FOP of Ohio First District:  Consists of local lodges within the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Medina, Portage, Summit, and Trumbull.

Canton Police Department

FOP of Ohio Second District:  Consists of local lodges within the counties of Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Mahoning, Monroe, Noble, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne.

FOP of Ohio Third District:  Consists of local lodges within the counties of Ashland, Crawford, Delaware, Erie, Huron, Knox, Lorain, Marion, Morrow, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Union, and Wyandot.

FOP of Ohio Fourth District:  Consists of local lodges within the counties of Athens, Fairfield, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Licking, Meigs, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington.

FOP of Ohio Fifth District:  Consists of local lodges within the counties of Adams, Brown, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Darke, Fayette, Greene, Highland, Madison, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Warren, and that part of Hamilton County which lies outside the corporate limits of the City of Cincinnati

FOP of Ohio Sixth District:  Consists of local lodges within the counties of Allen, Auglaize, Champaign, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Harding, Henry, Logan, Lucas, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Shelby, Van Wert, Williams, and Wood.

FOP of Ohio Seventh District:  Consists of local lodges within the City of Cleveland.

FOP of Ohio Eighth District:  Consists of the local lodges within Cuyahoga County outside the corporation limits of the City of Cleveland.

FOP of Ohio Ninth District: Consists of the local lodges within the City of Cincinnati, the Park Police of Cincinnati and may consist of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Dept.

FOP of Ohio Tenth District:  Consists of the local lodges composed of full-time enforcement officers employed by the State of Ohio in the  Department of Public Safety, Department of Mental Health, Department of Mental Retardation, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Liquor Control, all other departments, agencies, and offices of the State of Ohio under the direct control of a state-wide elected office holder or paid by warrant issued by the Auditor of the State of Ohio, the Ohio Veteran’s Home and the Attorney General’s Office.

FOP of Ohio Eleventh District:  Consists of the local lodges within Franklin County.

The Executive Committee shall consist of seven (7) members. Three (3) members of the Executive Committee shall be appointed by the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio Inc. One (1) member by the President, one (1) by the Vice-president and the final shall be the Chairman of the FOP of Ohio, Inc. Labor Committee. Four (4) members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by the delegates at the annual meeting. The four members of the FOP, Ohio Labor Council, Inc. One (1) of the four (4) elected members must be from a County Sheriff's Dept., one (1) from a Municipal police dept., one (1) from a law enforcement agency of the State of Ohio and the final can be from the membership at large.

State Unit 46 - Attorney General

Ms. Callender was appointed as Executive Director for the Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Labor Council, Inc. on January 1, 2020.  Ms. Callender was hired at the OLC in 1991 as General Counsel and was promoted to Chief Counsel in 2017.  Over her 29 years as an attorney for the OLC Ms. Callender negotiated collective bargaining agreements and represented hundreds of OLC members in arbitrations, fact-findings, conciliations and disciplinary matters.  Ms. Callender has represented the OLC and its members before the State Employment Relations Board as well as the Ohio Personnel Board of Review and various local Civil Service Commissions.  Ms. Callender is a frequent speaker on public sector labor matters and has taught classes on Officers Rights, Social Media, Body Cameras, Grievances, Fact-findings and Medical Disability all over the State of Ohio.  In addition she has represented the OLC in various Courts of Appeal and in the Supreme Court of Ohio.  She is former member and past President of the Dublin City School Board where she was elected to two four-year terms.  Ms Callender received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, and her MBA from Franklin University.  Ms. Callender is originally from Shaker Heights, Ohio and has lived in Columbus, Ohio since 1988.    

Aaron Crawford is currently the Deputy Director of the FOP Ohio Labor Council, but also manages the property location of the FOP of Ohio and the FOP Ohio Labor Council and heads up all IT Services for both organizations. Handling multiple responsibilities is not new, Aaron started with the FOP of Ohio in 1993, as a clerk responsible for copy, mail, and assorted clerical tasks. As the FOP and FOP/OLC decided to expand their computer network and add internet access and email, Aaron became involved in the technical aspects of those tasks and other communications systems. When the FOP needed a new property manager, his engineering background and mechanical ability were tasked to fill the role. Over the years, he moved from the internal clerical unit to the administrative staff, becoming an assistant to both the FOP Office Administrator and the FOP/OLC Deputy Director. In 2005, when the FOP/OLC reorganized its administrative staff, Aaron became the Deputy Director along with retaining many of his current roles. As he moves beyond the twenty-ninth year, he continues to enjoy the diversity in his roles at the office and always strives to provide the best service to the members of the FOP, Ohio Labor Council, and the FOP of Ohio.

