U.S. Conference of Mayors, Baltimore, MD – June 17-21, 2011

Fraternal Order of Police, Baltimore City Lodge # 3 President Robert F. Cherry Jr. stated that “it is our goal to establish a national conversation on prioritizing public safety here in the United States and to reverse the unfair and damaging effects that cuts to our pension benefits and salaries has on the morale and well being of our members. As an FOP, we remain committed to maintaining the public safety of all our citizens and we will stand by our oath: however, we will not back down from our fight with the Mayor and City of Baltimore who broke their promise to our police officers and firefighters. Police and Fire Unions from around the region and country are invited to join our picket line and we will request all mayors from across the U.S. to honor our picket line and refuse to cross it and instead engage their public safety workers in meaningful and fair discussions concerning our grievances”.

Again, the U.S. Conference of Mayors will be held from Friday June 17th through Tuesday June 21st, 2011 and all FOP and IAFF members, active and retired, as well as their family and friends, are urged to join us on the picket line. For more information and to sign up and fight back, please call the Fraternal Order of Police, Baltimore City Lodge # 3 at 410-243-9141 or email them at info@fop3.org. Plan ahead and put in your leave for these dates.

To-date, the Fraternal Order of Police, Maryland State Lodge, the Fraternal Order of Police Grand (National) Lodge, various local Maryland Fraternal Order of Police lodges, out of state Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Fire Fighters and other labor organizations nationwide that represent Police and Fire have committed to participating in the picket / protest line during the June 17th / 21st, 2011 U.S. Conference of Mayors in Baltimore, Maryland.

This is a serious matter, not only for Baltimore City, but is a nationwide problem. Please forward this information to your email list. Your participation would be greatly appreciated.

Fraternally / Sincerely,

Earl R. Kratsch, State Treasurer
Fraternal Order of Police, Maryland State Lodge, Inc.
Liaison / Advisor to the Maryland Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors
Chairman, Fraternal Order of Police COPS RIDE