History of the Grosse Pointe Lodge #102

Fraternal Order of Police Associates

Shortly after organization of the Grosse Pointe Lodge #102 Fraternal Order of Police in January, 1955, a group of community orientated citizens sought associate membership in the Lodge.  Although their number was small and their purpose was unclear, they joined together to assist the members in helping families, fund-raising, and collecting donations to help strengthen the tie between the Grosse Pointe Lodge #102 Fraternal Order of Police membership and the community it served.

Their numbers continued to grow slowly until the middle 1960’s, at which time a group of thirty associates were attending meetings with the parent lodge at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.  The fraternalism and social interaction were drawing the attention of other community minded citizens who wished to join.  In late 1969 the associate members met with the Executive Board of the Grosse Pointe Lodge #102 Fraternal Order of Police and indicated they wished to create a more formal group that could address the needs of the parent lodge without interfering with the business conducted in the monthly meetings.  In part, through the encouragement and support of Stephen Petrik (one of the founders of F.O.P #102) it was decided to allow the associate members to have their own officers, directors, and separate meetings to facilitate the large number of Police Officers and Associate Members now attending the monthly meetings.

Beginning in 1970, the associate members elected their first president, Robert McKendrik, as well as a board of directors and appropriate officers.  They held their meetings on the same day of the month as the parent lodge and after meetings were concluded, joined the police officers in social interaction.

For the next twenty years, membership continued to increase and six additional presidents served the associates.  George Sproader followed Mr. McKendrick and served in 1973-74.  Anthony Carr presided from 1975-80, and continued as treasurer until his passing in 1994.  Warren Brush was elected in 1980 and remained in office through 1983.  Dean Brunke presided in 1984.  Robert Estabrook served from 1985-88.  William Irwin was elected in 1988 and stayed in office through 1990.  Raymond Michael was elected in 1991 and was followed by Tom Nelson who served as President in 1992.  John Nelson was elected in 1993 and was followed by James A. Baubie, Jr. in 1994 who served as President through the year 1998.  George J. Schemmel, Jr. was elected the Lodge’s youngest President  in 1999 and continues through 2000.  Under President Schemmel, and with the strong help of Past President Estabrook,  www.fop102.com became a reality, putting Lodge 102 on the Internet. 

During the first twenty-six (26) years, the organization has experienced a great deal of growth.  Our highest membership level occurred in 1989 and 1990 at 270 members.  Special Fund Raising programs were developed.  These included participation in the Detroit Grand Prix, the Detroit Country Hoe-down, various fish fries and Las Vegas nights, all in the interest of raising money to support our Parent Lodge, and the community in general.

In 1990, Stephen Petrik (distinguished Past President of the Parent Lodge) passed, and the Associate Lodge acted immediately to honor him by forming The Stephen Petrik Scholarship Fund.  At Tony Carr’s passing, the associates again acted to modify the Scholarship Fund name to “The Stephen Petrik, & Anthony B. Carr Scholarship Fund” to pay correct tribute and homage to these two powerful men who made the organization a reality.

To better serve the community, a joint effort between the Parent and Associate Lodges was developed.  Community Orientated Programs (COP) was organized to return money to the community in the form of donations to groups such as the Children’s Home, S.A.D.D. (Students Against Drunk Drivers), Foundation for Exceptional Children, and many Drug related programs, not the least of which is D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education).  Most recently,  F.O.P.A. #102 has acted in protection of the Police Officers in the Five departments within our area in providing Body Armor or Bullet-Proof Vests.  C.O.P. activities are guided by  Past President Warren Brush.

The Associates were instrumental in helping the Parent Lodge obtain and fund their own Lodge Quarters on East Nine Mile Road.  Both monetary and physical effort went into the renovations of the building selected.  After sale of the building, Associate members were able to procure new facilities at the Elk’s Lodge #34 on Harper Avenue for monthly meetings.  The twenty-six (26) year association with the members of the community and Police Officers who are members of the Grosse Pointe Lodge #102 Fraternal Order of Police has continued to strengthen the bond between the community and Police Officers.  This association has provided a better understanding to the community of the needs and responsibilities of the Police Officers, and has also allowed those officers to show their appreciation to the community for their support.

Update notes, February 2000:  It hardly seems three (3) years have passed since I wrote this.  We have lost the beloved Theuerkorn brothers, Otto and Gerhard (“Gay”) and Herman Johnson, among others.  These active members rarely if ever missed a meeting.  Their absence is felt at each and every meeting.  Gay Theuerkorn took care of member’s name badges, and even up to today, he cannot be replaced.  Gay, may you rest in peace.  Your contributions to our lodge will be measured for all eternity.  As I watch my father sell raffle tickets every meeting, I wonder who if anyone could ever replace him.  And with an eye toward the future, I anxiously look for my replacement.  Any organization that dreams of perpetuity must look for leadership at all turns of the road.  Past President Bob Estabrook is another angel of deliverance to the Lodge; he stepped up to cover for ailing Treasurer Tony Carr and has done a fine job since Tony’s passing.  For those who never knew him, Tony Carr was born Anthony Ciemniek.  He modified his name to match his profession; selling cars.  He was the top salesman for the first Ford – Lincoln dealer ever.  He even bought a house on the prestigious “Lincoln Road.”  Tony always wore a bowtie, yes, a real one.  He was always impeccably dressed, and always wore a white shirt.  We trusted him as our Treasurer, and again, this was a leader impossible to replace. 

As President, I have accepted the responsibility of keeping the Lodge focused on our chartered intentions.  It is easy to sway and vary, and ever so hard to keep a steady hand on the helm, and an eagle’s eye aloft.  We focus on justice for slain Philadelphia Police Officer Danny Faulkner.   I will call for our Board of Directors’ help in re-defining our charge, and how we can best accomplish common goals.  Getting members to meetings will be top in importance. 

In these days of jumbled priorities, with confusion regarding rights and responsibilities, it is my promise that Fraternal Order of Police Associate Lodge 102 will continue its commitment to serving law enforcement personnel and the communities they serve.

Please follow our model and become active in your community.  Please feel free to contact us via our website for help in getting started.  We at Lodge 102 have a rich and strong tradition to share. 

note:  This document prepared December 3, 1996 as a birthday tribute to my father George J. Schemmel, Sr. (Guard, Director, 50/50 Chairman) by his son George J. Schemmel, Jr., previous Director, and current Secretary, Fraternal Order of Police, Associate Lodge #102, Grosse Pointe Michigan.  Most reported facts are drawn substantially from papers entrusted to me in capacity as Secretary, other facts and recollections as were given and provided by Tony Carr, deceased, Warren Brush, Past President, and others.  “The History of The Fraternal Order of Police” is reprinted nearly verbatim from the Fraternal Order of Police Constitution and By-Laws, as provided by Tony Carr.  While I have tried to be as accurate as possible, please accept my apologies for any omissions or mistakes.  I believe in the substantial authenticity of this document in its entirety.  This document updated 2-16-2000 by the author.