The 38th Annual Training Seminar was held at Harrah's Lake Tahoe Hotel on October 6th, 7th and 8th, 2009 in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada.  This year's seminar was hosted by the Northern Chapter of WSATI. 

Golf Chairman Ken Hutchison co-ordinated a Golf Tournament at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, South Lake Tahoe, Nevada that was scheduled to be prior to the seminar on October 5th.  Due to snow, the tournament was canceled. 

The seminar opened with the California Highway Patrol Honor Guard presenting the colors.  The national anthem was played for all in attendance. 

2009 Northern Chapter President Tina Johnson presided over the opening ceremonies and welcomed the attendees. 

The Keynote Speaker was Joe Wehrle, the CEO of NICB. Guest speakers included CHP Lake Tahoe Commander (Lt.) Tim Malone welcomed attendees to South Lake Tahoe; El Dorado County Sheriff Lt. Les Lovell, welcomed attendees to the conference; South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Terry Daniels welcomed the attendees to the conference and South Lake Tahoe.; and CHP Bay Area Joint Terrorism Investigator Pat Rigney, who addressed attendees regarding trends and unit resources available.
 

NICB Special Agent Ken Hutchison made a presentation of the Gary Gray Auto Theft Achievement Award.  There were two awards given.  The first award was presented to NICB Senior Special Agent Cliff Chezum.  The second award went to CHP Field Support Program Analyst Betty Sauce. 
 

LoJack Law Enforcement Liaison and WSATI Northern Chapter Past President Mike Miller presented the WSATI Northern Chapter Distinguished Service Award to Detective Matt Lewis of the Riverside Auto Theft Interdiction Detail 

Tina Johnson then called WSATI Northwest Past President Frank Zangar to the podium to present the new WSATI Award, the Gerald "Jerry" Boyer Memorial Award.  Frank explained the criteria for the award.  He said it is to go to a member of one of the IAATI Western Regional WSATI Chapters for outstanding service and unselfish dedication to the organization.  Frank then said that this year's award would be presented at a later date to Brent Sells, who could not make it to the Seminar.  Brent is with the Montana DOJ-Motor Vehicles Division, Investigation and Enforcement Section.  The award was later presented to Brent on November 2nd in Montana at a presentation attended by Montana DOJ Administrator Brenda Nordlund, Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock, Montana Deputy Attorney General Tim Burton, and former DOJ Administrator Dean Roberts.  Brent accepted the award and said how much it meant as some of his initial vehicle theft training came from Lee S. Cole and Jerry Boyer at San Jose State University's "Vehicle Theft Investigation" class in 1988.  He said "Both Lee and Jerry took me under their wing, not only because I was an ‘outsider’, but I think they could tell that I was just thirsty for their training and education.  To this day, I consider them my mentors in the world of vehicle identity. I can still see them vividly in the front of the classroom. I never even thought of it until I read your letter of presentation in regard to passion for training. Although I will never master the information Jerry Boyer had, I hope that I have brought back to Montana the passion and desire for training and continuous education that he always had."
 

CHP Lt. Chris Costigan then gave a presentation on VSET, followed by CHP Investigator Blake Schnabel who gave a presentation on Insurance Fraud / Vehicle Arson.

Tina then ended the opening ceremonies and invited all to take part in the training sessions.

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