FROM THE DESK OF PRESIDENT FORD - SPECIAL EDITION

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 tells us that there is a time and a season for everything. I believe that with all my heart, and I make no apology for my faith in God and the Bible. My season of service to Local 685 has come to an end. After 19 years in this department—17 of them as a union representative—my season is now over.

I began as a DSO, representing GSNs, DSOs, and Sr. DSOs. I then served as Vice President over the Camps, and later became a Special Representative, where I represented everyone from GSNs to DPO 2s, as well as our members in Pretrial, Transportation, and DCFS. In 2023, you, the members, elected me President of Local 685. You spoke loudly and clearly that you wanted change, and I was honored to win by a landslide.

Throughout my time representing members in the camps, halls, and transportation, I fought to save jobs. Many times, when members faced discharge, I was able to negotiate with the department for lower levels of discipline—a suspension, a Letter of Reprimand, or even no discipline at all. When I sat down with the department, I demanded fairness and justice. Often, we achieved it. Other times, when the nature of a case led to termination, I worked to ensure that members had the strongest possible representation at Civil Service.

Because of my success, Chief Steward Sue Cline promoted me to Special Representative. She was proud of the preparation and dedication I put into every case—grievance hearings, investigative interviews, Skelly hearings, and meetings with management. She even nicknamed me her “Philadelphia lawyer” for my thoroughness in reading policies, researching laws, and ensuring that every member had the best representation Local 685 could provide.

As a Special Representative, I also took on assignments beyond discipline—political events, Board of Supervisors meetings, POC meetings, and other critical work for Local 685. Over time, I built a reputation for saving jobs, securing fair outcomes, and holding management accountable. Members trusted me to fight for them. Management respected me because they knew I demanded fairness, not favors. Accountability was key—for members and management alike.

Looking back, I am proud of the work I put in and the lives and careers I helped protect. Some of the very people I represented years ago are now DPO 1s, DPO 2s, Supervisors, Directors, and Special Assistants. They are still here because of the fights we won together.

But it is also true that people often forget who stood with them in their time of need, and the sacrifices made on their behalf. Sisters and Brothers, this message is personal. No one else could write how I feel. When I entered this department, I was young, healthy, and strong. I was sharp. Today, after 19 years, I am worn down. I have given everything I had to this department and to Local 685. There is nothing left to give.

When you called, I came. When you cried, I stood with you. When you needed me, I was there. But now, my season is over. I will not run for re-election. It is time for me to care for myself.

It has been an honor to serve you. I wish you the best in your own seasons ahead. And yes, I’m still waiting on that DPO 2 position.

I love you all. God bless you and your families. I walk into this new season thankful to be alive, smiling, and giving glory to God.