Labor Lifetime Achievement Award
Chris Cunnie
San Francisco Police Department
Officer Chris Cunnie of the San Francisco Police Department has made a career of improving, not only the quality of life for the citizens of San Francisco, but also the working conditions and quality of life for law enforcement personnel throughout the state of California.
Chris is a native San Franciscan who was raised in the Mission District. He entered law enforcement with the SFPD in 1980 and was first assigned to Mission Station. During Chris’ career, he was instrumental in forming the Stress Unit and he served in that unit for over a year. With Chris’ help over the years, the Stress Unit developed into the Behavioral Science Unit, which helps officers cope with traumatic experiences.
Chris also served at Southern Station, Park Station and Central Station, receiving numerous commendations and letters of appreciation from the public. During his second tour at Mission Station, Chris was honored with two Bronze Medals Of Valor. Both of these medals were awarded based on Chris’ heroic acts in disarming violent suspects who were firing guns on the streets of San Francisco.
Chris Cunnie became a representative with the San Francisco Police Officers Association and was appointed vice president in 1996. During that time, the SFPOA was experiencing serious financial problems and Chris stepped forward and assumed command as president. During Chris’ leadership as president, members of the San Francisco Police Department have enjoyed the largest pay increases in over two decades. He led the SFPD from 92nd in the State of California in wages and benefits, to the top 10 in 2004.
Remaining politically active, Chris was able to increase benefits for all members of the SFPD through ballot measures and has ensured that collective bargaining and binding arbitration have prevailed in San Francisco. Chris enhanced his efforts at a statewide level by becoming San Francisco POA’s representative as a director with the California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations, becoming the CCLEA’s vice president in 2003. Chris provided much guidance and input in the forming of the Golden Badge Foundation as a director from 2000-2003. Chris was also the first Northern California police officer to serve on the board of directors for the California Peace Officers Memorial board.
Aside from Chris’ dedicated service to the SFPOA, he has extended his involvement to the community. He has served or is currently serving on the board of directors of Serenity House, Hamilton Family House, and was appointed to executive vice president of Waldon House in 2004.
Chris retired from the San Francisco Police Department this year after a long and dedicated career. His pride and tireless efforts in making San Francisco a safer place to live and work have been recognized and deeply appreciated. For this, the Golden Badge Foundation is honored to present Officer Chris Cunnie the 2004 Labor Lifetime Achievement Award.
