Centurion Magazine – Official Magazine of the San Antonio Police Officers Association.
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https://sapoa.org/centurion/
Click to read the newest issue:
https://sapoa.org/centurion/
 Subject: TELE MED Appointments
Currently most doctors offices are trying to minimize people coming into the clinic and doing TELE-MED. TELE MED from "HEALTH BY DESIGNS” is still covered but NO TELE-MED for Outside In Network or Out of Network DOCTOR for regular care will be covered Our Health Benefit plan DOES NOT cover any form of TELE-MED except if it relates directly to a diagnosis of Covid-19. If you call and talk to your doctor about adjusting your meds or some other issue on a NON – COVID related issue and they (Doctor Office) will bill you for a TELE-MED appointment you will be paying 100% out of pocket. On a Note Have been told by two Doctors Office’s and our own Retiree Health Benefit , that MEDI CARE is paying ALL MED-TELE appointments If you have Medi Care, they would be billed first. Most Doctors are NOT having patients come into the office, especially the elderly Each Retiree’s will have personal circumstances concerning Health Issues. CALL DIRECTLY TO the Fire and Police Retiree Health Care Fund, San Antonio, 11603 W. Coker Loop, Suite 130, San Antonio, Texas 78216 Office: (866) 652-4237 , Fax: (210) 494-6505 , e-mail: faprhcf@swbell.net  RETIREE FIREARMS QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The guidelines that allow more time for drivers license, license to carry qualifications (civilian), and vehicle registrations before expiration, also apply to Retired Officers being required to qualify with their firearm each year. As long as the state is operating under the Covid-19 guidelines, the expiration of qualifying requirements is extended. When those guidelines are lifted, the regular requirements will apply. TCOLE has extended training requirement deadlines during this time. This applies to retired officers who use a state issued LTC(license to carry) as well as those whose authorization comes through their Department and the Chief of Police (SAPD Retirees) or County Sheriff. Michael Rickman, CLEAT Corporate Counsel, researched this information. Refer questions to CLEAT. Michael Giarraputo, President CLEAT Retiree Association NOTE: There is NO date set to resume SAPD Academy qualifying SAPD Retirees’  Attention: All Benevolent Fund Members Subject: James Anderson Memorial Park Reopening As on Friday, May 1st, the Board will reopen James Anderson Memorial Park and all key fobs will be reactivated. During the COVID 19 pandemic, the San Antonio Police Benevolent Fund has been monitoring, evaluating, and discussing the situation and what precautions needed to be taken in order to prevent or limit the spread of the virus. As stated previously we are following the Emergency/Disaster Declarations, the orders, rules, and guidelines that have been implemented by our local, state, and national elected officials. There are some rules and guidelines that come with reopening the Park. These rules and guidelines are in accordance with those still in effect and implemented by our elected officials. Here is a list of the rules and guidelines: • Members must follow the CDC, state and local requirements • Members may not have groups larger than 10 persons, to include the member. • Members are encouraged to maintain a social distancing of 6 feet between all persons while within the Park. This includes on the boat dock, swim platforms, and restrooms. • Members should not encroach on others camp sites or surrounding areas. • The playground will remain closed and should not be used at this time. • Members shall disinfect all surfaces at the picnic sites prior to use, as well as prior to leaving. • Members are responsible for their action and that of their guest. • Active members are reminded there may be special COSA and/or Departmental rules or orders they may be required to follow. Members are reminded the health and well-being of our members, their families, friends, co-workers, and our community is the Board’s main concern at this time. If the opening of the Park starts to put our members and their families at risk, the closure of the Park may be necessary again. We are all in this together, so we ask all our members to follow the above rules to help us keep everyone safe and healthy. For any additional questions or concerns please contact one of the Board members or you can contact Officer Travis Reich at (210) 428-0380. Thank you. Paul Biasiolli, Captain Chairman / Benevolent Fund  From: Robert Wilson
