GLYNCO, GA – On June 4, 2025, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) hosted a heartfelt Celebration of Life ceremony to honor the memory and legacy of former Director Charles F. Rinkevich, the third Director of FLETC.
The event brought together many friends, family, former colleagues, and past and present FLETC leadership who gathered to pay tribute to a man whose visionary leadership helped shape the foundation of the organization as we know it today.
Acting Director Paul E. Baker delivered a heartfelt welcome, highlighting the enduring legacy of Director Rinkevich. “As we gather here today, we are here because of Charlie and all of those giants who came before us,” said Acting Director Baker. “During his 15-year tenure as Director, FLETC experienced unprecedented growth and underwent significant renovations, many of which continue to serve us today.”
The ceremony was a solemn yet joyous occasion—one that balanced the weight of loss with the celebration of a life marked by service, dedication, and impact. Several of FLETC’s former Directors delivered heartfelt remarks, reflecting on Director Rinkevich’s pivotal role in the organization’s growth and evolution. Their words painted a picture of a leader who was ahead of his time: forward-thinking and deeply committed to the mission of training those who protect our nation.
Former Director Connie Patrick spoke fondly of her experiences with Mr. Rinkevich. She remarked on the significant impact he had on the foundations of FLETC that still exist today. “He encouraged us to engage with other organizations like the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Sheriffs Association, and international agencies,” said, former Director Patrick. “He developed interagency visitations with those federal law enforcement agencies who had like missions, and he led the sharing of best practices.”
Former Assistant Director (AD) Michael Hanneld remembered Mr. Rinkevich and his leadership style in his remarks. He highlighted the connection Mr. Rinkevich had with all personnel. “A highlight of working with Charlie is occasionally he would stick his head in the door of my office, and say, come on, we're going for a ride,” said former AD Hanneld. “As we rode around the FLETC, it didn't matter if you were a manager. It didn't matter if you were instructor. It didn't matter if you were a student, or an agency person. It didn't matter if you were cutting the grass. He would stop and talk to them, listen to them, and give them his time. And, you know, you grow to learn that the best gift you can give, is your time.”
Former Senior Associate Director (SAD) John Dooher delivered his remarks and remembered the early years of Director Rinkevich’s tenure and the tenacity he worked to ensure the successful development and execution of law enforcement training. “Charlie worked very hard to get a strong faculty at FLETC. One of the things he used, was the board of directors. And it needed good, strong faculty from the agencies that we were training,” said SAD Dooher. “It needed the support of the departments and the agencies themselves at levels that had nothing to do with law enforcement. And he would work that chain so well, that, I think in the last few years, in the 90s, you could see the results, (good strong faculty) were paying off.”
Adding to the honor, U.S. Representative Buddy Carter shared a special message in Director Rinkevich’s memory, recognizing his significant contributions to public service and the safety of our communities. His message underscored the importance of Director Rinkevich’s work and the lives it touched through decades of law enforcement training.
- Director Rinkevich’s legacy was further commemorated through a series of lasting tributes:
The FLETC Leadership Institute will display a plaque bearing the “Charles Rinkevich Leadership Library” in a room filled with Director Rinkevich’s leadership books, a symbol of his enduring influence on leadership development. - A road in Danis City—FLETC’s state-of-the-art simulated training venue—was officially named in his honor, “The Charles Rinkevich Way,” reflecting the lasting footprint he left on FLETC’s Glynco campus.
- A flag that was flown over both the Glynco, GA, and Artesia, NM training delivery points—facilities that were once overseen and strengthened by Director Rinkevich through his vision—was presented to his grandson, David Pathi, by Acting Director Baker.
Through these commemorations, FLETC ensures that the values and standards set by Director Rinkevich will continue to inspire future generations of law enforcement. His name will not only be remembered but will remain a part of the very fabric of FLETC’s campuses and culture.
