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Volume 22, Issue 2 Spring 2013 Troopers form lasting bonds with Newtown families Compassion, professionalism displayed

Soon after the Sandy Hook Elemen- and daughters to a meeting with the tary School massacre in December, Con- president. He answered the door at the Today, I firmly believe family necticut governor Dannel Malloy and Col. family’s house, and at the funeral he Danny Stebbins, commander of the Con- embraced her husband, who says Mo is liaison trooper is a new role for necticut , assigned a trooper now like a brother. “law enforcement in all death liaison to each victim’s family, a first-of- Mo’s detail with the family ended after its-kind decision. Based on the families’ the funeral, but only officially. Like many of scene investigations for all law deep appreciation, it was absolutely the his fellow troopers who aided the families of enforcement organizations. ideal move. the Newtown massacre victims, he stays in As the family of slain school psy- close contact with the family. -TFC Orlando Mo, chologist Mary Sherlach mourned her A trooper was assigned to each vic- death, Tpr. Orlando “Lonny” Mo was tim’s family following the Dec. 14 mas- the one who brought back her personal sacre of 20 first-graders and six women belongings. He escorted her husband in Newtown. The troopers were told to assist the families as needed, which often involved long hours at the families’ homes, helping with logistics for travel- ” ing family members, and being good listeners and comforters. The families claim “their” troopers as fam- ily members. They expressed deep apprecia- tion for the care the troopers showed them during their darkest hours. In many cases, the troopers cried with them. While the troopers provided unparalleled compassion and support for affected fami- lies, let us not forget the other side of their job. CSP troopers were among the first to arrive at the gruesome scene and thereafter assumed full investigative responsibility. Their work in Newtown will stretch into months, and likely years. The department provided sessions for the troopers to decompress and to deal with their own issues following a tragedy of this magnitude. As we all saw on national media cover- TFC Orlando Mo serves as the trooper liaison at the Sherlach funeral following the Sandy Hook massacre. Continued on page 3

© American Association of State Troopers, Inc. 2013. All Rights Reserved. Fellow Troopers, . She and husband, Dru, have Angela resides in Lakeland, Fla., with Patrol Officers, and State two children. her husband, Tim Shellabarger Sr., and Police Officers: Angela Fortunas fills the newly created their four cats. It is my pleasure to intro- position of director of development. Her Christine Brasher, a part of the AAST duce to you the newly primary duty is to create and implement staff since 2000, will continue serving appointed staff members a marketing and fundraising program to as our membership and benefits admin- who handle the daily opera- support the Association and the AAST istrator. Christine’s husband, Scott, tions at AAST. Scholarship Foundation. retired from the Highway Our director of operations Angela is the granddaughter of Wes- Patrol in February and they have relo- is no stranger to AAST. Joan ley Slappey, a graduate of the first class cated to Tallahassee. Breeding joined the AAST staff in 1997 of the in 1939. Ada Hagler is our part-time administra- as part of the accounting department and Slappey served the FHP for 20 years. tive clerk. Ada’s husband, Don, retired was promoted to the position of finance State troopers have a special place in from the Florida Highway Patrol in 1997. director in 1999. Joan has a strong work- Angela’s heart and she is excited about Angie Ishee, who has been with AAST

Keith Barbier ing knowledge of every aspect of AAST, working with the members of AAST to since 1992, serves as public relations and has been in charge of the office build an even stronger membership and manager on a consultant basis and is edi- since Ken Howes’ retirement as execu- base of community support. tor of the Trooper Connection. Angie and tive director in the spring of 2012. She She holds a bachelor’s degree from husband, Jeff, a U.S. probation officer, will be responsible for the operations of Florida State University and her master have three sons. the Association and the AAST Scholar- of arts from the University of Central All of our staff are friendly and eager ship Foundation. Florida. She has worked in the non-profit to help with any of your membership Joan is the daughter of Lt. Col. sector for 20 years, developing programs needs. Please do not hesitate to con- John Carmody, who retired in 1993 as and fundraising initiatives for the arts, tact them if you have questions or need deputy director of the Florida Highway education, and healthcare. assistance. If you would like to be more involved with AAST, please be in touch with our staff. The HQ toll-free number is 800-765-5456, and e-mail addresses are as follows: Joan Breeding, Director of Operations: [email protected] Angela Fortunas, Director of Develop- ment: [email protected] Christine Brasher, Membership and Benefits Administrator: christine@ statetroopers.org Ada Hagler, Administrative Clerk: [email protected] If you have photos or stories to submit for the Connection, please contact Angie Ishee, 800-477-9860 or [email protected]. I can honestly say this is the most com- petent, responsible, and effective group of people to handle the daily activities of AAST, and to also move us in a positive direction that benefits our members. Always remember: Every day’s a holiday, and every meal’s a feast.

Fraternally,

AAST staff members include, front row left to right: Public Relations Manager Angie Ishee and Director of Development Angela Fortunas. Back row left to right: Membership and Benefits Administrator Christine Keith Barbier Brasher, Administrative Clerk Ada Hagler, and Director of Operations Joan Breeding. President Follow AAST on Facebook! Get important news feeds and interesting links on our Facebook page, and stay connected with troopers around the country. Become a fan today! www.facebook.com/statetroopers 2______AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013 NEWTOWN Continued from front page age, the department han- dled itself with utmost professionalism and tact, primarily spokesperson Lt. J. Paul Vance, CSP public information offi- cer and an AAST mem- ber. They made us proud to be fellow troopers, the thin blue line of brother- hood that stretches across the nation. Agencies interested in details of the CSP Family Liaison Trooper program can contact the CSP Train- ing Academy, who has developed training cur- riculum for this program, 203-238-6505.

