Aug 21 11
Ceremonies for Tom Keckler
Tom Keckler’s Celebration of Life events for August 27, 2011 2:00 PM
Former State Police Corporal Thomas Keckler’s Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church located at 201 East Main Street Sharpsburg, Md. 21782 at 2:00 PM.
At 5:00 P.M. there will be an informal catered dinner at the FOP Lodge 88 Clubhouse, where Tom’s friends and acquaintances can gather and share a meal in celebration of Tom’s life.
Aug 18 11
Death of Thomas Keckler
It is with sadness that I report the sudden death of Thomas Keckler, retired Maryland State Police. Tom died today while riding his bicycle 9 miles from his home in Great Cacapon, West Virginia. The preliminary indications are that Tom died from natural causes. His remains were transported to Morgantown West Virginia for an autopsy.
Keeping with Tom’s wishes, no formal viewing or funeral will be held and his remains will be cremated. There will be a memorial service in his honor on a later date. Details will be posted on the MTA Lodge website www.mta88.org when these arrangements are known.
Feel free to add comments of condolences to this post.
Aug 10 11
Annual River Meeting (UPDATE)
Hello everyone,
The official date of the Bittinger River meeting will be held on AUGUST 23, 2011. The cookout will start around 1400hrs but the official meeting and election of new officers will take place at 1630hrs. Please contact any Lodge 88 members that you know and make them aware of the meeting date and time. I know there are some out there who do not have internet. I look forward to seeing everyone at the River.
Thanks,
Brian Blubaugh
Aug 5 11
Annual River/ Steak feed
I am posting this message to advise everyone that the River Meeting has to be changed due to the death of a close friend of the Bittinger’s. There will be a regular meeting on August 9th at the Hagerstown Bk at 1630hrs. The river meeting is probably going to be moved to August 23rd but we will get an exact date as soon as possible. Please let everyone know about the change that usually attends the Steak feed at the river.
Thanks, Brian Blubaugh
Jul 29 11
Lodge President Election
Just for everyone’s information, I will be asking for your vote as the Lodge 88 President at the August river meeting. I have talked to Brian Kloos and I’m willing to accept the position if I get the vote. I will be giving up the Treasurer position and we will be needing someone to step up to the plate and take over that job. I will help the new Treasurer with a smooth transition into the position. I was thinking about Charlie West for the Treasurer position if he is interested.
Thanks,
Brian Blubaugh
Jul 13 11
Hassett Thank You Letter
May 20th 2011
M. Kirk Daugherty -President
Maryland Troopers Association
1300 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
Dear Friends:
I wish to express my sincere and humble appreciation to the Maryland Troopers Association, the Executive Board and individual lodges for the support given me, both financial and otherwise, which provided me and my family an appreciation gathering at Martin’s, Walkersville, MD, on May 16th 2011.
Until I heard comments at the ceremony itself, describing the efforts of those at the MTA who made this event possible, I was unaware of the measures taken to make it possible. In fact, I was informed only days before the event that it was planned to occur, and until I was brought to the event, I had no idea the size, scope, and, quite frankly, the purpose of the gathering. I am acutely aware of the financial resources required to allow for a function like this and am humbled that anyone would consider me worthy. Despite my efforts since then, I have been unable to discover the identity of all of those responsible because they politely refuse to reveal themselves. I hope this letter serves to at least acknowledge the involvement of the members of the MTA, without whose support, the event would likely not have occurred.
In April 2006, I was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Carcinoma, a very rare form of terminal cancer where 80% of those diagnosed do not survive 5 years. With the loving support of my family, friends, and co-workers, I have managed to continue on living as normal a life as possible and surpassed that milestone while continuing to work full time with MSP.
Throughout the last 5 years, I have received complete and total support and encouragement from members throughout the Department. I have been blessed with the good fortune of choosing a career that exposed me to so many people of exceptional character and virtue, a direct reason for the strength and determination which has motivated my continued survival to this point.
Until the last few weeks, I had intended to continue working for the foreseeable future, for as long as my health would allow. Very recently however, my health has rapidly declined , and I was informed that I should make final arrangements. Consequently, I will retire from MSP on July 15t 2011. Given the choice, I would begin my career anew and happily relive the last 26 ~ years at a vocation that I have loved. With few exceptions, I have enjoyed every minute of my experience as a trooper.
On behalf of my wife, Patty, my children and elderly parents, and my large extended family, thank you for providing us such a wonderful event, the memories of which I hope will long endure and serve as a source of strength and encouragement to my family and friends for years to come.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Hassett
Sergeant (soon to be retired) MSP
Jul 13 11
July 2011 Meeting Minutes
M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes
July 12th, 2011
Barrack “O” Hagerstown, MD
In attendance: (8) President B. Kloos, Vice President D. Seiler, Treasurer B. Blubaugh Excused, Secretary J. Barnes Excused, P. Morris, Ed Schlotterbeck, Edie Burke, Chris Barnard, Major Turano, Stacey Wallace
This meeting, held at the Hagerstown Barrack, was called to order by President Kloos at 4:30 p.m.
