Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police State President Les Neri will seek election as the 2nd Vice President of the National FOP.
Les was born and raised in the inner city of Philadelphia. His neighbor, a Philadelphia Police officer, provided the inspiration and drive that lead him to a 40 year career in law enforcement.
Les joined the Springfield Township Police Department in Delaware County Pennsylvania at the age of 19. Starting as a desk officer, Les continued on to the Police Academy, graduating with top honors and receiving his class’s academic achievement award. He then joined the Tredyffrin Township Police Department in Chester County where he served as an officer and labor leader until 2009 when he retired at the rank of Detective. During his career Les was recognized by his agency, as well as county, state and federal agencies, for his outstanding service to law enforcement, the community, and his fellow officers.
In addition to his law enforcement experience, Les has served his FOP brothers and sisters in Pennsylvania with distinction. In 1995 he was elected President for Chester County Lodge #11. In 1998 he was elected to the Pennsylvania State Lodge Board as Financial Secretary. In 2004 he was elected State Lodge Vice President and in 2008 State Lodge President, a position in which he still serves. Les has also served as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, as well as Chairman of the PA FOP Foundation.
Les has been active in all aspects of police labor relation issues and has been recognized as an expert in such matters. For the past 16 years, his work on legislation has provided Pennsylvania law enforcement officers with many needed benefits and protections, such as 100% survivor pensions and full college tuitions for the children of officers killed in the line of duty. Les and his legislative team continue to defend all that has been legislatively achieved in Pennsylvania over the past 100 years.
For the past 40 years Les has shown exceptional leadership and team building skills. These skills, combined with his labor and legislative experience, have prepared him well for the position of National 2nd Vice President.