Katherin Galieti 
74th President 2006/2007
85th UPOA Convention to be held in Logan, Utah June 2007
Married to Michael Galieti - 77th UPOA President 2005-2006

     What an honor it has been to have served as president of the UPOA Auxiliary.  My 2006/2007 term is coming to a close and the year has been a most rewarding experience.  This organization has provided new and lasting friendships and many opportunities to serve.  As I read over the UPOA Values I was impressed with the expectations of each member. The UPOA and the UPOAA members are committed to serve all members of the Utah law enforcement family and their community.  The ethical behaviors expected, whether enforcing the law or dealing within one’s own personal life, is to strive to make our homes a safer and a better place for all to live.  As president of the UPOAA and wife of a West Jordan Police Officer, I have witnessed the effectiveness, dedication and integrity of the law enforcement profession.  What a privilege it is to be a part of the law enforcement family.

     The UPOA has had an annual convention held somewhere in the state every year since 1922.  We continue this worthy tradition with the upcoming summer convention to be held in Logan on June 20th through 23rd.  In our last auxiliary board meeting we discussed the upcoming events in preparation for a fun time for all.  First, we would like to thank Holly Dixon for arranging some of the auxiliary’s activities.  She has invited the Nursing Staff from the Cash County Jail to provide a basic first aid CPR class.  We will also enjoy some humanitarian activities such as quilting and knitting.  President-elect, Kozette Christensen, has chosen the colors red, white, and blue for the banquet table centerpieces.  We invite the board members to bring two centerpieces to decorate the tables and two gifts for our drawing at our board meeting.  As a reminder, all past auxiliary presidents have been asked to bring their scrapbooks to share past memorabilia. 

     Several significant accomplishments have been achieved this past year such as our donation to the Salt Lake Christmas Box House and several contributions to law enforcement families.  In honor of Utah’s Fallen Officers the UPOA Auxiliary has provided support in behalf of the Utah Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.  The UPOA Auxiliary has helped greatly to increase the enjoyment and sociability of the UPOA.  We continue to abide by the constitution that was adopted in 1933; “The object of the auxiliary shall be to provide social activities and education features for the benefit and enlightenment of its members.”  I give thanks to the many members who have supported, modeled, and advised me in this leadership position.  And now as I say farewell, I shall quote Ken Wallentine in his last president’s message; “So Long, Auf Wieder Sehen, Adieu and Ciao.”

From the Utah Peace Officer, Issue 84/1

Thanks to the many auxiliary members who contributed to a very successful Midwinter Convention.  The weather was warm and wonderful.  The food and prizes were great.  The fund raiser was successful, and Ken Wallentine won the Bronze statue that he really wanted.  Of course, we all wanted it.  Congrats, Ken! 

     The facility at the Holiday Inn has always been a very inviting place to stay.  The crafty lady, Eden Griffith, was there with her crafts.  Some of us chose to go shopping, join our spouses for part of the training, or set out by the pool.  Gerri Haney was very protective of her “special spot” by the pool.  We think she probably reserved it and roped it off.  Just kidding Gerri.  We were all glad to see Art Haney looking so strong and healthy after his heart surgery.  Gerri expressed how appreciative they both were of all the phone calls, flowers, and get-well wishes.  We all needed some quiet time and what could be better than sunshine and the beautiful red bluffs of St. George.

     We are now preparing for the Summer Convention, which will be held in Logan on June 20th through 23rd.   I was not able to reach Holly Dixon prior to writing this article, but she has contacted some locals who have volunteered to offer us some activities.  It was also mentioned that there is a local artist, Colleen Howell, who has a gallery that might be of interest to those who have an appreciation for the arts.  We want to be sure and invite all who wish to participate in the Beer Shoot.  There is only one prerequisite—anyone that practices is disqualified; right Janet!  There is also fun and prizes for the Kiddie Shoot.  The barbeque is free for children 12 and under and babysitting will be provided during the convention for those who pre-register for it.

     President-elect, Kozette Christensen, has chosen the colors red, white, and blue for the banquet table centerpieces.  So, let’s be creative and each board member bring two centerpieces to decorate the tables.  I can bring my red center table cloths to fit over the white rounds which make a very attractive setting. 

     Last, but certainly not least, we discussed that we would like to invite all past auxiliary presidents to bring their scrapbooks to share past memorabilia.  Our historian, Rae Jacobsen, has been so gracious as to provide the auxiliary presidents with this wonderful gift after they have served a term.  Speaking of past presidents, Marcile Rueckert Leake, past UPOA Auxiliary president who served during the 1976-1977 term passed away on February 3, 2007.  We would like to offer our condolences to her family.  We also understand that Gail Gale’s husband Ron has been in the hospital.  We hope all is well and that we see you at Summer Convention.  Until then, Ciao!

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From the Utah Peace Officer, Issue 83/4

Each and every one of us has a favorite holiday.  For some, nothing can beat Christmas Day.  Christmas is a time of loving.  This love is expressed by the gifts we give to one another.  It is the boundless spirit of giving and receiving that makes Christmas such a happy occasion.

     This year the UPOA Auxiliary will be giving a monetary donation to the Salt Lake Christmas Box House.  There are also many material needs necessary to provide a comfortable environment of care for the many children living there.  A list of these needs is being mailed to all members of the Auxiliary in order to provide a generous donation.

     The Salt Lake Christmas Box House provides temporary shelter and assessment services to children up to the age of eleven who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.  These children receive mental, emotional, and physical care in a home-like, loving environment.  During their stay, they participate in a variety of excellent programs such as Recreational Therapy, Animal Assisted Therapy, Music Therapy, Scrapbooking, Gardening, and the Star Program.

