June 2021 Chapter Chat

BY OUR MEMBERS

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.

Alaska

Promotions

Congratulations to James Cockrell, NA Session 195, who on April 6, 2021, has been named as the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. Commissioner Cockrell started to work for the department in 1983 as a Fish and Wildlife Protection Officer. He rose through the ranks and retired as a Major for the Alaska State Troopers in 2004. His retirement was short-lived as he returned as an Alaska State Trooper in 2007 then again in 2013 when he was appointed Director of the Division of Alaska Wildlife Troopers. On January 15, 2014, he made the transition over to the Division of Alaska State Troopers, where he was appointed the Director. Commissioner Cockrell retired from his position as Colonel on May 13, 2017, to begin working in the private sector.

Retirements

Lieutenant Chad Goeden, NA Session 266, retired on April 30, 2021, from the Alaska State Troopers. Lieutenant Goeden began his Alaska law enforcement career as a police officer in Tanana, Alaska in 1995. He came to the Alaska State Troopers in 1996, working in the Palmer Post. He spent the next few years working as a trooper at the Ninilchik Post and the Nome Post before promoting to corporal and staff instructor at the Public Safety Training Academy in Sitka in 2003. After working at the Academy for several years, he was promoted to sergeant and transferred to Fairbanks Post in 2007. Lieutenant Goeden worked as a patrol sergeant and investigative sergeant for the troopers in the interior. Lieutenant Goeden has been a member of all three Special Emergency Reaction Teams (SERT) In 2013, Lieutenant Goeden was promoted to Lieutenant and the commander of the Public Safety Academy in Sitka. Lieutenant Goeden has been involved in training law enforcement officers for most of his career. He served as a field training officer at Palmer Post, as a full-time staff instructor in Sitka, helped manage the D Detachment Field Training and Evaluation Program, and eight years as the Academy Commander. Since 2013, Lieutenant Goeden has overseen over 595 law enforcement officers attend training in Sitka leaving a positive legacy as a model law enforcement officer an Alaska State Trooper.

Happy Retirement to Lieutenant Matthew Dobson, NA Session 268, on May 14, 2021. Lieutenant Dobson joined the Alaska Department of Public Safety in May of 1996 as a Fish and Wildlife Aide in Juneau. In September of 1996, he attended the Public Safety Training Academy in Sitka and was assigned to the Sitka Post of Fish and Wildlife Protection. Lieutenant Dobson worked in the Wildlife Investigations Bureau in Anchorage then transferred to Bethel in July of 2000. He worked throughout western Alaska as a Trooper/ Pilot including several assignments to Bristol Bay. In October of 2004, he was promoted to Sergeant/ Pilot at the Bethel post to serve as the First Line Supervisor for the westward posts. In January of 2008, Sergeant Dobson transferred to Juneau where he served as the Post Commander and Patrol Sergeant for AST. He held this position until March of 2010 when he completed a lateral transfer back to AWT as the Sergeant/ Pilot for the Juneau outposts. Lieutenant Dobson was promoted to Lieutenant on September 1, 2015 in Juneau and served until his retirement.

California

Chapter News

Retired (Nov. 2020) Bishop, California Police Chief Ted Stec, NA Session 242, was recently recruited by Nevada City, CA to be their Interim Police Chief. It is anticipated Stec will provide leadership for roughly 4-6 months before returning to retirement.

Nevada City Council announced Wednesday night the approval of a contract with Ted Stec to serve as interim police chief effective Monday, May 3, 2021. Chief Stec comes to Nevada City as a retired police chief with almost 30-years of law enforcement experience, the last five as the police chief in Bishop, CA. He has worked in both rural and urban areas. Before Bishop, Stec worked for the Suisun City Police Department, the Red Bluff Police Department, and in Shasta County to include in the Bureau of Investigations. He has been an acting city manager, training manager, commanded over a Professional Standards Unit and a Dispatch Center, and has been deployed several times to manage or investigate in-custody deaths and cases involving officer use-of-force.

