Roll Call: President Rob Forneris, Vice President Lou Barberini, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees Ryan Walsh, Leroy Lindo, Ray Kane, Jim O’Meara, Maureen Leonard, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present.
Approval of the Minutes: Vice President Lou Barberini made a motion to accept the minutes from our September 2022 meeting. Trustee Ray Kane seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: Trustee Ray Kane responded to the Police Academy this month and presented our membership to the 276 Recruit Class. Ray signed up 10 of the 13 class members. President Rob Forneris made a motion to reinstate Glenn Brakel and Christopher Smith. Brakel was off on Military Leave in January of 2022 and was unaware that the dues were not removed from his payroll check. Smith paid on time but his payment was not processed correctly. Secretary Mark McDonough seconded the motion. The motion passed. Welcome back Glen Brakel and Christopher Smith.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud the monthly bills and the beneficiary claims for our recently department members Gary Fox and Stewart Flynn. Secretary Mark McDonough made a motion to pay the bills and beneficiary claim. Trustee Ryan Walsh seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Report of Visiting Committee: I attended the Rosary for Gary Constantine on Thursday October 20, 2022 at Oakmont Mortuary in Pleasant Hill, California. The Rosary and Visitation was scheduled for 1700-2000 hours. The Rosary was attended by family and a group of retired San Francisco Police Officers. Two of Gary’s past work partner’s delivered sincere and heart-warming speeches. Speaking for myself, I worked near Gary at the beginning of his career, and would often cross paths with him in later years. Gary was an extremely hard-working Police Officer who loved his job and was proud of serving the City. The one constant you will hear when Gary Constantine is spoken of, is his work ethic. He was a tireless public servant. Gary Constantine never hesitated to provide back-up assistance to other Officers regardless of whether or not it was requested. In my memory of Gary, he was, and will always remain 10-8 and ready.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA received the sad news of the passing of our following members including Sheila Hallisy Sterling. She is survived by her spouse and retired San Francisco Police Sergeant John Sterling. Sheila is the sibling of retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant Dan Hallisy and retired San Francisco Police Sergeant John Hallisy. Our condolences to John Sterling and family, and to the entire Hallisy family. The WOAA received the following acts of generosity in donations to our organization in the name of Sheila Hallisy: Joan Brosnan, Kevin and Kathleen Callaghan, William and Juna Carle, Vincent and Margaret Diffley, Stephen Dito, Diana Hallisy, Charles and Carol Hoenisch, Michael, Cristine and William Johnston, William and Margaret Maring, Victoria and Barry McNamara, Joseph and Carol Moriarty, Deborah and Patrick Nurisso, Joseph and Joan Power, Connie and Francis O’Leary, Rose Marie O’Leary, Leon and Nicole Sorhondo, Mark and Barbara Sullivan.
Gary J. Constantine, age 67: Gary James Constantine was born in San Francisco, California, on October 26, 1954 to James and Betty Constantine. Gary was the eldest of three children. Gary died on October 3, 2022 in Stockton; California surrounded by his family after suffering an unexpected cardiac arrest. Gary joined the San Francisco Police Department on June 26, 1978 as a member of the 131st Recruit Class. Gary graduated from the Police Academy, was assigned to Star #524, and worked the following assignments during his 34-year career: Mission Police Station (October 29, 1978), Park Police Station (February 4, 1979), Field Operations (July 27, 1983), Park Police Station (September 7, 1983), Potrero Police Station (January 13, 1989), CPC Housing (October 9, 1983), Southern Police Station (July 11, 1998). Gary retired with a Service Pension on April 30, 2012. AWARDS: Gary was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Wednesday June 28, 1982, at 2155 hours. Gary, with Officers Vince Vago, Dennis Cashman, and Scott Howell responded to 1765 Eddy Street on a report of an assault involving a man with a gun. Because of the Officers quick response, proper action at the scene and their skillful interview of the victim, they located, disarmed, and arrested the suspect. The Offices also recovered a large amount of stolen property and valuable information regarding other serious crimes. Officer Gary Constantine was awarded with his second Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on July 5, 1986. Gary, with Officer Robert Glembot were