June 2022 Chapter Chat

BY OUR MEMBERS

PUBLISHED ON: June 16, 2022

The intent of this column is to communicate chapter news. Announcements may include items of interest, such as member news, section activities, events, training calendars, 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. 

California

Chapter News

California Chapter members got together at the Hawaii Chapter Conference.

Photo L-R: Russell McKinney, NA 240; Wayne Ikeuchi, NA182; Ken Tanaka, NA 228; Rick Martin, NA 229; Josh Ehlers, NA 259; Eric Sonstegard, NA 246; Jim Smith, NA 214 and Anthony Levatino, NA 222.

Promotions

Congratulations to Brian Nevins, NA 275, who was just recently promoted to Commander at the San Diego Sheriff's Office.

Congratulations to Bryan Lium, NA 261, who was promoted to Commander at the Los Angeles Police Department.

Many congratulations go out to Past President, Eric Sonstegard, NA 246, who recently left Oxnard PD and was sworn in as Chief of Police for Edgewater PD in Colorado. Well done Eric, we will miss you.

Retirements

Congratulations to Captain John Gamez, NA 252, who retired from Daly City PD after a long and full career. John holds a BSc from Sacramento State University, is a graduate of the West Point Leadership Academy, attended the Boston University Senior Management Institute for Policing and is a graduate of the FBINA. During his career he supervised many bureaus and in July 2021 was assigned as the Acting Chief of Police. We wish John well in his retirement.

Passings

Condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of member Charles “Sid” Heal, NA 200, who recently passed away. Sid was a member of the Los Angeles Division and will be sadly missed.

Connecticut

Chapter News

The Connecticut Chapter met on May 12 for their annual spring luncheon and meeting at the Clinton Country Club. The FBI-New Haven AASAC Jeff Waterman, recently featured in the Netflix documentary Untold: Crimes and Penalties, presented an update on current issues and available resources. Several members were given certificates from the FBI Director Chris Wray to honor their recent retirements.

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Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter

News

Eastern PA Chapter Board would like to thank all our attendees for our record setting attendance at our annual re-trainer in Gettysburg, PA! We appreciate your interest and dedication to our Chapter.

http://www.fbinaaeasternpa.org/

https://conta.cc/3qso7JT

Great training as well as a battlefield and museum tour!

Leadership Lessons in the field!

Eastern PA was honored by the attendance of our FBI National Academy Past President Laurie Cahill pictured here with Eastern PA Chapter President John L. Hearn.

Thanks Laurie!

Best of the Best!

Thank you to our Gold Sponsors!

(Please support those who support us!)

Thank you to our Silver Sponsors!

(Please support those who support us!)

Thoughts and prayers are with two of our conference attending Chiefs and their agencies on the loss of two of their members while this training conference was being held. Abington Police Chief Patrick Molloy was notified at the conference that one of his officers, Detective Steven Henze, a 30-year veteran suffered a cardiac arrest at his home and passed away. The following day, Warrington Police Chief Daniel Friel was notified that one of his K9 handlers, 38-year old and 8 year member of the Warrington Police Department Stephen Plum Jr. became unresponsive after preparing his K9 for duty and also subsequently passed away.

Our Chapter offers our deepest condolences as both these departments deal with these tragedies.

Please continue to support the Charitable Foundation!

Retirements

Congratulations to Mark Zielinski (Session 219) on your retirement May 27th, 2022 after serving 37 years of public service. In March 1985, Mark Zielinski began his law enforcement career with the Rockledge Borough Police Department as a part-time police officer.

In January 1986, he was hired by the Upper Southampton Township Police Department rising to the level of Detective after only 4 years on patrol.

In March 2006, the Bucks County District Attorney invited Mark to join their office as a Detective.

Mark Zielinski graduated from Shippensburg State University in 1982 with a B.S. degree in criminal justice and in 1994, he graduated from St Joseph’s University with M.S. degree in public safety.

Mark is married his wife Carol since 1984 and they have 4 children who all went on to be college athletes and are now professionals in various fields.

