- Art Haney
- Weber County S.O.
- 72nd President 2000 - 2001
- 79th Convention held in Brigham City, Utah, June 6 -9, 2001
- Married to Gerri Haney, Auxiliary President 2005-2006
- Department patches
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My how the time has passed. It is fast approaching June
and the end of my term as President of UPOA. I feel blessed for the opportunity
to have served in this position. I have gained an even greater respect
for the men that shaped the association into what it is today. The legacy
that has been created for the officers of today to follow and build on
is the testament to their work.
As the year winds down for me, it is gaining momentum for Karl
and the new executive board. It is this continuity that lets the association
grow and evolve with the needs of our members. Elections were held again
with members being asked to vote for a new vice president and representatives
from region "A". Two very capable men ran for the office of Vice President,
Ken Wallentine and Dennis Bailey. When the votes were tallied, Ken Wallentine
emerged as the new Vice President. So continues the evolution of leadership
within the association.
Duty
I read a quote concerning Duty and thought about what we do as
peace officers in our jurisdictions and why we do the job that is both
fulfilling and frustrating at times.
Duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should
never wish to do less." --- Robert E. Lee
I would like to salute a person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in his service to the UPOA. Our Chaplain, Frank Wall, is an example of selfless devotion to serving others. The past year has been a challenge to Frank. He has suffered numerous setbacks from an injury following last year's convention. He never let on about his problems but quietly went about organizing the memorial for winter convention. Even though he was critically ill he was there to conduct the service and only then go to the hospital. He spent countless hours planning and organizing the Law Enforcement Memorial held May 10, 2001 at the Capitol. The morning of the memorial he had another surgery and was unable to attend. His biggest concern was that he had burdened others with conducting the memorial. He and his lovely wife are true heroes and examples of what we all should be.
The legislature is now in recess. However the committees are still meeting and those bills we all wanted passed are now in an interim study committee. How they will be considered can depend on the interest shown by members of law enforcement. Stay in contact with your legislator during the summer and fall months. Several legislators commented that law enforcement is not organized enough to identify what legislation we want passed. "Why should I join UPOA?"
Looking Back
One year ago we were in the process of selling the old office and the property behind ProArms. The board discussions were intense at times with a lot of emotion involved. But as with steel being made hard by heat, the board came together and forged an agreement to move forward to getting a better office. The foresight of past presidents in purchasing the old building and property bore fruit in the form of good return on investment.
Three properties were identified as prospects for the new office. The board members examined each and our current office was chosen. We were able to secure the property under budget, achieving the goal to be in a new building without incurring any debt. The building was dedicated in November and serves in entire law enforcement community.
Midwinter Convention was held in January this year. This was to not be in conflict with World Cup and Olympic trial events being held in February. B.L. Smith once again came up with outstanding training. The food was good and the company was better. We even saw what the sun looked like.
Law Enforcement Week was kicked off with the memorial service May 10, 2001 at the Capitol. The service is to remember all Officers who have paid the ultimate price serving their community. It was with sadness that we added the name of Salt Lake City Police Officer Michael Dunman to the memorial. Guest speakers were Carol Penrod, wife of deceased Spanish Fork Officer, Larry Penrod, and Chief Charles "Rick" Dinse, Salt Lake City Police Department. A special thanks to Salt Lake Police Department Honor Guard for the outstanding ceremony at the memorial service.
Summer Convention will have been held in Brigham City by the time this issue is delivered. The training will be outstanding and the shooters will have scored a "possible". The meetings will have been held and the food enjoyed. I hope that you were there.
It has been my privilege to serve as president of UPOA and to be mentored by past presidents when I needed advice and guidance. Thanks to the board members who attended the sometimes marathon meetings and made well thought out decisions.
Last, I hope that I have not offended anyone with anything I have said or done. This year has been a highlight in my life. I treasure your friendship and association.
Stay Safe
Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in. "One man with courage makes a majority" -Andrew Jackson
Take care as you go about your duty serving your communities. Be safe and may God protect you and your families.
President's Message Vol. 78 Issue 1
Setting down to write this message I realize that it will be the
Spring 2001 issue. I hope that I'm not the only one having a time pass
quicker then they would like. So much has happened in the short time since
the opening and dedication of the new office.
