On Monday, March 30, 2026, I attended the monthy State Board meeting at the NYS FOP Headquarters in Hicksville. Several issues were discussed. 

NEWS:

• FOP Plates Program: The Department of Motor Vehicles can pull any Fraternal Order of Police Plate they find objectable. Active members now have to be enrolled for 2 years before qualifying to apply for FOP plates.
• Good of the Lodge: We all would like to welcome our newest lodge 585 which is called the Finger Lakes Lodge 585. 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: NONE 
• NYS FOP President's Report: President, Mike Essig, Hicksville is having a revitalization of new buildings. Parking areas may impede future memorials due to street closings and parking not being permitted. The prior $5 increase for the state lodge is to be continued in 2027. The National will increase the dues by $3 and in 2030 will increase the dues by another $3.
• 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 (11) 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: All Lodges were asked for a donation for the memorial to be held in May. Lodge 81 donated $100, $2500 was donated by the Mineola Oddfellows and the Chief Surgeons lodge donated $10,000 with all of the lodges contributing the total was $22,400.
• 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 will be held on May 2, 2026. The 2026 Memorial will be held in Hicksville All Lodges were asked to donate to help cover the cost.  
• 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. The national database is not working, NY has major problems with the national due to a computer program/printer missing membership cards.
• 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 2026 Scholarship Form here: Go to DOWNLOADS/FORMS on this website. Scholarships were due in by May 15, 2026. (2) Scholarships per Lodge. 
• Treasurers Report: Treasurer: NONE 
• NYS Conference: The next State Conference will be held in Albany this year from October 18, through October 20 at the Crowne Plaza. A single occupancy is $180 plus taxes and fees and for a double it's $210 plus taxes and fees. 
• National FOP Conference: NONE 
• Guest Speaker: NONE
• Next State Trustee's Meeting: TBD   

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