Tuscora Lodge Fraternal Order of Police honors 50-year members
John Grasselli, left, James Locker, Jack Griffin, Howard Byers, David Archer, James Winkler were honored by Tuscora Lodge #4 of the Fraternal Order of Police for their years of service.
Tuscora Lodge #4 of the Fraternal Order of Police honored several of its members Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge.
The men had been members of the FOP for at least 50 years; many had been chiefs of police, some were more than 90 years old.
The honorary dinner was attended by the national and state leadership of the FOP. Each of the honorees was presented with a copy of a declaration of commendation passed by the Ohio General Assembly in Columbus, and with a pin marking their years of membership and service as officers.
Honored were former Captains Howard “Howdy” Byers, John Grasselli and James Winkler of the New Philadelphia Police Department, Former New Philadelphia Chief James Locker, Former Dover Chief Jack Griffin and Former Dover Patrolman David Archer.
Also honored but not able to attend were former Dover Captain Jack Paisley and former Uhrichsville Chief Frank Barker. The officials from the national and state FOP moved among the men, shaking the hand of each as the awards were presented.
The evening began on a somber note, as FOP Lodge #4 President Robert Everett shared the news that five officers had been wounded or killed in gunfire in South Carolina earlier in the day. A minute of silence was held after the opening prayer.
National FOP President Chuck Canterbury spoke just before the dinner got underway. “There are so many of these guys who have been members of the FOP for more than half of the union’s 103 year existence,” he said. “These are the officers who made a difference along the way, fighting for those who came after them with better support, better conditions, pensions and fair pay. This is a small way to thank them and we are very glad to be here.”
Canterbury was joined by National FOP Vice President Jay McDonald, National Trustee from Ohio FOP Shaun Laird, and Ohio FOP President Gary Wolske.
Asked why the officers from the Ohio and national organizations were willing to attend a dinner at such a relatively small lodge, Laird replied, “Bob [Everett] asked us to come and we are pleased to do it. This is one of the most active lodges in Ohio.”
Canterbury agreed. “We try to come to any events held by Lodge #4 that we’re able. This is a very active lodge and Bob never misses a chance to honor those who should be recognized. Not every lodge remembers to do this.”
Speaking after the meal, Canterbury, the son and father of police officers, spoke of FOP members across the country as a big family. “I know that if they needed our help in South Carolina right now, all of us would be on our way without question. Everyone in this room who ever wore a badge or a star knows exactly what I’m talking about.”
“One of the best things about the FOP, more than any other national union out there,” Canterbury continued, “is that we don’t throw away talent. After retirement, we still look after our members. And these are the people you can count on, long after they’ve stopped working, to come out to city council meetings and speak on behalf of their family of officers.”
Canterbury pointed out that recent polls showed a greater than 70 percent approval of law enforcement among the general population. “That’s higher than in the mid 1970s,” he said, “before that, you have to go back to the 1940s for numbers like this.”
Everett expressed his appreciation for all those who came out to express gratitude for the honorees. “It’s a very small way to thank them for doing so much. I know it means a lot to all of them to have you here tonight.”