Being a part of the law enforcement profession is an honorable calling.  Whether working the beat, patrolling the highways, working in our correctional facilities, or working in a crucial support role, South Carolina law enforcement officers should be proud of the profession they have chosen.  We are the men and women who make up the "Thin Blue Line" in our beautiful state.  We are the professionals who have taken an oath to uphold the law and protect our communities from the criminal element, whether they are domestic of foreign.  There is not a more dedicated or honorable profession than ours.

In 2003 there was a push in the South Carolina House of Representatives to quickly vote through an "At Will Employment" bill which would have given every employer in South Carolina the right to terminate the employment of any employee at any time without cause.  SCPBA quickly mobilized and launched a letter writing, e-mail and phone contact campaign expressing our displeasure to South Carolina Senators which resulted in the rewriting of the bill to exclude law enforcement officers from the bill.  It is bad enough that most of our fellow deputy sheriff’s serve at the pleasure of the elected Sheriff, but this legislation would have placed every South Carolina law enforcement officer working at the pleasure of their respective government agencies unless they had a signed contract.  I find this to be very unacceptable and can see what pitfalls lay ahead should this type of bill be reintroduced.  South Carolina PBA is diligently working to stop this type of legislation and to inform the public and the politicians of the hazards of this bill.

We are fortunate to have the backing and resources of the SC Police Benevolent Association.  We are an association of law enforcement officers who are dedicated to bettering the working conditions and benefits of law enforcement officers.  We are an association that fights for fair treatment for officers by introducing and lobbying for a due process law which gives officers the right to defend themselves when accused of law or policy violations.  We are an association that is fighting to bring up the retirement percentage from 54% after 25 years of service to 75%.  We are an association, which believes in "grass roots" political activity to help bring about positive change to our profession by informing the local politicians of the needs and concerns of their law enforcement officers.

I chose to become a member of the South Carolina PBA because the association was made up of cops looking out for cops.  It is an association that fights for it’s members and it is the only association in South Carolina that will provide an attorney to the scene of a member related shooting, or critical incident, day or night, 365 days a year.  I know this for a fact, because I have personally used it.

I have watched this association grow over the past several years.  There is no doubt it will continue to grow and I will work hard to increase the membership of the South Carolina PBA.  I am asking all members to reach out to your fellow officers who are perspective members and tell them about the benefits of the PBA.  As our membership increases our voice increases.  As our voice increases our needs and concerns are heard and this is where positive change occurs.  I have experienced it at the local level of government and at the state level through political screenings, endorsements, and open communication with our lawmakers.

The South Carolina PBA is the fastest growing police organization in South Carolina.  I would like to invite all law enforcement officers into our association.  Grow with us as we continue to provide the best cost effective protection to our members and pursue positive change to our profession and benefits through strong political involvement.  "The Voice of Law Enforcement" is the South Carolina PBA.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.  I can be reached at 1-800-233-3506, ext. 761 or by e-mail at MDSoderberg@aol.com.  I look forward to hearing from you.

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