VIRGINIA STATE LODGE
1954-Present
On July 25, 1953 the Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police met with members of Old Dominion Lodge #1, Roanoke: John Marshall Lodge #2 Richmond and Commodore Lodge #3 Norfolk for the express purpose of VIRGINIA STATE LODGE chartering the Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. Little did they know they were the nucleus of what was to become one of the largest and best organized State Lodges in the nation.
At the July 25 meeting in Richmond, the following interim officers were elected to serve until the First State Conference could be held at John Marshall Lodge #2 on November 20, 1953. President Glen O. Wills, Vice President Claude J. “Bubber” Slaylor, Secretary/Treasurer Thomas A. Conway, Jr., Conductor, George M. Lloyd, Inter Guard Harry W. Vest and Trustees Douglas E. Berry, Beauford J. Webb and Robert T. Millikin. These men continued to serve until Sergeant Robert T. Millikin, Sr. of Richmond Police Department was elected President in 1957 at the F.O.P. Annual meeting in Richmond the slate of officers were: Vice President J.A. Mitchell: Secretary/Treasurer Edward A. Culverhouse: Conductor Glenn O. Wells: Guard W. Vaught: Chaplain, J.C. Brady: and Trustees W.E. Hall and A.L. Winter.
The cost of the First State Lodge meeting and dinner at the Richmond Hotel was $85.50. On January 28, 1955 Robert Millikin and J.O. Clemmons from John Marshall Lodge #2 were given $9.50 to attend a meeting in Roanoke. The first Secretary of the State Lodge was paid $50.00 a year for his services
By 1955, there were Old Dominion Lodge #1, Roanoke; John Marshall Lodge #2, Richmond; Commodore Lodge #3, Norfolk; Henrico County Lodge #4, Sandston; James A. Stone Lodge #5, Fredericksburg (Currently Rappahannock Lodge #15) Henry S. Curtis Lodge #6; Virginia Beach Lodge #7; Princess Anne Lodge #8; South Norfolk Lodge #9. By 1966 there were 17 active lodges.
The 1st State Conference of the Virginia State Lodge was held in Richmond, on November 20, 1953.
The 2nd State Conference was held in Norfolk, Virginia, in July 1957
The 3rd State Conference was held in Roanoke, Virginia in July 1958
The 4th State Conference was held in Richmond, Virginia, in July 1960
The 5th State Conference was held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in July 1962
The 6th State Conference information is missing.
The 7th Biennial Conference was held in 1966 at Virginia Beach. State officers were President Frank S. Duling; Vice President Sidney Cherry; Secretary Carlton Baird; Assistant to the Secretary Doris Cozart; Treasurer, Alvin Hudson; Conductor, James A. Toler; Guard Warren Fogle; Chaplain, Charles Burton; and Past President Edward A. Culverhouse. The Virginia Police Journal was established at this meeting. Distinguished guests at this conference National President John Harrington, Steven Condes, National Trustee from Pennsylvania and Vice President Charles Gallagher, Vice President of Philadelphia Lodge #5I was also reported that the Legislative Committee had pursued and won passage of legislation that would provide for the state to pay 50% of the cost of tuition for an officer earning an associate or full college degree in law enforcement .
The 8th Biennial Conference was held July of 1969 in Richmond, VA. President was Frank S. Duling.
The 9th Biennial Conference was held in Charlottesville in July of 1970. At this time the state had 26 lodges. The Conference elected the following State Officers: President Sidney Cherry; Vice President Carlton C. Baird; Secretary, Doris Cozart; Treasurer, W. Alvin Hudson; Conductor R. E. Davis: Guard, Douglas C. McCloud; and Chaplain, W.T. McFarland.
The 10th Biennial Conference was held in August 1972 in Roanoke, VA. President Gordon C. Beard; Vice President O.C. Scellato; Secretary, Douglas McCloud; Treasurer, W. Alvin Hudson; Conductor, R.E. Davis; Guard William R. Wood and Chaplain,W.T. McFarland. Southwest Lodge #22 surrendered its charter and Stuart Jackson Lodge #30 and Buena Vista Lodge #31 joined.
The 11th Biennial Conference was held in 1974 in Norfolk. The number of lodges now was 35. President O.C. Scellato; Vice President Lou Rotelli; Secretary, Douglas McCloud; Treasurer, W. Alvin Hudson; Guard James E. Burch; Conductor James A. Gondles; and Chaplain, J.B. Hardison.
