For Hometown News
MARTIN COUNTY -
The Treasure Coast's Region 26 of the International Police Association, U.S. Section, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The section is comprised of retired and active duty professional law enforcement officers and agents of federal, state, municipal and military police agencies.
The IPA is the largest and oldest worldwide fraternal police organization.
Lou Savini, Region 26 president of Palm City, has been the force behind the ever increasing number of members who have joined Region 26 in recent years.
Each month, members participate in a dinner meeting at one of several local restaurants in Martin and St. Lucie counties. Guests have included renowned jurists, scientists, Grumman space program vice presidents and medical professions, among many interesting speakers.
"My wife, Anne and I,visit various well known restaurants and try their food. Then we see if they wish to host our organization's dinner meeting, which is held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.," said Mr. Savini.
"Our members seem to really enjoy the opportunity to socialize with one another and talk about what they've done during their careers. One of our most senior members just passed on and he worked directly for the late founder and director of the FBI, Edgar J. Hoover. Our members find that our meetings provide for quite memorable exchanges and fellowship."
There are many benefits available to IPA members. Annual events include a picnic barbeque in April, and a Christmas and holiday party in December.
The group also supports members and their families. Last year, one of the member's granddaughters was selected to receive an IPA scholarship that enabled her to attend the IPA's International Youth Gathering conference in Ireland.
The U.S. Section of the International Police Association was founded on Feb. 26, 1962. The organization will mark its 50th anniversary with an event in November in Washington, D.C. Attendees will be active and retired officers from around the country and world. The four-day event will include tours, hospitality, daily entertainment and a final banquet.
The IPA, the largest fraternal police organization in the world, was officially formed on Jan. 1, 1950. The IPA is a nonprofit, worldwide fraternal organization whose membership consists solely of active and retired law enforcement personnel.
For more information, call (772) 288-1972 or email ljspike@comcast.net