The Utah Peace Officer, Issue 1 2008 As I begin this month’s message I would first like to acknowledge the overwhelming response to the “Fall Ride 4 Fallen Officers”. The “Ride” had amazing publicity thanks to KBER radio, and Mick and Allen. You guys are great! The ride also received a tremendous amount of publicity due to Mark Shurtleff’s misfortune. May I say on behalf of UPOA and UPOAA, we sincerely hope that things are going well towards Mark’s recovery! This ride was to raise money to build the new Memorial for Utah’s’ Fallen Officers; those who have given their all. This new Memorial will be built on the west lawn of the State Capitol. As the day began early, storm clouds were gathering above us. Volunteers were set up on the south lawn of the Maverik Station. There was a chill in the air and the grass seemed to crunch under our feet. The fear of bad weather keeping riders away was on everyone’s mind. But that fear didn’t last long. Riders dressed in black leather, bandanas, fringe, and silver buckles started showing up quicker than we could keep up with. As volunteers for this function, we were collecting donations, and selling shirts and ULEM pins for the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial. Every cent of this fundraiser went toward this Memorial. The Memorial will be a breathtaking tribute to those men and women in law enforcement who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The weather made it hard for cold fingers to keep working. But the warmth of friendship from each and every rider made us proud to be part of this good cause. Governor Huntsman and nearly eight hundred Utah bikers and law enforcement officers made the ride from south of the point of the mountain to the State Capitol. It was an amazing sight to stand on the Capitol grounds and watch as each rider passed by. I was pleased to have two of my four daughters working with us at the volunteer registration tables and also another daughter and son-in-law ride with the group. I personally would like to thank each Utah biker and countless businesses and private donors for making this event count. Timpanogos Harley Davidson donated a brand new Harley that was raffled off among the crowd. Unfortunately, it was won by Ken Wallentine from the Attorney Generals’ Office…Ken…. I hope you don’t mind that my name was etched onto the frame of that bike. All I can hope for is that I’ll have better luck next year! There on the Capitol lawn in front of the 120 American flags (one for each officer lost) waving in the background, a short program took place with Governor Huntsman as the keynote speaker. We all stood in the warmth of the afternoon sun and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. As the program ended, a single Bagpipe was heard playing Amazing Grace and 30 white doves took flight into the blue sky. As part of the law enforcement family the hope is to never loose another member and yet we all know it will happen. As part of UPOA and UPOAA our Conventions are filled with the most current training relating to “Today’s” issues; things that really do matter for you and your families. Please join us for Mid-Winter Convention, Jan. 30-Feb.1st 2008, in St. George. The Banquet theme is “Shining Stars” chosen by Pres. Elect Brooke Ward. As we are gearing up for the Holiday season I would like to ask each of you to be looking for opportunities to collect gifts for our various fundraisers. Please drop them off if possible at the UPOA Office in Taylorsville. If that is not near you please contact me and I will make arrangements to have them picked up. Please mark them (1) The Christmas Box House , ( 2 ) Primary Children’s Medical Center, (3) Mid-Winter Convention Raffle. It would be great if you have the opportunity to check with neighbors or youth groups who are in need of projects to achieve different ranks, say in scouts, or any businesses you may think might be interested in donating to these great causes. I will be sending a list around to all board members to finalize the Charities we will be helping and what things are needed. Also don’t forget… bring two center pieces for the banquet night dinner and two door prizes for the Auxiliary board meeting. That will be held on the last morning of the mid-winter convention. Thank you so much for your support and may this Holiday Season be your best ever! ---------- The Utah Peace Officer, Issue 4 2007 Several years ago my husband was asked to serve as chaplain of the Utah Peace Officers Association. At first, I chuckled and said “OK?” I was not sure what it involved and did not realize the journey that this position would take us on. My first convention was Winter Convention in St. George. The training alone was amazing. (Thanks to B.L. Smith from Sandy City P.D. and Ken Wallentine from the AG.’s office). I attended all the training that was available. I learned so much. It was great to associate with so many who have the same concerns and goals. The “shoots” were a blast (no pun intended). It’s amazing how fun it is to shoot at hundreds of dollars worth of someone else’s beer. By the end of that convention, I knew that this organization was one worth being part of. I found myself asking my husband why we had never attended U.P.O.A. functions in the past. We just had never gone to any. Yes, life is very busy and we get caught up in the same old ruts year by year, but U.P.O.A. is a ride that will benefit and reward you for your involvement. If you are missing the conventions, you’re missing out. |
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