June 2023 Chapter Chat

BY OUR MEMBERS

PUBLISHED ON: Jun 30, 2023

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. 

 
 
 

Africa/Middle East

Promotions

Suhali N Ola Aldezaiy, NA Session 251, was promoted to Brigadier General and appointed as Director of Nationality and Civil Affairs in Erbil City which is the capital of Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq.

 

Suhali joined the College of Police in 1997 and graduated in 2000. He received a Bachelor Degree in Police Science and was the first in his class ultimately becoming the Treaining Manager for the College of Police for the last 23 years. He is an active member of the Africa/Middle East Board Member representing the Middle East at the Annual Chapter Leadership Summits and other FBINAA events.

Congratulations, Suhali!

Arizona

 

ALEAD Graduation Class of 2023

The Arizona Chapter recently hosted another successful Arizona Leadership Education and Development (ALEAD) Academy in Flagstaff. ALEAD is a weeklong in-residence youth development program. Congratulations to the graduates and a BIG Thank You to our members that came together to run it.  
 

Promotions
 

Interim Police Chief Chris Olson

Oro Valley Commander Chris Olson, NA Session 244, has been appointed to serve as the Interim Police Chief for the University of Arizona Police Department. Congratulations!

Police Chief Jason Brei

After 26 years in law enforcement with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and most recently the University of Arizona Police Department, Jason Brei has been named Police Chief for the Utah State University Police Department.
 

Richard Speer, NA Session 233, was selected to serve as the Presiding Judge for the Bullhead City Municipal Court. He previously served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Tempe, a Prosecutor for the Town of Paradise Valley, and retired from Chandler Police Department as a Lieutenant.

 

Patrick Regan, NA Session 284, recently retired from Scottsdale Police Department to take the position of Police Chief in Monument, Colorado.
 

Retirements

Deputy Chief Lisa Culp, NA Session 250

Deputy Chief Lisa Culp, NA Session 250, is retiring from Yuma PD. We wish her well with her next chapter.
 

Announcements

Registration for our 8th Annual Golf Tournament has opened. Last year it was a sellout and teams were turned away. Consider registering soon. This year's tournament will be held on Friday, November 3rd, at the Coyote Lakes Golf Course in Surprise. For more information, contact Jeff Grow, jeffrey.grow@tolleson.az.gov.

California

 

Pictured left to right: Chief Ezery Beauchamp, NA Session 277, Captain John Pinoli, NA Session 285, Assistant Commissioner Ceto Ortiz, NA Session 269, Chief LD Maples, NA Session 278, Assistant Chief Josh Ehlers, NA Session 259, Chief Greg Baarts, NA Session 270, Deputy Commissioner (Ret.) Max Santiago, NA Session 214, Assistant Chief (Ret.) B. J. Whitten, NA Session 247, and Assistant Chief Jim Jacobs, NA Session 274.

Several National Academy graduates attended the May 2023 California Highway Patrol Officer’s Memorial Ceremony at the CHP Academy, West Sacramento. 
 

Marble Arch

London Flags

Coronation Crowd

California Chapter Historian, Gina Di Napoli, NA Session 225, had the good fortune to be in London during the Coronation of King Charles III. This Historic event proved to be one of the biggest Mutual Aid events in the history of UK policing. Kudos to all involved as it turned out to be a safe and extremely memorable event. 
 

Promotions

Congratulations to Sean Marchand, NA Session 252, on his recent promotion to Assistant Chief of Police for the Oceanside Police Department. Assistant Chief Marchand received a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University. He is also a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, Class 279.

Sean Marchand, NA Session 252
 
 

Taurino Valdovinos, NA Session 281

Congratulations to newly promoted Oceanside Police Department Captain, Taurino Valdovinos, NA Session 281, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Saint Mary’s College of California. He also holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. Captain Valdovinos joined the Oceanside Police Department in September 2003 and graduated from the FBINA in 2022.  

 

 

Congratulations to newly promoted Oceanside Police Department Captain John McKean, NA Session 284. Captain McKean holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Union Institute and University and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego.

