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I was appointed a Cleveland Police Officer on August 3, 1981. At that time there weren't many Hispanic Police Officers on the Cleveland Police Department.

I became aware of police social clubs that represented different cultures. I saw their members proudly represented at social events, parades, and civic functions. But the Hispanic Officer had no representation.

In 1984, I along with other Hispanic Officers, decided to take up the challenge of creating a Hispanic Police Officers social club in the greater Cleveland area. Our first action was to create the social club. We did so by giving it a name, the Hispanic Police Officer Association (H.P.O.A.). We then gave it an existence by applying and receiving recognition from the State and Federal governments as a certified non-profit organization. Most importantly, we gave it a voice by becoming its members.

We are a non-profit organization with the purpose of promoting friendly association and general welfare of its members. We aim to promote social, charitable and educational endeavors among Hispanic Police Officers. Our membership includes, but is not exclusive to , Hispanic Police Officers of the Cleveland Police Division. Our executive board consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary and thirteen Association Trustees.

We have grown slowly and we have focused primarily on our very popular, annual "Three Kings Dinner Dance." We are working towards increased membership and participation. We are planning for regular social activities, and fund raisers. We are striving to further our abilities to support Hispanic Charities and Scholarships.

We would like to welcome you to the Hispanic Police Officer Association. Join us in promoting the Hispanic Police Officers, our people, culture, and heritage.

Atentamente,

Antonio A. Colon, Jr.

President