this vision now had to step up and produce results . Using the funds of our $ 10 per month dues , we rented and set up a small office at 19th Avenue , just north of Camelback . This small office later became known as the “ Broom Closet .”
The leadership of PLEA worked regular shifts and then served on their free time-off helping to run PLEA . It was becoming very clear that we needed a secretary dedicated to help with all the administrative work while we worked our police jobs . The call went out , and who answered that call but some feisty little lady by the name of Arlene Venturini , who had a strong New York accent . She had all the required secretarial qualifications that we sorely needed . And , as an added benefit to this newbie President and his readers , she could edit and check my spelling on my written articles .
When offered the secretarial position , I ’ m sure Arlene had to weigh out her options before deciding to accept this offer to work for a new organization that might not last to the end of the week ! However , over 35 years later , that decision she made provided the “ Link ” that PLEA needed to survive the many different PLEA Presidents and their personalities , as well as the challenging trials that PLEA experienced over the years . Each one of the PLEA Presidents and others in PLEA leadership relied on Arlene ’ s knowledge on the direction and purposes of PLEA .
It is my personal belief that God placed Arlene at PLEA to guide all of us involved with PLEA by being that vital connecting “ Link ” of unity , and by developing a caring , dedicated staff who understood that their purpose was to support and serve the membership of PLEA .
Thank you , Arlene , for making that decision to join with us 35 years ago and for being the willing person whom our loving God was able to work through to impact the lives of Phoenix Police Officers and their families . You have gone home to be with Jesus , and I feel certain He met you with open arms and said , “ Well done , faithful servant .”
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