John McKean, NA Session 284
 

Brian Nevins, NA Session 275

Congratulations to Brian Nevins, NA Session 275, who was recently promoted to Assistant Sheriff with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office, where he manages Court Services Bureau (Civil Division, Court Security, Extraditions, Field Services, Investigations, and Waterfront Park). He also oversees Human Resource Services Bureau (Background Investigations, Career Path, Detentions/Court Services Academy, Employee Relations, In-Service Training, Internal Affairs, Payroll, Professional Staff Training, Recruiting/Hiring, Regional Basic Academy, Risk Management/Medical Liaison, and Weapons Training). 

 

 

Congratulations to Rich Williams, NA Session 272, who was recently promoted Undersheriff with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office. Undersheriff Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree from California Coast University. He is a graduate of the POST Supervisory Leadership Institute, DEA Narcotics Unit Commander Academy and our very own FBINA.  

Rich Williams, NA Session 272

Charles “Chuck” Cinnamo, NA Session 253

 

 

Congratulations to Charles “Chuck” Cinnamo, NA Session 253, who was newly promoted to Assistant Sheriff with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office. Chuck holds a Bachelor's degree in Vocational Education from San Diego State University. He is also a graduate of the POST Executive Development Course Class #81 and the DEA's Drug Unit Commanders Academy #79.  
 

Connecticut

From Left to Right CT Chapter Past Presidents Tim Edwards, Dave Caron, Current President Vincent DeMaio, Past Presidents Anthony Cuozzo, Joseph Dooley, Frank Lewandowski.

Past President Brick
 

The Connecticut Chapter hosted its Spring Luncheon at the Clinton Country Club. At this event, Past Chapter Presidents Tim Edwards, Dave Caron, Anthony Cuozzo, Joseph Dooly, and Frank Lewandowski were presented with special bricks made by Chapter Secretary-Treasurer Don Anderson, commemorating their service to the Chapter.

Promotions

Congratulations to Matthew Carl, NA Session 278, on his promotion to Chief of Police at the East Windsor Police Department in Connecticut. Chief Matthew Carl has worked at the East Windsor Police Department since 1996 and is the first Chief to be promoted from within the department.
 

Passings

The Connecticut Chapter is sad to report the passing of Richard “Dick” Walsh, NA Session 128. Richard retired as a Lieutenant from the Wethersfield Police Department in 1994 after 26 years of service.

Eastern Pennsylvania

 

National Board Members with EPA Chapter Leadership

FBI Associate Deputy Director Brian Turner

Judy Pal

Green Beret Nick Lavery

The Eastern PA Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates hosted our 2023 Annual Training Conference Retrainer, from May 7th-9th, 2023 at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel & conference Center in Gettysburg, PA. 

 

Attendees listened to excellent presentations from Green Beret Nick Lavery, who shared his experiences on leadership, and Judy Pal, who presented on crisis communications and media relations. The banquet keynote speaker was FBI Associate Deputy Director Brian Turner. During the event, attendees were able to enjoy golf and a tour of the Gettysburg battlefield and museum. Thank you to all who attended including our loyal vendors. Without you our events would not be as successful as they are. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!  

 

Thank you Ken Truver, Bill Carbone, Stephen Hrytzik from the National Board who came out to spend time with us.  
 

ASAC Milligan and Best McCreery

Our very own Betsy McCreery and ASAC James Milligan were on hand for the presentation of plaques to the most recent graduates of the Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar held in Princeton, NJ. During the week they were visited by NA Session 270 graduate Craig Rudisill, who was representing Cody Systems.
 

Session 286 Philadelphia Trip

Session 286 Philadelphia Trip

On May 6th, 2023, Executive Board members welcomed FBINA Session 286 to Philadelphia. It was a great turnout, and a good time was had by all. Thank you Philadelphia PD and FOP Lodge 5 for the hospitality. 

John Potts, NA Session 262, and John Hearn, NA Session 247

On May 7th, 2023, President John Potts, NA Session 262, presented a plaque to immediate past president John Hearn, NA Session 247, to thank him for his service to the FBINAA and in appreciation for everything that he does for the chapter. Thanks for everything, John!
 

