Local FOP quietly does good for community

By Kristi Hill

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is recognized as the largest professional police organization in the United States. Made up of federal, state and local officers, the FOP takes pride in making their towns safer and providing support to the community on multiple levels. The FOP is also a wonderful resource for their own members, providing continuing education assistance and various other programs.

Gardendale is home to the North Jefferson County Lodge 59 of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

“As the name implies we are a fraternity that was organized in 1975, in Gardendale to support law enforcement officers. Our Lodge is part of the Alabama State Lodge and the National FOP. Our Lodge is more diverse than some lodges in that we have about 150 members with varying law enforcement experience. Some lodges only have members from a single agency. We have active and retired law enforcement officers from state, Federal, // Continued on Page 14 //