Kay Cremeans graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in 1984. She graduated from Capital University Law School in 1988 and was admitted to the practice of law in Ohio the same year. She is admitted to practice law in the United States District Court for both the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio.

Kay has been employed with the FOP/OLC since 1988 when she was hired as Staff Attorney. In January of 2020, Kay was appointed as General Counsel for the FOP/OLC. In her role as General Counsel, Kay manages the FOP/OLC legal staff in addition to continuing to represent several bargaining units of FOP/OLC members around the State of Ohio. As an attorney for the FOP/OLC for well over thirty years, Kay has represented law enforcement officers and safety support personnel in all aspects of public sector labor law including investigatory interviews, pre-disciplinary hearings, mediations, grievance hearings and negotiating collective bargaining agreements. Kay has represented hundreds of FOP/OLC members in single and multi-day arbitration hearings. Kay has extensive experience representing the FOP/OLC all over the state in the various Courts of Appeal defending arbitration awards. In addition, Kay has extensive experience in administrative practice before the Ohio State Employment Relations Board and the Ohio Personnel Board of Review. Over the past 3 decades, Kay has represented the FOP/OLC at SERB in complex statutory Representation and Unfair Labor Practice hearings. Kay also travels around the State of Ohio lecturing on the U.S. Supreme Court cases that govern the rights of law enforcement officers in Ohio.

Dan is a retired ATF Special Agent who specialized in undercover operations where he infiltrated armed narcotics traffickers, outlaw motorcycle gangs, organizations advocating the overthrow of the United States, hate groups, street gangs, and various other criminal organizations.  He has conducted murder for hire investigations while in an undercover capacity, and has been involved in long term infiltrations for up to two years at a time while living in an undercover identity.  Dan has been a guest instructor on numerous occasions at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA, and has participated in the development of undercover curriculum for Federal Law Enforcement, State/Local Law Enforcement, and for foreign law enforcement entities allied with the United States.  He has also been an active participant in numerous gang related homicide investigations, and has participated in the planning and execution of numerous tactical operations to include search warrants, arrest warrants, and buy/busts.  Dan has testified as an expert witness in both Federal and State Courts.  He has received various awards, to include Distinguished Service Medals, Medal of Excellence, a Hostile Action Award, the International Narcotics Officer Association Medal of Valor, International Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association Award, and was nominated for the nations “Top Cop” award.  

Since retiring from ATF, Dan most recently served as the Director of Advanced Training at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy in London, Ohio.   

Dan is a proud FOP Lodge member and former member of State Bargaining Unit 46 with the Attorney General’s Office.  Dan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Baldwin-Wallace College, in Berea, Ohio.  He currently resides in Central Ohio. 

Mark Scranton never intended to be involved in law enforcement; he originally studied Vocal Music Educational and Performance at Kent State University with aspirations of singing professionally.  After developing vocal cord nodules, Mark decided a new career would be necessary.  Soon thereafter, Mark started at Owens Community College enrolling in the Law Enforcement Technology/Police Academy program.  After graduating with an Associate Degree and becoming OPOTA certified, Mark worked part time for the North Baltimore Police Department for a short period before accepting a full-time position with the Clermont County Sheriff's Office.  Mark worked as a road deputy, township contract deputy, traffic deputy, and Corporal while at the Sheriff’s Office.  Mark also served on the negotiation committee for a number of years.  Medical issues forced Mark to leave his position as a deputy.  Because he wanted to stay involved with law enforcement, Mark enrolled at Northern Kentucky University majoring in Industrial Labor Relations, graduating with a bachelor’s degree, always with the goal of working for the FOP, Ohio Labor Council.  Mark was hired part-time in March of 2006, transitioning to full-time in September of 2007.  In 2021, Mark was promoted to the position of Field Staff Coordinator.  Mark has been a member of FOP Ohio Valley Lodge #112 since January 1992.

Denise oversees the daily operations of the State Lodge, which also provides services to the FOP Ohio Labor Council.  Her duties include but not limited to:  Assisting FOP State Board Members and the Executive Director of the FOP/OLC, supervising staff, preparing for board meetings and conferences, working with the FOPA State Lodge and their clerical/membership needs, processing per capita, communications with members of the FOP, FOP/OLC and FOPA.  She also coordinates FOP and FOP/OLC accidental death benefits.

Kay Cremeans graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in 1984. She graduated from Capital University Law School in 1988 and was admitted to the practice of law in Ohio the same year. She is admitted to practice law in the United States District Court for both the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio.

