September 2021 Chapter Chat

BY OUR MEMBERS

PUBLISHED ON: September 6, 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.

Arizona

Promotions

After serving as Interim Police Chief for several months, Amy Bonney, NA Session 257, was selected as the permanent Police Chief for the Prescott Police Department. Chief Bonney was born and raised in Prescott and has served with the Police Department for over 22 years. She is active with FBINAA and is currently the First Vice President of the Arizona Chapter. Congratulations!

Retirements

Geoff Leggett, NA Session 219, retired from the Surprise Police Department in September. Geoff has been with the police department for 10 years, most recently serving as the Interim Police Chief. Geoff previously retired from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office with 25 years of service. As an active member of the Arizona Chapter, Geoff has been a driving force behind the success of our chapter’s Arizona Leadership Education and Development (ALEAD) Academy. Congratulations, Geoff!

Also, in the City of Surprise, former Police Chief and then Assistant City Manager, Terry Young, NA Session 253, retired in August. Good luck, Terry.

Passings

Sadly, retired Prescott Police Department Deputy Chief Don Love, NA Session 99, passed away in August. During his years of service, he was a great contributor to the police department. After his retirement, he continued to give back to the community through his membership in several organizations and charity fundraising efforts. He will be missed by many.

Connecticut

Retirements

Lieutenant Rick Watrous, NA Session 266, will be retiring from the South Windsor Police Department after 28 years of service on September 23. Rick has accepted a position in the private sector with General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, CT as Chief of Security.

Congratulations to Chief Andrew Cota, NA Session 242, on his retirement from the Ansonia Police Department. Chief Cota served the Ansonia community for 30 years.

District of Columbia

Promotions

The new Assistant Sergeant at Arms for the Office of Security, Emergency Preparedness, and Continuity is Kimberly O’Brien, NA Session 270. She has over 21 years of federal law enforcement experience with the U.S. Capitol Police having served in a variety of supervisory roles, including 10 years as the Public Information Officer. Kimberly most recently served as the Acting Deputy Chief for the Protective Services Bureau, in charge of Dignitary Protection, Threat Assessment, Investigations, and the Intelligence & Interagency Coordination sections. She served as the lead planner for the 2020 National Presidential Conventions, and has directed the operational plans and continuity logistics for over 600 unique Congressional deployments within the United States and internationally. Kimberly holds a Master of Science in Management from Johns Hopkins University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session #270.

Florida

Chapter News

Pictured right to left: President Patty Wells, 1st VP Don Tuton, 2nd VP Rosanna Cordero-Stutz, 3rd VP Jeffery Eifler, Immediate Past President Mike Oh, Treasurer/Secretary Craig Capri

Congratulation to the 2022 FBINAA Florida Chapter Board. The incoming Florida Chapter Board was sworn in at the annual business meeting which was held during the 2021 National Training Conference in Orlando.

Congratulations to Bella Martin, the Florida Chapter representative at the FBINAA Youth Leadership Program, Session 22.

A Special Thank You to the Florida Chapter Secretary/Treasurer William “Bill” Hall, NA Session 184, who served the Florida Board and all the members for 11 years as the secretary/treasurer. Bill worked tirelessly at handling all of the Chapters business affairs, finances, and correspondences. His dedication and efforts were instrumental in raising the Chapter to the point it is now. Bill was the go-to guy for all the Chapter Presidents, Board Representatives, and members to get assistance from to accomplish the Chapters goals.

Mike Hardee, NA Session 232, Immediate Past President of the Florida Chapter and retired from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office was selected to serve as the Chaplain on the FBINAA Board for a four-year term. Mike is always willing to assist the Florida Chapter family and now will take his talents to the national board.

Chief Craig Capri, NA Session 234, Eustis Police Department, was selected to be the incoming Secretary/Treasurer for the Florida Chapter. Craig will assume the duties in January 2022, when Bill Hall's term ends.

Tim Cannon, NA Session 234, a member of the Florida Chapter and a past Chapter President is to be congratulated on being elected as the Section III Representative on the FBINAA National Board.

