Members of the Kansas Peace Officers’ Association:

I am humbled you elected me to be your President for 2019-2020.

2019 was a year of changes for KPOA. Sherri Moore provided leadership to Joby Harrison, Darrin Stewart, Jeff Piper and myself, challenging us to look ahead so KPOA could remain a long-term resource and benefit for members. The KPOA web page received a makeover with new software including a members’ area, we reviewed and updated the Constitution and By-Laws, added benefits for members, and encouraged the District Governors to take more ownership and to be more active in the Association. You, as members expressed confidence in the Executive Officers to make these changes by your support at the well-attended business meetings. At the fall business meeting, John Defore was elected Vice-President and Marc McCune was elected Sergeant-At-Arms.

At the fall conference, we said a well-deserved thank you and so long to dedicated Secretary – Treasurer Al Thimmesch after he decided to retire. Al served the KPOA for 35 years and it is safe to say he was the face of KPOA. Saying goodbye to Al was bittersweet, but as he decided to go to the next chapter of his life, we wished him well. Al’s continued dedication to KPOA showed with his vital assistance to Sherri and Jeff as the Association made the transition from the Secretary – Treasurer position to the Administrator position. Al, there simply isn’t enough space here to express our appreciation to you.

Looking ahead, I want to take advantage of the capabilities of the KPOA web page to increase communication between members. I would like the web page to be more than a resource to search for job listings. As this is your organization, please plan on seeing and responding to surveys sent so the Executive Officers have input from members. When the KPOA is asked as a group for our stance on a topic, I would like to provide what the members believe, not just what I think the members believe. At the conference, I received suggestions including District Governors having younger officers promote KPOA within their districts, and having activities and possibly presentations for spouses at the 2020 fall conference and future conferences. I appreciate the time members took to speak with me.

Please know I am grateful to the members who keep their memberships current, and to the agencies who pay for their employees to be members.

Thanks to each of you for what you do, and stay safe!

Paul