We have lived through another general election with all the name
calling and back stabbing that has become common place with that event.
Think of the new names and voting terms that are now part of our terminology.
Chads, pregnant chads, hanging chads, dimpled chads and who did the voter
really mean to vote for chads. It will be interesting if there will be
an increase in the name "Chad" for babies in Florida. And then like the
bumper sticker declares, "my lawyer can beat up your lawyer." Sometimes
it was hard to keep up without becoming too cynical. But when it was all
said and done, those elected took their place in office and the world observed
why the United States of America still is the greatest and most blessed
of countries in the world.
Diversity
In law enforcement there is diversity. Each agency and city has its own traditions and customs. Look at the different uniforms and badges throughout the state, some blue, some brown, some green. Different shaped stars and shields. Each wore with pride that theirs is the sharpest and best. Some shoulder patches tell of the agency's motto or display a certain geographical feature within their boundary. Even the cars we drive identify the different agencies with unique colors and markings.
Yet with all this diversity there is a unity within the law enforcement community. As peace officers we share the same commitment to the well being of the people we serve. That is the common bond that brings us together.
United We Stand
Again I ask that every member sign up a new member this year. Let us double the membership of the UPOA. The strength of the organization comes from the members. If you are not a member now, fill out an application. Keep the UPOA strong by being a member.
I hope that every peace officer in the state has visited the new office. When you visit the office, closely examine the pictures of the past presidents. Read the dates they served as president and the agencies they came from. The legacy they left behind answers the question, "Why should I join UPOA?" Only you can fill their footsteps for the future.
Midwinter Convention-St. George
Midwinter Convention in St. George was held January 25 and 26, 2001. We were welcomed to St. George by Mayor Daniel McArthur, Chief Stratton, and Under Sheriff Kuhlmann. Our thanks again to the St. George Police Department Honor Guard for flag presentations at the opening ceremony and the memorial service. They really added to the program. Members of the honor guard were Det. Gary Jorgensen, Det. Dave Moss, Ofc. Al Gilman, lead by Lt. Russell Peck.
Those in attendance were treated to excellent instruction, food and camaraderie. B.L. Smith again arranged outstanding classes that were well attended. Even the infamous golf courses of St. George could not lure away those attending the presentations.
Our Chaplain, Frank Wall, conducted the memorial service that was outstanding. Judge David Sam gave a heart-warming talk honoring those who passed away since last year. The music provided by the Dixie State College LDS Institute of Religion was inspirational.
The business meeting gave members the opportunity to discuss and vote on proposed constitutional changes. The proposed changes were printed in the last issue of the magazine. Two names were placed in nomination for Vice President. Be sure to check out Dennis Bailey and Ken Wallentine's bios as they campaign for the Office. Two good men too chose from! The next order of nomination was for Sgt-at-Arms. Julie Stringer was voted by acclamation as the Sgt-at-Arms for the coming year. (And she didn't even win a gas can or elk urine at the Banquet)
Many thanks to the vendors who took the time to display their merchandise and visit with members between activities. Most important, thanks to those who came and participated in the Convention. It is you who make each activity special and successful.
Condolence
Several of our brother officers have been injured in the line of duty since our last magazine. We wish them well and speedy recovery from their injuries.
Correction Officer Barry Sanns is still recovering at the University Hospital. A fund has been established to help with his expenses. Call the UPOA office for information on donations to the fund
Thank You
A special thanks to Brigitte Dawson. The morning after Veronica's grandson's accident I called Brigitte and asked her to travel to St. George and fill in for Veronica. Without hesitation she called Sam to tell him where she was going and hitched a ride with BL to St. George. This selfless devotion to serving others is what makes UPOA the organization it is. The best part is we then got Sam to the convention the next day. Brigitte was the lucky winner of the ladies set of golf clubs, much to her delight. Thank you again for your help.
I read the following article and wanted to share it with you.
Something to Ponder,
by Author Unknown
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top 8% of the worldís wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation...you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If your parents are still alive and still married....you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful...you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someoneís hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder...you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings, and maybe pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.
Issue 77 Vol 4
GROWING PAINS
During the spring an offer was made by Valley Mental Health to purchase the UPOA building and property. Valley Mental Health had purchased the property behind UPOA to build a resident treatment center. The UPOA property was sought after to give their building plan greater flexibility. After much discussion by the Board of Directors, the board gave approval to the offer on the building and the building was sold.
