#SantaBarbara Senior Deputy Sheriff Mike Durant Elected by Peers to Head #California’s Largest #PublicSafety Organization
30 Year Public Safety Veteran Begins Term as Leader of PORAC
For Immediate Release:
December 13, 2013
Contact:
Chelsea Irvine
(916)448-3444
Chelsea@MarketplaceCommunications.com
Sacramento, CA: The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), representing more than 64,000 public safety members and 910 associations, announced today that Santa Barbara Senior Deputy Sheriff Mike Durant is the organization’s new President. The 50 year old Durant is a respected cop who brings three decades of public safety experience to the job.
Durant replaces Ron Cottingham, the San Diego Lieutenant who held the position for ten years. Cottingham announced his retirement in 2013.
“Ron was a daring leader and a dedicated peace officer,” said PORAC President Durant. “I look forward to the challenge and wish Ron the best in his retirement.”
President Durant has been a peace officer in Santa Barbara County for twenty eight years. Durant specialized in K-9 handling, training law enforcement’s important secondary strength. His hard work training these animals has resulted in a robust K-9 force in Santa Barbara. His last police K-9, Fritz, was part of one of the biggest drug recoveries ever in Santa Barbara. With Fritz’s assistance, Durant and his fellow officers were able to seek out cocaine worth upwards of $100,000, which was welded into the frame of a passenger van. Durant has also conducted more than 100 canine demonstrations in county classrooms.
Durant served as Vice President of PORAC for the last seven years. He has been instrumental in the passage of critical legislation aimed to keep Californians safe. This includes two important pieces of anti-driving under the influence legislation. These bills increased the punishment for first time offenders, as well as added the requirement that multiple offenders install ignition interlock devices to prevent an automobile from starting if the driver is intoxicated.
“PORAC is the front line of public policy defense for officers who protect Californians,” said Durant. “I know the job is constantly demanding and I am prepared for the challenge.”
President Durant is only the second person in the history of Santa Barbara County to have been elected a leader of PORAC. Durant has dedicated his life to protecting the people of California. In his new capacity, he will be tasked with managing PORAC’s legislative package, working with stakeholders to ensure Californians are safe. Durant will be travelling throughout the state, meeting with public safety stakeholders to share his ideas and discuss how to improve the profession and best utilize limited resources.
If you would like to discuss the importance of public safety with Senior Deputy Durant, or if you have any questions regarding how you and your family can stay safe, feel free to contact him at the PORAC office: (916) 928-3777.
The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) was incorporated in 1953 as a professional federation of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Today, PORAC represents over 64,000 public safety members and over 910 associations, making it the largest law enforcement organization in California and the largest statewide association in the nation.
###
