The main purpose of the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary is not only to support the FOP and its projects, but also police officers and their families. I have heard it said many times that being a member of the Auxiliary is like being a member of an extended family. As our organization grows, we will have many opportunities to meet and become friends with members from Auxiliaries all across the nation. It is certainly true that as we work together and share our experiences, we will not only be supporting our community, we will gain personally from the relationships that form between us. After all, who would better understand the fears, frustrations, concerns, and joys of being related to a police officer than other police family members?

Along with supporting our members, the Auxiliary is involved with charity work both on a local and national level. The National Auxiliary, assisted by subordinate Auxiliaries, hosts the Annual Peace Officers Memorial Day Service, held in Washington, D.C. on May 15th of each year. They are also active in Easter Seals, Concerns of Police Survivors, Special Olympics, and have many programs benefiting the officers and their families, such as Blue Light/Blue Ribbon Project, Vested Interest Program, Lock it Up, and many others. Subordinate Auxiliaries do various community projects and support charities within their own localities, as well as projects to benefit their own officers.

Membership eligibility is extended to ALL family members (18 years or older) of any member of the Fraternal Order of Police (spouse, sibling, children, parents, grandparents, foster and stepchildren, aunt, uncle, in-laws, cousins). I am very excited about the potential our Auxiliary has to make a difference in the lives of others. For more information about the Auxiliary contact Lodge #1 Auxiliary President Ellen Jones.

 For membership information, contact the local Lodge #1 Auxiliary President.

The National Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary is an ancillary organization of law enforcement officers. The Auxiliary is the only national support organization of its kind.

The Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary was organized to unite families of members of the Fraternal Order of Police; to promote their welfare socially, morally and intellectually; and to encourage them in all things pertaining to their good.

In 1920, a group of wives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania police officers gathered to discuss issues concerning their husbands and their jobs. This was the birth of the first "FOP Ladies Auxiliary." In 1941, Kathryn M. Milton became the first national president of the Ladies Auxiliary. Since that time the Auxiliary has grown to over 2,000 members in 140 subordinate Auxiliaries representing 25 states.

In 1985, membership eligibility that originally allowed only females as members was extended to family members (18 years of age or older) of any member of the Fraternal Order of Police. In 1987, the name of the organization was changed, dropping the word "Ladies" to reflect the growth in membership of the organization.

In August of 2003, the Grand Lodge Auxiliary convened for its 31st Biennial Conference in Providence, Rhode Island.

©1997-2004 Fraternal Order of Police, Grand Lodge