September 2022 Chapter Chat

BY OUR MEMBERS

PUBLISHED ON: September 15, 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

Alaska

Chapter News


Colonel Maurice Hughes (NA Session 261), Retired Capt. Simon Brown (Brigadier General with the Alaska Defense Force), Capt. Eric Spitzer (NA Session 281), Lt. Freddie Wells (NA Session 280) and Lt. Michael Zweifel NA (Session 280). Photo by Barry Wilson (Session 244)

Maurice "Mo" Hughes (NA session 261) has been promoted to Colonel of the Alaska State Troopers on September 1st, 2022. Colonel Hughes had served as the Commander of “A” Detachment for the Alaska State Troopers, which covers southeast and the Kenai Peninsula, since 2016. Colonel Hughes began his career with the Alaska State Troopers in 1990, and since his appointment, he has worked in Soldotna, Delta Junction, Kodiak, and Anchorage. Hughes also spent portions of his career working in the Alaska State Trooper recruitment unit, supervising Western Alaska Troopers, and overseeing Court Services Officers in the Anchorage area. He has worked as a K9 handler, member of the Tracking Team, and firearms instructor. He graduated from the FBI National Academy’s session 261 and is the current vice president of the FBINAA Alaska Chapter board. Colonel Hughes is the first African American to serve as the Colonel of the Alaska State Troopers or serve above the rank of Captain. Congratulations on a well-deserved promotion.



Alaska Governor 
Mike Dunlevy and Deputy Commissioner Leon Morgan (NA Session 236) Photo by Barry Wilson (NA Session 244)

Deputy Commissioner Leon Morgan (NA Session 236) retired September 1st, 2022, after serving a 25 career in Law Enforcement across the State of Alaska. DC Morgan served on several boards and move significant initiatives forward through the legislative process. DC Morgan graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbank with BA in Justice then started his career at the Valdez Police Department rising to the rank of Lieutenant. In 2010 he transitioned to the State of Alaska serving at Homeland Security then to the Department of Public Safety where he supervised the Criminal Intelligence unit and ultimately was appointed to the Deputy Commissioners position in 2019.   We wish him the best in his retirement. 



Photo Curtoey of Capt. Andrew Merrill (NA Session 257)

Capt. Anthony April (NA Session 226) and Capt. Andrew Merrill (NA Session 257) Photo courtesy of Capt. Andrew Merrill (NA Session 257)

Team AST and Team Sweeny. Photo courtesy of Capt. Andrew Merrill (NA Session 257)

“Battle with the Blue” An annual fundraising event for LETR /Special Olympics took place this month.  Kevin Sweeny was the successful bidder and brought 5 family/friends to the event sponsored by 907 Paintball in Anchorage. This experience package is auctioned off at the annual special Olympics auction and raised over $3,000 to support our athletes in Alaska this year. National Academy graduates: Captains Anthony April (NA Session 226) and Andrew Merrill (NA Session 257) with the Alaska State Troopers, led the Department of Public Safety team in a fun filled afternoon in the paintball arena.



The Executive Development conference (Alaska’s re-trainer) will be held at the Anchorage Police Department Headquarters again this year (secure, comfortable locations we are appreciative of) December 6th - 9th. The training will be on the 7-9th with the vendors open those days. The Annual holiday Dinner will be on Thursdays and is limited to 50 attendees but is expected to be better than ever. More information will be coming out shortly with the classes and speakers. More information available at the FBINAA Alaska Website (fbinaaak.org). Thank you to VP 
Gerard Asselin (NA Session 276) for his efforts on the conference. 




West Virginia

Chapter News

Another West Virginia Chapter Retrainer was held at Camp Dawson Aug 21-24, 2022. Joe Stiles (seen here with FBINAA Past President Ken Truver) reminds us that this is the 30th year for one of the highest attended FBINAA events worldwide.

The West Virginia Chapter thanks all of the attendees, sponsors, and Bureau Representatives!


