The Widows and Orphans Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting for November 2016 at 850 Bryant Street. The meeting was called to order by President Sally Foster at 1300 hours on November 8, 2016 in room #150.
Roll Call: President Sally Foster, Vice President John Centurioni, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees Leroy Lindo, Ray Kane, Jim O’Meara, Al Luenow were present. Trustee John Keane was excused. Past President Joe Garrity attended the meeting.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to accept the minutes from the October 2016 meeting. Trustee Al Luenow seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection.
Receiving Applications for New Members; Suspensions and Reinstatements: Trustee Ray Kane and Secretary Mark McDonough will respond to the San Francisco Police Academy on Tuesday November 29, 2016 and present the WOAA for membership to the 252nd Recruit Class. There were no suspensions or reinstatements.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor presented the monthly bills, audit bill, and death benefits for the beneficiary of members Robert Vienot and Irwin Tuttleman. Trustee Ray Kane made a motion to pay the bills. Vice President John Centurioni seconded the motion which passed without objection.
Report of Visiting Committee: Senior Trustee Leroy Lindo and Secretary Mark McDonough attended the funeral service for retired San Francisco Police Inspector Rick Martin. The funeral was held at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary in Daly City, California on Tuesday November 1, 2016. Father Mike Quinn gave the opening prayer and facilitated the service. A remembrance of Rick’s life and career was brought to life by Rick’s daughter and son in law, his former spouse Debra, and retired Homicide Inspector John Cleary. Rick was remembered as a sincere and helpful person who was a devout family man, husband, and father. Rick gave his heart and soul to his career, family, and friends. Rick was available to all who needed him and was remembered as a man who never complained about life’s obstacles. The San Francisco Police Department provided a color guard. The funeral was well attended with family, friends, along with retired and active members of the S.F.P.D.
Report of Trustees: Gus Coreris, age 91: Gus was born in San Francisco, California on January 13, 1925. Gus graduated from Polytechnic High School in San Francisco. He served in the Army Air Corps, India Burma China Offensive as a Sergeant/Control Tower operator from 1943 to 1946. Gus worked as a carpenter prior to entering the San Francisco Police Department. Gus joined the S.F.P.D. on August 1, 1949. Gus graduated from the Police Academy on August 15, 1949 and was assigned to Potrero Police Station. Gus wore star #1632. Gus left Potrero Station the following year and was sent to work at Mission Police Station on May 22, 1950. Four years later Gus transferred to Central Police Station on June 2, 1954. Gus was transferred to the Investigations Bureau on April 7, 1958 where he worked for the remainder of his career. We do not have a list of Investigative Details where Gus worked, however, he is remembered as a Homicide Inspector, and one the very best in his era. Gus retired on September 14, 1976 with a service pension after 27 years of service to the City of San Francisco. Gus earned several awards in his career. On July 2, 1951, Gus and Sergeant Frank Loftus arrested two suspects who had committed several armed robberies in San Francisco. Both Coreris and Loftus had to disarm the suspects at the time of the arrest and were subsequently awarded a Second Grade Medal of Valor. On October 14, 1956, Officers Gus Coreris and Richard Castro arrested an armed suspect who had threatened two sailors and attempted to holdup a taxicab driver. Officer Coreris and Castro were subsequently awarded a Second Grade Medal of Valor. On March 14, 1963 through March 20, 1963 Inspectors Gus Coreris, John Fotinos, Sterling Weatherspoon, John Finney, with Lieutenant Frank Gregg conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrest of an adult and three juvenile suspects who were responsible for throwing lye in the face and eyes of the proprietor of a food store. The victim lost sight in one eye. Lieutenant Gregg and Inspectors Coreris, Fotinos, Weatherspoon, and Finney were awarded a Third Grade Medal of Valor. For services rendered on Wednesday August 12, 1970, Inspectors Gus Coreris and Herman Clark conducted an outstanding investigation of a homicide case that led to the arrest and conviction of the suspects. Coreris and Clark were awarded a Meritorious Award for