June 2026 Edition — Volume 34 No. 6

President's Message

By Mike Kihmm, President

Happy June to all our retired San Jose Police and Fire family.

As summer begins, I hope each of you is preparing to enjoy the season, spend time with family and friends, travel, relax, and take full advantage of this well-earned chapter of life. After years of service to our community, this is exactly what retirement is supposed to be about—and each of you has earned it.

We’ve focused a lot recently on our new Members Assistance Program (MAP) and for good reason. It provides our members support at a time when they’ll need it the most and help is hardest to find. At the same time, however, there are many other everyday benefits that we want to ensure you take advantage all year long.

If you’re planning a trip this summer and need hotels and rental cars, if you’re looking to get out to eat more, or even hit the gym, the Holman Group website has discounts for you on all these items and more. I encourage you to take a look and take advantage.

Summer also brings us our best opportunities for seeing old friends and coming together as an organization: our Annual Association Barbecue at Coyote Ranch (August 20) and our Annual Bobby Burroughs Folsom Barbecue (September 12). These gatherings are always a great opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and enjoy the friendships that continue long after our years of active service. Both events are free to members; you can RSVP by clicking the links above or on our website.

Please stay safe, enjoy the summer, and most importantly, enjoy your retirement. You earned it.

With respect for our past and commitment to our future,

Mike Kihmm

President

NAVIGATION

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  • Help for The Wounds We Don't Talk About


Help for The Wounds We Don't Talk About

By Walter Bugna, VP of Fire

I came across an article a while back — "Invisible Wounds of the First Responder" — and it has stayed with me. In it, retired Fire Captain Rick Smith talked openly about something most of us learned never to admit – that the job leaves marks you can't always see.

One traumatic call, or a hundred of them stacked over a career, can start a quiet chain reaction.

Smith pointed to research showing that as many as 1 in 3 of us have shown symptoms of PTSD. Some of us experienced them for a few months, others for years. Some don't feel any symptoms until years later.

In that interview, Smith said something incredibly simple, yet incredibly wise: "PTSD does not go away by itself." That's a fact. "Treatment can only start with you, standing up and saying that you need help."

Most of us know what PTSD is but we probably couldn't name more than one or two symptoms. So, how do you know if you need help? The article provided a set of basic self-assessment questions:

Have you had:

  • A significant change in appetite?
  • Recurring disturbances in sleep pattern?
  • Increased agitation or inability to relax?
  • Fatigue, lethargy or loss of energy?
  • Sadness, despair or loneliness?
  • Inability to concentrate, focus or make decisions?
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide?
  • Plans for suicide or an attempt at suicide?

Smith stressed that answering "yes" to any of these questions doesn't mean you have PTSD, but they are red flags that something may be going on—and he encourages seeking assistance.

Remember, as a member, help is now only a phone call away. If you need help, or if you're unsure, call the Holman Group, 24/7 and let them help: 800-321-2843.

You can read more about Smith's experience and more detail on PTSD by clicking the button below.

Read More


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Protecting Your Workers’ Compensation Entitlements Even After Retirement

By Mary Gutierrez, Director-at-Large

Retiree Association Members,

The Association Board of Directors would like to share the informational briefing paper authored by the Ferrone Law Group regarding worker's compensation benefits. The Association hired this firm earlier this year to review the Holman Group Behavioral Health contract. The firm was proactive in offering the attached letter with updates and information regarding public safety workers’ compensation law. The Association is not advocating for this specific law firm, as there are many workers’ compensation attorneys available.

The presumptive law portion and worker’s compensation filing deadlines are informative and important. The document is a good read for all and specifically for those that have retired within the last five years.

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RSVP NOW! Reserve Your Spot for the Annual Assocation & Folsom BBQs

Two of our biggest events of the year are near and we're now taking reservations. Details are below. Click the buttons to let us know we will see you there. Admission is now free for members and family!

Annual
Association BBQ

Date: August 20, 2026

Annual Bobby Burroughs
Folsom BBQ

Date: September 12, 2026


Other Events of Interest
Speakeasy on the Green
San Jose Police Emerald Society

Almaden Country Club
September 4, 2026
5 PM to 10PM

Tickets: $150/person


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Critical Reminder
Call, Don't Click.
🚨 If you need a therapist or counselor…

SPECIAL MEMBER MESSAGE ON MAP


If you, your spouse, or your dependents need to speak with a counselor or a therapist—whether it's for an immediate crisis or general ongoing support—do not search online. Call.

📞 The 24/7 Hotline: (800) 321-2843

👤 Who answers? A real, live human being—specifically a licensed clinician trained to understand the unique stress, trauma, and challenges of police and fire veterans. No chatbots, and no outsourced call centers.


Additional Content! Click to expand.

Watch: MAP Video Presentation Did you miss the April membership meeting? No problem we got you covered. Click below to view the presentation of Elizabeth Holman of The Holman Group. Elizabeth provides an overview of the Association's new Member Assistance Program (MAP) at the Association's May membership meeting. Holman MAP Presentation to ARSJPOFF

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Condolences & Retirements


Condolences

We honor the memory of our retired brothers and sisters who have recently passed away. Our deepest condolences go out to their families, friends, and loved ones.

  • 🚒 Retired Fire Captain Joseph D. Roberts passed away on February 25, 2026.
  • 🚒 Retired Fire Engineer Stewart Townend passed away on April 25, 2026.
  • 🚒 Retired Fire Captain Ernest Medeiros passed away on June 10, 2026.
  • 🚔 Retired Sgt. Larry "Nails" Fernsworth #1164 passed away on June 11, 2026.
Retirements

Scroll left to right to see more.


I'm Dead. Now What?
The Association continues to give away this book.

A useful and helpful planner to give you peace of mind. It has important information about your belongings, business affairs, and wishes. It helps organize vital details about contacts, health, and financial issues, etc.

Contact Walter Bugna at believe42218@earthlink.net if you want a copy. Please include your name, current phone and current mailing address in your e-mail.

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Next Meeting & Directory
Next General Meeting

Thursday, July 9, 2026 at the SJPOA Hall
1151 N. 4th St., San Jose, CA 95112

  • Lunch begins at 12:00 PM
  • Business meeting begins at 12:30 PM
  • 💻 Zoom Attendance Available: The digital session begins at 12:30 PM. Please check your recent Association emails for the active streaming link.
Moving or updating your email? Don't miss a thing — send Ken your new info so we can keep you connected and in the loop!
Executive Board & Leadership Directory
👮 Executive Officers

Directors-at-Large: Don Bartels • Tim Miller • Jim Spence • Dale Foster • Ray Storms • Robert Gutierrez • Mary Gutierrez • Jerry Ellis (Director Emeritus)

📞 Membership Assistance Program

Hollman Group: (800) 321-2843


🤝 Widows & Orphans Officers
🚓 Police Benevolent Association (PBA)

President - Ernie Alcantar, Vice President - Mike Kihmm, Sec-Treasurer - Cindy Bueno, Sgt At Arms - Dan Archie