Director Stephen Dembinsky, NA Session 188, Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety (FL), was appointed as the 2022 President of the Florida Police Chief’s Association.

John Vecchio, NA Session 260, Chief of investigations FDLE Tampa, is now a board member of the Regional Organized Crime Information Center (ROCIC).

Promotions

Jeffery Eifler, NA Session 276, was recently elected as the 3rd V.P. on the Florida Board, and has been promoted to Major with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Chief Jeffery Miller, NA Session 262, Holly Hill Police Department (FL), has been named the Interim Chief of Police, with the retirement of Chief Stephen Aldrich.

Chief William Proctor, NA Session 249, Port Orange Police Department (FL), has been named the Interim Chief of Police, with the retirement of Chief Thomas Grimaldi. The City is doing a nationwide search.

Bruce Butler, NA Session 254, was recently promoted to Patrol Captain of the North and Central Florida District for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Refuge Law Enforcement.

Jakari Young, NA Session 275, has been promoted from Assistant Chief to Chief of Police at the Daytona Beach Police Department.

Brian Hester, NA Session 265, has been promoted to Deputy Chief at the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.

Retirements

Chief Stephen Aldrich, NA Session 238, Holly Hill Police Department (FL) retired after 29 years of service.

Chief Thomas Grimaldi, NA Session 259, Port Orange Police Department (FL) retired on June 11, 2021, after 5 years. Chief Grimaldi previously served in Bristol, Connecticut for 26 years.

Samuel Ceballos, NA Session 250, Chief of Police, Pinecrest Police Department, retired on June 30, 2021, after serving for two decades in law enforcement with the last nine years as Chief.

Kansas Western Missouri

Promotions

Congratulations to Dale Finger, NA Session 173, who has been chosen as the Chief of the Leawood, KS Police Department as of September 20, 2021. Dale succeeds Chief Troy Rettig, NA Session 229, who is retiring the same day (see info below)! We wish you the best, Dale!

Curt Mansell, NA Session 250, has been appointed as the Chief of Police with the Westwood, KS Police Department. Curt brings many years of experience from Lee’s Summit, MO PD! Congratulations on your new position!

Retirements

Chief Michael Keller, NA Session 222, will retire on September 24, 2021, after 42 years of service! Mike began his law enforcement career as a Reserve Officer in Derby, KS in 1977. After two years, he became an officer with the Wichita, KS Police Department and rose through the ranks over the next 20 years to Lieutenant and Commander of Community Affairs. Mike has served as the Chief in two different departments including Wellington, KS Police Department (2002 – 2007), and then with Andover, KS Police Department from 2007 until his retirement this year.

Chief Keller has been an active member of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP) since 2002 and served two separate times as President (2012, 2019) and as the SACOP representative from 2013 until the present. Mike was appointed to the Kansas Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (KCSPOST) by Governor Parkinson (2009-2016) and reappointed by Governor Brownback (2012-2016).

Mike and his wife Cathy of 37+ years plan on finding a second home in Italy and spending time traveling through Europe. Thank you to Mike for his many years of service and we wish him many days of relaxation in Europe!

Chief Troy Rettig, NA Session 229, will retire on October 1, 2021, after 28 years of service to his community! Troy has served with the Leawood, KS Police Department since 1993. He rose through the ranks and proudly served as their Police Chief for the past six years. Troy is most proud of the friendships made during his career and being able to work with such a dedicated group of law enforcement professionals in his region.

Chief Rettig plans on relaxing and spending some time traveling before jumping back into employment! Congrats to Troy and we wish him the best in temporary retirement!

Passings

Our Chapter mourns the passing of Chief Oren James ‘OJ’ McCart III, NA Session 200, on August 17, 2021. Jim spent over 42 years in law enforcement with the Kansas City, MO Police Department, Osage Beach, MO Police Department, Paola, KS Police, and retired in 2017 from the Johnson County, KS Sheriff’s Office. He was active in Special Olympics and fundraising for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. OJ will be greatly missed...rest in peace, my friend.