In October 2004, Mark was selected to attend the 219th session of the FBI National Academy and graduating in December 2004. He became very active with the EPA Chapter after his graduation and was elected and rose through the chairs to serve at the Chapter President in 2019 and 2020. He remains very active in the association on crucial committees.

On May 27, 2022, Mark will retire after 37 years of continuous law enforcement service. He hopes to spend as much time as he can with his wife and family at their beach house at the Jersey shore.

Our Chapter wishes you a happy and healthy retirement!

Florida Chapter

Promotions

Wayne Miller, Session 217, was promoted to Chief of Police, leading the Orange City Police Department effective April 29, 2022. Chief Miller previously served as the Deputy Chief of Police for Orange City PD and was retired from Port Orange PD. 

Kevin Pratt, Session 271, was promoted to Chief of Police, leading the Lake Mary Police Department effective April 21, 2022. Chief Pratt is a 23 year veteran of the Lake Mary PD, and most recently, he served as the Deputy Chief of Police.  

Retirements

Daniel Smutz, Session 256, retired as the Chief of Police for the Altamonte Springs Police Department on February 2, 2022 after 25 years of service. Chief Smutz is an excellent leader in our profession and has made a profound impact the community. His presence, insight, and leadership will be greatly missed. 

Passings

Ronald Jacobs – Died on May 10, 2002, after a courageous battle against cancer at the age of 72. Deputy Chief Jacobs served 19 years with the Oviedo Police Department. Previously Deputy Chief Jacobs had also retired from the Orlando Police Department as a Lieutenant after 25 years. He was a graduate of Session 204, and an active member with the Florida and Tennessee Chapters. Please keep the Jacobs family in your thoughts and prayers.

Hawaii Chapter

Chapter News

FBINAA Hawaii Chapter Re-Trainer held on Hawaii Island May 11-13, 2022, at the Waikoloa Beach Marriot Hotel. Keynote speakers included Paul Butler a motivational and leadership instructor, who added and inspirational talk on leadership and Retired Arizona Officer Lindsey Long, who was sponsored by Axon. Retired Officer Long was involved in a critical incident where she was shot and injured. Her story on survival, the aftermath of a shooting incident and resiliency is incredible.

Promotions

John Briski FBINA Session 260, was promoted to Major in Field Operations East Hawaii, April 15, 2022. Major Briski is with the Hawaii Police Department, on the island of Hawaii.

Kansas/Western Missouri Chapter

Chapter News

Our prestigious Clarence M. Kelley Meritorious Chapter Award was presented to Major Kelli Bailiff, Session #200. She retired with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office in 2020 after 38 years of dedicated service. Kelli has won numerous distinguished awards and accolades for her untiring work with locating missing children and an advocate for child safety.  Her contributions to law enforcement to her community and the State of Kansas are second to none. She continues to be active with our Chapter, works with the National Youth Leadership Program, and is on the 2024 National Conference Committee being hosted in Kansas City, MO! Congrats to Kelli – well deserved! 

Retirements

Chief Jim Simpson, Session 188, will retire on July 1, 2022 after 37 years with the Liberty, MO Police Department. Jim started as a police officer with Liberty PD after graduating from Central Missouri State University. He attended the Kansas City, MO Regional Training Academy and ultimately achieved a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from Park University.

Jim has been very active over the years and was the Treasurer of the Kansas City Metro Chief’s and Sheriff’s Association (9 years), President of the Missouri Police Chief’s Association (2017), and Chairman of the Missouri Police Chief’s Charitable Foundation (2018). He was also the winner of our Chapter’s Clarence M. Kelley Meritorious Award in 2018.

Jim is truly retiring and taking a few months off to travel and relax before deciding anything new. We wish you the very best in retirement, Jim!  

Maryland/Delaware Chapter

Promotions

On January 7, 2022 the Baltimore County Police Department promoted Orlando Lilly, Session 268, to the rank of Major, and assigned him as the Western Patrol Division Commander. Also on January 7, 2022, the Baltimore County Police Department promoted Joseph Conger, Session 241 and Maryland-Delaware Chapter Past President, to the rank of Colonel, and assigned him as the Operations Bureau Chief. 

