March 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: Jennifer Naragon at: jnaragon@fbinaa.org.
Asia Pacific
Promotions
Congratulations to Colonel Harris Fama, NA Session 228, of the Philippines National Police who has just been promoted to Brigadier General. Harris is a strong supporter of the Asia Pacific Chapter and FBI National Academy Associates providing leadership to the Philippines Division.
California
Promotions
Congratulations to LeRonne Armstrong, NA Session 261, who was sworn in as the new Chief of Police for the Oakland Police Department.
Retirements
William “Bill” Roche, NA Session 261, retired in December of 2020 after 35 years with Concord Police Department. Bill has been an active member since graduating from the National Academy and has attended divisional events, chapter and national conferences. We appreciate Bill's continued involvement with the National Academy Associates and wish him the best in his retirement.
Chief Jeff Tudor, NA Session 247, from the San Leandro Police Department retired on February 16, 2021, after 31 years of service. Jeff was born and raised in San Leandro and was fortunate to have an illustrious career with San Leandro Police Department.
Passings
Our sympathies go out to the family of Robin Cunning, NA Session 117, who was retired from the San Marino Police Department, passed on January 10, 2021.
Retired Taft Police Department Chief of Police, Bertus R. Pumphrey, NA Session 118, who had moved to Oklahoma upon retiring, sadly passed in February of 2020.
Retired Police Captain from Sacramento Police Department, Michael “Mike” McCarthy, NA Session 220, passed unexpectedly on February 10, 2021. Mike, thank you for your service. You will be sadly missed.
Connecticut
Promotions
Robert Kalamaras, NA Session 276, has been promoted to serve as Chief of Police for the Fairfield Police Department. Chief Kalamaras is a 22-year veteran of the department and was the Commander of the Field Services Bureau before his promotion.
Retirements
Christopher Lyddy, NA Session 215, retired after serving 38 years with the Fairfield Police Department, in which the last two years he served as Chief.
Town of Woodbridge Deputy Police Chief Ray Stuart, NA Session 190, retired on January 23, 2021, after serving with the Woodbridge Police Department for 31 years. Congratulations and best wishes!
District of Columbia
Promotions
Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is pleased to announce that Marieo Foster, NA Session 271, has been selected as the Commander of the DCF Police Operations Division within the Office of Security. Before joining the BEP, Marieo served as Director of the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management for the University of the District of Columbia. In this role, Marieo had executive oversight for the law enforcement, public safety, and emergency management functions of the entire university system.
Before joining the University’s police department, Marieo was the founding Chief of the Arlington National Cemetery Law Enforcement Division. He has more than 28 years of law enforcement, security, and antiterrorism/force protection experience in both government and industry. He has completed operational and management assignments all over the United States, rising in rank and responsibility from patrol officer, ATF K9 handler, criminal investigator/federal agent, and Chief of Police.
Marieo holds a Bachelor’s degree in the administration of criminal justice from the University of Charleston and a Master of Arts degree in public safety and law enforcement leadership from the University of Saint Thomas. He is a course graduate of the Army’s Staff Management College and is a graduate of both Basic Police and Criminal Investigator Training Programs at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the United States Army Military Police School.
During his time as a United States Army Military Police Officer assigned with the 3rd U.S. Inf. “The Old Guard,” he was a member of the elite Presidential Honor Guard unit and the United States Army Drill Team before being honorably discharged from active duty service.
Eastern Pennsylvania
Chapter News
The Eastern PA Chapter Retrainer is scheduled for May 23-25, 2021 in State College, PA. Training and networking opportunities open to all NA Chapters and their members. Check www.fbinaaeasternpa.org for more details and to register.
Retirements
James F. McGowan, NA Session 258, officially retired on February 5, 2021, from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Detective Bureau where he served in the Homicide Unit for twenty-one years. Jim started his career as a patrol officer in Hatfield Township in 1987. Our Chapter wishes him a happy and healthy retirement.
Michael S. Mclaughlin, NA Session 210, will be officially retiring on March 24, 2021, after 40 years of dedicated service to the Upper Allen Police Department. Mike has also served as the President of the Eastern PA Chapter and currently serves as Parliamentarian on our Board as an advisor. We wish Mike best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement.
Passings
The Eastern PA Chapter mourns with our partners in the FBI over the loss of FBI Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger and Special Agent Daniel Alfin on February 2, 2021, and wish a speedy recovery for the remaining agents who were wounded while executing a federal court order search warrant in Sunrise, Florida. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by these special agents.