traveling southbound on Pierce Street near Haight at 1905 hours. The Officers observed two suspects jump from a window and land on their backs. The Officers then heard the victim scream while pointing at the suspects “they just broke into my house and he’s got a gun”. The Officers exited their vehicle and immediately confronted the suspects. One suspect resisted violently and one suspect fled on foot. The Officers were able to place the violent suspect in custody. The Officers then gave chase after the fleeing suspect who was armed with a firearm. After a several block chase, the Officers captured the second suspect, disarmed him, and placed him in custody. The Officers learned that the suspects entered the home at 235 Pierce Street and demanded valuables (home invasion robbery). The suspects grabbed the four-year old daughter and placed a gun to her head and then pistol-whipped the male victim prior to the Officers arrival. Gary was awarded with his third Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Monday September 30, 1991. Gary, with Officers James Gaggero, Douglas Hansen, Sidney Sakurai, Kevin Needham, and Sergeant Ed Dullea heard numerous gunshots in the Hunter’s Point Projects. The Officers then observed two vehicles, a van and a sedan, come into view. One suspect pointed his firearm at the Officers and began firing at the Officers. The suspect fired over 10 shots at the Officers who then gave chase and were able to pull over the vehicle, arrest the suspects and seize the firearm. Gary Constantine was awarded with his fourth Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on June 8, 1995. Gary, with Officers Richard Struckman, Brian Danker, John Bragagnolo, and Bart Johnson were involved in a violent struggle and subsequent arrest of a violent known Crack Cocaine dealers who was in possession of a loaded firearm. Officer Danker observed the suspect engage in several narcotics transactions with other individuals. Danker approached the suspect and attempted to detain him while the other individuals fled in different directions. The suspect resisted Danker’s attempt to detain him and then fled on foot through the Sunnydale Housing Projects. Bragagnolo and Johnson gave pursuit in the opposite direction to cut off the suspect and were able to place the suspect between them and Danker. Officer Danker reached the suspect first and placed him in a bear hug hold. Johnson and Bragagnolo observed the suspect reach into his waistband and draw a pistol. Danker and Bragagnolo took the suspect to the ground while Officer Johnson drew his service firearm and pointed it at the suspect and ordered him to drop his gun. The suspect continued to struggle and was able to point his weapon at Officer Danker’s head. Officer Johnson then stepped on the suspect’s hand and kicked the gun from the suspect’s grasp. The suspect was then placed in custody. Gary was awarded with his fifth Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on July 29, 1994. Gary, with Officers Brian Danker and Robert Leung developed information from a confidential informant that a suspect was armed with a handgun and dealing narcotics on Potrero Hill. The information included the suspect’s description, vehicle description, and the general area where the suspect parks his vehicle. The Officers located the suspect vehicle and requested assistance as a surveillance was set up. The Officers observed the suspect enter his vehicle and drive away. The Officers followed the vehicle and broadcasted their direction of travel. The suspect performed evasive maneuvers with his vehicle. This caused the Officer’s vehicle to contact the left rear of the suspect’s vehicle. Officer Constantine attempted to prevent the suspect’s vehicle from rolling backwards and down the hill. Officers Danker and Leung exited their vehicle and rushed the suspect vehicle attempting to arrest the suspect. The suspect exited his vehicle causing the Officers to take cover. The Officers observed the suspect holding a blue steel semi-automatic handgun in his right hand. Officer Danker drew his service weapon and he and Officer Leung ordered the suspect to stop. The suspect refused to comply and raised his gun pointing it at the Officers. Danker fired one round at the suspect. The shot missed the suspect but caused him to drop his weapon as he fled. The Officers gave chase and caught up to the suspect who put up a violent struggle. The Officers were able to subdue the suspect, place him under arrest and recover the suspect’s handgun. November 13, 1994, is one of the most tragic days in the history of the San Francisco Police Department. On that day, a Sniper took the life of Officer Jim Guelff, who gave up his life by making himself vulnerable to the shooter, in an attempt to save the life of an ambushed