| Despite the tragedies occurring in New York, Washington,
and Pennsylvania less than three weeks earlier, the Seminar officially
opened on Sunday with registration. There were many helping out with
the registration chores that led to 440 people being registered for the
Seminar.
On Monday morning the opening ceremonies took place.
The ceremonies included the presentation of the colors by the California
Highway Patrol (Indio) Color Guard. Following was the invocation
by Indio Police Chaplain Wayne Hoy and comments
by the dignitaries. There was also a time of remembering the victims
of September 11th, 2001. A moment of silence was also held for the
passing of Lee S. Cole on
September 16th, 2001.
Among the dignitaries speaking were Cathedral City Police
Chief Stan Henry, CHP Indio Captain Chris
Madigan, IAATI President David Ecklund,
IAATI Western Regional Chapter President Bill Larocque,
and WSATI Southern Chapter President Bill Lovold.
CHP Commissioner "Spike" Helmick
could not make it to the Seminar due to a conflict in his schedule.
He was recognized for his efforts in making sure CHP Auto Theft Investigators
were allowed to attend the Seminar.
Bill Lovold welcomed the
large gathering to the Doral Palm Springs. Bill had WSATI Southern
Chapter Vice President Lou Koven speak about
the classes that were forthcoming for the group in the days to come.
Lou was proud to announce that for the first time, WSATI training had been
approved by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
|
