Trenton Police use new device to rescue man who fell through ice
Excerpted from news media
Trenton Police Officers used a new device to rescue a man who fell through the ice on a canal at Elizabeth Park Feb. 3. The man’s dog ran out on the ice and the owner chased him.
While the dog made it off the ice, the man fell through and police found him clinging to a piece of ice. Trenton Police used a newly acquired water rescue throw bag to rescue the man.
The department purchased these devices following a December 2018 police water rescue. An officer in that incident boarded a nearby kayak when a car drove into the Detroit River and the driver was completely submerged. The Trenton Officer was able to break the car window with the kayak paddle, free the female driver and pull her to safety, said Trenton Police Lt. Mike Hawkins, MAP Executive Board President.
Trenton Police now keep the throw bags inside their vehicles.
“Within the first week or two of getting these in we’ve already saved a life and it’s come in handy and saved our officers and helped out the community,” Hawkins said in a Fox 2 News interview.
For more on the water rescues, please see the following links to the rescue articles:
Governor, Legislature to tackle road fixes, auto insurance reforms, gambling bill
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she will put forth “a real plan” to fix Michigan’s roads and other infrastructure in her March budget presentation, but when questioned by reporters gave no indication of how she would propose paying for the plan. The Senate and House have set their top legislative priorities. The Senate’s first bill of the 100th Legislature is Senate Bill 1 to address the state’s nation-leading auto insurance rates. The measure includes reform of health insurance and personal injury protection benefits. Senate Democrats are calling for tax credits such as establishing a child care credit for working families with young children and creating a tax credit claw back that would make businesses that leave Michigan pay back incentive dollars they were awarded to come to or stay in Michigan. The Republican House is focusing on Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform to require a criminal conviction before law enforcement agencies could sell or use the property seized based on probable cause. Gambling expansion legislation will quickly be reintroduced this session, according to Representative Brandt Iden (R-Oshtemo Twp.) and Senator Curtis Hertel, Jr. (D-East Lansing). The legislation, which would allow online gaming and horse race betting by cellphone as well as fantasy sports gambling and new charitable gaming regulations, fell victim to former Governor Rick Snyder’s veto pen. Attorney General Dana Nessel has picked Fadwa Hammoud as Solicitor General and tapped her to oversee the Attorney General’s criminal prosecutions in the Flint water crisis. For more on these and other legislative topics, click here for the Jan. 23, 2019 Karoub Report.
New MAP Board President plans to continue growing membership
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Mike Hawkins has spent most of his career as a MAP member and representative, so it seemed a natural fit to take over as the new MAP Executive Board President when former President Rich Heins announced his retirement in December.
“Rich Heins did a great job,” Hawkins said. “When there was a vacancy and Fred reached out to see if I was interested, I felt I served enough time on the current board to step up and help out.”
A Trenton Police Lieutenant and member of Trenton Inspectors and Lieutenants Association, Hawkins began his law enforcement career at Gibraltar Police in 2000. He joined Trenton Police in 2001, becoming a K9 Officer and serving 
as local police union President for 10 years. He was voted onto MAP’s Executive Board in 2011, taking over the Treasurer’s position when a co-worker retired. He was later voted Executive Board Vice President.
“I replaced Rich Lyons when he was getting ready to retire. He was the Treasurer of MAP,” Hawkins said. “We (Trenton Police, Inspectors and Lieutenants) have been with MAP for as long as I’ve been here, and I’ve been here for 18 years.”
He’s felt honored to fill vacancies on the Executive Board, given all the Union has done for him and his co-workers. “When we went to the Defined Contribution pension system, MAP was a big part of helping us get back into the (Employer paid) pension,” Hawkins said. “We went from Defined Contribution to Defined Benefit and we were one of the only departments in the nation that went back into the pension system through our negotiations.”
Read more: New MAP Board President plans to continue growing membership
MAP Executive Board Officers
GOP-led legislature passes controversial legislation, no-fault reform dies, speed limits stay put
After an oft-times contentious lame duck session that saw the GOP-controlled 99th Legislature pass several controversial pieces of the legislation and an all-night session, lawmakers wrapped up their work for the year and the 99th Legislature came to an end. Karoub Associates lobbyist Emily Laidlaw was named Policy Director for Governor Whitmer’s Administration. Laidlaw was instrumental in developing Karoub’s Education Practice. Gov. Rick Snyder has signed several bills including a huge $1.3 billion spending bill that includes $69 million for the Renew Michigan Fund for hazardous waste sites, a new revenue stream ($114 million in FY 2019 and $143 million in FY 2020) for roads, $19.3 million to fight PFAS and $40 million for a new Capitol Visitor Center at the Capitol. Snyder also vetoed 56 bills in his final days of office. Gov. Whitmer started her term, naming the state’s new Budget Director, Treasurer and she appointed new state department Directors, including Col. Joseph Gasper as Director of the Michigan State Police. Detroit developer Dan Gilbert's attempts to revive no-fault auto insurance reform failed to make it out of the Legislature during the last day of the lame duck session. Although the Senate passed legislation that would make all limited access expressways 75 miles per hour and all non-city highways 65 miles per hour, the House stopped the legislation from moving forward. For more details on these and other legislative issues, click here for the January 2019 Karoub Report..
