It is April already and here I sit writing my final message as your President. This year has flown by thanks to a great staff, and you, my peers, who work so diligently each day to foster the most professional and ethical law enforcement agencies in this country. This has been a year of personal and professional growth for me that I can only attribute to your trust in me as your President.

My wife Tracey, who has been my soul mate, constant companion, and encourager for the last 27 years, helped me through some tough times, as always. My son Chad (the Marine) served his second tour on the ground in Iraq and as of this writing is on his way home physically untouched; although he lost six good friends in combat this tour. My son Alex has enlisted in the Air Force and will probably still be in basic training when you read this. My daughter Bekka is thriving in this country and we are going to China before the Summer Conference to pick up her sister Elizabeth (already nicknamed "Elly" by her sister) who is 2 years old. I have almost completed Seminary and although challenging, I am truly enjoying what God is teaching me.

Professionally, most importantly, I recognize my personal inadequacy to be your President and I give God the glory for giving me His knowledge, wisdom, and the courage to do what is right, always. I have now completed 37 years as a police officer, 11 of those years as a Chief, and served as your President. As an organization we have made great strides in our legislative efforts, our Executive Search efforts, and professional development during our conferences and with an Advanced Chief's Seminar which taught even us old dogs some new tricks. We accomplished all of these goals only through your efforts, and with the great staff we are blessed with at FPCA. Amy, I want to thank you in particular for your counsel and diligent efforts to keep me on track. And I want to thank Kay and Tammy for always being there when I needed something. Jay thanks for always being my prayer warrior.

It has been an honor to serve you and as I pass the presidency on to my friend and brother Nolan McLeod, I pray God's Lordship over him and all of you in the coming year.

God Bless,

Chief Anthony Velong