The Porac legal Defense Fund

Dear PORAC Legal Defense Fund, This email has been weighing on my heart and should have been sent a long time ago. However, time seems to move fast even though your life has been put on hold. I have been on administrative leave since December of 2012. In April of 2013, I was arrested for the performance of my duties. Since the administrative side this case has not been resolved, I won't be getting into specific details regarding my case. However, I will say that I never thought that my life would turned upside down by doing the job that I love, and doing it in a way that I had been trained. I have been in Law Enforcement for 10 years, and I have been paying my monthly dues all along. I never really understood how important paying dues might be for me, I just thought it was the "cost of business". After being arrested, I understood the real worth of that investment. Because of politics, my case was given the "full court press". On January 3rd of 2014, the case against me was dismissed. It took no less than 5 experts to convince the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office to request dismissal. The time, effort, and money that this case cost couldn't have been endured by me as the sole provider of a family of four. LDF was there, big time. The panel attorney's under LDF were the best in the business. In the uncertain time during the criminal process, I couldn't have imagined how much help they could be. What a relief to know that LDF had my back. I am used to defending those who can't defend themselves. That's my job. When I was defenseless, LDF and the attorneys assigned to my case were my advocates and defenders. I thank you. My criminal attorney said it best at the conclusion of my criminal case: "Adam and his family are thankful that they can now move forward. The evidence showing Sgt. Laird was innocent was overwhelming. The expert EPD hired said that the suspect was rising up when Sgt. Laird pushed him back to the ground. The two experts that the DA’s office hired said that the force was reasonable and appropriate. The defensive tactics instructor who trained Adam said he acted consistent with his training in apprehending a high risk suspect in a dangerous situation. In total, five separate police practices experts reviewed the case and unanimously said Sgt. Laird acted appropriately". "It is hard to imagine what it must be like to risk your life apprehending a known gang member only to be charged with using excessive force when the suspect stated that he did not even feel the contact at issue. It is simply bizarre that Sgt. Laird was ever charged with a crime". Thank you. My family and I will forever be grateful for your service, Sergeant Adam Laird

My representative was outstanding and knew what to lookout for and how to handle situations as they appeared. He told me what to expect and how he proposed to handle the hurdles. Just telling what to expect helped put me at ease as the situation was so foreign to me, and intimidating.

[My representative] was an outstanding attorney to work with. Even though I did not receive a desirable outcome entirely, I was exceptionally satisfied with his representation. Thank you.

To whom it may concern: Let me start by saying how much I appreciate the opportunity to join the PORAC Legal Defense Fund. This is a great benefit for our membership. During the past twelve months I was fortunate to have access to the Legal Defense Fund through MPCA. Earlier this year I was both surprise, and disappointed, when realized that I needed to provide counsel to mediate pending litigation. In accessing the Legal Defense Fund I found your staff to be very professional and reassuring. The staff felt that [my representative]., would be the best ft for the situation. I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation for being represented by [Rick Barry]. Not only was he a good fit for the circumstances, at times it seemed as if he was the only attorney out of several involved that really had a grasp on the issues. Again, I would like to thank the PORAC staff, and know that I could not have been better served than by what was provided by [my representative].

LDF is a great organization that not only helps their clients but many of those around them such as coworkers and family members.

Those who foolishly feel LDF is not a valuable resource, do so only because they have not yet needed legal representation.

Very pleased with the way the process was explained to me. Received updated info faster than I expected. Overall a good experience in a not so good situation. Thanks to LDF.

Very satisfied with the service I was given.

[My representative] was very knowledgeable and courteous. He knew his stuff, and I couldn't have asked for a better guy to be on my side on this matter. Thanks.

(My attorney) is a very good attorney, despite his young age. He kept me well informed throughout my legal matter and returned phone calls in a prompt manner. I was very satisfied with his performance and would not hesitate to be represented by him again.