The 12th Biennial Conference was held in 1976 at Nova Lodge #35. The past two years had seen the formation of Lodges No. 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42. President Louis P. Rotelli: Vice President, Robert F. Allgor; Secretary, Doris Cozart; Treasurer, W. Alvin Hudson; Conductor J. B. Hardison; Guard Charles B. Jones; and Chaplain, James E. Burch.
The 13th Biennial Conference was held August 9-12, 1978 in Charlottesville. President Robert F. Allgor; Vice President, John F. McGowan; Secretary, Doris Cozart; Treasurer, W. Alvin Hudson; Conductor, Charles B. Jones; Guard, John D. LeMarr, Sr. (J.D.) currently serves on board); Chaplain, William R. Gladden. National Trustee G. Carlton Beard and FBI Director, William Webster addressed the Conference. Anthony Scarangella was elected President of the Associate Lodge. Governor John Dalton signed into law the “Police Officer’s Bill of Rights”.
The 14th Biennial Conference was held in Hampton August 13-16 1980. President Robert E. Walker; Vice President, Gordon C. Baird;Secretary, Robert Vest; Treasurer, Alvin Hudson;Conductor J.D. LeMarr, Sr.: Guard Charles Jones: Chaplain, W.W. Spalding.
The 15th Biennial Conference was held in Roanoke, August 18-21, 1982. President William D. Jobe; Vice President, William T. McFarland; Secretary, Doris Cozart; Treasurer, Gordon C. Baird: Conductor, Charles “Ed” Barnes; Guard, Phillip E. Kersey. The membership had now grown to 4,000. The Conference voted to resolve the following items: Promotion of a legislative study of High Speed Pursuit without restrictions on the police officers. Promotion and passage of Meet & Confer legislation. Inclusion of Deputy Sheriffs in the Law Enforcement Officers Procedural Guarantees, and legislation to limit appeal and review of Capital Murder.
The 16th Biennial Conference was held in Richmond in August of 1984. President George N. Austin, Jr.; Vice President, Donald Cahill; Secretary, Terrance Baer; Treasurer, Gerald J. Bright; Conductor, Bernard McAlea; Guard, J.D. Jamison; Chaplain, William R. Davis. The same year (January 22, 1984) John Marshall Lodge burned to the ground and they lost everything including original charter and a lot of memories. The lodge was the host for the conference and agreed to continue.
The 17th Biennial Conference was held in Fredericksburg August 13-16, 1986. The Incumbent State Executive Board was re-elected.
The 18th Biennial Conference was held at Virginia Beach, August 10-13, 1988. President Gerald J. Bright; Vice President, Donald Cahill; Secretary, Terrance Baer; Treasurer, Larry Nelson; Conductor, Rod Clark; Guard, Garth Wheeler; Chaplain, Murray Trelford.
The 19th Biennial Conference was held in Charlottesville August 15-18, 1990. President, Garth Wheeler; Vice President, Donald Cahill; Secretary, Terrance Baer; Treasurer, Larry Nelson; Conductor, Rod Clark; Guard, Murry Trelford; Chaplain, William Davis.
The State D.M.V authorizes the issuance of license plates with the F.O.P. logo. In 2008 the plate was changed to a revenue sharing plate with $15 of each plate going to the state Chartiable Foundation,
George Austin was elected to the position of Guard on the National Board.
The 20th Biennial Conference was held in Hampton, August 12-15, 1992. President, Garth Wheeler; Vice President, Melvin Jones; Secretary, Terrance Baer; Treasurer, Larry Nelson; Conductor, Donald Cahill; Guard, Dan Blake; Chaplain, Danny McFarland.
In November 1993, the State Lodge observed their 40th Anniversary at the Board of Directors meeting held at the Hyatt Richmond. The Anniversary was celebrated with a dinner and dance. Among the invited guests were the First State Lodge President, Glenn O. Wills, Roanoke, VA, and his family.
The 21st Biennial Conference was held in Fredericksburg, August 9-13,1994. President, Garth Wheeler; Vice President, Don Cahill; Secretary, Terrance Baer; Treasurer, Larry Nelson; Conductor, Frank Mundy; Guard, Dan Blake; Chaplain, Melvin Jones. The Conference approved a full time Executive Director position. The Conference endorsed Oliver North for the U.S. Senate seat.
