Executive Officers
President Mike Powell
I began my career in 1989, with my first assignment in District 1 patrol. While in District 1 was an F.T.O., Crowd Control instructor, C.A.T. Instructor, Motorcycle Officer, and Cadet assessor, among other things. In 1999 I was assigned to investigations as a narcotics agent in Zone 2. In 2000 I became a Technical Investigator assigned to the T.I.U. unit. I am currently an E.C.S.O. III certified T.I.U. agent working out of the Zone 2 Rockford/Sterling offices.
Prior to becoming your President I was 1st Vice-President and Trustee representing District 1 for 13 plus years. I served as the Chairman of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee and as a member of the Steering Committee, and Contract Negotiations Team. I have attended State and National Conferences, as well as having attended training in Basic Contract Negotiations and Advanced Contract Negotiations, Grievance and Arbitration Resolution and Leadership courses offered by the Grand Lodge.
I believe in Troopers Lodge 41 and promise to represent all members of our union, whether active, retired, patrol, investigations or one of the many specialties. I thank you for your support. I will listen to the needs and wants of the entire membership and promise to help bring transparency to this organization. Remember Troopers Lodge 41 is your union all of your Lodge Trustees and Officers come from our ranks. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at mpowell@iltroopers41.org.
1st VP Chris Southwood
I started my career with the Illinois State Police in 1988. After the Academy I was assigned to District 15 and later transferred to District 14. Among other things, I’ve been a K-9 Handler, A.R.O., V.I.O., F.T.O. and District Range Officer. In 2005 I completed a Temporary Duty Assignment to Zone 4 Investigations and returned home to patrol in District 14.
I’m currently assigned to the Director’s Office, serving full time at the Lodge Office with President Powell. I’m from a strong union family…I grew up union. I believe in Solidarity and I understand unions. These things and my work experience, give me a unique perspective on our labor issues. I’m an experienced, dedicated Lodge Officer serving since 1993. I’ve attended State and National Conferences, and have served on and chaired various committees. I’m proud to have been a member of the last two Contract Negotiation Teams. I believe in our contract and I will do whatever I can to protect and enhance the rights and benefits of every member of this Lodge. This includes front line officers, agents, sergeants, fraternal members and last, but certainly not least, those who have come, sacrificed, and gone before us...our retirees.
I thank you for the opportunity to serve YOU... the membership, as your 1st Vice President, and I thank you for your continued support and trust. Please feel free to contact me at anytime with your concerns… chris@iltroopers41.org
2nd VP Steve Clemente
I started my career with the Illinois State Police in the fall of 1989 in CC#86. Upon completion of the academy, I was assigned to District 15, which is where I have spent my entire career. I have served the district as a Field Training Officer, Juvenile Officer and P.F.I.T monitor. I have been a member of our SET team and Truck Task Force. I currently serve as a dayshift Sergeant having been promoted in 1998.
I became a trustee in 2006 and have been proud to serve Troopers Lodge #41 on the Safety Committee and as Chairman of both the Ways and Means and Grievance Committees. I was a member of the 2008 Contract Negotiation Team and am currently on the 2012 team. I have travelled to both Wisconsin and Ohio to join in their labor fights. The past few years have been the most trying times Troopers Lodge #41 has endured. We have been faced with challenges on many fronts. While I do not see a quick and easy end to our battles, I am confident in the members of this Lodge and my fellow leaders.
My father was a Chicago Firefighter for over 30 years and I learned what it meant to have a strong union when the firefighters went on strike in 1980. The term” Brotherhood of the Barrel” was given to those who stood up for their rights and went on strike. While we are unable to strike, we can learn from those “brothers” in organized labor who came before us. By banding together we can and will become stronger and overcome the adversity that faces us. It is an honor to serve you whether you are in patrol or investigations, whether currently working or retired, whether from Chicago or Carbondale. steve@iltroopers41.org
Secretary Joe Moon
I started my career with the Illinois State Police in 1999. After the academy, I was assigned to District 21 patrol and later transferred to District 14 Patrol. While in District 14 patrol, I was a K-9 Handler. I transferred to Zone 4 investigations in 2006. I worked as a General Criminal Agent and then as an Agent in the West Central Illinois Drug Task Force. In 2009 I transferred back to District 14 patrol where I am currently assigned.
Prior to being appointed as your Secretary I was a trustee representing District 14 for over 7 years. I have served as the Chairman of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee and as a member of the Steering Committee, Election Committee, and Building and Grounds Committee. I have attended several State and National Conferences.
I believe in serving the members of this Lodge both active and retired. I believe in always protecting the member's contractual rights and the best interest of your Lodge. As your Secretary, I will always strive to represent you to the best of my ability. joe@iltroopers41.org
Treasurer Sean Brannon
Sgt At Arms Kent James
I started my career in 1987(cc#81), in District 13A, which is now District 22. Two years later I transferred to District 13, in which I still reside with my wife and two sons. I am currently a C.V.E.O, which I have been for the past five years. The previous 17 years I spent on patrol.
I come from a union family. My father was also a union steward at his place of employment. I hope to serve ALL members of Troopers Lodge 41; active, retired, uniform, or plain clothes. I will do my best to help you in labor or fraternal needs. Previous members and officers of this lodge have provided us with rights and benefits that their forefathers didn't have. I hope to both protect and build on these rights and benefits through labor negotiations and legislation. My wish is for the members to become more fraternal, for I feel that this will ensure our rights and benefits. kent@iltroopers41.org
Chair of Trustees Rich Decker
I began my career in December of 1985. I was a member of the first expressway class, after the Illinois State Police took over patrol responsibility of the interstate system in the city of Chicago. Upon graduation from the Academy, I was sent to District 2 for my training. I then reported to District 4 on the south side. I have been in patrol ever since. Working in Chicago was a bit of a culture shock for me. I grew up in Champaign, IL, and was living in Murphysboro, IL when I was hired. My Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather were all police officers. Since I have been on the job, I have been a Juvenile Officer, Field Training Officer, and a DUI Instructor at the Academy. In 1998 I was promoted to sergeant. I have worked permanent midnights since 1989.
In 2003 I ran for, and was elected, a trustee in District Chicago. I have served on the Legal Committee, Grievance Committee, and Safety Committee. I have attended Basic Contract Negotiation school, was on the Negotiation Team in 2008, and serve on the current team. I have also attended numerous State and National FOP conferences.
Our union faces some perilous times ahead. I promise you I will do my utmost to protect our pension and union rights in the up coming year. Contact Rich at redkcd1963@yahoo.com