Kay has been employed with the FOP/OLC since 1988 when she was hired as Staff Attorney. In January of 2020, Kay was appointed as General Counsel for the FOP/OLC. In her role as General Counsel, Kay manages the FOP/OLC legal staff in addition to continuing to represent several bargaining units of FOP/OLC members around the State of Ohio. As an attorney for the FOP/OLC for well over thirty years, Kay has represented law enforcement officers and safety support personnel in all aspects of public sector labor law including investigatory interviews, pre-disciplinary hearings, mediations, grievance hearings and negotiating collective bargaining agreements. Kay has represented hundreds of FOP/OLC members in single and multi-day arbitration hearings. Kay has extensive experience representing the FOP/OLC all over the state in the various Courts of Appeal defending arbitration awards. In addition, Kay has extensive experience in administrative practice before the Ohio State Employment Relations Board and the Ohio Personnel Board of Review. Over the past 3 decades, Kay has represented the FOP/OLC at SERB in complex statutory Representation and Unfair Labor Practice hearings. Kay also travels around the State of Ohio lecturing on the U.S. Supreme Court cases that govern the rights of law enforcement officers in Ohio.

Douglas Behringer is an attorney for the FOP/OLC, working out of the Columbus office.  He was born and raised in northwestern Ohio.  Doug started his military career early when he joined the Army Reserve as a junior in high school.  He received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University before going on active duty in the Army.

After a stint in the Army, he returned to college and obtained his law degree (J.D.) from The Ohio State University, with honors.  He was in private practice in central Ohio for six years before joining the FOP/OLC in 2002.

Doug has over twenty-three years experience in litigation, administrative, labor and employment matters.  He has represented members of the FOP, OLC in disciplinary matters, investigations, litigation grievances, arbitrations, contract negotiations, mediation, civil service appeals and unfair labor practice matters.

Brian is an attorney for the FOP/OLC representing members in southwest Ohio. Brian retired as a Fire Captain after 29 years. During his tenure as a firefighter, he graduated from Central State University with a Bachelor’ degree, a Master of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and his J.D. from Capital University Law School. Brian was in private practice from 2012 until he joined the Greene County Prosecutor’s office in 2021. Brian joined the FOP/OLC after a short stint as a Hearing Officer for the Ohio Industrial Commission. Brian has experience on both sides of the table in criminal defense, as well as appeals, labor law, contracts, and litigation. Brian resides in the Xenia area with his wife.

Jessica is an attorney for the FOP/OLC working out of the Columbus office. She was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and attended the University of Kentucky where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a Minor in Political Science. Jessica then returned to Columbus to attend Capital University Law School where she graduated Cum Laude in 2021. While in law school, Jessica was a member of the Ohio Attorney General’s Mock Trial Team. Prior to joining the FOP/OLC, Jessica was an associate attorney at Mark C. Collins Co., L.P.A., a prominent criminal defense firm well known for representing Columbus Police Officers on criminal matters.

Beth brings a unique blend of legal expertise and law enforcement experience to her role. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Akron School of Law, where she was a Millennium Scholar and an active member of the Trial Team. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Utica College and an Associate in Applied Science from Hudson Valley Community College.

Beth’s career spans nearly two decades in legal practice, including roles as Chief of the Family Court Division at the Stark County Public Defender’s Office and Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Massillon. She has extensive experience in juvenile justice, family law, and criminal prosecution. Beth has also shared her knowledge as an adjunct professor at Stark State College, teaching business law and ethics.

In addition, Beth served as a police officer and corporal with the Durham Police Department and was a member of the U.S. Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer. Her diverse background in law enforcement and legal advocacy uniquely positions her to understand and address the challenges faced by our members.

Michael W. Piotrowski, Esq. is a labor lawyer who has been representing unions since he was in law school.  Mike earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and attended law school at Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland.  After graduating from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, he worked in the international headquarters of the United Transportation Union. He has been representing police officers and public safety personnel since 1996 and has been Staff Attorney with the FOP/Ohio Labor Council since 1999.  Mike has 30 years of union-side labor law experience under the Railway Labor Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and the Ohio Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act.  He is admitted in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and has argued cases in numerous Ohio Courts.  He resides in Brecksville, Ohio, and has a son at Kent State and a daughter who is attending Brecksville Broadview Heights High School.

Megan is a graduate of the University of Toledo with a double major in Law and Social Thought and Women’s and Gender Studies.  Megan went on to the University of Toledo College of Law where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in the top 10% of her class.  She was also the Technical Editor of the Toledo Law Review and published an article in the law review on Why Title IX Matters: The Key to Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Medicine.  While in law school Megan was active in the Labor and Employment Law Association as well as the Toledo Women’s Bar Association.  Prior to joining the FOP/OLC Megan worked for a law firm in Toledo as an Associate Attorney.  Megan is admitted to practice law in Ohio as well as Michigan.  She resides in the Toledo area with her husband. 

Meagan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration summa cum laude from The Ohio State University in 2008.  Meagan received her law degree from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2012 where she was the Issue Editor of the Information Society Journal.   After law school Meagan gained valuable legal experience working at law firms as well as holding a position of Administrative Hearing Officer for the Unemployment Review Commission in Columbus.  Meagan is admitted to practice law in Ohio and is admitted to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.  Meagan is working out of the Columbus Office of the FOP/OLC.  She resides in central Ohio with her husband and two daughters. 

Carol is a paralegal in the FOP, Ohio Labor Council’s Columbus Office.  Originally from Mansfield, she moved to central Ohio to take a position as a dispatcher with the Reynoldsburg Police Department.  From there, she went to a law firm and acted as paralegal for a busy bankruptcy law firm. Carol is also a notary, a graphic designer, and prides herself on being detail oriented. 

In her spare time, Carol worked in the food service industry which allowed her to make food drops to nearby first responder stations making her and the responders very happy.

Bianca Micu's career began as an EMT and Field Training Officer, where she excelled in high-pressure environments, developing critical thinking and effective communication skills. Recently, she transitioned into an administrative role, where she honed her expertise in scheduling, document preparation, and office management. Her proficiency, coupled with her attention to detail, will be instrumental in supporting our legal team.

Mark Scranton never intended to be involved in law enforcement; he originally studied Vocal Music Educational and Performance at Kent State University with aspirations of singing professionally.  After developing vocal cord nodules, Mark decided a new career would be necessary.  Soon thereafter, Mark started at Owens Community College enrolling in the Law Enforcement Technology/Police Academy program.  After graduating with an Associate Degree and becoming OPOTA certified, Mark worked part time for the North Baltimore Police Department for a short period before accepting a full-time position with the Clermont County Sheriff's Office.  Mark worked as a road deputy, township contract deputy, traffic deputy, and Corporal while at the Sheriff’s Office.  Mark also served on the negotiation committee for a number of years.  Medical issues forced Mark to leave his position as a deputy.  Because he wanted to stay involved with law enforcement, Mark enrolled at Northern Kentucky University majoring in Industrial Labor Relations, graduating with a bachelor’s degree, always with the goal of working for the FOP, Ohio Labor Council.  Mark was hired part-time in March of 2006, transitioning to full-time in September of 2007.  In 2021, Mark was promoted to the position of Field Staff Coordinator.  Mark has been a member of FOP Ohio Valley Lodge #112 since January 1992.

Chuck Aliff has been a Staff Representative for the FOP/Ohio Labor Council since 2015.

Prior to coming to the FOP/OLC, Chuck retired as a Sergeant from the Cleveland State University Police Department, where he was involved in providing in-service training to officers in various forms of use of force, e.g., firearms, defensive tactics, chemical agents, and conducted energy devices. While in law enforcement, Chuck was a member of FOP Lodge #124 and also served as the internal OLC union associate for sixteen years.

Chuck is a thirty-year veteran of the United States Air Force and the Ohio Air National Guard, having retired as a Command Chief Master Sergeant.   In this capacity, Chuck was the senior enlisted advisor to the commander responsible for matters related to readiness, training, professional development and effective utilization of the unit’s enlisted Airmen.  As a result of the 2001 terrorist attacks on our Country, Chuck was mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and later deployed to Iraq, in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Chuck, in his early years, was active in the Ohio and International Police Olympics, participating in the triathlon, mountain bike, 5k and 10k road races.

Chuck earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Cleveland State University.

Lucy DiNardo started her career in public safety as a 911 Dispatcher and Assistant Tac Officer with the City of Independence in 1994. While working for the police department, Lucy became the Union Associate and remained in that position for over eight years. After her ninth year with the PD she accepted a position with the FOP/OLC as a Staff Representative.  She has extensive knowledge in LEADS, BCI and NCIC policy and procedures.  In her years with the FOP/OLC she has represented members in contract negotiations and covered many Officer involved shootings and numerous discipline cases and has extensive experience in the defense and contract negotiation process. She’s earned the nickname “Pitbull” from numerous members and strives to maintain it.

Tom graduated from Oak Hills High School in 1970.  He went to work for his father in the family wholesale flower business until 1975 when his father sold the business.  Tom stayed on with the new owners until 1980 when he was hired by the City of Cincinnati as a Corrections Officer.  Tom had always wanted a career in law enforcement.  While with the city, Tom was assigned to the “Work House”, the city jail that was built in the 1860s to house Civil War prisoners.  In 1981 Hamilton County took over the operations of the jail.  Tom stayed on at the “Work House” until he was promoted to the position of road deputy in 1985.  He was promoted to Corporal in 1989.  That same year he became Chair of the law enforcement bargaining committee.  He held that position until his retirement in 1998.  Shortly after retirement, Tom was hired to work for the FOP/OLC by then Executive Director Larry Hudson.  Tom still to this day enjoys working tirelessly for the membership as he has done from day one.

