The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting on Tuesday October 14, 2025 at 1100 hours.
Roll Call: President Leroy Lindo, Vice President Ray Kane, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees Jim O’Meara, Lou Barberini, Rob Forneris, and Ryan Walsh, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present. Trustee Maureen Leonard was excused.
Approval of the Minutes: Vice President Ray Kane made a motion to accept last month’s minutes. Trustee Jim O’Meara seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: There were no new applications or suspensions. There is one reinstatement. Dropped member Nate Chan paid his back dues and fines and submitted a Doctor’s report of being in good health. Vice President Ray Kane made a motion to reinstate Nate Chan. Trustee Jim O’Meara seconded the motion. The motion passed. We welcome back Nate Chan to the WOAA.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud our monthly bills and beneficiary claims for recently deceased members Joseph W. Daly, David Sieber, and John T. Wallace. President Ray Kane made a motion to pay the bills and beneficiary claims. Trustee Jim O’Meara seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Report of Visiting Committee: I attended a Memorial Service for Ronny Rhoades. It was a small intimate gathering of a family, friends, neighbors, and one retired Officer who worked at Park Station during Ronny’s tenure in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Speeches were touching and highly respectful of Ronny as a Police Officer, a father, and a neighbor.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA Board received the sad news of the passing of the following member(s):
Ronald John. Artale, age 76: Ronald John Artale was born on May 8,1949 in San Francisco, California. Ron was a Muni Transit Police Officer prior to joining the San Francisco Police Department. Ron entered the San Francisco Police Department on March 7, 1977. Ron was assigned to Star #1643 and work the following assignments during his 27 plus year career: Mission Police Station (May 21, 1978), Ingleside Police Station (August 27. 1978), Southern Police Station (July 4, 1979), Mission Police Station (October 24, 1979), CO. K P/TC (August 8, 1983), Mounted (August 12, 1984), Records (June 29, 1993), Mounted (October 9, 1993), Photo Lab (June 3, 1996). Ronald J. Artale retired with a Service Pension on July 16m 2004, AWARDS: Officers Ronald J. Artale and John M. Farnham were each awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Monday April 23, 1979 at 2300 hours. Officers Artale and Farnham apprehended an armed suspect on board a Muni Bus on Ocean Avenue. The suspect had just shot a person several times for no apparent reason. The suspect, upon seeing Artale and Farnham pulled his semi-automatic pistol from his coat pocket. Farnham knocked the pistol out of the suspect’s hand as he and Artale grabbed the suspect, overpowered him, and placed him in custody. Officers Ronald J. Artale and Dennis Carlomagno were each awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on August 5, 1987 at 1735 hours. Artale and Carlomagno, while driving home after their tour of duty with the Mounted Unit, observed a person who matched the description of a rape suspect. The suspect in question had committed a series of vicious rapes and sexual assaults in Golden Gate Park on July 11th, 18th, and 26th 1987 in Golden Gate Park. Artale and Carlomagno observed the suspect following a lone female on Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park. They also observed that the female was aware of the suspect by increasing her pace. The suspect increased his pace behind the female. Artale and Carlomagno, in communication with each other, exited their private vehicles and responded on foot behind the suspect. The female appeared to realize she was in danger and began to run. At this time, Artale and Carlomagno caught up to the suspect and identified themselves as Police Officers. The suspect began to run but was overtaken by the foot pursuit of Artale and Carlomagno. The suspect attempted to fight Artale and Carlomagno but was overpowered and taken into custody. Subsequent investigation revealed by positive identification from the victims that the suspect was the assailant in the aforementioned rapes and assaults in Golden Gate Park.
Joseph William Daly, age 86: Joseph William Daly was born in 1939, in San Francisco, California. Joe graduated from Riordan High School, and City College of San Francisco. Joe then served his country as a member of the United States Navy. Joe entered the San Francisco Police Department on January 9, 1961, was assigned to Star #781, and worked the following assignments during his short time with the S.F.P.D: Southern Police Station (April 17, 1961), Taraval Police Station (February 19. 1962), and Mission Police Station (April 16, 1963). Joe left the San Francisco Police Department by the then-allowed transfer to the San Francisco Fire Department on July 16, 1963. AWARDS: On March 1, 1963, Officers Joseph W. Daly, Fred H. Thayer, Roy A. Beebe, Howard C. Kyle, John J. Mahoney, and Donald S. Miles were each awarded with the 3rd grade Bronze Medal of Valor (no date given for incident). For services rendered in the pursuit and capture of an armed suspect in a stolen vehicle. The suspect, during the pursuit, fired his .22 caliber handgun at the Officers. The Officers pursued the suspect at great speeds until he lost control of his vehicle and crashed. The Officers disarmed the suspect and placed him in custody. Joe enjoyed his 28-year career in the San Francisco Fire Department after leaving the San Francisco Police Department, and retired in 1991 as Lieutenant of the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Joe loved his job and made lifelong friendships in the Fire Department. He was co-owner and president pf the AD HOC Fire Investigation Agency for the next 13 years. Joe’s three children and four grandchildren were the lights in his life. Joe cherished 37 years of love and laughter with his wife Laura. Joe loved golf, restoring classic cars, any road untraveled, and cooking a fine meal. Joe was a member of Native Sons Fairfax Parlor#307, where a scholarship was named in his honor. Joe is survived by his wife Laura; son Devin (Lara) Daly of Santa Rosa; daughter Noelle (John) Daly-Jones of Ellensburg, WA; son Michael (Peggy) Daly of Templeton; twin sister Theresa (Bill) Carstensen of Oakdale; sister Maureen Bongi (Tom deceased) of San Rafael; and brother Dr. Michael (Jan) Daly of Oregon City, OR.
Jason J. Gallagher, age 42: Jason J. Gallagher entered the San Francisco Police Department on April 10, 2006. Jason was assigned to Star #1422 and worked the following assignments during his 20-year career: Ingleside Police Station (November 4, 2006, Central Police Station (July 28, 2007), Park Police Station (March 8, 2008), Investigation Bureau (August 12, 2008), Crime and Intelligence Center (April 3, 2010), Central Police Station (May 29, 2010), Park Police Station (March 17, 2012), Park Police Station (April 28, 2012), Traffic Solo (June 29, 2019). AWARDS: Officers Jason Gallagher, Darren McCray, Trevor Roberts, Robert Glenn, David Cheng, Gregory Buhagier, Christopher Cassinelli, Jeremy Cummings, and Sergeant Brent Bradford were all awarded with the Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on November 17, 2017. Officers Darren McCray and Thomas Finn responded to the area of Montgomery and Broadway Streets on a call of an auto boost/stolen vehicle which turned out to be a vehicle lock-out. Officers Trevor Roberts and Robert Glenn arrived to assist. The Officers, the victim of the lock-out, and bystanders were standing around the parked and locked vehicle when the Officers heard Gunshots. Officer McCray saw two flashes of light coming from a second story room at 381 Broadway Street. Officer McCray observed a Jamaican flag in the room window. McCray then observed a light-skinned male retreat from window area and shut off the lights to the apartment. At that time, the Officers were unsure if they were the targets of the gunfire. The Officers took immediate action and moved citizens out of harm’s way and then called for additional help. They ordered citizens to “shelter in place” as they set up a perimeter and stopped all vehicle traffic on the street. It was later learned that an additional casualty of this incident was a Lexus/uber vehicle that was parked and waiting for a passenger pickup on the west side of Montgomery Street. One of the rounds from the suspect firearm had ripped through the Lexus causing the terrified driver to flee on foot down the street. Sergeants Bradford and Gaines responded to the scene to set up a Command Post at 425 Broadway Street. The Officers began to evacuate 381 Broadway Street. A resident who informed the Officers that he heard the gunfire coming from apartment #7, was escorted to the Command Post. A decision was made to assemble a Contact Team with Sgt. Bradford as the lead. The Contact team had primary goals: 1) Locate the suspect and eliminate any threat, and 2) Search for additional suspects and victims, and render aid if necessary. The Contact Team consisted of Officers David Cheng, Gregory Buhagiar, Christopher Cassinelli, Jason Gallagher, Jeremy Cummings and Sgt. Bradford. The Team met with the Building Manager who supplied them with a set of keys to apartment #7. The Contact Team, knowing the danger of being fired upon by the suspect, made several attempts to open apartment door 7, however the keys would not open the door. They were not able to establish communication with the suspect. Sgt. Bradford was able to open the door with the use of a sledgehammer. The Contact Team entered apartment #7 and discovered the room to be unoccupied. They located several spent casings on the floor that came from what appeared to be a .223 caliber weapon, and several holes in the window screen. The Contact Team viewed surveillance footage and observed the suspect to leave room #7 and enter room #4. The suspect was holding an assault-style rifle in his left hand and a had a handgun in his waist band. Fearing for the safety of the occupant in room #4, Officers McCray, Glenn, and Roberts responded the room #4. The Officers having knowledge of the suspect’s weapons, risked their own lives. The Officers verbally ordered the occupants of room #4 to come outside. The suspect came out of room #4 with his hands in the air and stated: “I give up.” The Officers located the occupant of room #4 hiding under her bed covers. She was not injured. Both subjects were taken into custody without any further incident. During a protective sweep Officers located an unknown model assault rifle and a Smith and Wesson .45 caliber handgun in plain view. For their efforts, Sgt. Brent Bradford and Officers Darren McCray, Trevor Roberts. Robert Glenn, David Cheng, Gregory Buhagiar, Christopher Cassinelli, Jason Gallagher, and Jeremy Cummings were all awarded with Bronze Medal of Valor. Officer Thomas Finn and Sgt. Scott Gaines were each awarded with a Police Commission Commendation.
