The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting at 850 Bryant Street room#125 in San Francisco, California. The meeting began at 1230 hours.
Roll Call: President Leroy Lindo, Vice President Ray Kane, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor (conference call), Trustees Jim O’Meara, Al Luenow, Rob Forneris, Louis Barberini, Ryan Walsh, and Bookkeeper Sally Foster were present.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to accept the minutes from our April 2018 meeting. Trustee Lou Barberini seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection.
Receiving Applications, Suspensions, and Reinstatements: Vice President Ray Kane, James O’Meara, and Rob Forneris were unable to present our membership to the 259th Recruit Class. Ray Kane will respond to the San Francisco Police Academy this week to reschedule the presentation. The following members have been reported by our Treasurer as delinquent for payment of dues in 2018. President Lindo ordered that the below unpaid members are hereby suspended:
Thomas Abrahamsen, Eric Altorfer, Guillermo Amigo, Debra Anderson, Julia Angalet,
William Arietta, Saqib Aslam, Antonio Austin, Regina Berrigan, Nicholas Billings,
Omar Bueno, Jesse Byrd, Kevin Callanan, Danny Camacho, Kenneth Canedo,
Alec Cardenas, Willis Casey, Christopher Cassinelli, Luis Casteneda, Jonathon Catlett,
Joe Coggan, Amy Cole, Matthew Cole, Anton Collins, Donald Condencia,
Kevin Conroy, Joseph Cordes, Lary Cortes, Catherine Daly, Leanna Dawydiak,
Mario Delgadillo, Kevin Conroy, Timothy Dempsey, Jassen Dongon, Lori Dutra,
Maurice Edwards, Joshua Enea, Emily Fields, Joseph Filamor, Stewart Flynn,
Louis Fong, Edward Fowlie, Ava Garrick, Thomas Haymond, Shane Herbert,
Renae Hofmann, Mitchell Holahan, Matthew Kabanuck, Ronald Kall, Belinda Kerr,
Chris Kohrs, Kenneth Lui, Robert Mammone, John Minoli, Elmer Najaro,
Daniel L. O’Brien, Jordan Oryall, Harry Paretchan, Roger Peters, Michael Phillips,
Gary Pisciotto, Robert Pollio, Richard Randall, Darryl Rodgers, Jose Rosales, Richard Ruiz,
Catherine Schiefer, Donald Schneider, Reginal Scott, David Serrano, Kristopher Stoffel,
Patrick Sullivan, Carlton Tiamson, Daniel Toomey, John Troche, Allen Vugrincic,
Justin Webster, Harry Wielen, Kurtis Wong.
Per Article III, Section 3 of the WOAA Constitution and By-Laws, a suspension for non-payment of dues suspends the member of all rights and privileges. Suspended members will be dropped from the WOAA membership roll on January 1, 2019 if their dues for 2018 are not received. A registered letter of suspension will be mailed to the suspended member’s last known address.
Communications and Bills: Four death beneficiary payments and the regular monthly bills were presented to the Board. Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to pay the beneficiary payments and the regular monthly bills. Trustee Rob Forneris seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection. Payments were sent to the beneficiary(s) of Steve Silvers, David Utter, Quin Jones, and Renota Martinez.
Report of Visiting Committee: President Leroy Lindo reported his attendance at the memorial service for fallen member Lt. Renota Martinez. Leroy reported that the service was held at Duggan’s Mortuary. Leroy stated it was well attended with San Francisco Police Department Uniform personnel and Various Command Staff Personnel including Chief William Scott, and Deputy Chief Denise Schmidt who was directly involved in the administrative process of the service.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA Board received the sad news of the passing of the following members:
Garrett Griffin, age 79: Garrett Griffin was born in San Francisco, California on February 26, 1939. Garrett grew up in the Parkside District (within the Sunset District) and attended Lincoln High School until his Junior Year. Garrett dropped out of Lincoln High and joined the Merchant Marines. Garrett signed on to a Merchant Ship bound for Asia as an Ordinary Seaman in the stormy winter of 1955-1956. After his great adventure, Garrett returned to San Francisco and married Carolyn, his wife for the next 62 years. They lived briefly in Redwood City where Garrett worked as a Mill Man. In his travels, Garrett had time to think about the value of education. Garrett and Carolyn returned to San Francisco and Garrett attended Mission Adult High School at night, earning his High School Diploma. Garrett joined the San Francisco Police Department on July 10, 1961. Garrett wore star #337. Garrett worked the following assignments during his eight year career before transferring (it was allowed at that time) to the San Francisco Fire Department: City Prison (April 9, 1962), Identification Bureau (November 23, 1962), Potrero Police Station (March 16, 1963, CWB (June 24, 1968). Garrett left the S.F.P.D. for the S.F.F.D. on September 16, 1969. Garrett was awarded a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on September 14, 1965. Garrett arrested a suspect who had committed three robberies. Garrett is listed as received a Captain’s Commendation on for apprehending a woman who was under a Grand Jury Indictment who was attempting to flee to the East Coast and had attempted to use the revolver that was in her possession. The incident occurred on September 10, 1967. During his police career, Garrett worked in a plainclothes Narcotics Unit, and rode “shotgun” with the Fire Department on their calls in the Potrero District. After joining the Fire Department in 1969, Garrett worked at Station 14 for many years and also served on the Cliff Rescue Team. Garrett also spent time toward the end of his career in the S.F.F.D. at the Airport as a Building Inspector. During his careers, Garrett earned his AA Degree at S.F. City College. Garrett attended S.F. State College and earned his BA Degree in Industrial Arts where he discovered a talent for Wood Sculpture and Contemporary Furniture. Garrett created fine art pieces which he showed and sold in Art Shows and a gallery in Palm Springs. A devoted family man, Garrett planned family hikes to Tamalpais Bear Valley or San Mateo Park. Garrett developed an interest in geology while at City College. Garrett, Carolynne, and their children Kirk and Dawn hiked the back country of Yosemite for several summers and also hiked the John Muir Trail. Garrett was a movie buff and joined a few fellow fireman in signing up as an extra in the movie “Towering Inferno”. He subsequently joined the Screen Actors Guild and worked in many movies including “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “George of the Jungle” where he played a Fireboat Captain and was named in the credits. His favorite role was in the Nash Bridges series where he had a recurring role as a detective. Garrett is survived by his wife Carolynne, his daughter Dawn Griffin, his brothers Vaughan (Nancy) Griffin, and Frank Rivers (Diane), and many nieces and nephews. Garrett was preceded in death by his parents, his son Kirk Griffin, and his brother Richard Rivers.
John Mino Sr., age 90: The record for John A. Mino reads that he was born in San Francisco, California on April 8, 1928. John attended San Rafael High School and College of Marin. John entered the San Francisco Police Department on November 16, 1950. John wore star #771 and left the Academy for Ingleside Police Station on December 11, 1950. However, John went on leave on January 7, 1952 to serve on Military Leave as a member of the United States Navy. John met his future wife Tess while serving in the U. S. Navy. John, after his military service ended, returned to the San Francisco Police Department on December 14, 1953. John resumed his career at Southern Police Station. John was transferred to Investigations on May 2, 1955, was promoted to full Police Inspector on June 1, 1961 and remained in Investigations until his retirement on July 31, 1981. John earned a Second Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on November 15, 1951. John arrested a suspect who was burglarizing a tavern. John entered the tavern through a small hole in the side of the building and was successful in arresting the burglar. John was awarded a Meritorious Conduct Award for services rendered on November 14, 1956. John was awarded was a First Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on October 27, 1956 for his part in the arrest of an man armed with a rifle who had shot a woman and her baby. Prior to taking the suspect in custody the suspect fired on the officers and a bullet struck Officer Donald Euing. John’s work in San Francisco Police Department included work in association with the FBI and the United States Secret Service. After retiring from the S.F.P.D., John worked for 25 years as a Security Specialist. John and Tess moved to Monte Rio, California. John and Tess made new acquaintances in the Russian River area. John’s life-long friends were very loyal. Two close friends included Jeff Cronquist and Richard Watson. Watson was a steadfast and loyal friend who advised John on many important issues and stood by John during life’s trials and tribulations. John also devoted significant time throughout his life to the following organizations: the California Native Sons, Navy League, Naval Order, American Legion, the San Francisco Police Officer’s Association, the San Francisco Police Department Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association, Riordan Boosters Club, the Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce, the Northwood Golf Club (Past President), and the Northwood Men’s Club. John was a take-charge type of person and excelled at raising money for worthy causes. His Staff Golf Tournament operated for 25 years and raised money for the families of fallen Secret Service Agents, and for the Archbishop Riordan Field Project where his sons and grandsons attended. John held Archbishop Riordan High School in high regard and volunteered his time in several capacities to assist the school in its progress through the decades. John was fiercely proud of his children. John’s two sons John and Mark followed his lead by serving long careers in the San Francisco Police Department and are now retired. John’s daughter Lizabeth completed many years of education by attaining a Ph.D. John was preceded in death by his parents Aleck G. Mino and Mary Agnes Mino nee Sorensen, his brother Harry Obitz, and his first wife Mary Therese (Tess) Mino nee Duhamel (1989).John is survived by his sons John Jr. (Terri) and Mark (Kathleen), his daughter Lizbeth, his grandchildren Mark Jr. (Luisa) and Teddy Mino, Caitlin (Jason) Holton, Meaghan (Michael) Murray, and great grandchildren Caitlin Mino, Jameson Holton, Charlie Parker Murray, and Olivia Murray. John passed away peacefully alongside his loving wife and companion, Gretchen Mino, on May 4, 2018 at his beloved Red Cloud, Nebraska home. John had reached the great age of 90.