New York Eastern Canada

Chapter News

The Executive Board held an emergency meeting on August 24 regarding the upcoming 2021 Re-Trainer in Alexandria Bay, NY. It was not an easy decision but based on a number of factors including COVID 19 infection rates and the extended Northern Border closure, we have decided to postpone the Re-Trainer. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 trends in NYS and Canada and will consider our Re-Trainer options for the future.

On September 22, 2021, at 1130 hrs, the Police Chiefs’ Association of Rockland County, Inc. will be hosting a luncheon honoring a number of FBINA graduates who recently retired as Chiefs in Rockland County Police Departments. The honorees at this event are Chief Paul Modica, NA Session 208, Spring Valley Police Department; Chief Raymond McCullagh, NA Session 241, Clarkstown Police Department; Chief Brad Weidel, NA Session 219, Ramapo Police Department; and Chief Brian Moore, NA Session 216, Stony Point Police Department. The cost for the luncheon is $40.00 per person. If you are interested in securing a spot at this great event, please contact Mary Anselmi of the Town of Orangetown PD (845)359-3726. You can also email Mary at manselmi@orangetown.com.

Promotions

NA graduates of the Suffolk County Police Department continue to climb the professional ladder within the agency.

Gerard Hardy, NA Session 244, was promoted to Assistant Chief and is assigned to the Office of the Chief of Patrol, working alongside the recently promoted three-star chief, Chief of Patrol Robert Waring, NA Session 270. Christopher Hatton, NA Session 243, was promoted to Chief of Operations. Milagros Soto, NA Session 254, was promoted to Deputy Chief and is the Commanding Officer of Internal Affairs.

Recently “retired” Gerard Gigante, NA Session 241, was named Commissioner of the Town of Babylon’s newly formed Office of Public Safety.

Larry Zacarese, NA Session 246, who had been Interim Chief of Police and Assistant Vice President, was appointed as the Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer. Neil Farrell, NA Session 254, was promoted from Assistant Chief of Police of Investigations and Administration to Interim Chief of Police of the Stony Brook and Southampton campuses.

Jeff Wanamaker, NA Session 262, was appointed the Chief of Clarkstown. Jeff’s dad, Homer Wanamaker (Session 97) had served as the Chief of Orangetown Police Department.

Retirements

Chief Tom Cumming, NA Session 231, of the Southampton Village Police Department retired after serving over 34 years. Chief Cummings, who started his career in June of 1987, held every rank in the Department throughout his career.

Brian Moore, NA Session 216, retired as Chief of Stony Point after serving 41 years with that department.

Ohio

Chapter News

On Thursday, August 19, 2021, The Cleveland Division of the FBI, along with various public and private sector partners, once again hosted the FBI Cleveland Wounded Veterans Appreciation Day at Camp Perry, Ohio. This annual event that takes place on the shores of Lake Erie brings many generations of veterans together for a fun-filled day that includes demonstrations from the FBI specialized units and is then highlighted by the opportunity for veteran participants to fire the various weapons that the FBI has and still utilizes. This year’s event had over 125 veteran participants. Following the shooting demonstrations, the Ohio Chapter of the FBI NAA hosted a luncheon for everyone. Burgers, brats, and all of the condiments were provided by the Chapter. Plans are already in the works for next year’s event in August 2022.

Rocky Mountain

Promotions

Captain Shane Chaney, NA Session 279, and the Casper (WY) Police Department are proud to announce his promotion to Deputy Chief in the Casper Police Department. Captain Shane Chaney has been a police officer for 27 years and is currently assigned to the Casper Police Department’s Operations Division. Captain Chaney has been a field training officer, an evidence technician, background investigator, K9 handler, and nationally certified K9 instructor. Prior to his promotion to the rank of Captain, Captain Chaney supervised the Casper Police Department’s Problem Orientated Response Team; specializing in quality of life crimes, such as drug-related offenses, nuisance houses, and violent crimes. Captain Chaney has conducted operations in the area of human trafficking and has provided training and instruction regarding the commercial sexual exploitation of children, prostitution, prostitution-related offenses, human sex trafficking, and victim-centered policing.

