Official Statement
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
GRAND LODGE, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
The Fraternal Order of Police is a non-profit corporation formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, entered the Decree of Incorporation on the 17th day of November, 1915. The original Articles were recorded on the 18th day of November, 1915 in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in Charter Book Volume 49, Page 350. Pursuant to the provisions of the laws of Pennsylvania, application to the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to amend the original charter was made on the first day of June, 1940, the Court ordered, adjudged and decreed the Articles of Amendment approved and a part of the charter. Articles of Amendment recorded June 8, 1940, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
The Constitution as set forth herein, was adopted November 18, 1915, and amended at official Annual Convention subsequently held, including the First Annual Convention held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1917, and the 28th Annual Convention held at Indianapolis, Indiana, August 11, 1947.
At the First Annual Convention, a Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police was formed and by proper action said Grand Lodge was authorized and empowered to use the corporate name of the Fraternal Order of Police and to exercise and perform all corporate rights, privileges, powers, authorities and franchises of the Fraternal Order of Police.
The By-Laws prior to August 11, 1947 were included in the Constitution, By-Laws adopted at the 28th Annual Convention, August 11, 1947.
Constitution and By-Laws, as amended and adopted, respectively, in full force and effect.
The Grand Lodge and Pennsylvania Lodge Constitution and By-Laws are hereby made a part of the Constitution and By-Laws of FREDERICK SUTTON LODGE NO. 57, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE.
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS: We, the members of FREDERICK SUTTON LODGE NO. 57, declaring that this lodge is not a union and that it is not, and cannot be, affiliated either directly, or indirectly, with any labor union, federation, congress, committee or organization of workmen and; that we shall not strike or by concerted action cause a cessation of the performance of police duties; recognizing the moral, intellectual, social and economic benefits incurring to police officers and their families from our association and incorporation within the FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE: striving to cultivate the mutual friendship of fraternity and desiring to foster and encourage the highest degree of skill, efficiency, discipline and loyalty among members of the Pennsylvania State Police, and all other police officers that may become affiliated with our association do hereby agree to be governed by the following:
BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1.
NAME
SECTION 1. The name of this lodge shall be FREDERICK SUTTON LODGE NO. 57, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE.
SEAL
SECTION 2. The seal shall consist of the chart emblem of the Fraternal Order of Police, having inscribed on the circumference thereof the words, “FREDERICK SUTTON LODGE NO. 57, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE.”
ARTICLE 2.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. The entire legislative, executive and judicial government of this lodge shall be vested in the Board of Directors, which shall conduct the business and affairs of the Lodge between meetings of the General Body to which it shall regularly report for approval or rejection of its actions.
SECTION 2. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, the Immediate Past President, One (1) Vice-President, One (1) Recording Secretary, One (1) Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Three (3) Trustees, One (1) Conductor, One (1) Guard and One (1) Chaplain.
SECTION 3. The Board of Directors shall have the power to fill by nomination and election at any meeting, regular or special, by a majority vote of its membership, any and all vacancies which may occur by reason of death, resignation, disability, failure to qualify, recall, suspension or expulsion, among its own membership, or among any of the subordinate officers, committees, employees or agents elected or appointed by the Board. The person thus elected to such vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term thus filled.
SECTION 4. The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint all agents and employees of the Lodge who, except as may be otherwise provided by lawful contract, shall serve only with the approval and consent and solely during the pleasure of the Board. It shall fix and determine the salaries, duties and compensation of all officers, agents, and employees, and shall have the power, except as herein otherwise provided, to increase or diminish the same at its pleasure.
SECTION 5. The Board of Directors shall not, at any time, issue or sell any certificates of stock in the Lodge. No dividends shall be paid directly or indirectly to any member or the Board; nor shall the members of the Board be entitled directly or indirectly to any portion of the earnings or income of the Lodge derived through increment of value on its property, or otherwise incidentally made, except under the decree of a proper court upon dissolution.
SECTION 6. The Board of Directors shall meet once every four (4) months, and at such other times as the Board, or its Executive Board may determine. A quorum of five (5) of its members shall be necessary for the transaction of business.
SECTION 7. There shall be an Executive Board of the Board of Directors composed of the President as Chairman, one (1) Vice-President as Vice-Chairman, the Recording Secretary, the Financial Secretary-Treasurer, three (3) Trustees, the Conductor, the Chaplain, one (1) Guard, and the Past President, which shall conduct the business and affairs of the Lodge between meetings of the Board of Directors to which it shall regularly report for approval or rejection of its actions.
SECTION 8. Any member of the Executive Board who is absent from six (6) consecutive meetings, without just cause, shall be replaced by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 3.
OFFICERS
SECTION 1.The officers of this lodge shall consist of the President, one (1) Vice-President, the Recording Secretary, the Financial Secretary-Treasurer, three (3) Trustees, the Conductor, the Chaplain, one (1) Guard, and an Immediate Past President; all of whom shall be active members of this lodge and in good standing.
SECTION 2. A Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Associate Membership, shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and approved by the General Body at a regular meeting of the members present. Said Financial Secretary-Treasurer to handle the affairs of the Associate Membership of Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57.
ARTICLE 4.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
PRESIDENT’S DUTIES
SECTION 1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Lodge, of the Board of Directors and its Executive Board, at all of which he shall enforce order and a strict compliance with these by-laws and such rules and regulations as may be adopted in pursuance thereof. While occupying the Chair he shall not participate in debate without the consent of the majority of the members present. He shall nominate and, by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, may appoint the Chairman and members of all standing and special committees, and shall serve as an ex-officio member thereof. He shall, with the Recording Secretary, sign all contracts and other official documents authorized by the Board of Directors, or its Executive Board, for this lodge. He shall, with the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary, sign all orders on the treasury or other depository for the disbursement of Lodge funds. He shall give bond to the Lodge for the faithful discharge of his duties in such a manner and amounts as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT’S DUTIES
SECTION 2.The Immediate Past President shall advise and assist the President and the Board of Directors at their request, and shall execute such assignments as may be ordered by the Board of Directors.
VICE-PRESIDENT’S DUTIES
SECTION 3. In the absence of the President from any cause, the Vice-President shall discharge the duties of the President.
