August 2021 Chapter Chat

BY OUR MEMBERS

Published On: August 9, 2021

The intent of this column is to communicate chapter news. Announcements may include items of interest, such as member news, section activities, events, training calendar, special programs, etc. Refer to the editorial submission deadlines, particularly with date sensitive announcements. Submit chapter news on the Chapter Chat Submission Form by the 25th of every month. Please attach to the email high-resolution digital .jpg or .tif photos to: Jen Naragon at: jnaragon@fbinaa.org.

Asia Pacific

Chapter News

The Asia Pacific Chapter has not been able to host a Retrainer Conference for two years now. Our conference, to be hosted by the graduates of the Royal Malaysian Police, has been canceled on two occasions due to international travel restrictions caused by the COVID outbreak. The good news is that the graduates of the RMP are still excited to host our 23rd Retrainer Conference in Kuala Lumpur in June 2022. With the widespread vaccination program gaining pace internationally, we are confident we will be able to recommence our annual conference program in 2022.

Promotions

Former Deputy Commissioner with the agency’s Community Corrections and Specialist Operations, Paul Stewart, NA Session 204, has become the new Commissioner for Queensland Corrections. “Mr. Stewart has solid experience as a Deputy Commissioner at Queensland Corrective Services, and a broad extensive career with the Queensland Police Service, including 10 years as Assistant Commissioner,” the Premier said. “Mr. Stewart is a long-standing and respected member of the police and corrections sector and will bring his exceptional experience and knowledge to the role."

California

Promotions

Congratulations to Randy Goddard, NA Session 267, who has been promoted to Commander with the Los Angeles Police Department. Randy is the 3rd Vice President of the FBINAA California Chapter, Los Angeles Division and we are proud to have him on board. (Photo L-R: Randy’s father-in-law, Randy’s wife, son, Randy, his daughter, and his mother-in-law).

Please join me in congratulating the new Chief of the La Mesa Police Department, Chief Ray Sweeney, NA Session 260. Ray currently served with LMPD as a Captain and was sworn in on July 2nd! Congratulations Chief!

Congratulations to Jamie Knox, NA Session 257, who is the new Chief of Walnut Creek Police Department. Chief Knox came from San Leandro Police Department, where he was a Captain.

Retirements

Congratulations go out to Captain John Wilson, NA Session 262, who retired from the Scotts Valley Police Department in December 2020. We are sure he is already enjoying that retirement.

Congratulations to the California Chapter Historian, Chief Gina Di Napoli, NA Session 225, who retired from the San Jose State Police Department. Chiefs, including those who are FBI National Academy graduates, from the Santa Clara County Chief’s Association, presented Chief Di Napoli with a shadow box thanking her for her service.

Congratulations Captain Bill Roche, NA Session 261, who retired from Concord PD after 30+ years. Thank you Bill for your service.

Passings

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to retired Chief of the Sacramento Police Department, John “Jack” Kearns, NA Session 83 (graduated May 28th, 1969). Chief Kearns was much admired and loved by the department. Although Chief Kearns requested no funeral, a gathering was held by those who had worked for Jack and it was very well attended, clearly showing the affection held for such a respected Chief. Jack Kearns, we thank you for your service, may you rest in peace.

We also say a fond farewell to Harry Williamson, NA Session 123, who retired from Concord Police Department as a Lieutenant. Apparently, Harry was still qualifying at the range at 86 years old. Harry’s nephew was also a member of the Concord Police Department and is an FBINA graduate from Session 187.

Connecticut

Chapter News

Connecticut Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Don Anderson, NA Session 245, (center) presents a check supporting the Ohio Chapter’s 2022 National Training Conference to Stephen Hrytzik, NA Session 221, and Carl Roark, NA Session 220, of the Ohio Chapter. The Connecticut Chapter raised funds for this donation through the sale of a new chapter challenge coin.