Chief Stec has experience retooling police departments, bringing agencies back into compliance with state-mandated training, introducing “best practices,” establishing reasonable performance expectations, departmental restructuring assessments, effective deployment standards, budgets, audits, grants, public outreach, and more.

Chief Stec has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and an Executive Certificate from the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the IACP Leadership in Police Organizations course. He is looking forward to working closely with city staff, council, and other regional stakeholders for the benefit of the community, the department, and the city.

Passings

Craig Short, NA Session 147, passed peacefully in his sleep on March 31, 2021, at the age of 75.

Connecticut

Chapter News

The Connecticut Chapter was happy to have a meeting again finally. The first in-person luncheon in over a year was on May 19th at the Clinton Country Club. Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Leonard Boyle was the guest speaker. Members enjoyed the speaker, a good lunch, and most importantly, reconnecting. Chapter President Tim Edwards (right) and First Vice President Vince DeMaio (left) are pictured with AUSA Boyle (center).

Eastern Pennsylvania

Chapter News

Eastern PA Chapter retrainer was held May 23-25th in State College, PA. Executive Director Howard Cook, National President Joe Hellebrand, National Vice President Ken Truver, and Chapter President John Hearn attending for a record-breaking attendance.

Guest banquet speaker William McSwain, former US Attorney, presented recognition from Chapter President John Hearn and Philadelphia Field Office SAC Mike Driscoll at the annual retrainer.

Exceptional training included “Missing person to Quadruple Homicide Investigation by Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub & Special Agent Mike Byrnes, “Management of Civil Unrest” by former NYPD Inspector Anthony Raganella, and ending on Leadership with Jonathan Cleck & Jeremy Strathmeyer from the Greencastle group.

Past President Mark Zielinski was also presented with an appreciation award for his service as past Chapter President by President Hearn, Vice-President John Potts, and 2nd Vice-President Tom Cuckovic.

Two key people, we couldn’t do without, Betsy McCreery FBI Training Coordinator (CEO), and Historian Jon Clark setting up for our attendee arrival. Thank you!!!!

Our Chapter donated a check for the upcoming National Conference to the Ohio Chapter Treasurer Carl Roark at our annual retrainer. Looking forward to Cleveland, Ohio in 2022.

Florida

Promotions

Congratulations to Matt Tracht, NA Session 268, who was promoted to Deputy Chief for the Winter Springs Police Department.

Retirements

Police Chief Steven Moore, NA Session 187, retired in March 2021, from Florida Gulf Coast University Police Department after serving over 14 years as Chief.

Chief Paul O’Connell, NA Session 251, retired from the Wilton Manor Police Department on April 2, 2021. Chief O’Connell served 10 years as Chief with WMPD and had 44 years in law enforcement.

Captain Karen Mills, NA Session 266, will be retiring from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office on May 31, 2021. Captain Mills has had a career in law enforcement that has spanned 35 years.

Passings

David ‘Bucky” George Walters, NA Session 124, 73 years old, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2021. Bucky served in law enforcement for 36 years. In 2019, he retired as the Administrative Director for the Regional Crime Lab at Indian River College. Prior to that, he rose to the position of Major with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department where he served until his retirement in 2003.

Retired Police Chief Bob Rossman, NA Session 137, 85 years old, passed away on April 10, 2021. Chief Rossman was retired from the Palm Bay Police Department. Before being with Palm Bay Police Department, Chief Rossman had retired from the Miami-Dade Police Department in 1988.

Retired Police Chief Anthony “Tony” Strianese, NA Session 230, 61 Years old, passed away this month, after a career in law enforcement since 1987. Chief Strianese retired from the Delray Beach Police Department in 2014 after joining in 1989. Chief Strianese started his law enforcement career in 1987 with the NYPD Transit Authority.

Kansas Western Missouri

Chapter News

Our Chapter enjoyed an in-person Spring Retrainer in Manhattan, KS at the Bluemont Hotel near Kansas State University in April. We were able to enjoy excellent training, much-needed comradery, and words of wisdom from the retired two-time head football coach of the Kansas State Wildcats, Bill Snyder.

