Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary

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.

In August of 2005, the Grand Lodge Auxiliary convened for its 32nd Biennial Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Structure

Grand Lodge Executive Board

The Grand Lodge Auxiliary represents all subordinate and State Auxiliaries. Members of the Executive Board of the Grand Lodge are elected biennially from delegates sent by subordinate and State Auxiliaries to a National Conference, held simultaneously with the National Fraternal Order of Police organization. The main objective of the Grand Lodge Executive Board is to govern, unify and establish policies for all auxiliaries nationwide.

State Auxiliaries

Membership of the State Auxiliaries is comprised of all members of subordinate auxiliaries within that particular State. The Executive Board of the State Auxiliary is comprised of elected delegates representing subordinate auxiliaries attending a State Conference of the FOP Auxiliary organization. The objective of the State Auxiliary is to coordinate statewide activities and to provide a liaison between subordinate auxiliaries and the National Auxiliary. State Auxiliaries are also afforded additional voting power at the National Conference in the form of a representative (National Trustees) on the National Board. There are presently 20 State Auxiliaries functional across the Nation.

Subordinate Auxiliaries

Although, on an organizational chart, subordinate auxiliaries are the lowest on the echelon of the Order, they are the most important in the structure of the Auxiliary. A subordinate auxiliary is formed with permission from your parent FOP lodge and the minimum of ten eligible persons. This grass roots organization administers to day-to-day problems of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police and their families. The profile of a subordinate auxiliary varies with the needs of each particular police family, law enforcement agenda, FOP lodge, and community. Auxiliaries represent diverse interests and makeup of members.

Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary Auxiliary Journal

The Auxiliary Journal is the newsletter of the Grand Lodge Auxiliary.

The Auxiliary Journal is published two times each year—June and November. Auxiliary members, as well as FOP members and other law enforcement personnel, may submit articles for publication. The deadline for submissions is May 25 (for the June issue) and October 25 (for the November issue). Submit an article.

Subscription rate: $12.00 for two years. Printable subscription form.

Glenda Lehmann, Editor
1259 Farmdale Ave.
Louisville KY 40213
Fax: (502) 736-0891