FROM RETIRED SGT. JOSEPH OZOG

[cdillon]

This Op-Ed is directed to my brother and sister, law-enforcement officers, both both active and retired:

As I am now, a member of a now pretty much extinct generation due largely to retirement , I reminisce on how things used to be. Many of you younger officers have heard this many times from your more tenured peers “This job used to be so much fun”. Retirees I frequently meet with share the same sentiment. Part of that was because we had many opportunities to join outside police related social organizations for recreation, camaraderie , competitions, and even public service. I do not know that the situation remains the same, and I am researching the proposition. I do know that prior to my retiring in 2020 the Daily Bulletin was no longer readily available in print. You had to go on the department clear system to locate and read it if you were so interested. The Daily Bulletin was a chief source of all kinds of announcements and unfortunately obituaries. Nonetheless, the social organizations and clubs used to post meeting notices, membership drives, and fundraising. Also, during my career there was an additional magazine publication called the Chicago Police Star which also featured activities and information regarding the various social organizations, clubs, and teams. That publication was terminated somewhere around 2004. When I retired in 2020 it seemed to me that there was a disconnect between the department and these organizations. The departmental order for organizations to request official departmental recognition was still around. The current order is Employee Resource 08-01. I requested a copy of the list, but have not received it as of this writing. It is supposed to be available to Commanding Officers.

The purpose of me reaching out to all of you is to encourage you to become engaged in social/club/sporting organizations that are recognized by the department. Most, if not, all would also embrace retiree participation as well. We older folks still have something to contribute! It will certainly benefit your physical and or mental health. Don’t do 20 or 30 years on the job and then regret not having been involved. For retirees it’s not too late!



Sgt Joe OZOG (Retired)

Knights of Columbus Police Council 12173

(Formerly) Chicago Police Pistol Team OZOG