From someone who was there (this is his opinion on the FOP, but it follows the history we've been told from old timers and family):
- CPD History: the CPD Wives Association marched on city hall several times in 1969 for 2-man cars in all Districts. The wives and kids carried signs such as "Mayor Daley, protect my Daddy while he protects you." This was in response to the Black Panthers’ “kill a pig a month” police murders in Chicago.
After a PO was assassinated, in uniform, in his one man car, while writing a report on the south side, the mayor, Rich J, caved in. The city wrote a letter to the Wives Association saying all units would be 2 man from dusk till dawn. The primary police club at the time was COP, Confederation of Police. FOP was an Area Four Det’s social (drinking) club at the time. FOP won the vote in 1979 and we got our first contract in the summer of 1980 from Mayor Jane B. FOP has never had a letter addressing 1or 2 man cars.
As an added note, of the police clubs wanting to represent us (COP, Combined Counties, Teamsters, Local 1975), the FOP was considered the most docile, most easily controlled by the city and least wanted by police officers. The vote came after the Firefighters strike. It was widely speculated that the city rigged the election because no one outside Area Four had ever heard of FOP and no District Officer citywide admitted to voting for FOP. Yes, Mayor Jane B did like the police, but she was smart enough to ensure the new police union would be weak.
Retired LT & former Cadet.
Be safe out there, because working one-man on first and third watch is becoming more and more common.
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