Former Director Rinkevich’s daughter, Monica Rinkevich-Pathi delivered a heartfelt thank you from the family for the Celebration of Life Service for her father. Monica stated “Thank you. On behalf of our extended family, many of whom are here today, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Ralph Basham. Director Huffman, Acting Director Baker, Henry Rolon, the public affairs staff, Michael Hanneld, who helped compile the photos, Billy Brooks, Peggy Dixon and all of you here today at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers for putting this beautiful celebration of life together for our dad. I'm especially grateful to former Director Connie Patrick and John Dooher for traveling from out of state to honor our dad. Seeing you honor him in this way reminds all of us of the impact he had and the legacy he leaves behind. To those who organized and spoke, supported, and simply showed up today. Thank you. Your kindness and respect mean more than words can fully express.”
Director Rinkevich’s nephew, Joseph Rinkevich, spoke on behalf of his father, Peter Rinkevich, the older brother to Director Rinkevich, who could not attend the ceremony. Said Joseph, “Charlie's commitment to public service and law enforcement was exceptional. I believe he had law enforcement in his DNA inherited from our father, Peter Paul Rinkevich, who was a Michigan state highway trooper. Charlie was also a dedicated family man. Together with his wife Sara, he raised two outstanding children, Chuck and Monica. I miss my brother very much.”
Director Charles F. Rinkevich’s leadership helped lay the foundation for the world-class training institution FLETC is today. His memory and impact will continue to guide FLETC for years to come.
Billy Brooks, former FLETC Senior Policy Advisor, served as the Master of Ceremonies during the Celebration of Life Ceremony for Former Director Charles F. Rinkevich, June 4, 2025, Glynco GA (Photo by Diamond Sanders/OPA)
Former Director Ralph Basham delivered welcoming remarks at the Celebration of Life Ceremony for Former Director Charles F. Rinkevich, June 4, 2025, Glynco GA. (Photo by Diamond Sanders/OPA)
Acting Director Paul E. Baker delivered remarks at the Celebration of Life Ceremony for Former FLETC Director Charles F. Rinkevich, June 4, 2025, Glynco GA (Photo by Diamond Sanders/OPA)
Former Director Connie Patrick delivered remarks at the Celebration of Life Ceremony for Former Director Charles F. Rinkevich, June 4, 2025, Glynco GA (Photo by Diamond Sanders/OPA)
Former Assistant Director Mike Hanneld delivered remarks at the Celebration of Life Ceremony for Former Director Charles F. Rinkevich, June 4, 2025, Glynco GA (Photo by Diamond Sanders/OPA)
Former FLETC Senior Associate Director, John Dooher, delivered remarks at the Celebration of Life Ceremony for Former Director Charles F. Rinkevich, June 4, 2025, Glynco GA (Photo by Diamond Sanders/OPA)
Monica Rinkevich-Pathi delivered remarks during her Father’s Celebration of Life Ceremony, June 4, 2025, Glynco GA (Photo by Diamond Sanders/OPA)
Joseph Rinkevich delivered remarks during his Uncle’s Celebration of Life Ceremony, June 4, 2025, Glynco GA (Photo by Diamond Sanders/OPA)
Acting Director Paul E. Baker presents U.S. flag which flew over FLETC-Artesia and FLETC-Glynco to Former Director Charles F. Rinkevich’s grandson, David Pathi during the Celebration of Life Ceremony for Former Director Charles F. Rinkevich. (Photo by David Tucker/OPA)
Acting Director Paul E. Baker presents U.S. flag which flew over FLETC-Artesia and FLETC-Glynco to Former Director Charles F. Rinkevich’s grandson, David Pathi during the Celebration of Life Ceremony for Former Director Charles F. Rinkevich. (Photo by Diamond Sanders/OPA)
Former Director Charles F. Rinkevich’s family at the FLETC Graduates Memorial after attending the Celebration of Life for the Former FLETC Director, June 4, 2025, Glynco GA (Photo by Brian Jones/OPA)
Former Director Charles F. Rinkevich’s son and daughter, Charles Rinkevich and Monica Rinkevich-Pathi, at the start of “The Charles Rinkevich Way,” the street named after their father in FLETC’s Realistic Training City named Danis City at FLETC-Glynco, GA, June 4, 2025. (Photo by Brian Jones/OPA)
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