Serve and Secure - NCSL

Summer 2014

From the PresidentI wish to express my sincere thanks and grati-

tude to all NLSSA members who attended the 2013 NLSSA Fall Training Conference in Austin, Texas, last September. On behalf of Rod Welsh, Ken Scheer and myself, thank you for the opportunity to host this conference where we celebrated the 40th anniversary of our association with a wonderful variety of net-working and professional development opportunities.

Congratulations to all of the newly elected and re-elected officers of our association. The NLSSA Executive Board will be working toward a bigger and better association, and I appreciate your hard work and dedication. The continued involvement of our members is crucial to the success of our associa-

tion and I challenge all members to stay involved. I would also like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all of our guests,

both national and international. A special tribute was made to retired member Earnie Sumner of the Florida House of Representatives (see the article in this issue) as well as recognition for our life members in attendance.

Brian Hodgson, President of the Canadian Association of Sergeant at Arms, pre-sented NLSSA with a copy of the Canadian Sergeants’ Coat of Arms. After years of research, the Canadian Sergeants Coat of Arms was unveiled and presented at the 2012 Annual Canadian Sergeants Conference in Toronto, Ont. Our international guests con-tinue to provide a new dynamic to our conferences and dramatically enrich the educa-tional and professional development components of our organization.

I have fully enjoyed serv-ing as your president over this past year. It has been an honor getting to know all of the wonderful people who work diligently every day to provide security and services to our nation’s legislatures. Without the hard work and dedication of legislative staff, our dem-ocratic institutions could not fulfill their responsibility to conduct the people’s business.

Thank you for serving alongside me. Texas Capitol in Austin’s evening glow.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE�� 2013 Award Recipients

2

�� 40th Anniversary 2

�� Message from Texas

2

�� 2013 Fall Training Conference

3

�� Texas Fusion Center

4

�� Honors for W.Va. Sergeant

5

�� In Memoriam 5

�� Greetings from the Palmetto State

6

�� Petty Visits N.C. 6

�� Retirements 7

�� 40th Anniversary began in GRAND STYLE

8

�� In It for Life 8

�� A Parting Note 9

2014 MEETINGSJune 20–21Region 2 MeetingAustin, Texas

June 27–28Region 4 MeetingWampee, S.C.

Aug. 19–22NCSL Legislative SummitMinneapolis, Minn.

Oct. 5–10NLSSA Fall Training ConferenceRaleigh, N.C.

Serve and SecureNewsletter of the National Legislative Services and Security Association (NLSSA)

RICK DeLEON NLSSA PresidentSenate Sergeant at Arms, Texas

National Legislative Services and Security Association (NLSSA) | Serve and Secure

2WWW.NCSL.ORG | DENVER 303-364-7700 | WASHINGTON, D.C. 202-624-5400


2013 Award Recipients

JIMMETTA PEOPLES

Senate Security, Alabama

2013 John Everhardt “Trooper” Award

SAM SMITH

Senate Security, Alabama

2013 NCSL Legislative Staff Achievement Award

MARTIN BROCK

General Assembly Police Lieutenant, North Carolina

2013 NCSL Legislative Staff Achievement Award

2013 Tony Beard Memorial Award

CLARENCE RUSS

House Chief Sergeant at Arms, Louisiana

NLSSA’s 40th AnniversaryJohn Hancock, Captain, South Carolina Department of Public Safety

I am grateful to Sergeants at Arms Tony Beard, Sr., Oce Smith and other founding members who started this association four decades ago. The core values of our associa-tion — centered on securing and assisting legislators, staff and state capitol buildings — are fundamental to our system of representative democracy.

At our last conference, NLSSA celebrated 40 years of existence. Over this time, the United States has responded to countless international and domestic challenges includ-ing the United States withdrawing from Vietnam in 1973, the invasion of Soviet forces in Afghanistan in 1979, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the 2001 World Trade Center attack and the 2011 Arab Spring. Although many of these events were breathtaking, over the years our members have formed bonds that have assisted us in responding to the various protests and acts of criminal and civil disobedience that may have occurred as a result of these incidents and others.

Last year’s conference was a success. Everyone enjoyed the training, learned something new and will incorporate the valuable content into their professional careers. Thank you to everyone who made the conference a success. I am already looking for-ward to seeing you in Raleigh, N.C., for the 2014 fall training conference.

