It was a pleasure today to attend the opening ceremonies of the California Police Chiefs Association annual conference.  Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer will be sworn in tomorrow night as the statewide president of the association, which is a tremendous tribute to Chief Dyer and the Fresno Police Department.  Fresno will benefit from Chief Dyer’s leadership in this organization over the coming year, as our community will have access to and input on the most current state legislative proposals pertaining to law enforcement and will have the opportunity to shape those proposals.

The opening ceremonies also included a salute to the law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the last year, which was incredibly moving.  Several of the moms, dads, spouses and children of the fallen officers were present for the ceremony.  It was difficult to watch the families’ reactions as their sons, husbands, and dads were remembered.  It increased my resolve to bolster public safety in our community and to push for long-term solutions to crime – jobs and education.