RECORDING SECRETARY’S DUTIES
SECTION 4. The Recording Secretary shall have general custody of the seal and of all books, documents, papers, and records of the Lodge, not otherwise entrusted, temporarily, to other officers, or to standing or special committees. He shall take and transcribe minutes of all the meetings of the Lodge, of the Board of Directors and its Executive Board, and shall submit same for approval or amendment at the next meeting thereof. When so required, he shall give due notice of all such meetings, and shall conduct the general correspondence of the Lodge. He shall, with the President, attest and seal all duly authorized and approved contracts of the Lodge and keep copies thereof in his files. At the expiration of his term of office, he shall deliver to his successor the seal and all books and papers in his possession.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY-TREASURER’S DUTIES
SECTION 5. The Financial Secretary-Treasurer shall have general charge of all of the financial records of this lodge, including all books, cards, leaves and papers showing the payment or non-payment by members of dues, fees and assessments. All items of income and expenditure shall first be presented to him for record upon the books, journals and records of the Lodge.
At the first meeting of each quarter in January, April, July and October of each year, he shall submit a report of the number of members in good standing and those, if any, who may be in arrears. The Financial Secretary-Treasurer shall notify by mail all members over three (3) months in arrears of their arrearage, and after six (6) months in arrears they shall be suspended from the Lodge for non-payment of dues.
All dues, fines, fees, and assessments shall be paid to the Financial Secretary-Treasurer and he shall have general charge of same, and no other member shall receive a membership card until such amounts are paid in full. From the money paid by delinquent members, if any, the Financial Secretary-Treasurer shall first deduct the several amounts which may be due for fees, fines and assessments, if any and shall credit the dues account of the member with the remainder.
His books shall be open for immediate inspection at all reasonable hours by the Trustees and members of the Executive Board or the Board of Directors. He shall give bond to the Lodge for the faithful performance of his duties in such a manner and amount as may be fixed by the Board of Directors.
The Financial Secretary-Treasurer shall have general charge of all the dues, fees, fines, assessments, and monetary earnings of the Lodge and, together with the President, or the Vice-President in the President’s absence, shall deposit and maintain all such funds in a bank account, or accounts, in the name of FREDERICK SUTTON LODGE NO. 57, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE.
He shall have power, when countersigned by the President, or Vice-President in the President’s absence, to draw, sign, and issue checks, drafts, and money orders for the withdrawal of lodge funds there from, for the prompt payment of all lawful obligations of the Lodge which have been approved by the Board of Directors, or its Executive Board.
He shall keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements which shall be available at all times for examination by the Trustees or by the members of the Executive Board. He shall render a report of the financial condition of the Lodge at each meeting of the Lodge.
He shall retain in his possession, in a locked, steel cash box, designated as “Petty Cash” as sum of money, not exceeding TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($25.00), of the general fund, which shall be used to defray all incidental and miscellaneous current expenses and, in connection therewith, he shall keep accurate records of all the disbursements there from and additions thereto. He shall also have general custody of all bonds and other securities in which Lodge funds may be, from time to time invested; and shall keep the same in a safe deposit box in the name of this Lodge. At the expiration of his term of office, he shall deliver to his successor all money and securities, books and records in his possession.
TRUSTEE’S DUTIES
SECTION 6. The Trustees, three (3) in number, shall constitute the general auditing committee of the Lodge. They shall conduct a Voucher System, whereby the authenticity of all bills shall be verified as being correct and having been properly authorized; whereby all bills TEN DOLLARS ($10.00) or over, shall be verified as having been authorized by the appropriate committee. The President, Financial Secretary-
Treasurer (which constitutes one office), shall be governed by the Voucher System in the signing of checks for withdrawals from the Lodge Treasury.
The Trustees shall, from time to time, examine the bank books and all other contracts, documents, ledgers and papers pertaining to the business and property of the Lodge. They shall conduct an audit every six (6) months and shall report thereon to the Lodge. They shall also perform such other duties as the Board of Directors, or its Executive Board, may assign them.
They shall elect one of their own as Chairman of the Trustees.
CONDUCTOR’S DUTIES
SECTION 7.The Conductor shall receive the password, ascertain that all persons present are entitled to remain, and report thereon to the President. He shall conduct all candidates through the initiation ceremony and introduce them to the members of the Lodge. He shall perform other such duties as the President may assign him.
GUARD’S DUTIES
SECTION 8. The Guard shall attend the door and permit entrance to no person who is not properly qualified by membership, unless otherwise ordered by the President, or the Vice-President in the President’s absence, to admit guests. He shall also aid the Conductor in the performance of such duties as the President may require.
CHAPLAIN’S DUTIES
SECTION 9. The Chaplain shall, at the opening of every meeting, lead the membership in prayers and, if necessary, conduct memorial services for our departed members.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY-TREASURER, ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES
SECTION 10. The duty of the Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Associate Membership shall be to take general charge of all financial records of the Associate Membership including all books, cards, leaves, and papers. The Financial Secretary-Treasurer, in the name of Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police shall maintain a Bank or Checking Account and shall deposit all monies collected from Associate Members, including dues, sales of emblems or other items into said Bank or Checking Account. He shall have the power when countersigned by the President, or the Vice-President in the absence of the President to draw, sign and issue checks and to make prompt payment of all lawful obligations of the Lodge which have been approved. He shall keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements which shall be available at all times for examination by the Board of Directors or any member in attendance at a regular meeting. He shall notify all Associate Members of any affairs of the Lodge that they may be entitled to attend. He shall, with the approval of the Board
of Directors, transfer any portion of Associate Members Account to the General Account of the Lodge.
For the faithful performance of his duties the Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Associate Members shall receive TEN (10) percent of all monies collected from dues and any sales to Associate Members not to exceed FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00). At the end of his term as Secretary-Treasurer he shall deliver to his successor all money, records, and any items dealing with Associate Members. The Secretary-Treasurer, Associate Membership shall be bonded as required.
ARTICLE 5.
COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. There shall be standing committees as follows:
Legislation and Public Relations Entertainment
House and Rules Election
By-Laws and Resolutions Grievance
Membership Publications
Appropriation Welfare
Ways and Means Legal Aid
SECTION 2. No proposal for lodge action shall come upon the floor for debate or vote until it has first been referred to and reported from an appropriate committee, unless a majority of the members present shall agree to immediate consideration thereof. Every committee must report, either affirmatively or negatively, on all matters referred for consideration within one (1) month from the date of such reference, otherwise, the committee shall be deemed to have been discharged from further consideration. Any committee may also be discharged by a majority vote of the Board of Directors
SECTION 3.No member of this lodge shall print, or cause to be printed, any item concerning the affairs of this lodge without said item first having been favorably recommended by the Legislation and Public Relations Committee.
