Greetings to all...:

I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to the City of Madison Police Department, all the agitators/helpers that attended and especially Jim Donnell (Madison PD) who was instrumental in planning and organizing the 2007 W.L.E.C.H.A. Conference. Everything was very organized, easy to locate and most of all beneficial to every K9 team that attended. I received very positive feedback from everyone that attended. Those of you that missed it, please plan ahead for the 2008 Conference to be held in Walworth County.

Award Nominations

Vice President Deputy Chris Deakin (Waukesha County Sheriffs Department) is requesting members submit applications/nominations for awards in 2008. We had several awards, including HANDLER OF THE YEAR and ROOKIE OF THE YEAR that were not given out this year due to the lack of a single nomination. Those of you who are too bashful, shy or just don't think it makes a difference, think again. The awards say something about your Unit and how hard you had worked to earn these awards. No drug find is too small, no track that is too short and there is nothing wrong with nominating yourself for the time and effort you have put in. Please submit your award nominations this upcoming year! Forms can be located on our website at www.wlecha.org.

Board Members

I also wanted to thank Joel Gudex for his years of serving on the board. Joel had elected not to run for his position again. His position was taken over by Scott Schlei of Marshfield P.D. Scott had previously served on the board and we welcome him back! Chad Niles of Waukesha Sheriffs Department has also volunteered to take over our website and will be making changes soon! If you have any suggestions, please forward them to him.

2008 Membership Dues * Renewal Information

If you were unable to attend this past Conference, make sure to get your 2008 dues in. You can print an application for membership on our website if needed. Also, spread the word to other Handlers in your area if they are not already current members. For those of you who have not visited our website, go to www.wlecha.org and check out the latest information on seminars and interesting articles. You can also send a message to our webmaster or me if you want something printed or posted on there.

Training Grants

If your agency is hosting a training seminar in 2008 and would like assistance from WLECHA, please submit your request and a detailed explanation of the seminar or training opportunity you are providing. We award two grants in the amount of $500 each. Requests are due by April 30, 2008 and should be sent to the PO Box.

Hope everyone has a safe and joyous Holiday Season... ... ...until next time, stay safe and train hard!

Jay Johnson
Greenfield Police Department
414-761-5378
jay.johnson@gfpd.org