Lt. J. Paul Vance did an outstanding job when he was thrust into national limelight following the Newtown tragedy.

Relics Troopers from the train tough Members of the 118th Recruit class enjoy PT in 1998 in the sand of Road Sea Girt, home of the training academy. NJSP Academy training lasts 25 weeks.

National Officers Keith Barbier President

AAST Headquarters Jeff Lane 1949 Raymond Diehl Road First Vice President Tallahassee, FL 32308 Trooper Connection® is the official (800) 765-5456 Chris Ricks publication of the American Association Angie Ishee, Editor Second Vice President of State Troopers, Inc. and is published We want to hear from you! Trooper Connec- quarterly as a service to AAST members ® in conjunction with tion welcomes your comments, articles, and Bubba Blue American Graphics & Design, Inc., article ideas. We also encourage you to send Third Vice President www.agad.com photographs along with your articles. Please President: Jenny DeBack contact the Public Relations Department: Kenneth Musick Graphic Designer: AAST Public Relations Dept. Cindy Chic (800) 477-9860 Secretary E-mail: [email protected] Bylined articles contain opinions of the Visit AAST online: www.statetroopers.org J.D. Johnson writers and do not necessarily reflect AAST policy. © Copyright American Association of State Troopers, Inc. 2013 Treasurer AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013______3 Troopers tackle Disney marathon The weekend of Jan. 13 took state two days. troopers – and about 25,000 other First Sgt. Jeff Gordon of the North runners – to Orlando, Fla., for the Carolina State Highway Patrol com- 20th annual Walt Disney World pleted his first marathon at the Dis- Marathon, including five troopers ney run. Also, this event marked the and one dispatcher from the Con- first full marathon for Cpl. Daphne necticut State Police, a trooper from Yuncker of the Florida Highway the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, although she has run in sev- Patrol, and a few Florida troopers. eral half marathons. Yuncker runs The marathon course of 26.2 miles in memory of a young relative who began at the Epcot theme park, ran recently died of leukemia. to and through the Magic Kingdom, Tpr. Shaun R. Lattinville, also of the Walt Disney World Speedway, the FHP, has run five full marathons Animal Kingdom, the ESPN Wide and five half marathons. Capt. John World of Sports Complex, Disney’s E. Lynch of the FHP Auxiliary also Hollywood Studios, and then back to completed the Goofy Challenge, Epcot, finishing just outside Space- along with his wife and son. ship Earth. “While the evening included some “With temperatures in the low 60s considerable aches and pains, as well at the start, and finishing tempera- as stories as to the day’s events, a tures that exceeded 70 degrees with considerable state police pride was bright sunshine, our runners were quite evident as well,” Fox said. challenged not just by the course, but by the unseasonably warm tem- peratures as well,” said Maj. Alaric J. Fox of the CSP, who marked his sixth marathon with the completion of the Disney event. Other CSP members who com- pleted the marathon included TFC Juan Morales, TFC Bill Rochette, Sgt. Shannon Belcher, TFC David Allen, and Dispatcher Patrick Scully. Belcher took on the added tribula- tion of completing the Goofy Chal- lenge, completing the half-marathon First Sgt. Jeff Gordon of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, foreground, on Saturday and the full-marathon is followed closely by his wife as they run through the Magic Kingdom castle in on Sunday, totaling 39.3 miles over the January 13 Disney marathon, which was Gordon’s first marathon.

Cpl. Daphne Yuncker, a Florida state trooper, TFC Juan Morales, TFC Bill Rochette, Sgt. Shannon Belcher, TFC David Allen, completed her first marathon and ran in mem- Tpr. Shaun Lattinville of the Florida Highway Maj. Alaric J. Fox, and Dispatcher Patrick Scully of the Connecticut State Police, ory of a relative. Patrol took on his fifth marathon. left to right, celebrate the completion of the Disney marathon in Orlando. 4______AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013 Annually, the and the Missouri Louisiana troopers from Mandeville surprised pediatric State Highway Patrol deliver Christmas toys to hospital- patients with Christmas gifts. ized children in Kansas City-area hospitals. The toy drive Kids and adults alike love Trooper Claus (Sr. Tpr. Denny Gar- honors Michael L. Newton, a Missouri trooper killed in ner) of the , who donned his sporty blue the line of duty in 2003. Santa suit and helped collect over 200 toys for Toys for Tots. A spirit of giving AAST salutes the state troopers who vol- unteer their time year after year to help bring joy to those who might not otherwise have A Tennessee trooper bonds with a Jonesborough boy a happy holiday season. Your kindness and during a Shop with a Cop event. compassion go far beyond the smile you put on the faces of those who are less fortunate; you make a difference in people’s lives. Shop with a Cop events are growing in popularity across the country, while The smile says it all! A Kentucky trooper shares the joy many departments also collect toys for the with a child during the annual Shop with a Trooper event. Marine’s Toys for Tots programs. Troopers often volunteer their time to visit hospital- ized children or to deliver food to the needy. Some departments participate in other types of Christmas events to help the com- munities they serve. Maine state troopers salute the grave of the only Maine Thousands of Christmas wreaths made trooper buried at Arlington National Cemetery. their way to Arlington National Cemetery in December to decorate the graves, as part of the Wreaths Across America program. Maine troopers were part of the delivery convoy to the cemetery and then saluted the gravesite of the only Maine trooper buried at Arlington – Lewis California Highway Patrol officers collected over 650 Howard who was killed in World War II. toys for homeless children during the CHiPs for Kids Department leaders also got involved in toy drive. community holiday events. In Illinois, Direc- tor Hiram Grau rang the Salvation Army bell during the popular Red Kettle Drive. Tprs. Kristjan Helgoe and Luke Hendrickson of the North Christmastime is special for members of Dakota Highway Patrol participated in the Salvation the Alabama State Trooper Association as Army’s Law Enforcement Kettle Day on Dec. 3. they visit children in hospitals around the state each year and present the young patients with specially made trooper teddy bears.

