest of the suspect. Steve was awarded a Gold Medal of Valor for services rendered on September 1, 1977. Steve and Officer Thomas Arnold, at 0415 hours were informed that a bomb had been discovered at the Pacific Union Club at 1050 California Street. Both Officers arrived and attempted to preserve any evidence that was observed at the scene. Both Officers began to dismantle the device. The bomb was extremely large and contained 16 pounds of Tovex, an extremely powerful explosive, and one stick of dynamite. The device was covered in tape and had two firing systems, and the age of the deteriorating blasting caps added to the extreme danger. The explosive, had it detonated, would have killed the officers and anyone close by, and shattered windows all the buildings in the area. The Officers accepted the risk and successfully dismantled the bomb. Steve and Officer John Hennessy were awarded a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Tuesday January 30, 1979. The Officers were approached by a hysterical female at the Lanai Motel at 2361 Lombard Street. The female, who was later identified as a suspect, shouted that “he’s freaked out, he’s hurt someone”. Four shots were then fired from the suspect’s room. The Officers responded to the suspect’s room and observed him holding a female by the neck in a hostage style fashion. The sudden distraction of the Officers with their service revolvers drawn allowed the female to break away from the suspect. Silvers and Hennessey then moved in and placed the suspect in custody. Subsequent investigation revealed that the male suspect, and the screaming woman who alerted the Officers were both wanted for a murder in Fresno. Steve was awarded a Police Commission Commendation along with 58 other Officers for their part in a 23 hour hostage-sniper incident at 1275 Market Street. The Officers maintained a tight perimeter while being completely exhausted. Steve and Officer Robert Puts were awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on April 23, 1980. The Officers arrested an armed suspect used a .32 caliber revolver to rob a Trans Rent-a-Car at 656 Geary Street. The Officers arrested the suspect and recovered the stolen auto and money, and took custody of the firearm. Steve was awarded a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Thursday August 14, 1980. Steve, with Officers Robert Puts, Eddie St. Andre, Jeremiah Morgan, Charles Keohane, Inspector Henry Hunter, and Sergeant Timothy Hettrich responded to the unit block of Manchester Street on a call of a barricaded suspect. The suspect was inside 78 Manchester and was firing a gun at Officers and randomly about the vicinity. After several hours of unsuccessful attempts to talk the suspect into surrendering, the Officers entered the premises under gunfire. When the Officers located the suspect’s position they again were unsuccessful in persuading the suspect to surrender. The suspect then fired another volley at the Officers. The Officers had no recourse but to return fire and fatally wound the suspect. Steve was awarded a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Tuesday June 9, 1981. Steve, with Officer Michael Travis responded bomb calls at 601 California Street, Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company, 1105 Oakdale Avenue, 2475 Finn Street, and Page and Masonic Streets. In each of these locations the Officers displayed exceptional bravery in dismantling and transporting a total of six actual or probable explosive devices. Steve, after leaving the S.F.P.D., started his own Outdoor Power Equipment Business. A proud and patriotic man cared deeply for his family and his friends. He was a constant presence at all of Dante’s sporting events, even when his health was compromised. Steve earned his 2nd Black Belt and enjoyed his Rock Steady Boxing Coaches and Classmates. Steve is survived by Donna, his spouse of 50 years, his daughters Jennifer Tarantino (Joe), and Stephanie Marcone (Larry); and adoring grandfather of Dante.
David Utter, age 91: David W. Utter was born on March 8, 1927 in San Francisco, California. Dave was a 3rd generation San Franciscan born to Dorothy and Harry D. Utter. Dave graduated from Washington High School and San Francisco State University. Dave then joined t he Merchant Marines and subsequently enlisted in the United States Army to serve in the Korean Conflict. After his discharge from the Army, Dave met the love of his life, and married Joanne Scroggy on October 1, 1950. Dave was listed as a truck driver prior to entering the S.F.P.D. Dave joined the San Francisco Police Department on September 5, 1950. Dave wore star #1453 and worked the following assignments during his nearly 27 year career: Taraval Police Station (September 18, 1950),
HDQ M/L (October 8, 1950), Ingleside Police Station (June 13, 1952), BSS (April 7, 1958), Central Police Station (September 14, 1970). Dave retired with a Disability Pension on May 7, 1977. Dave was awarded a 2nd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on April 2, 1958. Dave and Officer Jim Costello rescued the occupants of a burning building (No further information). Dave was awarded his second 2nd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on November 5, 1963. Dave and Officer Renzo Panelli were assigned to Operation “S” when they spotted a vehicle and two suspects wanted in connection with a robbery as indicated on a teletype that day. The Officers forced the suspect vehicle to the curb and ordered the suspects to exit. One suspect was armed with a semi-auto pistol. Both suspects and the firearm were taken into custody. Subsequent investigation revealed that the two suspects were in fact the men who committed the armed holdup. Dave was considered the “Pied Piper” of animals and children. Dave loved the outdoors and his activities of hunting, fishing, boating, and riding his motorcycle exceeded only by spending time with family and friends. Dave is survived by his beautiful wife of 68 years, his son Christopher Utter (Alice), daughters Debbie Utter and Laura Weaver (Duane), 11 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Dave was preceded in death by his son Bruce Utter (Karen).
Report of Special Committee: No report this month.
Old Business: Ballots will be mailed out for a membership vote of the proposed changes. A committee will be assigned to count the returned ballots.
New Business: Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to call for a vote to fill our Trustee vacancy with Ryan Walsh. Vice President Ray Kane seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection. We welcome Ryan Walsh to the WOAA Board. A change of Auditor was tabled for discussion. The WOAA is reviewing our business associates, their performance, and the cost of doing business.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Lindo led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for our fallen members. President Lindo set the next meeting for April 10, 2018. The meeting will be held at 850 Bryant Street room 125 at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco, California. The meeting will begin at 1230 hours.
To All Members: Please visit our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Beneficiary forms can be accessed by clicking on the Resources Box on our face page. New Beneficiary forms require the signature of a Notary or by a current member of the WOAA Board. Please use the Beneficiary form for any address or contact number changes. Address and contact number changes do not require a signature. Failure to update the WOAA with new address and contact numbers have resulted in many members being suspended and dropped from our membership roll. Please mail your completed forms to WOAA, P.O. Box 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. The former P.O. Box 880034 in San Francisco is no longer in use. I can be contacted by cell phone at 415 681-3660 and by email at markmac825@comcast.net. Each month we continue to give our thanks to the following people who assist our efforts: Retired S.F.P.D. Captain Paul Chignell who is currently the Defense Administrator of the P.O.A., David Ng of Personnel, Sgt. Rachael Kilshaw and Risa Tom of the Office of the Police Commissioner, Retired S.F.P.D. Sergeant and the long-tenured editor of the P.O.A. Ray Shine, Retired S.F.P.D. Lieutenant Rene LaPrevotte who is the host of the Gold Country Reaper website, and finally to the S.F.P.D. Traffic Command and their Officers who graciously afford us a location for our files and monthly meetings.