Connecticut

Chapter News

Congratulations to Lt. Kevin Dillon (ret), NA Session 223, who received the FBINAA Charitable Foundation's Science and Innovation Award at this year's National Conference in Cleveland. The award recognizes Kevin's training contributions to the law enforcement community with his development of the LOCKUP, defensive tactics, and LEADS, active diffusion strategies.

Several members of the CT Chapter Executive Board attended the National Conference in Cleveland. Congratulations to Ohio Chapter on a job well done. The event provided great training and fellowships.


Announcements

The CT Chapter held their annual Eastern Regional Luncheon on August 10th, at the US Coast Guard Academy. Thank you to Lexis Nexis for sponsoring the event which included a presentation by the new US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Vanessa Avery Roberts.


Florida

Chapter News

Craig Capri was elected 3rd VP 2023.

Joe Hellebrand was appointed Chapter Secretary.

Dan Purcell was appointed Chapter Treasurer.

 

Kevin Platts was recommended assistant Chaplain to our current Chaplain Al Lamberti, pending the Senior Leadership Network approval.

 

The Florida 75th Anniversary Conference in Sarasota was amazing. All paid delegates received a 75th Anniversary engraved CZ 9mm Pistol.




Oldest Florida Past President Mike ZoovasNA Session 127, was also present. Pictured here with current Florida President Patty Wells.


Indiana

Chapter News

Congratulations to Ava Bales for her successful completion of the 2022 Youth Leadership Program! We look forward to hearing from Ava, along with our 2021 YLP candidate, Lauren Salazar, who will provide us with an overview of their YLP experiences at our fall retrainer.


Promotions

The Hobart Police Department is proud to announce that Garrett Ciszewski has been appointed and sworn in by Hobart Mayor Snedecor as the City of Hobart Police Chief. Chief Ciszewski has served as Assistant Chief / Captain since March of 2013. During his 20 year career in Law Enforcement, Chief Ciszewski served in the Indiana Police Corps, before being hired by the Hobart Police Department in 2002. Chief Ciszewski has worked as a Patrol Officer and Investigations division before being selected for Captain in 2013. Chief Ciszewski has served on several committees and is the recipient of several awards throughout his career including Officer of the Year. Ciszewski is a graduate of Andrean High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Ball State. He also holds a Master of Public Affairs degree from Indiana University. Chief Ciszewski is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command and a graduate of the FBI National Academy NA Session 275.

Retirements

Special Agent In Charge Kevin SpitznagelNA Session 243, recently retired after 40 years of service as an agent for the Norfolk Southern Railroad Police. Kevin retired as the Agent in Charge of the Fort Wayne Field Office. Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for your four decades of service!


Major Jason Stachel recently retired after 34 years of service with the Beech Grove Police Department. Major Stachel, a graduate of NA Session 231, has been a part of his department's executive leadership team since 2004. Thank you, Jason for your leadership and service.

Nebraska

Retirements

The Bellevue Police Department held a reception to wish Assistant Chief Dave Stukenholtz best wishes as he retired in August from a long career in law enforcement in Bellevue Nebraska. Dave was joined by his wife Kelli as they received well wishes and thanks from dozens of current and former police officers, support team members and City Officials. Assistant Chief Stukenholtz had served the citizens of Bellevue for 30 years after coming to Bellevue in 1992. Dave had formerly worked for 11 years at the Buffalo County, NE Sheriff's Department. Dave had held almost every position possible in the PD including Police Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Acting Police Chief and Assistant Police Chief. Dave was a graduate of the NA Session 239 of the FBI National Academy and has been an FBINAA member since his graduation.


New York/Eastern Canada

Chapter News

2022 Bart Hose Memorial Shoot and Chili & Steak BBQ– 9/16 – Westhampton 

 

NY Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays – 9/26

 

2022 NYSEC Chapter Training Conference is being held 9/18-9/21 at the Resorts World Catskills Casino. 

 

Visit the chapter website, FBINAA New York State & Eastern Canada Chapter (nysecfbinaa.org), for all the latest news on these and upcoming events.


Promotions

NA graduates in the Suffolk County Police Department continue to climb the ladder within the organization. Congratulations to the following grads of their promotion to the rank indicated:

 

John Rowan (NA Session 236) to Chief of Detectives

Michael Romagnoli (NA Session 249)

Christopher Bergold (NA Session 234) to Inspector

Brendan Forte (NA Session 262) to Inspector

Michael Alfano (NA Session 274) to Deputy Inspector

Frank Catalina (NA Session 278) to Deputy Inspector

Colleen Cooney (NA Session 258) to Captain

Lee Wiedl (NA Session 277) to Captain

Robert Coffman (NA Session 273) to Captain

 

Congratulations to the Town of Hamburg’s newly promoted Chief of Police, Peter Dienes of NA Session 243. Chief Dienes has been with the Hamburg PD since 1999.


Retirements

After 27 years of service, Deputy Chief Mark Gates of the University at Buffalo Police has retired. On behalf of the Chapter, we wish Mark, a past chapter president, all the best in his retirement. Thank you for all you have done for our Chapter!  


Passings

The Chapter wishes the following members congratulations on their retirement:

 

Suffolk County Police Department:

Kevin KaneNA Session 235

James Strack, NA Session 237


Oregon

Chapter News

PIG OUT

The pig out was a success, well maybe not so much for the pig! We missed those of you who could not attend but were pleased to have a good showing of members, past, present, and future!

 

FALL RE-TRAINER

By now Chapter members should have all received the conference information and registration form. We encourage you to register and attend, as we have put together an impressive group of presenters this year. Remember the trainings and the chapter is only as strong as our members make it, participation is the foundation of our organization! We would also invite those in your agencies that are interested and eligible to attend the NA, to come see firsthand our organization at the chapter level.

 

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Cleveland put on a great conference. The instruction and extra curriculars were fantastic! Who knew Cleveland was such a beautiful city! We highly recommend a visit!

 

REGIONAL LUNCH

Past President Dave Rash has graciously put together a regional lunch at Common Block Brewing in Medford on October 28th. Please e-mail olsonfamily3@comcast.net for further details and RSVP information! 

 

MESSAGE FROM OUR FBI PARTNER

A note from our FBI partner, Antonia Fabian Kreamier, highlighting our great relationship and your active participation:

 

I am honored to have been asked to provide a brief write on the FBI Teen Academy in an effort to thank those FBINAA members who have gone above and beyond to support the FBI Teen Academy and to canvass those who have an interest in providing support in future FBI Teen Academies. 

 

The FBI Teen Academy is a weeklong, in-resident, academy that provides 30 motivated high school students a greater understanding of the FBI’s mission and role as an intelligence and criminal investigative agency. Through hands-on activities and case presentations, the students will gain a greater understanding of how law enforcement can be an asset to their community. Students will learn the value of cultural awareness, celebrate diversity of varying backgrounds, gain skills to resolve conflict in their communities and have the tools to be positive role models for their peers.

 

A special thank you Lieutenant Hogue, Commander McDonald, Lieutenant Smith, DPSST FBINAA Members, and Gresham PD FBINA members for your sponsorship and for taking the time to share you valued knowledge and experience with the participants of past and most recent FBI Teen Academies.



Promotions

Jason Millican has been with the Woodburn Police Department since April of 1998. DC Millican started his career working patrol and became a K9 officer in 2002, working that position until 2006 when he was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Unit. In the fall of 2006, he was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned back to patrol.  

 

From 2006 to 2011, DC Millican was a member of the Woodburn Police Department Tactical Services Unit where he served as an assistant team leader, team leader, and sniper team member. From 2011 to 2012, DC Millican was assigned to the South Metro Gang Task Force. In 2015, he was assigned to C.I.U. as a sergeant. In October of 2016, he was promoted to Lieutenant, and then promoted to Deputy Chief in December 2021. DC Millican is a member of the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police and the International Association Chiefs of Police.   