Pennsylvania state troopers visited 6-year-old Nathan Nor- man in Virginia in December and delivered his very own PSP campaign-style hat. Nathan was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and it was his wish to receive holiday cards from Tpr. Charles Dysart of the Alabama Highway Patrol dons a Each year Nevada troopers use their own money to police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. AAST was mask prior to visiting one of the hospital’s young patients bring Christmas cheer to hospitalized children and to proud to activate law enforcement officers across the coun- during the annual visit to deliver trooper teddy bears. purchase blankets for the homeless. try to send gifts and cards to Nathan. AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013______5 News from ohio k Philharmonic musician also patrols highways Viola player Kimberly Trout also a state trooper by Marc Katz Back in Ohio, a flood of jobs followed. “Most musicians have several jobs,” Trout said. “I When she was 4½ years old, Kimberly Trout told was teaching (and playing in a chamber orchestra in her parents she wanted to play the violin. Columbus) and playing in the DPO. You do like 50 “My mom said, ‘you’re crazy,’ ” Trout said. jobs to make one paycheck.” “ ‘You’re 4½. You don’t know what you want.’ ” In the DPO, Trout plays in the back, but Gittleman She really wanted to play the violin, although by the says that’s no indication of her ability. time she was 9 she moved on to the deeper-toned viola and “She’s a very strong player,” Gittleman said. “She’s now plays in the Dayton, Ohio, Philharmonic Orchestra. good enough to audition for bigger orchestras if she That is her day job. wants. It boggles my mind she works with us, then State trooper is one of After most concerts, Trout rushes home, changes into works with the highway patrol. It takes a tremendous Kimberly Trout’s careers. her Ohio State Highway Patrol uniform and begins her amount of responsibility to do both.” 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift on Dayton-area highways. Trout said her intentions were to teach music in DPO conductor Neal Gittleman says his musicians college, and is obtaining a doctorate of musical arts at have a variety of jobs, although maybe none as Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music in case that happens. unusual as a highway patrolperson. But she wanted something else as well. “That doesn’t mean somewhere along the line there “I was working on my degree, playing and teaching,” hasn’t been a cowhand,” Gittleman said. “But that Trout said. “It was time for something different. I got (patrol work) is a completely different world. I don’t burnt out. think any of us (at the orchestra) have any idea of what “I always had respect for law enforcement. It was it’s like to be a police officer.” something I was always interested in.” Trout grew up in Dayton, graduating from Roberts Trout attended the patrol academy in Columbus Wesleyan College in Rochester, where she received for seven months. When she graduated in December scholarships for academics, basketball, and music. 2009, she was assigned to Dayton. She earned a master’s in music from Northwestern in 2002, played in a civic orchestra in Chicago, and Reprinted with permission, the Dayton Daily eventually went to Hawaii with her husband on a part- News. She also plays viola in time philharmonic job offer. the Dayton Philhar- “My husband said, ‘How many times do you get the monic Orchestra. opportunity to work there?’ ” Trout said. “We went, but only stayed about nine months. It was too expensive.” Intense cadets

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The 81 members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol 153rd Academy Call 1-800-838-8853 Class graduated Feb. 8 after 22 weeks of intense paramilitary train- ing. Pictured, cadets complete a challenge at the Camp Ravenna Joint REFER TO DISCOUNT CODE “08B” Military Training Center.

6______AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013 Troopers converge on D.C. for inauguration security

Colorado State Patrol

Kentucky State Police Florida Highway Patrol

Virginia State Police New Jersey State Police Rhode Island State Police Hundreds of state troopers were sworn in Task Force in Washington, D.C., as over Numerous state police and highway patrol as deputies of the U.S. Marshal Service in half a million people gathered to witness agencies sent representatives, with the Illinois Washington D.C. on the days surrounding the oath being taken. State Police, the , and the Jan. 21 inauguration of President Officers provided security for the several other state police agencies providing Barack Obama. inauguration parade, the swearing-in the full-time services of 40 troopers. Troopers from across the country joined ceremony, balls, and government According to reports, reimbursement 2,800 law enforcement officers to provide dignitaries. The parade down Pennsylvania for the cost, including personnel costs, security as part of the joint operation Avenue dates back to the first inauguration salaries, overtime, and fringe benefits were mission of the Presidential Inauguration for President George Washington in 1789. made by the federal government.

Visit us online! www.statetroopers.org See interesting trooper news and photos from around the country, and also track news within AAST. AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013______7 News from indiana P Indiana Pacers recognize troopers for lifesaving actions

Three troop- entered the campus bookstore. ers were special guests at the Jan. 2 The troopers were soon notified Indiana Pacers basketball game at of a male subject lying on the floor, Bankers Life Fieldhouse to publicly unresponsive and not breathing. The recognize the men for their lifesav- troopers quickly notified the Notre ing actions at a Notre Dame Football Dame Emergency Command Center game this past October. and began CPR. Within a few min- Three troopers were in the right place utes medical personnel from local at the right time Oct. 13 as thousands fire departments arrived to relieve of fans made their way on to the Notre the officers and tend to the man, age Dame campus for the football game. 47, who was taken by ambulance to a Tprs. Brian McCall, Gary Runde, and local hospital. Ryan Purkiser had just finished their The troopers were also applauded pregame traffic direction assignments by local media for their lifesaving Tprs. Brian McCall, Gary Runde, and Ryan Purkiser and were on foot patrol when they actions. are honored on the basketball court with Pacers mascot Boomer as Pacers fans cheered the troopers’ service to Hoosiers.