When I first contacted LDF re: my case I was unsure of how well/poor I'd actually be represented. I was impressed beyond belief. From the timely responses from my attorney, his knowledge in my case, advising me what my rights were and where I stood. I felt like I was genuinely being protected from unwarranted and unfounded accusations and believe, as long as I am in the right, I have someone fighting for me. Thank you, Thank you.

Great job by all! Always great to know LDF is there when needed.

[My representative] is the best attorney LDF has. Her attention to details, professionalism, and intelligence were off the charts. If I did not have her as a rep I would probably be out of a job. She is fair and she was honestly concerned about me, my family and my case.

From my initial call to LDF, to my "Thank You" email to (my attorney ) I had the best representation I could have hoped for. The "800" number call receptionists were very professional & understanding. (My Attorney's) office & staff kept me informed & updated. I am forever thankful to LDF & exceptional representation by ( my attorney ) & staff.

[My representative was] very quick to respond, helpful and professional. Thank you!

Very helpful and very informative!

I am very pleased with LDF and would use and recommend them again and again and again.

I could not have had a better attorney. [My representative ] went way above and beyond his duties. I would not have had a better experience with my representative. I believe that the LDF is the single most important benefit a police officer could have!

Amazing job, Thank you.

It was great comfort to know somebody would be there for me in this matter. I was able to finally sleep @ night & wake up with confidence that I would be ok. Thanks.

My LDF representative had a power point presentation, which was extremely professional.

High quality service, proficient, well informed. Overall, very happy with experience.

[My representative] was an excellent lawyer.

My experience through dealing with this matter was horrific. Without the efforts of the LDF and more specifically [my representative], I would most certainly have fallen victim to a corrupt and unethical administration. The LDF has saved my career and brought me justice.

[My representative] was awesome.

I am a firm believer that LDF serves an essential part in the assistance to protect an officer's POBR & in the integrity of an investigation or complaint. I highly recommend the law office of [My Represenative].

My LDF rep kept me well informed concerning the progress of my case. I was extremely satisfied with the service I received. Thanks.

I was very satisfied with the work the LDF performed. The lawyers and clerical staff at [law firm] were all very kind, professional and they always assisted me when I called and never made me feel like I was a burden. Thank you LDF!

[My representative] was wonderful! Even though my situation didn't end in my favor, he was very supportive, informative & patient. He always answered every email in a timely fashion and was very accessible. I appreciated everything he was able to do for me.

Outstanding service. Thanks.

I appreciate the fact that my representative met with me in a social setting prior to the interview, during which time she learned the facts of the case. She was prepared for the interview. She seemed to have a genuine interest in my case.

Great job by my LDF lawyer. I have had to use them several times over my 20 year career and their service is invaluable.

Awesome job!

My representative was very kind and showed he cared when explaining what my legal rights were when dealing with an internal investigation.

He did a great job for me!!! He always returned my phone calls within 24-hours. He showed an interest in my case and we were able to get the issue resolved in less than 45 minutes. Thank you for being there when I needed the legal assistance.

[My Representative] is fabulous! Thanks for all the exra work she did for me!

Great program. I was lost until the attorneys explained the situation. I was very impressed and satisfied. Thanks LDF.

Great work! Thank you so much!

Excellent program, no one should be without this coverage.

Keep up the Good Work! Your service was extremely helpful to me. Thank you.

He was very professional. I trusted him to defend and he did! I am very thankful he was here for me.

Very thorough group of sharp/smart government concerned [attorneys]. They understood what was happening and briefed me on everything. I was very impressed.

Great job.

You guys are Great! Very professional and well informed. THANK YOU!

Thank you for the funding and support. I would be in jail right now if it were not for LDF. I would not have had the funding to pay for the case. It was a tremendous help having [my representative] and his support team and the many experts supplied by LDF. I speak for myself, my family and other members of my association.

Good job!!