Florida
Promotions
After 31 years of service with the Daytona Beach Police Department, Craig Capri, NA Session 248, is continuing to serve in Law Enforcement. On February 8, 2021, he was sworn in as an investigator by State Attorney R.J. Larizza to work in the 7th Judicial Circuit. He is looking forward to the next chapter in his law enforcement career. Congratulations Craig!
Carmine Izzo, NA Session 230, was promoted to Commander on February 4, 2021. Carmine started his career at the Port St. Lucie Police Department in July of 1994 soon after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force. During his nearly 27 years at Port St. Lucie Police Department, Carmine has held a variety of positions within the agency and has been promoted through the ranks.
Kansas Western Missouri
Chapter News
Welcome to a transferring member, Troy Covington, NA Session 268, into the Kansas Western Missouri Chapter! Troy is the newly appointed Chief of Police for the Department of Veterans Affairs Eastern Kansas Healthcare System. He will have offices at both the Topeka and Leavenworth Veteran Affairs Medical Centers. Welcome to the Kansas Western Missouri Chapter Troy!
Promotions
Congratulations to Byron Roberson, NA Session 269, who was promoted as the Chief of Prairie Village Police Department (KS) on January 4, 2021. He has served in law enforcement for over 25 years and we wish him the best as the new Chief!
Congrats to Mike Childs, NA Session 273, who was selected as the Chief of Oak Grove Police Department (MO) in October of 2020 with over 31 years in law enforcement. Mike succeeded Chief Bryon Price, NA Session 246, who retired from Oak Grove Police Department (MO) in October of 2020. Great job, Mike!
Retirements
Tim Schwartzkopf, NA Session 238, retired as the Chief of Police of Prairie Village Police Department (KS) on January 8, 2021, after 27 years of service! Tim worked his way up through the ranks and served as the Chief for the past six years. He was assigned to various capacities including FTO, SRO, Special Investigations Unit Supervisor, and Division Commander of Patrol and Investigations. Tim was instrumental in implementing officer wellness initiatives, improving physical fitness programs, a Chaplain Program, obtaining new equipment, increasing community engagement events, and connecting his department and community through social media. Tim served the region as the President of both the Johnson County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association in addition to the Metropolitan Chiefs and Sheriffs Association. Immediately upon retirement, Tim took the position of the Assistant City Administrator for the City of Prairie Village and working for the City Administrator Wes Jordan, NA Session 221. We wish Tim many years of continued service to his community!
Major Vance Holland, NA Session 270, retired from the Springfield Police Department (MO) on February 26, 2021, after serving over 25 years in his community. Vance worked his way up through the ranks and was an integral part of the Department’s Special Response Team (SRT) as an Officer and Corporal while later serving as the SRT Commander. He is a graduate of the Army War College and obtained his Master's in Strategic Studies. Vance has proudly served over 30 years in the Army National Guard. He is currently a Lt Colonel in the Guard and will continue serving and taking on additional roles and responsibilities upon retirement from Springfield Police Department. We salute you, Major Holland, and wish you the best in your continued service with the Army National Guard!
Passings
Stuart Doyle, NA Session 200 Counselor and retired FBI Special Agent, passed away on February 2, 2021, in Kearney, Missouri at the age of 70. Stuart worked at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department from 1972-1984 and reached the position of Sergeant. He moved on to work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1984-2007. He was assigned to several offices including Kentucky and New York. His quick wit and endearing personality will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Stuart.
Maryland Delaware
Promotions
On January 7, 2021, Melissa Hyatt, NA Session 250, Chief of the Baltimore County Police Department, promoted five National Academy Graduates to new ranks and positions:
- Dennis Delp, NA Session 224, was promoted to the rank of Colonel and was assigned as the Administrative Services Bureau Chief.
- Jay Landsman Jr., NA Session 235, was promoted to the rank of Colonel and was assigned as the Operations Bureau Chief.
- Joseph Conger, NA Session 241 and Maryland Delaware Chapter Past President, was promoted to the rank of Major and was assigned as the Incident Management and Special Projects Commander.
- Christopher Kelly, NA Session 260, was promoted to the rank of Major and was assigned as the Operations Bureau Executive Officer.
- Paul Borowski, NA Session 276 and Maryland Delaware Chapter Corporate Partner Liaison, was promoted to the rank of Captain and was assigned as the Employment Section Commander.
Nebraska
Chapter News
The 2021 Nebraska Retrainer has been postponed from Spring to Fall. Join us September 8-10, 2021 in Kearney, Nebraska. Registration and agenda will be available on our Chapter Website.
Promotions
Congratulations to Thomas Wheeler, NA Session 230, who was appointed Douglas County Sheriff (NE) in December of 2020 after the retirement of Sheriff Tim Dunning. Sheriff Wheeler previously served as the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy.