Our retrainer in Manhattan was a huge success by all measures! Attendance (100+) was off the charts, including six selectees for upcoming sessions and a few wives. The training was excellent, the food and venue were superior, and all went exceedingly well, except we did hear that the golfers found the course and especially the Kansas spring wind to be a real challenge. It was said that not a single golfer broke par during the tournament. The Midwest Dream Car Museum, the site of one of the evening’s social gatherings, was a surprise to nearly everyone with its amazing car collection!

For the first time in many years, sponsors and vendors were included in the spring conference. Kelli Bailiff, NA Session 200, Second Vice President and Vendor Coordinator, was able to raise nearly $9,000.00 to support the retrainer!!

The most senior member present was Bruce Mellor, NA Session 127. The newest members were Andrew Dean and David Hart, NA Session 279. Eleven were in sessions 199 and below; 26 were in sessions 260 and higher. Thanks to all for attending and helping to make it a success.

Also in attendance were Kevin Wingerson, NA Session 223, of Texas, the Immediate Past President of the FBINAA National Board, and Tom Dirlam, NA Session 225, who came from Michigan just because he could!

Many thanks are due to Riley County Police Department’s Dennis Butler, NA Session 223, Erin Freidline, NA Session 264, and Brad Jager, NA Session 277, for their efforts in making us welcome and for their help in making the event successful.

(Left to Right): Frank Papish-President Elect, Kevin Freeman-President, Coach Bill Snyder, Chief Tim Schwartzkopf, Kelli Bailiff-2nd Vice President, Steve Cox-Secretary/Treasurer, Shane Hoobler-Immediate Past President. (Not shown: Erik Holland-1st Vice President)

Congrats to Tim Schwartzkopf, NA Session 238, who was named the 2021 Kansas recipient of the Clarence M. Kelley Award for Meritorious Service. This prestigious award is given away to a member from Kansas and Missouri each year for their contributions to law enforcement. Chief Schwartzkopf retired in January 2021 from the Prairie Village, KS Police Department.

Ray Smee, NA Session 181, received his 25+ year membership pin and Ron Miller, NA Session 184, received his 25-year membership pin last week. Thanks for your many years of commitment to the chapter and the organization!

Promotions

J.P. Thurlo, NA Session 246, was appointed as the Chief of Police in Fairway, KS in May 2021. He took over the helm after the retirement of Chief David Brown, NA Session 243. Congrats, J.P.!

Retirements

Mike Keller, NA Session 222, will retire in September of this year from Andover Police Department. Congratulations, Mike! Be sure to stay active and involved with the chapter!!

Mike Hasty, NA Session 234, retires later this month from Gladstone, MO. Congratulations to you too, and we’ll add the same note to stay active and involved.

Passings

Our Chapter mourns the loss of Colonel Clarence E. ‘Mel’ Fisher, NA Session 92, on May 4, 2021, at the age of 86. Mel began his career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1958 as part of the 18th recruit class. He was appointed Colonel in 1989 and served until his retirement in 1993 after 35 years of service. He went on to become the Assistant Director of Enforcement and then Executive Director of the Missouri Gaming Commission until 2000 after decades of service to the State of Missouri. He also served our country in the U.S. Army and obtained his degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia prior to his law enforcement career. He valued the friendships he built along the way and never forgot a name or face.

We also mourn the passing of Chief Robert C. Perkins, NA Session 81, on May 15, 2021, at the age of 92 who attended the Academy in 1968. He served with the McPherson, KS Police Department from 1950-1984 with 22 years as the Chief of Police. He served in the National Guard and U.S. Air Force prior to his law enforcement career. He was a member of numerous civic organizations, the Kansas Peace Officers Association, and the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police.

Rest in peace to both of our brothers.

