A great deal of thanks needs to go out to Chief David Slusser of the Panama City Police Department and his terrific staff, specifically Deputy Chief John Van Etten. Chief Slusser and all of the agencies represented within District 10 stepped up to the plate late last year and agreed to take on the monstrous responsibility of hosting our summer conference. Anyone who has ever hosted one knows exactly what I am talking about! For a while, we were afraid we were going to be a conference without a home - until these agencies came through for your association and what a job they did!

I think you all will agree that even though they got a late start in planning the conference, everyone was informed in detail of all of the activities that were planned for the members, spouses and children much earlier than we ever expected.

That certainly makes travel planning much easier for us all. Thanks again, Chief Slusser, and everyone else involved for all of your hard work and dedication to making this a great time for all of us.

I cannot say enough about our staff members and the incredible job they do not just before and during the conference, but all during the year. I have had the pleasure of working recently on a daily basis with Amy Mercer and Merrily Herrmann and you have so much to be proud of with these two dedicated members of our team.

Amy has done a terrific job of stepping in and running the operation as its Interim Executive Director since Hal's departure. Merrily also has stepped up and taken on much greater responsibility during this time without a single complaint. I can tell you without a doubt that this association has not missed a beat with these two manning the ship in Tallahassee so please make a point to commend them when you have an opportunity.

I will close by telling you how much I appreciate the opportunity you have given me by allowing me the pleasure of holding the president's position for the coming year. It means a great deal to me that you have instilled that trust in me and I will do my absolute best to represent you well throughout the state.

By holding the position of president, that is all that I am doing is representing you…the member. This organization, as great as it is, is nothing without its active members. I am sure you all know by now how strongly I feel about including EVERYONE in the activities and business of the FPCA, whether you are a first- year member or a life member. I am always interested in hearing your opinions about what we are doing or what we should be doing, and I am only a phone call away. Beware though…when you call, I will put you to work!

That is what it is all about…working for the betterment of our association and law enforcement in this great state that we are blessed enough to work in.

Next month I hopefully will be able to bring you up to speed on our search for a new executive director and the plans your very capable executive board and district directors have for the coming year. Enjoy your summer vacations and I wish you safe travel.

May God bless you and yours.

Chief Jay Romine