December 2021 Chapter Chat

BY OUR MEMBERS

PUBLISHED ON: December 10, 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: chapterchat@fbinaa.org.

FBINAA National

Thank you to all who submitted an agency patch to fill the walls of Shooters Pool Hall. We were able to collect over 225 law enforcement patches to be memorialized in Hogan’s Alley.

Connecticut

Chapter News

The Connecticut Chapter hosted its Annual Dinner Meeting on November 11, 2021, at the Tunxis Country Club in Farmington, CT. FBI Agent and NA Coordinator Stacy Bowery (right) presented a certificate of appreciation recognizing the retirement of Avon Police Lt. Kelly Walsh, NA Session 267.

Promotions

Congratulations and best of luck to Chris Cervoni, NA Session 207, on his promotion to Chief of Police for the Central Connecticut State University Police Department.

Retirements

Congratulations to Town of Waterford Police Chief Brett Mahoney, NA Session 250, on his retirement. Chief Mahoney served the Town of Waterford for over 26 years and as Chief for the last six years.

Congratulations to Central Connecticut State University Chief of Police Gregory Sneed, NA Session 217, on his retirement. Chief Sneed has served the CCSU community since 2014 and spent the previous 27 years with the Middletown Police Department (CT).

Eastern Pennsylvania

Chapter News

Eastern PA Chapter active members, please join our FBI National Academy Chapter for a NA Session 281 “Going Away” and a Christmas Social gathering hosted by your Chapter Leadership and local sponsor. The free event will be held on 12-13-21 from 4:30 pm-7:00 pm at the Philadelphia FOP Lodge #5, 11630 Caroline Road in the “Lutz” room.

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

Promotions

Cheltenham Township has appointed Lieutenant John P. Slavin, NA Session 279, as Acting Chief. John has been with Cheltenham Township since July 1989, holding various ranks and assignments, most notably spending 10 years as part of the Department’s Community Policing Unit, prior to being promoted to Lieutenant in 2015. John is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has served in every command position at the Lieutenant level – formerly for the Detective and Administrative Services Divisions, and currently for the Patrol Division. He also spent 18 years as a K9 handler during his time on patrol, a role which he found very rewarding, and is still responsible for overseeing the K9 teams.

Retirements

It is with deep sadness that we announce retired Chief of Police Michael J. Carrol, NA Session 109, passed away on November 6, 2021. Chief Carroll served as the Chief of West Goshen Police Dept from 1988-2011. Before his tenure in West Goshen, Chief Carroll served with the Tredyffrin Police Department, West Whiteland Police Department, and the Chester County detectives. Chief Carroll will be remembered as a strong leader during his 45 years in law enforcement. He was also past president of the International Chiefs of Police, past president of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, and past president of the Chester County Chiefs of Police. He will be greatly missed.

Florida

Chapter News

The California Chapter Conference in Carlsbad, California at the beginning of October 2021, was a time of reunion and training. Four of our Chapter members, all retired from the San Jose Police Department and now in different chapters of their lives, were happy to be reunited. (Photo left to right: Ruben Chavez, NA Session 232, Ken Tanaka, NA Session 228, Mike Kihmm, NA Session 262 and 4th VP Scott Savage, NA Session 237).

Promotions

Michael Bentolila, NA Session 256, was promoted to Chief of Police for the Aventura Police Department.

Retirements

Congratulations to Capitola Police Department Chief, Terry McManus, NA Session 245, who recently retired from the Department and now plans to spend some quality time with his family and relax.

Congratulations to Captain Jesus Ochoa, NA Session 197, with the Coronado Police Department. Jesus has announced his upcoming retirement at the end of December. We wish him well.

Kansas Western Missouri

Chapter News

Tyrone Garner, NA Session 234, was elected Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas in November! Tyrone retired as the Deputy Chief with the Kansas City Police Department (KS) after 32 years. He was then named the Director of Public Safety for the Housing Authority in Kansas City, MO in September of 2020. Congrats to the new Mayor as we wish him the best!

Stu Hite, NA Session 240, was elected to the Pittsburg City Commission (KS)! Stu served over 33 years in law enforcement with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and the past three years as the Chief of Pittsburg State University. Great job, Stu, and congrats on your win!

Dan Soptic, NA Session 271, was elected as Sheriff of Wyandotte County, KS! Dan will be replacing Sheriff Don Ash, NA Session 211, who is retiring soon! Congrats to Dan as the new Sheriff and Don on his upcoming retirement!

Retirements

Deputy Chief Sonta Wilburn, NA Session 258, retired on October 1, 2021, from the Overland Park Police Department (KS). She served over 27 years in law enforcement dedicated to the same community. Sonta had the fortunate opportunity to command every area of the department as she worked her way up through the ranks to Deputy Chief. For the past six years, Sonta has been the principal instructor for the Law Leadership Academy through the Kansas Universities Public Management Center. She has also taught in the Supervisory School and the Commanders School as well. As of October 4, 2021, Sonta became the Director of the Johnson County Regional Police Academy and continues to serve her community! Congrats to Director Wilburn for her retirement AND appointment as Director!