News from new hampshiree New Hampshire State Police celebrates 75th anniversary

July 1, 2012, marked the 75th to pay tribute to all who have played anniversary of the New Hampshire an important role in the creation, State Police. Formed by an act growth, and continued success of the of legislation in 1937, it was the NHSP. Those who have made the 15th organization of its type in the ultimate sacrifice were also honored . at the event. The first members of the NHSP While many things have changed were comprised of the uniformed over the years within the divi- branch of the New Hampshire Motor sion, including cruisers, gear, and Vehicle Department and criminal equipment, the legacy of the brave, investigators who were employed by loyal, and caring people who stand the State Attorney General’s office together in the NHSP mission at the time. remains the same: The first headquarters were in Dedicated to providing the highest The New Hampshire State Police celebrated 75 years of service at a ceremony the State House in Concord, when degree of law enforcement service in October. Harley-Davidson motorcycles and throughout the state of New a few Chevy sedans were the pri- Hampshire while maintaining mary modes of transportation for the traditions of fairness, pro- those first troopers. Today, over fessionalism, and integrity. 300 dress in traditional green and With the continued support tan uniforms and patrol the state of the citizens, local and state in many different vehicles, includ- representatives, and the gov- ing the Dodge Charger and still, ernor and commissioner, the Harley-Davidson motorcycles. men and women of the NHSP On October 13, an open house will continue to work tirelessly event at headquarters, the specialty to provide law enforcement units demonstrated their tacti- services to its citizens with the cal maneuvers and displayed their same commitment and dedica- equipment for the general public. tion they have taken a solemn Motorcycle troopers in 1939 rode Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and New Hamp- Over 400 men and women gathered oath to provide. shire troopers still ride Harleys today. 8______AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013 News from arizona D Military veteran, trooper honored for service

Arizona DPS motor officer Nathan Borquez was recently honored at one of Arizona’s largest Veterans Day parades. Because he received two Purple Heart Awards during his military career, Borquez was among the most deco- rated military veterans in the event that attracted thousands of spectators. Borquez was deployed to Iraq as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps in June 2004, where he participated in combat patrols in the Al Anbar Province. On Sept. 17, 2004, he suffered a traumatic brain injury when his vehicle was blown up by an improvised explosive device. He recovered at an Army hospital in the Al Anbar Province and returned to duty. On Oct. 24, 2004, his vehicle struck another IED, causing a second trau- matic brain injury and a ruptured eardrum. Borquez returned home in mid- November 2004 and was assigned to the Balboa Naval Medical Center in San Diego to convalesce for eight months before receiving a medical discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. In 2010 doctors cleared him to re-enlist, and today Borquez serves his com- munity through his service as an officer with DPS and through his participation in the U.S. Army Reserve. In addition to his Purple Heart Awards, Borquez has been the recipient of several other military honors, including a Combat Action Ribbon, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, an Expert Rifleman Badge, and an Expert Pistol Badge. Borquez joined DPS in 2006 and is currently assigned to a motor squad in the Phoenix area. He is the son of DPS Capt. Pete Borquez and the husband of Ofcr. Nathan Borquez of the Arizona DPS DPS Sgt. Jennifer Borquez. kisses his daughter during a AAST salutes the hundreds of state troopers nationwide who serve our coun- Veterans Day parade try through their military duty. in November. Please send your military/state trooper stories and photos to AAST Military Troopers, 1949 Raymond Diehl Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32308, or [email protected].

News from Connecticut H

Cyclists ride for those who died

To keep alive the memory of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, Tpr. Andrea Cloutier O’Donnell of the Connecticut State Police pedaled hundreds of miles last spring as part of the Police Unity Tour, a nationwide bike trek that com- mences from various points around the U.S. and ends at the National Law Enforce- ment Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. The ride serves two purposes: to raise awareness of those officers who have died in the line of duty and to raise funds for the national memorial and museum. “It’s important for me to remember my fellow brothers and sisters killed in the line of duty,” O’Donnell said. “I never want them to be forgotten.” This was the third year that O’Donnell participated in the bike tour, donning a jer- sey bearing the patch of the Connecticut State Police. Each time she has pedaled in memory of Tpr. Russell Bagshaw, killed in the line of duty on June 5, 1991. The 2012 ride attracted nearly 1,600 riders from across the country, raising more than $1.65 million.

Please e-mail your photos or news from National Police Week 2013 to the AAST Public Relations Department for print consideration in the Connection, Tpr. Andrea Cloutier O’Donnell displayed the CSP patch [email protected]. as she rode hundreds of miles in memory of a fellow Con- necticut trooper.

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013______9 Shots from Around the Country Special ops train

Troopers graduate

Massachusetts State Police Public Order Platoons underwent training The welcomed 25 new troopers into its ranks on Dec. 14 following 22 weeks of training by the Special Emergency Response and preparation. Team in November.

Father/son troopers

Troopers plunge

The 139th Trooper Candidate Class participated in the Polar Bear Plunge Tpr. Derek T. Shikles accepts his diploma from his in February, raising $16,000 for Special Olympics Maryland. father, Sgt. Roger D. Shikles when the 95th Missouri The 50 new troopers graduated Feb. 8. State Highway Patrol Recruit Class graduated on Sept. 21. The class included 26 graduates.

10A�������������������������������������������������������������������������� AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013 awarded Trainees inspected

Class Coordinator and Academy sergeant T.M. Atwell checks the fit of a trainee’s shirt dur- ing a Class A uniform inspection of the 119th Basic Session, scheduled to Col. David Sankey, right, and Lt. Col. Thomas Schwarten of the graduate June 28. Nebraska State Patrol display the International Association of Chiefs of Police Challenge Award for having the best overall traffic safety program for state police and highway patrol agencies with 251-500 sworn personnel. Troopers never forgotten

New Georgia troopers

The Georgia State Patrol 90th Trooper School graduated Oct. 26.

Tpr. Dana McKee of the salutes after placing a state of Michigan flag on a gravesite. For the last 10 years, the 23-year veteran trooper has been placing state Storm rages of Michigan flags on the 80+ graves of MSP enforcement members buried in the Lansing area. Other MSP members place flags on graves in other parts of the state, including those who served as motor carrier officers, state properties security officers, and troopers. More than 700 graves receive flags in the state on Memorial Day, a tradition established in 1957.

Troopers control riots

Members of the Mississippi DPS Special Operations Group prac- Kansas troopers work in the midst of a February snowstorm. The storm was blamed for at least three tice armed line-ups. The team, consisting of 60 troopers highly deaths as it dumped deep snow on Central Plains states, posing added hazards for state troopers. trained in riot control and civil disturbances, is deployed when Miles of roads were closed, and thousands of people were without power. smaller departments need reinforcement. The Motorcycle and Air Operations Units and the Bomb Squad are included in SOG. AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013______11 News from washington w Badge celebrates centennial trooper class Troopers of “Graduating our 100th class of troop- commemorate Washington state’s 150th the Washing- ers is an amazing milestone,” WSP Chief anniversary of becoming a territory. ton State Patrol John Batiste said. “In the entire changed their history of our agency, only about look recently to 3,000 people have ever served as commemorate a troopers. This badge is intended to milestone. honor every one of them.” Starting Dec. The badge was designed by WSP 14, 2012, troop- trooper Eric Handley who incor- ers were autho- porated the history of the agency, rized to wear a the blue and gold uniform colors, specially designed as well as WSP’s motto: “Service badge for one year to commemorate the With Humility.” historic graduation of the 100th Trooper The last time a nontraditional Basic Training Class. The 37 trooper cadets badge was authorized to wear graduating Dec. 14 were also wearing the by troopers was in 2003 when new badge. a special badge was designed to The state of Washington welcomed 37 new troopers in December.

Anti-terrorism training

Members of SWAT Team, along with local and national law enforcement agencies, participated in a large-scale anti-terrorism exercise aboard the Washington State Ferry, M.V. Salish, last fall.

Troopers help fellow trooper during cancer battle Strength in the Thin Blue Line nosed in May 2012 with a rare form of was extremely touched and thankful. cancer called multiple myeloma, a cancer This post on Padgett’s Facebook page shows of the plasma cells. her deep appreciation for your assistance: From a young age, Renee knew she “Each day is a blessing for each one of us, and wanted to be a police officer, and she ful- Padgett feels truly blessed from all the support filled that dream in 1991 when she became from her family and friends, her fellow WSP a Washington state trooper. She has a love family, and other troopers and police officers of health and working out, but the most across the nation. The American Association important part of her life is her two chil- of State Troopers is supporting Padgett’s cause dren, ages 10 and 7. and getting her story out which is nothing less AAST State Director Sgt. Brian George, left, and Lt. Debby Renee has undergone numerous intense than amazing. She is so thankful to her brothers Jacobson, right, present checks to Tpr. Padgett from AAST medical procedures since her diagnosis, and sisters in blue!” members and friends of AAST as she battles cancer. including vertebroplasty, radiation, chemo- Thank you, AAST mem- When AAST learns of a trooper with an therapy, and most recently, a stem cell transplant. bers and AAST friends extreme need, we take action. And we enlist The cost for treatment not covered by across the U.S., for keeping the help of our members. insurance will be compounded by the loss of the Thin Blue Line strong. This is what brotherhood is all about. income because of time off work for treat- If you would like to In 2011 AAST enacted an e-mail program ments and hospitalization. donate, please send your whereby we notify members of financial AAST notified its membership via e-mail check, payable to Renee needs within the brotherhood of state troop- of Padgett’s situation, and within two weeks, Padgett, to Trooper Renee ers nationwide. Recently it was a Washington you had sent $2,200 in checks to the AAST Padgett Support, AAST, trooper that we learned had a pressing need, office. On March 14 AAST Washington State 1949 Raymond Diehl Rd., and you responded with great generosity. Director Sgt. Brian George and Lt. Debby Tallahassee, FL 32308. Tpr. Padgett prepares Trooper Renee Padgett, a 21-year veteran Jacobson personally delivered the checks to AAST will send all checks for a stem cell trans- of the Washington State Patrol, was diag- Padgett on behalf of AAST members. She to Padgett. plant in November. 12A�������������������������������������������������������������������������� AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013 News from pennsylvania n Troopers honored for rescuing kidnapped boy Two Penn- danger, the troopers approached the driver’s nearby hospital where he was pronounced sylvania state side in an attempt to arrest the subject and dead. Lombardo was treated for his wounds troopers were rescue the child. Using their collapsible and recently returned to duty. honored – one batons, the troopers shattered the driver’s Miller gave his life and Lombardo of them posthu- side window before the subject fired three risked his life to rescue the 9-year-old mously – at the shots from a 9mm Taurus, striking Lombardo boy. They exemplify a true spirit of ser- White House on once in the left shoulder and Miller in the vice and valor. Feb. 20 for res- right thigh and neck. cuing a 9-year- The troopers returned old Nazareth fire, striking the assailant boy kidnapped eight times. The force at gunpoint by of the impact of being Miller his father. shot spun Lombardo to Tprs. Robert his left. Despite know- Lombardo and ing Miller was wounded Joshua Miller received the Medal of Valor, and his own left arm was the highest national award for valor by a now paralyzed, Lom- public safety officer, during a ceremony with bardo did not seek cover; Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Attorney he chose to continue to General Eric Holder. engage the assailant with On June 7, 2009, a subject threatened his one arm. Only after the estranged wife with a handgun before abduct- threat was neutralized ing his 9-year-old son. Lombardo and Miller did Lombardo seek treat- were involved in the consequent high speed, ment for his wounds. 40-mile pursuit before Miller employed the The suspect’s son was Tpr. Robert Lombardo of the Pennsylvania State Police, center, receives the PIT maneuver to bring the vehicle to a stop. rescued uninjured. Public Safety Medal of Valor from Vice President Joe Biden, right, and U.S. Recognizing that the child was in extreme Miller was flown to a Attorney General Eric Holder. 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.

