I can't say enough about the educational programs that were masterfully coordinated by our training committee under the very capable direction of Chief David Thompson. In talking with many of our members, we were able to provide some very beneficial training on some timely issues that we each deal with on a daily basis.

After several years of excellent leadership, Chief Thompson has asked to step down as the chair of our training committee. I have regretfully accepted his request with my thanks for a job well done. We are fortunate however that Chief Dorene Thomas has graciously agreed to step in and take over in this critical position. Chief Thomas has been working closely with Chief Thompson in coordinating our conference training and I know she will do a wonderful job for many conferences to come. If you have any questions or suggestions for training issues, please contact Chief Thomas at the Pinellas Park Police Department. I am sure that she will welcome your comments and ideas.

Once again, we had a tremendous turn out of vendors for our conference as well. We had an opportunity to see the latest and greatest in public safety equipment and had the chance to visit with many vendors that we have been fortunate enough to call our friends for many years, and the chance to make friends with some of our newer suppliers as well.

As always, I encourage you to spend as much time as possible at the conferences with the vendors, as they are great people, they have great merchandise, and they pay a huge portion of the expenses that this organization bears. Our member costs have remained relatively constant over the years thanks to these dedicated companies, so please take the opportunity in January to show your appreciation.

During the summer conference, I had the pleasure of announcing to the membership that the Executive Committee had chosen Amy Mercer as our new Executive Director. As you know, Amy has served our association as its Interim Executive Director since Hal Robbins' resignation earlier this year.

I have been fortunate to work closely with Amy during this interim period and I could not have been happier with how she has stepped in and performed for this association. While we had many qualified applicants to consider for this position, fewer things in my career have made me happier than being able to present Amy as the new Executive Director. She is a very capable professional who will represent our association well at all levels. We hope we are fortunate enough to have her and Merrily both around for many years to come. If you haven't already done so, make sure that you congratulate Amy on her new appointment when you have the opportunity.

On a legislative note, you are probably all aware by now that President Bush has signed into law HR 218, the "Law Enforcement Officer's Safety Act" - otherwise known as the Right to Carry Law. The FPCA will be working closely with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Sheriff's Association and the Attorney General's Office to discuss the impact and methods of implementation of this new law. It will no doubt have a measurable impact on each of our agencies and we will do everything we can to help each agency deal with it in a uniform manner.

By the next issue, we should have made some progress in this area and we will be able to bring you up to speed at that time.

Until then, be assured your board members and staff members are continuing to work hard on your behalf on all matters of mutual concern.

May God bless you and yours.

Chief Jay Romine