A Message from TexasSissy DeLeon, Texas

Hello everyone, especially the spouses and guests of NLSSA. I must admit the NLSSA 2014 Fall Training Conference and anniversary cele-bration was truly a joint effort. On behalf of Dinah Welsh, Leslie Scheer, Cindy Turner and myself, I want to let everyone know what an honor it was to be your host. We started out with a beautiful opening ceremony in the chambers of the Texas House. Witnessing the spectacular perfor-mance by the Texas DPS Honor Guard reminded me of the days when Rick was in the Marines, especially that rendition of the Star Spangled Banner — what a voice!

We kicked off the week with a busy schedule that included a tour of Austin, wine tasting in Fredericksburg, a visit to the Bob Bullock Museum and, of course, boot shopping at Allen’s Boots — and with all these events we added in spectacular views. The evening events were done in true Texas style with a full-blown BBQ, Mexican food, music and dancing. The state dinner at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library was a perfect setting to celebrate the 40th anniversary of NLSSA. The Hill Country is one of the true treasures of Texas.

It was a pleasure to show all of our guests and international guests true Texas hospitality. I want to say thank you to Brenda and Jim Melton for sharing their pictures with us in the Hospitality Suite. I am truly blessed to have y’all as my friends. Thank you all again for making the confer-ence a success and I look forward to seeing our friends next year in North Carolina.



A Texas-sized welcome by our NLSSA host state chairs — from left to right, Captain Ken Scheer (Texas Department of Public Safety), Rod Welsh (Texas House Sergeant) and Rick DeLeon (Texas Senate Sergeant).

"The Ladies" of NLSSA — great times and great friends by the Texas Capitol.

Southern Boys Caucus — Sam Smith (Ala.), Chuck Williams (S.C.), Martin Brock (N.C.) and Jeff Weaver (N.C.), from left to right — enjoy an evening of good views, food and refreshments.

2013 Fall Training Conference



Texas Fusion Center is a Model for the NationMartin Brock, General Assembly Police Lieutenant, North Carolina

At the NLSSA 2013 Fall Training Conference, touring the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Fusion Center was a unique, educational and rewarding experience. The tragic events of 9/11 illustrated the need for improved intelligence-sharing at all levels of government. Consequently, in 2003 the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice began set-ting up “fusion centers” that would be administered by individ-ual states.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, fusion centers:

�� Serve as primary focal points within the state and local environment for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and sharing of threat-related information among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners;

�� Allow local law enforcement to work side by side with federal agents and analysts, providing an unparalleled opportunity to build relationships and share information in the intelligence community.

NLSSA members taking in a tour at the Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch.

Training Through Tours

The Texas DPS Fusion Center is a state-of-the-art facility that is charged with intelligence, analysis and law enforcement operations at all levels of government. The Texas center is a model for fusion centers across the country with its cutting-edge technology to protect its borders and capability for complete law enforcement operations.

John Hancock's behind-the-back hands-on approach.



Honors for Long-time West Virginia SergeantMorgan Cullen, NCSL Liaison to NLSSA

Oce Smith was honored recently with the NLSSA President’s Charter Member Achievement Award. NLSSA President Rick DeLeon presented the award in honor of Smith’s 45 years of service to NLSSA and as sergeant at arms for the West Virginia Legislature. Oce had a storied career in West Virginia where he served under a dozen governors and 13 House speakers. He was also one of just a handful of sergeants who founded the national legislative security organization in 1973.

A tribute to Oce noted that “as the longest serving legislative officer in the country, all delegates knew they could depend on Oce for his vast institutional

knowledge and keen historical under-standing of West Virginia … While Oce’s accomplishments are widely recognized throughout the halls of the West Virginia capitol, it was through his thoughtful leadership as an NLSSA charter member that he established a national reputation.

“NLSSA was founded during a turbulent period in American history

Pictured from left, behind Smith, are NLSSA lifetime member Dennis Trimble, Rick DeLeon, Sandy Trimble and Robin Stultz.

when issues such as the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War were widely deliberated at dinner tables and street corners across the country. The United States had entered into a new era of social consciousness and peaceful pro-tests could sometimes erupt with violent consequences both for demonstrators and the general public.