The 22nd Biennial Conference was held in Lynchburg on August 6-10, 1996. President, Garth Wheeler; Vice President, Don Cahill; Secretary, Thomas Stiles; Treasurer, Larry Nelson; 2nd Vice President, Frank Mundy; Sergeant At Arms, Dan Blake; Chaplain, Kenny Ford.
The 23rd Biennial Conference was held in Richmond, August 1998. President, James S. Gaudet; Vice President, Dan Blake; Secretary, Thomas Stiles; Treasurer, Marty Williams, Second Vice President Michael Alvey, Sergeant at Arms J.D. LeMarr, Chaplin Kenny Ford.
The 24th Biennial Conference was held in Hampton, August 2000. President Dan Blake, vice President, Thomas Stiles, Secretary, Joe Vass, Treasurer, Marty Williams, Second Vice President, Gordon Buckley, Sergeant At Arms, J.D. LeMarr, Chaplain, Kenny Ford.
The 25th Biennial Conference was held in Virginia Beach, Va., August 2002. President Dan Blake, Vice President, Thomas Stiles, Secretary, Tommy Edwards, Treasurer, Marty Williams, Second Vice President, Gordon Buckley, Sergeant At Arms, J.D. LeMarr, Chaplain, Kenny Ford.
The 26th Biennial Conference will be held in Portsmouth, Va., July August 2004. President Thomas E. Stiles, Vice President, Gordon Buckley, Secretary Tommy Edwards, Treasurer, Marty Williams, Second Vice President, Skip Blanchard, Sergeant-At-Arms, Harry Twiford, Chaplain, Kenny Ford.
The 27th Biennial Conference was held in Charlottesville, Va from August 6 -10, 2006. The Executive Board that was elected to serve for two years was, President – Tommy Stiles, Vice President- Tommy Edwards, Secretary – Dave Smith, Treasurer – Marty Williams, 2nd Vice President – Skip Blanchard, Sgt at Arms – Harry Twiford, Chaplain- Scotty Williams. The delegates to the Conference also voted to endorse Senator George Allen for re-election to the U.S. Senate. Senator Allen was the keynote speaker for the awards banquet. FOP Grand Lodge President Chuck Canterberry also attended the Conference.
The 28th Biennial Conference was held in the summer of 2008, hosted by Chesapeake. The new Executive board that was elected was — President, Tommy Edwards;Vice President, Harry Twiford; Secretary, David Smith; Treasurer, Marty Williams; 2nd Vice President, Skip Blanchard; Sgt at Arms, Kevin Carroll; Chaplain, Scottie Williams.
The 29th Biennial Conference was held in Richmond, hosted by Chesterfield and Henrico lodges. The new Executive board that was elected was — President, Marty Williams;Vice President, Scottie Williams; Secretary, David Smith; Treasurer, Skip Blanchard; 2nd Vice President, Kevin Carroll; Sgt at Arms, John Obrnberger; Chaplain, Edward Methany. The delegates heard from Lt. Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli during the open ceremonies of the conference. We also had a full day of training surrounding the issue of collective bargaining. The next state conference will be held in Dulles, Virginia.
The 30th Biennial Conference was held in Fairfax County, Virginia. The Executive Board was re-elected to serve another two year term. The membership also voted to endorsement George Allen for the US Senate election in November of 2012. The next conference will be held in Williamsbury, Va, in 2014.
