The Widow and Orphans Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting at the Hall of Justice 850 Bryant Street, Room #150 in San Francisco, California. The meeting was held on Tuesday October 13, 2015.
Roll Call: President John Keane, Vice-President Sally Foster, Treasurer Dean Taylor, and Trustees John Centurioni, Leroy Lindo, Ray Kane, Jim O’Meara, and Al Luenow were present. Secretary Mark McDonough was excused.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee John Centurioni made a motion to approve the minutes from our meeting last month on September 8, 2015. Trustee Ray Kane seconded the motion which passed without objection.
Receiving Applications for New Members; Suspensions and Reinstatements: Suspended member Tim Plyer was reinstated after paying his back dues and fees. Trustee Ray Kane made a motion to reinstate Plyer. The motion was seconded by Trustee Al Luenow and was approved without objection.
ATTENTION 243rd RECRUIT CLASS: CLASS MEMBERS WHO SIGNED UP AND HAVE NOT PAID THE BILL WILL BE SUSPENDED AND THEN SUBSEQUENTLY DROPPED FROM OUR MEMBERSHIP. WE HAVE CONTACTED CLASS MEMBERS MORE THAN ONCE, AND WE HAVE BEEN VERY PATIENT. THE YEAR IS COMING TO AN END. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR DUES PAYMENT.
Donations: I was contacted by Officer David Bermudez of the East Bay Regional Park Police Department. Officer Bermudez is creating a boxing event to take place in San Francisco and stated he would like to donate part of the proceeds to the WOAA. This event will include the best fighters from the following law enforcement agencies: New York P.D., L.A.P.D., CHP, Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office, and the California Department of Corrections. Officer Bermudez stated that it is a non-profit event and that he is looking for assistance. Officer Bermudez can be contacted at ‘dbermudez81@sbcglobal.net’.
Communications and Bills: The following donations and amounts were submitted to the WOAA. Combined Charities Drive ($103.94), Dave and Peggy Hagen ($200.00 in the name of Marty Bastiani), Anna Strelo ($50 in the name of Marty Bastiani).
Death benefits were paid to the beneficiary(s) of fallen members: Ron Killen, Jim Norman, and Albert Alves. Trustee John Centurioni made a motion to pay our monthly bills. Trustee Leroy Lindo seconded the motion which passed without objection. Diane Killen, the spouse of fallen member Ron Killen, sent us a thank you card for our assistance and floral arrangement in the memory of Ron.
Report of Visiting Committee: Trustee Al Luneow and Secretary Mark McDonough attended Gordon Clark’s Memorial Tribute. The tribute was held at the San Mateo Elks Lodge on Sunday October 11, 2015 from noon to 5pm. The memorial was well attended by family, and by active and retired members of the San Francisco Police Department. In particular, past and present members of the Tenderloin Task Force (now the Tenderloin Police Station), and the Traffic Solo’s. I visited a few of the groups who were spread about the room at round tables and the talk of Gordon “Gordy” Clark was warm and respectful. I heard the words “big heart” and ‘great guy” repeatedly. It was an impressive turnout for a dedicated and passionate Police Officer who will be well remembered, and sorely missed.
