Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I want to thank everyone who attended last night’s General Membership Meeting at the Lodge. It was encouraging to see our members come together in the spirit of fraternity, communication, and continued service to the FOP.
During the meeting, the Lodge was honored to receive a generous donation from the Nam Knights. We sincerely appreciate their support and continued friendship with the Fraternal Order of Police. Their donation reflects the strong bonds that exist among those who support law enforcement, veterans, and our broader public safety community.
I also want to take a moment to recognize the State Lodge’s donation to DC Police Union Lodge 2 in support of the Fourth of July Commissary Detail. Many of our members worked long hours throughout the holiday deployment, away from their families, in difficult conditions, and in service to the residents and visitors of the District of Columbia. I am very happy that the State Lodge was able to contribute to the commissary effort and help support the members who were working the event. These are the types of efforts that demonstrate what the FOP is truly about; members supporting members.
I also had the privilege of swearing in the newly elected leadership team of the FOP/GPO Labor Committee. On behalf of the State Lodge, I congratulate them and wish them success as they begin their term. Strong labor leadership is essential to the success of our organization, and we look forward to working with them in support of their members.
As a reminder, the Jerrard F. Young DC FOP State Lodge 60th Anniversary Dinner will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the National Union Building, 918 F Street NW, Washington, DC. This will be an important evening of remembrance, fellowship, and celebration as we honor six decades of service, leadership, and brotherhood. The evening will include a cash bar cocktail hour, buffet-style dinner, remarks from FOP leaders, a look back at our history, live music, dancing, and networking. Black tie attire is requested
Members are also encouraged to share their favorite FOP memories, photos, and stories for possible inclusion in the anniversary celebration. Submissions may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by August 31, 2026.
I also want to highlight several upcoming NFOP training and conference opportunities for our members and leaders:
The 2026 Bargaining for Success training seminar will be held November 3–5, 2026, at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This seminar provides practical, instructor-led training on collective bargaining, negotiation strategies, bargaining agreements, and real-world labor relations issues. Members interested in labor committee service, negotiations, or contract work should strongly consider attending.
The 2026 Fall Board Meeting is scheduled for November 5–8, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.
The NFOP has also announced Pathways to Excellence 2027, which will be held February 21–26, 2027, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This program will offer multiple training tracks, including wellness, labor/legal leadership, chaplaincy, and leadership development. Registration is expected to open in November 2026.
Finally, please be reminded that the State Lodge will continue holding quarterly meetings in accordance with our Constitution and By-Laws. Our next quarterly meeting is scheduled for:
Tuesday, October 14, 2026
6:00 p.m.
FOP Lodge
400 Virginia Avenue SW, Washington, DC
Members who wish to hold a gathering or meeting between quarterly State Lodge meetings are encouraged to contact Treasurer Benjamin Fetting at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and President Ronald Burgeson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thank you again to everyone who attended last night’s meeting, to the Nam Knights for their generous support, and to all of our members who continue to strengthen this Lodge through their participation and service.
Marinos Marinos
Recording Secretary/National Trustee
Jerrard F. Young DC FOP State Lodge
National Trustee, National Fraternal Order of Police