Nebraska

Chapter News

Members of the FBINAA Nebraska Chapter gathered in Kearney, Nebraska for the Annual Retrainer after taking a year off. The event was well attended with over 100 registrations and incredible sponsor support. Of note, Pat Mason was presented with the 2020 Robert Frock Centurion award and Tim Dunning was presented with the 2021 Robert Frock Centurion Award. Chief Bob Lausten, NA Session 252, was recognized for his years of service on the board as the outgoing past president. Captain Kevin Griger, NA Session 232, was elected to the board as the incoming 2nd Vice President.

Retirements

Omaha Police Deputy Chief Ken Kanger, NA Session 262, will retire from the Omaha Police Department in November after 25 years of dedicated service. Ken is currently the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Investigations Bureau and has been a leader in Police-Community Relations for many years. Prior to joining OPD, Ken worked for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (Omaha) for five years. Ken will move to the Eppley Airfield Police Department (Omaha) as the Deputy Chief. Ken is also the incoming 1st Vice President of the FBINAA Nebraska Chapter. Congratulations Ken!

Captain Matt Martin, NA Session 272, retired from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in May of 2021. Matt went on to complete Koine Greek (Biblical Greek) in the Summer of 2021. Matt is currently a full-time student pursuing ordination at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The residential course is two full years, he will be placed into a congregation as a vicar. Following the vicarage, Matt will be placed as a called and ordained Pastor. Matt hopes to start or participate in a Chaplain program for first responders once he is placed. Well done Matt.

New England

Chapter News

Our first Training Luncheon since COVID was held on October 29, 2021, in Portland, ME. Excellent presentation by Frank Rodrigues, NA Session 273.

Promotions

Bob Champagne, NA Session 174, (retired) has been appointed the IACP Parliamentarian for 2021-2022.

Retirements

Mark Schmink, NA Session 272, retired from the Rockport Police Department (MA) as Assistant Chief and has moved to VA to explore new opportunities and enjoy retirement.

Amy Berry, NA Session 190, retired as Chief of the South Portland Police Department (ME).

New York Eastern Canada

Chapter News

The Chapter has begun holding non-traditional gatherings to bring our members together more frequently than the Chapter’s traditional events. One such event was held north of the border on November 4, 2021, at the Brooklin Pub in Whitby. The second event drew about 35 members and was held at the Blue Point Brewery located in Suffolk County on November 19, 2021. Thank you to all that attended these events. Gathering and reconnecting with our brother and sister grads keeps this organization relevant and strong. If you are interested in hosting a local event, please let the chapter leadership know so that we can get the word out to the membership via email and other platforms. (Pictured left to right: Brandon Waller, Chapter President Scott Fraser, David Brown, Dean Bertrim, Steve Clegg, Brian Boetig, Past National President Kim Derry, Mark Cousins.)

Promotions

Richard Nolan, NA Session 242, of the State University of New York at Stony Brook Police Department was recently promoted to Inspector.

Passings

Bruce Piel, NA Session 132, passed away on November 4, just 3 days after his 82nd birthday. Bruce, a veteran of the US Air Force, retired from the NYPD in 1983. Sadly, his brother Wayne passed away on November 5. Please keep our departed member, his brother, and the Piel family in your thoughts and prayers.

Northwest

Retirements

Commander Mike Shortreed, NA Session 244, retired from the Maplewood Police Department (MN) after a 25-year career. Over that time, he served as a patrol officer, paramedic, retail crime officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and commander. Commander Shortreed has been actively involved in Special Olympics for many years, a cause in which he continues to be extensively involved. Congratulations Mike!

South Carolina

Chapter News

Thanks to Chief Skip Holbrook, Deputy Chief Melron Kelly, Major George Drafts, and Major Chris White for hosting our October dinner/meeting. We had 85 members and guests in attendance. Chief Skip Holbrook, Coach Frank Martin, and President Charles Barranco chaired the meeting, Charles welcomed everyone and gave opening remarks. The event was held at the City Market in the historic Columbia Vista District. Chief Skip Holbrook introduced our guest speaker, University of South Carolina Men’s Basketball Coach Frank Martin. Coach Martin gave a great talk about his college program and the challenges facing these young athletes today, and college sports in general. He talked about the effect the transfer portal has had on programs as well as the new Name, Image, and Likeness policy. Although he is a big supporter of Name, Image, and Likeness, he’s concerned about some future changes that may develop as a result. Coach Martin is no stranger to our Association. Chief Holbrook presented Coach Martin with The Chief’s Award. Thank you, Coach Martin, and thank you to the Columbia Police Department for hosting a great event.

Promotions

Chris White, NA Session 246, has been promoted to Major with the Columbia Police Department.

Harry Polis, NA Session 263, has been promoted to Deputy Chief with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Rafael Gonzalez, NA Session 276, has been promoted to Major with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Retirements

Colonel Bill Neill, NA Session 168, recently retired from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office after almost 50 years of total service. Bill served as Chief at Camden, Beaufort, and the Savannah River Plant, in addition to being Director at SCCJA for 8 years.

Chief Dennis Tyndall, NA Session 183, recently retired from the West Columbia Police Department after 37 years of service, of which he served as Police Chief for 24 of those years.