September, 2008

               "Time to Get Down to Work"

Now that we are all settled down after an outstanding Summer Conference, it is time to focus on our activities and strategies for the upcoming year. Before I go further however, I would be remiss if I didn't express my sincere appreciation to Chief Steve Stepp and the Palm Beach County Police Chiefs Association for planning and hosting an outstanding Summer Conference at the PGA National Resort in beautiful Palm Beach Gardens. I would also like to express a special thank you to Chief Jay Pickens from the Palm Springs Public Safety Department for stepping up and chairing the Conference Committee for his Association as Skip Clark moved on to his new job.

In a nutshell the Conference, the venue and the events were truly a reflection of individuals and an Association that know a thing or two about hosting a Conference. It was a meaningful training and networking opportunity and a great time was had by all. Thank you to all the Chiefs and those assisting that made the 56th Summer Conference one to remember.

But now it is time to roll up our sleeves and get down to work. We are in the process of reviewing and updating our committee assignments. This is the time to show your interest and get involved in the workings of your Association. In a short time, you will all be contacted by your District Director regarding your interest and availability to participate in a committee. Those committees include Awards, Bylaws, Conference, Ethics, Executive Search, Explorer, Highway Safety, Legislative, Membership, Past Presidents, Private Security Partnership, Technology, Training and Wall of Honor. As you can see by the selection, the committee assignments are diverse and varied. One thing that I have learned during my nine years as a member is that our Association is rife with members that have much to contribute to these many causes.

From time to time, the need for ad hoc and advisory committees also arises. We have already had requests for our Association's participation in committees that will have a statewide impact on how we conduct business in various facets of our responsibilities. I am very proud to report that we have had Chiefs with special interest and knowledge in those issues step up and get involved ensuring that all of our concerns are addressed. We are very fortunate to have members willing to share their expertise to see that all of our interests are served. That is why I call on all of our very talented members to become an integral part of their Association through committee involvement.

By now most of us who have been preparing our fiscal year budget have seen the reality of the impact of tax reform. I think it is fair to say that we have all been impacted to some extent as a result of Amendment One. There are however, other elements of tax reform pending which in all likelihood will impact the availability of our resources in the future. This fact highlights the importance of member participation and our ability as an Association to enlighten everyone as to the breadth and significance of our needs.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, for those not able to become involved at the committee level, there is still a critical need for your involvement in our legislative liaison/ambassador initiative. There will be ample opportunity for you to sign up and join us in Tallahassee for a day or two during the legislative session to bring our message to the decision makers in the Capital. It is no longer a status quo environment that allows a few to do the bidding for the Association. Legislators understand and react to the high profile unified voice of groups. It is now our time to become one of those high profile very visible and vocal groups.

In summary, it has become clear that tax reform impact is only one of many issues that will play a major role in how we are able to perform our job and deliver service to our citizens in the future. We will do our best to monitor and respond appropriately to any and all matters that may potentially influence our members and their agencies but we need your help. This will continue to be a critical time for law enforcement in our State.

I look forward to the challenge of positioning our Association to become an influential voice in shaping our future. I look forward to doing so with the valuable assistance of the talented men and women of the Florida Police Chiefs Association. We must continue to focus on the mantra that the collective unified efforts of many far surpass those of a few. It is my great privilege to serve as your Association President. Thank You.

Chief Gerald Monahan