ARTICLE 6.
MEETINGS OF THE GENERAL BODY
SECTION 1. The stated meetings of the General Body of the Lodge shall be held at least once each month, on the first Tuesday thereof, at 7:30 o’clock, P.M., EST at the specified meeting place of the Lodge. Thirteen (13) members shall constitute a quorum necessary for the transaction of business. Special meetings shall be called by the President on the advise of the Executive Board, or on the written application of no fewer than seven (7) members.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
SECTION 2. At all meetings of the Lodge and of the Board of Directors, the order of business shall be as follows:
(A) Passwords taken up by the Conductor - including checking membership cards.
(B) Display American Flag and General Body shall repeat in unison the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag; after which the Lodge shall be led in prayer by the Lodge Chaplain.
(C) Roll Call of Officers.
(D) Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.
(E) Sickness and Distress.
(F) Reports of the Financial Secretary-Treasurers.
(G) Reports of Committees.
(H) Balloting of Candidates.
(I) Initiation.
(J) Reading of Communications.
(K) Unfinished business - including elections.
(L) New business - including nominations.
(M) Good of the Order.
(N) Bills against the Lodge.
(O) Adjournment.
This order may be changed by a majority vote of the members present.
ARTICLE 7.
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. There shall be four (4) classes of membership in this lodge as follows: Active, Retired, Honorary, and Associate. In the selection of candidates for membership, regard shall be had primarily to the character and integrity of applicants and, thereafter, to such specific ability and qualifications as are best calculated to advance the interest, promote the objectives, and carry out the purposes for which this lodge is ordered and established.
Race, creed or sex shall not bar to membership herein, but no person may be a member, except an American citizen of full legal age.
ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 2. Active members must be members of the Pennsylvania State Police Force; Active members who are dismissed from service on charges which are subsequently sustained in a regular court of law, or who do not contest the decision of a
Pennsylvania State Police Court Marshal Board, automatically forfeit their membership to this lodge.
Active members shall have the privilege of purchasing only Two (2) automobile emblems which shall be displayed on his personally owned vehicles. If an active member shall buy any automobile emblems, he shall do so with the provision that if his membership shall, for any reason be revoked, the emblems must be returned to this lodge.
RETIRED MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 3. Retired membership is to consist of retired members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police. Retired members shall be entitled to all rights afforded to Active members and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the Active membership.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 4. Honorary membership is to consist of District Attorney or Sheriff, or members of the law enforcement division of the Pennsylvania Game or Fish Commission, or any other dignitary which the Board of Directors may deem appropriate.
Honorary members may not attend any of the regular meetings of the Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police, or propose any Lodge legislation or business. Honorary members may attend any of the functions that they are invited to by the Lodge.
APPLICATION FOR ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 5. Applicants for Active membership in this lodge shall be proposed in writing on forms prescribed by the Board of Directors.
At the next regular meeting of the Lodge, the applicant shall be balloted upon by the Lodge, as provided in the “Ritual”.
SECTION 6. Upon approval, the applicant shall be required to appear before the General Body of the Lodge at a regular meeting and shall be required to take part in the “RITUAL”.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 7. Any citizen of good standing shall be eligible to become an Associate Member of this lodge by first making application for membership on a form prescribed by the Lodge, signed by an Active or Retired member in good standing who shall act as sponsor, and to which shall accompany said application a check in the amount of FORTY DOLLARS ($40.00). Said $40.00 shall include TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS
($25.00) Annual Dues, TEN DOLLARS ($10.00) Initiation Fee and FIVE DOLLARS ($5.00) for an automobile emblem. Annual dues thereafter shall be TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($25.00) per year due no later than the 15th of January of each year.
After being sponsored by an Active or Retired member in good standing and having passed the screening committee of Lodge 57, Fraternal Order of Police, and upon election, shall be enrolled as an Associate Member only. An Associate member who fails to pay his dues, or fails to conduct himself in conformance with the regulations and by-laws of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 57, shall forfeit his membership and all other identification provided by the Lodge.
APPLICATION FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 8. Application for Associate membership in this lodge shall be prepared in writing on forms prescribed by the Board of Directors, signed by an Active or Retired member in good standing who shall act a sponsor. The applicant for Associate Membership, shall be referred to a screening committee which shall be composed of members chosen by the President and the Board of Directors of this lodge, who shall conduct a thorough background investigation into each applicant’s past. At the next regular meeting of the Lodge, following a meeting at which an application was referred to the screening committee, the committee shall report to the Lodge whether the applicant has the required qualifications, and if so, the applicant shall then be balloted upon by the lodge. It shall be required that three-fourths (3/4) of the members present vote in favor of the applicant before he will be allowed Associate Membership. If the applicant does not meet the qualifications, the President shall declare the applicant “Ineligible for Associate Membership in this Lodge”, and the endorser shall be so informed.
The Associate Member may not attend any of the regular meetings of the Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police, or propose any Lodge legislation or business. But he may attend any of the functions that they are invited to by the Lodge. The number of members that will be allowed to enter the Associate Membership shall be determined by the Board of Directors of Lodge No. 57.
SECTION 9. A rejected Associate Membership applicant’s name may only be brought before the members of the Lodge, to be voted on, only once every three (3) months. The original application to retain its validity.
ARTICLE 8.
INITIATION FEES AND DUES
SECTION 1. The Initiation fee for Active Members shall be FIVE DOLLARS ($5.00) which fee shall accompany the application for membership into this lodge.
ACTIVE MEMBERS – The annual dues shall consist of the total of the National and State Lodge per capita levies plus TWENTY DOLLARS ($20.00).
RETIRED MEMBERS – The annual dues shall consist of the total of the National and State Lodge per capita levies plus TEN DOLLARS ($10.00).
If dues are paid after March 1 of the current year a late fee of FIVE DOLLARS ($5.00) shall be imposed.
ARTICLE 9.
DEFINITION OF ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP STANDING
SECTION 1.“Member in Good Standing”, is hereby defined to be a member who has paid all dues and assessments due and payable to Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police, or who is not more than ninety (90) days in arrears of such payments as of the date specified for the payment thereof.
SECTION 2. Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments more than ninety (90) days, but less than six (6) months, shall be deemed to be delinquent and not in good standing.
SECTION 3. Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments more than six (6) months shall be, and is hereby automatically suspended from the Lodge for non-payment of dues.
