We all remember what it was like to experience the striking contrasts during calls for service within our communities. While some families celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with a heart of true thankfulness for their blessings and a desire to give, other families endure the tragedies of depression, suicides, disfunctionality, domestic violence and the like.

Let's remember to thank our troops for the manner in which they manage this emotional roller coaster each year and how they influence positive outcomes in many cases, in spite of the circumstances.

As mentioned previously, our Strategic Plan has been updated, including accomplishments which include achievements under Chief Roy Arigo's term, as well as new initiatives for this year.

I do want to mention we are moving forward with our initiatives with the Florida League of Cities. FPCA Executive Director Hal Robbins will meet with the League's Executive Director Mike Sittig in a couple of weeks to map out plans for the Executive Search Project, as well as the development of joint leadership training.

Last week, Gov. Bush appointed Chief Gerry Monahan of Port Orange to the Standards and Training Commission, and Chief Doreen Thomas of Pinellas Park to the CJIS Advisory Committee. I am very confident both of these outstanding professionals will represent us well.

Also, I want to thank a few chiefs for accepting responsibility for some new initiatives. Chief Skip Clark of Juno Beach will represent FPCA on the Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee, while Chief Marshall Gage of Boynton Beach will closely follow the progress of Florida's Interoperability Network Project. Lastly, Chief David Romine of St. Petersburg Beach heads up an ad hoc committee considering the feasibility of FPCA developing crime scene protocol statewide. FPCA is grateful to all these all Florida police chiefs, who are getting into the arena of activity to make a difference.

We've continued an active relationship with FDLE. I was honored to represent the FPCA in speaking to the charter graduating class of the Sergeants Leadership Academy in Tallahassee on Oct. 31. Twenty-three of our best sergeants in the state graduated. I'll have more to say about the progress and future of this program after we meet at the Executive Institute Policy Board on Nov. 25.

Lastly, through partnering with the Florida Sheriffs Association and FDLE, there is a fair chance within the next year, that FDLE will purchase with Byrne Grant residual funding, for the law enforcement community, new breathalyzer equipment to replace our old, worn-out equipment.

So much to say, but so little space. I'd I better wrap up this article before we run out of space.

It's been a real privilege to travel around the state these past couple of months and address various district chiefs associations. As I've mentioned in each article, please don't hesitate to call me. I'm always available to come visit your association.

Until next time, Diane and I wish you and your families a very merry and safe holiday season.

Paul G. Rumbley