As we enter into 2010, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and had time to spend with family and friends. Often when we are entering a new year, we look back over the past twelve months and reflect. I found this past year to be an exciting and trying one. Last January when Dick Brickman decided to resign as president of the PBA, by the constitution and by-laws as senior vice president, I became president. I had served on the Executive Board for twenty-plus years in various office, but discovered that there is more to being president then I knew. But I am fortunate that I have a terrific staff already in place and a very supportive Executive Board and Board of Directors. Without that, I would be lost. Of course, I can remember when you could have fit the entire Board of Directors in a small storage room.
In July I was appointed to the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. In August I attended a Commission hearing. In September I had my FDLE orientation and attended a probable cause hearing. In October was my first full probable cause /commission hearing as a sitting commissioner.
In November, I was elected as PBA president for a new three-year term along with the entire Executive Board. I truly appreciate the confidence and trust that the Board of Directors has shown us. My plans are to complete this new term and then retire. However, no one can predict what can happen in three years, but that is my plan.
I am looking forward to the challenging times ahead and to moving the PBA forward with your help. We are not yet out of these tough economic times ; I’m sure we will still have some struggles. I know my name will be and has been brought up—some good, some bad. I cannot make every one happy. As Abraham Lincoln said: “If I were to try and read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won’t amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, then ten angels swearing I was right, would make no difference.”
On December 2, 2009, I, along with vice president Neil Vaughan, appeared and testified before the Florida Parole Commission regarding Dawn Sobel.Dawn Sobel, along with John Gombos, planned an attempted escape of prisoner Gary Eaton, who was in custody of the Broward Sheriff’s Office. On July 11, 1979, during the escape attempt, Deputy Joseph Conte was brutally shot and killed. Dawn Sobel received 75 years for second degree murder and aiding an escape. The commission affirmed no change in her parole release date.
I thank each and every one of you and your families for the sacrifices you make everyday. We are men and women who have chosen a profession to serve with pride and honor. It is a profession like no other. God bless and be safe.