gunshot victim on the street, at Pine and Franklin Streets. Jim’s heroic effort cost him his life as he gave his life to save another. Several San Francisco Police Officers responded to the scene to save Jim’s life and the lives of citizens at that location. Officer Gary Constantine was one of the responding Officers, and was later awarded a Silver Medal of Valor for the performance of his duties on that day. The information I received on Gary’s award does not specify his heroic actions on this day. However, a Silver Medal of Valor is the 2nd highest award for heroism in the San Francisco Police Department. Gary Constantine was awarded, as was many, for his heroic response and actions on one of the most regrettable days in our history. Gary was awarded with his fifth Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on May 22, 1997 at 1220 Newhall Street on a call of a shooting. Officers Joel Babbs and Charles McCullar responded to the call first and observed a woman lying on the street having been shot by the suspect. Officers Brian Danker and Bart Johnson coordinated with Babbs and McCullar to locate and arrest the suspect. The Officers observing a very hostile crowd had formed, requested assistance to protect the Officers and the suspect from the crowd. Officer Gary Constantine and several other Officers responded and assisted to provide the needed protection to effect the arrest and transportation of the shooting suspect. Gary loved being a San Franciso Police Officer which he was for 34 years with pride. He never slowed down and never wanted to stop. Gary had a gift of gab and loved to tell his Police stories to whomever he was with. Gary took plenty of time to exercise in his retirement years and looked forward to his standing lunches and coffee sessions with his retired buddies. He was also very active in volunteering in his Church and helping his community when needed. He loved to quote old movies and listened to very old country music. Gary simply refused to come into the 21st century. But, most importantly in his retirement years, he cherished being a Papou (Grandpa). He basked in, and laughed about his grandchildren’s never-ending energy and personalities. He went to every event, big or small, and beamed with love and pride for them. They all had him wrapped around their fingers. He never said no to anything for them. He was very excited to meet his final grandchild in February and will watch over them all in heaven. Gary was able to enjoy all 10 years of retirement with family and friends and doing the things he loved. Gary will be missed for his big laugh, and his stories, his openness to people from all walks of life. Gary was taken decades too soon. Gary is survived by his two children Mike (Natalie), and Lexie (Brian), four grandchildren Aubrey, Sidney, Bradley and Samantha, his sister Lori (Dan), and his brother Neal. He has been reunited in heaven with his father and mother whom has missed for a long time. For more on Gary see the section Visiting Committee.
Daniel J. Foley, age 78: Daniel Joseph Foley was born on January 5. 1944 in San Francisco, California. Dan entered the San Francisco Police Department on July 1, 1966, after working as a Police Dispatcher in Burlingame, California. Dan was assigned to Star #849 and worked the following assignments during his 34-year career: Taraval Police Station (September 12, 1966), Northern Police Station (November 3, 1969), Gang Task Force (September 13, 1977), Intelligence (August 9, 1978). Dan was promoted to Asst. Police Inspector in 1978, Permanent Police Inspector in 1979, and Sergeant of Police in 1980. Dan was granted an Industrial Disability Pension and retired on July 6, 2001. AWARDS: Dan Foley was awarded a 2nd Grade Medal of Valor (now reclassified as a Silver Medal of Valor) for services rendered on March 8, 1967. Dan apprehended two Burglary suspects, one who surrendered a straight razor, while the other brandished and pointed a firearm at Foley. Foley drew his service revolver and took cover behind a tree. The suspect took cover behind the Police vehicle. Foley ordered the suspect to drop the gun. After some time passed, the suspect complied and Foley took both suspects into custody while seizing the razor blade and suspect firearm. Dan was awarded his second 2nd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on December 5, 1968. Dan, with Officers Gabriel Alva, Richard Jonasson, Gary Lemos, Carl Womack, and Sgt. Franck Greer quelled an incipient riot at San Francisco State College. The Officers prevented serious injuries to innocent victims and the destruction of School Property. The Officers faced a violent crowd of 200 demonstrators, many of them armed with clubs and metal pipes which they swung at Officers. A loaded firearm was discovered by the