SECTION 4. Any member delinquent or suspended, as provided in Section 2 and 3 of this Article, may be reinstated and restored to good standing by the payment of all amounts due and, in addition thereto, the payment of dues for the whole of the current year in which reinstatement is made.
ARTICLE 10.
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
SECTION 1. The President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, three (3) Trustees, the Conductor, the Chaplain, the Guard and Conference Delegates shall be elected from the membership at large at the annual meeting in January of each odd numbered year and shall hold the office for terms of two (2) years.
SECTION 2. Nominations of candidates to fill vacancies in their respective offices shall be made at the meeting in December of each even numbered year. Nominations shall be made under “New Business” as provided under Article Six (6), Section Two (2), Subsection “L”, of these by-laws.
SECTION 3. As soon as possible after nominations the Recording Secretary shall forward to each Pennsylvania State Police Station in the Territory of Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, a complete list of all persons nominated for office so that members of the Lodge may inform themselves thereof. It shall also be possible to make nominations of officers the night of the election of officers for any member who is in good standing.
SECTION 4.Members shall cast their ballots in person at the time and place designated for voting in the month of January by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5. Delegates of Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police shall be as follows: President, Number One Delegate; Vice-President, Number Two Delegate; Recording Secretary, Number Three Delegate; automatically. No person shall hold more than one office at the same time in Lodge No. 57. If elected an officer or delegate the member must attend at least six (6) regular meetings during each year of his term of office. Failure to comply with this provision shall result in his removal from office. Consideration shall be given in all cases involving sickness and extenuating circumstances.
SECTION 6. At the January meeting, the polls will be declared closed and the votes shall be counted by the Standing Election Committee, after all the ballots have been cast.
SECTION 7. Installation of the new officers of the Lodge shall take place at the regular meeting in February of odd years, or no later than the first meeting in March of odd years.he Board of Directors shall decide on the time, place, and date.
ARTICLE 11.
RESIGNATIONS
SECTION 1. All resignations must be presented in writing to the Recording Secretary and may be accepted only by a majority vote of the General Body present at a regular meeting, having no less than the quorum, thirteen (13) present.
SECTION 2. No resignation of any member indebted to the Lodge shall be accepted.
ARTICLE 12.
GRIEVANCES
(Grievance Committee)
SECTION 1. The Grievance Committee, presided over by its Chairman, shall constitute a tribunal for determination of charges against any director, officer, or member provided; however, that if any director, or grievance committee member shall be complainant, defendant, or witness in any such proceeding, he shall be ineligible to sit upon such tribunal.
COMPLAINTS
SECTION 2. Complaints against members, officers, or directors, shall first be filed in writing with the Recording Secretary and signed by the person making the charge. Such complaint shall set forth with reasonable particularity as to dates, time, and places, the acts, conduct, or facts to which exception is taken and for which discipline is requested.
Within five (5) days thereafter, the Recording Secretary shall refer such complaints to the Grievance Committee and shall send a copy thereof to the accused.
SECTION 3. The grievance committee shall hold a hearing on all such complaints at which all witnesses for both accused and accuser shall be heard, after forty-eight (48) hours advance notice thereof. The accused member shall be entitled to be represented by counsel, who must be an Active Member of the Lodge in good standing, and shall not be required to testify against himself.
Upon conclusion of all evidence, the Grievance Committee shall recommend or disapprove the accused’s standing trial before the Board of Directors and, within a reasonable time thereafter, shall file its decision with the Recording Secretary who shall forthwith send notices thereof to both the complainant and the accused.
DISCIPLINE
SECTION 4. Any member, officer, or director of the Lodge may be fined, suspended, or expelled by the Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Grievance Committee, for insanity or other disability, for conviction of a felony or grievous misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for one (1) year or more, for insubordination to superior officers of this lodge, for failure to remain in good standing by prompt payment within three (3) months of all fees, dues, fines and assessments levied by the Board of Directors, for the willful or wantonly negligent infraction of any by-law, contract, rule, regulation, or order or for acts or conduct which may be deemed disorderly, or injurious to the interests, or hostile to the objects of this lodge.
APPEAL
SECTION 5. Within Ten (10) days from the receipt of notice and a copy of the decision of the Board of Directors, the accused, if censured, fined, suspended, or expelled, may in writing filed with the Recording Secretary to the General Body which, with counsel, may hear argument thereon by the accused and the complainant, or their respective counsel. The decision of the General Body, as rendered in writing filed with the Recording Secretary, shall be final and conclusive upon all parties to such proceeding.
ARTICLE 13.
AMENDMENTS AND REVISION
SECTION 1. These by-laws may be amended, or a new by-law may be made by resolution in writing proposing such amendment to be made or a new by-law to be made, signed by no less than Ten (10) members in Good Standing and submitted at ant regular meeting of the General Body.
If accepted and approved by the majority of the General Body at that meeting, a notice of such meeting shall be sent to each Pennsylvania State Police Station in the territory of Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57 by the Recording Secretary at least Ten (10) days prior to the next regular meeting of the General Body at which time they are to be brought up for action.
ARTICLE 14.
LAW AND ORDER
SECTION 1. All points of law and order shall be guided by the Constitution and by-laws and, where the same are silent, by Roberts Rules of Order, Revised.
ARTICLE 15.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
SECTION 1. Memorial Service for the deceased members of this lodge shall be conducted once each year, on Memorial Day, May 30th, in a public ceremony.
At the first regular meeting in the month of April of each year, a committee shall be appointed to arrange for such ceremony.
ARTICLE 16.
LEGAL AID
SECTION 1. Any Active member in good standing who shall, as a result of the proper performance of his police duties, be arrested or charged with an offense before a Court Marshal Board, shall be furnished free legal representation and bail, if necessary, by Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police.
SECTION 2. To be considered for aid under Section 1 of this Article, it is necessary for the party desiring same to appear before a regular meeting of the General Body of he Lodge and make a formal request by voice, or in writing to the membership present and, at the same time, be in a position to advise the membership the name of the attorney he has or intends to retain as his counsel.
SECTION 3. The members of the General Body have the right to set the amount of aid which the desiring party shall receive. It shall be required that two-thirds (2/3) of the members present vote in favor of granting legal aid before such aid can be granted to the desiring party.
As amended and approved this 10th day of December 2002.
Darrin Cornelius 12/10/2002 Joseph R. Kovel 12/10/2002
RECORDING SECRETARY, DATE PRESIDENT DATE
Copyright © 2010 Frederick Sutton Memorial Lodge 57. All Rights Reserved.