Subject: TELE MED Appointments I just called and got clarification from the administrator. Be very careful. Currently most doctor’s offices are trying to minimize people coming into the clinic and doing TELE-MED. TELE MED from "HEALTH BY DESIGNS” is still covered but NO TELE-MED for Outside In Network or Out of Network DOCTOR for regular care will be covered Our Health Benefit plan DOES NOT cover any form of TELE-MED except if it relates directly to a diagnosis of Covid-19. If you call and talk to your doctor about adjusting your meds or some other issue on a NON – COVID related issue and they (Doctor Office) will bill you for a TELE-MED appointment you will be paying 100% out of pocket. On a Note From A. Ynostrosa: Have been told by two Doctors Office’s and our own Retiree Health Benefit , that MEDI CARE is paying for all MED-TELE appointments If you have Medi Care, they would be billed first. Most Doctors are NOT having patients come into the office, especially the elderly. Have reached out with email to both Health Benefit Retiree Rep’s and they are researching it and will get back with answers. Each Retiree’s will have personal circumstances concerning Health Issues. CALL DIRECTLY TO the Fire and Police Retiree Health Care Fund, San Antonio, 11603 W. Coker Loop, Suite 130, San Antonio, Texas 78216 Office: (866) 652-4237 , Fax: (210) 494-6505 , e-mail: faprhcf@swbell.net ……………………………………………………………………..  From: Terry Larison
Subject: Michael Harwood, Former Staff Member SAPOA Michael Edward Harwood Sr.September 3, 1948 – April 17, 2020 Received Info today that Mike Harwood had passed away. Mike was on Staff at the SAPOA for many years. He was in charge of the Welfare Fund and it’s many events.Mike had many friends and will be remembered as a great Police Supporter and a Proud Marine No Info is available at this time. It will be posted when it is received.  From: Harry Griffin
Subject: PENSION FUND UPDATE - April 20, 2020 It has been two weeks since the last San Antonio Fire & Police Pension Fund update and our City, State and Country are still suffering the medical and economic hardships of the Corona Virus. As of Friday 4/17/20 the Fund’s value was $ 3,077,000,000.00. Our Fund has increased in value $72 million dollars in the past two weeks. That said, the markets are down today, Monday, and oil prices have fallen precipitously today, down to their lowest price per barrel in 34 years. As mentioned previously, your pension fund takes less risk in its investments than the risk in the stock market. As of Friday 4/17/20 we are down 9.0% for the calendar year and the S&P 500 is down 11.41%. I have mentioned our Fund earned a positive 14.9% for the calendar year 2019, that return has increased to 15.0%, due to final market value returns continuing to come in from our less liquid investments. These investments do not report values daily like publicly traded securities. I thank you for allowing me to play a small role in the governance of our pension system, and I will continue to provide updates during these very trying times. Finally on an unrelated note, today, April 20, was the birthday of our oldest living SAPD officer, Sergeant Jimmy Gaffney, he is 97 years old today. Regards, Harry Griffin  Retired SAPD Detective Maurice Rose passed away on April 11, 2020 at age 79.
Reece "Huicho" as most us knew him, was an honorable and authentic man. He was bigger than life, he left an unmatched legacy behind, ranging from his days as a motorcycle cop, narcotics detective, Chief Deputy of the BCSO, and finally as Chief of the Airport Police. He was at the Care facility in Boerne over the past few months. Reece is now at peace. He is survived by his wife Catherine, two daughters and three grandchildren. She reported that he passed in his sleep around 430am this morning (Thank you Lord)...she is doing as well as could be expected under the circumstances. There are no other plans at this time other than a Celebration of Life to be held when this cloud we are living under passes. https://www.ebensberger-fisher.com/obituaries/Maurice-Reece-Roderick-Rose?obId=12675910 Read More about Maurice in the Final Tribute section.  From: Gary Simpkins
Subject: Request Prayers : Retired Officer Howard Barry I just received a call from Debbie Barry, Howard Barry's wife. Howard was hospitalized Wednesday due to Difficulty walking. After tests were completed, it was determined that Howard had a TIA, minor stroke. They also discovered that he has blockage in both arteries of the neck. They are going to put a stint on the right side this Monday and do the other side in a few months. As soon as they can, they will move him to Rehab for a couple of months to work on strength, and his walking ability. He is in the Methodist Hospital Stone Oak. Please keep Howard and Debbie in your prayers.  He always had a positive outlook on life. You will be missed by many. Efren passed away on Monday, 04-06-2020
... Read more about Efren in the Final Tribute Section.  Ronald L. Leal born September 21, 1949 in San Antonio, Texas was called to Heaven on April 4, 2020 at the age of 70.
