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19th Annual IPMBA Conference: Come
Rise Above the
Rest!
New Mexico is known as the Land of
Enchantment. IPMBA Conference participants had ample opportunity to sample
the flavorful cuisine, immerse themselves in the spectacular landscape, and
experience the intriguing blend of cultures that infuse the region with many
enchanting qualities. The true enchantment of the IPMBA Conference, however,
is the knowledge, experience, skills, and information shared amongst public
safety cyclists from around the world.
Whether or not they soared above the city in a hot air balloon, IPMBA conference
attendees certainly did "Rise Above the Rest!"
The IPMBA board, staff, members, and conference attendees would like to extend
their sincere thanks to the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) for
hosting the 19th Annual IPMBA Conference. We are grateful to Albuquerque
Police Chief Raymond Schulz and to Albuquerque Mayor Chavez
for providing us with the many resources necessary to ensure a valuable and
enjoyable conference experience.
The members of the conference team are to be commended for their professionalism.
They worked long hours and coordinated a great many logistics to ensure that
their colleagues experienced the very best that Albuquerque has to offer,
and their efforts are truly appreciated. Conference attendees from around
the US and beyond its borders had the opportunity to participate in excellent
training sessions, enjoy the vibrant Albuquerque downtown, and experience
fantastic off-road riding in the foothills. They will no doubt long remember
the training they received, the excitement of the competition, and the unique
experience of a balloon glow at the International Balloon Museum.
IPMBA would like to recognize the Command Staff, especially conference committee
chairman Officer Pat Hernandez, Crime Prevention Specialists Laura
Kuehn and Yvette Garcia, Sergeant Rob Drager, Detective
Jason Westbrook, and Officers Connor Rice, Michael
Benavidez, Anthony Martinez, Patrick Smith, Gary
Okino, Andy Montoya, and Jake Gassel. Our thanks also to
all the bike officers who served as ride guides and support staff, including
Officers Leah Kelly, Shane Bailey, Josh Rogers, Matt
Hannum, Chermaine Carter, Mario Verbeck, Max Miranda,
Geoff Stone, and John Stott.
We appreciate the participation of Sgt. Jimmy Collins and the members
of the mounted unit who assisted with the crowd management workshop; Officer
Dwayne Clark; Range Officer Art Martinez; the members of the
APD Honor Guard; Sgt. Kevin Rowe; and Chaplain Brianne
Dennison.
We are grateful for the support of members from APD's partnering agencies,
especially Officer Ray Olesky of the University of New Mexico Police
Department, Lt. Karl Overmyer and Officer William Lucero of
the Albuquerque Public Schools Police Department; Chief Greg Perez
and the firefighters from the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque Fire
Department; Chuck Malagodi of the Department of Parks and Recreation;
and the many fine volunteers from the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors
Association. We could not have had a successful event without all of them.
Although the challenging economic times resulted in a smaller-than-average
attendance, those who were able to participate had an excellent training
experience.
Stay Ahead of the
Curve:
20th Annual IPMBA Conference, May 6 - 8, 2010
Chesterfield-St. Louis, Missouri
© 2009 IPMBA. This article appeared
in the Summer 2009 issue of IPMBA News. |