New Jersey Chapter

Retirements

Chief David Irizarry began his career with the Middlesex County Sheriff's Department. He transferred to the Metuchen Police Department in January of 1992. He graduated from the FBI National Academy Session 243 in December of 2010. He was promoted to Chief in February of 2015. Chief Irizarry retired June 1, 2022

Captain Sean O’Neill retired from the Bridgewater Township Police Department on May 1, 2022 after 25 years of service. Captain O’Neill started with the agency in 1997 as a dispatcher and become a police officer a year later after graduating from the Somerset County Police Academy. He served as a DARE/SRO and a detective before promoted to Sergeant. After advancing to Lieutenant, he managed agency training, vehicle maintenance, accreditation, and scheduling. Once attaining the rank of Captain, he served tenures as the commander of the Operations and the Administrative Divisions.

Captain O’Neill is a graduate of the FBINA Session 276 and the NJACOP Command and Leadership Academy, where he currently serves as an instructor. He recently graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Science in Legal Studies. He is an NJCOP Accredited Command Executive and the recipient of the 2003 Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office for Outstanding Crime Victim Advocacy.

New Mexico Chapter

News

The New Mexico Chapter scheduled its Annual conference April 11-13th in the cool pines of Ruidoso, New Mexico. The conference kicked off Monday with friendly firearms competition in the morning where Pro Force had several handguns and optics available for attendees to try out. One of our sponsors, Accushape donated a Canik 9mm for the top shooter, this prize was won by past President Nicholas Onken, 267th Session. A 2 Person Golf Scramble was held Monday afternoon at The Links followed by a Pizza Night at the host hotel, MCM Elegante.

Tuesday morning, Paul Butler started the classroom portion of our conference with is presentation, "Leadership for a Lifetime". Lunch was catered by the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack/Billy the Kid Casino compliments of Mark Hargrove, 231st Session.

Tuesday afternoon, Cyndi Doyle started her presentation, "Creating Connected and Resilient Relationships" with intermittent power outages interrupting her presentation. The convention center had a battery backup delivered which had not been charged. We opted to plug into a power inverter on one of our vehicles when during moving the vehicle into position we noticed a huge column of smoke rising from behind the hotel next door. On further examination, we observed a large wildfire on the opposite side of the ridge across the golf course from the hotel consuming several homes on the ridge. We advised the class of our observation and convention center management. The convention center manager informed us the center is the evacuation shelter and we'd need to evacuate. We cleared the classroom and met back at the hotel. Power was now out, there were reports of another fire north of Ruidoso near Nogal creating additional problems with travel out of Ruidoso. Smoke from the fire near us had closed Hwy-70 eastbound, the main highway between Ruidoso and Roswell. We made the decision to cancel the remainder of the conference and assisted our out of state attendees and speakers with directions on how to get to Roswell and Albuquerque using alternative routes. We had Texas Chapter Sec/Treasurer Rick Smith and Carolyn, Kansas Western Missouri Sec/Treasurer Steve Cox and Helen who had traveled to join us for the conference, both parties made it home safely.

We had begun cooking the BBQ planned for Tuesday evening and several of our members, spouses and other attendees remained behind to now serve the meal we'd been preparing for our conference to feed evacuees and first responders. Several of us assisted in setting up the shelter at the convention center and talking with evacuees who'd come over to the hotel to eat. Power for the hotel's refrigerator and freezer was being supplied by a generator the Lea County Sheriff's Office brought for meal prep. We ended up feeding roughly 200 Tuesday evening.

Wednesday, Mitch Javidi was to have spoken and we had planned our annual First Tactical Steak Night. The new plan was to remain and use our meal supplies to feed first responders, evacuees and hotel/shelter staff; we fed another roughly 200 Tuesday.

By the time most of our remaining members left Ruidoso Wednesday evening, power had still not been restored, Lea County SO left their generator for the hotel's use.

We're working with the NM Sheriffs Association to allow us to bring our speakers, sponsors and registrants to their conference in August to complete the day and half of training we had remaining before the McBride Ridge Fire struck.