Report of Trustees: The following WOAA members passed away:
Gordon G. Clark, age 64: Gordy Clark was a proud Scotsman. He was born in Glascow, Scotland on December 28, 1951. Gordy’s family, older sister Jean, younger sister Christine and his mother and father moved to San Bruno, California when he was 3 years of age. Gordy attended Crestmoor High School in San Bruno. Soon thereafter, Gordy dedicated his life and career to Public Service. Gordy was a Paramedic for 12 years prior to his career in Law Enforcement. Gordy joined the San Francisco Police Department on November 16, 1981 and was assigned to Star #740. Gordy worked in the following units in the S.F.P.D.: Northern Police Station (April 14, 1982), Richmond Police Station (July 9, 1982), Mission Police Station (December 15, 1982, Vice Crimes (June 19, 1985), Northern Police Station (July 9, 1988), Tenderloin Task Force (March 31, 1991), Vice Crimes (August 29, 1992), TTF (August 29, 1992), Mission Police Station (April 20, 1996), Backgrounds (August 8, 1998), Airport Detailed to Co.C (November 11, 2000), Potrero Police Station (September 1, 2001), FOB (September 27, 2003), Potrero Station (then Bayview) (July 2, 2005), Richmond Police Station (October 19, 2005), Potrero Police Station (June 20, 2006), Traffic Solos (July 29, 2006), Airport Solos (February 24, 2007), Traffic Solos at HOJ (September 8, 2007), and Traffic Solo/Traffic Enforcement (January 21/ 2011). Gordy earned his service retirement on June 29, 2012 after a combined 42 and a half years in Public Service (30.5 in the S.F.P.D.). During his career, Gordy earned Commendations and Medals of Valor. For services rendered on September 7, 1983, Gordy was awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor. On that day, Gordy witnessed a multi-vehicle accident involving two cars and a tractor trailer. Gordy observed one car engulfed in flames, and with no regard to his personal safety, Gordy pulled two dazed occupants from the burning wreckage. Gordy then assisted occupants from the other vehicles to safety. Gordy then climbed on top of the burning car and reached in to turn off the ignition to prevent the car from running free of the accident and endangering other motorists and pedestrians. Gordy then entered the second car and was able to disengage it from the burning vehicle to prevent more danger. Gordy Clark performed his duties while OFF-DUTY as he leaped into action instead of waiting for emergency personnel. For services rendered on February 14, 1985, Gordy was awarded a Police Commission Commendation. Gordy witnessed a one car roll-over vehicle accident and stopped to assist. The car was running and there was gasoline leaking onto the roadway. Gordy entered the vehicle and dragged the occupant to safety as the car slid down an embankment. Gordy took the injured driver to a safe place and administered first aid. Gordy was awarded his second Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on October 17, 1985 while working as a plainclothes Vice Officer. Gordy, along with Sergeant Rich Weick, and Officers Albert Lum, and Manuel Solano. The Officers observed flames coming from the 6th floor of an apartment building at 685 Geary Street. The Sergeant and Officers responded to the 6th floor and led an elderly disoriented woman to safety through the smoke and flames. Weick and Clark had to crawl down the hallway and grab the woman. All Officers assisted others occupants to safety on the 6th floor. The Officers and Sergeant displayed bravery with no regard for their own safety. Gordy earned another Police Commission Commendation along with Sergeant Ken Sugrue, and Officers Robert Ramos, Roy Ramos, and John Newman. For services rendered on July 31, 1992, Officers Roy Ramos and Gordon Clark proceeded to the 3rd floor of 440 Eddy Street on a call of a person attempting suicide by jumping off the building at a high distance. Clark and Ramos observed the man outside his room window on the ledge with his hands against the building. Ramos and Clark began verbal persuasion until Sgt. Sugrue and Officers Robert Ramos and John Newman arrived and together a human chain while Newman went to an adjacent room window to distract the man on the ledge. Sgt. Sugrue and Robert Ramos grabbed the man’s belt and leg as they were held by Officers Clark and Roy Ramos. Together they were able to pull the man from the ledge and into the window to safety. A team effort by TTF. Officer Roy Ramos and Gordon Clark earned another Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on July 7, 1993. On this day a man was hanging from the railing of a patio. Officer Ramos grabbed the man to pull him to safety when the man began to fall pulling Ramos with him. Officer Clark was able to grab and secure Ramos from falling. Together Ramos and Clark were able to pull the falling man to safety. Gordy Clark career and awards epitomize the term “Public Safety”. Gordy was the loving father to three children, Melissa, Emilia, and Austin and is a proud grandfather to Bryan and Vicki. Gordy leaves his children, grandchildren, and Alessandra his current wife of 16 years. Gordy was preceded in death by his younger sister Christine, his mother and father, and Deborah his first wife of 25 years who bore him his first child, Melissa. “Always remembered, never to be forgotten. Be Nice, play safe”.
