FBINAA Associate Magazine Q3.2021

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 1

Jeff Kruithoff

The Memory Roll

A honored tradition of the annual FBINAA Training Confer - ence is when we collectively take time to pause to remem- ber and honor those graduates who have passed away since our last training conference, 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. Last year our Memory Roll was virtual due to COVID virus restrictions; which, prohibited us frommeeting in person. You can still view that Memory Roll on the FBINAA web-site if you missed it. This year, our training conference in Orlando Florida was in person and we were able to recognize the passing and deaths of graduates near and dear to many of us. This year was especially meaningful to me since it was my last opportunity to facilitate this ceremony as your National Chaplain. I have had the privilege to convey to many of the fami- lies or departments of graduates who have died the thoughts, prayers, and condolences of the Executive Board and the general membership. Doing that for the past four years was a tremen- dous honor. The duties of the National Chaplain will now fall to Michael Hardee from the Florida Chapter. Mike is excited and honored to be chosen by the National Board as the next National Chaplain. I would ask that you give him and Jennifer Watson from the National Office the same support and assistance assembling the Memory Roll as you have provided during these last four years. The graduates honored at the Memory Roll Ceremony are more than 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 ceremony have made to our profession and to their community’s. 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 through- out the 2021 conference so attendees could review, reflect, and remember friends who had passed on. For those who could not attend the Training Conference in Orlando, 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.

Jeff Kruithoff FBINAA Chaplain

jkruithoff@fbinaa.org 937-545-0227

This column is Jeff Kruithoff 's last message as acting Chaplain for the Association. Next issue we will hear from our new Chaplain Mike Hardee .

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