NERLEEA EXECUTIVE BOARD
DIRECTOR
ROBERT SMEDLEY
ALDERMAN – NEW BRITAIN CT POLICE CADETS
EMAIL THE DIRECTOR
Robert Smedley is currently elected for his 6th term as a City Council Member for the City of New Britain. As the former Deputy Mayor and now Minority Leader on the council, Smedley is proud to represent the City of New Britain and the New Britain Police Department Explorer Program with NERLEEA. Smedley started as a Police Explorer in the New Britain Post 25 Explorer program. Achieving the highest rank as Captain and attending the former Police Explorer Academy and graduating from the Phase 4 program with the Directors Award are some of his proudest achievements as an explorer. Smedley is one of the founding members of NERLEEA’s Cadet Police Academy and has held a position on the Executive Board since its inception.
Smedley is the proud father to his adopted son Angel who completed the Career Development program in 2022 and is currently working as a public safety officer for Hartford Health Care. Smedley decided to follow a career path of public service, while not a police officer, he is proud of the skills and training he learned while participating in NERLEEA’s Cadet Programs as a youth and now as a leader.
Smedley believes that the professional and personal network of resources and friends that has developed through this program is one of the most important things for any Cadet or Advisor to realize and understand.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
KEVIN ALBOHN
SERGEANT – STRATFORD CT POLICE CADETS
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Sergeant Kevin Albohn has dedicated 16 years to the Stratford Police Department, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He co-founded the Stratford Police Explorer Program in 2009, aiming to empower local youth. Albohn also serves as Assistant Director for the New England Law Enforcement Education Association (NERLEEA), ensuring aspiring law enforcement professionals receive essential resources and mentorship. Additionally, he actively participates in the Police Athletic League (PAL) programs, coaching and administering activities like Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey, while organizing annual Toy and Food Drives. Albohn’s commitment extends to various departmental divisions, including Traffic, Marine, and Scuba Dive Team, where he upholds the department’s mission of community safety. In summary, Albohn’s extensive service, dedication to community engagement, and mentorship exemplify his invaluable contributions to both the Stratford Police Department and the community.
TREASURER
STEVE SORDI
FIRST SELECTMAN – BETHLEHEM CT
RET. SERGEANT – CONNECTICUT STATE POLICE
BIO: WORK IN PROGRESS
SECRETARY
RICHARD PECK
SERGEANT – FAIRFIELD CT POLICE DEPARTMENT
EMAIL THE SECRETARY
Sergeant Peck was a CT State Police Cadet/Explorer with Troop B before becoming a Fairfield Police Officer in 2014. Since then, he has served as a Field Training Officer, ran the Fairfield Citizens Police Academy, and earned the Unit Citation, Officer of The Quarter Citation, and Distinguished Service Award. In 2021 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He is the Lead Advisor for the Fairfield Police Cadet Program.
In addition to his work with the Fairfield Police Department, Sergeant Peck serves on the executive board as Secretary, is the Cadet Academy Assistant Director of the Basic Program, and is the Director for the Cadet SWAT Challenge Competition. He is a certified instructor for use of force, defensive tactics, handcuffing, baton, and OC spray. He is also one of two instructors who is Post-C certified to teach the Advisor Development Seminar for new adult members of cadet programs.
BOARD MEMBER
NICOLE MORDASIEWICZ
SERGEANT – HARTFORD CT POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sergeant Nicole Mordasiewicz began her law enforcement career as a Wethersfield Police Explorer in 1997, and remained with the program until March 2003 when she was recruited by the Hartford Police Department. After starting as a patrol officer, she later became a Detective in the Special Investigations Division, and in April 2017, she was promoted to her current position as a Sergeant. Sergeant Mordasiewicz is currently responsible for overseeing the Hartford Police Cadets, Police Explorer Program, and PAL Program.
Since 2004, Sergeant Mordasiewicz has served as an advisor to the Hartford Police Explorers and has been the head advisor since 2008. She has also been an executive board member of NERLEEA since 2007 and held various positions such as Director of the Cadet Police academy Advanced Program in 2013 to 2017 and Assistant Director from 2018 to 2021. She lead NERLEEA as Director from 2021 to 2023 when her term ended and she began her tenure as a executive board member.