Michael Thomas Gannon, age 80: Michael Thomas Patrick Gannon was born on April 22, 1945 in San Francisco, California. Mike would often say “I came alive….in’45”. He was the first born of three to Frances “Foxy” and Edith Gannon. At age 14, Michael left home to serve God at St. Joseph’s Seminary. After graduating, Mike earned his Bachelor’s Degree at St. Patrick’s Seminary, and his Master’s in Social Work at Tulane University in New Orleans, La. Volunteering as a Missionary in Mexicali preceded his 27- year career in the San Francisco Police Department. Mike entered the San Francisco Police Department on September 11, 1972 and Richmond Police Station (January 21, 1973), Park Police Station (June 17, 1973), Mounted (May 6, 1995). Mike retired with a Service Pension on September 2, 1998. Mike’s service in the Mounted Unit was his “dream job”. He always referred to it as his “walk in the park” Mike’s excellent Police Training allowed him to heroically save the life of a drowning baby on his street in the mid 80’s. Mike was the owner-operator of the Michael T. Gannon Insurance Company for 40 years. Mike’s love for his wife and children led him to quit smoking “cold turkey” on his 49th birthday. Mike dedicated his time to the youth in San Francisco through his service in the San Francisco Police Youth Fishing Program. Mike’s passion for music brought joy to those around him whether he directed choir, played guitar, sang for friends, or attended George Kahumoku; Jr.’s slack-key guitar workshops in Maui for many years. Storytelling, fishing, boating on Lake Berryessa, making up nicknames, praying in Latin, and barbequing meat to perfection were all Michael Gannon trademarks. However, nothing gave Mike more joy than spending time with family and friends, and barbequing on a Hawaiian beach with a marguerita. Mike will be remembered for his quick wit, uplifting persona, and his ability to trick you with a hug after luring you in with a handshake. His humor defused tense situations, and his encouraging extroverted spirit will never be forgotten. Mike is survived by his wife of 52 years, Luz Gannon, his children Kathleen (John) and Sean (Lauren), six grandchildren who adored Grandpa…. Johnny, J.J., Kaleb, Kyrie, River, and Jedy; and his sister Maureen (Elliot). Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dennis. AWARDS: Officers Michael T. Gannon and John W. Bourne were each awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Sunday September 30, 1979 at 1550 hours. Gannon and Bourne responded to a call at 8th Avenue and Judah Street on a call of a woman attempting suicide with a knife. Gannon and Bourne located the woman and approached her. The woman, armed with a knife, told Gannon and Bourne that if they continued their approach that she would take her own life. Gannon and Bourne lunged at the woman who was listed at 5’8, and weighing 300 pounds. A struggle ensued and Officer Bourne sustained stab/slash injuries to his right arm and hand from the armed woman. The struggle continued until Gannon and Bourne were able to disarm the woman and place her in custody. Officers Michael T. Gannon and Kent Dalrymple were each awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on May 16, 1997. Gannon and Dalrymple were on Horseback patrol in Golden Gate Park when they were viciously attached by a Pit Bull dog. The Officers attempted to use approved mounted unit defensive tactics in order to prevent the attack. The dog first attacked Gannon’s horse “Ed”. The Pit Bull attacked Ed’s underside biting him in the chest and stomach. Gannon struggled to maintain control of his mount, however, Ed reared-up and fell on his side which pinned Officer Gannon underneath his fallen horse. Ed was able to get up and gallop away through the park. The Pit Bull then turned its attention to Officer Dalrymple’s horse “Shorty”. The dog’s owner approached and was ordered to control his dog but was unable to do so. Dalrymple advised the dog owner that he would shoot the dog if she were not able to control the animal. The owner was unable to control the dog. After exhausting all reasonable means of ending the attack on his Police Mount, and knowing Officer Gannon was down having been injured when Ed fell and pinned him down, and fearing for his own safety, Shorty’s safety and other people in the area if the incident were to continue. Officer Dalrymple drew his department issued firearm and dispatched the Pit Bull dog by firing one round into the dog’s head which successfully ended the attack. Officer Gannon went to Mt. Zion Hospital and was placed on disability leave for a leg injury. “Ed” and “Shorty” were treated for numerous dog bite wounds by the Department Veterinarian and were both placed off work. “Ed” needed several sutures to close up his right forefront. Both Officers Gannon and Dalrymple were awarded with the aforementioned Police Commission Commendations. In California there is no single statewide leash law, instead, rules are set and enforced at the City and County level.