“For Sergeants at Arms like Oce Smith who were responsible for the well-being of their members, capitol buildings and the general public, it meant they needed to adapt quickly to a rapidly changing environment. With this realiza-tion, Oce began to communicate regu-larly with his counterparts in other states to develop a set of best practices and security plans that could be used not only in the West Virginia House of Delegates but in every capitol building across the country.”

worked for Tommy before becoming a chief sergeant himself in the Texas House of Representatives, recalled that “Before Tommy became sergeant, Texas had never put a security plan in place. It was Tommy Townsend that instituted the first com-prehensive security plan for the Texas legislature. Before that there were no specific guidelines on how to respond to potential crises.” With the help of NLSSA, these guidelines would also become a model that other states would later use in their own state capitols around the country.

Tommy was ahead of his time in the types of services he offered to his Senate members. Every morning, Tommy and his staff consolidated Texas news stories that were important to the Senate and provided members with the printed press clippings. With the advent of the Internet, this service may not seem as important, but in the early ‘70s it had never been done before. Tommy’s foresight began a service that continues to this day.

Although Tommy left the Texas Senate in 1977, he left an enduring legacy of service. Through his leadership in helping establish NLSSA, Tommy created an organization that has helped hundreds of staff do their jobs better and improved the security and management of our democratic institutions. His loss will be deeply felt, and a grateful organization will be forever in his debt.

In MemoriamMorgan Cullen, NCSL Liaison to NLSSA

NLSSA members mourn the death of former Texas Senate Sergeant at Arms Tommy Townsend, who passed away on Nov. 18, 2013. Tommy was widely

known and respected throughout the halls of the Texas capitol for a distinguished career that spanned more than four decades.

While many knew Tommy as an association executive, first at the Texas Association of Realtors and then as the Executive Director for the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, NLSSA mem-bers will always remember him first as a sergeant at arms and a founding member of our association.

His leadership both in NLSSA and the Texas Senate con-tributed to accomplishments that changed how security is carried out in capitol buildings throughout the country. Rusty Kelly, who

THOMAS TOWNSEND 1943 – 2013

NLSSA Charter Member




Greetings from the Palmetto StateChuck Williams, NLSSA Vice President, Senate Chief Deputy Sergeant at Arms, South Carolina

As your vice president, it is my privilege to tell you about a place that is near and dear to the hearts of all region 4 members. It is a place where old friends come to greet each other once again and where new members are welcomed with open arms. It is a time of fun and fellowship, but more importantly, a time where we come together and share ideas that will benefit all as we strive to secure and protect the integrity of the legislative process.

Over the last 25 plus years, members of NLSSA (region 4) have gathered every June at Wampee Plantation on the shores of Lake Moultrie in Pinopolis, S.C., to hold our annual training meeting. The meeting was started by one of NLSSA’s found-ing members, former South Carolina Senate Sergeant at Arms Harry M. Coker, Sr. From his vision, and the continuing efforts of Jim Melton, current Senate sergeant at arms, the meeting has become a resounding success. From a presentation on the Moral Monday arrests in North Carolina, to a roundtable discussion on blood-borne pathogens, to a guest speaker from Canada on international relations and protocol, we tackle some of the tough-est issues that face legislative staff members today. But more importantly, we are sharing information!

In addition to outstanding training, there will be time to relax and enjoy the low country of South Carolina. From fishing, to golfing, to boating, to shopping in downtown Charleston, there is plenty to do with fellow members. If none of these Wampee House, South Carolina

activities suit you, you can just relax with a good book while taking in the sunshine on the water’s edge. The highlight of the weekend is a catfish tournament to honor the late Harry Coker. Members of NLSSA have been known to get up early and stay up late in pursuit of the big one (just ask John Hancock and Dennis Trimble, two members who faithfully try their luck every year).

If I have stirred your interest, all are welcome to join us in June 2014. But don’t just take my word for it — Sam Smith (Ala.) will quickly tell you that it doesn’t matter what is going on anywhere else, a trip to Wampee trumps all other offers! Or ask Lewis Kelly, who loves Wampee so much that he and his beautiful wife were married on the porch with Lake Moultrie as their backdrop. You will go away with some of the finest training that is out there. But, more importantly, you will be building relationships that you will treasure. It is truly a special place — come and join us. On behalf of everyone from South Carolina, we can’t wait to see you here!

Petty Visits North Carolina State CapitolPhil King, Sergeant at Arms, N.C. Senate

humble and more than willing to pose for photographs with legislative members and staff.

