The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting on Tuesday November 11, 2025, at 1100 hours.
Roll Call: President Leroy Lindo, Vice President Ray Kane, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor; Trustees Jim O’Meara, Maureen Leonard, Louis Barberini, Rob Forneris, Ryan Walsh; and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present.
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.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: Dropped member Greg Hui paid his back dues and fines and submitted a letter of good health from his physician. Vice President Ray Kane made a motion to reinstate Greg Hui. President Leroy Lindo seconded the motion. The motion passed. Welcome back Greg Hui. There are no new applications or suspensions,
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud the monthly bills and beneficiary claims for our recently deceased members. Secretary McDonough made a motion to pay the bills and beneficiary claims. Trustee Jim O’Meara seconded the motion. The motion passed. The WOAA Board received a donation from Jean and Joanne Lacues in honor of recently deceased member Michael Gannon. We thank the Lacues for their generosity.
Report of Visting Committee: I attended the Funeral service for Michael T. Gannon on Saturday November 8, 2025, at St. Isadore Church in Danville, California. The service was well attended with approximately 150 people in attendance. Six retired San Francisco Police Officers from Mike’s Academy Class were in attendance as were other retired Officers, family, and friends. The Funeral Mass was beautifully performed in a style that would take many of us back to our childhood. The Church vocalist delivered heart-warming renditions of Ave Maria and Amazing Grace. Trustee Jim O’Meara attended the funeral service for Jason Gallagher. Jim reported that it was well-attended with retired and current San Francisco Police Officers, including many members of the San Francisco Police Officers Command Staff. Jim stated that it was an impressive turnout and a respectful tribute to Jason’s family.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA Board received the sad news of a member who passed away:
Daniel L. O’Brien, age 79: Daniel L. O’Brien was born in San Francisco, California on July 16, 1946. He entered the San Francisco Police Department on September 30, 1971, and was assigned to Star #493. Daniel worked the following assignments during his 8-year career: BSS (May 28, 1972), Taraval Police Station (March 7, 1977). Daniel retired on November 5, 1979 with a Disability Pension. AWARDS: Daniel was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Wednesday June 5, 1974 at approximately 0305 hours. O/Brien was off duty when he apprehended an armed suspect who attempted to shoot him and a Patrol Special Officer. O’Brien returned fire wounding the suspect who fled but was captured a block away.
Todd Sullivan, age 56: Todd Sullivan was born on January 29, 1969, in San Jose, California. Todd grew up in Morgan Hill, California and had a love for animals. Todd raised rabbits and pigs and was a member of the 4H Club. His love for animals led Todd to work and save his money to buy a horse. Todd learned on his own how to “show” a horse, and entered into events. He eventually developed a love for music and sold his horse to buy a set of drums. Todd played in several bands and experienced touring the country and recording several records. Todd met his wife Victoria on her 23rd birthday in front of the Cactus Club. Todd earned a history degree from UC Santa Cruz in 1993. Todd also had a dream of living in the big city. Todd married Victoria on October 4, 1997. They lived in San Francisco for three years before moving to San Jose where Todd attended San Jose State University to earn his teaching credential. Todd taught high school social studies and special education for 5 years at Lincoln High School. They welcomed their son Luke in 2003 and was Todd’s greatest joy. Todd decided to leave teaching for a career in Law Enforcement. Todd entered the San Francisco Police Department on October 21, 2005. Todd was assigned to Star #857 and worked the following assignments during his 18- year career: Bayview Police Station (June 3, 2006), Tenderloin Police Station (November 18, 2006), Ingleside Police Station (November 17, 2007), Airport (June 7, 2014), Property Control (May 1, 2015), Airport (March 5, 2016). Todd Sullivan retired on September 22, 2022. Todd passed away at his home on November 4, 2025, after an 8-year battle with Leukemia. Todd leaves behind his beloved wife Victoria (S.F.P.D.), his son Luke, and many nieces, nephews, and family members.
Report of Special Committee: No report this month.
Old Business: No report this monthj.
New Business: Secretary McDonough nominated the following members for 2026 Board positions: Ray Kane for WOAA President, Jim O’Meara for WOAA Vice President, Dean Taylor for Treasurer, and Leroy Lindo for the vacant Trustee position. Trustee Maureen Leonard seconded the motion for each person and position. The vote was unanimous. In 2026 Ray Kane will be our President, Jim O’Meara will be our Vice President, Dean Taylor will remain as Treasurer, and Leroy Lindo will move to Junior Trustee. Maureen Leonard will be our Senior Trustee.
Good of the Order: No report.
Adjournment: President Lindo thanked our Board for all their hard work and dedication, and led us in a moment of silence for all our recent and past members who have passed away. President Lindo scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday December 9, 2025 at 11:00 hours. President Lindo then adjourned the meeting.
To All Members: WOAA beneficiary forms can be accessed through our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Click on Resources and follow the link. Print the form and complete it with all of our requested information. Contact me at Widowsorphans825@gmail.com for further mailing instructions. I can also be contacted at our WOAA contact number of 415 681-3660. The WOAA Board expresses their appreciation to the following people who support our efforts each month. Retired San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Captain and the Defense Administrator for the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA, Paul Chignell; retired SFPD Lieutenant and the host of the Gold Country Reaper email that disseminates WOAA news and information, Rene LaPrevotte; retired SFPD 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.