GRAND LODGE, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
The Fraternal Order of Police is a non-profit corporation formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, entered the Decree of Incorporation on the 17th day of November, 1915. The original Articles were recorded on the 18th day of November, 1915 in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in Charter Book Volume 49, Page 350. Pursuant to the provisions of the laws of Pennsylvania, application to the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to amend the original charter was made on the first day of June, 1940, the Court ordered, adjudged and decreed the Articles of Amendment approved and a part of the charter. Articles of Amendment recorded June 8, 1940, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
The Constitution as set forth herein, was adopted November 18, 1915, and amended at official Annual Convention subsequently held, including the First Annual Convention held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1917, and the 28th Annual Convention held at Indianapolis, Indiana, August 11, 1947.
At the First Annual Convention, a Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police was formed and by proper action said Grand Lodge was authorized and empowered to use the corporate name of the Fraternal Order of Police and to exercise and perform all corporate rights, privileges, powers, authorities and franchises of the Fraternal Order of Police.
The By-Laws prior to August 11, 1947 were included in the Constitution, By-Laws adopted at the 28th Annual Convention, August 11, 1947.
Constitution and By-Laws, as amended and adopted, respectively, in full force and effect.
The Grand Lodge and Pennsylvania Lodge Constitution and By-Laws are hereby made a part of the Constitution and By-Laws of FREDERICK SUTTON LODGE NO. 57, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE.
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS: We, the members of FREDERICK SUTTON LODGE NO. 57, declaring that this lodge is not a union and that it is not, and cannot be, affiliated either directly, or indirectly, with any labor union, federation, congress, committee or organization of workmen and; that we shall not strike or by concerted action cause a cessation of the performance of police duties; recognizing the moral, intellectual, social and economic benefits incurring to police officers and their families from our association and incorporation within the FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE: striving to cultivate the mutual friendship of fraternity and desiring to foster and encourage the highest degree of skill, efficiency, discipline and loyalty among members of the Pennsylvania State Police, and all other police officers that may become affiliated with our association do hereby agree to be governed by the following:
BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1.
NAME
SECTION 1. The name of this lodge shall be FREDERICK SUTTON LODGE NO. 57, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE.
SEAL
SECTION 2. The seal shall consist of the chart emblem of the Fraternal Order of Police, having inscribed on the circumference thereof the words, “FREDERICK SUTTON LODGE NO. 57, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE.”
ARTICLE 2.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. The entire legislative, executive and judicial government of this lodge shall be vested in the Board of Directors, which shall conduct the business and affairs of the Lodge between meetings of the General Body to which it shall regularly report for approval or rejection of its actions.
SECTION 2. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, the Immediate Past President, One (1) Vice-President, One (1) Recording Secretary, One (1) Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Three (3) Trustees, One (1) Conductor, One (1) Guard and One (1) Chaplain.
SECTION 3. The Board of Directors shall have the power to fill by nomination and election at any meeting, regular or special, by a majority vote of its membership, any and all vacancies which may occur by reason of death, resignation, disability, failure to qualify, recall, suspension or expulsion, among its own membership, or among any of the subordinate officers, committees, employees or agents elected or appointed by the Board. The person thus elected to such vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term thus filled.
SECTION 4. The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint all agents and employees of the Lodge who, except as may be otherwise provided by lawful contract, shall serve only with the approval and consent and solely during the pleasure of the Board. It shall fix and determine the salaries, duties and compensation of all officers, agents, and employees, and shall have the power, except as herein otherwise provided, to increase or diminish the same at its pleasure.
SECTION 5. The Board of Directors shall not, at any time, issue or sell any certificates of stock in the Lodge. No dividends shall be paid directly or indirectly to any member or the Board; nor shall the members of the Board be entitled directly or indirectly to any portion of the earnings or income of the Lodge derived through increment of value on its property, or otherwise incidentally made, except under the decree of a proper court upon dissolution.
SECTION 6. The Board of Directors shall meet once every four (4) months, and at such other times as the Board, or its Executive Board may determine. A quorum of five (5) of its members shall be necessary for the transaction of business.
SECTION 7. There shall be an Executive Board of the Board of Directors composed of the President as Chairman, one (1) Vice-President as Vice-Chairman, the Recording Secretary, the Financial Secretary-Treasurer, three (3) Trustees, the Conductor, the Chaplain, one (1) Guard, and the Past President, which shall conduct the business and affairs of the Lodge between meetings of the Board of Directors to which it shall regularly report for approval or rejection of its actions.
SECTION 8. Any member of the Executive Board who is absent from six (6) consecutive meetings, without just cause, shall be replaced by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 3.
OFFICERS
SECTION 1.The officers of this lodge shall consist of the President, one (1) Vice-President, the Recording Secretary, the Financial Secretary-Treasurer, three (3) Trustees, the Conductor, the Chaplain, one (1) Guard, and an Immediate Past President; all of whom shall be active members of this lodge and in good standing.
SECTION 2. A Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Associate Membership, shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and approved by the General Body at a regular meeting of the members present. Said Financial Secretary-Treasurer to handle the affairs of the Associate Membership of Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57.
ARTICLE 4.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
PRESIDENT’S DUTIES
SECTION 1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Lodge, of the Board of Directors and its Executive Board, at all of which he shall enforce order and a strict compliance with these by-laws and such rules and regulations as may be adopted in pursuance thereof. While occupying the Chair he shall not participate in debate without the consent of the majority of the members present. He shall nominate and, by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, may appoint the Chairman and members of all standing and special committees, and shall serve as an ex-officio member thereof. He shall, with the Recording Secretary, sign all contracts and other official documents authorized by the Board of Directors, or its Executive Board, for this lodge. He shall, with the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary, sign all orders on the treasury or other depository for the disbursement of Lodge funds. He shall give bond to the Lodge for the faithful discharge of his duties in such a manner and amounts as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT’S DUTIES
SECTION 2.The Immediate Past President shall advise and assist the President and the Board of Directors at their request, and shall execute such assignments as may be ordered by the Board of Directors.
VICE-PRESIDENT’S DUTIES
SECTION 3. In the absence of the President from any cause, the Vice-President shall discharge the duties of the President.
