On the Job with PORAC

Special Episode – PORAC’s Work Comp Legislative Victories w/ Special Guest, Randy Perry

Today, President Marvel and Randy, with Aaron Read & Associates (ARA), talk about PORAC’s 2018 legislative victories.  In a time where law enforcement is constantly playing defense against bad bills, PORAC continues to work with our legislative advocates at ARA to sponsor and support critical public safety measures.  In 2018, PORAC sponsored two work comp bills that made it successfully to the governor’s desk and received a signature. The first bill, AB 1749 by Assemblymember Daly, was a result of the 2017 Route 91 shooting in Vegas.   This bill ensures that California’s Workers Compensation System covers peace officers who acted outside of state boundaries and were injured, regardless of their injuries.  The second successful PORAC sponsored bill is SB 1086 by Senator Atkins which extends the survivor death benefit eligibility to ensure that these officers’ grieving families are not deprived of the benefits they deserve due to an arbitrary and unfair timeline.  Please listen in for more!

Episode 12 – A Proper Send-off w/ PORAC’s Outgoing VP, Brent Meyer

On this episode of “On the Job with PORAC,” Brian Marvel talks with PORAC’s outgoing Vice President, Brent Meyer.  Brent is stepping down from his role at PORAC to go back to where it began as a cop for Sac PD.  Tune in to hear how Brent first got involved in police union politics with Sac POA and followed his calling to be on the PORAC Board in 2010 and then VP in 2013.  Brent brought a bold vision with him to PORAC, which resulted in remarkable membership growth, a new approach to communications, and a goal to ensure that our members have all the resources necessary to do their jobs.  Thank you Brent for everything you’ve done for PORAC.  You will be missed!

Episode 11 – Legislative Year in Review w/ Randy Perry, Aaron Read & Associates

On this episode of “On the Job with PORAC,” Brian sits down with PORAC’s legislative advocate, Randy Perry, with Aaron Read & Associates (ARA), to discuss PORAC’s priority bills in the recent legislative session.  ARA monitors the thousands of bills introduced each year to ensure that PORAC is represented at the Capitol on all matters of public safety.  Outside of bills such as AB 931, SB 1421, and AB 748, as we discussed in previous podcasts, PORAC faces many other legislative issues such as peace officer training, workers comp, pensions, bargaining, POBR, and equipment funding and acquisition. 

Tune in to hear how PORAC and ARA work together to ensure law enforcement has the tools and resources necessary to do their job in the current political climate. 

Episode 10 – Ethics and Police Management w/ Special Guests Ed Mullins and Andrew Quinn, SBANYPD

Brian sits down with Ed Mullins, President of the New York Sergeants Benevolent Association and Andrew Quinn, the SBA’s General Counsel to discuss the high profile case of NYPD Sergeant, Hugh Barry.  Make sure to listen in to hear how the case against Sgt. Barry turned into political prosecution of extreme measures and why it is critical to have the protection and security of your association.  What happened in New York can happen anywhere, and it will.  Law enforcement must stick together to protect our officers when they need it the most. 

Episode 9 – What’s going on in the North Valley Chapter w/ Special Guest Peter Durfee

Join Brian and Brent as they bring on special guest, Peter Durfee (Chico PD, PORAC Director, and past President of the North Valley Chapter of PORAC).  On this episode, Peter talks about the North Valley’s staffing issues and how collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses will help grow departments, and in turn, build relationships within our communities.  Peter emphasizes the importance of family, friendships, and why we do what we do.

 

Many of our members have been affected by the California wildfires.  Please consider donating here:

https://porac.org/2018/08/important-information-impacted-recent-fires/

Episode 8 – PORAC’s Insurance & Benefits Trust w/ Special Guest Damon Kurtz

On this episode of “On the Job with PORAC,” Brian and Brent invite outgoing Chairman of the Insurance & Benefits Trust (IBT), Damon Kurtz, to talk about his role in the trust and the issues law enforcement is facing in the Central Valley.  Damon is a 24-year law enforcement veteran, current President of the Fresno POA, and has recently been sworn in as a PORAC Director.  Tune in to hear more about PORAC’s IBT, concerns with law enforcement funding and pensions, and what you can do to help.

 

To learn more about PORAC’s IBT go to https://ibtofporac.org/

Episode 7- Legislation Update

If you’re a California peace officer, you’ll want to listen to this podcast.  On this episode, PORAC President, Brian Marvel, provides an important update on critical legislation that could impact you, including:

• SB 1421 by Senator Skinner, relating to the release of records (on Governor’s desk)
• AB 748 by Assemblymember Philip Ting, relating to the disclosure of video and audio recordings (on Governor’s desk)
• AB 931 by Assemblymember Shirley Weber, relating to use-of-force (held in Senate Rules Committee)

Fortunately, AB 931 was defeated for the year, but the issue remains.   On this podcast, President Marvel discusses PORAC’s commitment moving forward and our determination to continue to highlight the honest and professional work our officers do. 

 

Tune in to get a more in-depth look at these bills and the future of law enforcement. 

Episode 6 – Special Guest Pat Withrow

On this episode of “On the Job with PORAC,” Brian and Brent welcome special guest, San Joaquin County Sheriff-elect, Pat Withrow.  Sheriff-elect Withrow discusses the road leading up to his election, his 28 years in the department, his involvement in his union and the importance of PORAC.  Coming from his position as a Sergeant, Sheriff-elect Withrow understands the ins and outs of law enforcement on the street, in custody and the civilian staff.  Tune in to hear how Sheriff-elect Withrow got involved in order to make the necessary changes for his department.  We’re excited to see what’s next for San Joaquin County!

Special Episode "California Wildfires"

As the devastating wildfires continue to ravage California, all hands are on deck to keep our communities safe.  Tune in to hear how PORAC is getting involved and how you can help support our members impacted by the fires. 

 

Link to make a California Casualty Claim: https://www.calcas.com/web/ccmc/affinity?id=156687

Donate to the PORAC/POREF Wildfire Relief Fund: https://cahpcu.org/wildfireReliefFund

Attorney General Price Gouging Resource Page:  Click Here or call (800) 952-5225 to file a complaint.

Episode 5 - "Peer Support" with Sgt. Ron Chesterman & Officer Krissy Sundby, SacPD

On episode five of On the Job with PORAC, Brian invites special guests Sergeant Chesterman and Officer Sundby with SacPD’s Peer Support Unit to discuss their role in the unit and the importance of officer wellness.  With the growing pressure and exposure law enforcement faces on a daily basis, a peer support officer is becoming more and more a vital part of a department.  They are who support an officer, on and off duty.  A peer support officer’s main concern is the health and well-being of the officer and their family when facing issue ranging from officer-involved shootings and traumatic calls to divorce and suicide.  It is a new era for law enforcement and it is critical that we raise awareness of the challenges that come with devoting your life to protecting and serving your communities.