Promotions

Congratulations and best of luck to John Kelley, NA Session 273, on his promotion to Police Chief for the Town of Vernon. Chief Kelley has been a member of the Vernon Police Department since 1996.

Congratulations and best of luck to Bryan Bishop, NA Session 261, on his promotion to Captain for the Danbury Police Department.

Retirements

Congratulations to Chief James Kenny, NA Session 234, on his retirement from the Town of Vernon Police Department after serving in Law Enforcement for 40 years between the Glastonbury and Vernon Police Departments.

Eastern Pennsylvania

Chapter News

The Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter Retrainer is booked for May 15-17, 2022 in Gettysburg! SAVE THE DATE!!! Look for more information and registration shortly.

The Executive Board would like to thank our members and guests for their record-breaking attendance at our 2021 Retrainer, and we would also like to thank our vendors and contributors for their partnerships, we couldn’t do it without your financial support.

Great speakers, great vendors, great venue, and an AWESOME network of NA friends!

Past, present, and future; Mark Zielinski, NA Session 219, (Past President), John Hearn, NA Session 247 (Current President) and John Potts, NA Session 225 (Future President) of the FBINAA Eastern PA Chapter.

Former Philadelphia Commission Charles Ramsey, NA Session 146, and Eastern PA Chapter President and former Philadelphia Commander John L. Hearn, NA Session 247, catch a reunion snapshot at one of the NA Conference keynote training.

The Eastern PA Chapter would like to Congratulate Ken Truver, NA Session 225, on his elevation to the role of President for the National Academy Associates. Thank you for your continued commitment to our organization.

Thank you to the Orlando Chapter for an awesome conference!

Promotions

On May 17, 2021, Lt. U. Mark Freeman, NA Session 266, of the Upper Providence Township Police Department, was promoted to Chief taking the reign from Mark Toomey, NA Session 191. Mark Freeman has been with the Upper Providence Police Department since 1991. In a clear showing of his character, Mark’s swearing-in ceremony was attended by hundreds, which included many members of the Eastern PA Chapter of the FBINAA, other Law Enforcement, other first responders, civic leaders, social service organizations, friends, and family.

Both Marks are friends and mentors to many in the Southeastern PA law enforcement community. We wish each of them well in their respective futures.

FBINAA and #GREYNATION – PA State Police Promotions:

Lieutenant James S. Cuttitta, NA Session 279, was promoted to Captain in May of 2021 and assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Captain Robert F. Tobias, NA Session 276, was promoted to Major in June of 2021 and assigned to the Bureau of Forensic Services.

Captain Kreg S. Rodrigues, NA Session 275, was promoted to Major and assigned to the Bureau of Emergency & Special Operations.

Captain Sean D. Georgia, NA Session 265, was promoted to Major and assigned to the Bureau of Communications and Information Services.

Major Kristal M. Turner-Childs, NA Session 270, is currently the acting Deputy Commissioner of Staff (Lieutenant Colonel).

Retirements

On May 17, 2021, Chief Mark Toomey, NA Session 191, of the FBI National Academy, retired from law enforcement. Mark served with the Hatfield Township Police Department for 36.5 years. He rose through the ranks there and, after making a big impact during a substantial stint in detectives as D/Sgt., Mark retired as Chief in September 2013. Upon retiring from Hatfield PD, Mark was hired by the Upper Providence Township (Montgomery County) Police Department. He held that position until he was instrumental in turning it over to the next Chief, U. Mark Freeman, NA Session 266, on May 17, 2021.

FBINAA and #GREYNATION – PA State Police Retirements:

Lieutenant Nicole A. Palmer, NA Session 272, retired from PSP in February of 2021 with 25 years of service.

The Eastern Pa Chapter wishes you both best wishes and health in your retirement from the Upper Providence Police Department and the PA State Police.

