Ohio FOP plans 2005 convention in the Valley

YOUNGSTOWN -- The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police will have its 2005 annual convention in the Mahoning Valley. Glenn Kountz, president of FOP Lodge 141, said the state organization voted on the matter this week during the 2004 convention.
Kountz said more than 600 police officers are expected to attend, as well as FOP associate and auxiliary lodges from across the state. Kountz is president of FOP Lodge 141, which represents deputies in the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department. He also is 2nd District trustee for the Ohio FOP.
"This is very exciting for the Mahoning Valley area," Kountz said. "We have so much to offer the attendees, and they've never been here before. They'll be in for a big surprise when they arrive."
Business sessions will be at Mr. Anthony's restaurant and at the Boardman Holiday Inn.
The Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated that the four-day convention will generate more than $500,000 in economic impact for the area.