Friends,
I am writing to explain my decision to resign as President of the San Jose Police Officers’ Association effective January 1, 2010. I am extremely proud to have been President for nearly four years. We have the finest group of police officers in the entire country, and it has been my privilege to serve you. That being the case, I feel that it is now time for me to leave.
I have made some needed changes, and I hope that my Presidency has strengthened the organization, both internally and through relationships with every organization and person the SJPOA deals with.
I will be writing in more detail regarding my term as President in my monthly column in the POA’s Vanguard newsletter. It has been a long four years, with numerous late nights and long meetings. I have been thinking about this for some time. I signed up to be a street cop and a father to my two sons. As I come to the end of my career, I want an opportunity to finish on the streets and to spend more time with my two boys.
I know that Vice President George Beattie will be a strong President for you in the future and that the POA has a great Board of Directors to serve its membership.
Please be safe out there.
Robert "Bobby" Lopez
President, SJPOA
Friday, August 14, 2009
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Hey Bobby,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear your leaving the post, but I completely understand. I'd want one more run on the streets too before I hung up the duty belt!!
I'd work a 2 man beat car with you anyday! Although I don't think I can pull the good days off as you can!
Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to the troops and the union over the years!!
Bobby,
ReplyDeleteI'm a City Hall insider and been around awhile. I have to say, and take my hat off to you, that you have been the best, most effective POA president I can remember -- that means for a couple decades. I don't really know you. But I've been impressed and good luck to you.
Bobby,
ReplyDeleteYou've been both effective and interesting. I've always enjoyed your quotes in the paper. You're one of the rare local leaders who doesn't mind being honest or speaking out. It'd be nice if we had more of that around here.
Bobby,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your service to our community. Your willingness as President of the POA to support and partner with community groups, non-profits, victims of violent crime, and to assist The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Santa Clara Valley in getting the money they need to continue the Freedom Train in 2010 is greatly appreciated.
You are the first Latino President of the POA, and you have served this position with both integrity, and compassion. You should be very proud of yourself because you have set an excellent example for Latino and Latina youth to follow. We need more leaders like you!
The POA is and has been very lucky to have you on their side. For four years you have been fighting for them everyday against misinformation in the press, misinformation from the IPA’s Office, and from the outrageous accusations of these so called activist that claim the Police are unfairly profiling them. You've fought for decent benefits for our Officers and so much more. THANK YOU!
Please know that you are much loved and will be missed Bobby. The road less traveled can be a very lonely one, especially when you are walking it for the right reasons as you have. It is not easy being the voice in the wilderness, the one everyone focuses on because you dare to speak your truth and walk your talk. My Father gave this poem to me when I was a little girl. I want to pass it on to you now because you exemplify its very meaning. Stay safe Bobby!
Man In The Mirror
When you get all you want and you struggle for self,
and the world makes you king for a day,
then go to the mirror and look at yourself
and see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your mother, your father or wife
whose judgment upon you must pass,
but the man, whose verdict counts most in your life
is the one staring back from the glass.
He's the fellow to please,
never mind all the rest.
For he's with you right to the end,
and you've passed your most difficult test
if the man in the glass is your friend.
You can fool the whole world,
down the highway of years,
and take pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
if you've cheated the man in the glass.
~Anonymous
Bobby,
ReplyDeleteThanks for saving the integrity of the SJPOA. We took a big chance in removing a lot of the old guard and old ways of the POA. You led from the front. Never once did you falter or back down. The contract prior to the one you got served only the prior regime. This contract was for the membership. Not the guys getting ready to leave. I really appreciate your efforts and intestinal fortitude not seen in many years. I am also glad you supported your VP for your position. George is a real cop with experience and just as much MOXIE. (East Coast Term) Please understand that if George needs you, get back on the field.
Bobby,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your hard and risky work in the dept. We do appreciate your tenacity and dedication.
However, your statement surrounding the drunk driving investigation of Sandra Woodall does not do service to your record.
"We are not a corrupt department," said Sgt. Bobby Lopez, who heads the police officers union. "But apparently, we will sacrifice two good cops because we will go to any depths to make sure that corruption does not look like it's here."
You are right, you are not a corrupt department, only a few that use their badges to get around the law. Hmmm wait a second THATS CORRUPTION!!!
Be safe and be honest please.
Anonymous