Tucson POA Elects Larry Lopez as New President

April 20, 2005

Larry Lopez was recently elected President of the Tucson Police Officers Association (TPOA), taking over in March from long-time TPOA President Rich Anemone. Lopez joined the TPOA in 1995, at a time when the TPOA was struggling to gain representational rights and negotiate for Tucson police officers, detectives, and sergeants. The fledgling TPOA unseated a 25-year bargaining representative in 1996.

After the TPOA's historic win in 1996 to represent Tucson police officers and significant pay increases thereafter to make Tucson competitive with Phoenix Valley cities, Lopez became heavily involved in the TPOA. He first served as a Patrol Division Representative. In 2001, he was appointed the TPOA Grievance Chairman, where he monitored, assisted, and processed grievances, including disciplinary matters, through the Department's chain of command.

Larry Lopez has experience in other police union matters as well. He has served on several TPOA bargaining committees, during which sign economic benefits were achieved for Tucson officers. He is also currently a member of the AZCOPS Local 7077 Finance Committee.

One of the important contributions that Larry Lopez has made to the law enforcement labor movement is grievance training for other organizations. He has done annual grievance training for leaders of associations affiliated with AZCOPS at the Local's annual convention.

He has also done grievance training for the newly formed Salt Lake County deputy Local 7077 (see related article on page 2). "Larry did a tremendous job in showing our leadership how to assist members with grievances," said Local 7077 President Jim Winder. "We got our organization off to a great start by having this information immediately available."

Lopez is excited about his new role and also aware that he will be carrying on a great leadership tradition set by past President Rich Anemone. Lopez told the Public Safety Officer that he standard of political strength and community recognition that Anemone accomplished.

"The NCPSO/CWA is very excited about Larry becoming Tucson POA president," said Director John Burpo. "He brings a wealth of experience and ideas both at the local and national level."wanted to maintain the TPOA at the same