Kansas Western Missouri

Retirements

Chief Chris Keary, NA Session 241, retired on August 6, 2021, with 40+ years of service in public safety. In 1981, Chris began as a communications operator for six years before becoming a sworn officer with the University of Kansas Police Department in Lawrence, KS. He worked his way up through the ranks until being promoted to Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety in 2016. He worked in the patrol and community services unit during his career.

Chief Keary was an integral part of changes on campus including concealed carry, adequate security measures at major sporting events, adding officers, department remodels, Tasers, and the department’s first explosive device K-9. Chris also has instructed numerous critical incident and ICS classes during his career. He obtained his Master’s in Criminal Justice from Washburn University and went on to teach CJ classes for them. He is a member of FBI LEEDA, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP), and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). Chris is proud of his work with the Sunset Hill Elementary Site Council and on the Lawrence Alliance Board for more than nine years!

Chris is taking a break for now in retirement to relax and see what comes along in the future! Congrats, Chris – thank you for your many years of service to the KU community!

Captain Jim Green, NA Session 265, will retire on August 13, 2021, after 36 years of service with the Lee’s Summit Police Department (MO). Over the years, he served as a Patrol Officer and Sergeant after starting his career in 1985. Jim is retiring for now but looking for his next full-time career! Thank you for your dedicated years of service, Jim! We wish you the very best!

Executive Director Gary Steed, NA Session 231, will officially retire on August 14, 2021, after an extensive 47-year career! He started with the Sedgwick County, KS Sheriff’s Office in 1974 through 2008 after serving as a deputy in various capacities and eventually as the elected Sheriff for two terms (2001-2008). He went on to work with the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Senior Program Manager for two years followed by Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (KSCPOST) as an Investigator for another two years. Since 2012, he has served as the Executive Director of KSCPOST and the only person to serve this agency in three different positions (Commissioner, Investigator, and Executive Director).

Along with the FBINA, Gary is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute (1989), Wichita-Sedgwick County Executive Development Institute (1999), Central States Enforcement Development Program (2001), National Sheriff’s Institute (2002), and FBI LEEDS program (2002).

Gary is a lifetime member and Board member of numerous organizations that include the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association (KSA), Kansas Peace Officers Association (KPOA), Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP), International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), and Honorary Kansas State Chair of the Special Olympics Torch Run (2017-2020). This was an honor as the LETR started in Kansas in 1981 and Kansas Law Enforcement was the first to carry the torch!

In addition to several Medals of Service and Merit over the years, Gary was the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Clarence M. Kelly Meritorious Service Award for our FBI NA Chapter chosen by his peers. He was also the Wichita Crime Commission’s Criminal Justice Professional of the Year in 2013.

Gary is proud to have led the way in establishing the Wichita-Sedgwick County Law Enforcement Memorial which honors many officers with who Gary worked and served. He describes his work with his community as gratifying but his years with KSCPOST as having an impact on professionalism in his State of Kansas for many years to come.

Gary plans to spend more time on golfing, shooting, running (looking to finish his 13th half-marathon), grandkids, and anything else that looks like fun! Congrats, Gary….your time to relax is much deserved!

New England

Retirements

Congratulations to Chief of Police Robbie Moulton, NA Session 150, from the Scarborough Maine Police Department. Chief Moulton is a Scarborough native and began serving his police department in 1977. Over the next 44 years, he held nearly every position and rank within the growing department. Chief Moulton graduated from the FBINA in 1987 as a Lieutenant at that time and became President of our NA Chapter. During his tenure as President, he was one of the driving forces reestablishing Maine’s involvement and commitment in the National Academy. In 1999 he was promoted to Chief of Police. Over the next 22 years, he led the agency with pride, impeccable integrity, and honor. At last month’s FBINAA New England Conference the Chief was honored with the Harold Murphy award presented by Harold’s widow and his daughter while surround by his staff, all of whom are NA graduates thanks to him. Chief Moulton thank you for your years of service, leadership, and mentorship. Your shoes will never be filled, enjoy your retirement.

New York Eastern Canada

Chapter News

The chapter had a great showing at the National Conference in Orlando. Thanks to all who attended and represented the Chapter.

