Today, AZCOPS is playing an active role to protect our members' jobs by educating elected officials at all levels of government about the dangers of cutting law enforcement jobs at a time when crime is on the rise.

 

 

 

The Pinal County Deputies Association submitted 174 signatures to the County Clerk this week -- 42 more than needed to call an election to determine the bargaining agent.

 

"We collected more than the 132 required," said President Jeff Pizzi. "And, I would like to thank everyone who signed the petition and those who worked hard to collect signatures:  Ben Cook-Search and Rescue, Eric Berner-Region 4, Lorraine Bethka-ID, Dispatch, and Kent Stoor-Detention."
 
Pizzi said when the group learned earlier this week that the petitions were not valid, members Aubrey Keck and Keven Keck worked around the clock to collect the majority of signatures needed. Pizzi said the Association is especially grateful for their commitment.

 

Currently, Pinal County officials are working to verfiy the signatures. Once this is completed, the County has 30 days to hold an election. 

 

"We are making history in Pinal County and around the state," said Pizzi. "Thank you to everyone who continues to be part of this effort. We look forward to keeping fellow AZCOPS members informed of our progress."

 
Read More about Pinal County Meet and Confer

 

Ernie Mejia was a police officer and school resource officer with both the Tucson Police Department and the South Tucson Police Department, serving more than 41 years. He served the last six years of his life as Assistant Chief of Police for the South Tucson Police Department. 

 

During his years on the South Tucson PD, he spearheaded a drive for donated funds to provide new shoes for low income school children there. Seven years after his death, Ernie's legacy of collecting for the less fortunate children and their families continues to thrive in South Tucson. In 2008, the program donated $3,000 to area families. 

 

This year, Ernie's Just for Kids will create a scholarship for local youth who wish to enter the field of criminal justice. The scholarship will be presented to a high school student selected from Cholla, Pueblo, Sunnyside or Desert View HIgh School. Proceeds from the golf tournament, hosted by Los Hermanos Golf Club of which Ernie was a member, will go to fund the scholarship.

 

To find out more, view the entry form.