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Grand Lodge History

In 1915, the life of a policeman was bleak. In many communities they were forced to work 12-hour days, 365 days a year.  Police officers didn't like it, but there was little they could do to change their working conditions.  There were no organizations to make their voices heard; no other means to make their grievances known.


This soon changed, thanks to the courage and wisdom of two Pittsburgh patrol officers.  Martin Toole and Delbert Nagle knew they must first organize police officers, like other labor interests, if they were to be successful in making life better for themselves and their fellow police officers.  They and 21 others "who were willing to take a chance" met on May 14, 1915, and held the first meeting of the Fraternal Order of Police.  They formed Fort Pitt Lodge #1.  They decided on this name due to the anti-union sentiment of the time.  However, there was no mistaking their intentions.  As they told their city mayor, Joe Armstrong, the FOP would be the means "to bring our aggrievances before the Mayor or Council and have many things adjusted that we are unable to present in any other way... we could get many things through our legislature that our Council will not, or cannot give us."


And so it began, a tradition of police officers representing police officers.  The Fraternal Order of Police was given life by two dedicated police officers determined to better their profession and those who choose to protect and serve our communities, our states, and our country. It was not long afterward that Mayor Armstrong was congratulating the Fraternal Order of Police for their "strong influence in the legislatures in various states,... their considerate and charitable efforts" on behalf of the officers in need and for the FOP's "efforts at increasing the public confidence toward the police to the benefit of the peace, as well as the public."


From that small beginning the Fraternal Order of Police began growing steadily.  In 1917, the idea of a National Organization of Police Officers came about.  Today, the tradition that was first envisioned over 105 years ago lives on with more than 2,100 local lodges and more than 355,000 members in the United States.  The Fraternal Order of Police has become the largest professional police organization in the country.  The FOP continues to grow because we have been true to the tradition and continued to build on it.  The Fraternal Order of Police are proud professionals working on behalf of law enforcement officers from all ranks and levels of government.

Grand Lodge Logo

The emblem adopted by the National Fraternal Order of Police is designed to remind the membership of the duties that are expected of them as a citizen, a police officer and a member of the lodge.  The five-cornered star tends to remind us of the allegiance we owe to our Flag and is a symbol of the authority with which we are entrusted.  It is an honor the people we serve bestow upon us.  They place their confidence and trust in us; serve them proudly.


Midway between the points and center of the star is a blue field representative of the thin blue line protecting those we serve.  The points are of gold, which indicates the position under which we are now serving.  The background is white, the unstained color representing the purity with which we should serve.  We shall not let anything corrupt be injected into our order.  Therefore, our colors are blue, gold and white.

The open eye is the eye of vigilance ever looking for danger and protecting all those under its care while they sleep or while awake.  The clasped hands denote friendship. The hand of friendship is always extended to those in need of our comfort.

The circle surrounding the star midway indicates our never ending efforts to promote the welfare and advancement of this order.  Within the half circle over the centerpiece is our motto, "Jus, Fidus, Libertatum" which translated means "Law Is a Safeguard of Freedom."

Romeoville Lodge 15 History

On May 26, 1966, the first membership report was filed by Frank Chlebanowski (Secretary) reporting 25 members of "Romeoville Police Association" (Lodge Name) to the Grand Lodge.

On April 8th, 2021, the Executive Board ratified an amendment to the Lodge By-Laws which added two additional Trustee positions to the Board.

Romeoville Lodge 15 Logo

On July 12, 2018, after a membership vote favoring the logo, the Executive Board voted to make this logo the Lodge's first official unique logo.


The star and ring from the Grand Lodge's logo are maintained, while adding our Lodge's information in the ring.  The number "15" indicating our Lodge number is added to the center on top of what looks like bricks.  As our Lodge is based in Romeoville, we share interest in the history of our Village.  Limestone has a historical significance to the Village of Romeoville's establishment.  The Federal Geographic Data Committee Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization pattern #627 depicts this "brick" illustration symbolizing limestone.  Daniel Zakula Jr. put together all these aspects to design this new lodge logo.

Past Presidents (Romeoville Lodge 15)

Dan Ponzi (2022 - present)

Brant Hromadka (2018 - 2022)

James Luckett (2014 - 2018)

G.L. (...2009- 2013)

Michael Ramaglia (...2005-2006...)

John Ferdinardo (...1998...)

Dewayne Chambers

Gary Eitel

Past Executive Board Members

Vice President

-Mike Ryan  (2024- present)

-Dominic Thielmann  (2022-2024)

-Daniel Ponzi  (2020-2022)

-Michael Michienzi  (2018-2020)

-Brant Hromadka  (2016-2018)

-John Allen  (...2014-2016)

Secretary

-Mimi Bejda  (2023- present)

-Michael Peplow  (2022)

-Brian Truhlar  (2016-2022)

-James Leon  (...2014-2015)

Treasurer

-Daniel Zakula  (2018- present)

-Michael Michienzi  (2013-2018)

-Robert Zaborowski  (...2013)

-John Allen  (2006-2012...)

-Sandy Dreher  (...2005)

Sergeant-At-Arms

-Tom Dorsey  (2022- present)

-Gary Augustine  (2017-2022)

-James Leon  (2015-2017)

-Brian Truhlar  (...2014...)

Trustee (T)

-Stuart Jarom  (2022- present)

-Dominic Thielmann  (2020-2022)

-Daniel Ponzi  (2017-2020)

-Gary Augustine  (2015-2017)

Trustee (S)

-Paul Tuuk  (2020- present)

-Mike O'Connor  (2018-2020)

-John Ferdinardo  (2015-2018)

Trustee (MBC)

-(vacant)  (2022- present)

-Tom Dorsey  (2022)

-Kelley Talbot  (2021)

Award Recipients

Each year we recognize a member, citizen, and/or business for exceptional service and contributions to the community, Romeoville Police Department, and this Fraternal Order of Police Lodge.  The chosen recipients are presented with an award to show our appreciation for all they have done.

2025

Now accepting nominations for:

Member of the Year

Citizen of the Year

Business of the Year

2024

Member of the Year:  Jahan Nurhussein

Citizen of the Year:  

Business of the Year:  

2023

Member of the Year:  James Leon

Citizen of the Year:  Dewhan Gavin

2022

Member of the Year:  Daniel Zakula Jr.

Citizen of the Year:  McKenna Vaira

2021

Member of the Year:  Tom Dorsey

Citizen of the Year:  Rose Reyes

2020

Member of the Year:  Dominic Thielmann

Citizen of the Year:  Steve "Mongo" McMichael

Business of the Year:  Romeoville Toyota

2019

Member of the Year:  John Allen

Citizen of the Year:  Michele Fetzer

2018

Member of the Year:  Reza Jaddi

Citizen of the Year:  Donna Jahn

If anyone has information or photos about the history of our FOP Lodge or Romeoville Police Department, please contact us!

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FOP Romeoville Lodge 15 - All Rights Reserved.

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