Richard Petty was NASCAR Champion seven times and holds NASCAR records for victories in a career (200) and season (27 in 1967, including 10 in a row).. Statistically, he is the most accomplished driver in the history of the sport and is one of the most respected figures in motorsports history.

Phil King (left) with Richard Petty at the North Carolina Senate.

On May 21, 2014, the North Carolina Senate had a special guest in the gallery. Famous stock car driver, Richard “The King” Petty, who lives in North Carolina, was the guest of Senator Jerry Tillman. The occasion was a sad one — Senator Tillman read a resolution honoring the life of Petty’s late wife, Lynda Gayle Owens Petty, who passed away suddenly on March 25 after a long battle with cancer. Petty was friendly and




California Senate Chief Sergeant Retires

Emotional Farewell for Florida House Sergeant Morgan Cullen, NCSL Liaison to NLSSA

Tony Beard

Morgan Cullen, NCSL Liaison to NLSSA

After 46 years of dedicated service to the California State Senate, Chief Sergeant at Arms Tony Beard has decided to retire. For more than four decades,

a House Meeting Room would be named “Sumner Hall” in Earnie’s honor.

Earnie was very active at NCSL for many years. NCSL Executive Director Bill Pound was sad to hear that NCSL would be losing such a valued asset: “Earnie Sumner’s well-deserved retirement is a loss not only to the Florida House, but to NLSSA and NCSL. Earnie has been a leader of NLSSA for many years and rep-resented the staff section and Florida well on the NCSL Executive Committee.”

Over his 34 years with NLSSA, Earnie served on the executive board, including two terms as president (2006–2008). Earnie understood the importance of developing new talent and viewed NCSL as an opportunity to pass on the pro-fessional expertise he had acquired over his career. It was through this commitment that

Earnie was awarded all three of the orga-nization’s service awards — Legislative Staff Achievement Award (2002), John Everhardt “Trooper” Award (2003) and Tony Beard Memorial Award (2008).

Tony has set a standard of professional-ism, conduct and leadership — both to those who served under him in California and those lucky enough to call them-selves a sergeant at arms in their respec-tive states.

Tony’s departure is a big loss not only for the California Legislature but also for NLSSA and NCSL. As you know, the last name Beard has been indivisibly linked to NLSSA since the organization’s inception in 1973. Over the years, Tony has served on the NLSSA Executive Board as secretary (1983–85), vice president (1985–87) and president (1987–89). He was also a recipient of every award NLSSA bestows upon its members. In 1998, Tony was hon-ored with the NCSL Legislative Staff Achievement Award and the Tony Beard

Memorial Award, and in 2004 he received the John Everhardt “Trooper” Award.

Tony has played a leading role within the larger NCSL organization as well — on the Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee (1985–87) and two terms on the NCSL Executive Committee (2000–2003) and (2006–2009).

While Tony’s professional contri-butions are well documented, it is his genuine demeanor, devoted friendship and propensity for mischief (at our annual conferences) that his colleagues appreciate most. The good news is that he plans on remaining active in NCSL and NLSSA. While he may be retiring, he is looking forward to maintaining the lifelong friendships he has built through these important organizations.

Longtime Florida House Sergeant at Arms and NCSL officer, Earnest “Earnie” Sumner, retired last spring after 42 years of legislative ser-vice, serving the Florida House of Representatives for 138 legislative sessions.

Maintaining chamber security and decorum, keeping up capitol properties, coordinating logistics, overseeing emergency planning and meeting the daily needs of the cham-ber’s 120 members are just some of the responsibilities that Earnie managed daily. The House honored Earnie’s career with an official resolu-tion and no fewer than four standing ovations from the members he has served for so many years. Speaker Will Weatherford also announced that

Earnie Sumner, right, with Deputy House Sergeant at Arms Marty McDonald in the House chamber on Earnie’s last day of session.




40th Anniversary of the NLSSA began in GRAND STYLEVirginia Drew, Director, State House Visitors Center, New Hampshire

In It for LifeNLSSA Life Member Dennis Trimble, Ohio

Being a life member of NLSSA is such an honor. I have now been a life member for approximately four years, and I have kept in touch with the organization through the newsletter, list serve, and attending the region 4 meetings. Being able to attend the annual training conference this year was such a pleasure for Sandy and me. The conference was filled with great presen-tations and training, and connecting with newer members and reconnecting with old friends was like returning to the family reunion after missing it for a few years.

