Board Members
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Ricky Day has served as MAP Executive Board Secretary since 2013 and has been an active Union member over three decades, even helping his Local to organize.
At 72, he’s been a Henry Ford Hospital Security (HFHS) Officer for 46 years, retiring from full-time work in recent years and continuing to work as a part-time HFHS Officer. He became certified as a Field Training Officer through Macomb Community College’s Criminal Justice Training Center in 2010 and continues to serve his department as an FTO. He’s also worked as a Freeze Plus P (Mace) Instructor.
“I was recommended to seek the position of MAP Executive Board Secretary due to my loyalty and dedication to my Local and to MAP,” Day said. “I enjoy assisting with the advancement and quality of the work life of members.”
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Christopher Franco had only been a MAP member for about nine months when he was elected as MAP Executive Board Treasurer Dec. 8, 2023.
“I was a major voice to move over to MAP. I want to gain as much knowledge as possible that will benefit our membership,” Franco said. “Joining the Executive Board will only help us.”
The 44-year-old Allen Park Patrol Officer jumped right into representation, getting involved in the group's first MAP-represented contract negotiations. Elected to the Allen Park Police Officers Association Board first as the Secretary/Treasurer in May 2022, he served in the dual position for seven months before being elected as the Local Union President in January 2023.
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Sterling Heights Road Patrol Officer Ken Mercer appreciates all that Michigan Association of Police (MAP) has done for his department’s officers over the years, so seeking appointment, then election to MAP’s Executive Board made perfect sense as a way for him to give back.
Mercer was initially appointed to the vacant Treasurer's position Oct. 31, 2023 following former Treasurer Rob Ginther’s appointment to Executive Board President in September. During the Dec. 8 MAP Executive Board meeting, Ginther was elected President and Mercer was elected Vice President.
“I’ve always had an interest in being part of the MAP Executive Board and the opportunity presented itself,” Mercer said. “Sterling Heights Police has been a charter member of MAP. We would like to continue being a positive force of MAP. We’re thankful for everything that MAP has provided us over the years.”
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Newly-elected MAP Executive Board President Rob Ginther has been involved in unions throughout his career and he’s been influenced by the labor movement from a young age.
“My union background in the Detroit area has been throughout my entire life. I come from union household,” he said. “My father (Ronald Ginther) was a Steward for lnternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58, and my grandfather (Leo Ginther) was a member of the United Auto Workers, Local 681. Even when I was in high school, I worked part-time in a warehouse that was a union shop with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 299, so I’ve just always been drawn to the labor movement.”
The Michigan Association of Police Executive Board Members
Executive Officers
President:
Rob Ginther
Beverly Hills Lieutenants & Sergeants Association
18600 W. 13 Mile Rd., Beverly Hills, MI 48025
Vice President:
Ken Mercer
Sterling Heights Police Officers Association
40333 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights MI 48313
Secretary:
Ricky Day
Henry Ford Health System Police Officers Association
2799 West Grand Blvd, Detroit MI 48202
Treasurer:
Christopher Franco
Allen Park Police Officers Association
15915 Southfield Rd., Allen Park, MI 48101
Executive Director:
Fred Timpner
Michigan Association of Police
667 E. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 109, Troy, MI 48083
Director:
Chad Trussler
Michigan Association of Police
667 E. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 109, Troy, MI 48083
Executive Administrator:
Julie Palmquist
Michigan Association of Police
667 E. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 109, Troy, MI 48083