[My Representative] was the best and if I ever need to call al lawyer again for anything, I'll be calling her.

[My representative] brings a superlative reputation, a comforting and confidence building demeanor and a clear expertise to the table. In particular I appreciate her philosophy that she gives her total undivided attention to her clients during their appointments.

[My Represenative] is an excellent attorney. He is very professional yet personable and I would definitely use him again. Thank you!

[My Representative] did an excellent job with my case. He was very professional and kept me well informed throughout this case. Thank you for an awesome job.

I was extremely grateful for professional representation provided by ( my attorney ) during this extremely stressful situation

Excellent service everytime.

Very well informed group.

26 years and I have never needed a LDF rep, but the one time you need one, it was worth the fee’s paid.”

The charges against me, if sustained, would have likely ended my LE career. I was rightfully exonerated on all charges. I was well represented by [My Representative] and thank him for a job well done!!

[My Representative] truly is an exceptional attorney. He has always represented me with honesty and compassion. Well Done.

Having an LDF attorney who is experienced, knowledgeable and professional is an outstanding quality. [My representative ]exhibit all of these qualities and more. They are outstanding and I would not entrust my career to anyone else!

Everything was great!

[My representative] is the poster face representative of the greatest attorney (representative) that anyone could possibly ask for. She gets a 12 out of 10 star rating. Nobody works harder.

[My representative ] was great!

[My Representative] is a knowledgeable attorney and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing representation.

The LDF process was painless and I was able to get immediate representation in an urgent time of need. Thank you LDF

The LDF responded immediately upon my request for counsel. LDF provided the best representative I could receive! When I called LDF for advice, I was given advice again immediately. Thank you LDF for your concern.

[My representative] was very attentive, [informative] and knowledgeable. He spoke very clearly and explained things in ways easy to understand. [He] made me feel like he truly cared about what was going on with this case and me. Not to mention [he] was funny and witty, traits which made him trustworthy and someone who would stand by me and other police officers.

My rep was great.

[My Representative] was very helpful in my situation and I can't thank him enough.

[My Representative] was great! Thank you.

My rep did a good job. First we met and he explained that there might be culpability on my part but not nothing close to the allegations. I appreciated his honesty as we have all done things that can be taken out of context so it was important he told me to realize that.

[My representative] always returned phone calls and let me know if he was contacted with information.

Very knowledgeable and thorough and would use the rep again.

[I'm very satisfied and grateful] for LDF representing me. My attorney was professional, honest, and very knowledgeable of his profession. During these tough times my attorney would contact me on a regular basis to see how I was doing. This was obviously not part of his job description, but it kept me at ease and not losing my mind. I'm thankful that I was represented by LDF.

LDF is a very valuable resource. I would not do this job without it.

[My representative] was helpful and made me feel supported. I got the results I desired. Very pleased with the process.

Thank you for your help. I feel very secure as you assisted me.

Good service. Thank you.

My rep was very helpful in explaining the processes and stayed in contact throughout the ordeal.

Great work, no complaints.

Everything went smooth. I think the current system works very well.

Everything was awesome...could not be happier!

[My Representative] was fantastic, knowledgeable, professional and easy to talk and work with. Even though the allegations lodged have not been resolved, [My Representative] continued to communicate with me, to offer his assistance.

Very Comforting to have a knowledgeable person looking out for my best inerests. Thx!

They were there when I needed them and my whole case was handled on the phone. I met my representative after my case closed and he was at our union meeting when I had the pleasure to meet him and thank him in person.

Thank you for all of the work related to my officer involved shooting case.

Thank you for all your help!

Unfortunately, I have been placed in the position to use LDF several times in my career. Without their valued services, I would not be here to write this. I and my family thank you.

The attorney assigned to my case was GREAT! It's sad, but it's impossible to be an officer in today's world without a defense fund like PORAC LDF. I am now retired and signed up for the retired officers CCW LDF. Thanks!