Officers later. Apparently one of the fleeing demonstrators abandoned a briefcase that contained the loaded firearm. Dan Foley was awarded a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor (now a Bronze Medal) for services rendered on April 28, 1969. Foley and Officer Olin Allgire jumped into the Pacific Ocean to save a despondent young woman who was attempting to take her own life. The incident took place in the early morning hours in darkness and icy waters. Dan Foley was awarded his second Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Tuesday August 24, 1971. Foley, with Officers Thomas Eisenmann, Gary Peters, and Michael Harrington at 2030 hours, apprehended three dangerous suspects who were in possession of $30,000 worth of narcotics. Two of the suspects were in possession of .25 caliber semi-automatic handguns that they pointed at the Officers. The Officers were able to subdue the suspects and disarm them. Dan Foley was awarded with a Meritorious Conduct Award for an outstanding investigation sometime in 1972. Foley, with Officers Stewart Flynn, Michael Harrington, and Ernie Maggio investigated 31 robberies in the Northern District. All the robberies were similar In modus operandi. The Officers undertook a lengthy painstaking investigation during April and May of 1972 resulting in the identification and arrest of the suspects. Foley, Harrington, Flynn, and Maggio stopped a vicious crime wave and reign of terror the citizens of San Francisco. Dan Foley was awarded with his third Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Saturday August 17, 1974 at 2155 hours on the corner of Haight and Fillmore Streets. Foley and his partner Michael Harrington arrested an armed suspect who ignored the Officers’ command to drop his weapon. The suspect continued to point his gun at the Officers in a threatening manner. The Officers were able to capture and disarm the suspect who fled on foot. Dan Foley was awarded his fourth Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on July 3, 1975 at 2247 hours while working in a plainclothes capacity. Foley and Officer Joaquin Santos responded to a broadcast of “shots fired” on the 400 block of Page Street. Officers Foley and Santos arrived and spotted two suspects on a nearby roof, one who fired his weapon at the direction of the Housing Projects, and two more times at the street. Foley and Santos notified dispatch and requested assistance to seal off the area as they were to enter the building to arrest the suspects. Foley and Santos responded up the stairs toward the roof when they heard eight more shots and the sound of footsteps coming in their direction. The Officers were soon facing the suspects and ordered them to “freeze”. The one-armed suspect with a chrome plated handgun in his hand, decided to drop his gun. Foley and Santos placed both suspects in custody and seized the suspect’s firearm. Dan Foley was awarded his fifth Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on June 4, 1976. Dan and his partner Robert Rodriguez, working in plainclothes, apprehended an armed suspect who threatened to shoot his victim inside a grocery store at 499 Eddy Street. Rodriguez and Foley observed the suspect pull his handgun from his belt and cock the weapon. Foley and Rodriguez rushed the suspect. Foley stuck his right hand between the chamber and firing mechanism while Rodriguez grabbed the suspect’s hand. Foley and Rodriguez were able to subdue the suspect after a physical struggle. Officer Dan Foley was awarded with his second Meritorious Conduct Award for an Outstanding Investigation for services rendered beginning on February 5, 1987 and continuing through July 4, 1987. Inspector Dan Foley, with fellow Inspectors Leon Crouere, Richard Gamble, Calvin Nutting, and Timothy Simmons, and Officers Wayne Hom, Richard Moses, Felix Thieu and Jeremy Zatkin investigated a series of robberies where all the victims were of Chinese descent. The suspects were all described as young Chinese males who were suspected to belong to a Chinese crime gang. The victims were all wealthy Chinese business people who lived in San Francisco. The suspects wore bandanas over their faces, were armed with guns and knives, and would surprise their victims who were arriving or departing their homes. The suspects would threaten to rape and or murder their victims. The suspects tied up their victims in these home-invasion robberies. The Inspectors and Officers working the crime spree series went beyond normal parameters of traditional investigative techniques. They pursued every lead and coordinated their efforts and individual techniques with each other. Their devotion was exemplary and their investigation was innovative. Their diligence led to the successful conclusion in thwarting this vicious crime spree.
