Volume 24, Issue 2 Spring 2015

Service to state and country Two cars, two uniforms, one man by Beth Ipsen, State Troopers Public Information Officer

Alaska state trooper Chris Green’s work car, a 2009 Dodge Charger with the Alaska State Trooper decals on the side and the light bar, gets its fair share of attention while he patrols the Alaskan Valley. None- theless, it’s his personal car with the POW/ MIA decals that attracts more attention. His sleek black Charger R/T has green decals of the American flag fading into an eagle, the image of a man’s silhouette, and a wreath with the words “You Are Not Alaska State Trooper Chris Green U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class Chris Green Forgotten.” The modified 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 Aside from his job as a trooper, Green con- Besides the patriotic decals that adorn the engine with a multi-displacement system deac- tinues to serve in the Coast Guard reserves. sides, hood, and trunk, he has challenge coins tivates four cylinders when they aren’t needed Two months before Green was recalled to embedded in the doors. to allow for better fuel efficiency. The chrome- military active duty in 2009, he was issued Since working on cars is a hobby of his, plated cowling is shiny enough to reflect the one of the brand new 2009 Dodge Chargers the mechanically inclined Green has done “All Gave Some, Some Gave All” painted onto the department procured as patrol vehicles. most of the modifications himself and has the bottom side of the hood. The car even has “I was really impressed with the power it done all the design work, with input from custom doorstep lights that shine an outline of had and how well it handled compared to my his wife. the POW/MIA logo onto the ground. Crown Victoria police car,” he said. The Greens have done countless parades, Much like the cars he drives, Green has He bought his own 2007 Dodge Charger car shows, and veterans events. spent years balancing his service to his state R/T in 2010. He modified the 340-horse- After Green returned to the troopers from and to his country. After becoming an Alaska power stock engine, added a super 44 his four years of active duty service, he was trooper in 2007, Green was called up for active Flowmaster exhaust, C&L Performance cold shocked that his patrol vehicle assignment duty service in 2009. He then stayed on active air intake, Diablosport Trinity engine pro- was the very same 2009 Dodge Charger duty as a reservist for four years, deploying grammer, and upgraded the brake rotors. he was assigned prior to his deployment in first to Kuwait to do waterside security with However, those are not the modifications 2009. It is the last marked AST Charger still the Navy, then on orders to a Coast Guard that usually get noticed. He always knew he patrolling Alaska roadways. Marine Safety Unit in Port Arthur, Texas. wanted to decorate the car in a military-style Green isn’t disappointed in the upcoming When he returned to Alaska and his job as theme. Since his car was black, the POW/ switch to a Ford Taurus Interceptor. He looks an Alaska state trooper, he went through the MIA logo seemed like a perfect fit to turn his forward to making the switch to an all-wheel Public Safety Academy a second time. personal car into a mobile tribute to former drive vehicle with comparable power and “I had been gone for four years and I prisoners of war and to those who are still torque. wanted to make sure that I was up to speed missing. Besides, he has his own custom Charger on everything,” he said. Green left virtually no detail untouched. to drive.

© American Association of State Troopers, Inc. 2015. All Rights Reserved. Fellow Troopers, Highway will never be one of those troopers in need, above and beyond. Your gift allows us to Patrol Officers, and you might want to reconsider. serve our members above and beyond. Officers, Not only do we send a cash gift to Giving is easy. Visit us today at First, I ask each of you families of troopers killed in the line of www.statetroopers.org for the “Donate to send your e-mail address duty, but we also help when an unexpected Now” button, or call 800-765-5456 to to our HQ office today. We event strikes. And unexpected things do make your tax-deductible donation. sometimes have timely and happen. One of the most touching stories I am proud to say that AAST has been pertinent information to pass with which we’ve had the pleasure of part of my monthly giving for many along. We value your privacy being involved is that of Tpr. Paul Long, a years. and do not share your e-mail address Missouri trooper whose house burned and Our board and staff are continually with anyone; we only use it for our own the next year his daughter was diagnosed looking for ways to bring in money to AAST correspondence. with an inoperable brain tumor. Then support our services, such as the Best

Keith Barbier Please take time to do there have been many troopers who have Looking Cruisers calendar we offered this now, as it is very suffered loss from floods and hurricanes. for sale the end of 2014. I’m happy to important that we be See our three-minute YouTube video for report that the calendar project generated able to communicate with you regularly. details: www.youtube.com/statetroopers1. $5,872 for the AAST Foundation. And it Send your e-mail address to joan@ We are honored to help during these also generated lots of positive comments statetroopers.org. unexpected – and often traumatic – times. about the beautiful calendars. Allow me to invite you to be part of the My appeal to you is simple: be part of Always remember: Every day’s a great things AAST is doing for troopers and something great. Make an impact. Make a holiday, and every meal’s a feast. their families. It is uncommon that I make monthly donation to AAST as we go about a financial appeal. this great work that began 26 years ago of Fraternally, We have awarded over $2.5 million serving the nationwide family of troopers. in scholarships to troopers’ children. Keep in mind that your $35 dues covers We have provided over $226,000 in only a fraction of membership costs. It Brotherhood Assistance to troopers in costs $210 per year to provide benefits to Keith Barbier their time of need. And if you think you each member. So I ask each of you to give President

Visit us online! www.statetroopers.org See interesting trooper news and photos from around the country, and also track news within AAST.