Melvindale Patrol choses MAP for attentive reputation
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Melvindale Patrol Officers hadn’t been getting the help they desired from their former Union in recent years. When they heard about MAP’s responsiveness with area departments, they felt confident MAP would stand up for them when they needed help.
“About a year or so ago, I started calling around to other unions and realized there was an open enrollment period we had to wait for so when that came up this year we went for it,” said Melvindale Patrol local union President John Thompson. “We had other unions come in and they had a lot of bells and whistles, but MAP gave us an intelligent well-spoken thought out reason of why they would be a good fit for us. We talked to officers (represented by MAP), like Sterling Heights and St. Clair Shores, and they were really positive and really sold it to us.”
Read more: Melvindale Patrol choses MAP for attentive reputation
MAP welcomes back Renaissance Police Officers
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Renaissance Police Officers Association (RPOA) Employees were MAP members for 30 years when they decided to part ways with the Union in 2014 and opted to represent themselves instead. But drastic reductions in their benefits and a ‘don’t ask’ mentality led them to return to MAP this year.
“RPOA were members when MAP was formed in 1984,” said MAP Executive Director Fred Timpner.
MAP officially welcomed back RPOA when they joined the Union in July 2018, but MAP went to work for them two months prior as soon as they received a call from their new local union President Jessica Mitchell. By then the former president and vice president had already been through contract negotiations and the final last best offers had been submitted.
Mitchell became local union president in May and immediately called Timpner. “He started helping me on the side when we didn’t have anybody,’ she said. “Fred said, ‘Whether you all vote me in or not, I’m going to help you.’”
An overwhelming majority of the 90-plus member group voted in support of MAP.
Scholars 2018
Stuart Raider of the Raider Dennis Agency (from left center), a V.I.P. Sponsor of the Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing, and his son, Josh Raider, congratulate 2018 Carl Parsell Scholarship recipients Jessica Williams (left) and Makenzie Leach (right).
Pre-med students receive 2018 Carl Parsell Scholarships
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Two college-bound students planning medical careers were honored with $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarships during the 28th Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing on June 7, 2018 at Links of Novi.
Makenzie Leach of Kalkaska and Jessica Williams of Fowlerville were awarded 2018 scholarships.
The Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund was established in 1991 to continue the legacy of Parsell, a law enforcement union movement pioneer, by improving the lives and futures of others, through education. Scholarships are awarded each year to Michigan family members of Michigan Association of Police (MAP), Michigan Association of Public Employees (MAPE) and Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF) union members.
In its 28th year, $120,500 in Carl Parsell Scholarships have been awarded to help students obtain a college education. Funds for the scholarships are derived from the Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing.
Carl Parsell Scholar to pursue nursing training while in college
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Makenzie Leach is pursuing a career as a nurse and a $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship is helping her achieve that dream.
The daughter of MAPE member Stacy Leach, Kalkaska County Friend of the Court Case Manager, and Matt Leach of Kalkaska, was awarded the 2018-19 scholarship in June. She graduated Kalkaska High School with a 3.9 GPA this May.
In the fall, she plans to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at Northwestern Community College in Traverse City, which recently added the full four-year nursing program to their curriculum. “Receiving this scholarship award would be a great honor and take away some of the financial burdens of nursing school,” she wrote in her application.
Leach, who graduated with Honors, served as Junior Class President, Student Council President in her senior year, and a high school math tutor. Captain of the Varsity Softball Team her senior year, she played four years on the Varsity Softball team and was Kalkaska Blazer Softball MVP in 2017. Leach was also awarded five other scholarships totaling $4,000.
“Makenzie has distinguished herself as an academic, leader, and hard worker in numerous fields, but also as a tremendous person in our school community,” wrote Kalkaska High science teacher Matthew Rogers. “I am always impressed with her creative mind and independent work ethic. She never stops her pursuit of knowledge, and continually looks deeper and tries to make connections with the material. Makenzie searches for answers to problems and is willing to take risks and try new ideas to accomplish the goal.”
“While taking a college level biology is difficult for most, Makenzie continuously keeps an open dialogue between herself and the instructor. This is an impressive trait that is rare for most high schoolers,” Rogers wrote. “As a leader she pushes the envelope with ideas and projects that provide the school and community with unique experiences. Makenzie has worked with individuals on school work or has been there to offer support for peers in need. She is the first person to help and will always go out of her way to make sure she can.”