Lodge Charter Dates:
Old Dominion Lodge #1- January, 1952 John Marshall lodge #2- June,1952 Commodore Lodge #3- July,1953 Henrico Lodge #4- January,1954 Thompson Hall Lodge # 5- March,1958 Virginia Beach Lodge # 8- January1963 Chesapeake Lodge # 9- May, 1956 Ole Fredericktown Lodge #12- March, 1960 Manual Trenary Lodge # 13- June, 1960 Rappahannock Lodge # 15- May, 1983 Cockade City Lodge # 16- April, 1960 Hopewell Lodge # 17- April, 1960 Gosport Lodge # 20- August, 1961 New River Lodge # 21- May, 1964 Federal Lodge # 23- October, 1974 Waynesboro Lodge # 24- February,1969 Wallace Nesbit Lodge # 25- July, 1969 Hampton Lodge # 26- April, 1970 Sewells Point Lodge # 28- April, 1971 Federal Lodge # 29- 1971 Stuart Jackson Lodge # 30- June, 1971 Buena Vista Lodge # 31- November,1971 Northern Neck lodge # 32- April, 1973 Front Royal Lodge # 33- July, 1973 John Lynch Lodge # 34- January, 1974 Nova Lodge # 35- March, 1974 Danville Lodge # 36- July 1974 Hatcher Cole Lodge # 38- October, 1975 Pulaski Lodge # 40- 1975 Suffolk Lodge # 41- June1976 Galax Lodge # 42- July 1977 Battlefield Lodge # 43- June 1978 Culpeper Lodge # 45- March 1980 Federal Lodge # 46- 1980 Chesterfield Lodge # 47- November 1981 Bristol Lodge # 48- 1988 Hampton Roads Lodge # 50- April 1983 South Hill Lodge # 51- December1983 Southhampton Lodge # 56- August 1985 Shenadoah Lodge # 57- July 1987 Federal Lodge # 58- 1997 Rangers Lodge # 60- April 1990 Eastern Shore Lodge # 62- April 1993 Loudoun Co. Lodge # 64- March 1993 Page Valley Lodge # 65- March 1993 Stanton River Lodge # 66- January 1996 Southwest District Lodge #67 November1998 A.P Hill Lodge # 68- November 1998 Dullas Lodge # 69- December 1998 Leesburg Lodge # 70- July 1999 Halifax Co. lodge # 71- June 2001 Southwest Virginia Lodge # 72- January 2002 Martinsville Lodge # 73- June 2002 Southside Lodge # 74- January 24, 2005 Patriot Lodge #76 March 2011 Fairfax Lodge # 77 January 2012
Virginia State Presidents:
1953-1954---Glen O. Wills---Roanoke- Deceased 1954-1956---Claude J. Staylor---Norfolk- Deceased 1956-1958---Robert T. Millikin—Richmond- Deceased 1958-1960---Walter I. Basnight---Virginia Beach 1960-1962---James E. Moore---Virginia Beach- Deceased 1962-1964---Edward A. Culverhouse---Virginia Beach 1964-1970---Frank S. Duling---Richmond 1970-1972---Sidney Cherry---Norfolk 1972-1974---G. Garlton Baird---Charlottesville- Deceased 1974-1976---O.C. Scellato---Norfolk 1976-1978---Louis O. Rotelli---Sandston 1978-1980---Robert F. Allgor---Virginia Beach 1980-1982---Robert E. Walker---Richmond 1982-1984---William D. Jobe---Roanoke 1984-1988---George N. Austin---Poquoson-Deceased 1988-1990---Gerald J. Bright---Radford 1990-1998---Garth Wheeler---Virginia Beach 1998-2000---James S. Gaudet---Richmond 2000-2004---Dan Blake---Charlottesville 2004-2008 ---Thomas E. Stiles---Chesterfield County 2008-2010 --P. Thomas Edwards - Henrico County 2010 -- Marty Williams -- Chesapeake
2012– Marty Williams — Chesapeake
The Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary is an ancillary organization of law enforcement officers. The FOPX 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 Pittsburg, PA. police officers gathered to discuss issues concerning their husbands and their jobs. This was a the birth of the first, and then called “FOP Ladies Auxiliary”.
The Virginia State Auxiliary was formed August 20, 1959, with the charter of the following lodges.
Old Dominion Lodge #1, John Marshall Lodge #2, Commodore Lodge # 3, Princess Ann Lodge # 8 (Now Virginia Beach Lodge) and South Norfolk Lodge #9 (Now Chesapeake).