 

DC Millican is a graduate of Western Oregon University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He is a graduate of the NA Session 274 of the FBI National Academy. He is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police and International Public Safety Leadership & Ethics training program. From 2006 to 2011, DC Millican was a member of the Woodburn Police Department Tactical Services Unit where he served as an assistant team leader, team leader, and sniper team member. From 2011 to 2012, DC Millican was assigned to the South Metro Gang Task Force. In 2015, he was assigned to C.I.U. as a sergeant. In October of 2016, he was promoted to Lieutenant, and then promoted to Deputy Chief in December 2021. DC Millican is a member of the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police and the International Association Chiefs of Police.


Retirements

Congratulations Dale JorgensenNA Session 244, from Lake Oswego. May you hit them long and straight sir!

Rocky Mountain

Chapter News

The Chapter’s fall retrainer is scheduled for Glenwood Springs, CO, September 21-23. All are welcome to this fantastic venue.


Retirements

Steven P. (Steve) JohnsonNA Session 230, Enters the Retirement Phase of His Life.

After long and thoughtful deliberation, I have decided to retire. My career in law enforcement spans 42 years, with 38 of those as a sworn law enforcement officer, and while I have enjoyed it tremendously, and I cannot be prouder of my service, I feel it is time to start checking things off my personal bucket list. My last day of service will be August 4th, 2022. 

 

In my public safety career, I have had the chance to serve at the city, state, and county level, and each have left me with indelible memories for both the very rewarding and incredibly gut wrenching sad. I always felt great satisfaction in public safety to serve victims in any way I could, and make sure evil never won, and I always remembered who I was working for.

 

I have had a career filled with too many events to mention, yet some things really stand out. To be an initial responder to the Columbine High School tragedy prepared me to respond to three other school tragedies in my career. Preparation that now seems to be unfortunately the norm. There are countless officer-involved shooting investigations, the killing of three innocent children and subsequent gun battle with their father in Castle Rock, the crash of the Air Life helicopter, and assassination of the Department of Corrections Director in his home. In between all of this, my family, co-workers, leaders, heroes, and mentors worked twice as hard as me, and raised the bar for me to work harder and serve better.   

 

I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunities I have had in public safety, and to work with so many great people. I am very fortunate that the last years for me have been with this (Douglas County Sheriff’s, CO) Office and the passionate staff here who serve this community with an incredible level of dedication.  

 

I will always have deep admiration and gratitude for Sheriff Spurlock (Anthony G., 207th Session) and the opportunity he gave me, and his unwavering leadership these past eight years in some of the most difficult circumstances. 

 

As law enforcement continues its positive evolutions, I will be watching from the sidelines in amazement with hopes for the future of this profession as we again raise the bar and persevere through the adversity that cycles through law enforcement.  I know all of you be leaders in the positive evolutions because you represent the very best in law enforcement.


Utah

Passings

Richard E. “Pete” Peterson, a graduate of NA Session 134, passed away on August 12, 2022, at the age of 88. Pete was a lieutenant with the Ogden City Police Department in Utah at the time he attended the National Academy and served in law enforcement for 33 years. He retired to Arizona where he became a member of the Arizona Chapter. He is survived by his wife, Linda.


Virginia

Announcements

The FBINAA Virginia Chapter is happy to announce the 2022 First Line Supervisor School is being held at the Virginia State Police Academy in Richmond, Virginia, from November 14 – 18, 2022. This course is held at least once per year and brings together recently promoted first-line supervisors representing law enforcement agencies from across the Commonwealth. During the week of instruction participants learn about valuable topics that will aid them in their new position, but most importantly, make lasting relationships and contacts in law enforcement on the model of the FBI National Academy.


West Virginia

Chapter News

Another West Virginia Chapter Retrainer was held at Camp Dawson Aug 21-24, 2022. Joe Stiles (seen here with FBINAA Past President Ken Truver) reminds us that this is the 30th year for one of the highest attended FBINAA events worldwide.

The West Virginia Chapter thanks all of the attendees, sponsors, and Bureau Representatives!