Messages from Region 11 President - Jan / Feb 2011
I would like to wish all a very a HAPPY HEALTHY NEW!! I can’t believe its 2011 it feels like yesterday that we were all worried about Y2K or is it just me. Our November meeting at GG’s Italian Restaurant was fantastic and informative. IPA member Chris Stilwell gave a wonderful presentation on the upcoming Law Enforcement Memorial that is to be built in Broward County. The IPA donated $500 to remember and honor our fallen brothers and sisters.
In December my son, Paul who is a Palm Beach County Deputy, Life IPA member and I were privileged to have met two IPA members, Tino Nehrbass and Ralph Vetter as well as their wives from the old East Germany that were visiting South Florida. Norman Gardner a retired Chairman of The Toronto Metropolitan Police Commission was also in town at the same time and was able to join us that memorable day. Our exciting day started when we all met at P.B.S.O. District 7 in Boca Raton. There we had a short tour of the station and proceeded to P.B.S.O. District 6 in Boynton Beach where I was able to show them my P.B.S.O. memorabilia and police hats of the world display. We continued on to P.B.S.O. HQ in West Palm Beach. We had an appointment to meet with Chief Deputy Gauger who is also an IPA member. Chief Deputy Gauger introduced them to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. Afterwards we introduced our new friends to Columbian Food for a late lunch. It was truly a great day, 6 hours of fun and friendship.
My wife and I attended the Holiday Party that FOP Lodge 3100 hosted. There were some members for our region there, the food was fantastic the entertainment was great and the company was friendly. We were able to meet some new friends and let people know what the IPA is all about. IPA applications were available and requested by some. The party would have been better if we had a stronger presence of members of our region there but with such short notice I understand during this busy holiday season it’s difficult. Barry Hirsch IPA and FOP member did a wonderful job setting up the party for FOP 3100 and thanks to him Region 11 was invited to participate. I would like to have some more social events this upcoming year if you have any ideas or suggestions please let me or the Board know. If you are planning to go on a trip this year please contact the IPA. You would not believe what they could do to make your trip a great success just ask my son Bill (P.B.S.O. Deputy, IPA Life Member) during his trip to Spain.
I am looking forward to seeing you all at the next meeting in February.
Sam Goldstein
