April/May, 2013
President's Update
Latest Information & Events.........
A huge association salute and heartfelt thanks to the Cleveland County, North Carolina Sheriff's Office for providing a first rate 2013 A.P.C.A Spring K-9 Seminar for our association's attending membership. Cleveland County Sheriff, Alan Norman and department members Captain Phillip Todd, Lieutenant Ron Newcomb, K-9 Supervisor Mike Lawrence, Deputies Jon Bradley, Kevin Pruitt, Jody Seagle and Todd Martin rolled out the Southern Hospitality and red carpet in making our members feel welcomed and provided a great week of training. This year's seminar was held April 15-19, 2013 in the City of Boiling Springs, North Carolina. Training venues included Patrol, Narcotics and Explosive Detection. Certifications were also conducted during the event. Classroom instruction was also provided during the conference which included the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office Highway Interdiction Class which was instructed by John McIntye. A Legal Updates Presentation was given by Attorney John M. Peters, Rochester, Michigan. This year's attendance set a new record for the annual spring conference which exceeded over seventy teams. A.P.C.A. Membership represented states from North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Canada.
One of the weeks highlights was the 2013 Banquet and Raffle that was graciously provided by Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman. This year's dinner was held on the Campus of Gardner-Webb University that featured some great food and awesome raffle prizes including two 32 inch flat screen televisions and a beverage refrigerator to name a few. We also wish to thank the Boiling Springs Police Department, Gardner-Webb University and AmericInn for making our stay in this community a great experience.
Congratulations are in order to two of our newest association Master Trainers who received national accreditations during the convening of the A.P.C.A. Spring Accreditation Board. Scott R. Adam, New Haven, Indiana Police Department received Master Accreditation in Patrol and Narcotics Detection Teams. Douglas A. Ayres, Indiana Department of Correction received Master Accreditation in K9 Tracking Teams. We welcome you on board our instruction staff and look forward to working with you again at our upcoming training events.
The Level III Group has now admitted four additional K-9 Tracking Teams who recently re-certified as a Level III APCA Trailing Team. Lennie B. Rivera & K9 Storm - Concord, NC Police Department, Michael L. Drake & K-9 Rico – Concord, NC Police Department, Eugene Ramos & K9 Kilo – Concord, NC Police Department and Brandon W. Surratt & K9 Hyco – Anderson County South Carolina Sheriff's Office obtained this prestigious certification level and remain current members in the Level III Group.
This year's conference was indeed an overwhelming success in large part to the coordination team of the Cleveland County, North Carolina Sheriff's Office comprised of K9 Supervisor Mike Lawrence and his K9 Unit. Also attributed to the success of this conference were the numerous Master Trainers and Trainers who traveled the long miles to provide this years training and certifications. Special thanks to Master Trainers Denny Kunkel, Pat Merritt, Charles Kirchner, Robert Anderson, Mike Drake, Simon Gresser, Stafford Brister, Scott Adam, Doug Ayers and Trainer John H. Dunham Jr.
The American Police Canine Association also wishes to welcome a newly appointed member to the Executive Board of Directors. Attorney John M. Peters has accepted the position of A.P.C.A. Legal Advisor to the Executive Board in which he will provide legal guidance to the Board in all legal matters in serving the interests of this association. A.P.C.A. President Mike Johnson extended a Presidential appointment to Mr. Peters at the conclusion of the North Carolina Spring Seminar. Mr. John Peters is a highly respected and sought out attorney with 32 years of legal experience. John travels across the U.S. providing legal seminars to numerous canine seminars that represent many national and state canine associations. John also serves as legal advisor on the Executive Board of the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers (NAPCH). We look forward to a very positive and professional working relationship with John in which he will be representing our association.
For those members interested in attending the 2013 A.P.C.A. National Conference, please see the Events Section concerning conference information, registration and lodging reservations. The 2013 Nationals held September 23–27, 2013 with check in on Sunday, September 22, 2013 for attending members. This years conference will be hosted by the Hobart, Indiana Police Department. Special guest speaker during this year's seminar will include Brad Smith, Founder and CEO of Canine Tactical Operations-Skidds-Cats.
