March 2023 Chapter Chat

Promotions

Major Anthony April, NA Session 226

Captain Anthony April, NA Session 226, was promoted to Major with the Alaska State Troopers (AST), February 2023. Major April started with the AST in 1997 after serving three years as a correctional officer in Seward, AK. 

Through his career, Major April has served across the state of Alaska, in patrol, investigations, statewide drugs enforcement, court services and as an instructor at the Public Safety Academy in Sitka. He also served as the deputy commander for “C” and “A” Detachments, commander for “B” Detachment, Statewide Drug Enforcement and Alaska Bureau of Investigation, Judicial Services and the Village Public safety program.

During his career, he received numerous accolades from elected officials and awards for exemplary Community service to include the 2001 “C” Detachment Trooper of the Year. Major April also was the first Alaskan to be invited to speak at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is a leading member of NOBLE and attended the FBI National Academy Session 226 and served as a board member with the Alaska Chapter and is a board member for Special Olympics Alaska and many other organizations.   

Major Tony April and his wife, Lisa, at the badge pinning ceremony

Colonel Maurice "Mo" Hughes, NA Session 261 and Alaska Chapter Vice-President, pinning Major April

Pinning Ceremony

Colonel Hughes, NA Session 261, Major April, NA Session 226, and Ret. Colonel Barry Wilson, NA Session 244

The badge pinning ceremony for Major April was a momentous occasion, attended by a broad spectrum of community leaders from across the state of Alaska. Legislators, masonic organizations, volunteer groups and law enforcement agencies all came together to honor the Major and congratulate him on his well-deserved promotion. 

Passings

Bert L. Cottle, NA Session 178

Bert L. Cottle, NA Session 178, passed October 2022. Chief Cottle worked for the Valdez Police Department from 1974-1996. He was the police chief for the final seven years before he retired from law enforcement, also served as mayor and police chief in Valdez.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a statement: “My family and I are sad to hear of the passing of our dear friend Bert Cottle. My administration is thankful for all the work Bert did for Alaska. Bert was truly one of the good guys. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Chief Cottle was a lifelong Alaskan who was born and raised in Wasilla. He graduated from Wasilla High School and Trinidad State College in Trinidad, Colorado. Cottle served as a police officer in Valdez for 22 years, and for 10 years as the mayor of Valdez . He also worked for 13 years with the Alaska Gasline Port Authority.

His career of service also includes three years on the Alaska Alcohol Beverage Control Board, the Alaska Municipal League Board (Past President), and the Alaska State Homeland Security Task Force. Cottle’s affiliations include Pioneers of Alaska (Past President), Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #2537, Eagles Aerie #1971, longtime NRA member, Advocate for Victims of Violence, FBI National Academy Association, Youth Coalition Task Force, and Wasilla Area Seniors.

Chief Cottle exemplified the term public service and cared deeply for his community. He will be missed and held as an example for future leaders.  

Captain (Ret.) Frederick "Mick" Taylor, NA Session 88

It is with great sadness that the Anchorage Police Department announces the passing of Captain (Ret.) Frederick “Mick” Taylor, NA Session 88, on February 12th, 2023. Captain Taylor was hired by APD in 1961 and worked his way up the ranks over the course of his 21 year career.

Starting with patrol, he was promoted to Detective in 1966 and then to Sergeant in Charge of Investigations in 1970. He was then promoted to Patrol Lieutenant and then to Captain. He retired in 1982. During his time with the APD, he was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and was in Session 88 in 1971.

Captain Taylor had a long and successful career with the APD, but his greatest accomplishment was his marriage to his wife Jean, who passed away in March 2020 after 69 years of marriage. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched during his time with the APD and the NA Association. God bless.

Hold the dates for our next formal trainer to be held in beautiful Lake Havasu. The dates are April 12th-14th. More details to come, but we hope you can join us!

Promotions

Newly Appointed Arizona DPS Director Jeff Glover

Retirements

Commander Brian Issitt

Deputy Chief Jason Larter

Jim Gallagher, NA Session 245, resigned his position as Chief for the Central Arizona Project (CAP) to take a position as Safety Advisor with Fusus.

Announcements

On March 16th, FBINA Session 285 graduated, and the following law enforcement professionals will officially join the Arizona Chapter: Major Frank Griego – AZDPS, Lieutenant Frank Hayden - Lake Havasu Police Dept., Commander Christopher Perez - Chandler Police Dept., and Lieutenant Adrian Leos – Pinal County Sheriff's Office. Congratulations!

