Community Roll Call
Members of the Wauwatosa Police Department’s Community Support Division, with backup provided by the folks at WauwatosaNow.com, are now blogging. We will be providing you with an ongoing series of crime prevention tips, any current crime trends as well as pertinent news and notes as it relates to your Police Department.
A Message From The President Of The Wisconsin State Crime Stoppers Organization
By Officer D.M. Semega
Tuesday, Jan 22 2008, 07:32 PM
A Message From The President Of The Wisconsin State Crime Stoppers Organization
by K. Scott Abrams, CPA
12/6/07
How Did I Get Here?
Can you think back to the last Olympics and the opening ceremonies? Even as you watched the event on television as all the athletes gather from around the world and circle around the track representing their various countries, a chill runs down your spine at the awe and inspiration surrounding the event. The athletes walk purposefully and with pride behind their national flag. They are not only representing themselves, but everyone in their country. Now I know that I will never participate in the Olympics as an athlete. But I recently participated in a ceremony that gave me as much pride and honor as an Olympic athlete. Recently, I was elected by the Crime Stoppers USA to serve as one of our three representatives on the Crime Stoppers International (CSI) board of directors. Even though I serve as the Treasurer for Crime Stoppers USA already, I was both honored and humbled to achieve this position. The CSI board of directors is comprised of 15 members whereby three members represent each of the five nation/regions around the world. To sit around the board table and look at the other members from around the world and knowing we are all working towards the same goal in combating crime in our communities is an incredible feeling. The CSI annual meeting and training conference took place this past November in Bermuda. This small island put on a conference beyond description. Every Crime Stoppers representative in attendance was made to feel like an honored dignitary throughout the entire conference. The views from the hotel were breathtaking since every hotel room had a view of the ocean. There were a wide variety of topics discussed regarding Crime Stompers around the world and all the conference speakers were superb. To kick off the week of the conference, there was a spectacular opening ceremony. Due to its British influence, Bermuda invokes much pomp and circumstance in many of their activities. The CSI opening ceremony was no exception! I was honored to participate in the opening ceremony by representing our country. The two other CSI United States representatives were Elaine Cloyd, President of Crime Stoppers USA and Kevin Viney, a Crime Stopper USA board member at large, who is also a member of the Madison Area Crime Stoppers. The USA flag was the first to enter the auditorium. It was exciting but with a little anxiety that we awaited our entrance. As our country and our names were announced to the audience, we made our entrance. I walked with purpose, I walked with pride. I was representing our country and that was representing you, all the other Crime Stoppers in the US. It wasn't the Olympics, but it had to be second best. As I stepped up to the stage and took my place, I watched with awe as the other countries were introduced and honored in a similar fashion representing their countries as well. It was at that time that I reflected back; how did I get here? I have spent over 25 years on various boards, serving in numerous capacities in almost every imaginable position for Crime Stoppers organizations. And even though there is very hard and meaningful work involved, many long hours required and difficult issues to resolve, it is most gratifying to see that Crime Stoppers has, and is, making a difference around the world. I have received back many times more in gratification than what I have given. I am honored to serve as a Crime Stoppers board member and represent our country. We have a unique opportunity next year as the Crime Stoppers International annual meeting and training conference is going to be hosted in a Midwestern city. The training conference is set to take place in Des Moines, Iowa on August 6 -- 9, 2008. This will provide the opportunity to meet with over 19 different countries involved in Crime Stoppers from around the world. The proximity to our state should make it an easy access to participate in the 2008 CSI event. But if you're interested in attending, you best make your plans soon because the Iowa State Fair is taking place at about the same time and hotel rooms may go fast. Please visit the CSI website at www.c-s-i.org for more information on the conference and accommodations in Des Moines. Let's make sure Wisconsin is well represented next year at the 2008 CSI annual meeting and training conference!
