CEPOA - Calif. Educational Peace Officers Assoc.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the CEPOA has closed its doors after six years of service. From the fledgling thoughts of starting the CEPOA to the present day, this association has been about the officers who serve in the unique and demanding area of campus law enforcement. Unfortunately, lack of member participation and increased personal and professional duties for the individuals who sit as Board members has made continuing the CEPOA as an active association impossible.

Although the CEPOA is closing its doors, this by no means signifies a failure. Following, is a short list of accomplishments:

Met personally with nearly every state legislator
Assisted in fine-tuning bill language that affected safety on California campuses
Helped dispell some myths and instill confidence in our legislators regarding campus law enforcement
Assisted in the passage of federal legislation
Assisted in the passage of state legislation
Assisted with helping several associations break away from CSEA and form their own POAs
Provided assistance whenever called upon by campus law enforcement agencies, whether members, or not
Created a portal that allowed campus law enforcement a place to positively interact

In December 2007, the financial books and bank account for the CEPOA were officially closed. In early October, monies were returned to member associations who paid dues for 2006 and 2007. The CEPOA web page will be kept operational for a minimum of 6 months following the closing of the financial books. The mailing address for the CEPOA has been abandoned, however, I am available to assist anyone who requests assistance at the phone listed at the bottom of the page.

As the Founder and President since its inception, I ask that you indulge me one last time as I thank those who made this journey possible.

Robert Di Piero (Co-founder/VP-North): Bob was there from day one when I first started tossing the idea around of starting the CEPOA. In addition to providing me with some "office space" in his garage to work, Bob was my sounding board. I cannot count the number of times I ran a rough draft of the initial invitation letter across his desk. He helped me stay focused and provided a bit of direction when I started to lose my way.

Mike Mejia (Co-Founder): Mike and I met by phone when I was making calls to discuss the feasibility of starting the CEPOA. Through this call, I discovered Mike was trying to make similar legislative changes and possessed a strong desire to improve, both personally and professionally. I invited Mike to accompany me to PORAC headquarters, where we met with then President, Clancy Faria. Mike proved himself to be an impressive speaker and a tremendous source of knowledge. That meeting was pinnacle in going forward with the creation of the CEPOA. Despite leaving the Community College Police ranks shortly after the official formation of the CEPOA, Mike remained committed to the CEPOA and its goals.

Thomas Sharp (Treasurer): Tom and I met at the inaugural meeting in June 2001. Within the first several minutes of the inaugural meeting, I realized that Tom was no stranger to association leadership and formation. For anyone who knows him, he has a strong commitment to law enforcement and campus policing. Following the inaugural meeting, Tom stepped up and provided much needed knowledge on association start up and maintenance. He was responsible for the creation of the first CEPOA account and has kept the CEPOA in good financial shape over the years. Even through his advancement in rank, he has remained dedicated. The bottom line with Tom, is that he is an absolute guru at association start-up and operations. Without him, the CEPOA would have never gotten off the ground.

Will Wegener (former VP-South): Will made the long trek from San Diego Community College PD for the inaugural meeting. He brought to the CEPOA, an uncanny gift of networking and a steadfast commitment to improving all aspects of campus law enforcement. Will led the charge to boost membership and worked tirelessly during his time with the CEPOA. Despite leaving the CEPOA and the campus law enforcement ranks shortly after the CEPOA began, his dedication and concern for campus law enforcement never diminished. He is a true leader and a good friend.

Mike Harris (former Secretary): Mike carpooled with Will and represented San Diego City Schools PD for the inaugural meeting. Mike had an electric personality that took us by storm. Initially, the association was going to be named the California Campus Law Enforcement Association (CCLEA). Mike led a spirited discussion, which resulted in the association adopting the name of California Educational Peace Officers Association (CEPOA). As with Will, Mike left our ranks when he moved on to a city agency. His drive and intensity was instrumental in getting the CEPOA up and running.

This list encompasses the first sitting Board of Directors of the CEPOA. Had it not been for these individuals grasping the true meaning of dedication and teamwork, the vision would have never greeted reality. Through the years, there have been several others who have made the CEPOA function. Although their names are not listed here, their dedication was just as notable and will never be forgotten.

In parting, I would like to acknowledge each person who at one time, or another took that leap of faith and joined our membership (listed by agency, as opposed to individual, or association membership):

Stockton Unified School District Police
San Francisco Community College District Police
Sonoma County Community College District Police
Marin Community College District Police
Ventura County Community College District Police
Yuba Community College District Police
University of California San Francisco Police
Alan Hancock Community College District Police
Contra Costa Community College District Police
San Joaquin Delta Community College District Police
San Diego Community College District Police
San Diego City Schools Police
Palomar Community College District Police
West Contra Costa Unified School District Police

As the saying reminds us, "All great things must come to an end".

CEPOA 2001 - 2007

It was a great ride. Thank you for letting us serve you...