Silvio S. Gordillo, age 87: Silvio Gordillo was born on February 27, 1935 in Managua, Nicaragua to Lucila Borelli and Ricardo Gordillo who passed away when Silvio was 10 years old. At the age of 12 he moved to San Francisco with his mother and three brothers, Ricardo, Roger, and Eddy. Silvio attended Galileo High School where he played Football. Silvio graduated from Galileo and was subsequently drafted into the United States Army. After his years in the Army, Silvio returned to San Francisco and entered the San Francisco Police Department on April 16, 1962 at the age of 27. Silvio was assigned to Star #1543 and worked the following assignments during his 28-year career: Police Academy (April 16, 1962), Potrero Police Station (September 8, 1963), Potrero Police Station (September 8, 1963), Mission Police Station (September 12, 1966), Juvenile Detail (July 16, 1969), Silvio was promoted to Assistant Police Inspector on March 17, 1971, Robbery Detail (Promoted to Police Inspector on July 1, 1976, and transferred on July 19, 1976). Silvio retired with a Service Pension on November 20, 1990. AWARDS: Silvio Gordillo was awarded with a Third Grade Medal of Valor (now called a Bronze Medal) for services rendered June 4, 1967. Gordillo with Officers Richard Anderson, Efron Delgado, Reinaldo Bailon, John O’Shea and Sergeant Peter Gardner combined their efforts to apprehend a suspect who was wanted for several robberies, and had also threatened to kill his wife who had told the Officers that her husband was armed. The Officers observed the suspect’s vehicle parked outside a tavern. The Officers formulated a plan and entered the tavern, and were able to apprehend the suspect who attempted to draw his firearm on the Officers. Gordillo was awarded his second Third Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on February 25, 1968. Gordillo and his partner Richard Anderson observed smoke billowing from a building and immediately summoned the Fire Department and an Ambulance unit. Gordillo and Anderson broke into the locked house and rescued the occupant who was dazed and unable to reach safety under his own power. Silvio was awarded with his third 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on June 14, 1968. Silvio and his partner Richard Anderson pursued and arrested three suspects, one of them armed. The suspects had robbed a tavern and made their escape in a taxi cab. The Officers apprehended the suspects and stopped the armed suspect from using his firearm as he attempted to draw it. Silvio Gordillo was awarded his fourth 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on November 29, 1968. Gordillo, his partner Richard Anderson, and Officers James Curran and Mike Mullane observed smoke billowing from a store. The Officers called the Fire Department and then entered the apartment building that was situated above the burning store. The Officers awakened the tenants and assisted many of them to safety. The Officers with disregard for their own safety helped save many lives as they were all later treated for smoke inhalation and eye irritation. Silvio Gordillo was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on August 24, 1970. Gordillo, with Officers Robert Brooks and George Matelli arrested an armed Bank Robbery suspect and had to engage in a physical struggle for the suspect’s gun. Silvio Gordillo was awarded with his second Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Monday May 28, 1984. Inspectors Gordillo and Bergstrom, and Lieutenant Gino Marionetti conducted an investigation into the robbery of an Armored Car. Two armed suspects robbed the Armored Transport vehicle on May 27, 1984 and were able to escape with over 7 Million Dollars in checks and cash. This robbery was the largest robbery is San Francisco history, and the exemplary investigative efforts of the Inspectors and the Lieutenant were instrumental in the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of all the money and checks.
Larry R. Gurnett, age 85: Lawrence R. Gurnett was born on May 18, 1937, in Tucson, Arizona. Prior to joining the San Francisco Police Department, Larry was a Law Enforcement Officer in Fort Bragg, California. Larry entered the San Francisco Police Department on January 18, 1965 and was assigned to Star #1572. Larry worked the following assignments during his 26 year career: I.D. Bureau (April 6, 1965), Mission Police Station (September 14, 1967), Central Police Station (August 23), Northern Police Station (Promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred on August 19, 1973), Internal Affairs (October 15, 1975), Personnel and Training (December 16, 1979), Northern Police Station (Promoted to the rank of Q-60 Police Lieutenant and transferred on November 16, 1983), Ingleside Police Station (July 27, 1985), Investigations (January 18, 1986 and promoted to the rank of 0400 Deputy Chief on March 18, 1986), Administration Bureau (January 13, 1990). Larry Gurnett retired with a service pension on January 28, 1991.