George Edward Matelli, age 79: George was born on October 30, 1935 in San Francisco, California. Prior to entering the San Francisco Police Department, George worked for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company as a “Cartman”. George, at 32 years of age, entered the S.F.P.D. and trained at the Academy on July 1, 1968. George was assigned to Star # 442. George worked in the SFPD for nearly 22 years. Durning his career he worked at the following assignments: Park Police Station (October 28, 1968), City Prison (November 3, 1969), Juvenile Bureau (March 1, 1970), Narcotics (January 21, 1973), Inspector’s Bureau (May 18, 1975), Chief’s Office (March 7, 1977), Intelligence (August 24, 1977), Chief’s Office (August 2, 1978), Intelligence (October 2, 1978), Operation “S” (June 1, 1981), Investigations Administration (September 14, 1983), Intelligence (June 14, 1986). George retired on November 24, 1989. George was awarded a commendation Third Grade along with Officers Rodney Sheppard and Arthur Fobbs. For service rendered on August 17, 1969. The Officers observed flames coming from the rear of 3478 20th street. The Officers with no regard for their safety assisted occupants to safety while suffering from smoke inhalation and sight burns on their faces. For services rendered on August 24, 1970 Officers Silvio Cordillo, Robert Brooks, and George Matelli were awarded a Police Commission Commendation. The Officers apprehended an armed Bank Robber who tried to pull his weapon on the Officers. The Officers engaged in a physical struggle with the suspect before subduing him. George was awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor with Officers James Molinari, Herbert Lockner, and Robert Vitali for services rendered on September 3, 1975. Matelli and the other officers apprehended four armed suspects with one suspect firing his weapon at the officers. The shooter escaped only to be captured by the same officers a few days later. The arrest cleared a murder in Sparks, Nevada, an armed Robbery in Marin County, and other criminal activity in Baja, California. For services rendered on September 2, 1975, George Matelli with Sergeant Paul Kurpinsky, Asst. Insp. James Molinari, and Police Officers John Forbes, Ralph O’Bryan, Calvin Nutting, and Joseph Engler were awarded Bronze Medals of Valor. On that day, the above officers apprehended three armed Robbery suspects who robbed the Howard Johnson Motor Lodge in Mill Valley. Two of the suspects were hiding in the trunk of the suspect vehicle and one fired a gun at the officers when the trunk was opened. The other suspect pulled her gun but was apprehended before she could pull the trigger. The shooter escaped into the brush for a day but was later apprehended. For services rendered on February 2, 1976, Inspectors Matellin and Molinari were awarded a Gold Medal of Valor. On this day Molinari and Matelli responded to a call of an explosive device being placed at a PG&E sub- station in San Geronimo by members of a militant organization. The Marin County Sheriff’s Department called for assistance. Matelli and Molinari located and disarmed 5 explosive devices. Sheriff Louis Mountanous of Marin County commended Molinari and Matelli for their bravery and performance that resulted in no death or injury. The Gold Medal was later changed to a Silver Medal of Valor by the Police Commission on February 23, 1977. George Matelli also worked for 5 additional years for the Department of Justice. In retirement, George became an ordained Minister and built a sanctuary for travelling Minsters in Costa Rica. He will be forever loved and missed by all who knew him. George was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sarah Matelli. He is greatly missed by children Lawrence (Cindy) Matelli, Matthew (Anita) Matelli, Corey Matelli, and John Guptil. Forever remembered by his grandchildren Lawrence Jr., Ryan, Michael, Brandon, and Edward, Survived by one sister Pat, two brothers Ray and Jack, loving nieces Cathy and Theresa. Preceded in death by his mother and father Mildred and George “Joe” Matelli.