Promotions

Lt. Col. Jason Aaron

Arkansas State Police Major Jason Aaron, NA Session 283, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel over Field Operations on January 12th, 2023.

James Ortega, NA Session 255

Sheriff James Fryhoff, NA Session 261

Promotions

Asst. Sheriff Charles Cinnamo III

Congratulations to Charles Cinnamo III, NA Session 253, who is the new Assistant Sheriff for the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.  

Commander Dustin Lopez

Congratulations to Dustin Lopez, NA Session 285, who was promoted to Commander with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.     

Commander Mike Rand

Congratulations also go out to Mike Rand, NA Session 279, who received a promotion to Commander with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.    

Retirements

Commander Amy Brown-Lisk

Congratulations to Commander Amy Brown-Lisk, NA Session 276, who retired from the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.  

Passings

We are sorry to announce the passing of retired Placer County Sheriff's Office Captain Kent Hawthorne, NA Session 203. The services for retired Captain Hawthorne took place in Reno, Nevada at the beginning of February.

John Hearn and Rick Hearn at Session 284 graduation

Retired Chief of Green Bay Police Dept., Tammy Villar, and Jim McGowan

FBINAA Session 285 in Philadelphia

John Hearn, President of the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter and a graduate of NA Session 247, was lucky and proud to attend the FBINAA Session 284 graduation in Quantico as his nephew, Rick Hearn, who is a Captain in Baltimore County, Maryland, graduated from the NA. Congratulations!

The Chapter was represented at the Super Bowl by our very own Jim McGowan, NA Session 258, who is the NFL Security Representative for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jim worked with the retired chief of Green Bay Police Dept., NA Session 217, and Commander Tammy Villar, NA Session 249, from Gilla River Police Dept. to provide security for the teams while in Arizona.

On February 4th, 2023, Executive Board members welcomed FBINA Session 285 to Philadelphia. It was a great turnout, and a good time was had by all. Thank you Philadelphia Police Dept. and FOP Lodge 5 for the hospitality.

Promotions

Chief Mike McLaughlin

Retirements

Craig Rudisill and John Hearn

Detective Mike Shade

Lt. Jeff Nowak

Lieutenant Craig Rudisill, NA Session 270, from the Upper Southampton Police Department who has officially retired after a lifelong commitment to Upper Southampton Township and the region. Craig is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant, and he was called to active-duty service in support of Operation Desert Storm. Craig serves as our Chapter’s social media coordinator and he’s a partner with LEAS llc, which handles law enforcement accreditation services. Our Chapter wishes Craig well in his future endeavors.

Lieutenant Jeff Nowak, NA Session 272, retired from the Whitemarsh Township Police Department after thirty years of service. Jeff began his law enforcement career with Septa Transit Police and left to go to Whitemarsh Police Dept. in 1993. He earned his BA in Administration of Justice from Penn State University and he has a Master in Public Administration from West Chester University. Jeff is a also long time member of the Central Montgomery County SWAT team where he served as team commander. Good luck and thank you for your service!

County Detective and former Lower Pottsgrove Chief of Police Mike Shade, NA Session 233, recently retired from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Mike spent 28 years with Lower Pottsgrove Police Dept. and retired in 2012 as the Chief of Police. He then spent the last twelve years as a County Detective working major crimes. Mike is a graduate of Kutztown University. Good luck, Mike!

Passings

Gerald F. Levins

The Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter regrets to inform our membership of the passing of Gerard F. Levins, 71, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who passed away on January 13th, 2023.

As a Philadelphia Police Commander, his ranks and assignments included Corporal- 23rd Police District (1981), Operations Room Supervisor (1981-84), Sergeant-15th Police District (1984-87), Lieutenant- 16th Police District (1987-89), IAB (1989-91) and Captain- IAB (1991-94). He supervised the Police Shooting Team for six years and was assigned to the Ethics Accountability Unit. From there he was assigned to the 2nd Police District, and retired in 2007 as the Police Liaison for Contract Arbitration. He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, NA Session 183.

Announcements

The Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates will host our 2023 Annual Training Conference (Retrainer), from May 7th-9th, 2023 at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel & Conference Center in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Attendees will experience all the incredible history of the battlefield, plus great speakers. The three-day Battle of Gettysburg (July 1th-3th, 1863) ranks as one of the most significant events in American history, and our speaker lineup will interest you to lead into the future.

Visit http://www.fbinaaeasternpa.org/annual-re-trainer/ for more information.