As National Honors Society (NHS) Secretary, Leach volunteered at blood drives, gardening along community walking trails, and helped with parades and other local community events. She also volunteered with youth softball and the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council, reviewing applications for grants and awarding funds to non-profit agencies.
Leach was a TBAISD Teacher Academy Program participant, assisting in elementary classrooms with instruction and was on TBA Career-Tech Center Principal’s Honor Roll. “Kenzie is a born leader and communicator. As my teacher academy student, she was helpful in all tasks creative, interpersonal and clerical,” wrote Matt Olds, Kalkaska High teacher and coach. “As for softball, Kenzie has been decorated as a top performer earning all-region twice, all-district, and all-conference three times. Kenzie can truly get big projects done with her attitude and rare ability to bring people together.”
Leach worked as a secretary at First Choice Trucking through a school-to-work program in high school. She babysits and has worked various summer jobs. This summer, she plans to return to work at Twin Birch Golf Course and will nanny.
“As a former teacher and coach of Makenzie Leach’s, I have been thoroughly impressed by her commitment and willingness to give 100% all the time,” wrote Jason Skeels. “I have seen a young woman who is dedicated, hardworking, and always willing to help others. Makenzie was a student of mine last year in TBA Teacher Academy Program and she was phenomenal. Her projects were second to none and she worked well with her host teachers throughout the school year. Not only was she successful in balancing her busy schedule, she has maintained exceptional grades and also volunteered numerous hours throughout her community.”
In college, Leach plans to get a jump start on her career while earning money by applying to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. “I’m hoping to work at Munson Hospital in Traverse City,” Leach said, adding that she would receive training and work experience if hired. “You get a paycheck and they also assist you with your college.”
Carl Parsell Scholar plans to become trauma surgeon
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Jessica Williams of Fowlerville plans to use her $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship to take the first steps in preparing for a medical career.
The daughter of MAFF Union member Daniel Williams, Jr. a Livingston County Paramedic, and Marcie Williams, graduated Fowlerville High School Suma Cum Laude with a 3.9 GPA. She is using her scholarship in pursuit of a bachelor’s of science degree in Biology at Grand Canyon University, a pre-med program.
“This scholarship will help me further my goals of going into the medical field by being a stepping stone to ease the burden of debt from attending college,” Williams wrote in her application. “My goal is to become a trauma surgeon and I chose this occupation so I can help people.”
Williams also received an American Red Cross $250 scholarship and an annual President’s Scholarship for $7,750 from the university based on her high GPA.
She is working at The Pizza Box in Fowlerville and plans to find a job near campus to help pay her schooling costs. Williams is looking forward to the warmer climate. “I think it will be fun to get out of my comfort zone and explore new places,” she said. “They have a really nice campus and their pre-med program is really good. I really liked the atmosphere there when I toured it.”
Williams was section leader in Marching Band and received Chevron awards and a Varsity Letter in Wind Ensemble. “Both inside the classroom and out, she can be found putting in the work, knowing that her efforts now will only increase her successes down the road,” wrote William A. Vliek, Fowlerville High School Director of Bands. “In her time in band, she has taken private saxophone lessons and has become our lead alto saxophonist in our jazz band; requiring her to arrive at school 50 minutes early twice a week. In addition, she has taken it upon herself to take private voice lessons as well as private piano lessons.”
“Though her initiative and drive are exemplary, Jessica’s character is the trait I will remember most,” Vliek wrote. “She can be counted on for a smile when needed and has served as a great leader within our marching band. She understands that not everyone learns at the same pace and molds her leadership and teaching to fit each individual student. I have no doubt that this trait will bring her great success in the professional world when she needs to collaborate and work effectively with others.”
Williams also received an Academic Letter for Honor Roll and National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence for outstanding grades, leadership potential, and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine. She received a Varsity Letter, pins, and was a mentor in Archery and completed courses and requirements of National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine and Health Care.
She took time to help others as a Camp Counselor and volunteer at Center Lake Bible Camp. She plays in the Praise Band at Calvary Church in Webberville, is a Children’s Church volunteer and helps an older woman she befriended with weekly yardwork and cleaning. “She likes the company and we get along very well. She does (cardiac) research at Michigan State,” Williams said.
“Jessie is very determined, reliable and willing to do whatever task needs to be done to the best of her ability,” wrote Michael R. Carpenter, Associate Pastor at Calvary Church in Webberville. “She is respectful of authority, accepts criticism and takes responsibility for the task at hand. She is always willing to step up and fill a need when asked or when she sees an opportunity. She is a beautiful example of character and a role model to not only her peers, but to all ages, including myself.”