RECORDING SECRETARY’S DUTIES
SECTION 4. The Recording Secretary shall have general custody of the seal and of all books, documents, papers, and records of the Lodge, not otherwise entrusted, temporarily, to other officers, or to standing or special committees. He shall take and transcribe minutes of all the meetings of the Lodge, of the Board of Directors and its Executive Board, and shall submit same for approval or amendment at the next meeting thereof. When so required, he shall give due notice of all such meetings, and shall conduct the general correspondence of the Lodge. He shall, with the President, attest and seal all duly authorized and approved contracts of the Lodge and keep copies thereof in his files. At the expiration of his term of office, he shall deliver to his successor the seal and all books and papers in his possession.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY-TREASURER’S DUTIES
SECTION 5. The Financial Secretary-Treasurer shall have general charge of all of the financial records of this lodge, including all books, cards, leaves and papers showing the payment or non-payment by members of dues, fees and assessments. All items of income and expenditure shall first be presented to him for record upon the books, journals and records of the Lodge.
At the first meeting of each quarter in January, April, July and October of each year, he shall submit a report of the number of members in good standing and those, if any, who may be in arrears. The Financial Secretary-Treasurer shall notify by mail all members over three (3) months in arrears of their arrearage, and after six (6) months in arrears they shall be suspended from the Lodge for non-payment of dues.
All dues, fines, fees, and assessments shall be paid to the Financial Secretary-Treasurer and he shall have general charge of same, and no other member shall receive a membership card until such amounts are paid in full. From the money paid by delinquent members, if any, the Financial Secretary-Treasurer shall first deduct the several amounts which may be due for fees, fines and assessments, if any and shall credit the dues account of the member with the remainder.
His books shall be open for immediate inspection at all reasonable hours by the Trustees and members of the Executive Board or the Board of Directors. He shall give bond to the Lodge for the faithful performance of his duties in such a manner and amount as may be fixed by the Board of Directors.
The Financial Secretary-Treasurer shall have general charge of all the dues, fees, fines, assessments, and monetary earnings of the Lodge and, together with the President, or the Vice-President in the President’s absence, shall deposit and maintain all such funds in a bank account, or accounts, in the name of FREDERICK SUTTON LODGE NO. 57, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE.
He shall have power, when countersigned by the President, or Vice-President in the President’s absence, to draw, sign, and issue checks, drafts, and money orders for the withdrawal of lodge funds there from, for the prompt payment of all lawful obligations of the Lodge which have been approved by the Board of Directors, or its Executive Board.
He shall keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements which shall be available at all times for examination by the Trustees or by the members of the Executive Board. He shall render a report of the financial condition of the Lodge at each meeting of the Lodge.
He shall retain in his possession, in a locked, steel cash box, designated as “Petty Cash” as sum of money, not exceeding TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($25.00), of the general fund, which shall be used to defray all incidental and miscellaneous current expenses and, in connection therewith, he shall keep accurate records of all the disbursements there from and additions thereto. He shall also have general custody of all bonds and other securities in which Lodge funds may be, from time to time invested; and shall keep the same in a safe deposit box in the name of this Lodge. At the expiration of his term of office, he shall deliver to his successor all money and securities, books and records in his possession.
TRUSTEE’S DUTIES
SECTION 6. The Trustees, three (3) in number, shall constitute the general auditing committee of the Lodge. They shall conduct a Voucher System, whereby the authenticity of all bills shall be verified as being correct and having been properly authorized; whereby all bills TEN DOLLARS ($10.00) or over, shall be verified as having been authorized by the appropriate committee. The President, Financial Secretary-
Treasurer (which constitutes one office), shall be governed by the Voucher System in the signing of checks for withdrawals from the Lodge Treasury.
The Trustees shall, from time to time, examine the bank books and all other contracts, documents, ledgers and papers pertaining to the business and property of the Lodge. They shall conduct an audit every six (6) months and shall report thereon to the Lodge. They shall also perform such other duties as the Board of Directors, or its Executive Board, may assign them.
They shall elect one of their own as Chairman of the Trustees.
CONDUCTOR’S DUTIES
SECTION 7.The Conductor shall receive the password, ascertain that all persons present are entitled to remain, and report thereon to the President. He shall conduct all candidates through the initiation ceremony and introduce them to the members of the Lodge. He shall perform other such duties as the President may assign him.
GUARD’S DUTIES
SECTION 8. The Guard shall attend the door and permit entrance to no person who is not properly qualified by membership, unless otherwise ordered by the President, or the Vice-President in the President’s absence, to admit guests. He shall also aid the Conductor in the performance of such duties as the President may require.
CHAPLAIN’S DUTIES
SECTION 9. The Chaplain shall, at the opening of every meeting, lead the membership in prayers and, if necessary, conduct memorial services for our departed members.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY-TREASURER, ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES
SECTION 10. The duty of the Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Associate Membership shall be to take general charge of all financial records of the Associate Membership including all books, cards, leaves, and papers. The Financial Secretary-Treasurer, in the name of Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police shall maintain a Bank or Checking Account and shall deposit all monies collected from Associate Members, including dues, sales of emblems or other items into said Bank or Checking Account. He shall have the power when countersigned by the President, or the Vice-President in the absence of the President to draw, sign and issue checks and to make prompt payment of all lawful obligations of the Lodge which have been approved. He shall keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements which shall be available at all times for examination by the Board of Directors or any member in attendance at a regular meeting. He shall notify all Associate Members of any affairs of the Lodge that they may be entitled to attend. He shall, with the approval of the Board
of Directors, transfer any portion of Associate Members Account to the General Account of the Lodge.
For the faithful performance of his duties the Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Associate Members shall receive TEN (10) percent of all monies collected from dues and any sales to Associate Members not to exceed FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00). At the end of his term as Secretary-Treasurer he shall deliver to his successor all money, records, and any items dealing with Associate Members. The Secretary-Treasurer, Associate Membership shall be bonded as required.
ARTICLE 5.
COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. There shall be standing committees as follows:
Legislation and Public Relations Entertainment
House and Rules Election
By-Laws and Resolutions Grievance
Membership Publications
Appropriation Welfare
Ways and Means Legal Aid
SECTION 2. No proposal for lodge action shall come upon the floor for debate or vote until it has first been referred to and reported from an appropriate committee, unless a majority of the members present shall agree to immediate consideration thereof. Every committee must report, either affirmatively or negatively, on all matters referred for consideration within one (1) month from the date of such reference, otherwise, the committee shall be deemed to have been discharged from further consideration. Any committee may also be discharged by a majority vote of the Board of Directors
SECTION 3.No member of this lodge shall print, or cause to be printed, any item concerning the affairs of this lodge without said item first having been favorably recommended by the Legislation and Public Relations Committee.
