fbinaa_jul-sept-2020-Final-digital-v2.FINAL

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAPLAIN

F B I N A A . O R G | J U L Y / S E P T 2 0 2 0

Jeff Kruithoff

A tradition at the annual FBINAA Training Conference is when we collectively take time to remember and honor those graduates who have passed away since our last training confer- ence, or their passing was recently brought to the attention of the National office. Right now our world swirls with problems, and as a result, we were unable to meet and hold a traditional Memory Roll Ceremony . However, it is still important to take the time and honor those who have died before us. In addition to this article which included the 2020 Memory Roll, the Eventive Group along with members of the National Office and the Louisiana Chapter have created a video of the 2020 Memory Roll. I hope you will take the time to review it. To many of us, the persons we honor today paved the way for our own careers. I have always respected police officers. Sheriff’s and Chief’s were larger than life to me as a child and in most cases still are. So many of the individuals we honor today sought to fulfill a childhood dream of merely being a police of- ficer never suspecting the contributions they would make. Some became Incident Commanders at very high profile incidents in our country. Super Bowls, political conventions and other mass casualty incidents. Others became teachers, professors, or instructors on higher learning. Some started K-9 units, marine patrols, or implemented things we take for granted today. Others opened homeless and domestic violence shelters in their communities. Many coached sports teams and carried the nickname of “coach” to their deaths. The common bond all of these graduates was their proud completion of the FBI National Academy. The list of life long members and office holders at the FBI- NAA Chapter level are numerous. David from 101, Harold from 154, Rusty from 156, Bob from 171, and Jim from 189 all spent countless years contributing to this Association. So as we take a precious few moments to reflect, honor, and remember these colleagues, friends, and associates who have left us. And lest this moment give us discomfort, let us not forget the words found in the Gospel of John where we are promised that God will not leave us comfortless. And his promise in the book of Revelation that He will wipe every tear from our eyes, and death and pain will be no more. Just as a police funeral is rich with symbolism; the American flag, the shrouded badge, and cadence walk of an honor guard, we also mark the occasion of the Memory Roll through the use of symbols.

1. The table, covered with a white cloth, symbolizes the loyalty and commitment of these graduates throughout their career of service to their respective communities. 2. An encased and folded American flag is placed on the table to represent the courage and sacrifice of these graduates as they protected our freedom and provided a safe environment for the citizens they served. 3. A single red rose in a vase is placed on the table to symbolize the family and friends of these graduates left behind. 4. A police hat and badge is placed on the table to symbolize the absence of these graduates. 5. A white candle is placed on the table and is lit as a constant reminder that these graduates are not, and will not, be forgotten. 6. A framed list providing the name, session, and date of death of each fallen graduates is posted on the table. The graduates listed have stopped making their contribu- tions to our profession; however, we can all carry on their legacy by living the creed of the FBINAA. KNOWLEDGE, COURAGE, INTEGRITY.

Until next time.

Jeff Kruithoff National Chaplain jkruithoff@fbinaa.org | 937.545.0227

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