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SCAFO Diamond Anniversary Celebration The opening page of the SCAFO history, written by Russell Bradford for the 30th Anniversary of the Association, stated that in “1936 the first steps were taken to form an association later to be known as the `Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers'...this was also the year the Queen Mary made her maiden voyage.” What better place to have our 60th Anniversary? So, on April 26, 1997, the membership met aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of this great organization. All attending received a commemorative pin and a 67 page SCAFO history book. Amazing Grace, played on the bagpipes by Tony Clark--Stewart, was a fitting tribute to members who have passed away. Our guest speaker for the evening was the famous true crime author Ann Rule, who was flown in for the event by the Association from her home in Washington state. These were the makings of a very memorable night. The evening was hosted by Chairman of the Board William Leo and presided over by President Louis Herbert. The dinner was attended by 188 members and guests, including twenty--two Association Presidents, George Pletts (1952), Robert Topliff (1968), Clarence Bales (1972), Dell Freeman (1973), Paul Segura (1974), Thomas Connor (1975), Lloyd Wyant (1976), Richard Clason (1978), Gerald Snyder (1981), Joseph Mann (1985), Steven Evans (1986), Ronald George (1987), Joseph Almanza (1988), Donald Fandry (1989), James De Alexander (1990), Alan McRoberts (1991), Tim Golt (1992), Mary Nolte (1993), Clark Fogg (1994), James Lawson (1995), William Leo (1996), Louis Herbert (1997), two 25 year Life Members (William Gutierrez and Russell Bradford), and four Charles W. Wolford Award Recipients (Donald Fandry, Alan McRoberts, Thomas Jones and James Lawson). Clark Fogg, Lisa A DiMeo, Thomas W. Jones, William F. Leo and Alan L. McRoberts were recognized with Distinguished Member status and presented with certificates which read: “In recognition of your superior efforts in the furtherance of the aims and purposes of the Association and having met the established criteria, the Association confers the eminent status of Distinguished Member.” This was the first awarding of the Distinguished Member status since the bylaws addition in 1996. Ann Rule presented fascinating and disturbing facts and insight about some of the most infamous criminals of our time. Then the audience was entertained with the comedy act of our very own SCAFO “Twin Presidents” (you had to be there). Many outstanding door prizes, included many Ann Rule 1st edition autographed books, and dancing completed a most memorable celebration of our association's progress and success.
This article was reprinted in “THE PRINT” |