Trooper Connection® is the official AAST Headquarters publication of the American Association 1949 Raymond Diehl Road of State Troopers, Inc. and is published Tallahassee, FL 32308 quarterly as a service to AAST members in conjunction with (800) 765-5456 National Officers [email protected] APL-American Publishing LLC Keith Barbier Bubba Blue Jenny DeBack, Owner We want to hear from you! Trooper Connection® wel- President Third Vice President Bylined articles contain opinions of the comes your comments, photos, articles, and article ideas. writers and do not necessarily reflect Jeff Lane Noel Houze Jr. AAST policy. © Copyright American Association of State Troopers, Inc. 2015 First Vice President Secretary

NOTICE: The American Association of State Troopers, Inc. has no affiliation whatsoever with the National Association of Retired Troopers. AAST is not related to nor a part of any state police or trooper agency, nor is it affiliated with any other private entity or fraternal organization not specifically identified Lee Burch Kenneth Musick and acknowledged by AAST. (AAST is affiliated with the separate-but-related American Association of State Troopers Foundation, Inc.) For further information about AAST, please contact the National Office at 800-765-5456 or via e-mail, [email protected]. Second Vice President Treasurer

2______AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015 News from kentucky S AAST supports Trooper Project The Trooper Project is a way to honor Kentucky troopers, and AAST is proud to be a part of the tribute. AAST recently donated $500 to the project, which will be a nearly eight- foot-tall bronze statue of a trooper to be placed on the grounds of the new KSP Training Academy in Frankfort. The statue will honor KSP troopers who currently serve and the 27 troopers and officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty since the agency’s inception in 1948. No tax dollars are being used to support the project. For more details visit www.thetrooperproject.com.

AAST Kentucky State Director Tim Hazlette, left, presents KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer a donation from AAST to support The Trooper Project.

Family Tradition

Service is no stranger to the Schumaker family. Larry, left, served with the Massa- chusetts State Police 1957-1982, while his brother, Barry, right, served with the MSP 1968-2003. The uniformed troopers pictured center, Rob and Dan, currently serve as Mas- sachusetts troopers and are both sons of Barry. Both Barry and Rob served in the U.S. Navy before becoming troopers. Larry served in the U.S. Army before becoming a trooper and then afterward, served as police chief for the city of Edgewater, Fla., from 1985-2000. Mattox Photography If you have a photo to submit of trooper family members, please send it to us, along with a brief description: [email protected] or mail to AAST Family Tradition, 1949 Raymond Diehl Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32308.

You’ve got the cutest little baby face

Proud moms and dads love to share photos of their cuties! Share photos of your Statie Baby by posting them directly to our Facebook page- Facebook.com/statetroopers.

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015______3 Tis the Season Troopers display spirit of giving State troopers are known for giving of their for decades in several states – Kentucky, Michael L. Newton Toy Drive, named for time and money to help the less fortunate. Oregon, Maryland, Indiana, and others. a Missouri trooper killed on duty in 2003. Specifically, they spend countless hours In Colorado, state troopers make special Troopers in several other states also visit during the holidays each year shopping with deliveries of gifts to needy children. In the hospitalized children each year, delivering gifts less fortunate children, visiting hospitalized middle of the country, Missouri and Kansas and putting smiles on the faces of ill children. kids, and providing food for needy families. troopers join efforts to collect toys for “There are few things in life more fulfilling Shop with a Cop has been a tradition hospitalized children in the annual Trooper and rewarding than helping children and

Iowa State Patrol State Police

Colorado State Patrol

California

Kansas Highway Patrol

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Florida Highway Patrol

Vermont State Police Alabama 4______AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015 their families during the holidays,” said Sr. Troopers with the Michigan State Police Thanks to all of you troopers who volunteer Tpr. Jason Bledsoe, . take part each year in the Stuff a Blue Goose your time to be involved in the lives of “The nationwide family of troopers serves its event, collecting toys for families in need. the needy and sick by spreading Christmas communities in very important and tangible (The MSP patrol car is nicknamed the “Blue cheer. Hundreds of children – and their ways when families might not otherwise Goose”.) Virginia troopers also collect toys families – have benefited from your kindness have an enjoyable Christmas Holiday.” and deliver them to needy kids. and generosity.

