Convention 2006 Highlights

The WPPA held its 74th Annual Convention at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells on May 20-22, 2006. Over 200 members representing 54 local associations gathered to adopt resolutions on state legislation, discuss the legal rights of law enforcement officers, and hear from prominent speakers on law enforcement issues.

The theme of Convention 2006 was “WPPA’s Response to Critical Incidents.” Dr. Alexis Artwohl, an internationally recognized law enforcement psychologist responsible for primary research on psychological aspects of lethal force encounters, conducted six hours of training on critical incident investigations. Dr. Artwohl provides training and consultations across the USA and Canada, and is the co-author of the acclaimed book, Deadly Force Encounters.

On Sunday, May 21, the convention hosted two one-hour candidate forums for the individuals running for governor and attorney general. The forums were conducted in a town-hall style format, and WPPA Assistant Executive Director Jim Palmer moderated. The forums will play a predominant role in the WPPA’s political action committee’s endorsement determinations.

Workshops were offered on Sunday afternoon to attending member delegates. David Zahller, regional vice-president of The Security Benefit Group of Companies, and Daniel Dodd, financial consultant for Retirement Plan Advisors, presented the workshop “Funding Post-Employment Health Care.” Madison arbitrator/mediator Sherwood Malamud spoke on “Interest Arbitration: A Reality Check.” “The Essentials of Financial Planning” was presented by financial advisor George Croal, retired Madison police officer and senior vice-president and financial advisor with Morgan Stanley. “The Management of Stress in Policing and Related Occupations” was offered by Dr. Michael J. Spierer, a clinical psychologist in private practice at Psychiatric Services in Madison. WPPA Assistant Executive Director Jim Palmer conducted a focus group workshop, in which attendees were asked about their impressions of the attorney general and gubernatorial candidates.

The second annual WPPA-sponsored Red Cross Blood Drive was held this year. Thirty successful donations were received, up from 22 donations last year. And, this year we had 15 first-time donors!

Well over 300 WPPA members, their families and guests attended the Service Awards Banquet on Sunday, May 21, where WPPA recognized law enforcement officers and citizens for heroism and contributions to their communities. This year awards were presented to Oneida County officers Bradley Fogerty, Kurt Kopacz, Matthew Geenen, and Grady Hartman, and Sergeant Chris Boyd from Madison. WPPA President David Mahoney paid special recognition to Oneida County Dispatcher Kelly Kiewert for the role she played in resolving the two Oneida County incidents.

Special Olympics Wisconsin presented a plaque to WPPA President David Mahoney and Executive Director Thomas Bahr recognizing the WPPA as the founding organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run®.
Also at the Sunday evening banquet, representatives of Special Olympics Wisconsin – President Dennis Alldridge and athlete Merle Cooney – presented the second annual Law Enforcement Torch Run® Volunteer of the Year Award to Rothschild Police Officer Bob Roeske.

A highlight of the annual convention is the WPPA Board of Directors’ annual raffle for the Law Enforcement Torch Run®. This year over $7,200 was raised. All proceeds from the raffle benefit Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes.