June 1, 2001

Year in Review

It seem that as we get older, time passes quicker. Then, when you compound age with taking on additional duties, it seems that time passes even quicker. My point? As I reflect on the past year I’ve served as your President, it seems like yesterday that I stood before you and gave my induction speech (there are some who probably think the speech took up the entire year). That was June 2000. Now, it’s June 2001- the year has gone, and Lee Cote is your new President. I hope he enjoys his year as much as I did mine.

We titled the year as the "Year of the Member." The goals we set for ourselves have been reached, thanks to many people who devoted huge portions of their professional life to the betterment of the association and our members. For example:

• We established a long-range strategic plan that charted our course over the next several years and enhanced our ability to provide quality service to you, our membership. It included provisions defining duties of District Directors and established guidelines for keeping our membership aware of programs, initiatives and key events in the association.



• We established a standing "Past-President’s" position on the board of directors. Frank Ross has filled this position and performed as advertised, bringing a historical perspective to our executive committee deliberations. Without the interest and effort of our board of directors, the strategic plan would not have become a reality. Your effort will long be recognized as benefiting the association, and I personally thank you for that.



• We continued our commitment to providing world-class training to our membership. Rick Overman has taken our training beyond expectations over the past several years, and this years training has surpassed even his high standards. He’s asked to be replaced as chairman, so Ed Morely has been appointed to replace him. Please - the next time you see Rick, express your appreciation for his efforts on our behalf.



• We started the year in good financial shape thanks for the long- standing effort of presidents and boards of directors going back many years. We’re even better off now than we were last year at this time. Our current assets stand at $725,933, which includes assets of $441,408, enhanced by an assessed value on our building and property at $284,525. Pretty impressive. Our board of directors and executive committee has every reason to be proud of our financial accomplishments, but it must be said that, without the outstanding financial acumen and vision of our executive director Hal Robbins, we would not enjoy the excellent financial condition we do.

Speaking of Hal, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with him for the past two years, and appreciate his professionalism, willingness to represent us in so many ways, his dedication and many hours he puts in for us on a weekly basis, and particularly his wisdom and advise on issues he and I’ve discussed over the past year. We’re lucky to have Hal as our executive director, and we all owe thanks to him and the FPCA staff, Amy, Pheona and new employee Katie, for their dedication to us.

We set out to increase membership. Thanks in large part to Hal, and the membership committee chaired by Bill Markopolous, our membership has grown by ninety-eight people in the past twelve months. That’s significant in that it represents an increase in membership of sixteen percent, giving us 600 members, increasing our strength in legislative matters, and expanding our ability to speak out on issues relating to our chosen profession.

We also codified sustaining membership status in our by-laws, allowing retired chiefs to continue their relationship with the association. We currently have thirty six sustaining members, typified by retired chiefs Paul Reble and Art Locke. You can see them and their wives Diane and Connie at every conference selling association items and memorabilia. Stop by their booth in Tampa and thank them for their continued involvement with us. Other goals we reached during the year:

• We identified and selected Walt McNeil as our candidate for IACP 6th Vice- President at the 2005 IACP conference in Miami. Walt is always available to do our bidding in Tallahassee, and now serves on the IACP’s SACOP Committee as our representative.



• We established the Rocky Pomerance Excellence in Policing award, and will pick our first recipient agency at the summer conference. This is an opportunity for member agencies to shine, and for the association to recognize them as leading organizations in our state, just as we do the people who work for them when we select our employees of the year.

On reflection, I couldn’t think of a more rewarding year than the one just completed. I’ve had the distinct opportunity to represent the interests of the finest police organization in America. That’s something that will always stand out as I reflect on my own career. I can only hope that as I’ve traveled around the state, met with many local associations and forged stronger or in some cases new friendships, that you feel your best interests were represented to the highest ideal by my having served in the position you entrusted me to.

Thank you all for your trust in me, and your willingness to allow me to represent you. Lee Cote, you’re in for a treat.