New York State Police Massachusetts State Police

Arizona Highway Patrol

Wisconsin State Patrol

Utah Highway Patrol Rhode Island State Police

Kentucky State Police

New Mexico State Police

Montana Highway Patrol Ohio State Highway Patrol

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015______5 News from new york h News from Virginia v Troopers save lives Three troopers in two The victim, who had no recollection states were recently in of the collapse, was taken to a local the right place at the hospital. right time to save two Both Robertson and the coach were lives. credited with saving the man’s life with The evening of Jan. their calm execution of their knowledge Just two days before this photo was snapped, the two Virginia 26, a 48 year-old man and training for such events. troopers – D.A. Robinson, left, and M.B. Petrini, right – saved collapsed while playing The evening of Feb. 20, Virginia the little boy’s life pictured sitting by his sister. Robertson basketball in a high school state trooper M.B. Petrini was driving transported to a local hospital. gym in Camden, N.Y. He was unconscious when a vehicle pulled in behind him with Two days later, the troopers stopped by and had stopped breathing. emergency flashers on and the horn honking. the family’s home to check on the child and Off-duty Investigator Miles J. Robertson, Despite a language barrier, the trooper to deliver a Virginia State Police trooper a 13-year veteran of the New York State quickly understood that the 3-year-old Teddy. The troopers were amazed to see the Police, who was playing in the same game, passenger was not breathing; his parents little guy bouncing around as if nothing had immediately began CPR and rescue breathes. were desperate for help. ever happened. He had recovered from the With the help of the school’s football Petrini immediately took the child out of flu, symptoms from which had rendered him coach, an AED was activated, followed by the car and began CPR. Within minutes, lifeless just a couple days earlier. continued CPR. After several minutes, the Tpr. D.A. Robinson was on scene to assist. The victims and families were extremely victim began to breathe on his own and was Just as EMS arrived, the child began to grateful for the troopers’ life-saving able to talk as EMS personnel. breathe and regained a pulse. He was actions.

News from Delaware I Iconic trooper artwork recreated Sgt. Richard “Dick” Clemens of the by mutual friends. Massachusetts State Police was asked by his “When Sgt. Clemens first saw my family’s neighbor, Norman Rockwell, depiction of The Runaway, he in 1958 to pose in uniform wrote that it was ‘one of the for a painting depicting the best he ever saw,’” Sapp said. trooper talking to a young “At the ripe age of 80 he also vagabond. demonstrated to me that he After securing approval form hadn’t lost that all-important his supervisors, Clemens took a power of observation that seat on a counter stool at a local allowed him to serve 22 years Howard Johnson’s restaurant as a state trooper, when he and from that day on became pointed out that I had forgotten The Runaway, 1958 the “face” of arguably the most to place a brown iconic law enforcement image notebook in my Their relationship was a natu- in American history. Capt. Jason Sapp of the Delaware State pants pocket as he ral one, bound by their common Many state troopers have Police recreated Norman Rockwell’s had done in 1958. career as state troopers – a bond famous artwork, The Runaway, with that neither age nor state lines created their own personalized his son, Brady, and his father standing “Sgt. Clemens version of the famous artwork, at the counter. ended his very can detach. such as Capt. Jason Sapp of the Delaware State first e-mail to me with, ‘Always Have you recreated The Run- Police. What started simply as a project to glad to hear from a brother away? Please share your version create a photo to hang on his office wall beside trooper.’” with us: connection@statetroop- the original version of The Runaway, led to Sapp later met Clemens in ers.org, or by mail, AAST The Sapp becoming friends with Clemens. The person and attended Clemens’ TFC Jim Matlock of the Connecti- Runaway, 1949 Raymond Diehl cut State Police recreated The two met through e-mail, after being connected funeral in 2012, in uniform. Runaway alongside his son. Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32308.

