From National FOP President Patrick Yoes
National Board Members, State Presidents, and FOP Leaders at All Levels
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who reached out with calls, emails, texts, and messages following the passage of H.R. 82. I apologize for the delay in responding. After an intense couple of weeks navigating various paths, challenges, pitfalls, and opportunities for success in repealing H.R. 82, and being away from home for nearly three weeks, I took time to celebrate a family Christmas gathering. This also gave me time to reflect on our monumental achievement.
Let me begin by expressing how immensely proud I am of every member of the FOP. I am honored by your confidence in me and grateful for the opportunity to play a small role in the journey we all took together. The power of FOP unity and leadership cannot be overstated.
The repeal of WEP and GPO marks one of the most significant advancements in the FOP’s 110-year history. Since our founding in 1915, the FOP has played a critical role in EVERY major legislative milestone in the advancement of policing in America and the protection of public employee rights. This victory adds to our extensive list of achievements, solidifying our reputation as a powerful advocate for justice and fairness.
This accomplishment would not have been possible without the unwavering support and action of our members. At every level of the FOP, our state and local lodge leaders mobilized members to write letters, make calls, and meet with their Representatives and Senators. Your dedication created an undeniable force that demanded attention and action. The passion and determination of our members across America were the driving forces behind this success. Your persistence ensured that public servants were heard loud and clear. This victory is not only a win for the FOP but for every public servant who has faced these unjust provisions.
The repeal of WEP and GPO is more than a legislative success; it reflects our values as a nation. It sends a clear message that the sacrifices and contributions of public servants will not be overlooked or undervalued. As President Biden prepares to sign this bill into law, we celebrate the end of a 40-year injustice and the beginning of a new chapter for public employees and their families.
While we take a moment to celebrate, we remain steadfast in our mission. The FOP will continue to lead the charge on issues that affect our members and the law enforcement community. Together, we will build on this success, ensuring that fairness, respect, and dignity remain at the core of our profession.
To every member who participated in this righteous fight: thank you. Your leadership, dedication, and resilience have helped create a brighter future for millions of Americans. This victory proves what we can achieve when we stand together with a shared commitment to justice.
Finally, I want to extend our collective gratitude to the dedicated NFOP legislative staff in Washington, DC, led by Executive Director Jim Pasco and Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson. They never wavered in their fight against this injustice. Thank you for your service and for being an integral part of this historic milestone.
This is your moment. This is our moment. Let us celebrate this achievement and continue forward with the same determination and unity that brought us here. Thank you for your service and for being an essential part of this historic milestone. Together, we make history.
