The following letter from Joseph Woloszynk, VAPBA Division President, is in response to a previously published correspondence by Roger Mathias, President Thompson-Hall FOP Lodge #5. It is reproduced here with permission of the author.
Dear Mr. Mathias,
We are aware of the letter you circulated on behalf of Thompson-Hall FOP Lodge #5 addressing the Governor, qualified immunity, immigration enforcement, firearms legislation, and labor issues. We respect the right of every law enforcement organization to communicate independently with its members. However, because this communication has confused officers across the Commonwealth, it is important to provide clarification and context regarding our positions and actions.
Endorsement decisions are made through a structured screening process that includes participation from chapter presidents and division board members representing law enforcement agencies across Virginia. These decisions are not based on party affiliation or rhetoric, but on access, engagement, and the ability to protect law enforcement interests in a complex political environment. Virginia is, and will remain for the foreseeable future, a politically divided state. Our responsibility is to advocate effectively within that reality to deliver results for the men and women we represent.
We have been clear and consistent in opposing any legislation that would eliminate or weaken qualified immunity protections for law enforcement officers. Those protections are essential to ensuring officers can perform their duties without fear of personal financial liability for lawful actions taken in good faith. Importantly, our response to this issue extended well beyond issuing a position statement. We coordinated a political action campaign that included direct engagement with our members, supporters, legislators, coalition advocacy, and sustained communication throughout the legislative process. As a direct result of those efforts by this Association and its partners, the patron of the qualified immunity legislation publicly stated her intent to withdraw the bill. That outcome was achieved through engagement and influence, not disengagement.
PBA Spanberger
The Schilling ShowIt is also important to note that the National Fraternal Order of Police recognized then-Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger with a national award for her leadership in advancing the Social Security Fairness Act. That legislation restored fully earned Social Security benefits to thousands of retired law enforcement officers and public servants in Virginia and across the country. This recognition reflects bipartisan cooperation on an issue that produced tangible, measurable benefits for law enforcement retirees.
Before she was elected Governor, Abigail Spanberger engaged with law enforcement stakeholders, including the local FOP Lodges that went to visit her on Capitol Hill, after she announced her intent to run for Governor of Virginia. She also engaged with community leaders throughout the Commonwealth, including meetings and outreach in her home region of Henrico County. Those interactions occurred as part of broader efforts to engage public safety professionals and local communities during the campaign and reinforced the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with those directly affected by public policy decisions.
We continually monitor legislation that impacts officer safety, recruitment, retention, retirement security, and due process protections. Proposals are evaluated based on their real-world consequences for active and retired officers, and engagement occurs early and directly with legislators when legislation threatens public safety or the ability of officers to perform their duties effectively.
This Association does not support mandatory union membership or forced payment of dues. Law enforcement officers should have the freedom to choose whether and how they associate. Our organization remains voluntary and member-driven, focused exclusively on advocacy, legal protections, and benefits tailored to the needs of law enforcement professionals.
We are the largest law enforcement association in Virginia because we deliver results, whether protecting qualified immunity, advancing retirement enhancements, assisting with collective bargaining, or preserving due process rights. Those outcomes are achieved through credibility, access, and persistent engagement. While reasonable professionals may disagree with the strategy, disengagement from the political process does not protect officers. Effective advocacy does.
We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and protecting the men and women who serve the Commonwealth every day.
Respectfully,
Joseph Woloszyn
VAPBA Division President
