Information for Associate Members

Associate Membership

The FOPA is a civilian affiliate of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Our members are friends and families of law enforcement officers, responsible and respected businesspeople, professional men and women, and citizens from all walks of life — people willing to devote a portion of their time and efforts toward assisting the various law enforcement agencies of our communities, states and nation.

The FOPA is part of a national organization known as the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police Associates, with local lodges throughout the nation. The GLFOPA is a non-stock charitable corporation as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Lodges that are members of the GLFOPA are entitled to share the tax-exempt status. Any contributions made to those lodges are tax-exempt. The corporation is a nonpartisan organization without regard to race, creed, color or religious belief.

The FOPA’s interests revolve around law enforcement and the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the protection of ours.

The FOPA actively supports legislation, charitable causes and all law enforcement efforts on a local, state and national level.

Goals of the FOPA

The FOPA is an organization formed for the purpose of increasing our understanding of the rights, duties and problems of law enforcement officers; of fostering respect for them; and of bettering conditions under which they serve society. We accomplish this through public relations, as well as legislative and educational efforts. It is our aim and objective to support law enforcement throughout our country in every way possible. We believe that law is the safeguard to freedom, and it is our duty to defend it.

National History of the FOPA

The Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police Associates was formed on August 27, 1967; organized on August 10, 1973; incorporated on March 21, 2005; and received its tax-exempt ruling on April 13, 2006.

Nationally, we are a proud corporate sponsor of Easterseals, actively involved in legislation, and supportive of all law enforcement programs.

Functions and Activities of the Associate Lodges of the FOPA

Associate lodges work to assist their parent lodge. They provide law enforcement agencies with dedicated public support.

Many associate lodges present scholarships to dependents of law enforcement officers and associate members.

Associate lodges donate funds to officers in need or distress, provide funds for various law enforcement needs and youth programs, and present awards to recognize outstanding and dedicated law enforcement officers and associate members.

Associate lodges hold joint social functions enjoyed by members, family and friends.