The first Suffolk County Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association general membership meeting, our first since post COVID-!9, was held Wednesday night, September 22nd, at Brentwood Police Academy.
The meeting was well attended. Especially by our new graduates; the 39th Graduation Class. Hurrah.
Kevin O’Hare opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Kevin ask for a prayer for members who have recently passed: Ray Horton and Gene Pritz. Our prayers to their families.
Kevin distributed the agenda for the meeting and revisions to the SCCPAAA BY-LAWS. See attachment.
Special guests were Lola, Fenway and Jessie. They only use first names, not to protect the innocent, but, because they are dogs. Not any dogs, but trainees for the Guide Dogs Foundation and American Vet dogs. Both organizations are 501(c)(3) not for profit entities. Their handlers are well trained in the dogs specialty. Some Vet dogs are trained by prisoners. Training takes 12-18 months and cost about $50,000 per dog. Recipients of dogs, pay nothing. Both organizations are looking for volunteers: to raise the puppies, to drive puppies to their new raisers and other duties. Most people with these organizations are volunteers.
Also discussed last night was the distinction between Civilian and Citizen in our organization’s name. The term “Civilian”, “Suffolk County Civilian Police Academy”, is used for individuals who have not yet graduated from the Academy. Citizenship is not a requirement to be a member. When referring to graduates or alumni, “Suffolk County Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association” the term Citizen is used. This term is used due to the problematic and expense involved in changing our name for IRS purposes.
The Board also suggested that anyone using “Amazon” to purchase items should instead use “Smile.Amazon.com” and select SCCPAAA as their supporting Charity. Several items have been paid for with these funds.
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