The Executive Committee of the Peace Officers’ Association of Georgia, Inc. held a meeting at 10 A. M., January 19, 2005, at the Pooler Police Department, Pooler, Georgia. Committee members attending included President Keith Moran, Vice President Gary W. Hill, Board Members Jimmy Jones and Mike Fordham, Legislative Chairman Homer Bryson, Secretary-Treasurer John Conley, and Executive Director Marion Conley. Attorney Frank Childs and Chaplain Rick Lanford were unable to attend. Visitors included: Joyce and Morgan Key, John Edwards and Wendy Walker.

President Keith Moran called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance.

Jimmy Jones made a motion, which was seconded by Gary Hill to approve the minutes and financial report from December, 2004. The motion passed.

The subject of offering a defensive driving course at the convention was discussed. This would help lower insurance rates. Gary Hill volunteered to contact Corporal B. J. Kennedy with the Georgia State Patrol and see if she could teach this class Monday, August 22nd from 8-12 and also Tuesday, August 23rd from 8-12. The Committee agreed to furnish her a room for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Gary will also check and make sure, only a $5.00 fee is necessary.

Entertainment for the convention was again discussed with it being decided to have a DJ Sunday night and Tuesday night and a band Monday night. Prices had previously been secured for a couple of DJ’s with only a $50 variance in the two prices. Mike Fordham volunteered to contact the two DJ’s and hopefully get them to agree to each perform for $350.00.

Gary Hill reported he had talked with Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin’s office about furnishing milk products at the convention. This program has been discontinued but Gary was informed that we could possible secure peanuts for the convention. Gary will follow through on this idea. Gary had also talked with Lt. Col. Arthur White, Georgia State Patrol regarding our having the driving and shooting simulators at the convention again this year. Gary will see that a letter is written asking for these items. Gary had also been in conversation with the Florida Highway Patrol about POAG’s contribution of funds for peace officers during the hurricanes. The individuals with the Florida Patrol had told Gary they would be happy to come to the convention and present a power point presentation on the destruction during the 2004 hurricanes that devastated so much of Florida. The Committee thought it would be nice if this 30-minute presentation could be done on Tuesday just prior to elections. The Committee agreed to furnish to rooms at the convention to the two individuals from Florida who would be giving this presentation.

Alcohol Free Prom Night was discussed. Gary Hill reported Screven County High School would be happy to participate; Homer Bryson relayed Camden County High School would be happy to participate; Mike Fordham said that Richmond Hill High School would be happy to participate; Jimmy Jones reported Peach County High School would be happy to participate and John Conley reported that Tattnall County High School would be happy to participate. Each school should be able to get around $1,600 in funds they will match.

The Committee was alerted to HB29 that would prohibit use of stun guns by law enforcement. Legislative Chairman Homer Bryson will get with Terry Norris with the Georgia Sheriff’s Association and Frank Rotundo with the Chief’s Association on this bill and how we wish to fight its passage.

Gary Hill reported the receipt of $3,000 in payment of Dr. Smith’s speech at the convention. The donor wished to remain anonymous, only that a retired peace officer had secured the funds for the Association.

Suggestions on a new “Facts” brochure were given to Marion to compile, get to the printer and send the webmaster to be put on the website. The purchase of a scanner for the computer was authorized.

John Conley reported having talked with Mike Callan about the decline in ad sales. Hopefully, a new sales person could help this situation.

When a date for the Legislature to honor our Officers of the Year has been set by Senator Jack Hill’s office all interested parties will be notified of the February meeting date.