their investigation. For services rendered on Tuesday April 6, 1971, at 1215 hours, Inpsector Gus Coreris, Sergeant Edward Cosgrove, and Officer George Holmberg assisted in the arrest of an armed suspect. The suspect had used a shotgun to seriously wound his victim. Coreris, Cosgrove, and Holmberg were awarded a Police Commission Commendation. Inspector John Fotinos and Sergeant Jerald O’Brien received Bronze Medals of Valor for this incident. For services rendered on October 23, 1973 and continuing to its subsequent conclusion on March 13, 1976, the following officers were award with a Meritorious Award for their investigation. Lieutenant Charles Ellis, Inspectors Gus Coreris, John Fotinos, Carl Klotz, and Jeffrey Brosch were assigned to coordinate and investigate all of the so-called “Zebra” cases. These officers conducted endless hours of investigation, resulting in the arrest of four defendants for First Degree Murder, Conspiracy to commit murder, and numerous other Penal Code Sections. The violations totaled at Seventy-two. The trial commenced on March 3, 1975 and came to an end one year later on March 13, 1976 with a “Guilty” verdict on all charges. Gus is survived by his son Mike (Paddy) Coreris, his daughter Luci (Jim) Selby, Granddaughters Stephanie (Jon) Cromwell, and Natalie (Mike) Weston and several great grandchildren. Gus is also survived by his sister-in-law Beatrice Picras and many nieces and nephews. Gus wore many hats but his first priority was his family. He was proud of his heritage, profession and country.
Paul Kotta, age 82: Paul Kotta was born in San Francisco on May 1, 1934. Paul graduated from Balboa High School in San Francisco in 1952. He then enlisted in the United States Army. Paul was honorable discharged in June of 1954. Paul worked as a carpenter prior to entering the San Francisco Police Department. Paul entered the S.F.P.D. on October 16, 1957 just three days shy of his twenty-third birthday. Paul graduated from the Police Academy after six weeks and was assigned to Potrero Police Station. Paul wore star #845. Paul worked the following assignments during his thirty-two and a half year career: Potrero Police Station (November 29, 1957), Police Academy (January 2, 1958). Central Police Station (February 24, 1958), Park Police Station (January 19. 1959), Taraval Police Station (October 19, 1959), Park Police Station (promoted to the rank of Sergeant February 20, 1969), BCI (March 17, 1971), Richmond Police Station (promoted to the rank of Lieutenant November 27, 1974), Mission Police Station (April 28, 1976), Juvenile Detail (February 3, 1977), Investigations Personal Crimes to Investigations Property Crimes (January 22, 1978), Potrero Police Station (May 11, 1981 and subsequently promoted to the rank of Captain on July 1, 1981), and to Community Services (November 24, 1984). Paul Kotta retired on May 30, 1990. Paul received a 2nd grade Meritorious Award on November 2, 1961 for disarming and arresting a suspect who threatened to kill the officers. Paul received a 3rd grade Meritorious Award on September 16, 1963 for arresting an armed suspect who attempted to stab his spouse. Paul received a second 3rd grade Meritorious Award on June 25, 1964 for apprehending an insane person who was armed with a rifle and used it in a threatening manner in a suicide attempt. Paul received a third 3rd grade Meritorious Award for bravery on December 9, 1966 for his part in apprehending suspects involved in an armed robbery. After retiring, Paul followed his passion for singing. He joined a Barbershop Chorus and also appeared in several theatrical performances at Foothills College. Paul went to the town of Santa Cruz in 1998 to take part in a local production of the Santa Cruz Follies, and it was there that he met his future wife Carmelita. They both appeared in the Follies for 12 years as featured duet and solo performers. During this time Paul was part of a group called 4 TO GO + ONE…a female barbershop quartet that performed around the local area, Paul being the +1 of course. In 2001 Paul and Carmelita joined fellow retired officers for a trip to Ireland. Paul marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Galway, Ireland and entertained folks in the pub singing in his mellow baritone voice, “Oh Danny Boy” and other favorite songs. Paul is survived by his wife Carmelita, his former wife Nancy Kotta, sons Paul Kotta (Akimi), Chad Kotta (Carmella), along with many nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Paul is also survived by his step-children Derrick, Kathleen, and Dion Knepper, and step-grandchildren. There was no service planned for Paul Kotta.