For those interested applicants in Master Trainer / Trainer Accreditation, the American Police Canine Association's Accreditation Board will convene the 2013 Fall Board in Merrillville, Indiana at the Radisson Hotel. Please submit your accreditation packet which must be postmarked no later than July 25, 2013 to the A.P.C.A. Accreditation Chairman, C/O Master Trainer Robert A. Lewis, 2772 S. 350 W., LaPorte, Indiana 46350. Accreditation application packets per accreditation rules must be received no later than sixty (60) days prior to the convening of the Spring and Fall Executive Boards. Please be sure to read the accreditation requirements online and forward a complete copy to both the A.P.C.A. Accreditation Chairman and the A.P.C.A. Secretary John H. Dunham. Please forward Secretary's copy to A.P.C.A. Secretary, C/O John H. Dunham Jr., 1783 Homeward Avenue, Lima, Ohio 45805.
The A.P.C.A. wishes to welcome our newest members to the association during the month of April. We are excited in having the following new members as part of our growing association and are looking forward to working with you at our upcoming events. Welcome to Chief Arson Investigator Ken VanSlyke – Madison Township, Indiana Fire Department; Kendall J. Murphy – Wilmington, North Carolina Police Department; Vicky I. Copeland – Inman, South Carolina Police Department; Chris Larone – York Regional Police, Canada; Peter Nyagai – York Regional Police, Canada; Brandon H. Crumpler – Wilson County, North Carolina Sheriff's Office; Michael T. Bryan – Wilson County, North Carolina Sheriff's Office; Gary D. Queen – Cornelius, North Carolina Police Department; Robert L. Russell – Cornelius, North Carolina Police Department; Nathan B. Ryan – Horn Lake, Mississippi Police Department; Christopher M. Richau – GSP International Airport Police; Timothy M. Harris – Horn Lake, Mississippi Police Department and Scott C. Medlin – Concord, North Carolina Police Department; JoAnne Vetter - Orleans, Indiana.
Until our next Update, Stay safe and keep training those dogs!
Sincerest Regards,
Mike Johnson, President
American Police Canine Association
March, 2013
President's Update
Latest Information & Events.........
The 2013 A.P.C.A. Winter K-9 “Sniff-Off” was one which will go down in association's record books. This year's detection trial was an awesome competition, in which the number of K-9 team competitors doubled in size. Our special thanks to Chief Stephanie Hess, Officer Tim True and the Nashville, Indiana Police Department who rolled out the red carpet for our association during our stay in Nashville. The hotel accommodations, food and evening's entertainment were outstanding. A big A.P.C.A. Hats off to APCA Sniff-Off coordinator Tim True who put together a very impressive event which was highly professional and very well organized. Tim's hard work and planning showed down to the finest details. Great job Tim for a job well done!! This year's judges are also to be commended for a great job in getting all the team's through the competition. A big thank you to Master Trainer Denny Kunkel, Master Trainer Robert Lewis, Trainer Scott Adam, Trainer Doug Ayres and Deputy Shawn Mayer who served as this year's judging staff. We also wish to recognize and thank A.P.C.A. Photographer Joyce Dunham from Lima, Ohio who was in attendance and photographed this years event for our websites photo archives. A heartfelt thanks also to Mr. Robert Wimberg of Designing Health that assisted in sponsoring this year's 2013 “Sniff-Off”. As always Bob came through in providing several cases of Missing Link Supplement Products to our attending K-9 Teams. Lastly to A & B Trophy Company who did an outstanding job on this year's event shirts.
As with past tradition, the K-9 Winter Sniff-Off continued it's 9th annual running with competition times running within hundredths of seconds apart. The vehicle search phase was at times difficult for both judges and competitors as they fought frigid temperatures with high winds and horizontal blowing snow. Teams throughout the States of Indiana and Ohio competed in this years event. Top honors went to Sgt. Matthew D. Long & K-9 Fero, Martinsville, Indiana Police Department who claimed the 2013 Sniff-Off Champion Team Award with a total competition search time of 3 minutes .3539 seconds. The 2013 Sniff-Off Runner-Up Award was presented to Officer Jacob Jump & K-9 Newby, Lawrenceburg, Indiana Police Department with a total competition search time of 3 minutes .6907 seconds. The third place, 2013 Sniff-Off Semi-Finalist Award went to Captain Bryan K. Hicks & K-9 Keska, Knox County, Indiana Sheriff's Department with a total competition search time of 4 minutes, .4144 seconds. Congratulations to each of these teams in their accomplishment. The 2014 A.P.C.A. Winter K-9 “Sniff-Off” will return once more to Nashville, Indiana for next years 10th anniversary event. The 2014 A.P.C.A. Winter K-9 “Sniff-Off” will be held on March 1, 2014. We hope to see you there!