I have used LDF in 3 OIS's. Each time I have been very well taken care of. I highly recommend [ representative ] and the PORAC system. Well done and thank you.

The LDF is a tool available to me which I hope never goes away. It makes me feel that much more confident to do my job knowing LDF has my back when police work gets ugly. And it usually does..

Everything was explained very well prior to my questioning. I was not worried at all during the investigation. Very professional and a great asset to its members.

I was very pleased with my representative.

I have used this law firm for union related business for the last several years. It was a no brainer to call them for LDF.

Can’t say enough. Both representatives that I had in 2016 were excellent. ( My attorney ) made himself available to me in late night hours, which made me feel comfortable and at ease. This program is essential to us in law enforcement.

Keep up the good work.

Thank you for providing this service. My experience with LDF was very much to my satisfaction.

LDF is a valuable resource that no law enforcement officer should be without.

Outstanding service from bottom-to-top.

This attorney and her legal team were one of the best I’ve seen and interacted with. I was always in the loop and constantly updated on the case status. I would use (my attorney) again if the need came and recommend her to anyone.

My representative was very helpful and informative.

LDF was there when I needed them!! In this litigious world, it's nice to know LDF has GREAT lawyers on our side who look out for us!! [My Representative] is a great attorney and a person I would trust in any circumstance!!!

Your rep was very personal. Even though my case involved something minor, your rep made me [feel] my case was his most important. I am very satisfied with my LDF team.

I have held leadership positions in our POA most of my career. Because of my role as President and Vice President I have been a target to management. I feel that if it were not for LDF I wouldn't have a job

All the LDF representatives were very courteous and attentive with a punctual response to all of my concerns, inquiries and appointment scheduling. My representative was very informative about the legalities and kept in contact with me regularly. He was also very patient and straight forward. I would definitely want to use the LDF again and felt more confident through my proceedings because I had representation!

[ My representative ] was very knowledgeable regarding dept & legal rules regarding officer involved shooting. Provided good legal advice & was very supportive.

I so appreciated my LDF rep - his kindness and understanding re my case during an embarrassing and uncomfortable time - he was so caring.

[My representative] did a good job representing me. Kept me informed.

My experience was made much less stressful thanks to the LDF representation.

My LDF Representative was [Representative]. He did an outanding job with my case and I am overjoyed with the results.

I didn't end up needing his service but he was awesome in what conversations we had before the matter was resolved. Very valuable - LDF!

Everything went very smooth and they handled everything! Thank you.

Excellent service, prompt and courteous.

My attorney provided outstanding representation.

My representative was very good. I highly recommend my lawyer to anyone.

This was my first Internal Affairs investigation, my lawyer walked me through every step and answered all of my questions, without my lawyer's advice, I would have been lost throughout the investigation and a complete disadvantage against my department.

This is a great program designed to protect LEO’s in need

I have had (2) two cases in which LDF represented me. Both lawyers were exceptionally professional, intelligent and caring for me. They were friendly and very helpful.

I was very well represented by a professional. I felt well represented and got great advice.

[My representative] is an excellent attorney. I would use him again. He communicates with his clients and is very competent.

[My representative] did a great job. He is both thorough and well educated. I would use him again.

[My representative] is an excellent attorney and I am very happy he picks up the phone and answers my questions whenever possible.

I think that [my representative] did a great job in presenting my case. I would recommend her to any deputy (officer) facing disciplinary action. My case was minor compared to other cases but [she] still did a professional job.

Geat Service.

[My representative] was very professional and helpful. She kept me informed with my options and the direction of the investigation.

[My representative] did an excellent job! I would highly recommend him to any officer in need of LDF services.

Don't go to work without LDF!

I feel that I was very well represented by the LDF regarding a fatal officer involved shooting. Both attorneys assigned to assist me - our guild attorney plus a criminal defense attorney - were very aggressive and helpful. Their work was instrumental in helping me to navigate the criminal and internal investigations so that I could return to full duty status.

