A message from FPCA's President, Chief Richard M. Beary:
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
July 1, 1998
Our 46th Annual Summer Conference was an overwhelming success. The Palm Beach County Chiefs did
an exceptional job. Their concerted efforts resulted in a first-class conference, exposition, and educational
experience. Thanks for having us as your guests. Special thanks to Chief Mitchell Tyre (Juno Beach) for
coordinating the conference and Chief Richard Overman (Delray Beach) for coordinating the training. Your
commitment of time and resources is truly appreciated. We look forward to returning to the Palm Beach area
in the future.
As I start this year as your President, I owe thanks to many people for their support, encouragement, and
advice during my 21 years of law enforcement. My father, Retired Chief Raymond Beary (Winter Park), has
been a role model not only for me but for many other law enforcement executives. He not only encouraged
but demonstrated risk taking, community involvement, cooperation, and leadership long before our
institutions of higher learning recognized these attributes as a model for successful management. My friend
and former boss, Chief William A. Liquori of the Altamonte Springs Police Department, continues to
demonstrate the art of tenacious goal achievement. Thanks for the many lessons!
I would also like to thank Chief James Gabbard, Vero Beach, for our association through another successful
year. Jim is a well-respected gentleman and ambassador for our organization. He will continue to serve with
distinction as a member of our Executive Board. His implementation of our new lifetime achievement award
will recognize those men and women whose commitment to service has left an endearing mark on our
profession. They are deserving of our recognition.
Our staff led by Executive Director Hal Robbins, continues to excel. Hal, Pat Lange, and Sabrina Counts
work tirelessly to serve each of us. We all owe them a debt of gratitude. I must also thank Mrs. Pat Robbins
for her contributions. She gives her time to help out in the office, at conferences, or anywhere the need
arises. She is truly a team player.
The year ahead offers many challenges and opportunities for law enforcement to lead the way. We must
organize our local resources and combat the marijuana legalization effort. We must address the guns in
schools dilemma and be part of the solution. Lastly, we will need to create a working relationship with the
new Governor in January. With your help and continued support, we can make a difference.
In closing, I am reminded of a Vince Lombardi quote that seems fitting for a police chief. Coach Lombardi
said, "It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up."