Page 12 - Volume 28 Number 3

Member News
Natural step: Local steward brings
decades of experience as Labor Rep
— By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor
David Thomas’ new position as a POLC/ He served on the Criminal Justice Advisory
GELC Labor Representative seems like
a natural next step in his law enforce- ment career.
Thomas has been representing members of the POLC for the past 28 years as a local union steward with Belding Police Department. The Detective Sergeant retired in April and began working as a full-time Labor Representative May 1. The 35-year police veteran has exten- sive experience in contract negotiations, griev- ance preparation and presentation, mediation and arbitration.
“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Thomas said of becoming a POLC/GELC Labor Rep. “Through the years, I have talked to the
other labor reps trying to learn the requirements for becoming a rep and how to stay up to date on current trends. When the op- portunity presented itself to become a rep, without hesitation I said,
‘I’m doing it.’”
“My goal is to continue to protect the employees I represent. I will
be working hard to protect their basic needs including wages, hours and working environment,” Thomas said. “I want to be their first call when an issue arises. I want them to understand I am here to stand strong beside them, providing a safe haven in any storm.”
Thomas is well-prepared for the job. He has spent his career learning many aspects of law enforcement through training, class- es and work experience. At Belding, he served as Property Room Operator, Evidence Technician, and the Belding Police representa- tive at the Ionia/Montcalm Counties Child Advocacy Center (CAC). Thomas attended monthly meetings, reviewing reports about abuse and neglect of children to make sure all services were being pro- vided to the victims.
Committee at Heartlands Institute of Technol- ogy in Ionia County. Heartlands is a school that provides career training for high school students.
“Students have the opportunity to earn college credits and gain an in-depth look at the career path of their choice,” Thomas said.
The school gathers input from advisors in dif- ferent career fields to see what the trends are and applies that information in the classroom.
“Their focus is on giving the students a unique education by providing a glimpse into real life work experiences aiming to help them be better prepared to make informed decisions about their future,” he said.
Thomas, 55, received his Criminal Justice de- gree from Grand Rapids Junior College, completed the Criminal Jus- tice Pre-Service Academy, and has held a State of Michigan Para- medic License since 1989. “When I first started at the City of Belding, the police department still ran and maintained the ambulance service.
I had my basic EMT license, but have always strived for more,” he said. “Eventually I went back to school to earn my Paramedic license which I still hold today.”
Thomas also spent the last 24 years working as a Court Officer. “Many years ago, I started serving civil papers on the side for a little extra money,” Thomas said. “I was invited by one of the courts to become a sworn Court Officer and I eventually expanded into
two counties.”
Thomas wants members to know he will give them individual at-
tention. “I am very passionate about issues facing law enforcement and those I represent,” he said. “I aim to address issues as rapidly as possible while still taking the time to research to ensure the best outcome. No question is too small.” d
Photo courtesy of Signature Photography Studios
the Government Employees Labor Council welcomes the following new units
Unit
Wayland Non-Supervisory Employees Wayland Department Heads
Former Affiliation Independent Independent
12 • Summer 2018