Dear Colleagues :
I’ve been asked to take the reigns as President of the American Association of Police Officers at a milestone in the association’s history. It was 20 years ago, when retired police officer Robert LeConte (first to hold the office of President) began drafting the framework for a new organization with his son Phil and David Dierks.
Their guiding principle was a simple one: provide a national stage for veteran law enforcement officers
to share their wisdom and experience. From their first conference with keynote speaker then-outgoing Chief Daryl Gates (LAPD) through today’s “Officer-Down Crisis Response” Seminars lead by retired Sgt. John Cooley, AAPO has spent two decades tapping the wisdom of veteran law enforcers both active duty and retired – and putting it to useful purpose for a whole new generation of Americans.
My association with AAPO has only been a few years, but during that time I have been able to see the smooth inner workings of the organization. I have also witnessed the determination of Phil and Kelly LeConte, son and daughter of our founder, and their passion to carry their father’s dream forward by amassing two impressive A dvisory C ouncils comprised of dedicated civilians and some of the finest law enforcement officers in the country.
As we commemorate our 20th anniversary, we stand on the shoulders of these men and women who share Robert LeConte’s vision. I salute all of those Advisory Council members, past and present. You make it happen. Your support has gotten us where we are today. Thank you on behalf of the men and women of law enforcement.
The world has changed dramatically in twenty years, since the days when David Dierks recorded newly enrolled officers by hand in a ledger. Today, the information we write, record, video tape or program, can be reformatted, uploaded and shared with the world that same day. AAPO will continue its leadership in harnessing these new technologies for the purpose of educating the next generation of public safety officers as well as our citizens, both young and old.
My professional career has been enriched and inspired by gracious and gifted individuals who have supported me along the way. (My life is testament to whatever measure of success that we achieve through hard work, but much is still owed to the support and the encouragement of those who helped along the way toward this pinnacle of professional leadership in my life.)
I thank my family members. I give special thanks to my lovely wife Karen, who is the wind beneath my wings. My children and grandchildren have been a source of strength and encouragement. Special friends such as Leatha Warden, LPC, my Pastor Rick McClure, and lifelong friend Terry McDonald have been a constant blessing to me. I also thank colleagues and friends from AAPO. I wish to thank DPS Capt. Ron Snow, retired Texas Ranger, currently Sheriff Bobby Grubbs, and Chief Bobby Duvall, whose counsel and encouragement have been very valuable to me. And last but not least, I want to thank the Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace has provided light at every juncture of my life. He is indeed a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
The next twenty years will surely furnish distinct and demanding challenges for this organization and for our country. I do not know the future, but I do know the power of like minded men and women, both enterprising and driven by a heart full of justice. My friends, our best days are still ahead of us.
Blessings,
Chaplain David J. Fair, PhD, President