Follow AAST on Facebook! Get important news feeds and interesting links on our Facebook page, and stay connected with troopers around the country. Become a fan today! www.facebook.com/statetroopers AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013______13 News from North carolina i News from south carolina p Survivors share jump of lifetime

The U.S. Army’s elite parachute team, the Golden Knights, provided survivors from both the North and South Carolina High- way Patrols the opportunity to experience a jump of a lifetime. During the three-day event in November, a survivor and a rep- resentative from their respective agency was attached to a tandem Golden Knights team member and then jumped from 14,000 feet over Scotland County to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol paid tribute to Tprs. Gene DeMuth and David Shawn Blanton who were killed in the line of duty. Both widows were in attendance. Several SCHP survivors have made the jump over the past few years, including Misty Nicholson, whose husband Eric, a South Carolina state trooper, was killed in the line of duty in 2000. Misty Nicholson, bottom, jumps with a member of the Golden Knights in “Having the opportunity to tandem jump with the Golden memory of her husband, who was killed in the line of duty. Knights in honor of fallen law enforcement, including my hus- band TFC Eric F. Nicholson, was a chance of a lifetime,” Nich- olson said. “The sense of accomplishment is the best thing I took away from the jump, and I think Eric would be proud.” Survivors were instructed to walk to an open doorway where they jumped before free falling 120 mph towards the ground. Once safely on the ground, these brave survivors described the jump as exhilarating and peaceful, but more importantly, healing. “The tandem jump not only allows family members the once- in-a-lifetime opportunity to jump with the world renowned Golden Knights, but they can also meet other family members of fallen troopers and create a bond with them,” said Col. Mike Oliver, SCHP commander. “This is invaluable. It allows each of them to help each other.” This event is one of the many ways SCHP personnel stay in touch with their fallen trooper family members. “In honoring our fallen brethren, we must also honor their families. We must never forget the sacrifices made, and we will never forget,” Oliver said. Members of the Golden Knights and their tandem guests prepare for a jump of a lifetime.

Trooper all smiles Tarah J. Andre hugs classmates after graduation Dec. 20 to become a South Carolina state trooper. The 36 graduates of Basic Class 91 bring the total number of South Carolina troopers to 771.

14A�������������������������������������������������������������������������� AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013 Paying tribute for the ultimate sacrifice

AAST pays tribute to the troopers recently killed in the line of duty. We honor those who have given their lives in service to their departments and their community. AAST was proud to make a donation from its Brotherhood Assistance fund to these surviving families.

Tpr. Kyle Deatherage, tractor-trailer on I-55 near Litchfield during 32, of the Illinois State a traffic stop. Illinois Police was killed in the A member of the Illinois State Police since line of duty Nov. 26, 2012, 2009, Deatherage was assigned to District 18 He is survived by his wife and two when he was struck by a as a motorcycle officer. young children. Deatherage

Tpr. James Sauter, 28, of the Illinois State when his vehicle was struck by a tractor- was assigned to District 15 Police was killed in a fiery crash just before trailer on I-294 outside Chicago. He was as a patrolman. midnight on March 28. pronounced dead at the scene. He is survived by his wife Sauter was on duty in his ISP squad car A member of the ISP since 2008, Sauter and other family members.

Sauter Tpr. Michael Slagle, 52, a patch of ice. Despite being stuck in his of the Tennessee High- vehicle, he was able to notify dispatch- Tennessee way Patrol died following ers of the crash. A responding fire truck a vehicle crash in Knox reportedly slid on the same patch of ice and Slagle had served with the THP for 28 County on Jan. 25. flipped over on top of his patrol car while years and was assigned to the State Supreme His patrol car slid off he was still inside. At some point during the Court detail. Slagle the roadway after striking incident Slagle suffered a fatal heart attack. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Virginia the woods off I85. The responding trooper is survived by his wife and witnessed a male subject standing outside two adult children. Master Tpr. Junius A. Walker, 63, a Walker’s patrol car and firing a weapon Russell Brown was 35-year veteran of the Virginia State Police, into it. The responding trooper exchanged charged with capital murder died March 7 following a shooting incident fire with the suspect, who then fled on foot of a police officer, attempted on Interstate 85 in Dinwiddie County. into the woods. The male suspect was soon capital murder of a police At approximately 1:20 p.m., the VSP apprehended. officer, and use of a firearm Walker responded to a call for shots fired. A respond- Walker was transported to a local hospi- in committing a felony in ing trooper found a marked VSP patrol car in tal, where he succumbed to his injuries. He connection to Walker’s shooting.