In the news.....Recently two of our association's members Stanko Gligic and Jeff Eldridge, Crown Point, Indiana Police Department, along with their K9's Radar and Buddy went to the Indiana State Capital Building in Indianapolis, Indiana to meet with State Representatives in support of Indiana House Bill HB1093. Officer Gligic and Eldridge were accompanied by Chief of Staff for the City of Crown Point, Indiana, Keith W. Stevens. Mr. Stevens was instrumental in starting this bill in 1997 with former State Representative Robert Kuzman. State Representative Shelli Vandenburgh is now forwarding this bill for a hopeful majority vote by the Indiana Senate. On February 11, 2013 the bill passed the Indiana House by a vote of 97-0 on the third reading. If passed by the senate the House Bill HB1093, shall require a person reimburse the Department for a K9 that is killed or disabled by a suspect. The bill was also changed to say that the “Department Shall” be reimbursed for veterinarian bills if the K9 is injured and is eventually able to return to duty. Great job guys in your support of K-9 Officers interests in the State of Indiana and your business travel to meet with our elected officials to advocate the passing of this important legislative bill.
The 2013 A.P.C.A. Spring Seminar will be held April 14-19, 2013 in Shelby, North Carolina. Our hosting agency will be the Cleveland County, North Carolina Sheriff's Office. This seminar promises to be a first rate seminar. Two outstanding classes will be also presented during this seminar. The Cleveland County, North Carolina Sheriff's Office will offer an advanced highway narcotics interdiction class on Tuesday, April 16th. In addition, Attorney John M. Peters, who is the APCA”s Legal Advisor will present a legal updates class and also discuss the recent Florida decisions by the United States Supreme Court earlier this year. The seminar will feature excellent training venues and certifications during the course of this training week. Lodging reservations are limited so make your reservations early. Please see this Events Section to register for this event. We hope to see you in North Carolina in the Spring.
For those members interested in attending the 2013 A.P.C.A. National Conference, please see the Events Section concerning conference information, registration and lodging reservations. The 2013 Nationals held September 23 – 27, 2013 with check in on Sunday, September 22, 2013 for attending members. This years conference will be hosted by the Hobart, Indiana Police Department. Special guest speaker during this year's seminar will include Brad Smith, Founder and CEO of Canine Tactical Operations-Skidds-Cats.
For those interested applicants in Master Trainer / Trainer Accreditation, the American Police Canine Association's Accreditation Board will convene the 2013 Fall Executive Board in Hobart, Indiana at the Radisson Hotel. Please submit your accreditation packet which must be postmarked no later than July 25, 2013 to the A.P.C.A. Accreditation Chairman, C/O Master Trainer Robert A. Lewis, 2772 S. 350 W., LaPorte, Indiana 46350. Accreditation application packets per accreditation rules must be received no later than sixty (60) days prior to the convening of the Spring and Fall Executive Boards. Please be sure to read the accreditation requirements online and forward a complete copy to both the A.P.C.A. Accreditation Chairman and the A.P.C.A. Secretary John H. Dunham. Please forward Secretary's copy to A.P.C.A. Secretary, C/O John H. Dunham Jr., 1783 Homeward Avenue, Lima, Ohio 45805.
The A.P.C.A. Wishes to welcome our newest members to the association during the month of November. We are excited in having the following new members as part of our growing association and are looking forward to working with you at our upcoming events. Welcome to Jacob Jump – Lawrenceburg, Indiana Police Department; Seth Scott – Williamsburg County, South Carolina Sheriff's Office; Chad Lehman – Columbus, Indiana Police Department; Phillip Wilson – Milan, Indiana Police Department; Robert Lee – Kingstree, South Carolina Police Department; Kevin Garber Jr.; Hobart, Indiana Police Department; Patrick Cullinan – Richmond County, Georgia Sheriff's Office; TJ Pendergast – Aurora, Indiana Police Department and Christopher Richey – Indiana State Police.
Until our next Update, Stay safe and keep training those dogs!
Sincerest Regards,
Mike Johnson, President
American Police Canine Association
