On Monday, August 16, 2010, members of PLEA and the APA met with Sheriff Paul Babeu and leadership from the newly formed Law Enforcement Association of Pinal County, President Mark Guemes and Vice President Buddy Johnson. This informal conversation focused on LEAPC’s commitment to provide a new and positive dialogue and partnership with the Sheriff Babeu’s office.
There was a clear agreement to partner in order to address the county’s failure to pay comp time to law enforcement personnel and discussion on moving to bring sergeants into the bargaining unit. Also discussed was the investment in the political process to facilitate county board supervisors who will bring the priority of public safety back to the forefront.
Sheriff Babeu comes from a police labor background. As the president of the Chandler Law Enforcement Association, both PLEA and the APA consider him a personal friend and supported his efforts in providing servant-leadership to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. PLEA is excited to see LEAPC focus on the needs of their members – movement beyond missed contract deadlines, beyond the failure to serve by a terminated supervisor, and beyond a fruitless and confrontational labor philosophy facilitated by AZCOPS.
On Monday, August 23, 2010, from 0500 to 1800 LEAPC (www.pclea.com) will formally introduce themselves and a much needed positive progressive strategy to law enforcement personnel at the main sheriff’s office in Florence. An Association booth will be located between the training building and the main sheriff’s administration building. For those who can’t attend but wish to join the new team, deputies, detention officers, and civilian support personnel can contact any board member. They’ll make time to answer any questions and assist in any way with the process of signing up.