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A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAPLAIN

F B I N A A . O R G | J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 9

Jeff Kruithoff

The Memory Roll

A n honored tradition of the annual FBINAA Training Conference is when we collectively take time to pause to remember and honor those graduates who have passed away since our conference in Quebec Canada, or their passing was not previously noted because their death only recently came to the attention of the National Office. We do this through the Memory Roll Ceremony. I have had the privilege to convey to many of the families or departments of graduates who have died the thoughts, prayers, and condolences of the Executive Board and the general mem- bership. Doing that was a tremendous honor. The graduates honored at the ceremony not only showed great strength and character in life but many showed great cour- age in death. Because death like life is unpredictable, some passed away after long courageous battles with illness or cancer, giving us time to say good-bye while some left us suddenly and left large voids to fill. Some died in great discomfort and some died quietly as their hearts merely said, “We have no more to give”. Some died due to the heavy hand of time, and some even died to that great- est of all threats we face as police officers, the suicide bullet. The common bond of all of these graduates was their proud completion of the FBI National Academy. Most carried that pride for many years until their deaths. A pride all of us foster, encour- age, and promote in new graduates. The Memory Roll is more than reviewing a list of names. There are many fascinating stories behind each of the names. It has been a tremendous blessing to read the obituary’s and see the dedication and commitment the persons honored at the cer- emony have made to our profession and to their community’s. Some graduates honored went onto elected offices at the Local, State, and even the National Level in Congress. Some were presidents of local Chambers of Commerce, service organiza- tions and not for profit boards in their communities. Pat from session 92 and Robbie from session 100 were past presidents of the FBINAA, Michael from session 113 was former Chapter President in Georgia, and Guy from session 167 was a for- mer section representative. Patricia , from session 102 broke the glass ceiling in so many ways during her career. Scott from session 109 was the father of a staff member in the National Office. Edgar from session 166 started the Mexican Chapter of the FBINAA. Another of our international graduates was a Trappist Monk as a teenager, then became a police officer and then a Chief of Police before becoming a Minister. Another International gradu- ate actually graduated college as a dentist, but ended up having a long distinguished career in both law enforcement and his country’s military. Many had military careers intertwined with their police careers, and several represented the Greatest Generation.

Finally, since our National Academy is founded on 84 years of legacy and tradition since the first session in 1935, I should also specifically point out Homer Wanamaker from session 97 whose son Jeff is a proud member of session 262. On a personal note, the last name on the list, Robert DuHadway , was the SAC who approved my application to the National Academy. Bob was a great man and honored the FBI with his service. Just as a police funeral is rich with symbolism; the American flag, the shrouded badge, and the cadence walk of an honor guard, we also mark the occasion of the Memory Roll with sym- bols. These symbols link the profound impact these individu- als have had on our lives and our great organization: the FBI National Academy Associates. Memory Table : vested with simple but meaningful symbols of honor. 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 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 placed on the table to symbolize the family and friends of these graduates left behind. 4. A police hat and badge placed on the table to symbolize the absence of these graduates. 5. A lit white candle placed on the table as a constant reminder that these graduates are not forgotten. 6. A framed list providing the name, session, and date of death of each fallen graduates posted on the table to allow conference attendees an opportunity to review and reflect upon their lives and service. The Memory Table, as always, remained on display throughout the 2019 conference so attendees could review, reflect, and remem- ber friends who had passed on. For those who could not attend the Training Conference in Phoenix, please take a moment to review and reflect on the following list of graduates. Remember them fondly and keep their family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

God Bless,

Jeff Kruithoff jkruithoff@fbinaa.org | 937.545.0227

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