The McBride Ridge Fire was contained to 6159 acres, 207 structures and multiple outbuildings; 2 lives were lost. Cause of the fire was determined to be downed power lines, high winds had been experienced prior to the fire.

The Nogal Canyon Fire burned 412 acres, burned 6 primary structures and 8 outbuilding.

Seeing our membership and guests jump into action to assist others and work together so well was heartwarming. The support of the FBINAA National Leadership upon hearing about our circumstances was very much appreciated. 

Promotions

Erik Threlkeld, 281st Session was recently promoted to Captain at the Eddy County Sheriff's Office in Carlsbad, NM. Captain Threlkeld will oversee Criminal Investigations. Erik is nationally recognized as an expert in the field of domestic violence investigations. 

Retirements

Lyn Hodges, 216th Session is claiming his recent retirement as Marshal for Green Mountain Falls Marshal's Office is his 3rd and final retirement. Lyn's previous retirements were from the Las Cruces Police Department and then from the New Mexico State University Police Department where he retired as Lieutenant from both agencies. Lyn plans to remain home based in Colorado for now as his base for some RV traveling. I'm sure we'll continue to see him visit his home state of New Mexico from time to time.

Announcements

Steve and Judy Shaw attended the Utah Chapter Conference in Moab, Utah April 26-28th. The Utah Chapter put together a great conference as usual!! Special Shout out to the Utah Chapter Executive Board and Conference Committee and to Sheriff Steve White for his work in organizing a great UTV Tour of sites related to the 1961 Cold Case. Sheriff White told us that if your passenger wasn't getting wet, they weren't having any fun, Judy had a lot of fun!!

Thanks to Executive Director Howard Cook, President Ken Truver and 1st VP Tim Braniff for attending the Utah Conference.

Oregon Chapter

Chapter News

BRENDA K. HAMANN SCHOLARSHIP

Two fantastic young leaders submitted and qualified for the scholarship award. Please join us in congratulating Bridget Fenner and Tyler Copeland. Bridget is the granddaughter of John Downey session 165 and retired OSP Lieutenant. Tyler is the son of Andrew Copeland session 267 and current Keizer PD Lieutenant. These two applicants submitted fantastic letters, resumes, and transcripts. Your dues make this possible, so a big thank you for staying active!

REGIONAL LUNCHES

There will be a regional lunch in Bend on June 17th at Worthy Brewing. Please RSVP to my email; michael.womer@sunriverpd.org

SESSION 282

282 is moving right along. This week is the tough one for this session time of year. As you spring timers remember, they host the COPS kids, attend the Police Officer Memorial events in DC and it is usually on the heels of the Holocaust Museum trip.

PIG OUT

August 4th, mark your calendars, flier soon!

NATIONAL INFORMATION

The National Conference in Cleveland is just around the corner, great opportunity to reconnect with classmates and friends while "networking".

FBINAA Charitable Foundation

We received a letter from Doug Muldoon thanking us for our continued support as a chapter. Greg Olson and Michael Womer saw some real life applications of these funds that went to help our fellow members who found themselves in tragic circumstances. The testimonials were powerful and grateful for the support they received.

Heavy Heart Part

John Simmons represents CZ at our conference each year and up until his retirement this year, has been a tremendous supporter of our Chapter. John is also an NA graduate from session 215 and an active member of the Kansas/W. Missouri Chapter. John lost his wife Susan near the end of April after a 30 plus year battle with Cancer. Several of us are still in contact with John and have sent condolences. If you wish to reach out, contact Greg or of course you can log into the NA website and his contact information is there.

Many of us learned yesterday through OACP about Chief Tom Turner from Florence PD/Lane County Sheriffs Office, Session 220. We have reprinted that announcement below for those who are not members of OACP. 