President’s Report:
- President Kloos advised that he attended the MTA Executive Board Meeting on June 21. He reviewed the MTA Finance Committee’s Report dated July 6, 2011 with members in attendance. He also requested that a “Thank You Letter” from Stephen Hassett be posted on the MTA 88 website.
Vice President’s Report:
- V.P. Seiler as always urged members to spread the word that all Lodge communication is conducted via email and the Lodge website. If you have not already signed onto www.mta88.org please do so to get current information about lodge activities. For any members not receiving information, have them email Dan at: Dan.seiler@copscorp.com.
Treasurer’s Report: (Information presented by President Kloos)
-
Account balances:
- Checking account: $13, 992.98
- Community Donation Fund: $910.00
- Death Relief Fund: $7,377.00
- Checking account: $13, 992.98
-
Recent Expenses
- $48.00 – Meal: Subs
- $48.00 – Meal: Subs
Secretary’s Report:
- Nothing to report
New Business:
- No new business.
Old Business:
No old business.
- Request for donation: None
- Reminders:
- The August meeting, the Cecil Bittinger Memorial Meeting, will again be held at the Potomac Fish & Game Club on August 9th. The activities start at 2:00 PM and the lodge business meeting will be held at 4:00 PM. This is a free stake and crab feed for members only. A gun will be raffled off after business meeting and you must be present to win.
Good of the Order:
- The retirement luncheon held on July 7th, 2011 at 11:00am at the Hagerstown Barrack for TFC Jonathan Crawford was a big success. Special thanks to Ruth Shawyer and others who made this lunch very special.
Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting: Tuesday August 9th, 2011 at 4:00p.m. To be held at the Potomac Fish & Game Club.
Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Dan Seiler – 7/12/11.
Jun 29 11
WMTA Scholarship Winner
Stephen Coccodrilli
Congratulations to Stephen R. Coccodrilli this year’s Western Maryland Troopers Association scholarship winner. Stephen is a graduate of North Hagerstown High School and will be going to the University of Pittsburg this fall. Stephen will major in Criminal Justice and will be following in his father’s foot-steps with a career in law enforcement. Stephen is the son of retire Maryland State Trooper Ronald Coccodrilli.
Good luck in college…
Jun 28 11
MTA 88 June Meeting 2011
M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes
June 14th, 2011
Barrack “O” Hagerstown, MD
In attendance: (8) President B. Kloos, Vice President D. Seiler, Treasurer B. Blubaugh, Secretary J. Barnes, D. Hamby, P. Morris, L. Harris, C. West
This meeting, held at the Hagerstown Barrack, was called to order by President Kloos at 4:35 p.m.
President’s Report:
- Nothing to report. Vice President Seiler represented the Lodge at the last main MTA Lodge meeting in Pikesville.
Vice President’s Report:
- V.P. Seiler again urges members to spread the word that all Lodge communication is conducted via email and the Lodge website. For any members not receiving information, have them email Dan at: Dan.seiler@copscorp.com.
- V.P. Seiler attended the main MTA Lodge meeting. The meeting was unusually short. Noteworthy business included the announcement of the scholarship winners. More details will be announced in the near future.
Treasurer’s Report:
- Account balances:
- Checking account: $15, 208.79
- Community Donation Fund: $910.00
- Death Relief Fund: $7,377.00
- Recent Expenses
- $40.81 – Meal: Pizza from Pizza Hut
- $35 Donation for the passing of Jason Presgraves, son of retiree Bill Presgraves
Secretary’s Report:
- Nothing to report
New Business:
- A donation request was made to submit the CVED softball team in this year’s MSP Annual Softball Tournament (The Hagerstown Barrack was unable to assemble a team). A request for $250 was made and approved unanimously. The donation will go towards team jerseys and refreshments. All members are encouraged to attend the tournament, which will be held June 29th and 30th in Frederick, MD.
- A request was made for the retirement statue for Sgt. Lori Harris. She will be retiring at the end of June after 26 and one half years of service. This request was unanimously approved and the statue will be delivered in a timely fashion.
- A banquet will be held by the Friends of the NRA at the South Mountain Rod & Gun Club. President Kloos and Treasurer Blubaugh will attend and represent our lodge.
Old Business:
- Request for donation: A request for a $250 donation was made by retired Cpl. Debra Hamby at the May 10th meeting. Following discussion, the request was tabled until this meeting. She is completing her Masters Degree as well as an internship for a counseling position at the Boonsboro Middle School. Through the course of her internship and continuing education, she has had the opportunity to counsel residents of the San Mar Children’s Home (a description of the home and their services may be found by visiting www.sanmarhome.org). In the interest of further assisting this facility and residents, Debbie will be participating in a 185 mile charitable bicycle event, the “The Greatest Bicycle Tour” (more information available at www.tgbt.org). The proceeds of this event will benefit the San Mar Home. This request was approved unanimously and Debbie was issued a check for $250.