6______AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015 Troopers on the gridiron State troopers and football teams have “Of course it does have its positives,” enjoyed a partnership for decades, some in Bagnardi said. “I consider my payment the college arena, and some in the NFL world. an opportunity to be part of the legendary Troopers providing security for college Seminoles football program. football is said to have “I think it’s also a great begun in Alabama, and in recruiting tool for the highway recent years, state troopers in patrol. It’s very important several states have partnered to have a professional and with college football teams, positive image, as you are particularly popular below seen on a national stage, and I the Mason-Dixon Line. feel that with this opportunity A longstanding tradition is I represent all of our troopers, the ’s so it’s important for me relationship with Florida to show a professional State University football. image.” Florida trooper Billy Smith Troopers are also involved took on the position in 1964 Sgt. Gooding, left, keeps an eye on Rams occasionally on the NFL and served with five different head coach Jeff Fisher, center, during a level. Sgt. Harold Gooding post-game handshake. Mitch White photo coaches, including 33 years was named assistant director Lt. John Bagnardi, left, team security coordinator alongside renowned coach Bobby Bowden. of security for the St. Louis Rams after for FSU football, stands with California Highway Patrol officers who provided escort services during He stood on the sidelines for 500-plus games retiring from the this year’s Rose Bowl. before passing the torch to Lt. John Bagnardi. in 2013. He previously served 13 years as a During the football season, security consultant for the Tennessee Titans. Bagnardi – coincidentally The Massachusetts State Police partners AAST’s Florida state director with the New England Patriots program, – can be seen on the sidelines providing security for home games. The of all FSU football games Mass State Police has a team of troopers in alongside head coach Jimbo place to provide security for coaches, players, Fisher and the team as secu- and the Patriots’ home field, Gillette Stadium. rity coordinator. Bagnardi is Yes, troopers are unbiased providers of not paid by the school and services while on duty. But off-duty, they are volunteers his personal time in typically proud fans of the teams they serve. addition to his regular highway And the Seminoles and Patriots are two teams patrol duties. that have delighted fans in recent seasons. Sgt. Danny O’Sullivan of the Massachusetts State Police stands with Pat the Patriot.

News from oregon m K-9; From patrol to family pet The Oregon State Police recently bid pounds of marijuana and 34.5 pounds of crystal farewell to Lola, one of its finest four-legged methamphetamine, which combined have an officers after her seven years of faithful estimated street value of $3.7 million. service. An 8-year-old yellow Labrador Lola now spends her days as the Hargis’ retriever, Lola spent her career partnered family pet, where her biggest job is sniffing with Sr. Tpr. Cliff Hargis, and together they out where they keep her dog biscuits. While patrolled the Lakeview Worksite, located in adapting to her new life of leisure, Lola South Central Oregon, an area known to be a also shows the ropes to 2-year-old Mick, a regular route for drug traffickers transporting chocolate cocker spaniel and Sr. Tpr. Hargis’ between California and Idaho. new partner. During her years of service, Lola’s career statistics include seizure of approximately 511 Thank you, Lola, for a job well done.

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015______7 News from floridaK Teacher, bus driver awarded Time to read after bus burns Sometimes teachers and bus drivers are forced to do more than teach and drive. On Jan. 21, Maj. Mike Thomas of the Florida Highway Patrol presented teacher and bus driver Kristina Buhrman a cer- tificate of appreciation for safely removing 38 middle school-aged children from a burning bus. On Dec. 3, after experiencing mechanical Discovery Academy school bus was completely consumed difficulties, a Discovery Academy school by fire. bus, driven by Buhrman, caught fire as way while troopers and firefighters fought Capt. Conner Cardwell of the Florida Highway Patrol she pulled the bus over to the shoulder. the blaze. The bus was completely con- reads to students as part of the Florida Department Buhrman, who is also a teacher at the Lake sumed in the flames. of Education seventh annual Celebrate Literacy Week, Alfred, Fla., school, quickly assisted chil- Because of her efforts, Buhrman was Florida! Col. David Brierton and several members of the dren as they safely exited the burning bus interviewed by CNN for an upcoming series patrol read the book A Day in the Life of a Police Officer to without injury and kept them out of harm’s called Extraordinary People. students at various elementary schools statewide.

News from Indiana P Trooper named Special Olympics Indiana Officer of the Year M/Tpr. Tommy Walker of the Indiana represent Indiana LETR in multiple State Police Versailles District was national and international Torch recognized in January with the Spirit of Run Final Legs, leading to Special Special Olympics Indiana Officer Award. Olympics National and World Walker’s involvement with Special Games. His involvement has helped Olympics began in 1994, and in 2014 he build a relationship with the entire was named the state director of the Indiana ISP force, working with various Law Enforcement Torch Run Leadership officers, which has resulted in an Team. He started a weightlifting fundraiser, additional $42,000-plus for Special Showdown of the Shields, with this year Olympics. Walker has also donated marking the 21st anniversary of the event his time to photograph countless that averages $5,000 annually for the Special Olympics Indiana events. athletes of Special Olympics Indiana. Walker has been asked why he In 2014 Walker became the first law is committed to Special Olympics. enforcement officer to become a member His answer? “Because of its of Team Indiana, traveling to the 2014 athletes; they portray a life lesson... Special Olympics USA Games as the team’s Be the best ‘you’ that you can be. equipment manager. He has been selected to Be Yourself!” A Special Olympics athlete tries on the hat of M/Tpr. Tommy Walker, left.

