Fulton County Lodge 64  2896 East Point Street  East Point, Georgia  30344




HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY FOP LODGE 64


The following segment comes from two sources.  The first contains information on the history of FOP Lodge #64 provided by it’s first President, Brother Keith Barber. The second phase is an update of the Lodge’s current status provided by the current (2008) Chaplin, Brother Oz Armour

Earlier History of the Lodge:  

After several fellow officers contacted Brother Barber about the possible formation of a FOP lodge for Fulton County to be   a “voice for Law Enforcement” in that area, he turned to two men he felt would be instrumental in such a project.  Both men were known as “movers and shakers” in the law enforcement establishment of Georgia and long time champions of the FOP; they were, Brother Frank Roberts (Past President Atlanta Lodge No.8) and Brother Mike Maloof (Past President Georgia State FOP Lodge).  Both men were receptive to such an idea and provided support and information on the needed steps for the development of the new lodge.  Brother Barber feels that the interest and efforts of these two men were invaluable in the early development of Lodge #64.

With the aid of these two men, the needed paperwork was quickly completed and a date was set to have a first meeting and a signing of a charter for Fulton County FOP Lodge #64.  The Lodge was formed on March 28, 1984. The meeting was actually held at Atlanta FOP Lodge No 8 at 714 Moreland Avenue. 

Brother Barber and others at the meeting were keenly aware that the FOP requirements stated that ten potential members must show up at the meeting to sign the Charter before it could go into effect.  The allotted time came; with only nine members there many were filled with dread.  The “birthing process” of the new Lodge could be delayed indefinitely without the necessary number of members. At the last moment, Brother Larry Hallett showed up and became the tenth member.  He explained that he had remembered the meeting late and decided to “come on” because he was hungry and had recalled that there would be something to eat and drink there.  Brother Barber never forgot that lesson.  Food and beverage must always be an integral part of the lodge meetings!

Brother Barber served as the first President of the Lodge.  He and those who helped him (including Brother Hallett!) saw the “birth” and development of the Lodge.  The hard work and interest of it’s future members saw it meet with the success that it enjoys today as a vital and growing association.  It has won many accolades and honors and is the second largest lodge in Georgia.

 

Fulton County Lodge #64: Current Status (2008)

 
Today Lodge #64 in Fulton County continues to grow and prosper.  As has been mentioned, it is now the second largest lodge in Georgia with a membership of close to 500 members.  It has experienced dynamic leadership under such men as Howard Billingslea who has presently held the office of President for 15 years and has also consistently served on the Lodge’s Executive Board.  In 1984 (the initial year) he served as State Trustee for the Lodge.

The lodge has embraced several goals in its successful career.  Chief among these is the service and guidance for its membership of law enforcement officers.  The importance of such support is vital in cases where members face administrative procedures or need professional legal assistance.  The lodge also takes pride in its secondary goals of “giving back” to the community each year. 

This is done by supporting many diverse programs such as: Shop with a Cop, Easter Seals, Fruit Baskets for Senior Citizens, educational scholarships, and a wide range of local training for retired and active officers. To provide one example, the Shop with a Cop Program in 2007 benefited fifty-five needy children.  On this occasion, alone, the lodge spent more than $8500.00!

We the supporters of the lodge, now invite all officers of Fulton County to become a part of a proud tradition, and to join the Fraternal Order of Police today. The Fraternal Order of Police has been touted as “the Voice of Law Enforcement” on Capital Hill.  It is committed to furthering the respect paid by society to law officers. With such events as the National Memorial, the FOP interacts with the public in an honorable and professional way.   To establish the professionalism and standards, our lodge, and, indeed the FOP in general, demonstrate a belief that “knowledge is power” through education of officers.  Regional seminars are offered to provide members with the latest advances and developments in labor, leadership and legislation and on-site training.