Associate Jul/Aug 2014

www.fbinaa.org

J U L 2 0 1 4 A U G

ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVE

by President Laurie Cahill

Conference Memories

G reetings! As I write this article, I hope you are enjoying the summer season, making memories with family and friends, taking some well-deserved vacation time and have been doing things that you feel passionate about. It is important for us to find quality ways to recharge our batteries. When we are revitalized, we can accomplish our work and pursue the goals we have set for ourselves, both personally and professionally. Speaking of memories, I am extremely proud and happy to report that the FBINAA 50th Annual Training Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a huge success in every sense of the word. This year’s Conference theme, “One Mission, One Focus, One Family” was well received by the attendees, family and guests. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of the graduates and their family members who attended the conference in our Nation’s birthplace. Conference Chair Patrick Davis , and Co-Chairs, Joseph Gleason and Michael McLaughlin (Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter President and 1st Vice President respec- tively), as well as all of the Eastern PA Chapter Committee Chairs and members, delivered on their promise to make this year’s Conference an inspiring and fun-filled experience for all. Many classic memories will go down in history, due to the quick wit, humor and class of our highly esteemed Conference Emcee, Paul Butler (South Carolina Chapter Secretary/Treasurer and Chief Deputy, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, SC). Days after the conference ended, I kept smiling as I recalled many of Paul’s comments. I continue to be inspired as I think about all of the special things that happened in the “City of Brotherly Love”, and I wondered how many others were motivated by their experiences as well. In all seriousness, Annual Conferences are an enormous, multi- year effort by countless individuals. Additional thanks must be given to the 2014 FBINAA Executive Board members and the entire Executive Office Staff Team who worked tirelessly to assure that everyone had an outstanding time. Our hard-working Conference planners and many FBI employees, who performed countless hours of service on behalf of the FBINAA, cannot be overstated. Furthermore, we are indebted to SAC Ed Hanko , FBI – Philadelphia Division and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and their respective staff members, for their ongoing collaboration and cooperation which added to the suc- cess of the Conference. In addition, the continuous hours of planning, staffing and financial support demonstrated by the Chapters within Section IV, also resulted in the Conference’s success. We also appreci- ate the contributions of every Association Alliance Sponsor during the Annual Conferences, as well as through various FBINAA programs throughout the year. Through their assistance and unwavering support, we are truly thankful to all of our Association Alliance Sponsors. One of this year’s Conference highlights included FBI Director James Comey ’s address to our delegation. The members were reassured to hear Director Comey pledge his ongoing support of the FBI Nation- al Academy program. The Director said it was his intention to continue to update the facilities in Quantico and he made a commitment to shake the hand of each and every FBI National Academy graduate. He also shared his dedication to the entire law enforcement community. We are sincerely grateful to have Director Comey’s continuous support and invaluable leadership, as we continue to carry out the mission and goals of the FBINAA!

There were many training opportunities that surrounded the theme of “Officer Wellness” during the conference. I am proud to re- port that many of the session’s instructors were our very own National Academy graduates. The training and networking opportunities were limitless throughout the program and it is our belief that this will be a conference to be long remembered. One of our continuing goals is to increase the number of FBI National Academy graduates who attend and participate in our Annual Conferences, which are wonderful ways to reconnect and receive the most up-to-date training in our profession. Even if you are unable to attend the Annual Conferences, I urge you to stay connected to your local FBINAA Chapter and become involved in activities and events that are within your region. The abundance of outstanding training and networking opportunities are within your reach if you stay involved within your Chapter. I have made it a priority this year to visit many Chapter Conferences/Retrainers and have been astounded at the ex- ceptional level of instruction and fellowship that occurs all across our Association. Keep up the great work and continue to offer your training events to other law enforcement officers within your area. This will go a long way to promote the FBINAA to officers who may not be aware of the National Academy program or the unique opportunity it brings for excellent local training. Please stay tuned for additional training op- portunities that the FBINAA will be offering in the near future. Once again, I would like to thank you, our valued members, for all that you continue do for the citizens which you serve and those within our own law enforcement family. Following the theme of our Conference, we must take care of our own so that we can take care of others. I wish you and your family members continuing good health and safety always! Thank You and May God Bless You, All!

Laurie Cahill 2014 President

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