Retirements

Captain Leroy Mora, NA Session 255, retired from the Pueblo (CO) Sheriff’s Office. After 27-years of service with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Captain Leroy Mora will officially retire effective June 1, 2021. Since being hired in 1994, Capt. Mora has worked in all three bureaus at the Sheriff’s Office and has held various leadership positions within each bureau. Capt. Mora held positions on serval boards within the Pueblo Community which include the Child Advocacy Center, and the Child Fatality Review Board. Capt. Mora also helps with the Special Olympic Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Colorado Police and Fire Games. In 2013 Capt. Mora was appointed to the Command Staff of Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor. Upon his retirement, Captain Mora was assigned to the Investigations Unit.

During his career at the Sheriff’s Office, Captain Mora served on the Detention Tactical Team as well as the Patrol SWAT Team. He was also a member of the Honor Guard and was a Detention and Patrol Training Officer. Captain Mora received numerous awards which include Sheriff’s Commendation, Officer of the Year, Unit Meritorious, and various other awards.

In 2014 Captain Mora attended the 255th session of the FBI National Academy. Upon completion of the academy, he joined the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the FBINAA where he currently serves as the chapter’s 1st Vice President. The highlight of his career is meeting his beautiful wife Kathy of 23 years while working at the Sheriff’s Office. Together they have raised four children and now enjoy the company of four grandchildren. Capt. Mora will continue his passion to serve others, as he has taken a full-time position at his church (Family Worship Center) in Pueblo. He remains active in the Rocky Mountain Chapter and sits on the chapter’s board of directors.

South Carolina

Chapter News

Thanks to Chief Wuchenich and the University of South Carolina for hosting a great dinner and meeting. They always host a first-class meeting and draw a large crowd. There were 83 members and guests in attendance. President Charles Barranco chaired the meeting and called on several to give updates on their areas. FBI Training Coordinator Matt Rhue gave an update of the National Academy starting back up. Jackie Swindler gave an update on the Academy.

We had approximately 25 South Carolina Chapter members attend the National Conference in Orlando last month.

We had six YLP graduates attend the National Conference in Orlando: Emily Butler (Session 14), Liam Brandon (Session 16), Holly Butler (Session 18), Jordan Green (Session 19), Allie Parker (Session 20), Joshua Green (Session 22).

Retirements

Congratulations to Larry McNeil, NA Session 216, on his retirement from the South Carolina Department of Social Services after a total of 36 years in Law Enforcement.

After 37 years of dedicated service to the West Columbia Police Department, Chief Dennis Tyndall, NA Session 183, is announcing his retirement. Chief Tyndall began his career with the City of West Columbia in 1984 as a Patrolman and worked his way up through the ranks becoming the Chief of Police in 1997, making him the longest-serving police chief for the City of West Columbia. He is responsible for bringing the West Columbia Police Department into the 20th century by changing the way the department functioned by integrating technology into policing before anyone else in the state.

Texas

Retirements

Dennis Stapleton, NA Session 175, retired from the Woodway Public Safety Department, Texas on December 31, 2020, with 35 years of service. He served at Woodway from 1985 to 1999, Police Chief for the Lacy Lakeview Police Department from 1999 to 2012, and returned to Woodway until 2020. He has been the coordinator for the MCC Law Enforcement Academy and now teaches a Criminal Justice class at McLennan Community College in Waco Texas.

Western Pennsylvania

Promotions

Ron Dziezgowski, NA Session 275, was appointed Chief of Police for the Jefferson Hills Police Department in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh. Chief Dziezgowski replaces Gene Roach, NA Session 215. Congratulations Chief Dziezgowski on your new assignment!

Mike Lindenfelser, NA Session 278, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant for the Upper St Clair Police Department which is located in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh.

Retirements

Gene Roach, NA Session 215, retired from the Jefferson Hills Police Department having served as Chief of Police there since 2011. Prior to this, Chief Roach was Deputy Chief of the Mt Lebanon Police Department having served there from 1986-2011. Good luck with your retirement!