Promotions

Tobin Zech, NA Session 259

On May 16th, 2023, Lt. Tobin Zech, NA Session 259, won the primary to be the next District Judge for Pennsylvania District Court 19-2-03. Tobin is currently with the York County Regional Police Department and we wish him the best of luck in November.  
 

Retirements

ASAC James Milligan with Chief Inspector Mike Cochrane

ASAC James Milligan presented Chief Inspector Mike Cochrane with a plaque from the FBINAA Eastern PA Chapter at his retirement celebration today after retiring from the Philadelphia PD after 41 years. Mike is a proud graduate of NA Session 215 and remains an active member of the chapter. 

Florida

 

Dorene J. Thomas, NA Session 169

John E. Brooks, NA Session 154

Doug Muldoon, NA Session 153

On June 3rd, 2023 three members of the Florida Chapter were inducted into the Florida Law Enforcement Officers' Hall of Fame. More information about the inductee can be found here. 

Doug Muldoon, NA Session 153

Florida Law Enforcement Officers' Hall of Fame Inductees

FBINAA Gradudates inlcuding inductees and members present for the ceremony
 

Promotions
 

 

 

Micheal Loux, NA Session 228, has been promoted to the Largo Police Chief replacing retired Chief Undestad. Chief Loux started with the Largo Police Department as a tele-communicator/dispatcher more than 30 years ago. He has in excess of 23 years' experience in supervision at the agency, and he is excited to move the department into the next phase of excellence. 

Michael Loux, NA Session 228

John Vecchio, NA Session 260, was promoted from ASAC to SAC of the Orlando FDLE Regional Office. 

 

Adam Geissenberger, NA Session 266, was promoted to Chief of Pinellas of the City of Pinellas Park Police Department on June 19th with a public ceremony on June 30th.

 

Chief Michael Haworth, NA Session 213, retired this month from the City of Pinellas  Park Police Department after 33 years of service.

 

Martin Turner, NA Session 282, will be promoted to Major City at the Pinellas  Park Police Department on June 30th, 2023.

Paul Amodeo, NA Session 272

 

 

Also promoted at the Largo Police Department was Paul Amodeo, NA Session 272. He has served the community for more than 25 years, and was promoted from Lieutenant to the Support Services Major. He is looking forward to the new challenges and new opportunities to help keep the agency moving forward and improving.  
 

Retirements

Congratulations to Chief Jeffrey Undestad, NA Session 251, on his retirement from the Largo Police Department after 33 years of dedicated service.  Chief Undestad leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication, having served the community, the city, and the department with honor, courage, and distinction. He expanded the department in both size and reach, developing strong community ties and adding sworn and non-sworn positions over the years. We wish him the very best in his retirement. It is well deserved.

Jeffrey Undestad, NA Session 251
 

Announcements
 

The current Operations Major Scott Gore of Largo Police Department is slated to attend the FBI NA starting in late September 2023. He will be part of NA Session 288.

Scott Gore, Largo Police Department
 
 

FSU Magnet Lab

Chapter members Simon Blank, NA Session 257, Evangelina Brooks, NA Session 273, Mike Phillips, NA Session 272, Loren Lowers, NA Session 280, and Grady Jordan, NA Session 285 (not pictured) attended an enriching tour of the FSU MagLab.

 

During the tour, they witnessed the impressive magnet systems generating powerful magnetic fields and learned about their applications in various fields of study. Their knowledgeable guide provided valuable insights into ongoing research projects, creating an educational and inspiring experience. Following the tour, the group gathered at Gordos for lunch and fellowship.
 

Florida Police Explorers Association Conference

Chief Dan Purcell represented the FL FBINAA and Seminole County Sheriff's Office as the host of the Florida Police Explorers Association 2023 Conference and Competition. He had an opportunity to speak about the FBINAA, the FL Chapter, and our commitment to this great organization in furtherance of the FBINAA mission. The event was attended by more than 25 explorer posts throughout the State of Florida and approximately 250 explorers.  

Kansas/Western Missouri

 

Retirements

Colonel Herman Jones, NA Session 248

Colonel Herman Jones, NA Session 248, announced his retirement from the Kansas Highway Patrol effective July 1s, 2023 after serving over 45 years in law enforcement! 

