Executive Director’s Message
by Thomas W. Bahr

Comments and letters can be sent to Executive Director Tom Bahr at WPPA, 340 Coyier Lane, Madison, WI 53713, or e-mail bahr@wppa.com.

On May 18, 2007, the WPPA hosted the second annual pancake breakfast at Olin Park in Madison. We hope that the officers who attended enjoyed themselves as they were preparing to take part in the squad procession to the State Capitol for the Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony. I would like to thank the WPPA staff, especially Joe Durkin, Mike Goetz, and Gary Anderson for their extraordinary work and for taking the time to see that it all went off without a hitch. We will be doing this again in 2008, and we hope to see you there.

On June 7, 2007, Special Olympics Wisconsin presented the WPPA with its Chairman’s Award for the work, dedication, and contributions of the WPPA and its members to Special Olympics. We are grateful for such a prestigious award and will proudly display it at the WPPA headquarters.

Based upon the reports of those in attendance, the 75th Anniversary Convention of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association was a resounding success. We had over 300 in attendance at the Awards Banquet Sunday evening, and it was an honor to recognize our award recipients for their outstanding achievements in the last year.

One of the many events at the annual convention is the General Assembly meeting of the delegates from the various locals they represent. It was there that they voted to amend the bylaws of the WPPA. As had been previously communicated to each of the local’s presidents, the requirement of being a law enforcement officer as a prerequisite to serving on the WPPA Board of Directors is no longer in effect. In order to serve now, you are only required to be a member in good standing. This change comes at an opportune time for our membership, as we have a recent opening on the Board of Directors. This vacancy will be filled by the Board for the duration of the term, which expires in 2008. Members interested in applying for the Director position on the Board should submit a letter of interest to President Dennis LeCaptain, no later than August 1, 2007. The Board meets a minimum of four times a year: in February, May (convention), September, and December. The Board meeting schedule is published in the preceding year, so you would be able to adequately plan in advance for these meetings.

Directors Bill Chesen from Racine and Scott Machotka from Wood County recently resigned from their positions on the WPPA Board of Directors. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both for their dedication and service to the Board and to all WPPA members. Director Chesen’s position has been filled by John Hetland from Racine, and we welcome him to the Board. Director Machotka’s position is currently vacant, and anyone interested in applying to the Board for that appointment can refer to the article entitled “Board of Directors Position Open” for more information.

Finally, Director Mike Doud from Waukesha County was elected as the Association’s Vice President at this year’s convention. Director Bill Treder from Oneida County chose to step down from that position, although he will remain on the Board. His past service to the Association as its vice president is greatly appreciated.

Please remember that the WPPA is your organization. If you’re interested in becoming more active in shaping this organization’s future, there may be no better time than now. Whether it’s applying to become a member of the Board, sharing an idea for legislation with our lobbying staff, or simply helping out at an upcoming event in your area, your involvement is invaluable.

The WPPA has come a long way in the last 75 years, and we look forward to representing you and your interests for many years yet to come.