Richard J. (Rick) Martin, age 56: Richard J. Martin was born in San Francisco on November 1, 1959 to Arlene and Richard Martin Sr. Rick family moved to Novato, California during his youth. Rick graduated from Novato High School in 1978 and attended City College of San Francisco. Rick, at age 21, entered the San Francisco Police Department on February 2, 1981. Rick wore star #2153 and worked the following assignments during his 32 year career: Taraval Police Station (September 27, 1981), Central Police Station (December 27, 1986), Northern Police Station as a Field Training Officer (December 30, 1989), Night Enforcement (January 10, 1999), Night Investigations (July 24, 1999 and promoted to Police Inspector on November 2, 2000), General Work Detail (January 29, 2005 and promoted to the rank of Sergeant on July 16, 2005), Homicide Detail (June 28, 2008), and finally to the Operations Bureau (November 14, 2011). Rick retired on July 23, 2013 with more than 32 years of service. Rick was awarded a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on October 10, 1988 when he responded to a call of a 418 at Columbus and Broadway at 12:10 am. Rick observed an armed suspect holding a gun over his head and yelling at Rick to “come and get it”. Rick drew his service revolver and order the suspect to drop the firearm. The suspect complied and dropped the weapon which was discovered to be a toy replica. Rick searched the suspect and discovered a real 12 gauge sawed-off shotgun in the suspect’s possession with 23 live rounds. Rick is survived by his brother Kevin, former spouse Debra, his children Kelly and Joshua, and his grandchildren. Rick’s obituary states that Rick gave unselfishly of himself and always sought to see the good in everyone. He was a super man with a heart of gold and he will be profoundly missed. Rick was laid to rest on what would have been his 57th birthday.
Report of Special Committee: Trustee Leroy Lindo reported that he is creating a computer-use protocol for our board. Leroy dispersed a report that focuses on cyber security issues.
Unfinished Business: Past President Joe Garrity addressed the board regarding our dues increase and the on-line sign-up form for the SFPCU. Joe stated he would provide approximately 30 SFPCU sign up forms for direct payment of dues to Larry Barsetti (VPOA President) of the Veteran’s POA.
New Business: The following nominations were presented to the Board for 2017. Each nomination required a second. Following the nomination, a motion to close the nomination was made with a second. A vote followed the closure. The following board members and their position for 2017-2018 is as follows: John Centurioni- President, Leroy Lindo Vice-President, Mark McDonough Secretary, Trustee Al Luneow, and new Trustee will be out-going President Sally Foster. The position of President and Vice President are one year terms. The Secretary, Treasurer (Dean Taylor was elected last year), and Trustees are 2 year terms.
The Secretary will purchase a new computer and printer. The board agreed to pay a small percentage of the cost.
For The Good of the Association: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Sally Foster led the WOAA board in a moment of silence for our fallen members. President Foster scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday December 13 at 1300 hours. The meeting will be held at 850 Bryant Street, room #150 at the Hall of Justice.
To All: We continue to give our thanks and gratitude to retired Captain Paul Chignell (POA), David Ng of Personnel, Sgt. Rachael Kilshaw and Risa Tom of the Police Commission Office, retired Lieutenant Rene Laprevotte, Ray Shine (POA Editor), and finally to Officers of the Traffic Solo Office for their continued assistance. Please visit our website at ‘sfwidowsandorphans.org’. Beneficiary forms can be accessed by clicking on resources box on our face page. Mail beneficiary and address changes to WOAA, P.O. Box 4247, San Rafael, Ca, 94913-4247.