Visit us online! www.statetroopers.org See interesting trooper news and photos from around the country, and also track news within AAST.

8______AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015 New directors take lead of departments AAST proudly introduces the new leaders of the following departments. We wish you the best as you take on the challenges of your new position.

Arizona DPS Frank Milstead was Milstead had served as chief of the Mesa of the University of Louisville Southern appointed director of the Police Department since 2010 and previ- Police Institute Chief Executive Leadership Arizona Department of ously served 25 years with the Phoenix Program. Public Safety in January Police Department. He holds a bachelor’s Milstead’s late father, Ralph Milstead, and will carry the rank of degree in organizational management from served as DPS director for 10 years in the . the University of Phoenix and is a graduate 1980s. Milstead

William J. “Bill” Bryant was appointed director of the Arkansas State Police on Janu- ary 12 and holds the rank of colonel. years of his career with the DEA, 20 years of ter of arts degree in police Bryant has nearly 40 years of law enforce- which were spent in Arkansas working along- science and administration ment including stints as a criminal investigator side the ASP and local police and ’s from Sam Houston State and assistant special agent in charge of the departments from across the state. University in Huntsville, Little Rock District Office for the U.S. Drug Bryant has a bachelor of science degree in Texas. Enforcement Administration. He spent 30 law enforcement and police science and a mas- Bryant

Illinois State Police Leo Schmitz was spent his nearly 30-year career with the He earned a bachelor of science degree named director of the Chicago Police Department where he served in administrative sciences from Southern Illinois State Police in as deputy chief and was also commander of Illinois University. January. Schmitz has the Gang Enforcement Unit.

Schmitz

William M. Pallozzi was appointed superintendent of the Maryland State Police in February. With the rank of colonel, he has now tion Division and chief of the Support Services ant in the U.S. Army. He served in every rank of the MSP. Bureau. Pallozzi graduated from North Georgia holds a master of science Pallozzi began his career as a patrol trooper College, The Military College of the University in management and leader- with the MSP in 1989 and has since held of Georgia in 1988 with a bachelor of science ship and is a graduate of the various supervisory and leadership positions, degree in criminal justice. Upon his graduation, Police Executive Training including commander of the Executive Protec- he was commissioned as a second lieuten- Program. Pallozzi

Minnesota State Patrol Matt Langer was has been responsible for all aspects of and has taught criminal justice courses at appointed in January as patrol operations. Langer joined the patrol Century College and Metropolitan State director of the Minnesota in 1999 and has served as a technical University. State Patrol, after serving sergeant, , captain, and . Langer earned his bachelor’s degree in as assistant chief for four Langer is an instructor in the Leadership law enforcement and a master’s degree in years and acting chief in Police Organizations training through public and non-profit administration from Langer for the last year. He the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Metropolitan State University.

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015______9 Shots from Around the Country

New year, new name On Jan. 1, the Alabama Department of Public Safety joined 11 other state law enforcement agencies to become the Alabama Law Enforce- ment Agency, the name emblazoned on this vehicle. DPS is one of ALEA’s divisions and cosists of the Highway Patrol Division and Marine Patrol Division. All sworn in these two divisions are Alabama state troopers.

New motorcycles for CHP

Ofcr. Danny Margaris shoots LIDAR from his 2013 Harley on State Route 170 in Universal City, Calif. The California Highway Patrol is changing its fleet of BMW’s over to a fleet of Harley-Davidsons.

May the force be with them High-ranking pit crew Members of The Force, made up Members of the Maine State Police command staff of troopers from the Nebraska recently passed a stranded motorist on a remote State Patrol Troop E- Scottsbluff, section of I-95. Col. Williams, Lt. Col. Bessette, and prepare to take the plunge for Majs. Wright and Grotton changed the flat and got Special Olympics Nebraska. the motorist back on the road in no time.

10A�������������������������������������������������������������������������� AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015 Little girl who penned note is now trooper

Specialist John Burke of the , right, holds the thank-you note that now-trooper Amanda Hansen, pictured standing beside him, wrote as a girl after Burke talked to her at the Idaho State Capitol Building. He didn’t remember meeting Hansen all those years ago but found the note the very same week that Hansen was doing a special security assign- ment at Capitol.

Chilly dippin Maryland state troopers took another chilly dip this year to help raise thou- sands for Special Olympics Maryland in Like father, like son its PlungeFest in January, sponsored by the Maryland State Police. Over $2 Sr. Tpr. Robert Gleich of the South Carolina Highway million has been raised in the Winter Patrol parks his Dodge Charger next to his 4-year-old Water Series. son Brayden’s Charger, the mini convertible model.

