On Jan. 24, Sheriff Bill Gore swore in the 2013 DSA Board of Directors during a lunchtime installation ceremony at MCRD San Diego. After the director election, incumbents Matt Clay and Dave Schaller were re-elected, while Ed Macken joined the board as the newest director. All three were present for the installation in front of DSA Members, several politicians, and key county officials.
After the board was sworn in, DSA President Dave Schaller presented outgoing director Marco Garmo with a small token of appreciation. Marco served one three-year term on the board. While on the board, he not only advanced from sergeant to lieutenant in the department, but he also worked diligently through the last negotiations and election cycle. While no longer on the board, he will continue to be involved in the Political Action Committee.
Filling Marco’s seat at the table will be Dep. Ed Macken who is currently assigned to the Railroad Enforcement Unit at the Encinitas Station. Prior to joining the department, he spent 10 years in New Jersey working a variety of law enforcement positions and was cross sword with the ATF and US Marshal Service. Looking back at his career, Ed stated: “My law enforcement career is vast and each experience has made me who I am today. I have seen first hand how dangerous and unpredictable our jobs can be from officer involved shootings, which took partners who were friends, to taking fingerprints from the body of my old high school wrestling partner in the morgue after he flipped his car. I see how short life can be by the deaths of friends and colleagues. I concur with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, author of On Killing, when he likened law enforcement personnel to sheepdogs, whose pack must remain strong to fight the wolves of society.”
While East Coast at heart, Macken loves San Diego and is proud to be a deputy sheriff in this county. While not working, he enjoys the outdoors, travel, motor sports, animals, and good food and beverage. Macken says, “I have a positive attitude for life and make myself available to help out those who are in need of assistance.”
Having served as treasurer of the Police Benevolent Association, Local 316, in New Jersey and more recently as a station rep for the DSA, Macken is ready to jump in and get started with the board, saying “I thought it was time for me to put my enthusiasm where it counts. There needs to be a concerted effort to recruit more participation from the members of the DSA. With new board members come new ideas.”
When looking forward to the next year, Director Ed Macken says, “We must be strong as a department and association.”
The first order of business will be to select new board officers. President Dave Schaller has already stepped down from the day-to-day aspects of his position in order to take on a new department assignment. He served as president for just over a year, having been selected to fill the remainder of Hank Turner’s term as president. Vice President Matt Clay has been filling in until the new executive board is selected at the Feb. 14 meeting.
“Regardless of who is selected for any of the executive positions, the board ultimately serves as a check and balance for our decisions. Currently, we have a capable and committed board. So regardless of the outcome rest assured we will continue down the right path.” said Director DiCarlo.
Following the executive board elections, new committee chairs and members will be chosen. Members are encouraged to volunteer for any committees they are interested in. Having the right people on the committee is key to a successful and well-respected association. “We must work together and talk about current issues in an open setting to come to intelligent resolutions for all concerned. We are all very busy with family, friends, and shift work, but member participation is strongly encouraged,” said Director Macken.
Director DiCarlo reminds us that: “We as an association should stand united. Decisions at the board level are generally based on input from various sources. If there is ever any uncertainty about a specific board decision please contact a board member or the committee chair for an explanation. We’re here for you.”
As a member, feel free to come to DSA meetings, contact a director with any concern, or get involved on a committee or as a station rep. Remember, this is your association. The 2013 board of directors have already begun work for the year ahead. Please contact your directors if you have concerns or questions.
