Well it is really hard to believe that this is my last column as President of the Association. The time seems to fly by faster and faster with every passing year, but I am sure that I am not telling you something that you have not already realized!

We have accomplished much this year, not the least of which is the wildly successful FPCA legislative breakfast in Tallahassee that we have just returned from. Our attendance at this year's breakfast surpassed our greatest expectations, as we had more than 185 people fill the top floor of the State Capitol at 7:30 in the morning! We had a terrific turnout from our members and many legislators and their aides joined us as well. The uniform showing that our association made will continue to boost our efforts to have our voices heard in Tallahassee for several sessions to come. It is important to remember that very few bills become laws through a single legislative session. It is difficult for laws to be passed, as it should be. This makes it vitally important to stay informed of what your associations legislative concerns are from year to year and to continue to press our legislators to assist us in making the State of Florida a safer place to live.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Lt. David Folsom of the Tallahassee Police Department for his valiant efforts on our part during this entire legislative session. Lt. Folsom has worked tirelessly on your behalf and went out of his way to extend personal invitations to many of the legislators and staff that attended our breakfast. I truly believe that without his efforts we would not have had twice as many attendees than we have ever had in the past. Thanks a bunch David…your efforts are truly appreciated! I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge Chief Walt McNeil and the entire command staff of the Tallahassee Police Department for their commitment to the FPCA in providing Lt. Folsom and his talents to our efforts. If you get the opportunity, please take the time to thank these people personally, as they are really working hard for you

While we have accomplished much in the past year, there is obviously much more work to be done. Your executive board comes into a year of service with great ambition and lofty goals. The reality is that the time flies by so quickly that we rarely have time to accomplish all that we would like. That is why it is important to have continuity of leadership within the association, and our pressing issues such as: uniformity of taser issues, the right to carry law, looking for additional revenue for the association and so on and so on, are in extremely capable hands as I turn the gavel over to President Tony Velong. You are very fortunate to have a dedicated Executive Board and group of District Directors that are always working hard for you. It is critical however that all of our voices are heard in matters that concern us all. I encourage you again to get involved in some capacity and lend your talents to the FPCA because there is so much knowledge and ability out there, I hate to see any of it go to waste!

In closing, I can't say enough about our staff members in Tallahassee. I say with the most sincerity that the most rewarding part about the last year has been the privilege of working on a daily basis (and I do mean a daily basis!) with Amy, Merrily and Kay. I hope that by acknowledging them in this manner, you will have some idea of the level of dedication and commitment that they give to you every single day. Please do not pass up an opportunity to tell them how much they are appreciated and how much you appreciate them working hard for you. I will miss working with them in this capacity terribly, but hopefully it will not be easy for them to get rid of me

I wish to thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to serve this great association and to represent you for the past year. I hope that I have done it in a manner that is pleasing to you all, and be assured that you have given me an opportunity that is truly the highlight of my law enforcement career. I look forward to seeing all of you at Saddlebrook for the summer conference. Thanks again, it has been my pleasure.

May God bless you and yours.

Chief Jay Romine