     It is Christmas every day at the Christmas Box House.  A child’s first sight upon entering the home is a lighted Christmas tree.  The tree is decorated year-round to reflect the holidays and seasons.  The base of the tree is surrounded by hundreds of stuffed animals.  When a child arrives at the shelter they have a chance to choose an animal from under the tree to keep.

     Christmas is a wonderful time of year.  It is a season where there are more smiles and acts of kindness than are found through the rest of the entire year.  There is an accelerated reaching out to those in distress.  The Christmas season has the ability to develop in us powerful feelings of holiness, joy, gratitude and security.  These feelings often replace fear, insecurity, hurt, and loneliness.  It is the wish of the UPOA Auxiliary that each of us this Christmas season will find the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts and homes.

From the Utah Peace Officer, Issue 83/3

It is an honor to be elected to the UPOA Auxiliary board as president for the 2006-2007 term. It is indeed a privilege to serve in this capacity as a support to the law enforcement profession. I realize I am a part of a strong and energetic group of ladies.
Before writing my first article for the UPOA magazine, I did some research on the history of the law enforcement association. The first convention of the UPOA was held in Ogden, Utah, on June 29-30, 1923. Ten years after this on June 25-26, 1933, at Richfield, Utah, the first meeting of the UPOA auxiliary was held. Richard H. Wootton was the first president of the UPOA and his wife, Irene, became the first president of the auxiliary ten years later. There were about fifteen women involved in the auxiliary at this time and a committee was appointed to formulate a constitution and by-laws for the organization. The constitution that was adopted stated, “The object of the auxiliary shall be to provide social activities and education features for the benefit and enlightenment of its members.” Today, the auxiliary extends its services in many different capacities such as fund raisers and in the support of charities. We welcome any information on those in whom we might be of further service.
I was reading the 2001-2002 presidents’ message written by Karl Hirst who stated that he had been asked to describe the biggest obstacle facing the UPOA. He answered the question in one word, apathy. This might well be, I am not sure. However, I have also found in my profession as a Marriage and Family Counselor that what might contribute to the appearance of apathy, might also be the stressful demands on our time and in our homes. Families today are struggling for survival. Statistics proclaim that half of marriages end in divorce. Family members seem to be disengaging in the family system which might appear as apathy but perhaps has more to do with the lack of knowledge. Where does one learn how to become united as a family? When there is a lack of order in the family system this inevitably contributes to the lack of order in the social system. This in turn effects all professions including the families of police officers. If a police officer is battling at home as well as on the streets the majority of his/her time is spent in a war zone. When energy is being spent on the home front where does one find energy for the other demands of life? A home base needs to become a power base where one can come and be refueled, reenergized, and recoup instead of being depleted of one’s energy.
My mission at home, in my profession, and as the 74th president of the UPOA Auxiliary is similar to the precepts outlined in the constitution; “to provide social and educational enlightenment for the benefit of all its members”. With the strength and unity of the auxiliary board, we will do our best to serve in this capacity.
Time is really flying. It’s hard to believe that three months have passed since we were at summer convention in Cedar City. For those of you who were unable to attend summer convention, you were greatly missed. Now is a good time to mark the calendar and reserving the time to be at next years convention. Encourage your spouses to put in early with their agency to attend next year.
A big thanks goes to those who planned the convention activities and secured the venues to meet in. Thanks to Cedar City for hosting UPOA in their lovely city and the businesses that extended a gracious welcome to us.
The range was a great facility for the shooters and thanks to the ladies that keep the registration and scores straight. I hope everyone was able to get to the K-9 Competition held at SUU. It was amazing to watch the dogs and handlers work together. After being in the sun at the range and at the K-9 Competition it was time to cool off at the BBQ. And mother nature did cool us off with a good rain storm that had us running for indoors but then passed by in time for dinner.
At the banquet we had good food, good company and great door prizes. Congratulations to Brent Merchant for winning the grand prize Television. It was then time to honor Toni Gillett for all the hard work and dedication as president last year. Larry pinned on her past presidents badge and didn’t even stick himself or Toni. She was presented a Bracelet and Ring as a gift of appreciation for a job well done. Also many thanks go to her board for their work and devotion to the auxiliary. The table decorations at convention were a tribute to Toni. Every table was a sea of purple, making Toni really happy because we all know her favorite color is purple!
The auxiliary raffle brought a good return for our bank account. This year we were especially grateful for the donation of a competition PPC pistol which we raffled separately. Linda Nielson was the winner of the drawing for the pistol. Way to go Linda! Being a shooter she will enjoy this fine gun.
At the business meeting it was decided to put together a quilt made up of department patches from as many agencies as we can get. Janet Lee has accepted the challenge to collect the patches and try to make the quilt top so we can quilt it at winter convention and then raffle it off at next summer convention. Please get your spouse and together contact the agencies in your region to obtain their department patch and send them to Janet ASAP. Her address is P.O. Box 510073, Mt Home, Ut 84051
We are also looking into selling those popular wrist bands as a fund raiser for the UPOA Auxiliary. Jill Shefer is looking into cost for us. We will keep you posted on this project.
Our theme for winter convention in St. George is a patriotic theme - Red, White, and Blue. Please be thinking about your table decorations and plan on bringing two of them for the winter convention banquet.
Thanks to all of you who have accepted positions on my board for the coming year. I really appreciate your willingness to serve. Let’s try to get more ladies involved in the UPOA Auxiliary during the coming year. It is great fun! Hope to see you in St. George!
If you have any questions or problems in your region you can contact me at GSMHaney@aol.com
 
The Utah Peace Officers Association Auxiliary (UPOAA) promotes the best interests of the 
Law Enforcement Family and the welfare of the communities it serves - since 1932
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