To All Delegates and Members

June 16, 2000                    

Dear Member:

Tuesday, June 13, in the year 2000, was a red-letter day for PBA members. It was a day when you and your families gave up your free time to show up 8,000 strong for the PBA-sponsored "Police Solidarity Day," which turned out to be an inspiring two hours of unity, strength and conviviality in Battery Park.

It was the most impressive turnout of off-duty cops at a PBA demonstration in many, many years, and it was remarkable in that it was not in reaction to any single emotional issue — like the Bumpers case, for example — but was a demonstration of harmony over many issues.

Because of your dedication to your union and your fellow New York City police officers, we have been able to send a clear and emphatic message to the NYPD, City Hall, and lawmakers in the City Council and in Albany, and candidates for public office that the city's cops are a force to be reckoned with both politically and morally.

For helping us make that point, the PBA and your fellow cops owe you a debt of gratitude.

The rally was an all-important element in the process that I hope will lead to rewarding contract negotiations with the city and to favorable legislation in the Council and the State Legislature. I'm sure it will.

We should also be thankful to the PBA employees who showed their support for us by generously giving of their time to attend the rally.

Again, thanks to all of you for making the day such a great success.

Fraternally,

Patrick J. Lynch
President