Virginia State Auxiliary Presidents:
1959- Jackie Aldridge 1963- Lorena Garnard 1964- Barbara Terry 1967- Virginia Toler 1972- Joann Peters 1976- Arlene Davis 1982- Linda Rudiger 1983- Eva Longworth 1986- Dee Fisher 1987- Sandy Desper 1992-1994- Pam Jones 1994-1998- Joann Norton 1998-2002- Janet Johnson 2002-2006 Florence Votava 2006- Bonnie Stinson The FOPA is a civilian affiliate of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The members are friends and families of law enforcement officers, responsible and respected business persons, professional men and women, and citizens from all walks of life, people willing to devote a portion of their time and efforts toward assisting the various law enforcement agencies of our communities, states and nation. The Fraternal Order of Police Associates was first formed in Dayton, Ohio in 1942 by a group of citizens who wanted to help all law enforcing groups to better serve the public. The Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police Associates was formed and chartered in 1958. Virginia State Associate Presidents 1958-1968---Les Kittredge---Petersburg-Hopewell 1968-1976---Doc C.M. Cornell---Roanoke 1976-1978---O. Rea Loving---Charlottesville 1978-1980---Anthony J. Scarangella---Norfolk 1980-1982---Norman Hudson---Roanoke 1982-1985---Buckley L. Smith---Newport News 1985-1986---Phillip Lewis---Winchester 1986-1988---Aubrey M. Davis Jr.---Richmond 1988-1992---Rick Saunders---Newport News 1992-1994---Walt Orr---Hampton 1994-1998---James B. Venable---Winchester 1998-2000---Kenneth L. Bright---Virginia Beach 2000-2004---Eileen M. Buckley---McLean 2004-2005---O.B. Yancey---Hanover County 2008 -2010 -- Ken 'Bear' Bright - Virginia Beach 2010 --- Marcie Blum -- Virginia Beach Virginia started its legislative day on the hill that was used to help form the National Day on the Hill. Ole’ Fredericktown Lodge # 12, Winchester, Virginia, has entered an FOP float in the Apple Blossom Parade since the early sixties. 1971 Virginia State Lodge formed a scholarship program to provide scholarships to children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. 1985 Started endorsement of statewide candidates for office. 1987 Virginia’s George Austin was elected to the National Board to serve as Guard. 1990 passed legislation to increase death benefit for law enforcement officers from $10,000. to $25,000. 1990 FOP license plates were made available to Virginia members. 1991 Virginia’s James S. Gaudet was named as National Member of the year. 1994 the Virginia State Lodge “Vest Program” was formed to give free vests to those officers and deputies in need statewide. Three years later approximately 600 vests were delivered at a cost of $300,000. 1995 Virginia Beach Lodge #8 along with the State Lodge hosted the National Conference in Virginia Beach. 2001 Eileen M. Buckley was elected National President of the FOPA. Our FOPA has always been very active and supportive statewide. 2002 the State Lodge got our new non-profit foundation underway (Virginia Law Enforcement Partnership). The State Lodge sponsors a large booth at the State Fair of Virginia and hosts “Law Enforcement Day” at Chesterfield Co. Fair Grounds each year. Local lodges through out the state sponsor “” Christmas Programs for kids”. The State Lodge is always one of the top donators to the Nation Easter Seals Program. The FOP seal was placed on the bottom of a new swimming pool opened by Easter Seals in Virginia—first ever in the country. John Marshall Lodge #2 sponsored Sgt. Thad A. Jones, Richmond Police Department. Thad is ranked one of the top runners in his age group in the country. He has won marathons all over the country. In 1995 he competed in the World Police and Fire Games in Melbourne, Australia. On February 27, 1995, Jones competed in a biathlon where he set a new record and won the gold medal. On March 3, 1995, he competed in a (3.1) mile track and finished second overall, winning a silver medal. This fine athlete was sponsored by the FOP and ran in the colors of the same. Several lodges are now celebrating over 50 years of service to their membership and the communities they serve. We have come a long way since 1953, we now have 7400 members and 48 lodges. Our Legislative Committee a few years ago won 16 out