Promotions

Robert Waring, NA Session 270, of the Suffolk County Police Department was promoted to the rank of Chief of Operations on July 16, 2021.

Ed Baker, NA Session 266, was promoted to Chief of the West Seneca Police Department following the retirement of Chief Daniel Denz, NA Session 212.

Retirements

Chief of Detectives Gerard Gigante, NA Session 241, Chief of Patrol Robert Brown, NA Session 214, Deputy Inspector Kevin Degnan, NA Session 271, Captain Gail Marrero (Schaarschmit), NA Session 176, & D/Lt. William Burke, NA Session 225, all retired from the Suffolk County Police Department during July.

Chief Brad Weidel, NA Session 219, of the Town of Ramapo Police, retired on June 11, 2021, after a 40+ year career.

Passings

Chief Brian Mullan, NA Session 192, retired from the Hamilton Police Service, passed away surrounded by family. Brian served as New York Eastern Canada Chapter President in 2009.

Retired Sgt. Robert G. Meyer, NA Session 137, who had served for 22 years with the Town of Orangetown Police Department, passed on May 13, 2021.

Please keep the family and friends of these departed graduates in your thoughts and prayers.

Ohio

Retirements

Chief Richard Bosley, NA Session 236, retired on June 30, 2021, after serving 22 years with the Avon Police Department (OH), serving 10 years as Chief. He previously worked for the Elyria and Grafton Police Departments. Congratulations to Chief Bosley and we thank you for your service and dedication!

South Carolina

Chapter News

Chief Kevin Cornett, NA Session 270, and the Isle of Palms Police Department hosted our June Dinner and Meeting. The event was held at the Citadel Beach House on the Isle of Palms. We had 60 members and guests in attendance. 1st Vice President Matt Davis chaired the meeting. The group enjoyed some great fellowship and food. Matt called on several others to give updates. FBI ASAC Reid Davis gave an update from the Bureau. Matt Rhue introduced the FBI Columbia Division’s new Training Coordinator, Josh Neubauer. Matt announced the retirement of our 2nd Vice President, Scott Morrison, NA Session 251. Secretary/Treasurer Jones Gamble, NA Session 215, gave an update on future conferences. Contracts have been signed with Marriott for 2022 and 2023. Save the Dates FBINAA Spring Training Conferences: March 24-27, 2022, and March 23-26, 2023. FBI Carolina Command College: March 20-25, 2022, and March 19-25, 2023.

Thank you retired SLED Senior Agent Steve Wright, NA Session 192, for once again providing $200 in spending money to each of our Youth Leadership Program attendees this year.

Promotions

Congratulations to Scott Ellis, NA Session 272, on his recent promotion to Captain with USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety.

Retirements

Congratulations to Chief Jon Rogers, NA Session 238, on his recent retirement from the Summerville Police Department after 28 years of service.

Congratulations to our 2nd Vice President, Assistant Chief Scott Morrison, NA Session 251, on his recent retirement from the West Columbia Police Department after 26 years of service.

Tennessee

Chapter News

“Sticks and Stones: How to Hike the Appalachian Trail in Thirteen Years” by Diane Harsha, NA Session 252, will be available July 27 in ebook, softcover, and hardcover on Amazon. This is the memoir of a Tennessee wife, mother, and FBI agent who walks 2200 miles from Georgia to Maine when she can spare the time away from the demands of her career and the responsibilities to her family. Follow Sticks (as she becomes known on the Trail) on her journey with all its diversity, challenges, and joys as she navigates life, on and off the Trail.

Utah

Passings

It is with great sadness that the Utah Chapter announces the passing of Todd Grossgebauer, NA Session 247, on July 22, 2021, after a battle with cancer. Todd served on the Utah Chapter Board from 2017 – 2020. At the time of his passing, Todd had just retired as a Commander with the Riverton Police Department in Riverton, Utah.