Ronald proudly served in the U.S Navy, 1968-1972. He was a Vietnam Veteran. He joined the San Antonio Police Department where he trained new officers as an FTO. He served over 23 years until his retirement in 2001. ...Read more about Ronnie in the Final Tribute Section.  From: Harry Griffin [mailto:hgriffin@satx.rr.com]
Subject: Pension Fund Update 4/4/2020 Armando, I have received several calls, texts and emails recently asking about the stability and health of our Pension Fund. Would you please share the following with all of those who receive a pension from our Fund: The San Antonio Fire & Police Pension Fund continues to be one of the strongest pension systems in our Country and the State of Texas. As of approximately 4 weeks ago the value of our Fund was $3.3 Billion dollars, the highest it has ever been. We had a great year in 2019, with a 14.9% investment return. As you know, the last 4 weeks have been terrible for investments, and we are down -9.4%. The value of our Fund as of yesterday ,4/3/20 ,was $ 3.05 Billion. I believe the Fund value will be further reduced by 2-3% when we receive values from our less liquid investments like real estate and private equity, which report their values only quarterly. Even with all the negative impact of the Corona-Virus of the past month, we are strong and pensions will be paid monthly, as always. As you noticed, we were up just under 15% in 2019 when the S&P500 was up nearly 30%. Conversely, we are down just -9.4% for the first 3 months of 2020, when the S&P500 is down -22.3%. Our Fund is well diversified: 46% Stocks, 32% Bonds, 9% Real Estate, 9% Hedge Funds, 3% Real Assets ( Timber, Oil & Gas, Infrastructure ) and 1% Cash. This diversification allows for us to take less risk than the stock market and reach a long term investment goal of 7.25% . Finally, the pension contributions made, by all of us, while we were working for the Police or Fire Departments have been a huge contributor to the success of our Fund. Today, active members contribute $39 Million annually to our Pension Fund. There are 4062 active firefighters and police officers, and the City double-matches their contributions. The City contributes $78 Million annually to our Fund. This total annual contribution of $117 Million, along with our investment return, is funding the future liabilities of the Fund. Additionally, theses contributions ensure the health of our Fund for the 2847 of us who are currently receiving pensions. Please rest assured that our Pension Fund is strong and that regular monthly pensions will be paid for our lifetimes. This current world-wide health crisis will end, economies will rebound and positive investment returns will return ensuring the long term stability of our retirement fund. Harry Griffin, Board Member Fire & Police Pension Fund, San Antonio  Academy Ammo Sales
All Officers In response to the COVID19 pandemic, the San Antonio Police Benevolent Fund has placed limits and restrictions on our ammo sales at the San Antonio Police Academy. The limitations and restrictions are due to the limited ammo availability, resulting in potential delays of replacement ammo shipments needed to replenish the ammo stock. The limitations and restrictions are as follows: • Ammo sales are restricted to Benevolent Fund members only. • Benevolent Fund members are limited to purchasing only four boxes of ammo per day. These limits and restrictions were necessary to ensure ammo was available to all Benevolent Fund members. These limits and restrictions will remain in effect until ammo is readily available from our distributor. Thank you for your understanding. PAUL BIASIOLLI, CAPTAIN CHAIRMAN / BENEVOLENT FUND  Updated Scholarship Information
Attn: Benevolent Fund Members In response to the COVID19 San Antonio Police Benevolent Fund is delaying the due date for scholarship applications. The Fund is also modifying two other requirements which pertain to the transcripts and the letters of recommendations. The modifications are as follows: The due date will be extended two weeks, with the new due date being Tuesday, April 14th, 2020. Applications will only be accepted by mail and must be post marked on or before April 14, 2020. Click link below to see more information |