Sergeant Mordasiewicz’s message to all police cadets is that regardless of their struggles, they can achieve anything they put their minds to.
BOARD MEMBER
MATTHEW MCNALLY
CHIEF – BERLIN CT POLICE DEPARTMENT
RET. LIEUTENANT – DANBURY CT POLICE DEPARTMENT
EMAIL CHIEF MCNALLY
Having served for nearly 37 years as a lieutenant on the command staff for the Danbury Police Department, Chief McNally donned many hats throughout his career, having worked as a patrolman, detective, and sergeant. During his tenure as the patrol division commander, he oversaw five sergeants and 40 patrol officers. McNally dedicated a significant portion of his career to working with youth programs and addressing juvenile justice issues at the Danbury Police Department. Additionally, he was responsible for running the Community Affairs and Crime Scene Investigation units.
Chief McNally also holds the position of adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University and Goodwin College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in justice and law administration from Western Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in forensic science from the University of New Haven.
In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Chief McNally served as Danbury’s homeland security coordinator and the department’s intelligence liaison officer.
Effective November 1st, 2021, Matthew McNally IV was appointed as the new police chief of the Berlin Connecticut Police Department.
BOARD MEMBER
GREGORY GUNTER
OFFICER WESTPORT CT POLICE DEPARTMENT
RET. LIEUTENANT – FAIRFIELD CT POLICE DEPARTMENT
At the age of 14, Lieutenant Gregory Gunter embarked on his law enforcement journey by joining the Fairfield Police Explorer Post. He began his service as a Patrol Officer with the Fairfield Police Department in 1992 and has been serving as a Cadet Advisor for the Fairfield post ever since. Lieutenant Gunter’s dedication and hard work led him to progress through various positions within the department, gradually climbing up the ranks.
During his tenure, Lieutenant Gunter also served as the Assistant Director for Cadet Police Academy’s Mock Police Department, fulfilling the role of CPA Assistant Director for 2011-2012, and CPA Director for 2013-2014. Additionally, he has been on the NERLEEA Board of Directors since 2014.
On April 1st, 2022, Lieutenant Gunter retired from his position with the Fairfield Police Department and began a new chapter in his career by joining the Westport Police Department as a Patrol Officer.
Lieutenant Gunter takes immense pride in the fact that his sons followed in his footsteps by joining the Fairfield Post and subsequently serving in the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard.
BOARD MEMBER
TIMOTHY FEDOR
SERGEANT TRUMBULL CT POLICE DEPARTMENT
EMAIL SERGEANT FEDOR
In March of 2001, Sergeant Timothy Fedor joined the Trumbull Police Department after serving as a Correctional Officer for the State of Connecticut, Department of Corrections. Initially assigned to the Patrol Division, he eventually became a School Resource Officer for the Trumbull Board of Education after displaying a knack for working with youth. Later, he transitioned to the Detective Bureau, where he handled various criminal investigations. Presently, Sergeant Fedor is responsible for overseeing the training requirements for all sworn officers and civilian employees in his role as the Training and Community Resource Division’s head.
In addition to his regular duties, Sergeant Fedor is an Assistant Team Leader, Tactical Medic, and Police Instructor for the Southwest Region Emergency Response Team. He is also an adjunct instructor for municipal police academies and a coordinator for tactical-based training.
As the President of the Fairfield County Police Training Officer Association, Sergeant Fedor oversees the activities of this organization. He was a past director of the Northeast Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association, where he supervised police cadet programs throughout New England. Sergeant Fedor has a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield and serves on several committees at the national and state levels representing the law enforcement community.
Sergeant Fedor has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to the field of Criminal Justice. He was notably honored with the United States Attorney’s Community Policing Award. In December of 2022, he was promoted to his current rank.