ARTICLE 6.
MEETINGS OF THE GENERAL BODY
SECTION 1. The stated meetings of the General Body of the Lodge shall be held at least once each month, on the first Tuesday thereof, at 7:30 o’clock, P.M., EST at the specified meeting place of the Lodge. Thirteen (13) members shall constitute a quorum necessary for the transaction of business. Special meetings shall be called by the President on the advise of the Executive Board, or on the written application of no fewer than seven (7) members.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
SECTION 2. At all meetings of the Lodge and of the Board of Directors, the order of business shall be as follows:
(A) Passwords taken up by the Conductor - including checking membership cards.
(B) Display American Flag and General Body shall repeat in unison the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag; after which the Lodge shall be led in prayer by the Lodge Chaplain.
(C) Roll Call of Officers.
(D) Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.
(E) Sickness and Distress.
(F) Reports of the Financial Secretary-Treasurers.
(G) Reports of Committees.
(H) Balloting of Candidates.
(I) Initiation.
(J) Reading of Communications.
(K) Unfinished business - including elections.
(L) New business - including nominations.
(M) Good of the Order.
(N) Bills against the Lodge.
(O) Adjournment.
This order may be changed by a majority vote of the members present.
ARTICLE 7.
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. There shall be four (4) classes of membership in this lodge as follows: Active, Retired, Honorary, and Associate. In the selection of candidates for membership, regard shall be had primarily to the character and integrity of applicants and, thereafter, to such specific ability and qualifications as are best calculated to advance the interest, promote the objectives, and carry out the purposes for which this lodge is ordered and established.
Race, creed or sex shall not bar to membership herein, but no person may be a member, except an American citizen of full legal age.
ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 2. Active members must be members of the Pennsylvania State Police Force; Active members who are dismissed from service on charges which are subsequently sustained in a regular court of law, or who do not contest the decision of a
Pennsylvania State Police Court Marshal Board, automatically forfeit their membership to this lodge.
Active members shall have the privilege of purchasing only Two (2) automobile emblems which shall be displayed on his personally owned vehicles. If an active member shall buy any automobile emblems, he shall do so with the provision that if his membership shall, for any reason be revoked, the emblems must be returned to this lodge.
RETIRED MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 3. Retired membership is to consist of retired members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police. Retired members shall be entitled to all rights afforded to Active members and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the Active membership.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 4. Honorary membership is to consist of District Attorney or Sheriff, or members of the law enforcement division of the Pennsylvania Game or Fish Commission, or any other dignitary which the Board of Directors may deem appropriate.
Honorary members may not attend any of the regular meetings of the Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police, or propose any Lodge legislation or business. Honorary members may attend any of the functions that they are invited to by the Lodge.
APPLICATION FOR ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 5. Applicants for Active membership in this lodge shall be proposed in writing on forms prescribed by the Board of Directors.
At the next regular meeting of the Lodge, the applicant shall be balloted upon by the Lodge, as provided in the “Ritual”.
SECTION 6. Upon approval, the applicant shall be required to appear before the General Body of the Lodge at a regular meeting and shall be required to take part in the “RITUAL”.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 7. Any citizen of good standing shall be eligible to become an Associate Member of this lodge by first making application for membership on a form prescribed by the Lodge, signed by an Active or Retired member in good standing who shall act as sponsor, and to which shall accompany said application a check in the amount of FORTY DOLLARS ($40.00). Said $40.00 shall include TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS
($25.00) Annual Dues, TEN DOLLARS ($10.00) Initiation Fee and FIVE DOLLARS ($5.00) for an automobile emblem. Annual dues thereafter shall be TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($25.00) per year due no later than the 15th of January of each year.
After being sponsored by an Active or Retired member in good standing and having passed the screening committee of Lodge 57, Fraternal Order of Police, and upon election, shall be enrolled as an Associate Member only. An Associate member who fails to pay his dues, or fails to conduct himself in conformance with the regulations and by-laws of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 57, shall forfeit his membership and all other identification provided by the Lodge.
APPLICATION FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 8. Application for Associate membership in this lodge shall be prepared in writing on forms prescribed by the Board of Directors, signed by an Active or Retired member in good standing who shall act a sponsor. The applicant for Associate Membership, shall be referred to a screening committee which shall be composed of members chosen by the President and the Board of Directors of this lodge, who shall conduct a thorough background investigation into each applicant’s past. At the next regular meeting of the Lodge, following a meeting at which an application was referred to the screening committee, the committee shall report to the Lodge whether the applicant has the required qualifications, and if so, the applicant shall then be balloted upon by the lodge. It shall be required that three-fourths (3/4) of the members present vote in favor of the applicant before he will be allowed Associate Membership. If the applicant does not meet the qualifications, the President shall declare the applicant “Ineligible for Associate Membership in this Lodge”, and the endorser shall be so informed.
The Associate Member may not attend any of the regular meetings of the Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police, or propose any Lodge legislation or business. But he may attend any of the functions that they are invited to by the Lodge. The number of members that will be allowed to enter the Associate Membership shall be determined by the Board of Directors of Lodge No. 57.
SECTION 9. A rejected Associate Membership applicant’s name may only be brought before the members of the Lodge, to be voted on, only once every three (3) months. The original application to retain its validity.
ARTICLE 8.
INITIATION FEES AND DUES
SECTION 1. The Initiation fee for Active Members shall be FIVE DOLLARS ($5.00) which fee shall accompany the application for membership into this lodge.
ACTIVE MEMBERS – The annual dues shall consist of the total of the National and State Lodge per capita levies plus TWENTY DOLLARS ($20.00).
RETIRED MEMBERS – The annual dues shall consist of the total of the National and State Lodge per capita levies plus TEN DOLLARS ($10.00).
If dues are paid after March 1 of the current year a late fee of FIVE DOLLARS ($5.00) shall be imposed.
ARTICLE 9.
DEFINITION OF ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP STANDING
SECTION 1.“Member in Good Standing”, is hereby defined to be a member who has paid all dues and assessments due and payable to Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police, or who is not more than ninety (90) days in arrears of such payments as of the date specified for the payment thereof.
SECTION 2. Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments more than ninety (90) days, but less than six (6) months, shall be deemed to be delinquent and not in good standing.
SECTION 3. Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments more than six (6) months shall be, and is hereby automatically suspended from the Lodge for non-payment of dues.
SECTION 4. Any member delinquent or suspended, as provided in Section 2 and 3 of this Article, may be reinstated and restored to good standing by the payment of all amounts due and, in addition thereto, the payment of dues for the whole of the current year in which reinstatement is made.