Calvary Senior Pastor Scott Gardziella described her as hard working, consistent and dedicated. “These qualities have made her an excellent volunteer at our church where she has devoted countless hours mentoring boys and girls in our children’s ministry and playing bass with our Praise Band,” Gardziella wrote. “She is kind and likeable, but not so worried about being liked that she changes with the crowd. This stability of character makes me trust her implicitly.”
Comparing her “outstanding” archery skills to life, Gardziella wrote, “She focuses on her goal, blocks out all the unnecessary noise and drama, takes careful aim at the target and hits the bullseye.”
Exercise caution when posting, texting & chatting online
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
While some people are concerned about what they post, text and otherwise share online, just as many view this as their First Amendment right to freedom of speech. No matter your view on the subject, legal advisors for MAP are urging members to think twice before posting or texting anything sexual, racial or even political.
“You have a First Amendment right to say whatever you want to, but you don’t have a constitutional right to your job,” said MAP Legal Counsel Catherine Farrell.
Public Employees should understand specific restrictions detailed in their contracts. “Look to the CBA to make sure you don’t violate it,” said Farmington Hills Attorney Arthur J. Weiss, who joined Farrell in a Social Media discussion with Union members during the MAP Annual Open House in December.
Read more: Exercise caution when posting, texting & chatting online
McLaren Macomb Hospital Security
CONTRACT
“The increase in shift premiums for them was huge. They had been at the same shift premiums for years and they were actually paid less than the sitters for mental health patients,” said MAP Labor Relations Specialist Jerald James. “Prior to this contract you had certain individuals who would work every holiday for that year. We got the Employer to agree to rotate holidays so no one individual is stuck working every holiday. We had some guys that worked every Christmas, every Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, the way they scheduled it was just based on seniority. The tuition reimbursement went up $500 annually. It went up to $2,000. They agreed to insert a meditation component (into the contract). Prior to that we didn’t have language that afforded mediation. You could just file a grievance and you went to arbitration or you didn’t. This is a step prior to arbitration. I haven’t had an Employer turn it down yet.”
“Everybody was happy with what we got because we didn’t think we were going to get what we got. They were pleased with the signing bonuses and shift premiums,” said Bill Harris, McLaren Macomb Hospital Security Chief Steward. “You can sell 80 hours of PTO and get that money back and they changed it to twice a year for (up to) 40 hours. There’s always give and take and we did pretty good. We had 17 members who all voted and we had no no votes.”
Contract Duration: 3-year agreement ratified Dec. 15, 2017 and effective Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2020.
Wage Increases: Each Full-time Employee received a $1,200 signing bonus upon ratification of the contract and part-time Employees each received $600 signing bonuses.
2% increase at the top rate of pay effective Jan. 1, 2019.
$.75 to $1 afternoon shift premium increase effective Jan. 1, 2018.
$.80 to $1.25 midnight shift premium increase effective Jan. 1, 2018.
$1 to $1.25 afternoon shift premium increase effective Jan. 1, 2019.
$1.25 to $1.45 midnight shift premium increase effective Jan. 1, 2019.
MAP members encouraged to download MAPO app, register for Members Only resources
MAP members are encouraged to visit the Michigan Association of Police Organizations (MAPO) website to register for Members Only alerts and access to resources available only to 
members. MAP members are also encouraged to download the MAPO App for Iphones and Androids. The App will provide members with easy to use mobile access to the MAPO website and Members Only resources to keep registered users up to date on issues affecting them.
Click on the links below to for more information:
Register for MAPO Members Only resources and notifications.
MAPO App for iPhones.
MAPO App for Androids.
Sterling Heights Patrol
CONTRACT
“Sterling Heights continues to set the pace for top pay for police officers in the state,” said MAP Executive Director Fred Timpner. “They received a four-year contract, which tops out at $85,500. Additionally, Employees receiving duty disability pensions will be guaranteed healthcare for themselves and their families. Disability pensions will now be calculated with a higher multiplier of 2.8 percent for each year of service. If an Employee is injured or disabled in the line of duty and they are forced to retire, these improved disability benefits help take some of the worry out of getting hurt on the job.”
“This is huge from our members’ perspective. Before this contract, new Employees were not eligible for retiree healthcare,” said MAP Executive Board President Rich Heins. “Now they not only receive retiree healthcare for the member and their family, they also receive a full duty pension. Previously, their duty disability pensions were limited to 50 percent.”
Contract Duration: 4-year agreement ratified Sept. 5, 2017 and effective 7-1-17 to 12-31-19.
Wage Increases:
2.5% increase effective July 1, 2017 with top pay of $79,480.
2.5% increase effective July 1, 2018 with top pay of $81,454.
2.5% increase effective July 1, 2019 with top pay of $83,478.
2.5% increase effective July 1, 2020 with top pay of $85,552.
