Association leaders were recognized during the 8th Annual AZCOPS Convention Oct. 17, 2009, in Laughlin, NV. From left are Oscar Rosas of Nogales POA, Victor Figueroa of San Luis POA, David Sargent of Pinetop-Lakeside POA, Aki Stant of City of Maricopa PA, Vincent Schaan of Chino Valley POA, AZCOPS General Counsel Martin Bihn, AZCOPS President Larry A. Lopez, Chris Palic of Oro Valley POA, Michael Bott of Oro Valley POA, and Edward Arvizu of Bullhead City POA. (Click image to enlarge.) 

   AZCOPS leaders convene for training, networking opportunities

From training sessions on politics, legal matters, discipline grievance and collective bargaining, the Eighth Annual AZCOPS Convention Oct. 16-18, 2009, offered something for all members and association leaders.

"This convention was packed full of information that members and leaders will be able to use to grow their membership and help build their political influence," said AZCOPS President Larry A. Lopez.

Keynote speakers for this year's two-day convention were Jim Spearing of JMS Associates of Florida, and John Doran of the National Coalition of Public Safety Officers. Grievance training was presented by  Mike Gurr, chairman of the Tucson POA Grievance Committee, and sessions on legal issues and a legislative update were presented by AZCOPS General Counsel Martin Bihn, Attorney Mike Storie and Government Relations Director Luis Ebratt.