In 1915, the life of a policeman was bleak. In many communities they were forced to work 12-hour days, 365 days a year. Police officers did not like it, but there was little they could do to change their working conditions. There were no organizations to make their voices heard - no other means to make their grievances known.
This soon changed, thanks to the courage and wisdom of two Pittsburgh patrol officers. Martin Toole and Delbert Nagle knew they must first organize police officers like other labor interests if they were to be successful in making life better for themselves and their fellow police officers. They formed Fort Pitt Lodge #1 and decided on the name "Fraternal Order of Police" due to the anti-union sentiment of the time. However, there was no mistaking their intentions. As they told their city mayor, Joe Armstrong, the FOP would be the means "to bring our grievances before the Mayor and Council and have many things anjusted that we are unable to present in any other way...we could also get many things through our legislature that our Council will not, or cannot, give us"
And so it begins, a tradition of police officers representing police officers. The Fraternal Order of Police was given life by two dedicated police officers determined to better their profession and those who choose to protect and serve our communities, our states and our country. It was not long afterward that Mayor Armstrong was congratulating the Fraternal Order of Police for their "strong influence in the legislatures in various states...their considerate and charitable efforts" on behalf of the officers in need and for the FOP's efforts at increasing the public confidence toward the police to the benefit of the peace, as well as the public.
From that small beginning the Fraternal Order of Police began growing steadily. Today, the tradition that was first envisioned almost 100 years ago lives on with more than 2,200 local lodges serving 328,000 members in the United States. Thus, the FOP is the largest professional police organization in the country and countinues to grow by building on our proud tradition. The members of the FOP are proud professionals working on behalf of law enforcement officers from all ranks and levels of government.
From our humble beginnings, the Fraternal Order of Police has become the most influential voice among law enforcement professionals representing its members from coast to coast. We are committed to the belief that no one knows the danger and difficulties faced by police officers better than another police officer. The Fraternal Order of Police was founded and continues as a representative organization with its members participating directly in the efforts of the FOP.
Our members decide what programs and benefits are best for them while choosing those they deem best fit to lead their organization. Whether in labor, legislation, or education, the Fraternal Order of Police is committed to providing the best service possible to its members.