SERGEANT OF ARMS/POLICY DIRECTOR
CODY FONGEMIE
STAFF SERGEANT U.S. AIR FORCE 104TH FIGHTER WING
EMAIL SERGEANT AT ARMS
Staff Sergeant Cody Fongemie currently serves as the Assistant Unit Training Manager assigned to the 104th Security Forces Squadron, Massachusetts Air National Guard. Since his enlistment, he has been assigned as a Patrolman, Base Defense Operations Controlman, and Flight Sergeant. While serving in these roles, he has gained experience Staff Sergeant Fongemie graduated from the US Army’s Team Leaders Course and holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Westfield State University. Fongemie has varied experiences from developing policy to leading the training of personnel. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for his work in the Air Force and, most notably, was the 2022 recipient of the Air National Guard’s Security Forces Outstanding Airman of the Year.
He has been involved with NERLEEA since 2010 as a Cadet from the Vernon Police Explorers. Since 2017 he has volunteered as Three Director’s Chief of Staff before being elected to Sergeant of Arms/ Policy Director in 2023. While serving in this role he is also the Director of the Skills Day Program. He also volunteers as a regional coordinator for New England and New York for Backcountry Hunters and Angler’s Armed Forces Initiative.
MISSION AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
The NERLEEA Executive Board shall be composed of a Director, Assistant Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Past Director (member at large), Sergeant of Arms, and three (3) executive board members. The Director shall be the corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and oversee all operations of NERLEEA to ensure that all procedures are being properly followed and operate within State and Federal guidelines. The Director shall be a signer on all NERLEEA financial accounts.
Executive Board and Committee
The Executive Board, comprising the Executive Committee and Program Directors, manages major and minor votes within NERLEEA. The Executive Committee, consisting of the director, assistant director, treasurer, Sergeant at Arms, Secretary, and at-large members, oversees general operations, events, finances, and activities. The Executive Board approves budgets, reviews bylaws reports, and has the authority to dismiss members. The Executive Committee, limited to nine members, may hold closed sessions and elects members based on law enforcement standing. The past director, a non-voting member, offers guidance and fills vacancies if a committee member leaves during their term.
The Director is responsible for leading NERLEEA in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Executive Board. The Director shall be the corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and oversee all operations of NERLEEA to ensure that all procedures are being properly followed and operate within State and Federal guidelines. The Director shall be a signer on all NERLEEA financial documents and is responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensuring maximum resource utilization, and maintaining the organization’s positive financial position. The Director is charged with implementing all programs by NERLEEA and ensuring the strategic planning for the association’s Future.
Qualification for Director: Due to the nature of the role, the director must have the following experience:
i. Sworn Law Enforcement Officer (Active or Retired), Actively Serving or Honorable Discharged or Retired Armed Forces member, or Sworn Fire/ Emergency Medical Personal.
ii. A Civilian who has completed all Cadet Police Academy Program levels or serves in an executive public service role.
The Assistant Director shall assist the Director in their duties and responsibilities. The Assistant Director shall act as Director in his absence. The Assistant Director will also be a signer on all NERLEEA financial accounts as needed. The Assistant Director shall ensure all legal filings are completed, such as incorporation, Federal and State Tax filing, and registrations.
The Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and oversee ALL NERLEEA finances. The treasurer shall be responsible for supervising NERLEEAoperating funds and bank accounts. This includes keeping accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements and preparing all reports for NERLEEA meetings. The treasurer shall also have the authority to sign receipts for property and documents received by the executive board. The treasurer shall provide information for a yearly review of NERLEEA finances and financial records at the end of the fiscal year as required or by circumstances. The treasurer shall provide an audit to the trustees with direction from the executive board. The treasurer will implement fiscal controls per state and federal regulations. The treasurer will be a signer on all NERLEEA financial accounts.
The Sergeant of Arms/Policy Director shall ensure the practice and enforcement of all By-Laws and Policies. The Sergeant at Arms will conduct all elections and be responsible for creating ballots, counting all votes, and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The Sergeant at Arms will conduct a full review of all By-Laws and Policies six months before the completion of a term or every two years. Additionally, it will ensure the completion of objectives and orders from the Director.
The Sergeant of Arms/Policy Director shall ensure the practice and enforcement of all By-Laws and Policies. The Sergeant at Arms will conduct all elections and be responsible for creating ballots, counting all votes, and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The Sergeant at Arms will conduct a full review of all By-Laws and Policies six months before the completion of a term or every two years. Additionally, it will ensure the completion of objectives and orders from the Director.