News from wyoming z

AAST director awarded Purple Heart

Tpr. Carla Nichols of the Wyoming High- traveled through the median, and impacted way Patrol was awarded the Purple Heart the driver’s side door of Nichols’ patrol car. in June for injuries received in the line of Nichols was extricated and transported to a duty. nearby hospital. On Sept. 21, 2009, Nichols was patrolling She suffered a sore back and sore neck from I-80 when a tractor-trailer traveling the oppo- the crash. site direction suffered a failure to its left front Nichols serves as the AAST Wyoming state wheel. The wheel separated from the tractor, director. Tpr. Carla Nichols, left, receives the Purple Heart from Col. Jess Oyler.

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013______15 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.

He received the department’s Valor Award in 1991. A 24-year veteran of the Delaware Major Crimes Unit, Domestic Vio- McQueen earned a bachelor of sci- State Police, Nathaniel McQueen, Jr., lence Unit, Polygraph Examiner, and ence degree in behavioral science 46, was appointed superintendent of the Youth Aid Unit. from Wilmington University and a department in November. McQueen worked as a patrol and master of science degree in social McQueen has served as operations detective sergeant and served as the work from Delaware State Univer- major managing all troops statewide; DSP sketch artist. He was a member of sity. He is also a graduate of the FBI McQueen troop commander; patrol lieuten- the DSP Critical Incident Stress Man- National Academy. Before joining ant; and deputy troop commander agement Team and was the officer in the DSP, he served as in the U.S. at Troop 2 CIU responsible for the charge of the DSP Honor Guard Unit. Marine Corps.

Douglas G. Carter, 50, took the oath Indiana State Police of office on Jan. 14 to become the 20th superintendent of the Indiana State Police. County, serving two terms. He then Carter attended Ball State University Carter served with the ISP from 1984 accepted a position with the an archi- and holds a bachelor of science degree to 2002 and then successfully ran for tectural firm specializing in the design with emphasis in management, leader- the elected office of sheriff of Hamilton of jails and police stations. ship, and organizational structure.

Carter

University’s Certified Public Man- ager’s course, Northwestern Uni- Dave Garrison, a 23-year veteran of ing the department’s public infor- versity’s School of Police Staff and the Iowa DPS, was appointed colonel mation officer, commander of the Command, and the International of the Iowa State Patrol on Nov. 1. ISP Vehicle Theft Unit, governor’s Association of Chiefs of Police Garrison’s lengthy experience in security detail, district commander Leadership in Police Organizations the field includes serving as a road for the Capitol complex, and most training course. trooper in southwest Iowa and later recently in the department’s Profes- Col. Patrick J. Hoye, former director Garrison as a trooper pilot in Des Moines. He sional Standards Bureau. of the ISP, was named head of the Iowa has served in numerous roles, includ- Garrison, 51, completed Drake Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau.

John Butler, a 27-year Wyoming Highway Patrol veteran, was named WHP administrator in May 2012 retirement the end of 2011. assuming duties as commander of and promoted to the rank of colo- Butler, who attended the Univer- WHP District 1. He was soon pro- nel, becoming the 12th person to sity of Wyoming, joined the patrol moted to major in charge of field head the patrol since its formation as a recruit patrolman in 1985. In operations for the entire state. He in 1933. 1998 he was promoted to supervise was promoted to colonel Butler had served as interim patrol Division A based in Cheyenne and in 2010 and was second-in-command Butler administrator since Col. Jess Oyler’s in 2003 was promoted to captain, of the patrol.

Follow AAST on Facebook! Get important news feeds and interesting links on our Facebook page, and stay connected with troopers around the country. Become a fan today! www.facebook.com/statetroopers

16A�������������������������������������������������������������������������� AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013 News from texas s Patrol vessel hits water The Texas DPS commissioned the Tactical Marine Unit’s sixth and final new patrol vessel in November. The boat is named in honor of Tpr. Scott Burns, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2008. The Scott Burns joins five other 34-foot shallow water interceptors that will ultimately patrol the Rio Grande River and the Intracoastal Waterway. The black and white patrol vessels are equipped with advanced law enforcement technology, including multiple automatic weapons for self-defense, ballistic shielding, and night vision capabilities. The six patrol vessels are funded by the Texas Legislature and federal homeland security grants. Each is named in honor of a DPS officer killed in the line of duty. The other boats previously commissioned are the Bill Davidson, the J.D. Davis, the David Rucker, the Troy Hogue, and the Russell Boyd.

