Phone: 407-863-6746 or 407-86FOPGO
FOP LODGE 86
Why should I join the FOP?
Updated On: Jan 07, 2017

Why should I join the FOP?

By Past President, Nelson Cruz – 1/9/2013

Dear Fellow Correctional Officers,

We choose this profession knowing we will never get rich at it, but for the rewards we feel in helping other people at their time of need. This is the crux of my involvement in the FOP I truly enjoy helping other people and so I’m writing to help you understand that we owe a duty of care to one another. Nothing you learned in the academy will ever prepare you for the stressors of being under investigation. I implore you to join the FOP and help protect the protectors.  

Over the last year or so, I have often heard the question, "Why should I join the Fraternal Order of Police?" I guess the first place to start to answer that question would be to discuss the current environment in which our members find themselves. The intense scrutiny under which you must perform an excruciatingly difficult job has made you the targets of the media, politicians, and special interest groups. These groups are eager to watch everything you do closely, just waiting for a mistake so that it can be blown out of proportion and they can then advance their agendas or enhance their positions at your expense. They love to paint you with a broad brush and say that the “officers” are a bunch of Neanderthals. All the time this drives a wedge between us and the public we protect. This kind of manipulation has made you a target of opportunity and exploitation. Without the benefit of an organized group like the F.O.P., you are out there on your own. If for no other reason, the legal protection you receive as a benefit of membership should convince you to join.

When you join the F.O.P., you are joining more than 325,000 law enforcement professionals across the United States, 22,000 in the State of Florida and over 3000 members in Central Florida. You are joining an organization dedicated to the welfare of the Law Enforcement member and the cause of law enforcement. And it is organized and run by fellow officers, people who understand what you are contending with and what you need to perform an extremely important job.

Every group in this country that has been able to accomplish anything has done so because they banded together, got themselves organized, and formed a strong advocacy group. Just think about that. There is strength in numbers. There is also accomplishment in sacrifice. You may have to invest some of your money, some of your time, and some of your abilities.

If you are not a member of the F.O.P., you are only a voice of one. You need to unite with and become an active and important member of the F.O.P. today.

Here are just some of the benefits you will enjoy as member:

  • Legislative and Labor Committees working year-round for the membership.
  • An information network that includes E-Mail, a monthly newsletter, and a Web site that is updated on a routine basis.
  • Combined funds to provide services and benefits to members and their families.
  • Combined political voice and support for the politicians who support law enforcement locally and nationwide.
  • FREE legal aid for job-related incidents to defend members in unjust job actions. How deep is your pocket?
  • Survivor Death Benefit
  • An Executive Board who will listen to you and help in any way they can.

Help the F.O.P. fight for fair treatment and fair compensation for all our members. Please make my job easier knowing you and your family have the protection the Fraternal Order of Police provides.

Fraternally yours,

Nelson Cruz


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Contact Info
Jerry B. Haddock Lodge #86 of the Fraternal Order of Police
5505 Hansel Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32809
  407-863-6746 or 407-86FOPGO

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