The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting at the Hall of Justice on Tuesday September 12, 2017, at 1pm.
Roll Call: President John Centurioni, Vice-President Leroy Lindo, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, and Trustees Ray Kane, James O’Meara, Al Luenow, and John Keane were present. Bookkeeper Julie Centurioni was excused. Trustee Sally Foster resigned subsequent to our August 2017 meeting.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Ray Kane made a motion to accept the minutes from our August 2017 meeting. Trustee Leroy Lindo seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection.
Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: Our next sign up for applications will occur in October with the 257th Recruit Class. The following WOAA members were reinstated by vote of the WOAA Board: Jeff Barry, Pam Cunningham, Tom Deely, Emily Fields, Dennis Fitzsimmons,
Michael Glickman, Alexis Goldner, Richard Holder, Rachel Karp, Randall Kocher, Alfred Matteoni, John Propst, and Richard Randall. The motion to reinstate was made by Trustee Al Luenow, and seconded by Trustee Jim O’Meara.
The following WOAA members notified our Board, in writing, that they wish to separate from the organization: Eric Hipp and Lance Monteverdi. Members Peter Larsen verbally expressed his resignation from the WOAA, however, we have not received his resignation in writing.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor presented the Board with the regular monthly bills. Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to pay the bills. Vice President Lindo seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection. Among the paid bills were death benefits to the beneficiary of deceased members Don Goad, Roger Hanes, Thomas Pasquin, Thomas Stack, and Richard Weinand.
The WOAA received a generous donation of $100 from Ray, Sue, and Karen Moses in the memory of recently passed member Donald Goad. Thank you!
Report of Visiting Committee: No report this month.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA Board received the sad news of the passing of two of our members:
John “Jack” D. Demartini, age 83: John “Jack” Demartini was born on July 14, 1934 in Oakland, California. John was listed as being a “Lube man” prior to his law enforcement career. John entered the San Francisco Police Department on February 16, 1966. John wore star #1758 and worked the following units: Potrero Police Station (May 2, 1966), Central Police Station (December 1, 1967), Co.K E&I (August 1, 1971). Co.K Solo M/C (December 5, 1971), Southern Police Station (July 1, 1976), Co.K AIB (February 16, 1977), and Co.K Solo (July 20, 1977). John received a Third Grade Meritorious Award for services rendered on August 28, 1966. John, with Lieutenant Robert McFarland and Officers Carl Klotz and Charles Robinson assisted the occupants of three burning Hotel buildings. Officers Armand Pelissetti and William Sorensen Jr. were awarded with Second Grade Meritorious Awards for their part. John received a Second Grade Meritorious Award for services rendered on September 13, 1968 when they overpowered and arrested a dangerous armed robbery suspect who had badly beaten the victim with his gun. The suspect threatened the Officers with the weapon after they had chased him into a tavern. Fearing that a gun battle would hurt or kill innocent patrons, the Officers rushed the suspect and disarmed him after a violent struggle.
Dave Seyler, age 81: David Seyler was born on August 19, 1936 in San Francisco, California. Dave was listed as working as a “Salesman” prior to his law enforcement career. Dave joined the San Francisco Police Department on July 1, 1964. Dave wore star #1028 and worked the following units: Potrero Police Station (September 7, 1964), Central Police Station (September 19, 1965), Potrero Police Station (September 12, 1960), C.P Tac (November 3, 1969), Co.K Solo (June 7, 1970), Southern Police Station (February 16, 1977), Garage (September 7, 1977), Mission Police Station (May 21, 1978), Co.K Solo (September 27, 1978), Richmond Police Station (October 10, 1979), Chief’s Office (August 12, 1985), Vice (December 2, 1985), and finally back to Richmond Police Station (July 26, 1986). Dave retired with a service pension on October 15, 1989. Dave was awarded a Third Grade Meritorious Award for services rendered on September 14, 1965. Dave, with his partner Garrett G. Griffin, observed a man fleeing from a service station he had just robbed. The suspect was wanted for two additional armed robberies of service stations. Dave and Garrett observed the man enter a motor vehicle and flee the scene. Dave and Garrett engaged in a vehicle pursuit and eventually overtook the suspect and vehicle, and forced him to a stop. Subsequent to the arrest Dave and Garrett located a loaded firearm as well as the “loot” taken in the holdup. Dave and his partner William Wohler, were awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on November 1, 1970. A deranged man armed with an axe had thrown furniture and bottles out of the window of his home. One of the Officers was struck with the projectiles. Seyler and Wohler “sneaked” into the rear yard of the residence while the suspect’s attention was momentarily diverted. The Officers entered the home and “accosted” the suspect. The suspect was apprehended without injury to themselves. Sergeants Vern Smith and Donald Weiss, and Officers Herb Lockner, Thomas McGrath, and William Warnke received Police Commission Commendations for their part in the arrest. Dave received a second Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Saturday May 22, 1976. Dave, with Sergeants Art Gerrans and Charles Hoenicsh, and Inspectors Edwin Kenney, Anatole Balmy, and Ed Dennis, and Officers Scott Thomas and John Sterling were also awarded for their part in this arrest and investigation. The above listed men apprehended five narcotics suspects. One suspect was armed with a .45 caliber semi-automatic rifle. While the Officers attempted to take the suspects into custody, they became engaged in a struggle with the suspects resulting in shots being fired. The armed suspect was struck with gunshots by the Officers. The Officers having full knowledge of what they were up against, and what they had to do, acted courageously and professionally in the apprehension of the five suspects. Although they were aware of the dangers involved, they acted in a calm and deliberate manner and with a minimum of force. Dave passed away on August 29, 2017 surrounded by his family. Dave was born to Ovid and Rose Campos Seyler on August 19, 1936 in San Francisco. Dave attended St. Ignatius High in San Francisco, and also went on to attend San Francisco State College. David married Mona Dulong Seyler in 1957, in Rolla, Missouri where they had met while in the U.S. Army. Dave later retired from the San Francisco Police Department and from the U.S. Army. Dave gave over 20 years of service to each. Dave was also a U.S. Coast Guard licensed 1600 GT Master Mariner, golfer, hiker, boat builder, a loving friend, father, husband, and grandfather. Dave is survived by Mona, his wife of 59 years, his son Perry, his two daughters Andrea Borden of Red Oak, Iowa and Laura Seyler of San Diego, California; his brother Richard Seyler of Greenbrae, CA,; and sister Carolyn Seyler McCombs of Auburn, CA. Dave has seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Thomas I. Stack, 91: Thomas Ignatius Stack was born on December 17, 1925. Thomas joined the San Francisco Police Department on 07-14-56, at the age of 21. Thomas wore star #690 and worked at the following units during his 20 year career: Co.K (from the Academy) on April 21, 1947, Park Police Station (April 6, 1953), Richmond Police Station (promoted to Q-50 Sergeant April 10, 1964), Central Police Station (February 20, 1969), Operations (February 5, 1975), and Richmond Police Station (Promoted to Q-60 Lieutenant July 1, 1976). Thomas Stack retired with a service pension on September 14, 1976.