Protecting Waterways Alcatraz Island can be seen in the background of the California Highway Patrol Water Response Vehicle in the San Francisco Bay.

The South Dakota’s aggressive driving enforcement plan targeted a high-risk area of I-90 between Rapid City and Sturgis, ironically coinciding with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Tandem trooper teams had mission specific objectives, and unmarked vehicles were used to watch for other violations. The initiative resulted in a 50 percent reduc- tion in injury crashes and zero fatal crashes. Drive to Save Lives

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015______11 News from texas s “Family reunion” brings troopers together

Retirees love to get together and share old retired employees get their annual firearms mander Duane Steen took the reins of the annual stories from the road and reminisce with a bond training and qualification, and to serve as a event. Steen, in his blessing of the meal, praised only troopers can share. DPS family reunion. retirees for the selfless years of service and Retired Texas troopers had this very oppor- The event has nearly doubled in attendance expressed his gratitude for all who came, many tunity when the Company “A” Texas Rangers, in three years, with the 2015 event drawing from over 100 miles away. Huff reminded the Regional Commander Duane Steen, and Texas over 150 retirees and guests. The all-you-can- many active duty troopers, agents, and rangers Highway Patrol command staff held the third eat meal, provided by AAST and the Texas in attendance that the reputation that they enjoy annual Texas DPS retirees’ yearly qualification State Troopers Association, included fried cat- today was built by the men and women being and fish fry in Liberty on March 19. fish, pickles, squash, okra, fries, and dessert honored at the event. The event was the idea of retired Texas (not a heart-healthy choice anywhere to be A trooper retiree said that the event was in the Ranger Captain Dan North and retired Ranger seen!). AAST also provided door prizes. top five best days he had had since retirement. Lieutenant Kevin Pullen as a way to help Texas Ranger Lt. Grover Huff and Com- Now that’s really saying something.

Several retired Texas troopers have gone on to become sheriffs. Pictured left to right: Retired Texas Ranger Otto Hanak, current sheriff of Washington County; retired Texas Ranger Kenneth Ham- Retired Texas troopers look forward to the cookout each year. mock, current Polk County sheriff; retired THP Sgt. Gregg Arthur, retired Liberty County sheriff; retired THP Tpr. Greg Sanchez, current Angelina County sheriff; retired THP Tpr. O.J. Stewart, retired Liberty County sheriff; former THP Tpr. Bobby Radar, current Liberty County sheriff. Brothers helping brothers Grand Appeal

Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division Agent James R. Johnson, left, has been off work since being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in October. He traveled regularly from his home in Victoria, Texas, to Houston for treatments before renting an apartment in Houston. He underwent a bone marrow transplant in March and at press time, was antici- pating a stem cell transplant once he is medically ready for the procedure. This fight is long and draining, not only physically and emotionally, but financially as well. AAST member Texas Rangers from Company A prepare to strut their stuff in the Houston Live- Shannon D. Jones, right, presented Johnson with a Brotherhood Assistance check on behalf stock Show and Rodeo “Grand Entry.” of AAST to help with ancillary expenses. Johnson expressed deep appreciation for this gift.

12A�������������������������������������������������������������������������� AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015 News from tennessee r Trooper lauded for DUI enforcement Tpr. Michael Sullivan was named beyond the citation and accepts the Tennessee Highway Patrol 2014 any duty or task assigned. Trooper of the Year. He led the University of Tennessee head 10-county Jackson district with 128 football coach Butch Jones DUI arrests and finished second in delivered the keynote address. impaired driving arrests statewide. He Jones is the son of a longtime consistently produces as a DUI task police chief and the nephew University of Tennessee head football coach Butch Jones, Tennessee force member working the midnight of a Michigan State Police Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons, shift in Henderson County. A 13-year commander. Tpr. Michael Sullivan, and Col. Tracy Trott, left to right, were present at veteran of the THP, Sullivan looks Sullivan’s Trooper of the Year ceremony.

News from Wyoming z AAST sends help to Mustache Mark Wyoming State Trooper Mark he returned home and at press Shinost is known for his stache. time was still recovering. And now, he is known for his He and his family were grateful courageous battle against cancer. for AAST’s financial help during After successfully completing this trying time. radiation and chemotherapy treat- ments, he had surgery in early January to remove a large portion of his esophagus and surrounding “Mustache Mark” Shinost is know for lymph nodes. The surgery was his stache, and was shown love by his successful, and after almost two medical team following surgery. weeks recovering in the hospital,

Trooper saves life through transplant State troopers assist people on a determined that Testerman was a daily basis. Tpr. Gabe Testerman, suitable match for a kidney trans- a nine-year veteran of the Wyoming plant. Without hesitation, he agreed Highway Patrol, pulled a lifesaving to help his older sister. assist on January 13 of a different The transplant took place on Jan- nature. uary 13; Testerman gave his left Testerman’s sister, Angela Sund- kidney to his sister through a suc- strom, of Brady, Neb., has had Type cessful procedure, and at press time, 1 Diabetes since age 3. Now 37, brother and sister were doing well. she was told to start considering a Testerman returned to full duty kidney transplant a year and a half six weeks later. He said that he and ago because of her long battle with Angela have always been close, but Tpr. Gabe Testerman sits by his sister’s bedside after donating a kidney to save the disease. Last August doctors now they are closer than ever. her life.

