PW_4_2024

IPA News

Memorable time in USA By Doris Nyarko My children and I were visiting relatives in USA and so I contacted IPA in Ohio and Virginia, hoping to meet up with members for a meal and a tour. Our first stop was in Ohio where we met up with Bill Swank who took us to Columbus Police Academy which was quite an experience. We saw recruits under training and I learnt a lot from there. The next stop was Columbus Police Headquarters where we met Lashanna Potts the assistant chief. We got a tour of the building and the chief’s office had a beautiful view. We then visited the Columbus Police Helicopter Unit where we got a chance to sit in the helicopter which was fun for all of us. Whilst visiting Bill arranged a helicopter ride with the unit for me on a different day as children were not allowed. Bill also arranged a ride along with Pataskala Police which Sgt Ted Smith took me and we had a couple of stops. Day 2 - Bill took us to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy which has a museum attached. It was a learning opportunity. The Ohio State Fair was happening close by the Academy so we got a VIP treatment from Sgt Ryan Purpura who drove us to the fair. The next State was Virginia where we met up with David Ackley, a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer. He took us to Washington DC, where we were able to visit the White House, Capitol Hill and Washington Memorial. We visited the Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima) and saw the Arlington Cemetery. Our final stop was the Army Museum where David is a volunteer. It has a virtual exhibition which was very interesting. David who volunteers a lot as a host for IPA visitors was also amazing. Thanks to Bill and David for taking the time to host us.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 69 No.4, 2024