The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting on November 9, 2021 via Zoom technology. The meeting commenced at 1200 hours.
Roll Call: President Al Luenow, Vice President Rob Forneris, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees Lou Barberini, Ryan Walsh, Leroy Lindo, Ray Kane, and Jim O’Meara, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster attended the meeting.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Ryan Walsh made a motion to accept the October 2021 minutes. Vice President Rob Forneris seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: Treasurer Taylor stated that he has received the back dues and fines accompanied with a doctor’s report of good health for dropped member David Connell. Trustee Leroy Lindo made a motion to reinstate David Connell. Trustee Jim O’Meara seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous for reinstating David Connell who is now a member in good standing. Congratulations to David Connell. There were no suspensions and no new applications.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud the monthly bills and the beneficiary claims for passed members Lloyd Crosbie, Stanley Harris, Paul Juul, Nico Navarra, Craig Piro, and Joe Vigil. Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to pay the bills and beneficiary claims. Vice President Rob Forneris seconded the motion. The motion passed. Treasurer Taylor also stated that our 2020 Audit has been completed. The WOAA received donations in the name of Joe Vigil. The following people sent their donations: Thomas J. Klitgaard ($200.00), Jack and Diane King ($100), and Rusell and Marie Genna ($50.00). We thank Thomas Klitgaard, Jack and Diane King, and Russell and Marie Genna for their generosity in the name of fallen member Joseph Vigil.
Report of Trustees: We received the sad news that two of following our members have passed away:
Ernest Howren, age 80: Ernest E. Howren was born in San Francisco on November 30, 1940.. Ernest entered the San Francisco Police Department on January 3, 1964, and was assigned to Star #299. Ernest worked the following units during his 30- year career: Southern Police Station (March 30, 1964), Richmond Police Station (March 15, 1965), Mission Police Station (July 15. 1973), and Park Police Station (February 27, 1974). Ernie retired with a service pension on January 2, 1994. Ernest Howren and his partner Charles Simpson were awarded with Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on May 17, 1980. The Officers were on patrol at Duboce and Divisadero Streets at 0248 hours when they observed flames emanating from a building three blocks away on the 1000 block of Page Street. They notified communications and responded to the burning residence. The Officers received information that a woman was inside of the burning building. The Officers with no regard for their safety, and risking their own lives, searched all the rooms. They came to one room that was locked, and learned that it was tied shut from the inside. Howren and Simpson broke through the door and carried a 76-year-old woman to safety. The Officers once again risked their lives by reentering the burning structure and conducted another search to ensure that there were no additional people trapped in the fire.
Ron Jackson, age 88: Ronald L. Jackson was born in San Francisc on April 7, 1933. Ron worked as a “sample maker” prior to his career in Law Enforcement. Ron joined the San Francisco Police Department on October 22, 1958, and wore Star #1774. Ron worked the following assignments during his 27-year career: Ingleside Police Station (March 9, 1959), Southern Police Station (December 27, 1959), Northern Police Station (September 26, 1960), Potrero Police Station (promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and transferred on March 16, 1969), City Prison (April 20, 1970), Northern Police Station (January 21, 1976), CSTF (January 25, 1976), Ron was promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant on May 21, 1980, Police Academy (March 18, 1981), Field Training (May 11, 1981), Northern Police Station (May 20, 1981), Police Academy (June 29, 1981), Ron Jackson retired with a service pension on July 14, 1985 .Awards: Ron Jackson was