I'm very pleased with the services offered by the LDF. I feel so fortunate to enjoy the benefits of having the membership. The services provided by LDF to its members is simply 110% professional, supportive, great!! LDF care for its members is reflected by the quality of Best Law Firm offered, simply the best!

My LDF rep was great, always returned my calls quickly and kept me up to date with what was going on with the case. Thank you.

I couldn't have been more satisfied with the representative!

[My representative] is the best!!

This is my 1st time using LDF and was very pleased with the service I got. [My representative] was so friendly & always returned my calls & even called to update me without provocation.

Excellent work and well worth it.

I have only used LDF once for myself, which with the circumstance was great. I work with LDF in my assignment ( OIS investigator ) and after approximately 4-5 OIS's, I have great experiences with LDF.

[ My representative ] was professional, articulate and prepared, but most importantly he understood the emotional impact the investigation was having on me as a person and peace officer. I highly recommend [my representative].

This was the first time in my twenty-five year career that I had to use the services of my legal defense fund. My LDF Representative was extremely courteous, informative and professional.. She addressed all of my concerns and answered all of my questions. She did an overall outstanding job of representing me and handling my case. I could not have been any more pleased or satisfied with the job she did! I would definitely request her to represent me in the future if I needed representation.

Very satisfied with the LDF services provided. Thank you.

I could not be happier with the interest, work put into my case, and assistance from [my representative]. Thanks !!

This was my first need for LDF support and I was very happy with the level of service. Thank you.

I am very happy with the service I received from LDF. I am grateful that our association includes LDF as part of our dues.

I was very impressed with the speed at which the case was handled. Thank you!

Thank God for the L.D.F.

No Complaints. Great Resource.

The firm I used was very valuable to my career and kept me updated as to status of the case. Thank you!

My attorney was excellent. I would use her again.

Quick response, experienced and knowledgeable attorney which assisted in every step. [My representative] kept me apprised through the process. Thank you.

Excellent representation. [My representative] is a great attorney.

In 14 years I have never had to deal with an "IA." [My representative] was wonderful & put my mind at ease throughout the entire process. Thank you!

I couldn't be happier or more satisfied with my LDF Representative, the process and the outcome of my case.

I have always been and will continue to be a strong supporter of LDF and would not work as a police officer without it. I am extremely happy with the service I have received both from LDF and [my representative].

My representative called me back promptly and kept me informed. I had the impression she cared and was there to help.

Outstanding [law firm] - incredible firm. And, LDF was easy to work and correspond with.

An excellent plan. Very valuable to its members.

I am always satisfied with LDF and all their representatives.

I would not want to be an officer without this coverage. It was great to have it and kept my mind at ease.

[My representative] always took my calls or returned them within hours. Put my mind at ease and kept me well informed. LDF is well served by this law firm!

[My representative] did a fantastic job at returning my phone calls and keeping me informed of any and all information pertaining to my case. I would recommend him to anyone.

I have known for sometime that PORAC would provide the services I needed at the time I needed them. This is a professional competent organization prepared to handle the appropriate legal matters our officers face in today's environment.

[My representative] was awesome! He provided an excellent explanation of the process and was very professional. This was my first IA in 11 years of LE and [my representative] did a great job of reassuring me that I had nothing to worry about. Thank you so much for all your help.

[ My representative ] was bogged down with multiple cases when he represented me, but I feel he did an excellent job. I would not have wanted anyone else to represent me during a very troublesome time.

My representative was an outstanding rep. I was very fortunate to be represented by her and the firm should be very proud to have her in it. She's courteous, smart and aggressive when needed. I would not ask for anyone else, if any other situation evolved, she's the best. Thanks.

Good firm.

[My representative] has represented me twice now and both times I have been very pleased with his thoroughness with handling my cases. I appreciate all what LDF and [my representative] have done for me.