Congratulations to Wayne Hudson, NA Session 234, who was appointed Chief Deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (NE) in January of 2021. Chief Deputy Hudson previously served as a Captain with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
New England
Chapter News
We are excited to announce that we have scheduled our Annual Retrainer in Meredith, NH for June 28 - July 1, 2021. Watch your email for more information.
Passings
It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Jeffrey McCue, NA Session 168. Jeff graduated from the National Academy in 1992 while working for the South Portland Maine Police Department. Jeff worked his way through the chairs and served as Chapter President, hosting one of the most memorable conferences here in Maine. Jeff retired as Lieutenant after more than 23 years. He is survived by his wife, Karyn McCue, his son, Eric McCue, his parents, Gilbert McCue and Janice McCue, his sisters, Jennifer Butcher and Jill McCarthy, and his brother, Jay McCue.
New Jersey
Promotions
Congratulations to FBINAA New Jersey Executive Board Member Lori Andrews, NA Session 262, on her promotion to Captain of the New Jersey State Police. Lori will be overseeing the New Jersey State Police Division’s new Employee Health and Wellness Bureau. Lori serves as the New Jersey Chapter Editor of the Associate. Also, Lori is the Youth Leadership Program Counselor for New Jersey.
New York Eastern Canada
Chapter News
We would like to thank everyone who attended our virtual chapter meeting on February 9, 2021. A special thank you to Past National Presidents Joseph Monteith, NA Session 100, and Kim Derry, NA Session 177, who administered the Oaths of Office to the Chapter’s leadership. Chief Monteith was FBINAA President in 1998 and served with Suffolk County Police Department. Chief Derry was FBINAA President in 2010 and served with the Toronto Police Service.
With the loosening of some of the COVID-19 restrictions, we have started scheduling some in-person events. Please visit the Chapter Website for a listing of future events. The next one is the St. Patrick’s Day Debriefing occurring on March 11, 2021, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET at Baldoria’s, 40 E. Park Avenue, Long Beach. Reservations are required. Contact information is on the Chapter Website.
Promotions
Special Agent (Ret.) Nicholas J. Valhos, NA Session 149, of the National Park Service is the sitting President of the Dutchess County Association of Chiefs of Police. Congratulations and best of luck.
Retirements
New York City Police Department Deputy Chief Stephen P. O’Brien, NA Session 195, retired on January 31, 2021, after 39 years of service. His last assignment with the NYPD was as the Executive Officer of Patrol Borough Bronx.
Nassau County Police Department (NY) Detective Sergeant Jo-Ann Distler, NA Session 253, retired on January 15, 2021, after more than 35 years in law enforcement.
Chief Joseph Rieger, NA Session 258, of the Webster Police Department (NY) retired in January of 2021. Chief Rieger began his law enforcement career with the Webster Police Department in 1989 and was promoted to Chief in 2015.
Tamika Thomason, NA Session 252, of the New York City Police Department retired on September 29, 2020.
William P. Devlin, NA Session 182, retired from the New York Office of the FBI as an Investigative Specialist on December 31, 2019. William’s 40-year career in law enforcement began with the New York State’s Office of the Special Prosecutor in 1977 and included a prior retirement from the Town of Greenburgh Police Department (NY) in 1999.
Rocky Mountain
Chapter News
John Burbach, NA Session 220, retired from the Denver Police Department in January of 2021 after serving 34 years with Denver Police Department and 38 years in law enforcement overall. He has served in all ranks from Police Officer up to Commander, which included most patrol districts and many investigative bureaus including the Crimes Against Persons (Sergeant, Lieutenant & Captain), Internal Affairs (Sergeant & Commander), and as Chief of Staff to Denver Police Chief Gerald R. Whitman. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps before entering law enforcement.
John was elected to the board of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates in 2017 and was its President in 2019. He continues to work as the Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Executive Director for the 2023 FBINAA National Annual Training Conference which will be held in Denver, Colorado. He is currently the Director of Team Security for the Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club.
Kevin Flynn, NA Session 239, retired from Aurora Police Department after nearly 35 years. Over his career, he has been a part of many different teams, units, and historic events such as Papal Visit, Klan Rallies, Presidential Visits, 2008 DNC, Theater Shooting, Solving 35-year-old multiple homicide, Civil Unrest, and a Global Pandemic. Kevin states that he “intends to remain active in the Rocky Mountain Chapter and will continue to work as part of the Executive Committee for the 2023 FBINA National Conference.” Congratulations on your Retirement Kevin!