Louis Sylvestri, age 87: Louis D. Sylvestri Jr. was born in San Francisco, California on March 5, 1931 to Louis and Angelina Sylvestri. Lou worked as a Pilot prior to switching to Law Enforcement. Lou was a member of the United States Air Force. Lou entered the San Francisco Police Department on September 16, 1964 at the age of 33. Lou wore star #532 and graduated from the Police Academy on December 31, 1964. Lou worked the following assignments during his 18 year career: Mission Police Station (December 31, 1964), Northern Police Station (March 21, 1966), Police Pistol Range (August 4, 1969), City Prison (November 3, 1969), P & R (November 7, 1971), Chief’s Office (January 9, 1972), SSB Dog Unit (January 3, 1977), Chief’s Office (January 24, 1977), Internal Affairs (September 20, 1978), Personnel and Training (May 28, 1980), Internal Affairs (June 4, 1980, promoted to Q-50 Police Sergeant), Taraval Police Station (December 3, 1980), Internal Affairs (July 5, 1981), and finally to Personnel and Training (September 23, 1981). Lou retired on a Disability Pension on April 5, 1982. Lou and his partner Gene Fogarty were awarded a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on January 16, 1965. Lou and Gene disarmed a deranged man who was armed with a knife and a shotgun. The suspect pointed the shotgun at the Officers. The Officers engaged the man in conversation and diverted the suspect’s attention. The Officers jumped on the suspect and wrestled the shotgun from his grasp and placed him in custody. During his career in the S.F.P.D. Lou pioneered the first “Aero Division”. Lou called it the “Whirly Birds”. The S.F.P.D. “Aero” Squadron was at its peak in the 1970’s, with the number of helicopter and small plane flights rivaling the frequency of the Los Angeles Police Department. After several accidents, and some complaints, the unit was disbanded. The helicopter unit was featured prominently in the first “Dirty Harry” film, identifying a sniper on a rooftop before a murder was committed. The unit was reactivated in the late 1990’s, and then the “Aero” unit was put into an “inactive” status indefinitely. Today, in times where the S.F.P.D. needs air support, the California Highway Patrol air unit is from its Napa Air Base. Lou enjoyed gardening and his cars (Cadillacs and Corvettes) throughout his life. Lou also enjoyed small dinner parties at home and Nita’s cooking. Lou passed away peacefully in his sleep while at home on April 16, 2018. Lou was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. Lou is survived by his devoted wife Marianita Arzadon Sylvestri.
Report of Special Committee: Bookkeeper Sally Foster reported that she continues to be in the process of collecting correct addresses for the mailing of our Constitution and By-Laws proposed changes. The proposed changes will be sent out for a vote of the membership.
Unfinished Business: Bookkeeper Sally Foster has a list of 18 members who have unresolved membership issues. Sally has examined the data base, and our membership rosters and folders regarding payroll deduction, automatic payments, and mail out billing. Sally is resolving all areas of incomplete administrative paperwork and data base inconsistencies.
New Business: No report this month.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Lindo led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for all our fallen members. President Lindo adjourned the meeting. The next WOAA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday June 12, 2018 at 12:30 pm. Our meetings are held in the Hall of Justice at 850 Bryant Street in room 125.
To All Members: Please visit our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Beneficiary forms, for a beneficiary change, are available on the website. Click the Resources box on the upper right side of the face page. The beneficiary form option will appear. Print out the form and complete it with all the necessary information. Mail the forms to WOAA, P.O. Box 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. Newly submitted beneficiary forms must have a signature of a NOTARY or a WOAA Board member. Please use the forms for address and/or contact number changes. Address and contact number changes do not need the signature of a notary or a WOAA Board Member. I can be contacted by email at markmac825@comcast.net. I can be reached by phone at 415 681–3660. We give our thanks and gratitude each month to the following people who assist our efforts on a regular basis: Retired S.F.P.D. Captain and the current P.O.A. Defensed Administrator Paul Chignell, Retired S.F.P.D. Lieutenant Rene LaPrevotte who is the current host of the Gold Country Reaper website, Retired S.F.P.D. Sergeant Ray Shine who is the editor of the P.O.A. Journal, David Ng of Personnel, Sergeant Rachael Kilshaw and Risa Tom of the Police Commissioner’s Office, and to the Command Staff and Officers of the Traffic Command who graciously afford us space for our files and our monthly meetings.
Mark J. McDonough
WOAA Secretary