Memories of Lexington

Another 1,900 kilometers and 23 hours and my fellow travellers, Cheryl and Andree, and I are safely back in Winnipeg. OH..by the way...did I remind you that Winnipeg will be host to the 2014 IAWP Annual Training Conference?! Cheryl, Andree and I were busy planning during our road trip and have lots to report back to our agencies and the rest of conference bid committee.

For now I would like to share just a few of the memories I have from Lexington.

Constable Yena Wong (far right in blue uniform) with new friends at the Annual IAWP Awards Luncheon. Yena, who is an officer with the Edmonton Police Service, is one of the Beverly Mclean Legacy Fund winners for 2011. When I spoke with Yena on the last day, she assured me she loved the conference and will be back again soon. However, this coming week, she is on her way to New York to participate in the World Police Fire Games. Good luck Yena!

Corporal Rhonda Seitz (left) and Constable Deanna Alford (right) pose after the awards lunch. Deanna is also a recipient of the Beverly McLean Legacy Fund for 2011. Deanna was busy at this conference taking in as much of the experience as she could. She and I crossed paths at many training sessions and she has even volunteered to assist with the revision of the IAWP Conference policy.

My new UN SAT friends Monica (left) and Kate (right) take a break in between testing procedures. Both passed the test with flying colors so I hope to see them back soon at an IAWP Conference as part of the UN Blue Beret Delegation!

Corporal Rhonda Seitz (left) and Constable Cynthia Buglass (right) at the awards luncheon. Cynthia is has taken in every IAWP Conference since 2000 in Toronto and always looks forward to visiting with old friend and making new ones. She is also a key player on TEAM WINNIPEG 2014.

Rhonda (seated left) and Vanessa (seated right) pose with two of our first visitors at the WINNIPEG 2104 booth. Anyone look familiar? Constable Rob Duttchen (standing left) of the Winnipeg Police Service and Paul Brown (standing right), who is retired from the Winnipeg Police Service, have been presenting at the past three IAWP Annual Training Conferences on the topic of Characteristics of Armed Persons. I sat in on the lecture last year in Minneapolis and can attest to the popularity of their presentation.

Region 3 Coordinator Donna Saucier (left), IAWP Chaplain Tamia Dow (center), and I had a brief time to chat and pose for a picture just before the start of the Parade of Nations.

Congratulations once again to the conference committee and the volunteers. Your hospitality and hard work will be remembered for a long time. Lexington is beautiful city!