FOP ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ENDORSEMENT OF CHERYL MUSGRAVE FOR MAYOR OF EVANSVILLE
Historically, the fraternal Order of Police does not offer an endorsement in primary elections. However, It is the belief of this organization that this may be the most important election in recent memory for the citizens of Evansville and for the members of this lodge. With that in mind, approximately six weeks ago, President Aaron McCormick authorized the creation of the Bi-Partisan 2023 FOP 73 Political Action Committee.  During the previous weeks, this committee took on the daunting process of vetting candidates for the position of Mayor of the City of Evansville.  The committee held extensive interviews with each candidate. The committee also took a deep dive into the past records(or lack thereof) of each candidate. After countless hours of research analysis, the FOP 73 Political Action Committee came to a unanimous recommendation. That recommendation as then overwhelmingly supported and adopted by the membership of FOP 73.
The City of Evansville is facing a crisis on many levels. Â Our streets have become noticeably less safe. Â Even with the brave men and women of the Evansville Police Department seizing guns off the streets at a rate never seen before, violent crime persists. Â Murders, shootings, robberies, and a host of other crimes are increasingly occurring in city neighborhoods once believed to be safe for citizens and their families.
The Evansville Police Department is facing a crisis.  The inability to recruit and retain qualified officers to police the streets of Evansville is greatly hampering the effectiveness of the police force.  With overtime at an all-time high just to meet minimum staffing levels, each officer is asked to answer more calls for service than ever before.  With pay and benefits lagging far behind other departments in our state and nation, and the inability to take time off to be with their families, the morale of officers is at an all-time low.  The Evansville Police Department was a destination.  It was a goal that officers from across the entire region sought to attain.  Today as I speak to you, The Evansville Police Department has been relegated to the status of a stepping stone.  Officers are now being hired and trained by the City of Evansville, only to abruptly leave to join other departments with better benefits and more supportive city administrations.  The citizens of Evansville DESERVE a leader who is committed to bringing this department back to its former stature.  The citizens of Evansville DESERVE  a leader who is committed not just to Public Safety, but to  THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC.
Only one candidate has shown the ability to answer the tough questions asked by this committee.  Only one candidate has a track record of attacking problems head-on and formulating bold solutions.  During her time as County Commissioner, Cheryl Musgrave has a proven track record of success when it comes to improving the lives of those in their community.  During her time in office, Cheryl Musgrave has been instrumental in securing funding for vital infrastructure projects that helped to improve the quality of life for Vanderburgh County residents.  Cheryl has vowed to work closely with the Evansville Police Department to ensure that officers have the tools, training, and resources that they need to make the streets safe for all citizens.  LEADERSHIP MATTERS!  The City of Evansville needs  Mayor with the experience, dedication, and tenacity to address the host of problems we currently face.
I stand before you today UNITED with the over five hundred active members of FOP LODGE 73. Â I stand before you UNITED with the over five hundred Associate members, and over fifty Auxiliary members of FOP Lodge 73 as well as our families and friends. Â I stand before you today to offer the full Endorsement and unwavering support of the FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE 73 to the next Mayor of Evansville, Cheryl Musgrave
 COMMISSIONER MUSGRAVE COMMENTS AFTER THE FOP ENDORSEMENT
I am so honored to have the support of the FOP, its members, associate members, and families. Thank you to the FOP PAC and membership. This honor comes with responsibility. The responsibility is to provide the tools, training, and resources you need to do your job. That job is to keep Evansville safe.
From day one, I pledge to put public safety at the core of my agenda. The FOP needs and deserves to be supported with full staffing, competitive pay, proper equipment, vehicles, and training. Our city’s safety is on the line. My family and yours deserve a safe city, a city where the men and women who guard its safety are valued and treated with respect.
I’ve listened to and worked with law enforcement professionals for a long while now, and
learned what’s contributing to higher crime and a decrease in public safety in our city. I’m honored and humbled to receive this unprecedented endorsement because you are the frontline force, risking your lives every single day to protect us and our families from harm. You’ve told me that you’re hurting, and you need help now. As the next mayor of Evansville, I’ll give priority attention and support from day one.
Just a few years ago, Evansville had 129 patrol officers; today we have barely 100 —with nearly 35% of the entire department having five years or less in experience. Retirements are up by 60% since 2019, and more than a third of our current force is eligible for retirement in four years. The organized crime division experienced a 24% reduction in officers over the past 10 years. That reduction directly correlates with our city’s murder rate, which has tripled in the past five years compared with the previous five years.
Having enough experienced and well-trained officers who are compensated fairly and supported fully is a crucial part of making Evansville a safe and secure city. As Mayor, I promise we will make that investment, for our police, our city, and our families.
I’m not talking about abstract ideals and goals. I’m talking about real-world issues that hit home. Our city is dependent upon the training and responsiveness of our law enforcement. We witnessed this in a major way just a few weeks ago, when a gunman opened fire at a grocery store, wounding an employee and threatening many more employees and customers.
The men and women of the FOP – both EPD and Sheriff’s office– did not hesitate to respond, running toward the danger, arriving in their personal vehicles and even carrying personal rifles. On and off-duty officers ran toward the danger and in mere minutes eliminated the threat. You protected the store employees and the shoppers. You deserve the support of the whole community, not just in the face of imminent danger, but every day as you keep the threat of danger at bay through your professional preparedness.
This endorsement, by the officers of the Fraternal Order of Police, is one of the deepest honors of my life. When elected mayor, I will do everything that can be done to support the force and its mission to protect us all in the great city of Evansville. Because when we get breaking news of a crime, the most calming part is hearing: the “EPD en routeâ€.
FOOTNOTE: The City-County Observer posted this article without bias or editing.