Francis Patrick “Cic”” Williams, age 79: Frank Williams was born on May 15, 1936 in San Francisco, California. He was the son of Pat Williams (Pasquale Guglielmi) and Forence Raganelli, and the loving husband of Florence Williams for 54 years. Frank graduated from Balboa High School in San Francisco, City College of San Francisco, and San Francisco State College. At 18 he enlisted in the Navy Reserves. In his young adult years Frank enjoyed playing semi-pro baseball for the John Siri Foods Baseball Team. He was known as “Cic” (pronounced Cheech) Williams. Cic was a student prior to entering law enforcement. Cic entered the San Francisco Police Academy on July 1, 1960. Cic wore star #601 and worked the following units during his career: Taraval Police Station (October 10, 1960), Ingleside Police Station (November 6, 1961), Richmond Police Station (January 14, 1963), Southern Police Station (promoted to Q-50 Sergeant and transferred to Co.B on February 7, 1973), Potrero Police Station (June 17, 1973), Richmond Police Station (September 21, 1975), Potrero Police Station (December 7, 1975), Richmond Police Station (December 11, 1985), and his last assignment was Taraval Police Station (December 24, 1988). Frank was dedicated to helping others while in the Police Department and in his personal life. Frank stayed connected with Baseball as a longtime member of the San Francisco Baseball Old Timers, whose luncheons and gathering he enjoyed attending. Frank led an exemplary life, and as such, had a deep understanding of what was truly important. Frank was dedicated to family and friends. He generously gave his time to help others and always placed the interests of others before his own. He was a devout Catholic who attended Mass daily, and practiced the teachings of the Church. He often expressed his patriotism and gratitude for his country, and he was proud of his Italian heritage. His other interests included listening to conservative talk radio, gardening, and cooking. Frank was a father to Mike, Amy (who passed away shortly after birth), Julie Caputo, and Janie Glover. He was father-in-law to their spouses: Elvie, Adriano, and George. He was an adoring grandfather to 10 grandchildren. He was the caring brother of Florenceann “Babe” O’Rourke (who passed away on March 3, 2017), Victor “Bud” Williams (Nancy), and Mary Lou “Chris” MacCrone. He was the uncle to many nieces and nephews. He will be terribly missed by all.
Report of Special Committee: Trustee Jim O’Meara reported to us that Officer Rob Forneris expressed interest in filling our vacant Trustee seat.
Unfinished Business: No report this month.
New Business: No report this month.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Centurioni led the Board in a moment of silence for all of our fallen members. President Centurioni adjourned the Meeting at approximately 2:00 pm and scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday October 10, 2017. The meeting will be held at the Hall of Justice in room #150 at 1 pm.
To All: Please visit our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Members can access beneficiary forms for any needed changes. Please click on the ‘Resources’ box on our face page. Print out the form and complete your change of beneficiary. This new beneficiary change requires a signature by a Notary, or by a WOAA Board Member. Please use this form for any address and contact number changes. There is no required signature for an address and contact number change. Each year we discover that various members have changed their address and contact numbers, and have not notified the WOAA. The lack of notification results in difficulty for our yearly billing. Subsequent to our billing notice being returned, we then must conduct an investigation to find the member. Please assist our efforts by notifying us of your changes. We express our thanks and gratitude each month to those who greatly assist our organization. Thank you to Retired San Francisco Police Department Captain and current POA Defense Administrator Paul Chignell, David Ng of Personnel, Risa Tom and Sgt. Rachael Kilshaw of the Police Commissioner’s Office, Retired San Francisco Police Officer and the editor of the POA journal Ray Shine who magically transforms my minutes into a readable document, Retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant and host of the Gold Country Reaper website Rene Laprevotte, and finally to the Command Staff and Officers of the Traffic Solo Company who extend their space for our office files, and their patience each month by providing space for our meetings.
Mark J. McDonough
WOAA Secretary