Big Dreams

Brothers Sebastian,8 and Alejandro,7 Mejia were born with a rare genetic mutation called Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba, which is a degenerative disease that has no cure but this hasn’t stopped them from dreaming big. Sebastian has dreams of graduating from Harvard and becoming the President of the Unites States while the younger Alejandro would still be close to his brother with his dream of becoming a pilot for the Air Force One aircraft.

Dreams Come True

Although city officials were unable to make the brothers big dream come through they were still treated to a day most people never experience. Sebastian was appointed as police chief and was handed the keys to the city by Mayor Luigi Boria, and told that a letter would be sent to President Obama informing him of the brother’s courageous story. Alejandro was given an honorary police badge, plaque and was officially pronounced by Police Chief Donald De Lucca, they were both given exclusive rides in a city cop car around the block.

This story of courage despite being in a tough situation is truly inspiring and this was felt by everyone in attendance as there wasn’t a dry eye in the room during the ceremonies. You can read the full story about these brave brothers here

But after all the fun and festivities conclude, members must get down to business.  All annual IACP Conferences involve elections that may alter the makeup of the Board of Officers, which is the group that helps manage and organize IACP events.  This year, there are two positions that are up for election—the 4^th Vice President position and the Vice-President at Large spot.

Basic requirements

If you would like to join the Board of Officers, you must be an active member of the IACP and a sitting police chief.  For the first open spot, the Vice-President at Large will serve one 3-year term that concludes in 2016. For the second spot, however, the 4^th Vice President will ascend to the IACP presidency in 2019.  It is an important and sought-after position, which is why it is often hotly contested.

Who is Donald De Lucca?

With over thirty years of experience in law enforcement, Donald De Lucca began his career as a police officer in Miami Beach in 1981, and later worked his way up to chief of police of that department. As the head honcho, he had over 400 officers working directly under him.  Chief Delucca handled the job with aplomb and served with distinction from 2001 to 2007. He then took a slightly less stressful position as the chief of police of a small tourist—Golden Beach, Florida. (Discover more about Donald DeLucca for IACP 4th Vice President)

Why you should vote for Donald Delucca IACP 2013

Throughout his career, whether as an officer or a chief, Mr. Delucca has always stressed the importance of continued training. He believes that the only way to wage the war on crime is to be one step ahead of the criminals, which can only be achieved through education and instruction.  These are the very principles on which the International Association of Chiefs of Police was founded. The architects of the organization believed that only through sharing could police officers gain the upper hand and fight the good fight.

If elected as the 4^th Vice President of the IACP, Donald De Lucca will work hard to ensure that all members of the law enforcement community have access to programs that can help them master the skills and tactics they need to do their jobs in the 21^st century.

The Vice President of the IACP serves a crucial role that ensures the organization’s success. The job would require someone with experience, professionalism and a genuine desire to improve law enforcement. Chief Don de Lucca exhibits these traits and more.  Here are three reasons to vote for de Lucca this election:

1. His Experience

As an IACP member since 1996 and active Chairperson of the Conference Committee since 2002, Don de Lucca has an abundant amount of experience under his belt.  His extensive professional history in law enforcement began in 1981. After serving as a police officer of the Miami Beach Police Department for almost 20 years, de Lucca became Chief de Lucca of MBPD under the appointment of Mayor Neisen Kasdin in 2001. He served as chief over 400, ensuring the peace and safety of the residents and tourists in his town.

Don de Lucca stayed in this position until 2007. He then retired and moved to the smaller town of Golden Beach, Florida, where he accepted the role of Chief of Police in 2011. Although this job was smaller, he led his officers with the same excellent direction he provided in his previous assignments. (Read about the Leadership of Chief Donald De Lucca)

2. His Endorsements

Chief Don de Lucca’s website provides a list of the endorsements he has received. They include:

• Florida Police Chiefs Association
• Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association
• Mississippi Police Chiefs Executive Board
• Connecticut Police Chiefs Association
• Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP)
• Delaware Police Chiefs Council
• New Hampshire Police Chiefs Association
• Michigan Police Chiefs Association
• Louisiana Police Chiefs Executive Board
• New Jersey Police Chiefs Association
• Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police
• New York Police Chiefs Association
• National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE)
• Missouri Police Chiefs Association
• Illinois Chiefs of Police
• Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association
• International Association of Airport & Seaport Police

These organizations are among the most prestigious in the nation, and their support adds credibility to de Lucca’s candidacy.

3. His Qualities

Chief Don de Lucca has proven to be a powerful motivating force and leader to all who have worked under him. He has served the people of Florida dutifully and protects their interests. His organizational skills prove that he can tackle any assignment no matter how big or small. He is a well-seasoned leader and law enforcer. (View the gallery here)

To learn more, visit DonDeLuccaIACP2013.com. If you want to support Don De Luccca for IACP 2013 Vice President, send an email to delucca4vp@gmail.com.

Commitment to the Law Enforcement Community

Your IACP 4th Vice President should be someone with a long commitment to the law enforcement profession. Donald DeLucca has been in law enforcement since 1981, spending 26 years with the City of Miami Beach in a range of operational and administrative positions. Don was named Police Chief in Miami Beach in 2001 and held that position until retiring in 2007, working with 400 sworn officers in a diverse, vibrant city.

Leadership Experience You Can Count On

Don DeLucca knows from firsthand experience how to meet the challenges of policing in a rapidly changing world. He is a big believer in continuing police training so that officers can develop the skills they need to serve their communities effectively. He has provided leadership training in police departments throughout the United States during his long career as a law enforcement officer.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning

Law enforcement isn’t a career where one-time training is sufficient. Changes in technology and changes in communities demand that police officers update their skills and training regularly throughout their careers. Donald DeLucca is a strong believer in officers in every law enforcement capacity updating their skills as technologies, laws, and communities change. He will bring his vision and leadership skills to the office of IACP 4th VP if elected this fall.

Meeting the Challenges Every Day

IACP elected officers must be prepared to meet the needs of today’s law enforcement community, and Don DeLucca is ready to accept that challenge. The IACP Conference and Exposition in Philadelphia this fall is your opportunity to elect officers to serve your needs as law enforcement professionals. I’m Donald DeLucca, and I would appreciate your vote for IACP 4th VP this fall.