Page 6 - WAD 100 Years Chicago Program

Down Memory Lane – Our Story

With origins dating back to 1921, W.A.D. is the longest established and
largest international association of its kind in the world.

The World Association of Detectives (W.A.D) was founded in 1925 and combined the
membership of the International Secret Service Association which had been founded in
1921. In 1950, the World Secret Service Association, Inc. was formed as a joint venture by
the combined membership of the International Secret Service Association and the World
Association of Detectives. At the annual conference in August 1966 in San Antonio, Texas,
USA, the present name was unanimously approved by amendment, reverting to the name
of “World Association of Detectives.”

As we approach 100 years, it is worthy to note that the backbone of W.AD. is none other
than the Executive Directors who ran the Association like the back of their hand. They were
the support the Officers relied on. Norman J Sloan served as Executive Director for 10 years,
when all you had on your desk was a calculator, legal pad and entry journal. W.A.D. was his
life and nobody ran the business of W.A.D. better. He was one of the most influential figures
during our formative period. Sloan is remembered for his dedication and leadership, and
his legacy is honored through the Norman J. Sloan Memorial Award, established in 1985 as
W.A.D.’s highest recognition for outstanding service.
We then had Richard Jacques-Turner who served as Executive Director in the 1990s. While
based in the UK, he kept the affairs and administration, and the vetting of new members
in high standards. This was the period of W.A.D.’s expansion and increased international
engagement. Richard and Maureen Jacques Turner were the “couple” of WAD. They
managed the mid-term and annual meetings and ran everything clockwork.

Now we are in the capable hands of Bob Heales who has been serving as our ED for over 17
years, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in our history. Bob journeyed the rough
seas we went through, but he steered us back on course, maintaining our global standards
and ethical practices.

Both Richard and Bob are Past Presidents and in recognition of their dedication and a deep
commitment to the values of W.A.D, Richard and Bob were conferred W.A.D’s honorary title
of President Emeritus. Past Present Ray Pendleton was also conferred President Emeritus
for his long and outstanding leadership to WAD.

Many W.A.D Presidents made history over the last 100 years and many more will, as we
move into the next century. Today 100 years later, 2025, we are slightly over 1000 members
spread over 80 countries worldwide. This makes us one of the most globally represented
professional associations in the field of private investigation and security services.
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