Leo J. McAllister, age 97: Leo was born on May 16, 1918 in San Francisco, California. Leo attended Polytechnic High School (Now McAteer High). After High School Leo joined the Merchant Marines and sailed to China. Leo’s father was Leo Sr. and was a Patrolman in the San Francisco Police Department. Leo’s mother Margaret owned and ran the Horse Stables near the now current site of Seton Hospital. Leo later worked at the Mare Island Shipyards where he was exposed to pets and veterinarians. Leo who already took a liking to horses was now considering the school of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, Washington at Washington State University. However, Leo who was in the Naval Reserves was swept away to war. Leo was shipped to Pearl Harbor just days after the attack. Leo worked as an aviation mechanic. Leo was flown to Chicago for a training course and took in some night life. He met and clicked with a beautiful brunette named Mildred. They were constant companions and continued correspondence when Leo flew back to Hawaii. Shortly thereafter, Leo was stricken with Scarlet Fever and struggled to stay alive. A few weeks later the arrival of Penicillin saved Leo’s life. Leo was unable to write to Mildred during his illness and she believed he had broken off the relationship. Leo received an honorable discharge and joined the Honolulu Police Department. A friend advised Leo to leave the Police Department in Honolulu due to scandal and internal issues in the department. Leo left the HPD and flew back to San Francisco hoping to start a family and follow his father’s footsteps by joining the San Francisco Police Department. Leo never gave up on Mildren and after more correspondence, Leo flew to Illinois and married Mildred in a quiet civil ceremony. The marriage would span sixty years. Leo did follow his father into the S.F.P.D. on March 24, 1947. Leo was assigned to star #1347 and worked at the following assignments: Richmond Police Station (April 7, 1947), Northern Police Station (July 21, 1947), Park Police Station (October 25, 1954), Personnel (April 20, 1970), Crime Information (and promoted to Sergeant July 1, 1970), and finally to the Range as Sergeant and Range Master (July 19, 1970). Leo retired after 29 years on January 31, 1976. Leo is survived by his two sons Michael and James (S.F.P.D.), his beloved daughter in law Catherine, and two grandchildren Diana and Brian. Leo was preceded in death by his Mildred, wife of 60 years.
Report of Special Committee: The final report from our Actuarial Study should be completed and submitted by next month’s meeting. Vice President Sally Foster reported that she sent floral arrangements to the services for fallen members Gordon Clark and Ron Killen ($137.31 and $61.55 respectively). Bills were voted to be paid as part of our monthly bills (see Communications and Bills).
Unfinished Business: No report this month.
Good of the Association: President Keane thanked all the board members, and in particular the retired members who live a great distance away, for attending meetings, and responding to Recruit signups, Retirement seminars, and all the related business of the WOAA.
Adjournment: President Keane led the WOAA board with a moment of silence for our fallen members. President Keane then set the next meeting for November 10, 2015 at 1:45pm, in room #150 of the Hall of Justice at 850 Bryant Street. President Keane then adjourned the meeting.
To All Members: Please visit our website at ‘sfwidowsandorphans.org’. The upper right side of the tool bar has a ‘resources’ box (use a laptop or desktop, no pad). Please click on the Resources box and locate the Beneficiary form. Use the form for changes your beneficiary and have it signed by a board member or Notary. The beneficiary form should also be used for change of address and contact number information. Information changes do not require a Notary or board member signature. Send all forms to WOAA, P.O. Box 880034, San Francisco, California 94188. My continued thanks go out to Retired Captain Paul Chignell of the POA for assisting us with member location. We also thank Sergeant Rachael Kilshaw and Risa Tom of the Police Commission Office for information on member awards, and to Acting Captain Nick Rainsford of and David Ng of Personnel for member information regarding career assignments. Sadly, we will no longer have the assistance of Jon Voong who assisted us with information for our obituary. Jon, as mentioned above, succumbed to his long battle with cancer. My thanks again to Jon for helping us in our efforts to honor our fallen members. Please contact me at 415 681-3660 and ‘markmac825@comcast.net’ for information.