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015______13 News from West virginiax Mom thanks trooper for inspiring son Dear State Troopers Nationwide, Pictured are Sgt. Kane of the West Virginia State Police Welch Detachment and future trooper, Ethan Church. Ethan is only 8 years old, and while other children his age think of Batman or Superman as being a super hero, Ethan believes that troopers are the real heroes. Sgt. Kane took time out from his duties to spend time with Ethan. He asked him questions about why he wanted to become a trooper and encouraged Ethan to keep making those A’s in school, to keep on the right path, and when he is old enough, to join the Junior Troopers program. Sgt. Kane showed Ethan how to properly cuff his prisoner, and Ethan proudly put on Sgt. Kane’s hat and took a ride in the cruiser. I am thankful to these men who take the time to encourage children. They have had made a huge impact on my son’s life. With thanks, Julie Church Welch, West Virginia

United we stand In January, state troopers attended the funeral of NYPD Officer Wenjian Liu, who was assassinated while on duty. Pic- tured are troopers from Vermont, Utah, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Hampshire, Maryland, Del- aware, Rhode Island, and New Jersey, left to right.

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Oregon AAST members, you can track news in your state via the AAST Oregon Facebook page: www.facebook.com/OregonAAST

14A�������������������������������������������������������������������������� AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015 News from l Paying Tribute Trooper killed, another injured in crash

I-40, east of Shawnee. Dees suffered fatal injuries and was pro- nounced deceased at the scene, Burch was critically injured. Both troopers were out of their patrol cars when they were struck by a driver who was reportedly using social media on his cell phone. At press time, Burch was still recovering. Dees, 30, had served with the department Dees Burch for 18 months. He is survived by his wife and On January 31 at approximately 10 p.m., two daughters. Tprs. Nicholas Dees and Keith Burch of the were struck by Oklahoma troopers continue to show support for the 8-year- a vehicle while investigating a collision on old daughter of Tpr. Nick Dees, pictured on an OHP motorcycle.

News from massachusetts W Bluebird 586 on the road again After its seven-year career of service, 13 years of outdoor storage, and 172,698 miles, “Bluebird” Massachusetts State Patrol cruiser 586 has been painstakingly restored to its original glory. In August 1988, with only 11 miles on the odometer, cruiser 586 – a Ford LTD Crown Victoria – was permanently assigned to Sgt. Ron Lamoly of Troop C Headquarters in Holden, Mass. During that time, it was and also the reason why the practice of state police to affix global these cruisers are fondly spheres to the rear windows of their patrol Before restoration of referred to as “bluebirds” – cars to represent each 25,000-mile marker Sgt. Ron cruiser 586 were meticulously restored to – the distance around the earth’s equator. Lamoly, who, himself, had recently retired their original vibrancy. In August Cruiser 586 proudly displayed six spheres on after 25 years of service (1970-1995). 2008, cruiser 586 reappeared completely its rear window when it ended its service in However, another 13 years of outdoor restored to its original condition. November 1995 with 172,698 miles logged storage would stand between cruiser 586 and Since its restoration, 586 has driven away in its service. its complete restoration. “That was a very with 15 trophies awarded at various car Upon its retirement, cruiser 586 went to low moment of its existence,” Lamoly said. shows and competitions in Central Florida. public auction to be sold to the highest bid- When restoration did start, parts had to be While on public display at one event, an der. That highest harvested from other Ford Motor Company unknown spectator videotaped the cruiser, bidder just so vehicles and sometimes combined to recre- which was then uploaded to YouTube, happened ate missing or damaged components. The where a 360-degree presentation can be to be cruiser’s colors, known as French and seen. While the video is accurate, and may electric blue – the color scheme be seen by searching 1988 Ford Police Car distinctive to on youtube.com, keep in mind that the nar- Massachu- ration is not accurate. setts State Lamoly confirms, Cruiser 586 now lives a Police pampered life of leisure in Ocala, Fla.

Restoration of cruiser 586

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015______15 Sworn to Serve Congratulations to the new troopers who have joined the best family in the country. We wish you men and women the best as you embark on an incredible and fulfilling career .