From Sheriff Clifton G. Harrold Lane County Sheriff's Office

I'm saddened to provide an update regarding Chief Tom Turner's retirement and the quickly deteriorating health condition he is experiencing. Please keep Tom, his wife Collin and their family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and consider sending Tom a note or video encouragement if you have worked with him over the years. The following update is from Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold and below his note is the announcement of Tom's retirement from Erin Reynolds, the Florence City Manager:

Last year Tom underwent surgery and treatment for cancer. Though the initial treatment was full of significant challenges, Tom overcame those (with the constant and significant assistance of his wife Collin) and was feeling optimistic and energetic the last time I met him for coffee early this year. Unfortunately, his cancer has come back with a vengeance over the last several weeks. It is moving very quickly, and he has been put on hospice care - there are no treatment options available to him. He is unable to speak and cannot take visitors, but he does communicate with Collin by writing notes on a legal pad.

I was communicating with Collin yesterday and we think it would be terrific if, during the time he has left, he could hear from some of the folks that he's had an impact on in life. Folks could mail a card or note, or, perhaps record a short video message and send it to them via text for Tom to enjoy. You may have an idea of folks that should also get the news that might not be on my radar, please feel free to share. Anyone who would like to send a note or text can email me and I will make the connection.

For those who did not know Tom, his career began as a Reserve Officer for the City of Eugene in 1981. He was a Resident Deputy for the Lane County Sheriff's Office in 1982. As a result of budget cuts, he left the Sheriff's Office and joined the Eugene Police Department, where he worked for the next 23 years as a police officer, police agent (detective), sergeant and lieutenant. From around 2000 through 2003 or 2004 he was the EPD/LCSO Combined SWAT Team Commander. He re-joined the Lane County Sheriff's Office as Administrative Captain in 2006, and was promoted to Undersheriff in 2007. He was appointed Lane County Sheriff on January 19, 2011 to complete the term of then Sheriff Russel Burger. He served as Undersheriff and Sheriff during our dark days of budget cuts and layoffs from 2008-2012, and he worked night and day in order to see us successfully pass the Public Safety/Jail Levy which restored our services in 2013. In 2015 Tom "retired" from LCSO and was hired by the Florence Police Department as their Chief of Police, a position he still technically holds. I have communicated with Commander John Pitcher, who is FPD's acting Chief of Police in Tom's absence at this time, and have offered our assistance with anything their agency might need from us.

Texas Chapter

Promotions

Joe Carter, NA Session 236, was appointed the Sherriff of Van Zandt County, Texas on May 9. Attached is his photo. Below is a link to the story that was published in the news:
https://www.kltv.com/2022/05/09/van-zandt-county-commissioners-name-new-sheriff/ 

Utah Chapter

Chapter News

The Utah Chapter held there 2022 Spring Conference April 26 – 28, 2022 in Moab, Utah. We were honored to have President Ken Truver, 1st Vice President Tim Braniff, and Director Howard Cook join us for this conference.

On the first afternoon of the conference, a golf tournament was held at the Moab Golf Course. The first-place team was John Herndon (Session 202), Jess Anderson (Session 276), Brian Wahlin (Scheduled for Session 287) and ASAC Nate Furr, with the Salt Lake Field Office. Congratulations!

The conference focused on resources available to solve homicides and cold cases. It featured presentations from BAU Unit Chief Jody Kramer and Grand County Sheriff, Steve White (Session 244). The group did a site visit on UTVs following a Grand County cold case. 

During the Utah Chapter Spring Conference, members followed a cold case into the Moab, Utah backcountry on UTV’s. While returning from the cold case site, several UTVs from our group came across a motorcycle (dirt bike) accident that had just occurred, where a male had broken his hip. Kris Ownby (Session 259), Steve DeBry (Session 219), Del Craig (Session 235), Craig Black (Session 214), and Wayne Dial (Session 214) leapt into action. As there was no cell service to call emergency personnel, they were able to stabilize the victim and evacuate him to a point where he could be checked by medical personnel. On their advice, the victim remained in Del Craig’s UTV and was transported to the hospital, escorted by Wayne Dial in his police vehicle. Kris Ownby rode the victim’s motorcycle out of the backcountry and Eric Young (Session 266) generously transported the bike back to the victim’s hometown for the family. Great job all!

Promotions

Mitch Gwilliam, Session 257, was promoted to Deputy Chief for the North Salt Lake City Police Department on January 1, 2022. Mitch has been a in law enforcement for 26 years and is a past president of the Utah Chapter. Congratulations Mitch!