- If you wish to submit a personal donation to this worthwhile event, please visit www.tgbt.org and follow the “donate online” link to sponsor Debbie Hamby
- Reminder: The Children’s Village Golf Tournament will be held on September 9th, 2011. A team consisting of Brian Kloos, Jeremy Stonebraker, Dave Ward, and Adam Thomas has been established. Contact President Brian Kloos if you would also like to play or establish another four person team.
Good of the Order:
- A retirement luncheon will be held on July 7th, 2011 at 11:00am at the Hagerstown Barrack for TFC Jonathan Crawford. He will be retiring after 17 years of service. Admission to the luncheon is $10 which includes lunch and refreshments. Contact Ruth Shawyer at 301-739-2102 or rshawyer@mdsp.org if you would like to attend. You must RSVP by July 1st.
- A “thank you” card was received from the family of Shawn Tasker of the Hancock Police Department. The Lodge contributed to the Tasker Memorial fund following the passing of their beloved daughter, Serena Tasker.
- Former Police Officer and Hagerstown Barrack VIP Robert “Bob” Mosner has passed away. Bob was very active with the barrack and Lodge during the mid to late 1990’s and was a treasured friend of many. His memorial service was held on Friday June 24th in Oakland, MD.
- The Western Maryland Troopers Association (WMTA) awarded the $2,000 scholarship to the son of retired TFC Ron Coccodrilli. He will be continuing his education at the University of Pittsburgh.
Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting: Tuesday July 12th, 2011 at 4:30p.m. To be held at the Hagerstown Barrack.
Meeting adjourned at 5:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Joshua Barnes – 6/28/11.
May 21 11
MTA 88 Minutes-May 2011
M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes
May 10th, 2010
Barrack “O” Hagerstown, MD
In attendance: (5) President B. Kloos, Vice President D. Seiler, Secretary J. Barnes, D. Hamby, T. McKenrick
This meeting, held at the Hagerstown Barrack, was called to order by President Kloos at 4:40 p.m.
President’s Report:
- President Kloos attended the Main MTA Board Meeting in March, 2011
- The COLA for retirees has been changed. You may access the MLIS.STATE.US website to find voting records for officials who voted on these bills.
- New hires must complete 25 years of service in order to receive full retirement benefits.
- Scott Wayne (SOD) was present to discuss and dispel the Beretta PX4 Storm handgun rumors. All sworn personnel will be carrying corrected and fully operational Storms by September, 2011. The most significant issues were bent recoil spring guides, magazine floor plates becoming detached during reloads, and magazines not falling freely from the weapon. Beretta claims to have fully resolved the issues.
- The open enrollment period for the MTA Dental Plan will be April 26th through May 26th.
- Discussion is underway concerning the $4,000 life insurance plans for MSP Chaplains. VIP Volunteers have inquired as to why they do not receive such benefits. More information will be forthcoming considering changes to these life insurance plans.
- The MTA Convention will be held September 29th through October 1st in Ocean City, MD. The Convention will be held at the Carousel Hotel. ALL reservations are to be directed to Marvin Hollinger by September 1st.
- Veridian Power has a co-op electrical plan and rates available to MTA members. Despite the deregulation, their services are not available in the western Maryland area.
Vice President’s Report:
- V.P. Seiler again urges members to spread the word that all Lodge communications are conducted via email and the Lodge website. For any members not receiving information, have them email Dan at: Dan.seiler@copscorp.com
Treasurer’s Report (Treasurer Blubaugh was excused from the meeting due to training):
- Account balances: Not reported due to Treasurer’s absence
- Recent Expenses
- $50 – Meal: Pizza from Brother’s Pizza
- $1250.00 for donation / package purchase from Friends of the NRA
Secretary’s Report:
- Nothing to report
New Business:
- Request for donation: A request for a donation was made by retired Cpl. Debra Hamby. She is completing her Masters Degree as well as an internship for a counseling position at the Boonsboro Middle School. Through the course of her internship and continuing education, she has had the opportunity to counsel residents of the San Mar Children’s Home (a description of the home and their services may be found by visiting www.sanmarhome.org). In the interest of further assisting this facility and residents, Debbie will be participating in a 185 mile charitable bicycle event, the “The Greatest Bicycle Tour” (more information available at www.tgbt.org). The proceeds of this event will benefit the San Mar Home. Debbie submitted a respectful request for a $200 donation towards her participation in this event. Upon discussion by present members, the request has been tabled until the June 14th, 2011 MTA Lodge 88 meeting.
If you wish to submit a personal donation to this worthwhile event, please visit www.tgbt.org and follow the “donate online” link to sponsor Debbie Hamby
Old Business:
- Reminder: The Children’s Village Golf Tournament will be held on September 9th, 2011. A team consisting of Brian Kloos, Jeremy Stonebraker, and Adam Thomas has been established. There is one available opening on this team. Contact President Brian Kloos for further details.
Good of the Order:
- Our sincerest condolences are extended to the Martin and Yohman families for the passing of Patricia Yohman. She was the wife of retired Captain David Yohman, and mother in law of Cpl. Phil Martin.
Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting: Tuesday June 14th, 2011 at 4:30p.m. To be held at the Hagerstown Barrack.
Meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Joshua Barnes – 5/20/11.