History Preface1987 EDITION
At the Spring 1984 Executive Board meeting of the Federal Probation Officers Association, the writing of this history was authorized. Thereafter, then-President Ralph Ardito forwarded a number of essential works and documents to the author including all Association Newsletters from-the earliest to the most recent. These informative papers provided much of the basic source material. However, several past Association presidents had written valuable histories of their tenure and these, too, were delivered to the author.
In addition to written material, the author had the great privilege to meet personally with many key figures in the Association's life at the 16th annual reunion of Executive Board members in the fall of 1985 in Traverse City, Michigan. Here, first hand accounts of Association events were discussed with the individuals who were an integral part of them.
Finally, there had been correspondence from several major Association figures who read drafts of the present history and offered their very helpful comments, suggestions, and anecdotes.
While there has been substantial review of the history, at the author's own urging, the final responsibility for any errors or omissions remains his. And, unfortunately, there are omissions - for there are many unsung heroes in the history of the Federal Probation Officers Association. Even the compilations of names in the various addenda of this work do not recognize all who have given so much of their time and support to the organization and its goals. Within this history, too, when individuals are specifically cited, the reference is generally brief and does not do them justice. Nevertheless, within the limitations described, it is hoped that readers will obtain from the history a significant overview of the work of the Federal Probation Officers Association and its members and will have answered for them the perennial question, "What have you done for us lately?"
It is important here to acknowledge the direct involvement of several individuals who have assisted in the preparation of this history. The author is indebted to William T. Woodard, not only for the photographs which he provided, but also, also for the constant encouragement from the time he became aware of the writing of the history. Bill also worked independently, distributing drafts of the history in its early stage and soliciting comments and items for inclusion in the final version. Several individuals read over the drafts and responded with important comments. These contributors included Ben Meeker, Richard Chappell, Charles Hosner, Paul Chandler, Louis Sharp, Merrill Smith, Robert Thomas, Walter Evans, William Nau, Claude Huguley and Marshall McKinney. Marshall also generously provided two of the earliest photographs included in this history. All of the retired and active members of the Executive Board and the Probation Division who met at the Traverse City reunion in 1985 offered their valuable insights, suggestions and very warm support. For this the author's gratitude is extended to Ben Meeker, Ted Wisner, Al Wahl, Charles Hosner, Louis Sharp, Merrill Smith, Ken Beighle, William Woodard, Richard Martinez, Brayton Crist, Arch Sayler, Gene Curtis, Logan Webster, Paul Chandler, Chuck Mandsager and Bertha Payak. At the author’s request, the history was twice reviewed in its final form by Irving Gold, a friend and colleague in the Eastern District of New York.
One of the essential persons in the preparation of this history from its first draft, through its many revisions, to its final form has been Diane Kane. Without her patience, her efforts and her interest in the work and in typing and retyping and the offering of suggestions, this history would not have reached completion in the time and format that it has. A special debt of gratitude is owing to her.
Finally, the author extends his sincere appreciation to Ralph Ardito and his administration for entrusting the author with the current task and to Robert Thomas and Tommaso Rendino and their Boards for continuing that trust.
Philip J. Bigger
Brooklyn, New York
June 1987
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