[ My representative ] is an awesome attorney.

I can't express how satisfying and comforting it was to have such a well qualified and pleasant attorney at my side. Thank you so much for everything you did for me, and if you can, please thank [ my representative] again for being there for me.

Thank you for your services.

I thank God for the support of LDF and my attorney. I had a letter of intent to be fired and he helped me turn it all around. I still have my job and I'm so grateful.

LDF is THE most important asset / resource that police officers have. "Thank you" to all involved and keep up the good work!

Although this incident was unfounded, it's still stressful. My LDF rep kept me informed and kept "work" at work.

I was well represented and very glad to have LDF. Thank you.

Outstanding!!!

As always... an excellent result.

My LDF rep was very attentive, and courteous. She made every effort to keep me informed, and kept my best interests at the front of the process. I was very satisfied with my LDF rep, and the entire process.

At a time when no one cares about you it's nice to have someone on your side who does. (My attorney ) made a stressful six months a lot more tolerable.

They did a great job!

No criticism to give. Very well.

[My representative] is the best LDF rep I have ever had. If I were to need an LDF rep again I would want it to be [my representative].

I had never been through an I.A. in my 21 years. I was scared and ashamed and humiliated. ( My attorney ) was excellent. He helped me through one of the worst times of my life. Had great outcome and I am grateful.

My representatives were always well-prepared and organized for hearings and meetings. Their efforts, hard work and full support is truly appreciated.

You guys did an amazing job! Thank you L.D.F. !

[My Representative] was great!

The members of my Association are very pleased with the level of representation that PORAC has given to us. As the President I can not thank you all enough.

I appreciated the thorough follow up by LDF staff. Many thanks and blessings for the work by LDF.

My experience with the LDF, and in particular my attorney, was extremely positive. [ My attorney ] worked very hard and kept me informed along the way.

Hope to never in a situation again, however, glad to know that LDF is there to help.

[My representative] has been in my corner for 28 years. I have been represented by this firm probably 6 times in my career from minor to major discipline cases with a great outcome for me. They're batting 100%

Very helpful program. Helped keep department personnel focused on the issue regardless of their personal issues.

Highly recommend this program for any LEO!

[My representative] made himself available 7 days a week understanding that those were my needs. He was very well informed and kept me on the right track and in the right frame of mind.

[ Representative ] did a great job. My case was extremely complicated and difficult. She did a great job.

LDF was very informative and provided me with the direction on how to handle my case. I was very happy with LDF and their staff.

Keep up the great work.

LDF referred me to [ representative ] in Spokane, WA. [ Representative ] did an outstanding job representing me. Thank you very much for the referral ! I would not be employed any longer had it not been for [ representative ] and his legal team.”

LDF assisted by taking a stressful situation and calmed it down by thoroughly explaining the entire process. It was nice to know that I had an ally when I was sure that I was alone.

LDF is absolutely essential to help make a system that is somewhat broken work more effectively. [My Representative] is excellent and takes a great deal of time to lisen and represent.

Mine was a fairly simple situation and I may not have needed representative. I am glad I called for help, it gave me peace of mind and reassurance.

I just want to say [my representative] did a great job! Thank you.

I was very pleased with the service I received

Very happy with LDF.

[My representative] not only did he do a great job but he listened to my concerns. He did not force his views or game plan and we worked well w/ each other. We agreed on a goal and achieved it.

[My representative] was very attentive to my case and thorough with his investigation. I would request [him] again in the future.

Being a police officer in the city of Oakland, I appreciate the services that are offered.

Good job. Thank you! [My representative] does an outstanding job representing the employees and seems to be very intimidating to the [County Management]. We like it this way!

I felt I was represented in a thorough and professional manner.

Thank you for your help.

[My representative was] great! She kept me informed and was very professional. She would be my choice if I should need her services in the future! (But I hope I won't) Thanks!