POAG EXECUTIVE MINUTES - February 2003:     

             The Executive Committee of the Peace Officers’ Association of Georgia, Inc. held a meeting at 10 A. M., February  20, 2003, at the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigation, Macon, Georgia.  Committee members attending included President Harry Colbert, Vice President Homer Bryson, Board Members Keith Moran and Gary Hill,  Secretary-Treasurer John Conley, and Public Relations Director Jimmy Jones.  Legislative Chairman Bob Brown, Executive Director Marion Conley,  Attorney Frank Childs and Chaplain Jimmy Waters were unable to attend. Visitors included Ken Suddeth, Chief Jimmy Allen, Mickey Pearce, Bob Carter, Sheriff Jerry Modena and Regina Stokes. 

The meeting was called to order and a welcome given all in attendance by President Harry Colbert.   All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.  Bibb County Sheriff Jerry Modena welcomed all in attendance. 

The minutes and financial report from January, 2003 were approved upon a motion from Homer Bryson.  The motion was seconded by Gary Hill and passed.

            President Colbert advised all in attendance that the Chief’s meeting at Callaway Gardens went well, with no complaints being voiced in opposition to POAG’s fundraising campaign.  

            All reviewed the planned trip to the Capitol for the honoring of our “Officers of the Year”.  Secretary Conley advised that we were to be present in the Senate chambers for the award at 11 A. M. and in the House chambers at 1 P.M. for the House presentation.  All will meet with Governor Sonny Perdue at 2:25 P. M.  President Colbert will have someone go to take pictures so that they can possibly be included in “The Georgia Peace Officer”.   

            The fall convention was discussed.  Homer has not heard from his inquiry into a possible instructor for the balance of the training.  (Monday’s four-hour training session will be Dr. Bobby Smith with the FORTE Foundation.)  John Conley has secured a corporate sponsor for Tuesday’s noon lunch.  Homer will inquire into the possibility of a fish fry for Tuesday night for 200 people.  Hopefully, this meal could be arranged for $10.00 a plate.  Gary Hill will check into possibly securing chicken for Monday night.  Keith Moran advised he possibly could secure the bread.  Homer will check into the possibility of a band performing. 

            The feasibility of having C-12 forms in each class, with Sergeant-At-Arms in each class to make sure the C-12’s are completed.  Gary Hill advised he could check into the possibility of having the driving and shooting simulator available.   However, there would have to be a sign-up sheet to participate in this event because it is so time consuming. 

We would have to limit the participation in this event. 

            Board Member Keith Moran advised he has sent a letter to Quantico requesting 300 Turn Level 2 Bullet proof vests and is awaiting a response from the proper officials.  He would be happy to personally go and pick these vests up when delivery is approved.  It was decided to issue these vests to counties with less than 50 employees. 

            Keith wishes to make the convention agenda available on the back of a flyer for the Blue Knights Motorcycle fun run. 

            President Colbert will inquire of Past President Wayne Avery about our acquiring the Power Point presentation he had worked on.  This would save all a lot of work if we could acquire his efforts on this project.   

            Gary Hill asked that, if possible, a flyer be sent all 50 patrol posts throughout the state on the details of the convention.  This flyer would be distributed in June or July.  It is hoped that a Blue Knight flyer could be included in the June magazine.   

            Bobby Carter, Secretary of the Peace Officers’ Annuity & Benefit Fund, was happy to answer some questions raised by some of the Committee members relating to disability retirement.  Bobby reminded those present that a member prior to July 1, 1993 would have disability coverage, while someone joining after that date would have no disability coverage.  An actuarial study has proposed that dues be raised to $20.00 a month.  There has been no increase in dues since 1979.  The actuary’s proposal passed.  Mr. Carter stated that with the increase in dues, retirees could be granted a cost of living increase.  POA&B will be releasing a newsletter twice a year in an effort to keep current addresses on its members.  Bob Brown will be asked to write a letter for the magazine on the increase in dues. 

            John Conley relayed he would like to see if Commission of Agriculture Tommy Irvin would again furnish milk, ice cream etc. for the convention as he has done in the past. 

            Secretary Conley reminded all the contract for “The Georgia Peace Officer” has expired.  Keith Moran made a motion to renew the contract as it has been for the previous three years.  This motion was seconded by Homer Bryson and passed. 

            Homer Bryson volunteered to talk with Ronnie Lynn and see if we could possibly get the Southern Railroad gentlemen back to conventions. 

            All attendees were reminded we needed to get “Officer of the Year” nominations in to the office.  In addition, nominations for life awards need to be sent to the office.  Three Honorary life awards and four Active life awards are the number awarded.  It would be nice if these nominations could be in the office by the April meeting, April 8, 2003. 

            Board Member Gary Hill volunteered to host the March meeting.  The meeting will be held Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 10 A. M., Billy Tillman’s pond house, approximately 2 ½ miles North of Georgia State Patrol post 45, off 30l, Statesboro.  Directions may be secured from the office. A fish fry lunch will be held following the meeting.  Telephone lines will be available for a presentation by Universal Connect. 

            President Colbert adjourned the meeting.