Adam earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Computer Information Systems from Youngstown State University, where he worked as a Communications Officer for nearly 25 years and served in various leadership roles within the local FOP/OLC unit.

Adam has over 17 years of experience in union representation, contract negotiations, and labor management. His professional background also includes emergency management, crisis response, and technical expertise in IT and communications systems.

Lucas Hansen brings over a decade of law enforcement experience to his role as a Staff Representative.  Lucas is a dedicated advocate for public safety and organizational excellence. Serving as a Patrol Sergeant with the Chillicothe Police Department, Lucas led teams in critical operations, including SWAT, undercover drug enforcement, and crash investigations. He was instrumental in managing evidence procedures, representing officers during internal investigations, and serving on hiring and contract negotiation committees.  Prior to joining the Chillicothe Police Department Lucas worked as a Deputy for the Pike County Sherif’s Office.

Lucas earned certifications through OPOTA and specialized in areas such as crisis intervention, advanced crash reconstruction, and evidence handling. His commitment to law enforcement extended to community engagement, where he provided security services and maintained strong relationships with city administration and local agencies.  Lucas attending Shawnee State University for Business Management and Ohio University for Law Enforcement Technology.  He received his Peace Officer Certification from the Southern Ohio Police Institute in 2009.

Otto Holm, Jr. is currently with the FOP/OLC as a Staff Representative since 1995.  His labor relations and negotiating experience spans more than 15 years in private sector manufacturing and since 1992, he negotiates on behalf of the members of the FOP/OLC.  In 1979, he was the youngest recipient of the prestigious Certified Purchasing Manager, a testimonial to his expertise in negotiation and administration.  He introduced “just-in-time” (JIT) inventory strategies at several companies and was responsible for the start-up of two materials departments.

Today, his expertise includes contract administration, labor law, negotiation, and arbitration matter in over 1000 cases.  He has served on the Arbitration Association Advisory Board as Vice-President and as the Policy and Ethics Chairman from 1997-2004 and ghost-author of “Did You Know….” for the FOP Journal.  He negotiated percentage increases during economic recession, saved multiple discipline cases their employment and is considered an expert in financial “what-if” scenario planning.  Holm recently developed and implemented a joint labor and management healthcare committee in cooperation with many municipalities, saving significant costs for both employee and the employer.

Mr. Holm earned his undergraduate degree (BSBA) from Ashland University with a double major in marketing and Psychology.  After working as a purchasing professional for 10 years he decided to transfer his negotiating skills to a new field as a labor advocate for the “FOP”.  He received his Master’s of Labor relations and Human Resources with emphasis in Labor Law from Cleveland State University in 1992 and is a guest lecturer in the College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.  Mr. Holm holds his commission as a Captain as a Merchant Marine for over 16 years.  Mr. Holm is active on nonprofit boards, serves as church deacon, past council Vice President, Endowment committee co-chair, and as a member of Blue Coats as well as a member of the American Legion Post 136 St. James City Florida.  Mr. Holm resides in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife, Dr. Maudie Holm PHD.

George Macris brings over 22 years of experience as an Associate with the OLC, where he has successfully negotiated contracts, established minimum staffing requirements, and assisted in successful arbitration cases. His dedication to labor representation and negotiation is a testament to his commitment to serving our members.

George also has an extensive background with the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, serving as a corrections officer since 1999. His experience includes leading sex offender registration efforts with a remarkable 99% compliance rate, instructing at the Stark County Sheriff’s Training Academy, and working in roles ranging from extradition officer to training officer for new personnel.

Recognized for his leadership and dedication, George was honored as Officer of the Year in 2018.

Rick graduated Magna Cum Laude from Thomas More College with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2010.  Rick served active duty with the United States Marine Corps from 1981 until 1990.  While on active duty Rick earned 6 promotions and several awards, including 2 Meritorious Masts.  Rick also achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant with the Marine Corps.

Rick was hired by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in 1990 as a Deputy Sheriff.  While on the Sheriff’s Office Rick spent eighteen (18) years on the Negotiating Committee for the Deputies, fifteen (15) years as Chairman of the Negotiating Committee.  Rick found that the disparity in treatment and discipline of the bargaining unit members and selective enforcement of the rules and policies inspired him to seek out the position of Staff Representative with the Ohio Labor Council after he retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 2012.