Ronnie R. Rhoades, age 78: Ronnie Rowland Rhoades was born on September 14, 1947 in Healdsburg, California. He grew up in Mill Valley with his parents Wanda and Riley Rhoades, and his two sisters Linda and Debbie. He graduated from Tamalpais High School in 1965. Ronnie met the love of his life, Frances Low, while shopping at a Red Cart Market, and married her in Reno, Nevada in 1967. Together they lived in San Rafael with their two sons Ronny Jr., and Matthew. Ronny joined the San Francisco Police Department on March 16, 1970, was assigned to Star #217, and worked the following assignments during his 30-year career: Park Police Station (July 19, 1970), Northern Police Station (May 28, 1972), Park Police Station (June 17, 1973), Ingleside Police Station (promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and transferred on February 16, 1980), Park Police Station (November 23, 1980), Muni Transit (promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant and transferred on September 19, 1984), Ingleside Police Station (January 21, 1989), Park Police Station (July 18, 1982), Potrero Police Station (August 26, 1995), Ingleside Police Station (June 15, 1996), FOB (April 19, 1999). Ronny R. Rhoades retired on January 21, 2000 with a Service Pension. Since his youth, Ronny loved Baseball. His favorite team was the San Francisco Giants and Ronny would listen to the games on KNBR, or watch them on Television. Ronny would watch games at Candlestick Park on occasion. He loved watching his grandkids play baseball after Ronny retired. With Frances at his side, Ronny loved traveling to locations in North America, Europe, China, and Africa. His favorite trips were canoeing in Canada and going on Safari in Africa. Ronny was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Ronny passed away on Sunday September 28, 2025, Ronny is survived by his sisters Linda and Debbie, his two children Ronny Jr and Matthew, his daughter-in-law Anela, his mother-in=law Fong, and his grandkids. AWARDS: Police Officers Ronny R. Rhoades, Shelby I. Ryan, Mark S. Porto, and Lloyd A. Ritter were each awarded with a Silver Medal of Valor for services rendered on Monday December 31, 1979. The Officers responded to a call of a man with a rifle who was firing shots and threatening people on the 1600 Block of Lyon Street. The suspect was standing on the porch of 1627 Lyon Street and was holding a rifle on two males. The Officers told the two males to take cover and in doing-so, places themselves in the suspect’s line of fire. The Officers began closing the distance between themselves and the suspect while continually ordering the suspect to drop his rifle. As the Officers closed in, the suspect finally dropped the rifle. The Officers seized the rifle and took the suspect into custody. Lieutenant Ronny R. Rhoades, and Officers Joseph Finigan, Richard Janese, Juanita Stockwell, Herman Chu, Wade Bailey, Darcy Keller, Tim Quan, and Andrew Rolfes were each awarded a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Tuesday October 17, 1989. The Officers responded to the Park Merced Towers area and observed a significant exterior damage to the 13 story towers at 100 Font Blvd. 50 Chumasero, and 55 Chumasero. Lt. Rhoades immediately set up a Command Post. The Officers, working in the dark, escorted and carried 100 residents to safety. The Officers risked their own lives as they continued to enter the buildings to help the aged to safety. The continue their efforts for 3-4 hours after the Loma Prieta Earthquake hit San Francisco. All three buildings were evacuated and ambulance crews treated the injured people, and transported several to the Emergency Evacuation Center that was set up by the Officers at St. Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco. Lt. Ronny R. Rhoades and Officer Herman H. Popp were each awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on July 16, 1993. Rhoades and Popp responded to a call of a man armed with a knife. The subject had a long history of violence and mental problems. Rhoades and Popp arrived and ordered the man to drop the knife but he refused to comply. Rhoades and Popp advanced toward the suspect. Rhoades pinned the suspect against a wall while Popp disarmed him. The suspect was taken the Mission Emergency Hospital Psychiatric Ward.
Report of Special Committee: No report this month.
Old Business: No report this month.
New Business: No report this month.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Lindo thanked the board for their hard work and led our WOAA Board in a moment of silence for all our recently deceased members. President Lindo scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday November 11, 2025, at 1100 hours.
To All Members: Members who need a new beneficiary form can access the form on our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Click on RESOURCES on our face page and follow the link. Print the form and complete and requested information and send it to WOAA, P.O. Box 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. I can be reached by cell phone at 415 681-3660. We express our gratitude each month to the following people who assist our efforts to bring our members the best customer service: Retired San Francisco Police Captain and the Administrator of Defense for the San Francisco Police Officer 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 San Francisco Police Officers Journal Newspaper, Ray Shine; Maggie Wang of Personnel, and Kristine Sing of the San Francisco Police Commission Office. Thank you for all you do for the WOAA.