Sometime ago, a piece of property was purchased behind the old Pro Arms building. The property was purchased with the idea and plan to build a new UPOA office in the future. With the closure of Pro Arms and the pending sale of the Pro Arms building to a non-law enforcement business, the board of director decided to sell this property also. Negotiations with the parties involved ended with our getting a fair price for the property.
A search for a new building was begun. Three properties were found that met the criteria the board had agreed to in selecting a building. That being close to the same square footage of the old building, accessible to the membership, and being within the budget. The board determined that no debt would be incurred to UPOA from the purchase of a new building. The properties were visited by the board and voted upon.
The board members present at the meeting chose two properties. An offer was made on the property at 5671 So. Redwood Road #19 and through negotiations an acceptable price was agreed to. This will be the new home of the Utah Peace Officers Association.
One member of the Executive Board has played a key role in the sale of the UPOA properties and the purchase of our new building. Karl Hirst was asked by Past President Tim Trujillo to represent UPOA in the sale of the building and the Pro Arms property. Karl spent a lot of hours dealing with the parties involved with the transaction. His expertise in dealing with real estate insured that we were getting the best price for the properties.
Just as Karl was beginning to relax, the board nominated him to continue with the search for a new building. Without missing a step Karl negotiated the purchase of the new building. My hat is off to Karl for taking on these two assignments.
We will have moved into the new building September 8, 2000. Unfortunately, this magazine did not make it to our membership in time to ask for help in moving the office because many hands make the move so much easier.
A dedication of the new building and ribbon cutting will be October 4, 2000. All UPOA members, family and friends are invited to come tour the new facility.
NEW MEMBERS
THIS YEAR,
SIGN UP A FRIEND!
STAY SAFE
We've Moved
Vol. 77, Issue 4
I am happy to report that the move to the new building went very smoothly. The crew from the prison did an outstanding job moving everything out of the old building and into our new building. It would have taken a lot longer had we not had them to help. And I am sure there would have been a lot more sore muscles the next day. I would like to thank Utah Corrections Industries for taking the challenge to move us to the new building.
One member of the executive board played a key role in the move to the new building. Harold McCown arranged for the Correction Industry crew to help with the move. He then thought of all the incidental things that we needed to get back into business. By the time we were moved he had either transferred or applied for the necessary paper work.
It would be great to tell you that when we left the building the afternoon of September 8, 2000 that everything was put in its place and looked perfect. Wrong! We had tried to get things in the general area or room that they might go in but they were far from put away. Veronica has worked very hard in unpacking boxes and organizing the office. She has done this as well as keeping the office running without missing a beat.
A special thanks to Harold and Veronica for the extra effort given to make this move a success. Without their efforts it would not have gone as smooth. To those who helped with the move, a job well done.
One special highlight that I remember on the day of the move. We had pretty much finished moving in. B.L. Smith and I had just returned from doing an errand. As I walked to the front door, Dennis Bailey, Eric Nielson, and Harold McCown were putting the UPOA logo on the door. What a beautiful sight.
Utah Corrections Industries has manufactured new furnishings for the office. Our thanks to them for helping make our office attractive and appealing. All UPOA members, family and friends are encouraged to come by the office to visit.
New Members/Old Members
Some departments are no longer paying the membership dues of their officers. Because of this some members have not renewed their membership. Help keep the UPOA strong by staying a member. Don't lose your benefits because of department budget cuts.
Why Should I join UPOA?
Several members and officers have approached me about getting changes to the retirement system. They would like to see the retirement based on 4.5% COLAS and having pay based on compounded earnings. Some have even suggested lobbying for a 25 yr/70% retirement benefit. The more members we have, the greater strength we have when dealing with these issues. Sign up a friend.
Be Happy/Stay Safe
Since our last issue several officers have been injured in the line of duty. As we go about our duties giving service to the citizens we protect, be aware, and stay safe.
May God be with you and your families in both your work and daily lives.
- Law Enforcement Family and the welfare of the communities it serves - since 1922
- Call the UPOA at 1 801 313-0760; Toll free 1 800 968 UPOA
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