Rick was hired as a full-time Staff Representative in 2017.  Rick is known for his exceptional negotiation skills, having successfully secured numerous contracts that enhance working conditions, benefits and job security for law enforcement officers and support personnel.  Rick has steadfastly advocated for law enforcement officers' rights and well-being.  With his extensive background in labor relations and deep understanding of the unique challenges law enforcement faces, he is a tremendous asset to the staff and members of the OLC.

Shannen brings over 25 years of experience in public safety, starting her career as a dispatcher in 1994 and transitioning to roles as a police officer, community service officer, and union representative.

Shannen’s career has been marked by dedication and leadership. As a police officer, she served in various specialized roles, including Field Training Officer, Gang Specialist, Juvenile Officer, and Boat Patrol Officer. She has been recognized for her exemplary service with numerous awards, including the prestigious Purple Heart. Following her retirement as a police officer, Shannen returned to dispatching, where she continues to serve with distinction while advocating for her colleagues as a union representative.

Shannen’s union experience includes negotiating contracts, handling grievances, and managing labor relations issues. She is adept at legal research, writing, and navigating labor laws at all levels. Her unwavering commitment to serving and supporting others has been evident through her involvement in community programs, including Shop with a Cop, Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, and numerous fundraisers for the FOP and other causes.

Tracy Rader is a Senior Staff Representative for the FOP/OLC.  She has been with the organization since 2008.  She was born and raised in Franklin County, Ohio.  She studied business technology and management at Columbus State Community College.  Tracy started her career working for a non-profit organization (Goodwill Rehabilitation Center) as a Quality Assurance Inspector for nearly eight years.  Tracy was able to ensure work and rehabilitation opportunities for people with disabilities by providing standard manufacturing plans and quality plans for products packaged and/or produced.  Tracy then went on to leadership in recruitment and sales for the private sector continuing in her passion for assisting people with employment opportunities, providing supervision to a staff, meanwhile maintaining P&L statements and building business relationships.

Tracy is a Licensed Therapeutic foster parent through the State of Ohio.  Tracy provides services through volunteering for Meals on Wheels, serves the community dinner and mentors teenagers.

Adam started his career in law enforcement in 2007 as a volunteer Auxiliary Deputy for the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office.  In 2012, Adam attended the Cuyahoga Community College Police Academy and upon graduation, he was offered a part-time Deputy Sheriff position with Lorain County, eventually switching to full-time for the department in 2014.  Adam is presently a full-time deputy sheriff assigned to the night shift.  Adam also stands as the President of the Lorain County Deputies Association and has been heavily involved in local negotiations, grievances and other topics within that office.  Adam is a northeast Ohio native and is married with 2 kids.

Heath retired as a Lieutenant from the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office after 25 years of service.  During his time at the Sheriff’s Office he served on the bargaining committees for both the Deputies’ Unit and the Supervisors’ Unit.  Heath negotiated every Collective Bargaining Agreement on behalf of the union during a twenty (20) year period while at the Sheriff’s Office.   Heath understands the work of law enforcement and what it takes to communicate with the members, having been a former member himself.  He is currently employed by the Ohio Northern Smuggling Enforcement Team in NE Ohio where he will continue to be employed while he works for the Ohio Labor Council as part-time Staff Representative. Heath attended Stark Technical College and the University of Akron where he majored in Criminal Justice/Political Science.  He is a 2007 Graduate of P.E.A.L.S. (Police Executive Administrative Leadership School) and a 2017 graduate of P.E.L.C. (Police Executive Leadership College).  Heath will be servicing bargaining units in Northeast Ohio. 

Jim has a wealth of collective bargaining experience and first-hand knowledge of issues facing law enforcement today.  Jim retired from the Streetsboro Police Department where he served for over 27 years as a patrol officer, a detective and as the public relations officer for 10 years.  Prior to working at the Streetsboro Police Department Jim served in the Air Force Military Police in the rank of Sergeant and as a Police Academy Instructor in Hiram, Ohio.  While employed in Streetsboro Jim became involved in representing his bargaining unit as the negotiating chairman and grievance chairman.  Jim served in that capacity for 15 years, negotiating several contracts along the way.  During negotiations Jim took the lead on researching comparable agencies for income and health care as well as language favorable for their contract negotiations.  Jim worked with 6 different city administrations, multiple councilpersons as well as several law directors and law firms as the union president.  In addition to his fifteen years of experience negotiating contracts Jim represented his membership in disciplinary actions and has testified as an expert witness in termination hearings on behalf of the union at outside agencies.

