fbinaa_May-June-2019.FINAL

ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVE

Johnnie Adams

Dear Fellow Graduates,

T his will be my final update prior to the National Conference in Phoenix, Arizona from July 20-23, 2019. Located at the beautiful JW Marriot Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, you will experience the finest training opportunities while rekindling friendships with fellow graduates and their families. Our focus is on up to date 21st Century contemporary law enforcement trends and issues. This conference is unique in that we have more training opportunities than any other conference to date, with five keynote presentations, 20 breakout sessions and over 100 vendors and exhibitors. I want to thank the Arizona Chapter for all of their hard work preparing for this conference and I know that those at- tending will appreciate the hospitality that you offer. Throughout this year, the Executive Office and Board have worked diligently to provide the best return on investment from your membership. We are committed to enhancing your ability to have access to excellent training and the ability to use our power- ful network to accomplish your goals. I will share with you a story about the importance of the “Net- work.” In 2011, Roger A. Miller , an international fugitive wanted in Southern Florida in connection with a $5 million dollar fraud, was taken into custody in Phuket Thailand. Larry Horak , session 239 was a lieutenant at the time for the Margate, Florida Police Department and the primary investigator trying to locate Miller. Horak knew that Miller was in Thailand but had trouble locating him. Lieutenant Horak said, Quote - “I thought I had a member of my NA class from the Royal Thai Police, so I sent him an e-mail with a description of Miller, and within 24 hours, I got a response saying ‘We’ve located him—let us know what you’d like us to do.’" This shows the power and strength of the network. There have been countless stories like this throughout the world by our graduates and I encourage you to share them with the National Office. I take pride in knowing that I can go to our directory and call any one of our members for assistance and they will go out of their way to help a fellow member of the Associa- tion. The Yellow Brick is the symbol that binds us all together; alone it is just a brick but together it builds a beautiful structure that is both strong and versatile. Speaking of bricks, have you signed up for the Virtual Yellow Brick run? You can register by going to our main website and will support the FBINAA Charitable Foundation. Once registered you can complete the run up until July 8, 2019. I have signed up for the run and though I am not a runner, you can run, walk, jog, (crawl) whatever it takes to finish the race. Make it an event that you customize for yourself. It is a great way to raise money for the Foundation while promoting fitness.

back at all of our conversations, whether in the classroom or the Boardroom, they were all meaningful and enjoyable. To my home chapter of California, I would not be here without your support, friendship and guidance. A special thanks to my initial mentors of Wayne Ikeuchi , session 182 and Jim Peterson , session 189 as well as all the board members that I have worked with along the way. To the National Executive boards both past and present. You are all exceptional leaders who have spent countless hours working to improve our Association and profession. What can I say about our National Office? “Wow,” is one word that sums it all up. You truly are the heart and soul of everything relating to the National Academy. Your dedication is the glue that holds our “yellow bricks” together. I know that I will be a lifelong member continually building upon the NA experience and am thankful to be a graduate.

Take care and be safe,

Johnnie Adams, President FBINAA Chief, Santa Monica College Police Department FBINA #222

In closing, I want to thank everyone along the way in this journey. To my fellow classmates, Session 222 is the best! I look

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