NERLEEA EXECUTIVE BOARD
DIRECTOR
ROBERT SMEDLEY
ALDERMAN – NEW BRITAIN CT POLICE CADETS
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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
LEUTENANT – STRATFORD CT POLICE CADETS
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Lieutenant Kevin Albohn has dedicated 16 years to the Stratford Police Department, rising through the ranks before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2025. He co-founded the Stratford Police Explorer Program in 2009 to empower local youth and continues to mentor future law enforcement professionals through his role as Assistant Director of the New England Law Enforcement Education Association (NERLEEA).
Lieutenant Albohn also plays an active role in Police Athletic League (PAL) programs, coaching and administering initiatives such as Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey, while organizing annual toy and food drives that support families in need. His service spans multiple departmental divisions, including Traffic, Marine, and the Scuba Dive Team, reflecting a strong commitment to operational excellence and community safety.
Through sustained leadership, community engagement, and dedication to mentorship, Lieutenant Albohn exemplifies meaningful service to both the Stratford Police Department and the community it serves.
TREASURER
KEVIN SMALL
SERGEANT – HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sergeant Kevin Small, a Hartford native, began his public service journey as a member of the Hartford Police Explorer Post, achieving the rank of Chief during his six years in the program. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout and served as a Camp Program Director for the Boy Scouts of America.
Before joining the Hartford Police Department in 2012, Sergeant Small worked for seven years in Pratt and Whitney’s Environment, Health, and Safety Division. As a police officer, he served in roles including midnight patrol, the Vice, Intelligence & Narcotics Division, and as a Detective in the Special Investigations Division.
Sergeant Small holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Managerial Science and Organizational Leadership. Promoted to Sergeant in 2021, he now serves as Training Supervisor at the Hartford Police Academy and is POST-C certified in over 20 law enforcement topics.
A dedicated mentor, he returned to the Hartford Explorer Post as an advisor and serves on the Advanced Program staff at the Cadet Academy. Sergeant Small also contributes to his community as Treasurer for the Hartford Guardians and the Hartford Police Department Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA).
SECRETARY
RICHARD PECK
SERGEANT – FAIRFIELD CT POLICE DEPARTMENT
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Sergeant Richard Peck began his public safety career as a Connecticut State Police Cadet with Troop B before joining the Fairfield Police Department in 2014. Since then, he has served as a Field Training Officer, Citizens Police Academy Coordinator, and has earned several commendations including the Unit Citation, Officer of the Quarter Citation, and the Distinguished Service Award. Promoted to Sergeant in 2021, he currently serves as the department’s Training Sergeant and Lead Advisor for the Fairfield Police Cadet Program.
Within NERLEEA, Sergeant Peck serves on the Executive Board as Secretary, is the Assistant Director of the Basic Program for the Cadet Police Academy, and oversees the annual Cadet Tactical Challenge Competition. He is a certified instructor in use of force, defensive tactics, handcuffing, baton, and OC spray, and one of only two POST-C certified instructors authorized to teach the Advisor Development Seminar for new adult advisors for youth law enforcement programs.
With over a decade of progressive law enforcement experience, Sergeant Peck’s leadership philosophy centers on integrity, innovation, and service. He is dedicated to building the next generation of ethical, well-trained, and community-focused law enforcement professionals through mentorship, education, and practical training.
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
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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.
Gregory takes great pride in knowing his sons followed in his footsteps by joining the Fairfield Post and later serving in the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard. Both have since retired from military and are now pursuing careers in public service. He is equally proud of his daughter in law, a former Trumbull Cadet who now serves as a patrol officer with the Fairfield Police Department and as an advisor for her agency.
BOARD MEMBER
TIMOTHY FEDOR
SERGEANT TRUMBULL CT POLICE DEPARTMENT
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In March 2001, Sergeant Timothy Fedor joined the Trumbull Police Department after serving as a Correctional Officer for the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. Initially assigned to the Patrol Division, he later became a School Resource Officer for the Trumbull Board of Education after demonstrating a strong ability to work with youth. He then transitioned to the Detective Bureau, where he handled a wide range of criminal investigations. Sergeant Fedor currently oversees training requirements for all sworn officers and civilian employees as the head of the Training and Community Resource Division.
In addition to his primary duties, Sergeant Fedor serves as 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 President of the Fairfield County Police Training Officer Association, Sergeant Fedor oversees the organization’s activities. He previously served as a director of the Northeast Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association, where he supervised police cadet programs throughout New England. He holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield and earned a Doctorate in Criminal Justice from Keiser University in 2025. Sergeant Fedor also serves on several national and state committees representing the law enforcement community.
Sergeant Fedor has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the field of criminal justice, including the United States Attorney’s Community Policing Award. He was promoted to his current rank in December 2022.
SERGEANT OF ARMS/POLICY DIRECTOR
CODY FONGEMIE
STAFF SERGEANT U.S. AIR FORCE 104TH FIGHTER WING
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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 Executive Board serves as the governing body of NERLEEA and includes the Director, Assistant Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, elected board members, and the director at large. It oversees all operations, events, finances, activities, and programs, approves and amends program budgets, reviews bylaws reports, and may dismiss members or officers for cause by a two-thirds vote with at least five members present. The board is limited to nine members, requires a quorum of five, and members serve two-year terms with no term limits.
The board may hold closed sessions for sensitive matters and must notify the Executive Committee at the next meeting without disclosing details if the issue is ongoing. Upon completing a term, the past Director becomes a non-voting Executive Board member and voting Executive Committee member, offering guidance and support. If a board vacancy occurs, the former Director may temporarily fill the role until an election is held.
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 shall oversee all operations of NERLEEA to ensure that all procedures are correctly followed and that the corporation operates 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 favorable economic position. The Director is charged with implementing all NERLEEA programs and providing strategic planning for the association’s Future.
a. Given the operational and training-oriented nature of NERLEEA’s mission, candidates for Director must possess substantial experience in public safety leadership, operational management, or law enforcement education.
b. Qualifications include current or prior service as a Sworn Law Enforcement Officer (active or retired), a member of the Armed Forces (active, honorable discharge, or retired), or a sworn Fire or Emergency Medical Services professional, or
c. Individuals with equivalent experience in a public safety or governmental training capacity demonstrating familiarity with law enforcement operations and standards may also be considered.
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.
The Public Information Officer (PIO), when appointed by the Director, is responsible for coordinating all media and public communications related to major events or organizational activities. This role manages press access, facilitates interviews, and ensures accurate, timely, and consistent dissemination of information to the public and media. The PIO serves as the primary liaison between the organization and external communications channels during designated events or situations.