 

Colonel Jones began his career in 1977 as a dispatcher working with campus police at Emporia State University. He served as a patrolman for Emporia Police Department until heading to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) in 1982. After serving for ten years, his passion for training led him to the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center as an instructor in 1992. He returned to the KHP as the Director of Administration for another eleven years. As Herman is always seeking the next adventure, he served as the Shawnee County Undersheriff and eventually the Sheriff from 2012-2019. He took his experience and skills back to the KHP and was appointed as the Superintendent in April 2019. 

 

Herman’s dedication is evident through the numerous civic and law enforcement organizations he is involved with. A few include the International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP), Kansas Peace Officer Association (KPOA), Kansas Sheriff’s Association, Kansas Chiefs of Police, Special Olympics Kansas, Commissioner for Kansas Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (KCPOST), United Way, Boy Scouts of America, big brother for Big Brothers and Sisters of Topeka, and greatly involved with his church.  Through all of his countless hours and years of giving to his community and law enforcement, he will tell you the most important is that of husband, father of two, and grandfather. 

 

Herman is going to enjoy spending time with his grandchildren and traveling with family and friends! Congrats on your retirement, Colonel, and thank you for your many years of service to our profession!   

Louisiana

 

Announcements

YLP Graduation for Hailey DeGuelle

Hailey DeGuelle, TCU Ranger

Congratulations to YLP Session 22 graduate, Hailey DeGuelle who was hired as a Police Cadet at the Fort Worth Police Department. The cadet program is designed for high school graduates who are interested in and/or preparing for careers in law enforcement. Police Cadets are paid for up to 19 hours per week to assist FWPD in a variety of public safety related duties.

 

Hailey is a sophomore studying Criminal Justice at Texas Christian University where she also serves as a TCU Ranger performing at university athletic events. She is also an elite gymnast who competed at the 2021 USA Gymnastics National Championships and Olympics Trials in St Louis and its currently training at Southlake Gymnastics Academy.

Michigan

Promotions

Aric Tosqui, NA Session 262

Aric Tosqui, NA Session 262, promoted to Detroit Police Department Commander on May 15t, 2023

Nebraska

 
 

Lancaster Chief Deputy Ben Houchin receives the Robert Frock Centurion Award from Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner and NE FBINAA President Bryan Waugh.

The Nebraska Chapter recently held their yearly Re-Trainer in beautiful Kearney, NE. One of the many highlights was the overview of a Child Trafficking case that recently resulted in numerous felony convictions for the NE Attorney General's Office. Additionally, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, NA Session 229, was honored by the Chapter with the Robert Frock-Centurion Award for his outstanding contribution not only to law enforcement in the state but to our NAA Chapter as well.

Promotions

Ken Kanger, Eppley Airfield Chief of Police

Ken Kanger, NA Session 262, and NE FBINAA Chapter Board member was recently promoted to the position of Chief of the Eppley Airport Police Department. Chief Kanger retired from the Omaha Police Department before taking a position with the airport.

Oregon

Announcements

Mark your calendars for these Oregon Chapter Events!

Annual “Pig Out” - Thursday, August 10th in Wilsonville.

2023 Fall Re-Trainer - September 12th-15th at Eagle Crest.  

The Portland FBI Field Office will be hosting their annual FBI Teen Academy in July. As in years past, the Oregon Chapter will be sponsoring t-shirts for the participants in the amount of $500 to support the program. Our partnership with the Portland Field Office remains strong and they are steadfast supporters of our chapter.
 

FBI National Academy Session 287 is set to begin on July 10th. The Oregon representatives will be Capt. Kim Hyde with Lebanon Police Department, Lt. Jason Jones with PPB, and Capt. Todd Engstrom, Silverton Police Department.

Rocky Mountain

Retirements

 

Chief Chuck Baker, Cody Police Department, NA Session 196

After seven years of dedicated service to the Cody community and a 43-year-long career, Police Chief Chuck Baker, NA Session 196, has announced his retirement from the Cody Police Department in Wyoming, effective June 30th. Chief Baker's tenure has been marked by his unwavering commitment to public safety and his tireless efforts to enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of the police force.

West Virginia

Announcements