New York Eastern Canada

Chapter News

The Chapter’s retrainer calendar is back on track. We recently held two successful events that brought our membership back together for in-person events. The first one was the Nassau-Suffolk Luncheon held on April 23rd at the Great South Bay Brewery in Bay Shore. This casual attire event was well attended, and the relaxed style generated a lot of positive feedback. At this event, the chapter presented a plaque to Deputy Commissioner James Skopek, NA Session 238, of the Suffolk County Police Department. This plaque, featuring historical photographs of the NA’s “John Barry Day” (circa the 1970s) will be hung in the SCPD Police Museum at its Headquarters (pictured). The second event, the Fahy/Campbell “Shoot of 2021”, held on May 7th, also was well-attended and proved to be another awesome networking event. Kevin Harford, NA Session 247, a member of the NYPD Pipes and Drums (pictured) was the TOP SHOT of the Campbell shoot. NYS Assemblyman Michael Reilly (ret. NYPD Lt.) was the event’s guest speaker.

Retirements

Chief Ray McCullagh, NA Session 241, of the Clarkstown (NY) Police Department retired after more than 35 years of law enforcement service. McCullagh worked his way up the ranks from patrol officer, investigator, patrol sergeant, special operations sergeant, lieutenant, to the chief and was a member of the Rockland County Narcotics Task Force and the town’s Critical Incident Team.

Northwest

Chapter News

Chapter members were able to reconnect recently at social events held in Deadwood, SD in April and Blaine, MN in May. Attendees at both events were able to reconnect, enjoy food & drink, and have the chance at some great prizes. The past year has proven challenging, but Northwest Chapter members are keeping connected!

Planning continues on the annual conference/retrainer, being held September 19-22 in Fargo, ND. Some great training is planned, including a presentation by Paul Butler and lessons learned from retired Lt. Brian Murphy who was shot multiple times while responding to an active shooter. Stay tuned for more details!

South Carolina

Chapter News

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources hosted our April Dinner and Meeting. There were approximately 60 in attendance. President Charles Barranco called the meeting to order. Captain DJ Riley introduced our guest speaker, Supreme Court Justice John Kittredge. Justice Kittredge expressed his appreciation, respect, and support of law enforcement. He reminded us how much citizens rely on fair and strong law enforcement. Justice Kittredge has served as a Justice since 2008 and previously served on the Family Court, Circuit Court, and the Court of Appeals. DJ presented him with a Department of Natural Resources Commemorative Badge Set. Supreme Court Justice John Kittredge and Captain DJ Riley President Barranco called on the following to give updates from their areas. FBI SAC Susan Forensic announced that ASAC Scott McMillion has been promoted and is transferring to FBI HQ. SLED Asst. Chief Richard Gregory gave an update on the new SLED Lab. SCCJA Director Jackie Swindler informed the group that CJA has reopened, and he hopes to start back up with advanced classes and graduations in July. After introductions, the meeting was adjourned. Thanks to SCDNR for hosting a great meal and meeting!

Retirements

John “JJ” Jones, NA Session 253, has been named Executive Director of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association (SCLEOA). JJ will be retiring after 26 years in law enforcement. He currently serves as Deputy Chief with the Cayce Department of Public Safety. JJ began his career with the USC Law Enforcement and Public Safety and spent 22 years with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, rising to the rank of Major. Congratulations, JJ!

Passings

Marvin “Mickey” Dawson, Jr., NA Session 121, 82, husband of Mary Lou Gable Dawson, died Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at his home. “Mickey” was born September 17, 1938, in Little Washington, North Carolina to the late Marvin H Dawson Sr. and Catherine Overman Dawson. The oldest of four children, he grew up in Durham, North Carolina. He earned degrees at both Campbell Junior College and the University of South Carolina. Before embarking on a 40+ year career in Forensic Document Examining and law enforcement, he worked at WTVD news in Durham, North Carolina, WNOK news in Columbia, South Carolina, and The State Record Newspaper. After becoming a board-certified forensic document examiner (American Board of Forensic Document Examiners) in Atlanta, GA, he then went on to Washington, DC for FBI and Secret Service training. In 1975, he helped to build and manage the forensic photography lab at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and subsequently established their Document Laboratory. He retired from the state of South Carolina following a 27-year career as a commissioned state law enforcement officer wherein 25 of those were served as a forensic document examiner. He then went on to practice privately and testify over 500 times as an expert in the field of forensic document examination and questioned documents in courts all over the United States.