awarded with a Second Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on January 12, 1960. An armed suspect had held up the proprietor of a grocery store, Jackson observed the suspect walk in to a nearby restaurant and followed him in to the rear. Jackson engaged in a physical struggle with the suspect. Ron disarmed and arrested the suspect. One year and one day later, Ron earned his Second Grade Medal of Valor. Ron and his partner Walter Braunsweig were awarded with Second Grade Medals of Valor for services rendered on January 13, 1961. Two armed suspects had just robbed a pool hall and were attempting to flee the scene when Jackson and Braunsweig apprehended the suspects at gun point. Ron Jackson and his partner John Steffen were awarded with Second Grade Medals of Valor for services rendered on June 22, 1961 for the arrest of an armed suspect who robbed and shot a grocery proprietor. The Officers came upon the suspect who was hiding and were able to disarm and arrest him. Ron Jackson and his partner Charlie Schuler were awarded a Third Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on August 23, 1972. Jackson and Schuler were stopped by citizens who stated a man in the nearby Tavern was armed with a gun. Jackson and Schuler entered the Tavern and observed the armed suspect struggling with another person and trying to shoot him. The Officers ordered the man to drop his firearm. The suspect did not comply and the Officers used force to disarm and arrest the suspect. Ron and his partner Officer Donald Taylor were awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered when he and Taylor responded to a call of an armed suspect robbing an elderly man. Jackson and Taylor arrived and observed the suspect and the victim in a parking lot. The Officers approached the suspect who pointed his gun at them. The Officers took immediate action in disarming and arresting the suspect. Ron was awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Saturday January 25, 1979 at 0120 hours. Sgt. Ronald Jackson, and Officers Robert J. Deltorre, Richard Hesselroth, Robert Hoch, Michael Mc Elligott, Mark Potter, Richard Holder, and William Taylor. Sgt Jackson and the Officers were assigned to a building as a S.W.A.T. team. The team courageously assaulted a building occupied by an armed suspect who had barricaded himself in a building at 6th Avenue and Kirkham Streets. The suspect had fired several rounds from a Shotgun killing one person and inuring several others. No further details. Sergeant Ron Jackson was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation with several Sergeants and Officers that totaled 58, for services rendered on November 5th and 6th of 1979. The Officers displayed exemplary courage and stamina during a twenty-three-hour duration of a major hostage-sniper incident at 1275 Market Street. Despite the hazardous circumstances, these Officers were able to maintain continuous containment which ultimately resulted in a state of physical exhaustion of the suspect leading to his arrest. There are no further details on this incident. Over the years I have heard the account on the entry to the location of the suspect. If I had the information the accurate information, I would include it. The following Officers were awarded for their part in this incident: Sergeants Ron Jackson, Donald Blaine, Charles Warren, Alan Benner, James Dachauer, and David Kellogg, and Officers Glenn Pennebaker, William Taylor, John Hennessey, Henry Hunter, Steven Silvers, John (Jack) Minkel, Michael Lujan, Donald Moorehouse, Jerry Salvadore, Charles Keohane, Gene Powers, Edward St. Andre, Douglas Mitchell, Gary Peters, Frank Briare, Frank Lutticken, John Chestnut, Robert (Bob) Rogers, Douglas Kidd III, Donald Brown, Clint Locy, Stephen Venters, Joseph Allegro, Dennis Meixner, Gile Pursley, Timothy Shanahan, John McCauley, Edgar Springer, Jody Moroschuck, Larry Barsetti, Frank McKee, Robert Mangoosing, Anthony Camilleri, Forrest Fulton, Michael Griffin, Kevin Dillon, Vince Repetto, Maureen D’Amico, Joel Harms, William F. Kidd, David Alex, Michael Chan, Robert Mahoney, Peter Godbois, Dirk Beijen, Catharine Nelson, Dorothy Jorgenson, Frank Palma, Vickie Quinn, Alan Mould, Patrick White, and Thomas Perdue.
