President’s Message

By David Mahoney

Comments and letters can be sent to President David Mahoney at
340 Coyier Lane, Madison, WI 53713, or e-mail mahoney@wppa.com

As the first issue of the Wisconsin Police Journal in 2006 reaches each of our members, we find ourselves closing out 2005, a year that has brought unbelievable tragedy and catastrophe to many regions of our country, and to many men and women who share our commitment to public service.

Additionally, the close of another year provides each of us an opportunity to slow the pace of life and be thankful for the blessings we have been given. For those of us with children, we give thanks for the chance to impact and guide them toward a productive life, and, with the love of a spouse or partner for life, a chance to drop our defenses and open our hearts to be loved.

The New Year will bring many challenges to the WPPA and our members, and plenty of politics as well. The governor, attorney general, and many constitutional officers are up for election. All the candidates will be courting our Association and members for support, and be assured the WPPA Board of Directors will identify those candidates who support our issues and best represent our interests. I encourage each of you, our members, to study the issues and educate yourselves on the candidates. We as an organization should support those who support us.

A very important demonstration of “support for law enforcement” occurred on December 21, 2005 when Governor Doyle, who shares our mission to protect and promote public safety, as well as the interests of our dedicated members, signed the WPPA’s Inquest Bill into law. This new law will require municipalities to reimburse law enforcement officers and other public safety employees for their attorneys fees when they are exonerated by inquests into their on-duty conduct. Introduced by State Senator Ted Kanavas and State Representative Brett Davis, the inquest bill was clearly a priority for these elected officials who recognize that public safety employees should not have to second-guess their actions out of fear that a potential inquest could devastate their ability to support their families.

The beginning of a New Year also provides us a period to plan how we will spend our time off in 2006. I encourage you to think about spending the days of May 20, 21 and 22 in Wisconsin Dells during the 2006 WPPA Convention. We will again be hosted by the Kalahari “family” Resort and Convention Center and have scheduled many informative sessions and speakers, including Dr. Alexis Artwohl, who will lead two sessions on critical incidents. Additionally, we have scheduled a “town hall” style meeting with all the candidates in the governor and attorney general races, in order to provide you, the members of WPPA, the chance to meet the candidates and pose your questions.

In closing, give thanks all year for your blessings; be thankful for what you have, and share with those who are in need. Enjoy the rest of the winter season, and until we meet again, take care of those who take care of you. Be safe!