I would like to thank all of our membership who attended the various contract hearings held at the Sheraton Hotel. It is clear that the FOP was prepared for our contract proposal presentations and during the City's presentations we were able to ask the questions that exposed their lack of preparation. The public hearings have now concluded and the three arbitrators will now decide our 2008 contract award in executive session.

Mr. Colflesh, the neutral arbitrator, is a seasoned, capable and effective arbitrator and I am sure without question he was able to understand the issues in each and every proposal. Lodge 5 will update you periodically as information becomes available throughout this process.

It was gratifying for me to attend the benefits on Saturday, June 21, 2008 for Sergeant Stephen Liczbinski and on Sunday, June 29, 2008 for Police Officer John Marynowitz and see the support for these officers from the members. You have shown without question you are the greatest and our heroes will never be forgotten. Thank you.

Thank you for attending the 2008 Contract Arbitration Medical presentation held on Monday, June 2, 2008 at the Sheraton Hotel. In the ballroom where the hearing was held there was standing room only as Lodge 5 members and their families came to hear about and support their all important medical benefits. Neutral Arbitrator Colflesh was impressed by the turnout.

Also, thank you for attending the Interfaith Service for Peace and Healing held at the Cathedral. Mr. Colflesh declared a recess in the arbitration and he along with many others at the hearing joined with myself and hundreds of officers at the service.