Retirements

John Briski, NA Session 260

Major John Briski retired from the Hawaii Island Police Department on December 30th, 2022, after 25 years of service. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 260. He can now enjoy the second chapter of his life with his lovely wife Lori. Happy Retirement!

Announcements

Chief Ben Moszkowicz, NA Session 282

Benjamin T. Moszkowicz, is the new Police Chief of Hawaii Island. Appointed to Police Chief on December 16th, 2022, Chief Moszkowicz comes from the Honolulu Police Department where he spent 20 years in service, leaving his latest assignment as a Major in charge of the Traffic Division. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 282, holds a Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Public Administration with a specialization in Justice Administration from the University of Hawaii – West Oahu and a Master of Science Degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego.. The community in Hawaii County is happy to welcome Police Chief Moszkowicz.

Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth swears in Chief Moszkowicz

In what is definitely a first for our Chapter, and may be a first nationally, we have a third generation NA graduate added to our membership. Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Chris Barry, NA Session 282, follows in his dad’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Chris’ dad, retired Det. Sergeant Richard Barry, is a graduate of NA Session 99 (12/5/1974) and Chris’ grandfather, retired Suffolk County Police Commissioner John L. Barry, was a graduate of the NA Session 40 (4/1/1949). Thank you to Chapter Historian Joe Gannon for forwarding this.

Chapter Historian Joe Gannon and his wife with Brian Kilmeade

Historians apparently like to hang together! Chapter Historian Joe Gannon and his wife, recently had the opportunity to meet Brian Kilmeade, author of “George Washington’s Secret Six”, “The President and the Freedom Fighter”, “Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers” and others works at the NJPAC Theater in Newark. The NYSEC Chapter had the pleasure of hearing from Mr. Kilmeade, a huge supporter of law enforcement, when he was a guest speaker at the Bart Hose Memorial Shoot a few years back.

Promotions

Congratulations to Suffolk County Police Department’s newly promoted Chiefs, Chief of Operations Michael Romagnoli, NA Session 249, and Assistant Chief Milagros Soto, NA Session 254.

Retirements

Sheriff Rick Whitney, NA Session 193

Congratulations to Rick Whitney, NA Session 193, who retired from law enforcement service after 47 years. Rick attended the National Academy in 1998 when he was Chief of the Village of Bolivar Police Department, a position he held for 30 years. He then went on to serve as the Sheriff of Allegany County for three consecutive four year terms (2011-2022). We wish this recipient of this 2008 NYS Association of Chiefs of Police Medal of Honor a well-deserved retirement.

Announcements

Toronto Blue Jays Game with New York/Eastern Canada Chapter

The Chapter hosted a New York Yankees vs Toronto Blue Jays game at the Rogers Center in Toronto last September. The event included donations made on behalf of the Chapter to the FBINAA Charitable Foundation and Jays Cares. Those in attendance are pictured above including George Brunton, NA Session 123. We would like to thank our sponsors for this event, Executek International and Investigations Solutions Network, whose generosity made this event possible.

Retirements

Major Ed O'Carroll, NA Session 269, and Major Richard Boyd, NA Session 270

The FBINAA Virginia Chapter would like to congratulate Major Ed O’Carroll, NA Session 269, and Chapter Treasurer on his retirement from the Fairfax County Police Department on February 1st, 2023.

Major O’Carroll has over 33 years of dedicated law enforcement service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. We wish Major O’Carroll and his family all the best in his upcoming adventures.

Announcements

The FBINAA Virginia Chapter is excited to announce the first annual FBINAA Virginia Chapter Clay Shoot networking event being held in Harrisonburg, Virginia on April 14th, 2023. All law enforcement members are invited and do not need to be NA graduates. The anticipated cost for the event, including lunch, is $50.

Stone Harbor Resort- Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

AJ Dillon, Green Bay Packer, visits Wisonsin FBINAA Winter Outing

The Wisconsin Chapter hosted their annual Family Winter Outing in beautiful Door County, WI the third weekend in February. The event was held in Sturgeon Bay with a combination of 55 NA grads and family members in attendance.

The outing kicked off with a traditional Friday evening fish fry, followed by hospitality and networking. Saturday included a trolley ride to visit local Door County attractions. Saturday evening concluded with a meal, hospitality, an evening long visit by Green Bay Packer running back, A.J. Dillon, a door prize drawing, and fireworks show!

Fire and Ice fireworks display to wrap up the evening

Friday Night Fish Fry