On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, I attended the monthy State Board meeting at the NYS FOP Headquarters in Hicksville. Several issues were discussed. 

NEWS:

• FOP Plates Program: The License Plate Program is going strong. It has issued 75 plates and 2 motorcycles. Active members now have to be enrolled for 2 years before qualifying to apply for FOP plates.
• Good of the Lodge: Is your Lodge celebrating a milestone anniversary this year? Please let me, Mike Nied know as far in advance as possible via an email, fop38prez@aol.com so that I may request the National Lodge issue a specail certificate to be sent to you to commemorate the occasion.
• Minutes from Previous Meetings: Accepted from December 5, 2024 & March 26, 2025 
• NYS FOP President's Report: President, Mike Essig, Cigar Night will held October 22,  2025 at the Plattdeutsche Restaurant. $160 Per Person (Advance), $190 at the door. (See state website for more info)
• The FOP Legislative Committee: Under the NY "Safe Act", members were reminded that a Health Professional is able to pull your firearm. NO political endorsements unless it's approved by the Legislative Committee.
• Charity Committee: None
• F.O.P. Legal Defense (On National Website) $84 per year for retirees, $324 for Active.
• Zone Presidents: Gave their reports.
• N.Y.S. FOP Disaster Assistance Reponse Team: The DART Vehicle #1 is now operational & Vehicle #2 41ft trailer is for Sale and a smaller vehicle will replace it. 
• Secretary's Report: Secretary, Lauren Holz, again reiterated that the FOP Logo, can NOT be used without permission.
• Survivor's Aide: State Secretary, Lauren Holz read the names of twelve (12) FOP Active members who passed away and asked for a motion to approve a payment of $250 for each member. Motion was unanimously approved. Lodges must submit a list of members over the age of 62 (For survivors aide purposes) to make sure there is (NO break in service). 
• State FOP Foundation: Easterseal Toy Drive, Lodge 81 donated $100 towards purchasing toys for the Easter Seals Christmas Party. Total collected was $5,800
• NYS FOP: Please check out the website for Ameritus Dental & Vision. Dental contract was renewed by the State and the Vision plans has a cost reduction.
• National Memorial: None 
• NYS Empire State Police Officer Memorial: Our State FOP Memorial was held on May 4, 2025. The 2025 Memorial held in Hicksville All Lodges were asked to donate to help cover the cost. Annual memorial in Mike Essig's words were "Phenomenal". A huge success. 
• National FOP: The National FOP continues to offer benefits for the membership to avail themselves of. They are listed on the National FOP website at www.fop.net. Use of the FOP logo is strictly prohibited without prior authorization of the FOP. National FOP plans to increase dues by $3.00 in January of 2027 & again with another $3.00 in January of 2030.
• National FOP Covid-19 Information: The FOP continues to maintain a dedicated website, www.fopcovid19.org, with updates on relevant news for our members. 
• Chairrman of the Trustees: None
• National Trustees Report: go to DOWNLOADS/FORMS on this website.
• State FOP Scholarship Committee: You can also download the 2025 Scholarship Form here: Go to DOWNLOADS/FORMS on this website. Scholarships were due in by April 30, 2025. (2) Scholarships per Lodge. 
• Treasurers Report: Treasurer: None  
• NYS Conference: The next State Conference will be voted on, Choices are: Syracuse, Albany, Buffalo or Monticello 
• National FOP Conference: National Trustee, The 2025 convention will be held in Miami, FL. August 2 - 8, 2025. June 20, 2025 deadline to book NYSFOP hotel. June 30, 2025 deadline for lodges to nominate and elect delegates. July 17, 2025 credentials must be received by thsi date to be considered pre-registered. Convention amendments as of June 5, 2025 were not received from National as of yet.
• Guest Speaker: Finacial Education Series - James Jones (Agent) Pacific Advisors. See State FOP website for more information.
• Next State Trustee's Meeting: December 4, 2025   

The State also wanted to remind members about the Copyright of the FOP logo. If you make anything with the FOP logo you must obtain permission.

The State will be conducting audits of the lodge paperwork. One of the main issues they will be checking is to see if the member has submitted a copy of his or her law enforcement ID active or retired. This has become an issue with the insurance company that holds the AD & D life insurance policy for the FOP. If a member has passed away and a claim is filed for the insurance the lodge must produce a copy of the members signed application as well as a copy of his or her active or retired photo ID. If the lodge does not have this the claim will be turned down. So if the member has not yet submitted a copy of his or her ID please do so at once. If you are an associate member you must submit a copy of your drivers license.

Remember to always check the State Lodge website at www.nysfop.org and Lodge 81 website at www.nysfop81.org for additional information about any upcoming events, meetings dates etc. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Sonny Maxon

State Trustee Lodge 81