Jack Nyce, age 46: Jack G. Nyce was born July 21, 1975. Jack entered the San Francisco Police Department on June 25, 2001. Jack wore Star #1921 and worked the following assignments during his 20-year career: Police Academy (June 25, 2001), Tenderloin Police Station (September 13, 2004), Park Police Station (March 25, 2006). Sadly, Jack passed away unexpectedly on November 6, 2021 from Covid-19 complications. Jack was raised in San Francisco and attended McAteer High School, and later served in the United States Army. Jack had a passion for guns and motorcycles. Jack is survived by his wife Melissa of 17 years. They reside in Manteca, California
Darol I. Smith, age 87: Darol I. Smith was born in Petaluma, California on July 15, 1934 to Margaret (Anderton) and Irwin Smith. Darol was a SF Lincoln High School Graduate. Darol was employed as the Assistant Athletic Director of the Olympic Club in San Franciso. Darol entered the San Franciso Police Department on March 1, 1958 and wore Star #1506. Darol worked the following assignments during his disability-shortened 9 year-career: Taraval Police Station (June 9, 1958), Northern Police Station (April 27, 1959), City Prison (June 11, 1962), Northern Police Station (September 10, 1962), Southern Police Station Dog Unit (October 3, 1965). Darol was severely injured in a vehicle crash and was forced to retire. Darol I. Smith retired with a Disability Pension on August 16, 1967. Darol was awarded with a 2nd Grade Medal of Valor (September 21, 1960) for the arrest of two suspects who were wanted for a shooting in Richmond, California. Darol and his partner Harvey Harrison observed the suspect vehicle and identified it as the suspect vehicle wanted in connection the shooting in Richmond. Smith and Harrison observed the vehicle leaving the freeway and forced it to stop. Smith and Harrison arrested the suspects and seized the shotgun that was used in the shooting. After retiring from the San Franciso Police Department, Darol worked as a Private Investigator and worked for private and corporate security. During his time at Ligouri Associates, Darol met the love of his life Elena, to whom he was married for the past 22 years. Darol was a dedicated animal lover and was very proud of his Llamas, mini horses, chickens, and his 3 Bichon Frise dogs. Sports was his life-long passion. Darol was inducted into the Lincoln High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was an avid Bay Areas Sports fan of the Giants, Warriors and the 49ers and was a 49er season ticket holder for over 40 years. Darol attended the final 49er game played at Candlestick Park, and the first 49er game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Darol was an avid and talented golfer, playing at some of the most prestigious courses in the world including St. Andrews in Scotland with his son. Darol shot his age many times and collected thousands of golf balls over the years. Darol coached for over 70 years starting as a 16-year-old in youth sports in San Francisco and later in schools across Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties. Darol was finally dragged away from coaching at age 85. Darol impacted thousands of lives and their families during his years of coaching.
Talley, John age 93: John Talley was born in Tarkio, Missouri on April 15, 1928. John was a Boat Operator prior to entering into Law Enforcement. John joined the San Francisco Police Department on July 1, 1959 and wore Star #1219. John worked the following assignments during his 12-year career: Police Academy (July 11, 1960, and was transferred to CO. K Traffic/Warrant Bureau- BCI. John was transferred to Northern Police Station on July 1, 1971, and retired on August 26, 1971 with a Disability Pension. John Talley was awarded with a Second Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on July 25, 1964 for disarming and arresting a 187 PC suspect. The suspect had just shot and killed a man. Talley spotted the suspect and observed him to have a handgun in his waistband. Talley engaged in a furious struggle with the suspect and was assisted by a civilian. There is no further information for John Talley.
