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Roger Ketelaar, Steve Weiland, James McKay, Joe Petrosino, Irwin“ Ernie” Bakin, Jerry Licata, Tony Macarle, and Richard Kerger.
From the beginning, PLEA’ s mission was clear. As outlined in Article III of our original incorporation documents, our primary objectives were to“ promote better relations, working conditions, benefits and wages of Patrolmen and Sergeants working for the City of Phoenix Police Department.” A key figure in ensuring our legal standing was Michael Napier, appointed as PLEA’ s lawful agent. To this day, he has remained our chief counsel, originally chosen, as Gordy fondly recalled, because he was conveniently located near their meeting place and had a copy machine— an invaluable resource at the time.
As PLEA evolved, so too did the landscape of law enforcement representation in Phoenix. When city leaders moved to separate officers and sergeants into different bargaining units, the city charter was amended, limiting Unit 4 to sworn personnel below the rank of sergeant. This change led to the formation of the Management and Police Employees( MAPE), which later became what we now know as the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association( PPSLA).
Through five decades, one principle has remained unwavering— PLEA’ s steadfast commitment to protecting the rights of our members. Every benefit and safeguard outlined in our current Memorandum of Understanding has been hard-won through the tireless efforts of our Board of Trustees, past and present. We remain resolute in our mission to advocate for the policing profession, defend our members’ rights, and secure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions through effective representation and strong relationships with the community as well as with local, state, and national governments.
PLEA is proud to be affiliated with both the National Association of Police Organizations( NAPO) and the Arizona Police Association( APA), partnerships that strengthen our ability to advocate for our members at every level.
As the certified bargaining unit for the officers and detectives of the Phoenix Police Department, we will continue to fight for our members— whether through disciplinary representation, grievance advocacy, or negotiations to secure the best possible wages, benefits, and working conditions.
It is an honor to serve as President of this extraordinary organization.
Together with the Board of Trustees, I am committed to leading PLEA into the next 50 years with the same dedication and integrity that have defined our past.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the PLEA office or via email at dkriplean @ azplea. com..
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