July 2026 Newsletter

President's Report

CLARENCE M. KELLEY AWARD – MISSOURI 

One of the important chapter activities associated with the Fall re-trainer is recognition through the annual CMK award.  Letters of nomination should be sent to 1^st Vice President Todd Ackerman [email protected],

Nominations should be submitted by August 15th

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT ELECTION – KANSAS

We will hold the annual Fall business meeting on Thursday afternoon at approximately 4:30, shortly after the end of the day’s training.  During the business meeting, we will elect a new Second Vice President from the Kansas side.  Are you interested in running for the board?  Contact President-Elect Mark Terman [email protected]

Nominations, including self-nominations, must be submitted before Sept. 9th.

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Community Service

For several years, the chapter has sponsored a college scholarship that is awarded to an eligible recipient from Section 2. Attached is a virtual poster outlining this year’s recipients for each scholarship.

 Please check out the Foundation’s website for more information about the good work it does for members and what you can do to help support its efforts for our members!

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Welcome New Members

Session 298 graduated on June 18^th.  Our newest members are: Don Shepard, Peculiar, MO PD; Matthew Seichepine, Shawnee, KS PD; Ed Ochs, Garden City KS PD; Mike Papasifakis, U. of Central Missouri PD; and Chief Master Sergeant Blake Talley, McConnell AFB, Wichita, KS.  Congratulations!

The 299^th session begins July 10^th.  Our group includes Mike Fidler, Warrensburg, MO PD; Derek Highbarger, Augusta, KS DPS; Tyson Kilby, Johnson County, KS SO; Heather Pate, Bonner Springs KS PD; and Bryan Welch, Springfield, MO PD.  Have a great session!

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Calendar of Events

Registration and hotel reservations are open.  You should have received a large package with the full conference details.  Registration is available through the chapter website: https://fbinaakswmo.org.  We recommend you book your room early.   We have a terrific training schedule arranged!

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General Newsletter

The 2026 FBINAA National Annual Training Conference was held June 27–30, 2026, at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre in Niagara Falls. The conference theme was "Resilient Together: Strength Through Service," emphasizing leadership, officer wellness, organizational resilience, and cross-border collaboration.  President Buck Buchanan attended and shares the following observations.  

 Some of the major highlights included: 

 1. Leadership in an Era of Constant Change 

 A recurring theme focused on how law enforcement executives can build resilient organizations, lead through public scrutiny and organizational change, improve succession planning, strengthen employee engagement and retention, and adapt to rapidly evolving public safety challenges 

 2. Officer Wellness and Mental Health 

 Several training sessions addressed PTSD and cumulative trauma, Peer support programs, Suicide prevention, Resiliency training, and Reducing burnout among first responders. 

Many agencies now consider wellness a leadership responsibility rather than solely an employee benefit. 

 3. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology 

 Technology sessions explored were Responsible use of AI in policing, AI-assisted investigations, Digital evidence management, Cybercrime trends, Privacy and ethical considerations, and technology procurement and implementation. The focus was less on the technology itself and more on executive decision-making around adoption and governance. 

 4. Community Trust and Modern Policing 

 Conference discussions emphasized building public trust, procedural justice, effective crisis communication, transparency, managing controversial incidents, and strengthening partnerships with community organizations 

 5. Recruitment and Retention 

 Given ongoing staffing shortages, many presentations centered on recruiting younger generations, improving the hiring processes, retaining experienced officers, leadership development, and creating positive organizational culture. This remains one of the highest-priority issues for chiefs and sheriffs nationwide. 

 6. Executive Networking 

 One of the conference's greatest strengths continues to be networking among law enforcement leaders from hundreds of agencies. More than 1,000 executives representing over 400 agencies, with a large percentage serving as chiefs, sheriffs, deputy chiefs, and command staff. 

 7. Cross-Border Law Enforcement Collaboration 

 Because the conference was hosted in Ontario by the FBINAA New York State/Eastern Canada Chapter, there was added emphasis on U.S.–Canadian law enforcement partnerships, border security, International investigations, Information sharing, and joint emergency response. 

These themes are especially relevant for leaders working to balance public safety, organizational health, and evolving community expectations while preparing their agencies for future challenges.

We look forward to seeing many of you next year in Phoenix, AZ, July 12-15.

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News of the Membership

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