Pea Ridge, Little Flock and Pea Ridge National Military Park law enforcement officers are members of the newest Fraternal Order of Police chartered in Pea Ridge recently. President is Michael Lisenbee, Pea Ridge police officer.
"It's an organization comprised of a national lodge with over 400,000 members. There are 2,100 smaller lodges across the country," Lisenbee said. "The primary drive or concern is to provide better working conditions for its police officers -- training, duration, legislation, community policing, representation. And, it helps us outsource towards the community for fundraising and developing transparency."
Pea Ridge Fraternal Order of Police is Lodge No. 88. Lisenbee said there are about 100 lodges in the state of Arkansas.
"The uniqueness of our lodge -- some are closed -- is that it is open so it's open to any officer of any agency," Lisenbee said, adding that members pay dues to the local, state and national lodge. He said there are plans for fundraising events such as a charity golf tournament and a 5K run in order to fund events such as Shop With a Cop.
He said he hopes to begin a Facebook page in the not too distant future and will open a bank account where money can be donated to the FOP.
Pea Ridge Police Sgt. Eric Lyle was selected the state trustee, which means he will represent the local FOP at the national convention and the state meeting.
"Officers were evenly distributed from the three agencies," Lisenbee said. "That's one thing I liked starting out -- we're on a level playing field. Each agency has a level vote."
There are 15 members and the group will meet quarterly. The first meeting is scheduled for January.
"We're happy that we started it up and look forward to serving our community and our officers," he said.
"I am extremely proud of the officers on this department, Little Flock PD and the Military Park for stepping up and starting this program," Pea Ridge Police Chief Ryan Walker said. "It is also amazing to see the leadership that is coming from this group. I am very excited to see the great things they are able to do for these cities."
General News on 11/30/2016