DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Looking Forward to the Future with Memories of the Past Another summer is upon us, and with that, the Florida Police Chiefs Association is gearing up for our 66th Annual Summer Training Conference and Exposition from Au- gust 18-22nd. While we strive to provide excellent, timely training at each FPCA Con- ference, I must admit I am especially looking forward to this summer’s conference and the training sessions we have to offer. This year’s training is entitled “The Role of Supportive Leadership in Maintaining the Health, Safety and Wellness of Your Per- sonnel”. Given the current environment that law enforcement steps into every day, I feel that this is a particularly timely topic, and hopefully one that you will gain much from. Here is just a brief look at just a few of the speakers we will be welcoming this summer:
~Corporal Kimber Gist, shot 8 times in the line of duty: The Ultimate Survival: The Silent Office Riot ~Dr. Dale Henry: The Hootie-Hoo Attitude: How to Make the Buck Stop Here, and Have a Real Good Time At It ~Captain Steven Geller and Dr. Vincent Van Hasselt: Trauma Response in Law Enforcement ~Update from the newly-instated Florida Office of Safe Schools ~State agency updates from Florida’s leaders If you have not yet registered for this summer’s conference, happening at the Sheraton Bay Point Resort in beautiful Panama City Beach, I encourage you to do so by visiting
http://www.fpca.com/summer-conference/.
Amy Mercer Executive Director
Speaking of the Sheraton Bay Point Resort, this conference is special for me in more ways than one. The last time the FPCA was at the Sheraton Bay Point was in 2004, and it was there that I was appointed Executive Director. As FPCA Staff busily prepares for conference, I am often brought back to my memories of this place 14 years ago as I stepped into this role, confident yet completely unaware of just how much the FPCA and its members would change my life for the better. I will forever be grateful to Chief Jay Romine and his Executive Board for having the confidence in me to lead this great Association. It has been the greatest honor and journey of my life to serve these 14 years as your Execu- tive Director. I have had the privilege to work under 15 Presidents so far; 15 incredible leaders who have each taught me so much:
2017-2018: Chief Kevin Lystad, Miami Shores 2016-2017: Chief Butch Arenal, Coconut Creek 2015-2016: Chief Brett Railey, Winter Park 2014-2015: Chief Frank Kitzerow, Jupiter 2013-2014: Chief Philip Thorne, Springfield 2012-2013: Chief Dennis Jones, Tallahassee 2011-2012: Chief Paul Sireci, Tampa International Airport 2010-2011: Chief Peter Paulding, Gulf Breeze
2009-2010: Chief Dorene Thomas, Pinellas Park 2008-2009: Chief Gerald Monahan, Port Orange 2007-2008: Chief Skip Clark II, Juno Beach 2006-2007: Chief Nolan McLeod, Auburndale 2005-2006: Chief Anthony Velong, Temple Terrace 2004-2005: Chief Jay Romine, Holmes Beach 2003-2004: Chief Paul Rumbley, Palm Bay
Past Presidents: the impact you have each had on me in the last fourteen years can’t be overstated. Thank you for your guidance, leadership, and the opportunity to work under your direction. And to my current President about to reach the end of his term, Chief Kevin Lystad: your work as President has inspired me this year. Your quiet leadership has brought us through a difficult year for Florida seamlessly, and for that I cannot thank you enough.
Through my fourteen years as Executive Director, I have seen many changes in policing and many changes in my own life. Together we have been through natural disasters, man-made tragedies, moments of extreme joy and moments of extreme sorrow. The world we occupied in 2004 is so very different from the one we live in now, and at times those changes can frighten us all. Nevertheless, I am heartened when I look at what has remained the same: our wonderful FPCA members and their dedication as true public servants with the highest of integrity. You always have been and always will remain my heroes.
Executive Director 7
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