Written by Amy O'Connor, Chief of Staff
Wilfredo Medina Sr. started his career as a special police officer (SPO) in Hartford schools 35 years ago. In the 1980’s, gang wars were ravaging the capital city and every SPO was trained at the police academy.
When Wilfredo started his job, he didn’t know what a labor union was, but he had an inspirational president. He encouraged the young SPOs to not just sign a membership card but to show up for Hartford Federation of Special Police Officers, AFT Local 1018-D meetings and be active.
Wilfredo was a single dad who at the time was working two jobs to support his children. Despite his family responsibilities, he quickly understood the power of the union and how standing together in solidarity assures working peoples’ safety and protects their jobs.
He still remembers the day a teacher screamed and a man from the neighborhood was banging on the school door covered in blood, having been stabbed several times. As the teacher called 911, Wilfredo jumped into action. He held the man in his arms as he succumbed to his injuries.
During those years, Wilfredo’s union siblings fought for safer workplaces for all school staff. When city officials attempted to privatize the public-school district’s security services, they stood strong and resisted. Together, they beat back the scheme and maintained both their good, middle-class jobs and the services their students and colleagues depended on.
Wilfredo recently retired and reflected on what he considers one of the most important parts of his job as special police officer. “We make sure the students and staff are safe. This is our community; these are our neighborhood children and we want to make sure they grow up to be positive members of our community. That’s why we build relationships that last a lifetime with them.”
Over the years, many members encouraged Wilfredo to run for president of the local union. He said he could still stand up and speak out when needed, but that family was always first. He was not only a union leader on the job; he raised his children to understand the importance of labor values. He instilled in his children the benefits of a union when, as adults, their own economic security and workplace safety would be essential.
Wilfredo’s son, Fred, still remembers his dad’s great advice. He recalled how, speaking at board of education meetings, his father would stand up for colleagues and students alike.
Fred’s aunt was also a true labor activist and a member of AFSCME, Local 714, whose leaders and members he got to know personally. They helped encourage him 15 years ago to seek a career in the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) where he chose “Union YES” and joined Local 714 himself.
After a year, Fred followed in his father’s footsteps and stepped up to serve as a union steward. He eventually ran for election to the Local 714 executive board, where he served for many years. Fred was then elected president of Local 714 in 2022 and re-elected in 2023.
To Fred, being in a union is all about the word “unite.” He said, “if members stay united, they have the power together to ensure fair pay, benefits and respect in the workplace.”
When a retirement wave hit the state workforce and Local 714 last year, Fred recognized there’s a new generation of members in need of mentoring, inspiration and development as leaders. “We need to find new ways to fire up the unionists of the future,” he said.
Fred also has two beautiful daughters, twenty-years old and nine-years old, who he educates about the importance of having a union in their future workplace. He has already started bringing his nine-year old to union events and has shared with her what being a labor leader is all about.
From a father to his children and future generations, the legacy of labor carries on.