ARTICLE 10.
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
SECTION 1. The President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, three (3) Trustees, the Conductor, the Chaplain, the Guard and Conference Delegates shall be elected from the membership at large at the annual meeting in January of each odd numbered year and shall hold the office for terms of two (2) years.
SECTION 2. Nominations of candidates to fill vacancies in their respective offices shall be made at the meeting in December of each even numbered year. Nominations shall be made under “New Business” as provided under Article Six (6), Section Two (2), Subsection “L”, of these by-laws.
SECTION 3. As soon as possible after nominations the Recording Secretary shall forward to each Pennsylvania State Police Station in the Territory of Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, a complete list of all persons nominated for office so that members of the Lodge may inform themselves thereof. It shall also be possible to make nominations of officers the night of the election of officers for any member who is in good standing.
SECTION 4.Members shall cast their ballots in person at the time and place designated for voting in the month of January by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5. Delegates of Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police shall be as follows: President, Number One Delegate; Vice-President, Number Two Delegate; Recording Secretary, Number Three Delegate; automatically. No person shall hold more than one office at the same time in Lodge No. 57. If elected an officer or delegate the member must attend at least six (6) regular meetings during each year of his term of office. Failure to comply with this provision shall result in his removal from office. Consideration shall be given in all cases involving sickness and extenuating circumstances.
SECTION 6. At the January meeting, the polls will be declared closed and the votes shall be counted by the Standing Election Committee, after all the ballots have been cast.
SECTION 7. Installation of the new officers of the Lodge shall take place at the regular meeting in February of odd years, or no later than the first meeting in March of odd years.he Board of Directors shall decide on the time, place, and date.
ARTICLE 11.
RESIGNATIONS
SECTION 1. All resignations must be presented in writing to the Recording Secretary and may be accepted only by a majority vote of the General Body present at a regular meeting, having no less than the quorum, thirteen (13) present.
SECTION 2. No resignation of any member indebted to the Lodge shall be accepted.
ARTICLE 12.
GRIEVANCES
(Grievance Committee)
SECTION 1. The Grievance Committee, presided over by its Chairman, shall constitute a tribunal for determination of charges against any director, officer, or member provided; however, that if any director, or grievance committee member shall be complainant, defendant, or witness in any such proceeding, he shall be ineligible to sit upon such tribunal.
COMPLAINTS
SECTION 2. Complaints against members, officers, or directors, shall first be filed in writing with the Recording Secretary and signed by the person making the charge. Such complaint shall set forth with reasonable particularity as to dates, time, and places, the acts, conduct, or facts to which exception is taken and for which discipline is requested.
Within five (5) days thereafter, the Recording Secretary shall refer such complaints to the Grievance Committee and shall send a copy thereof to the accused.
SECTION 3. The grievance committee shall hold a hearing on all such complaints at which all witnesses for both accused and accuser shall be heard, after forty-eight (48) hours advance notice thereof. The accused member shall be entitled to be represented by counsel, who must be an Active Member of the Lodge in good standing, and shall not be required to testify against himself.
Upon conclusion of all evidence, the Grievance Committee shall recommend or disapprove the accused’s standing trial before the Board of Directors and, within a reasonable time thereafter, shall file its decision with the Recording Secretary who shall forthwith send notices thereof to both the complainant and the accused.
DISCIPLINE
SECTION 4. Any member, officer, or director of the Lodge may be fined, suspended, or expelled by the Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Grievance Committee, for insanity or other disability, for conviction of a felony or grievous misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for one (1) year or more, for insubordination to superior officers of this lodge, for failure to remain in good standing by prompt payment within three (3) months of all fees, dues, fines and assessments levied by the Board of Directors, for the willful or wantonly negligent infraction of any by-law, contract, rule, regulation, or order or for acts or conduct which may be deemed disorderly, or injurious to the interests, or hostile to the objects of this lodge.
APPEAL
SECTION 5. Within Ten (10) days from the receipt of notice and a copy of the decision of the Board of Directors, the accused, if censured, fined, suspended, or expelled, may in writing filed with the Recording Secretary to the General Body which, with counsel, may hear argument thereon by the accused and the complainant, or their respective counsel. The decision of the General Body, as rendered in writing filed with the Recording Secretary, shall be final and conclusive upon all parties to such proceeding.
ARTICLE 13.
AMENDMENTS AND REVISION
SECTION 1. These by-laws may be amended, or a new by-law may be made by resolution in writing proposing such amendment to be made or a new by-law to be made, signed by no less than Ten (10) members in Good Standing and submitted at ant regular meeting of the General Body.
If accepted and approved by the majority of the General Body at that meeting, a notice of such meeting shall be sent to each Pennsylvania State Police Station in the territory of Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57 by the Recording Secretary at least Ten (10) days prior to the next regular meeting of the General Body at which time they are to be brought up for action.
ARTICLE 14.
LAW AND ORDER
SECTION 1. All points of law and order shall be guided by the Constitution and by-laws and, where the same are silent, by Roberts Rules of Order, Revised.
ARTICLE 15.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
SECTION 1. Memorial Service for the deceased members of this lodge shall be conducted once each year, on Memorial Day, May 30th, in a public ceremony.
At the first regular meeting in the month of April of each year, a committee shall be appointed to arrange for such ceremony.
ARTICLE 16.
LEGAL AID
SECTION 1. Any Active member in good standing who shall, as a result of the proper performance of his police duties, be arrested or charged with an offense before a Court Marshal Board, shall be furnished free legal representation and bail, if necessary, by Frederick Sutton Lodge No. 57, Fraternal Order of Police.
SECTION 2. To be considered for aid under Section 1 of this Article, it is necessary for the party desiring same to appear before a regular meeting of the General Body of he Lodge and make a formal request by voice, or in writing to the membership present and, at the same time, be in a position to advise the membership the name of the attorney he has or intends to retain as his counsel.
SECTION 3. The members of the General Body have the right to set the amount of aid which the desiring party shall receive. It shall be required that two-thirds (2/3) of the members present vote in favor of granting legal aid before such aid can be granted to the desiring party.
As amended and approved this 10th day of December 2002.
Darrin Cornelius 12/10/2002 Joseph R. Kovel 12/10/2002
RECORDING SECRETARY, DATE PRESIDENT DATE
Copyright © 2010 Frederick Sutton Memorial Lodge 57. All Rights Reserved.