Kansas State Police

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Florida Highway Patrol

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Trooper Patch T-shirt with FREE shipping Trooper Patch T-shirt Quantity Description Size Price each Subtotal These heather gray and 100% cotton pre-shrunk T-shirts feature all 49 Trooper Patch T-shirt M L XL XXL $12 highway patrol, state police, and state please circle desired size patrol patches on the back, with the XXXL $15 AAST logo on the front chest. A must Subtotal for troopers or collectors. Available in Shipping FREE adult sizes M, L, XL, and XXL - $12 Mail to: AAST Merchandise each and XXXL - $15 1949 Raymond Diehl Rd. Amount Due Tallahassee, FL 32308

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AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015______17 an honor to receive this award from an Association who gives back to its With Thanks members. Thank you again!

Sincerely, Dear American Association of State Troopers,

Thank you for choosing me as a recipient of your scholarship. Camille Green I was eligible to apply for this AAST Scholarship Recipient scholarship because I am the daughter Daughter of Inv. Eldred T. Green, of retired New York State Police NYSP (ret.) Investigator Eldred Green. I will be putting your investment to good use as I study physical therapy at Daemen College in Amherst, N.Y. As Green a daughter of a trooper, it is truly

Scholarship deadline approaches

Members are reminded that your college-age children may V.J. Johnson Memorial Scholarship- $1,500 be eligible to receive a scholarship from AAST to be used at an This scholarship honoring longtime AAST board member and accredited post-secondary institution. Florida trooper Sgt. V.J. Johnson is available to students whose Applicants’ trooper parent must be a member of AAST member parent is an active or retired Florida trooper. Students inter- for a minimum of two years before applying for an AAST ested in applying for this scholarship should contact the national scholarship. office for additional requirements. 1st Scholarship- $500 Deadline for receiving applications: July 31 Students must be high school graduates with a minimum 3.0 grade Students applying for any AAST scholarship must complete and sub- point average (4.0 scale) and must submit a 500-word essay entitled mit an official scholarship application along with the school transcript, How My Education Will Advance My Career Plans. letter of acceptance or proof of registration, and other required materials. 2nd Scholarship- $1,000 Applications are accepted January 1 through July 31 each year. All information must be mailed and received at AAST headquar- Students who maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA during the first ters by 5:00 p.m. EDT on July 31. Incomplete material will be scholarship period qualify for the second award. returned to the student. Material submitted by facsimile or the Internet will not be accepted. 3rd Scholarship- $1,000 For details or to obtain a scholarship application, visit AAST Students who maintain a minimum 3.8 GPA during the second online at www.statetroopers.org. Or call AAST Membership Services, scholarship period qualify for the third award. 800-765-5456, ext. 201.

As a three-time recipient, this scholarship has proven to be most advantageous in financing my college education. The $2,500 I’ve received from the AAST Foundation has not only alleviated the financial stress from tuition itself, but also- the supplies necessary to further my education. I’m proud to represent my state and my father and grandfather, both Penn sylvania state troopers, in this way. The AAST scholarship program is rich in providing the opportunity for American Association students such as me to further their education. of State Troopers Sincerely, Foundation, Inc. Taylor Thomas 3-time AAST Scholarship Recipient daughter of Cpl. Robert Thomas, PSP Make an impact. & grandaughter of Tpr. Frank Thomas, PSP

www.statetroopers.org/foundation Taylor Thomas, center, is flanked by her trooper grandfather, Tpr. Frank Thomas, left, and trooper dad, Cpl. Robert F. Thomas.

18A�������������������������������������������������������������������������� AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015 JOIN US TODAY! $35 per year One level of membership. All troopers. AAST invites all active and retired troopers to join AAST and receive valuable benefits and services. The following benefits package is available to all troopers –active, retired, and those who served at least 5 years as a state trooper. Scholarships for Members’ Dependents Subscription, Trooper Connection Trooper Educational Assistance Membership, Professional Law Enforcement Assn. Brotherhood Assistance AAST I.D. Card Connecting and Serving State Troopers since 1989

AAST is a not-for-profit organization and is not a union. It is a fraternal-type organization providing camaraderie and needed supplemental benefits to help improve troopers’ lives. Benefits are reviewed periodically by the National Board of Directors and are subject to change without notice. American Association of State Troopers, Inc. Membership Application

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2015______19 NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WI PERMIT NO. 1275

1949 Raymond Diehl Road Tallahassee, FL 32308

Paying respects Officer Adrian Salas, left, presents a New Mexico flag to Brandy Dees, widow of Oklahoma state trooper Nicholas Dees, who was killed on duty Jan. 31. Thousands attended Dees’ memorial service, including troopers from numerous states See tribute, page 15.