On August 10 and 11, LAAPOA President Marshall McClain visited Sacramento with our statewide partner PORAC, joining the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA), California State Sheriffs’ Association (CSSA) and other law enforcement professionals for a public safety engagement event. The group outlined legislative priorities and met with elected officials and policymakers to discuss issues important to our members and the law enforcement profession as a whole, including recruitment and retention and PEPRA reform (AB 1383).

Most recently, the City of L.A. published an informational video spotlighting the “dangerous and unpredictable job” of our L.A. City park ranger members. LAAPOA not only shared the video across its social media channels and website to educate the public about the important work they do, but also called attention to the fact that, despite performing myriad duties ranging from confronting armed suspects and tracking repeat fire offenders to rescuing lost hikers, responding to medical emergencies and protecting communities from fast-moving brush fires, our park rangers are still not armed. This issue, which LAAPOA has advocated for the past several years, remains an important priority, as the City is depriving our members of the protection they need to face the growing dangers of the job. LAAPOA has since shared infographics on its social media platforms featuring statistics and data to remind elected officials of just how dangerous the job is.

These two recent events highlight the important advocacy work LAAPOA has been doing on behalf of its members since its founding in 1982 — all in the name of protecting workplace rights and benefits, as well as ensuring safe working conditions and providing members with the equipment they need to protect themselves and those they serve. As Labor Day approaches on Monday, September 7, we can’t help but reflect on the work we do on behalf of our members, the importance of the holiday and how it represents far more than a three-day weekend or the unofficial end of summer, especially to labor unions and associations like ours.

The holiday, which celebrates its 132nd anniversary this year, commemorates the invaluable contributions, achievements, grit and resilience of hardworking Americans throughout history who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of our nation. It’s also about the tenacity of workers and unions whose collective action and organizing efforts throughout America’s labor movement, from the 19th century onward, have helped secure fair wages, safer work environments and dignity in the workplace, as well as many of the critical rights and privileges we enjoy and take for granted today, such as minimum wage, family leave, health insurance, Social Security, Medicare and more.

LAAPOA’s advocacy for its members continues the efforts of those labor leaders who came before us. We’ve remained steadfast in protecting the rights of active and retired peace officers so that the future of the profession remains strong, respected and sustainable. Whether it’s advocating for legislation at the local, state and national levels, speaking out against policies that make it more difficult for officers to do their jobs or endanger the public, or calling for more city and federal funding to upgrade or replace equipment (such as LAXPD’s aging vehicle fleet), and support recruitment and retention initiatives, LAAPOA works year-round to ensure our members receive the support and protections they deserve.

“Collectively, our members are responsible for protecting millions of people across L.A. — from those traveling through LAX to those who live and work in the city and enjoy our city’s parks and recreational facilities. Our officers deserve fairness, equity and the resources necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively, and our city, state and federal leaders must make those investments a priority,” LAAPOA President Marshall McClain says. “This Labor Day, as we reflect on the progress we’ve made as an association and recognize our members and the wide range of public safety duties they perform each day, we’re reminded that our work is far from over. With the Olympics on the horizon, we must stand united to secure the funding, resources and support our officers need to meet the demands ahead and keep Angelenos and visitors safe.”