I have brought back much of what I learned to my cur-rent position, and some of it I am able to use in everyday life outside of work. The Leadership Training, Preferred Methods of Communication for Administrators, Cyber Security, Best Practices for Social Media in the Workplace and Crowd Management were all very informative.

The presentations were extremely interesting. Hearing and learning about Charles Whitman from a man that talked to

Sandy and Dennis Trimble

individuals that were directly involved with the tower shooting was definitely one of the week’s highlights.

I also enjoyed how the Texas delegations combined the social events with a learning experience — din-ner at “The Dump,” dinner at the Reveille Peak Ranch that is dedicated to serving the men and women who have sacrificed to protect our homeland and the state dinner at the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library. The amount of history and educational information was overwhelming, and I look forward to the day I can return to take it all in.

On behalf of Sandy and myself, I want to thank Rick, Rod, Ken and the entire Texas delegation for a job well done. I want to also wish NLSSA a very happy 40th birthday!

The opening ceremony took place in the magnificent Texas House of Representatives Chamber. Hosting the opening ceremony in the House Chamber was a wonderful honor for our association and it was a privilege to sit in the actual seats of the state’s 150 house members.

Capitol. It was a thrill to be able to look out and view the largest capitol of all!

Our President Rick DeLeon wel-comed our members. House Sergeant At Arms Rod Welsh gave an informa-tive speech regarding the history of the chamber and highlighting the original battle flag of San Jacinto hung behind the speaker’s podium. The Texas state capitol building was completed in 1888 and proudly displays “Texas” on its light fixtures and every door hinge.

The flag ceremony was done by a newly formed color guard made up of Texas Capitol Law Enforcement officers. Their handsome uniforms and austere presence created a somber and breathtak-ing ceremony.

After the national anthem was sung by a female member of the color guard, Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus came out to greet us. It was truly an honor to have one of Texas’s most powerful lawmakers speak to us in such a grand style. I will never forget the experience.

Upon arriving at the airport, I was immediately greeted with the kind of hospitality that you can only find in Texas. Members were greeted by the NLSSA host state who offered quick and comfortable transportation to the hotel, conveniently located near the Texas State



Serve and Secure is the newsletter of the National Legislative Services and Security Association (NLSSA), a staff organization of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

NLSSA Executive Board

President: Rick DeLeon, Senate Sergeant at Arms, Texas Vice President: Charles Williams, Senate Sergeant at Arms, S.C.Treasurer: Kevin Kuroda, House Sergeant at Arms, HawaiiSecretary/Newsletter Editor: Keshauna Murphy, Assistant Sergeant at Arms, La.First Trustee: Sam Smith, Senate Security, Ala.Second Trustee: Ted Blazel, Senate Sergeant at Arms, Wis.Third Trustee: Ken Scheer, Captain, Department of Public Safety, TexasSergeant at Arms: Rod Welsh, House Sergeant at Arms, TexasRegion 1 Chair: Carlos Jimenez,Senate Sergeant at Arms, Calif.Region 1 Vice Chair: Lon Paresa, House Assistant Sergeant at Arms, HawaiiRegion 2 Chair: Lisa Macaulay, Senate Associate Sergeant at Arms, Wis.Region 2 Vice Chair: Danny Leming, Assistant Chief Sergeant at Arms, La.Region 3 Chair: Virginia Drew, Director, State House Visitors Center, N.H.Region 3 Vice Chair: OpenRegion 4 Chair: Martin Brock, General Assembly Police Lieutenant, N.C.Region 4 Vice Chair: John Hancock, Captain, Department of Public Safety, S.C.

William T. Pound, Executive Director

Morgan Cullen NCSL Staff Section Liaison to NLSSA

7700 East First Place Denver, Colorado 80230

444 North Capitol Street, N.W., #515 Washington, D.C. 20001

“In a world in which the total of human knowledge is doubling about every 10 years, our security can rest only on our ability to learn.”— Nathaniel Branden, American psychotherapist and writer (1930–)

A Parting Note“Every man, every woman who has to take up the service of government, must ask them-selves two questions:

‘Do I love my people in order to serve them better?

Am I humble and do I listen to everybody, to diverse opinions in order to choose the best path?’

If you don’t answer those questions, your governance will not be good.”

— Pope Francis

Got Decorum!

KESHAUNA MURPHYNLSSA Secretary and Newsletter EditorHouse Assistant Sergeant atArms, Louisiana

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Serve and Secure - NCSL