Warren Yee, age 67: Warren Yee was born on September 7, 1954. Warren K. Yee entered the San Franciso Police Department on May 13, 1985. Warren was assigned to Star #2166 and worked the following assignments during his
26-year career: Ingleside Police Station (November 17, 1985), Central Police Station (December 14, 1985), Potrero Police Station (March 8, 1986), Ingleside Police Station (October 8, 1988), Airport detailed to Muni Transit (November 17, 1999), Airport (January 22, 2000), Investigations (February 25. 2006), Juvenile (July 15, 2006), Child Abuse and Exploitation (July 24, 2010). Warren retired with a service pension on May 12, 2011. Awards: Warren Yee was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on April 9, 1994 at 2300 hours at 2054 43rd Avenue. Warren responded to a rape in progress. Headquarters broadcasted a description of the suspect and stated he was still at the scene. Lt. Jim Long, responded and set the perimeters. Officers Yee, Joseph Finigan, Diane Stokes, Robert Dryden, and James Gaan responded to the scene. Upon arrival the 79 – old victim was located standing on her front lawn. The victim told the Officers that the suspect fled on foot north on 43rd Avenue. The Officers Quick response and action were needed to apprehend the dangerous felon. The Officers coordinated their effort on their search and their teamwork was instrumental the arrest of the suspect. Warren was awarded with a second Police Commission Commendation along with several members of Taraval Station. In February of 1993, Sgt. Andrew Blackwell headed a Policing Team to reduce crime in the Oceanview area of the Taraval District. Officers Jim Speros, Wade Bailey, James Blanson, John Bourne, Toney Chaplin, Richard Dellagostino, James Jackson, Richard Janese, John Lanfranchi, Tim Quan, William Clinton, Robert Steger and Warren Yee saturated the target areas for six months. The Officers reduced crime and caused beneficial changes in the quality of life for the residents in the Ocean View area of the Taraval District. The team received Police Commission Commendations for their successful operation in reducing crime in the Oceanview area of the Taraval District. Warren was awarded with his third Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Friday March 29, 1987. Officers Bruce Fairbairn, Steve Bosshard, Robert Totah, and Warren Yee responded to a fire at the Super Fair Market at 201 Leland Avenue. The Officers arrived to find 2 men locked inside the store. The Officers broke the window glass and helped the men to safety. The men told the Officers that their elderly parents were inside the store. The Officers with disregard for their lives and safety did not wait for the Fire Department to arrive. The Officers reentered the burning Market which was filled with smoke. The Officers were able to locate the elderly man and woman in the rear of the Market and observed them to be overtaken by the smoke. The Officers carried the elderly man and woman out of the burning store and provided support for the Ambulance unit that arrived to treat the victims.
Old Business: The WOAA Board will attempt to honor Past President Ray Kane for his leadership in 2019. The Covid-19 Pandemic halted our honorary tributes.
New Business: The WOAA Board opened up our nominations for 4 open seats. Nominations were accepted for each position. At the conclusion of the nomination of our four positions on our Board, we closed the nominations and held a vote for the candidates. The positions are as follows: Rob Forneris for 2022 President: Jim O’Meara nominated Rob Forneris for the 2022 WOAA President. President Al Luenow seconded the nomination. A vote was taken by the board and it was unanimous in favor of Rob Forneris. Congratulations to Rob. Lou Barberini for Vice President: I nominated Lou Barberini for the 2022 WOAA Vice President seat. Ray Kane seconded the nomination. A vote was taken by the board and it was unanimous in favor of Lou Barberini as our 2022 Vice President. Congratulations Lou. Dean Taylor for 2022 Secretary: I nominated Dean Taylor for the Treasury seat on our WOAA board for 2022-2023. Rob Forneris seconded the nomination. A vote was taken by the board and it was unanimous in favor of Dean Taylor for Treasurer. Al Luenow for 2022 Trustee: I nominated Al Luenow for the vacant WOAA 2022 Trustee seat. Rob Forneris seconded the nomination. A vote was taken and the result was unanimous in favor of Al Luenow for 2022 Trustee.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Al Luenow led our Board in a moment of silence for our members who recently passed away, and for all fallen WOAA members. President Luenow tentatively scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday December 14, 2021 at 1200 hours, via Zoom technology. President Luenow adjourned the meeting.
To All Members: WOAA members can obtain a new beneficiary form by accessing our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Click on Resources on our face page. Follow the link and print out the beneficiary form. Complete the form with all of our requested information. The form requires a signature from one of our Board Members (see Roll Call), or by a Notary. Send the form to WOAA, P.O. Box 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. I can be contacted at 415 681-3660.
We express our monthly appreciation and gratitude to the following people who greatly assist our efforts to provide the best customer service possible: Retired San Francisco Police Captain and the current and long-standing Defense Administrator 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 Francisco Police Sergeant and the long-standing editor of the SFPOA Journal Newspaper, Ray Shine; David Ng of Personnel, Risa Tom of the San Franciso Police Commission Office, and to the President of the SFPOA Tony Montoya who has graciously afforded us space to have quarterly meetings.