As I write this letter to inform the members of the Anaheim Police Association of my appointment to Secretary I do so with a heavy heart.  Just yesterday we lost our friend and fellow officer Brian Hayes and his girlfriend Nicole Anderson.  With that loss we are presented with a void that will never be filled and at the same times memories that will never be forgotten.   Brian was always there for me, whether I liked it or not,  when I needed to hear about how we (the Association) made the wrong decision, endorsed the wrong candidate, didn’t spend enough on a cause, spent too much on a cause, chose the wrong design for the wall paper, chose the wrong toppings for the pizza and so on.  What I really despised most was the fact that he always had a great argument for all his opinions and I would often part ways with Brian, thinking……  He’s got a point.  Brian you will be missed by all who have had the honor of being in your company.

As I assume the duties of Secretary I would like to thank Ed Thaete for his many years of service in the APA, including his most recent position as Secretary.  Ed has dedicated countless hours of his own time to this association and even in his retirement I believe he will still be there dedicating his time and energy into our department, our association and our city. 

As we move forward in these turbulent economic times I am confident we are on the right side of the cause.  With many politicians looking for the opportunity to destroy our rights and our benefits for their personal political gain we must be strong and united.  We work hard to ensure our city is safe and we place our lives on the line to achieve this goal everyday.  All we ask for in return is fairness.  I will do my best to represent all the members of the APA and I look forward to the opportunity to accomplish this goal as your secretary.