CGIA Members,
It is with sadness that I inform you that member Paul Jones crossed the bar in November. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this tough time. Fair winds and following seas shipmate.
On February 14th CGIS Director Michael Berkow and myself presented the 2019 Special Agent of the Year award to RAC David Mills, Resident Agent Office St Louis, while he attend the CGIS Biennial In-Service Training here at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA.
On 19 July 2018, the “Stretch Duck 07,” an inspected passenger vessel, got underway on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri for a sightseeing tour. A forecasted storm blew in over the lake causing high winds and heavy seas which exceeded the operating limitations of Stretch Duck 07. The Stretch Duck 07 was unable to return to the dock before it was overwhelmed by the weather conditions and sank in Table Rock Lake. The sinking resulted in the death of sixteen passengers and one crewmember.
S/A David Mills was designated as the lead agent of the CGIS investigation and tasked with putting together an investigative team and plan to oversee the transition of the case from a safety/regulatory inquiry to a criminal investigation. From the onset, this proved to be a very daunting task as all of the involved agencies had been working on the case for weeks, each with their own protocols, objectives and reporting procedures. An investigative team made up of Full-Time and Reserve Agents from across the country was quickly assembled and S/A Mills immediately engaged them in the collection of reports, recordings, company documents, property and evidence, all held by the various agencies. The collection of documents and transfer of property lasted for weeks as agencies continued to finalize reports and processes were established to turn over property and evidence.
In addition to the above, S/A Mills has continued to serve as the RAC of CGIS RAO St. Louis managing two full time and six Reserve Agents, providing investigative support to three Inland Sectors, and encompassing an AOR which includes all or part of 13 states.
It is with sadness that I inform you that member Paul Jones crossed the bar in November. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this tough time. Fair winds and following seas shipmate.
On February 14th CGIS Director Michael Berkow and myself presented the 2019 Special Agent of the Year award to RAC David Mills, Resident Agent Office St Louis, while he attend the CGIS Biennial In-Service Training here at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA.
On 19 July 2018, the “Stretch Duck 07,” an inspected passenger vessel, got underway on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri for a sightseeing tour. A forecasted storm blew in over the lake causing high winds and heavy seas which exceeded the operating limitations of Stretch Duck 07. The Stretch Duck 07 was unable to return to the dock before it was overwhelmed by the weather conditions and sank in Table Rock Lake. The sinking resulted in the death of sixteen passengers and one crewmember.
S/A David Mills was designated as the lead agent of the CGIS investigation and tasked with putting together an investigative team and plan to oversee the transition of the case from a safety/regulatory inquiry to a criminal investigation. From the onset, this proved to be a very daunting task as all of the involved agencies had been working on the case for weeks, each with their own protocols, objectives and reporting procedures. An investigative team made up of Full-Time and Reserve Agents from across the country was quickly assembled and S/A Mills immediately engaged them in the collection of reports, recordings, company documents, property and evidence, all held by the various agencies. The collection of documents and transfer of property lasted for weeks as agencies continued to finalize reports and processes were established to turn over property and evidence.
In addition to the above, S/A Mills has continued to serve as the RAC of CGIS RAO St. Louis managing two full time and six Reserve Agents, providing investigative support to three Inland Sectors, and encompassing an AOR which includes all or part of 13 states.
This was a great opportunity to promote CGIA and confirms the support that the association is gaining from CGIS Headquarters. This presentation also was highlighted in a Directors update that is viewed by ALL CGIS agents worldwide.
Remember that the purpose of these updates to make sure that all information, decisions, and notifications are related to all members of CGIA. This transparency will allow ever member to see the direction that CGIA is heading and allow for an equal vote on issues that affect the association.
Just a reminder that the Annual Conference will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, October 8 – 11, 2020. Gus Oviedo will be organizing the conference. A hotel has been selected, in very close proximity to airport for convenience of the members. As soon as we get more information, it will be posted in an update.
Remember that the purpose of these updates to make sure that all information, decisions, and notifications are related to all members of CGIA. This transparency will allow ever member to see the direction that CGIA is heading and allow for an equal vote on issues that affect the association.
Just a reminder that the Annual Conference will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, October 8 – 11, 2020. Gus Oviedo will be organizing the conference. A hotel has been selected, in very close proximity to airport for convenience of the members. As soon as we get more information, it will be posted in an update.
