Dear Virginia Police Benevolent Association Members;
In August 2007, I was elected as the President of the Virginia PBA. I am
honored to serve in this capacity. Thanks to Alan “Woody” Sadler for his
past service in this position. Through his leadership, our membership has
increased to approximately 50 percent of VA law enforcement professionals
with almost 3000 members statewide.
In addition, The Virginia PBA is now in compliance. However, there are a few
chapters that are still in receivership. My goal as President is to have
every current chapter in compliance. I challenge each and every member to
recruit prospective candidates, educate fellow law enforcement officers
about the PBA, and get involved politically.
As a chapter president in southeast Virginia, I am aware that the biggest
burden we have faced is “selling” the PBA to police professionals who
already belong to other organizations. The benefits provided to PBA members
via their yearly fees are extraordinary. There is no other legal plan
available that compares to what the Southern States Police Benevolent
Association offers.
Throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, our members have benefited from our
legal benefit package. Members are winning their discipline grievances, have
legal representation at the scene of critical incidents, and are being
represented with civil issues by excellent attorneys at no charge. One only
has experience an officer-involved shooting once to understand the great
protection PBA membership offers officers. These benefits are
critically-important in an “at will” hiring state where officers do not have
union protection.
Conducting political screenings is the backbone of the PBA. During election
time, candidates strive to win an endorsement from a professional law
enforcement organization. The political screening process, which the PBA
conducts is more professional and organized than any candidates’ screening
process for local, state, and federal office. This is an important function
of the PBA. Through our endorsement process, candidates become informed
about our concerns, whether they are elected or not. As civic leaders, they
will carry our message to others in the community.
In order for the Virginia PBA to grow, we need exposure. Every law
enforcement agency has an annual award ceremony. I encourage all members to
submit articles to the Blue Review acknowledging our members’
accomplishments. Whether it’s an article on heroism or a thank you letter on
how the PBA assisted a member, it needs to be exposed.
I am looking forward to traveling throughout the Commonwealth to visit each
and every chapter. I expect our next year to be an exceptional one. RECRUIT
– RECRUIT- RECRUIT!
Be Safe,
Jason C. Knorowski
President