Jay P. Holle, age 77: Jay Peter Holle was born on December 4, 1944 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin
to the late Bernard and Harriett (nee Verhulst) Holle. The Holles moved to Cedary Grove, Wisconsin where Jay graduated from Cedar Grove High School. Shortly thereafter, Jay honorably served in the United States Navy in 1965. He received 3 medals of Merit. On September 29, 1973 Jay was united in marriage to Margaret Winter in San Francisco, California. Jay was a teamster prior to entering the San Francisco, Police Department. Jay joined the San Francisco Police Department on December 16, 1970. Jay was assigned to Star #596 and worked the following assignments during his 31-year career: Ingleside Police Station (February 28, 1971), Central Police Station (March 11, 1973), Crime Specific Task Force (CSTF) (March 7, 1977), Central Police Station (April 27, 1977), FOB (July 7, 2001). Jay P. Holle retired with a service pension on October 17, 2001. After Jay’s retirement from the San Francisco Police Department, Jay and Margaret moved around and lived in Utah, Arizona, and Michigan before finally returning to Jay’s hometown in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. Jay was an Elder and a Deacon in his church. He was a member of the American Legion in Arizona and the Police Officers Association. He enjoyed Bible Studies at the Church. He will be missed by all who knew him. Jay is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Margaret Holle; two sisters Ruth Ann Morrell, and Mary Lou Gerke; a brother Allen “Al” (Mary Lee Holle), nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lois Fay (Bill) Katheiser, and two brothers-in-law Jerry Gerke and Roger Morrell. AWARDS: Officer Jay Holle was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Thursday November 25, 1971 at 2250 hours. Officer Holle, with his partner Officer Thomas Chasey responded to a call of “221 shots fired” and that a Police Officer had been shot and was attempting to apprehend the suspect. Holle and Chasey located the wounded Police Officer who was engaged in a furious battle with the suspect who was still in possession of his .38 caliber revolver. The Officers were able to disarm the suspect who made a last attempt to escape by assaulting them with a brick. The suspect was taken into custody. Officer David D. Brown was awarded with a Gold Medal of Valor for his services in this arrest. Jay Holle was awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Monday December 18, 1972 at approximately 2252 hours. Holle, with Officers David Roccaforte, Gary Elsenbroich, and James Arnold responded to a tavern at 5044 Mission Street on a report of a man with a gun. The suspect threatened to kill the next person who walked through the door and positioned himself with his weapon aimed at the door to make good on his threat. The Officers arrived and ordered the suspect to drop his gun several times. The suspect open fire on the Officers. The Officers returned fire and fatally wounded the suspect. Jay Holle was awarded with his second Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Friday December 1, 1978. Officer Jay Holle and Sergeant Owen Kenny were on foot patrol in the area of Turk and Taylor Streets at approximately 1845 hours when they were advised by a citizen that he surprised a suspect who was burglarizing his apartment at 57 Turk Street. The victim stated that they suspect pulled a gun and threatened to shoot him. Holle and Kenny responded to the address with guns drawn and confronted the suspect in the kitchen who was holding his firearm. Holle and Kenny ordered the suspect to drop his gun. The suspect who briefly pointed his gun at Holle and Kenny slowly placed the gun down and was taken into custody. Jay Holle was awarded w with his third Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Monday November 9, 1981 at approximately 0810 hours. Holle, with Officers Richard Benjamin, Robert Frediani, Don Ross, and Inspectors John Willett and Carl Peters responded to the Hyatt Regency Hotel #5 Embarcadero after a report that a suspect disarmed a security agent and used the gun to hold five maids as hostages. The suspect took the five maids and hid in a linen closet on the 17th floor. The suspect initially released three hostages and subsequently released the last two hostages after a negotiation with the Officers. The hostages crawled out and were crying hysterically. The Officers continued to communicate with the suspect in attempted negotiation for another two hours after two shots had been fired by the suspect. Finally, a surrender was arranged. After this long negotiation in a small narrow space on the 17th floor and under life threatening conditions, the suspect was taken into custody. Jay was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Saturday September 9, 1989 at approximately 1200 hours. Jay Holle, with Sergeant John Harrington and Officers Vincent Neeson and Richard Van Winkle responded to 220 Bush Street where they were advised that a Forgery/Fraud suspect was chased into the high-rise building and may still be on the premises. Sgt. Harrington quickly formed search teams to search the building. The suspect was located hiding in a storage facility on the first floor. The Officers also located a brief case in the storage area that contained stolen property and evidence of the suspects criminal activities. The Officers responded to a locker at the Greyhound Bus Terminal and seized a large quantity of stolen items (the report referred to the recovered items as “loot”) and cash in the amount of $2,753.00. The Officers recovered televisions, calculators, and binoculars. The Officers sifted through 20 AKA’s (or monikers) and discovered the suspect to have two arrest warrants from Ohio and Oregon. The suspect was booked on 13 felony charges.