Kurt Bruderly earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2007, after first receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Michigan in 2003. 

Kurt is a trial attorney and the principle owner of the Law Offices of Kurt W. Bruderly, LLC, a small firm specializing in criminal defense all over Northwest Ohio, which he began in November of 2007.  He represents individuals charged with crimes and has successfully defended clients at the municipal, state, and federal levels.

Admitted to practice in the State of Ohio and the United States Federal Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Kurt is currently a member of the Maumee Valley Criminal Defense Association, Ohio Bar Association, and the Toledo Bar Association, where he received the Trustees Award in 2017 and has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors.  He was also elected to the 2013 OSBA Leadership Academy.  Kurt also served on the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes of Northwest Ohio and other community organizations. 

He has two daughters and lives with his wife in Perrysburg, Ohio where in his free time (if it exists) is spent with his family, watching his Wolverines, being in the gym, on the golf course.

Kimberly Kendall Corral has successfully and aggressively defended a wide range of criminal cases from misdemeanors to capital homicide cases. Kim represents clients at all levels of criminal justice advocacy. This includes investigation, indictment, pre-trial motions practice, trial, direct appeals, post-conviction remedies, jurisdictional appeals, habeas corpus, and wrongful conviction litigation.

Being charged and/or convicted of a crime is certainly one of the most stressful times in a client’s life. A successful outcome requires a tailored and nuanced approach for every case. Upholding a client’s constitutional and procedural rights is complex and time-consuming work. Kim believes that productive client relationships are an essential element to a winning strategy. Kim’s noteworthy track record in the criminal defense field is built on her genuine passion and her zealous work ethic. She is not blind to the injustice that plagues our legal system but takes immense personal pride in her steadfast work to restore her clients’ rights.

Josh Engel is a partner at Engel & Martin, LLC.  Engel began his career as a prosecutor in 2001 by serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. In 2002, he moved to Ohio and took a position as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Warren County, Ohio. In Warren County, he handled some of the office’s most challenging and high-profile cases and led the office’s appellate division.  In 2007, his work as a prosecutor was recognized by a Meritorious Service Award from the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association. From 2007 to 2010, Engel served as Chief Legal Counsel for the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Engel started his legal career at Choate, Hall & Stewart, a large Boston law firm known for more than a century as the home of some the nation’s most accomplished litigators.

Engel is a 1995 graduate, cum laude, of Harvard University Law School.  He received his bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992.

Lane is one of the FOP/OLC On-Call attorneys. He grew up in Hilliard, Ohio. Lane received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History magna cum laude from the Ohio State University in 2017. He received his law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2021. While in law school, Lane worked as a law clerk at Cloppert, Latanick, Sauter & Washburn and has continued at the firm as an Associate following his graduation. He is admitted to practice law in Ohio as well as the federal district courts of Ohio and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

As a member of Diemert and Associates Co., L.P.A., Tom has proudly served as an FOPOLC on-call attorney for over 25 years.  He has served as an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor in the criminal felony division and as Chief Trial Counsel for the Cleveland Police Department.  Over the years, he has served as a municipal prosecutor for several cities and villages and currently prosecutes for the Village of Chagrin Falls, the Village of Bratenahl, and the City of Pepper Pike.  He also serves as an Auxiliary Police Officer.

As a litigator, Tom has been involved in a wide range of civil and criminal matters and also regularly appears on behalf of police and fire safety force employees and their unions for negotiations, fact-finding, conciliation, grievance arbitration, and disciplinary matters.  He was part of the legal team that defended the constitutionality of the Ohio Collective Bargaining Act as well as Ohio’s ban on public employee residency restrictions.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Tom graduated from Cathedral Latin High School.  He attended Valparaiso University School of Law after graduating from the University of Notre Dame with honors.

Stew Mathews has been practicing law since 1977.  Stew’s law practice has focused on defending clients accused of criminal conduct and pursuing personal injury claims.  Over the course of his career Stew has tried over 150 jury trials.  Stew has been representing members of the FOP/Ohio Labor Council for over a decade.  Stew represented  OLC member Ray Tensing, the former University of Cincinnati Police Officer who was charged with murder in Hamilton County after an on-duty shooting resulted in a fatality.  The Hamilton County Prosecutor tried Officer Tensing two times, both trials ended in a mistrial with hung juries.

In recent years, the bulk of Stew’s law practice has been in representing law enforcement officers involved in Officer Involved Shootings and other allegations of on-duty/off-duty criminal conduct in many jurisdictions in Ohio and Kentucky.  Stew received his undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati and his law degree from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law – Northern Kentucky University.

