Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary (FOPA)

The Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary is an ancillary organization of law enforcement officers. The Auxiliary is the only national support organization of its kind.

The Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary was organized to unite families of members of the Fraternal Order of Police; to promote their welfare socially, morally and intellectually; and to encourage them in all things pertaining to their good.

In 1920, a group of wives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania police officers gathered to discuss issues concerning their husbands and their jobs. This was the birth of the first "FOP Ladies Auxiliary." In 1941, Kathryn M. Milton became the first national president of the Ladies Auxiliary. Since that time the Auxiliary has grown to over 2,000 members in 140 subordinate Auxiliaries representing 25 states.

In 1985, membership eligibility that originally allowed only females as members was extended to family members (18 years of age or older) of any member of the Fraternal Order of Police. In 1987, the name of the organization was changed, dropping the word "Ladies" to reflect the growth in membership of the organization.

National Peace Officers' Memorial Service

Although President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers' Memorial Day in 1962, it wasn't until the Auxiliary sponsored and planned the first National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service that any national effort was exerted to remember the line-of-duty deaths inflicted on those who serve the law enforcement profession.

The first Annual Memorial Service was held in Washington, D.C. on May 15, 1982, with approximately 125 people attending.

On May 15, 2008, the Grand Lodge Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Police, together with the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, memorialized 191 officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice at our 27th Annual Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service. More than 20,000 police officers, survivors, families and friends gathered on the steps of the United States Capitol Building to hear Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao praise their fellow officers who will never be forgotten.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Peace Officers' Memorial Service

Following our local tradition, President Jackie Stinson and the Lodge #9 FOPA  will organize the 2009 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Peace Officers' Memorial Service scheduled for May 8th, 2009, one week before the National Memorial Service.

For more information on the Char-Meck event please click here!