On behalf of the WACOPS Retired I would like to extend an invitation to all retired police/deputy sheriffs to join our organization. WACOPS has been representing law enforcement organizations in Olympia for over 50 years. They have made numerous improvements in pension issues including binding arbitration. The Washington State Retired Police Officers Association was an affiliate of WACOPS for many years. The WSRPOA was made up of the 10 prior act cities and Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff Retirees. Membership in WSRPOA required organizations only and did not accept individuals as members so around 2003 WACOPS formed its own retiree association to facilitate those individuals who wanted to belong to a retiree organization and didn’t have a local retiree group. In 2007 WSRPOA decided to disband and join forces with the WACOPS Retired. Currently we have over 800 retired LEOFF members.

Why join WACOPS Retired. Currently there are three major organizations that represent retired Law Enforcement officers. Retired Seattle Police,WSRDSPOA and WACOPS Retired. All three have different functions and represent their members differently. SPD Retired currently has a President who is very active and involved with LEOFF retiree issues. The WSRDSPOA is mainly fraternal in nature but is affiliated with the LEOFF 1 Coalition as is SPD Retired. WACOPS Retired also keeps watch for issues relating to LEOFF 1 retirees. WACOPS has dedicated one Board position to the retirees with full voting authority. WACOPS has a full time Executive Director and office staff, one full time lobbyist and one part time lobbyist during session. The Executive Board is and has always been committed to protecting the LEOFF 1 members as well as LEOFF 11. It is true however that WACOPS as an organization is primarily LEOFF 11. By having a retiree on the Board of WACOPS we have a voice and can be diligent in keeping on top of any issues facing retirees.

Currently there are no dues for WACOPS Retired members. We do not currently have membership meetings but could change that if the interest were there. WACOPS has a website that provides information to everyone as well as a quarterly magazine mailed to all members. The primary goal of WACOPS Retired is to be aware of any pending legislation that effects LEOFF 1 and then work with all the groups to protect our pension. Anyone wishing to join WACOPS Retired can download an application from www.wacops.org and send back to the WACOPS office. Membership does require a sponsor who is already a member but that is not a problem. Just send me an email at Kandec2@aol.com and that can be arranged. The importance of belonging to a state organization is as always Strength In Numbers. When dealing with Legislators it more effective if you are speaking for 100’s of members rather that a couple.

Fraternaly,
Ken Crowder
WACOPS Board Pos.#8 Retired