Scott A. Rubenstein has practiced criminal law in Southwest Ohio for 25 years. Mr. Rubenstein started his career as an assistant prosecutor with Hamilton County.  There, he worked in the Appellate Division, handling criminal appeals in the First Appellate District, and the Ohio Supreme Court.  He would later serve in the intake division, where he participated in running the Hamilton County Grand Jury–presenting hundreds of cases for consideration.  Finally, Mr. Rubenstein was promoted to the felony trial division, where he litigated a multitude of cases including murder, violent crimes, sex crimes, narcotic crimes, white-collar crimes, and theft crimes.

Mr. Rubenstein left the prosecutor’s office and joined his father, Jack C. Rubenstein, in Jack’s criminal defense practice.  Scott worked with Jack until Jack retired at the end of 2017–after fifty years of serving the community.  Scott’s practice has focused exclusively on criminal defense ever since he made the transition into private practice.  Scott has extensive experience defending cases in the state courts of Southwest Ohio, and in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

Scott received his BA degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1995. He received his JD law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1999. Scott was admitted to the State Bar of Ohio in 1999 and to the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio in 2000. He was admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in 2003, and to the Supreme Court of the United States in the same year.

Scott is honored to be selected to serve the Ohio Labor Counsel–Protecting the Protectors.  He cherishes every opportunity to assist those in need.

John Sauter is an attorney at Doll, Jansen & Ford in Dayton, Ohio. His legal practice is primarily focused on representing labor unions and their members, including law enforcement officers, in litigation, arbitration, negotiation, and appellate advocacy.

He is a graduate of Capital University Law School. His prior work experience includes the union-side labor law firm of Cloppert, Latanick, Sauter & Washburn in Columbus, Ohio and Eufinger Law Office in Marysville, Ohio. John has prior legal-related employment experience with the Office of the Ohio Attorney General and the Office of the Ohio Secretary of State.

John is a member of the AFL-CIO Union Lawyers Alliance and the Ohio Public Employees Lawyers Association. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio, the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

He gives frequent presentations on a variety of legal topics, including labor and employment law, legal ethics and regulatory compliance.

John is a graduate of Miami University and currently resides with his wife and daughter in Troy, Ohio.

Bob Sauter is a founding partner of Cloppert, Latanick, Sauter & Washburn, and practices primarily in the area of public sector labor. Bob has represented clients as counsel in several cases before the Ohio Supreme Court involving the Ohio Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act (issues involving strikes, appropriate topics of bargaining, constitutionality of interest arbitration for strike-prohibited employees, and unfair labor practice charges) and public records issues.

Bob has extensive experience representing law enforcement officers involved in critical incidents and officer-involved shootings.  Bob is familiar in navigating the complexities of such cases. He is adept at handling the intense scrutiny and legal challenges that arise, providing essential legal counsel and defense. He understands the unique pressures faced by officers in these situations and works diligently to ensure the officers’ rights are protected throughout the investigative and legal processes.

Paul was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. He received his law degree from the University of Akron School of Law in 2020. During his time in law school, Paul volunteered with Akron Law’s expungement clinic, helping previously convicted community members clear their records for a fresh start. He also volunteered regularly at the Peter Maurin Center Food Pantry, serving food and coffee and distributing clothing and toiletries to Akron’s unhoused population. His legal practice focuses primarily on criminal defense representation.

Paul’s educational background includes an Associate degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, both from the University of Akron. Paul has devoted his life to serving both his local community and the country at large. While serving six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, Paul was activated for Operation Desert Storm.

Before earning his Juris Doctor, Paul spent twenty-seven years with the Akron Police Department, with a large portion of this time being assigned to the Detective Bureau, U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force, and Uniform Patrol Division. During his time with the police department, Paul was a proud supporter of labor unions as a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

In 1999, The Akron Police Department awarded Paul the Russ Long Officer of the Year Award. Each year, this award is presented to an officer who displays the characteristics that made Russ Long an outstanding officer.

In 2006, Paul was awarded the United States Marshal’s Service Task Force Officer of the Year award. This prominent/esteemed award is given to an individual from a law enforcement agency that works closely with the United States Marshal’s Service in investigating cases and apprehending suspects. The award criteria include, but are not limited to, the officer’s dedication, outstanding duty, professionalism, number of open and closed cases, and willingness to assist younger task force members. Several hundred names were submitted to the District Office, and of these names, Akron Police Officer Paul Siegferth, Jr. was chosen as the first recipient. Akron Police Department, 2006 Annual Report (2007).

A few of Paul’s recreational and personal achievements include finishing numerous marathons, ultramarathons, and triathlons.

Paul is a member of the Portage County, and State of Ohio Bar Associations.