of 21 supported bills; one included our own retirement bill for State Law Enforcement Officers. On November 1, 2010, the State Lodge relocated to a new site, located at 5821 Iron Bridge Road, Richmond (23234). Our web site is www.fopofva.com with a connection to the National Lodge web site. We have earned and hold the respect of the National FOP Lodge, State Government Officials and Legislators on a State and National level. Past National Presidents Delbert H. Nagle- 1917-1919 William J. Milton- 1919-1925 Michael L. Barrett- 1925-1926 Albert C. Miller- 1926-1929 Edward J. Allen- 1929-1932 John B. Fogarty- 1932-1935 Joseph H. Pence- 1935-1936 Henry B. Squires- 1936-1940 Ben K. Perry- 1938-1946 Jack Dudek- 1946-1965 John Harrington- 1965-1975 Pat Stark- 1976-1978 John M. Dineen- 1979-1981 Leo V. Marchetti- 1981-1983 Richard A. Boyd- 1983-1987 Dewey Stokes- 1983-1995 Gilbert Gallegos- 1995-2001 Steve Young- 2001-2003 Chuck Canterbury- 2003- FOP NATIONAL CONFERENCE-PAST LOCATIONS 1917-Pittsburg, Pa. 1951-Cincinnati, Ohio 1918-Scranton, Pa. 1953-Miami Beach, FL. 1919-Youngstown, OH 1955-Knoxville, TN 1920-Fort Wayne, IN 1957-Phoenix, AZ 1921-Reading, PA. 1959-New Orleans, LA 1922-Canton, Ohio 1961-Philadelphia, PA 1923-Erie, PA. 1963-Norfolk, Va. 1924-Pittsburg, PA. 1965-Pittsburg, PA. 1925-Wilkes-Barre, PA. 1967-Miami, FL. 1926-Buffalo, NY 1969-Lousville, KY 1927-South Bend, IN 1971-Phoenix, AZ 1928-Allentown, PA. 1973-Las Vegas, NV 1929-Forth Wayne, IN 1975-Nashvillr, TN 1930-Reading, PA 1977-Providence, RI 1931-Atlantic City, NJ 1979-Albuquerque, NM 1932-Pittsburg, PA ‘ 1981-Orlando, FL 1933-Gary, IN 1983-Phoenix, AZ 1934-Uniontown, PA 1985-Baltimore, MD 1935-Scranton. PA 1987-Mobile, AL 1936-Canton, OH 1989-Oklahoma, OK 1937-Huntington, WV 1991-Pittsburg, PA 1938-Akron, OH 1993-Louisville, KY 1939-Erie, PA 1995-Virginia Beach, VA 1940-Phoenix, AZ 1997-Orlando, FL 1941-Toledo, OH 1999-Mobile, AL 1942-Grand Rapids, MI 2001-Phoenix, AZ 1946-Sioux Falls, SD 2003-Providence, RI 1917-Pittsburg, Pa. 1951-Cincinnati, Ohio 1918-Scranton, Pa. 1953-Miami Beach, FL. 1919-Youngstown, OH 1955-Knoxville, TN 1920-Fort Wayne, IN 1957-Phoenix, AZ 1921-Reading, PA. 1959-New Orleans, LA 1922-Canton, Ohio 1961-Philadelphia, PA 1923-Erie, PA. 1963-Norfolk, Va. 1924-Pittsburg, PA. 1965-Pittsburg, PA. 1925-Wilkes-Barre, PA. 1967-Miami, FL. 1926-Buffalo, NY 1969-Lousville, KY 1927-South Bend, IN 1971-Phoenix, AZ 1928-Allentown, PA. 1973-Las Vegas, NV 1929-Forth Wayne, IN 1975-Nashvillr, TN 1930-Reading, PA 1977-Providence, RI 1931-Atlantic City, NJ 1979-Albuquerque, NM 1932-Pittsburg, PA ‘ 1981-Orlando, FL 1933-Gary, IN 1983-Phoenix, AZ 1934-Uniontown, PA 1985-Baltimore, MD 1935-Scranton. PA 1987-Mobile, AL 1936-Canton, OH 1989-Oklahoma, OK 1937-Huntington, WV 1991-Pittsburg, PA 1938-Akron, OH 1993-Louisville, KY 1939-Erie, PA 1995-Virginia Beach, VA 1940-Phoenix, AZ 1997-Orlando, FL 1941-Toledo, OH 1999-Mobile, AL 1942-Grand Rapids, MI 2001-Phoenix, AZ 1946-Sioux Falls, SD 2003-Providence, RI 1947-Indianopolis, IN 1949-Lexington, KY The 2005 National Conference was held in New Orleans, La, (two weeks before the arrival of Katrina). The 2007 National Conference was held in Louisville, KY. At this conference Brother Jim Gaudet retired from the position of Virginia National Trustee. He was replaced by Brother Tommy Stiles who was elected by the Virginia National Conference delegates. The 2009 National Conference was held in Longbeach, California. Brother Tommy Stiles was reelected National Trustee. The next national conference held in 2011 will be in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 2014 national conference will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio. The 2011 National Conference was held in August at Salt Lake City, Utah. Tommy Stiles was reelected as our National Trustee. We will hold our next national conference in Cincinati, Ohio, in 2013. The 2015 conference will return the FOP to where it began, Pittsburgh, PA. The foregoing gives you a small overview of the State Lodge since 1953. We thank all those that dedicated their time and efforts to bring us to the level we now serve. The Virginia State Lodge History was orginally inspired and compiled by James S. Gaudet, Past National Trustee and Past State President.