BANQUET PROGRAM - OCTOBER 2009

 Welcome

I would like to welcome everyone this evening to the New Hampshire Chief’s of Police Secretaries Associations 8^th Annual Conference.

The primary mission of the New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Secretaries Association (NHCOPSA) is to foster a closer work environment among the various law enforcement agencies in the State of New Hampshire, to provide a support group to all members and to strive for professionalism through training and self development.  The NHCOPSA strives to:

·        Commit to common goals for the betterment of the membership and the various communities;

·        Open and promote better communications within law enforcement; support/clerical community;

·        Provide common access to information vital to job duties and responsibilities;

·        Establish a network and support group for personal and professional advancement;

·        Promote the development of specialized skills through discussion, training and the issuance of a training newsletter; and

·        Actively participate in fundraising to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships.

 This year was very difficult for NHCOPSA. As we all know when the economy is bad and budgets are cut, we the Administrative Assistants or Secretaries are often directly affected. Our organization has experienced some growing pains. It is my belief that in these difficult times our association is needed more then ever. We are the support network for one another.

As we gather this evening to celebrate another year together, I think of all the things that make this association so wonderful and strong. I have gained many things being part of NHCOPSA. We all take many things with us when we leave each training or meeting, but we also leave something too. I would like to share what has meant the most to me being part of NHCOPSA.  I would have to say that the support, learning, and always caring environment has had an impact on my life, but most of all it is the friendships I have made that can never be replaced. For that I am forever thankful. I would like to read something written by Eleanor Leah Woods -                                                   

                        “It’s as old as man himself, yet as new as this moment or the next.

It’s ever changing and somehow ever constant.

It’s stronger than any wall ever built.

It overcomes politics and national barriers.

It can’t be blinded by strange customs or blocked by foreign languages.

It has been written about and analyzed by wise men;

Yet it has never been defined, and never will be.

You can’t see it or touch it; yet it is everywhere.

It survives weakness and neglect, thrives on thoughtfulness.

Its possibilities are infinite; its strength limitless.

It’s what makes man human, what makes life worth living.

It’s friendship.”

  I would like to welcome Chief David Dubois - President of the New Hampshire Association Chiefs of Police

 Community Spirit Award – This year’s community spirit award winner deserves this award for so many reasons. I’m sure many of you will agree that with out any doubt this person continuously goes above and beyond in all that she does.

 I would like to introduce Norma Ryan of the Windham Police Department to read the nomination for the 8^th Annual NHCOPSA Community Spirit Award.

         Laura Cryts, Windham Police Department, 2009 Spirit Award Winner

 I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have joined us this evening. NHCOPSA appreciates your support and we look forward to seeing you again next year at our 9^th annual banquet.