Author: SAFPPA Editor

The San Antonio Fire and Police Pensioners Association received a request today for able-bodied volunteers, from the San Antonio Police Officers Association

Recent flooding in Kerrville and other parts of Central Texas has left communities in urgent need of assistance. In response, San Antonio Police Officers Association President Danny Diaz has issued a direct call to action for retired officers and firefighters who are able and willing to support search and recovery efforts.

We are asking for assistance from our retired police and fire members who are able and willing to volunteer in search and rescue efforts. Your expertise and service are invaluable, especially in times like this.

Officer Cecelia Cantu has been appointed to coordinate the volunteer teams for this weekend and next week. She will be organizing the schedule and serving as the point of contact for volunteers.

Boots on the Ground: Volunteer Guidelines

Volunteers are asked to be physically able to walk on rough terrain and come prepared for conditions in the field:

• Required attire: Boots (no flip-flops), long pants, long-sleeve shirts, cap or hat
• Recommended items: Insect spray, bottled water, extra socks, face mask
• Note: Cell service may be limited in some areas
• Identification: Officers and retirees should carry Law Enforcement I.D.

A designated location for feeding POA volunteers is being set up—details to follow.

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How to Join the Effort

If you’re ready to help or have questions, please contact:

Officer Cecelia Cantu
210.544.0344

Many of you have expressed interest—now’s your chance to step up and make a difference. Whether you’re on the ground or supporting logistics, your help will be deeply appreciated by those affected.

Let’s continue to show the strength, solidarity, and compassion that defines the San Antonio Fire and Police community.

The Retiree Health & Wellness Fund for San Antonio Fire and Police is preparing for its upcoming election to fill the position of Retired Police Representative for the Health Fund Trustee Board. This is a vital opportunity for retired officers to shape the future of our healthcare benefits and representation.

Election Timeline & Key Dates
Here’s what candidates and voters need to know:

Event	Date	Details
Candidate Filing Period	July 14–25, 2025	Submit in person at 11603 W. Coker Loop, Suite 130 between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ballots Mailed	August 11, 2025	Watch your mailbox for your voting materials
Election Closes	August 27, 2025	All ballots must be received by this date
Results Delivered	August 29, 2025	Results will be officially communicated
Runoff Ballots Mailed (if needed)	September 5, 2025	For runoff between top candidates
Runoff Election Closes	September 22, 2025	Deadline for runoff ballot returns
Runoff Results Delivered	September 24, 2025	Outcome finalized and shared

Term of Office
Selected trustee will serve a 4-year term from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2029.

Filing Location
Health Fund Office
11603 W. Coker Loop, Suite 130
San Antonio, TX 78216

Questions?
Call: 210-494-6500
Email: thehealthfund@thefundsa.org

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The San Antonio Fire and Police Pensioners’ Association invites all members to attend our upcoming July Members Meeting—a vital opportunity to stay informed, connect with fellow retirees, and engage in meaningful discussions that impact our community.

Location:
San Antonio Fire and Police Pension Fund Office
11603 W. Coker Loop, Suite 201, San Antonio, TX 78216

Date & Time:
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
1:30 PM

Meeting Highlights:

• Updates from the President and Board Members
• Reports from the Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Corresponding Secretary
• Members to Be Heard – Your voice matters!
• Door Prizes – Stick around for a chance to win

We encourage all members to attend and participate. Your presence helps shape the direction of our association and ensures your concerns are heard.

Let’s continue building a strong, informed, and united community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Here is the agenda.

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The San Antonio Fire and Police Pensioners’ Association is providing the following message from the Healthcare Fund representatives. Please remember that SAFPPA has no direct relationship with the operation of the Healthcare Fund. We are providing this notice as a courtesy to our members.

LETTER FROM MIKE DESPRES, Police Retiree Healthcare Trustee

Fellow Members,

Our healthcare can be a little confusing, so I want to take this brief opportunity to promote better understanding of exactly where we currently are with our healthcare.  Capital RX is our “Plan Benefits Administrator;” the company that actually manages our healthcare.  Our RX drug prescription service was previously subcontracted thru Optum.

As we evaluated the previous service difficulties we were experiencing with Optum as our RX drug prescription provider, it became apparent that our membership was not adequately being served.  Upon recognizing this service deficiency, we quickly severed that business relationship and began a search in earnest for a new RX prescription provider.  Several criteria were factored into this decision.  First, we wanted an RX provider that was well established within our community; a company that was a titan among service providers with the reputation and assets to provide our members with superior products, fair pricing, and the capability to provide expedited and efficient delivery. 

I am very proud to announce to our membership that our search for a new RX provider became very clear very quickly; leading us to our new RX Prescription Provider “Costco.”  All the boxes have been checked by this magnificent company.  Costco is an American multinational corporation, and is the third-largest retailer in the world.  They are ranked #11 on the Fortune 500 rankings.  Costco is definitely the company that we want to do business with, both now and into the future. 

As one might expect, making such a major transition is not always smooth initially, as a lot of data must be entered and organized within Costco’s extensive database.  Such was the case on June 06, 2025 when Costco conducted systems maintenance while at the same time incorporating our very large file of membership information.  It is important to recognize that this is only an initial complication that Costco is currently working on to resolve.  Please stay patient.  As mentioned above, Costco is one of the largest companies in the world, and did not achieve their high “Fortune 500” ranking by accident.  Our members should have no doubt that we are now with the correct RX Provider.  Soon, we will have these minor issues resolved.  Thereafter, we can all look forward to a long and mutually beneficial business relationship with Costco; RX prescription drug service that is accurate and expedited and customer service that is both friendly and compassionate towards all of our members.  This kind of interpersonal business relationship is important to both our membership and to Costco.  They “get” that.   

If you are experiencing any issues related to your healthcare, please feel free to contact the Fire and Police Retiree Health Care Fund, at 1-866-652-4237, for assistance.

In closing, I want to humbly remind our members of the wonderful health enhancement benefits that we have provided to our members, just over the past several years.

• We opened several new healthcare clinics
• Now every clinic is staffed with a minimum of two doctors
• Added a Physical Therapist and Assistant at each clinic
• Added Psychological Support Services
• Added a Nutritionist at each clinic
• Successfully managed to pass a legislative package to enhance our member benefits
• Created a proactive strategic plan going forward, to further enhance our benefits at the next legislative session in two years
• Added a dedicated Sports Medicine Doctor

I respectfully request that all of our members check out these wonderful new health care benefits, to enhance the quality of your life.

Thanks for your continued trust.  We’re always here for you!

Respectfully,

Mike Despres

Police Retiree Healthcare Trustee

We invite all members to attend the June Members Meeting of the San Antonio Fire and Police Pensioners Association. This is your opportunity to stay informed, connect with fellow pensioners, and engage in discussions that impact our community.

📅 Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 🕰 Time: 1:30 PM

📍 Location: San Antonio Fire and Police Pension Fund Office 11603 W. Coker Loop, Suite 201, San Antonio, TX 78216

Highlights will include updates on key legislative efforts, such as the LEOSA Reform Act and Health Care 2025 Legislation, along with reports from our leadership committees. The complete agenda is posted here!

Members will also receive updates on the Fire and Police Pension Fund and Retiree Health Care Fund, ensuring everyone stays informed about the latest developments affecting benefits and financial stability.

As always, the meeting will conclude with members to be heard and door prizes, so be sure to attend and participate!

Your voice matters—come be part of the conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!