Dear NIOA Member,
For 23 years, the NIOA has prided itself on delivering an exceptional training conference with outstanding speakers. You can expect the same top-notch experience in Clearwater in less than two weeks.
On very rare occasions, we are forced to scramble due to a particular speaker’s cancellation. We were informed by Connecticut State Police Lieutenant Paul Vance last week that the Commissioner of his agency had ordered a halt to ALL presentations regarding the Newtown mass shooting until the State’s Attorney for that area issues the final report on the tragedy. The NIOA has done everything possible to seek an exception from the Commissioner that would allow Lt. Vance to join us in Clearwater. The leadership of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, at the NIOA Board’s request, advocated on our behalf with Connecticut officials. We have spoken on the telephone with the Commissioner this week and have exchanged direct emails. In the end, he decided that the presentation moratorium must remain in place for now. Lt. Vance, who sincerely regrets these circumstances, will not be joining us in Clearwater due to the directive from his superiors.
I am, however, very pleased to inform you that we have secured a presentation on the media relations aspects of the Newtown shooting case.
Amanda Raus, a reporter with NBC Connecticut (WVIT-TV) was highly recommended by Lt. Vance. Ms. Raus just tonight received the necessary clearance from her employer and will speak to us on Monday morning, August 26, about the Newtown incident. In preparing her presentation, Ms. Raus will be in contact with Lt. Vance.
The situation with the Connecticut State Police is beyond the NIOA’s control. Ours is one of several presentations across the country that have been put on hold. Nevertheless, we are extremely grateful to Ms. Raus for agreeing to substitute at this late date. We know that her presentation to us will be meaningful and informative.
Your Board of Directors looks forward to seeing all conference attendees in Clearwater very soon.
Safe travels,
Don Aaron
Past President Emeritus & Board Member
National Information Officers’ Association