FBINAA - May 2022 catalog

Continued from "Meet the Candidate", on page 13

MEET THE CANDIDATE CHIEF STEPHEN HRYTZIK F ellow FBI National Academy graduates, My name is Stephen Hrytzik , a proud graduate of Session 221. I am asking for your support as I seek to be your Section IV Representative. I have served the community of Powell for 31 years, one of the fastest growing communities in Ohio. I started my career as an undercover drug officer then moved to patrol. I was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant and subsequently Deputy Chief. After serving 11 years as Deputy Chief I was promoted to Chief in September of 2019. Like most of you, I view this profession as a calling. There are few things in life that give me as much joy as serving others and helping improve the lives of the people around me. When I arrived at the academy in 2005, I was humbled to be surrounded by so many accomplished leaders. The academy helped me realize that although I came from a smaller depart- ment, we all shared a common goal. It made me proud to be a part of something bigger than myself. Everyone has these stories of their time at Quantico. That’s the beauty of this shared experi - ence – we are all connected. Shortly after graduating, I began serving the Ohio Chapter in several positions, including Chapter President in 2017. I wanted to give back to the association that had given me so much. Throughout my time being involved in the Ohio chapter, I met some of the best people, not just law enforcement professionals. I lean on them as mentors and they have become some of my closest and most trusted friends. In an effort to broaden my understanding of our association, I joined the National Membership Committee and Youth Leader - ship (YLP) Committee. Through my exposure to these commit- tees, I’m able to see firsthand the passion, dedication and drive of our NA leadership and staff. I learn something new every time we meet. My experience and the relationships I’ve formed through - out my journey led me to this moment. In the fall of 2019 at the Section IV meeting in Pittsburgh, Pa. I announced my candidacy for Section IV Representative and my intent to participate in the 2022 campaign. Little did any of us know what 2020 and 2021 would hold for us, or how it would impact everyone’s lives. Although we, as law enforcement professionals, were impacted and attacked on many fronts, we stood strong, learned from our experiences and found ways to better serve our communities. In the late summer and fall of 2021, chapters in section IV began hosting in-person training events. I was excited to finally connect (in person) with members, listen to their needs and share my vision.

I’ve identified several areas that are priorities for our sec - tion’s membership. As your representative, I would spend my time focusing on these goals: • Stay connected to all Section IV members It is important that all of our members understand how vital they are to our success as an organization. • Attend chapter events throughout Section IV Through my travels to chapter events, I have learned the importance of connecting and understanding the needs of the members in each area of the country. We have many leaders at the chapter level who have a great deal of insight and institutional knowledge of what are best practices for our association. • Advocate for chapter ideas and concerns As Section IV Representative, my job would be to listen to our members and provide the executive board insight into issues facing our members. • Look for ways to imporove the membership experience We have so many members with creative ideas. Through my experience the past three years observing the board meeting calls, I understand my role would be to communicate to the executive board the ideas, programs and training our members are interested in supporting. • Communicate National's message When the Executive Board creates policy and direction for our association, it’s the section representatives’ responsibility to articulate to the members the direction and the reason for the decision. It’s also the representatives’ responsibility to the board to report feedback from the membership. I’m fortunate to have received endorsements from the Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey Chapters. I have also received individual support from leaders of other Chapters in Section IV as well. As the Chief of the Powell Police Department (Ohio), I have the full support of my City Administration to represent our sec-

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