Sincerely,

Jim Bock
President / Founder



		CEPOA Closes It's Doors
	It is with a heavy heart that I announce the CEPOA has closed its doors after six years of service. From the fledgling thoughts of starting the CEPOA to the present day, this association has been about the officers who serve in the unique and demanding area of campus law enforcement. Unfortunately, lack of member participation and increased personal and professional duties for the individuals who sit as Board members has made continuing the CEPOA as an active association impossible. Although the CEPOA is closing its doors, this by no means signifies a failure. Following, is a short list of accomplishments: Met personally with nearly every state legislator Assisted in fine-tuning bill language that affected safety on California campuses Helped dispell some myths and instill confidence in our legislators regarding campus law enforcement Assisted in the passage of federal legislation Assisted in the passage of state legislation Assisted with helping several associations break away from CSEA and form their own POAs Provided assistance whenever called upon by campus law enforcement agencies, whether members, or not Created a portal that allowed campus law enforcement a place to positively interact In December 2007, the financial books and bank account for the CEPOA were officially closed. In early October, monies were returned to member associations who paid dues for 2006 and 2007. The CEPOA web page will be kept operational for a minimum of 6 months following the closing of the financial books. The mailing address for the CEPOA has been abandoned, however, I am available to assist anyone who requests assistance at the phone listed at the bottom of the page. As the Founder and President since its inception, I ask that you indulge me one last time as I thank those who made this journey possible. Robert Di Piero (Co-founder/VP-North): Bob was there from day one when I first started tossing the idea around of starting the CEPOA. In addition to providing me with some "office space" in his garage to work, Bob was my sounding board. I cannot count the number of times I ran a rough draft of the initial invitation letter across his desk. He helped me stay focused and provided a bit of direction when I started to lose my way. Mike Mejia (Co-Founder): Mike and I met by phone when I was making calls to discuss the feasibility of starting the CEPOA. Through this call, I discovered Mike was trying to make similar legislative changes and possessed a strong desire to improve, both personally and professionally. I invited Mike to accompany me to PORAC headquarters, where we met with then President, Clancy Faria. Mike proved himself to be an impressive speaker and a tremendous source of knowledge. That meeting was pinnacle in going forward with the creation of the CEPOA. Despite leaving the Community College Police ranks shortly after the official formation of the CEPOA, Mike remained committed to the CEPOA and its goals. Thomas Sharp (Treasurer): Tom and I met at the inaugural meeting in June 2001. Within the first several minutes of the inaugural meeting, I realized that Tom was no stranger to association leadership and formation. For anyone who knows him, he has a strong commitment to law enforcement and campus policing. Following the inaugural meeting, Tom stepped up and provided much needed knowledge on association start up and maintenance. He was responsible for the creation of the first CEPOA account and has kept the CEPOA in good financial shape over the years. Even through his advancement in rank, he has remained dedicated. The bottom line with Tom, is that he is an absolute guru at association start-up and operations. Without him, the CEPOA would have never gotten off the ground. Will Wegener (former VP-South): Will made the long trek from San Diego Community College PD for the inaugural meeting. He brought to the CEPOA, an uncanny gift of networking and a steadfast commitment to improving all aspects of campus law enforcement. Will led the charge to boost membership and worked tirelessly during his time with the CEPOA. Despite leaving the CEPOA and the campus law enforcement ranks shortly after the CEPOA began, his dedication and concern for campus law enforcement never diminished. He is a true leader and a good friend. Mike Harris (former Secretary): Mike carpooled with Will and represented San Diego City Schools PD for the inaugural meeting. Mike had an electric personality that took us by storm. Initially, the association was going to be named the California Campus Law Enforcement Association (CCLEA). Mike led a spirited discussion, which resulted in the association adopting the name of California Educational Peace Officers Association (CEPOA). As with Will, Mike left our ranks when he moved on to a city agency. His drive and intensity was instrumental in getting the CEPOA up and running. This list encompasses the first sitting Board of Directors of the CEPOA. Had it not been for these individuals grasping the true meaning of dedication and teamwork, the vision would have never greeted reality. Through the years, there have been several others who have made the CEPOA function. Although their names are not listed here, their dedication was just as notable and will never be forgotten. In parting, I would like to acknowledge each person who at one time, or another took that leap of faith and joined our membership (listed by agency, as opposed to individual, or association membership): Stockton Unified School District Police San Francisco Community College District Police Sonoma County Community College District Police Marin Community College District Police Ventura County Community College District Police Yuba Community College District Police University of California San Francisco Police Alan Hancock Community College District Police Contra Costa Community College District Police San Joaquin Delta Community College District Police San Diego Community College District Police San Diego City Schools Police Palomar Community College District Police West Contra Costa Unified School District Police As the saying reminds us, "All great things must come to an end". CEPOA 2001 - 2007 It was a great ride. Thank you for letting us serve you... Sincerely, Jim Bock President / Founder
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