Brian Ogawa, age 62: Brian Ogawa was born on March 14, 1960 and entered the San Francisco Police Department on May 11, 1981. Brian was assigned to Star #556 and worked the following assignments during his 32-year career: Northern Police Station (September 19, 1981), Park Police Station (January 6, 1982), Night Investigations (October 16, 1999), Room 400 (March 4, 2000), General Work, Robbery (Promoted to the rank of Q-52 Sergeant of Police on March 24, 2001 and later transferred to the Robbery Detail on October 16, 2001), TTF (May 6, 2006), CSI (January 28, 2009), Investigations (November 29, 2009), Narcotics (July 10. 2010). AWARDS: Brian Ogawa was awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered from June 15, 1987 through September 4, 1987. Ogawa, with Officers Edward McDonough, Lewis Fong, Vince Profaca, Annette Carrier, and Sam Lacabanne were assigned to the Muni Transit Company’s Anti-Pickpocket Task Force. The Task Force gathered invaluable information and intelligence on individual suspects and groups working in the San Francisco Bay Area and in particular, the Muni Transit and Bart train systems. The Task Force displayed patience, initiative, and thoroughness in this investigation enabling them to make 11 pickpocket arrests, 15 other felony arrests, and 44 misdemeanor arrests. Brian was awarded with his second Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on May30, 1989. Officer Brian Ogawa, with Officers Juanita Stockwell, Richard Janese, Glenn Mori, and Inspector Patrick White responded to a call of a Domestic Violence incident at 1910 48th Avenue. Upon arrival, the victim displayed a burn mark on his shoulder and informed the Officers that his boyfriend had thrown a pot of boiling water at him. He added that his boyfriend had gone crazy inside the dwelling and was attempting to burn down the residence. The Officers made their way through the smoke-filled residence and located the suspect at the top of a staircase holding a pan full of boiling oil substance that appeared to be the source of the smoke. The suspect pulled the pan back as if to throw the oil on them causing the Officers to draw their service weapons and order the suspect to put down the pan. The suspect told the Officers “go ahead shoot me, I want to die”. After a brief standoff the Officers were able to reason with the suspect to place the pan of oil on the floor. The suspect was taken into custody. Brian Ogawa was awarded with his third Police Commission Commendation for services rendered in the summer of 1994. Ogawa, with Officers Benny Fong, Darren Choy, Henry Seto, Fitzgerald Wong, Greg Mar, Jordan Hom, Howard Chu, Philip Wong, Kenneth Sanchez, James Gaan, Joseph Fong, Edward Cheung, Curtis Liu, Tim Oberzier, Craig Neufeld combined their efforts to enforce the illegal fireworks in San Francisco. The Officers conducted a lengthy and thorough investigation that involved other agencies that produced the identities and locations of multiple suspects that led to arrests and seized evidence. The Officers were involved with a media group that titled their efforts as “Operation Life” and assisted Law Enforcement with their operation.
Report of Special Committee: No special committee at this time.
Old Business: No report this month.
New Business: No report this month
Good of the Order: The WOAA received generous donations in the honor of Sheila Hallisy Sterling (see Report of Trustees).
Adjournment: President Forneris led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for our recent, and all departed members. President Forneris scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday November 8, 2022 at 1200 hours on Zoom technology. President Forneris adjourned the meeting.
To All Members: WOAA members who have a necessity to change their beneficiary can obtain a new beneficiary form from our website sfwidowsandorphans.org. Click on the Resources box on our face page and follow the link. Print out the form and complete all the required information. The new beneficiary form requires a signature of one of our board members, or the signature of a Notary. Send the new completed beneficiary form to WOAA, P.O. BOX 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. Members who cannot access a computer can call me at 415 681-3660. Each month we wish to express our gratitude and thanks to the following people who assist our efforts for the benefit of our members: Retired San Francisco Police Captain and the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) Defense Administrator Paul Chignell; Retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant and the host of the Gold Country Reaper email, Rene LaPrevotte-Rene’s email reaches out to thousands of active and retired Law Enforcement members; Retired San Francisco Police Sergeant and the long-standing editor of the SFPOA Journal Newspaper, Ray Shine, Risa Tom of the Police Commissioner’s Office, and David Ng of Personnel.
Submitted by Mark J. McDonough
WOAA Secretary