In an effort to renew the Resource Protection Peace Officers Association(RPPOA) affiliate within the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA), an interim board of directors is being formed.
On July 16, 2013, State Parks Peace Officer Rangers Lee Hawkins (Malibu), Robert Pickett (Hungry Valley), and Matthew Yarbrough (Tahoe) met at CSLEA headquarters in Sacramento as the foundation of the interim board. The rangers met with CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark, Chief Financial Officer Ricardo Sanchez, Director of Member Services Paul Satkowski and Director of Media Services Teri Cox. CSLEA Sr. Counsel Dave De La Riva participated via Skype.
The founders of the RPPOA affiliate and CSLEA staff candidly exchanged ideas on what needs to be done to facilitate the participation of rangers, lifeguards and Fish and Wildlife wardens in RPPOA. “By not having a voice in CSLEA on behalf of rangers and wardens, we are only hurting ourselves professionally” said Yarbrough. “The time has come for us to get involved and make sure we are heard at the CSLEA board table and at the bargaining table.”
“This is welcome news,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “CSLEA is made up of members for members. We look forward to having all of our law enforcement, public safety and consumer protection professionals at the table providing their input. That’s what CSLEA is all about.”
The interim directors will conduct a conference call July 30 to review a draft of RPPOA bylaws and to plan upcoming site visits with wardens, rangers and lifeguards. As news of the revival of the affiliate has begun circulating, others are expressing interest in interim board positions. If you are interested in becoming a part of the interim board or wish to assist with the development of RPPOA, please use the link below.