News from oregon m Oregon troopers honored for lifesaving actions

Four members of the at him to let his hostage go free and were recently recognized for their lifesaving to surrender. His refusal to follow efforts in separate valiant incidents. commands and the imminent danger In the early morning hours of Dec. 10, to the hostage led Codding to shoot 2011, Tpr. James Koehler and a local deputy the suspect rather than to have him responded to a residence to investigate an withdraw back into the cabin. The ongoing domestic assault. The officers entered suspect sustained a gunshot to the the home and wrestled with the suspect who side of his head and fell to the floor, had been attacking a woman. Repeated Taser allowing the young woman to run to use by the deputy failed to dissuade the sus- safety. The suspect survived and was pect. After exhausting all other force options, taken into custody. Koehler began to pull his pistol from his hol- Codding was awarded the Medal ster. Just as he did, the suspect gave up, and of Valor and Kammerman the officers took him into custody. OPOA Lifesaving Award. The man’s violence would no doubt have On July 4, 2012, Tpr. Adam Kow- left the female victim with serious physical ing was patrolling U.S. Highway injuries, or worse, and the lifesaving response 101 on the Oregon Coast when he by the two officers was recognized by the heard an “attempt to locate” broad- Oregon Peace Officers’ Association when cast about a man threatening both were awarded with the Medal of Valor to jump from the Yaquina Bay in a November 2012 ceremony. Bridge. The man’s vehicle was On the morning of May 1, 2012, Sr. Tprs. spotted, and a pursuit ensued. Casey Codding and Dave Kammerman Keeping in mind the suicidal responded as part of the OSP SWAT Team man’s specific threats, Kow- Sr. Tprs. Casey Codding, left, and Dave Kammerman were to a lake in Klamath County. The SWAT ing parked his patrol car at the among four recipients of lifesaving awards. response followed the discovery of a vehicle entrance to the bridge to watch at a cabin matching the description of one that for the man and soon spotted had been sought in relation to an ongoing kid- the vehicle starting across the bridge. their Medal of Valor. Additionally, he napping investigation nearly 300 miles away. Kowing pursued the driver and as he did, was awarded the Harold R. Berg Lifesav- Following over four hours of intense negoti- the driver slammed on his brakes mid- ing Award by OSP Superintendent Richard ations with the suspect holding the woman cap- span, jumped from his car and ran toward Evans, an award named after Lt. Harold R. tive inside the cabin, Kammerman convinced the bridge’s railing. Berg who died on May 10, 1975, when he the suspect to exit and surrender; however, the Just as the suicidal man was climbing over was washed out to sea while searching for a suspect froze at the doorway, weapon in hand, the bridge railing, Kowing grabbed his waist missing Boy Scout. when he saw SWAT members outside. and wrestled him to the ground, preventing AAST commends these troopers for their As the suspect stood in the doorway, using his certain death in the Pacific Ocean. courageous, selfless acts to protect and to his hostage as a human shield, Codding yelled Kowing was honored by the OPOA with serve the citizens of Oregon.

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013______17 With Thanks

Dear Board of Directors: I am writing to thank you for the generous $500 scholarship I received from the American Association of State Troopers Scholarship Foundation. I recently started nursing school and with this scholarship my financial burden has been lightened. This will allow me to focus more on my schoolwork, and will help me get closer to my goal of becoming a registered nurse with a specialty of pediatric oncology. The American Association of State Troopers is truly a blessing to all who are a part of it. Thank you to all that make this Foundation possible for the students to be able to continue their education.

Sincerely, Jamie Leopold Jamie Leopold Daughter of Sgt. B.J. Kennedy-Leopold Georgia State Patrol Unprepared Motorcyclist by Allen Black, age 6 Grandson of Sgt. Charlie Black, Iowa State Patrol (Ret.)

15 motorcycles all in a row Many, their helmets did not wear Allen counted them, that’s how we know About their safety they must not care We wondered where they would go Without their helmets they did not prepare They were going fast – not slow If their motorcycle flies in the air

It was a nice hot, sunny Sunday Allen was with his family recently when they They had nothing packed away passed a group of motorcyclists not wearing their helmets. So we knew they were out just for the day Concerned for their safety, Allen was inspired to write this We wondered if they would have lunch at Subway poem, with his grandparents’ help. Allen Black JOIN US TODAY! AAST invites all active and retired troopers to join AAST and receive valuable benefits and services. AAST offers four categories of membership: Active Trooper Member - $75 per year Retired Trooper Member I - $75 per year Honorable Service Member - $75 per year Full-time currently active troopers and state police officers Retired troopers and state police officers Former troopers with at least 10 years of honorable service • AAST ID Card Application for this category must be received by AAST Application must be received by AAST within 12 months • Insurance Package (after six-month waiting period) within 12 months of your official retirement date. Those who of leaving employment. • $5,000 term life insurance have been retired more than 12 months qualify for member- • AAST ID Card • $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment benefit ship in the Retired Trooper Member II category. • Insurance Package (after six-month waiting period) • $5,000 line of duty benefit • AAST ID Card • $5,000 term life insurance • $5,000 seatbelt benefit • Insurance Package (after six-month waiting period) • $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment benefit • $5,000 airbag benefit • $5,000 term life insurance • $5,000 seatbelt benefit • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Family Benefits • $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment benefit • $5,000 airbag benefit Package • $5,000 seatbelt benefit • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Family • MedEx Travel Assistance Program • $5,000 airbag benefit Benefits Package • Up to $2,500 in scholarships for trooper members’ • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Family • MedEx Travel Assistance Program qualifying dependents Benefits Package • Up to $2,500 in scholarships for trooper members’ • Trooper Connection newsletter • MedEx Travel Assistance Program qualifying dependents • Up to $2,500 in scholarships for trooper members’ • Trooper Connection newsletter qualifying dependents • Trooper Connection newsletter Retired Trooper Member II - $35 per year • Special optional vision insurance benefit Retired troopers and state police officers who have been AAST is a not-for-profit organization and is not a union. It is a fraternal-type organization providing camaraderie retired more than 12 months • AAST ID Card and needed supplemental benefits to help improve troopers’ lives. • Up to $2,500 in scholarships for trooper members’ For more information call 1-800-765-5456 (ext. 201) or visit www.statetroopers.org qualifying dependents Benefits are reviewed periodically by the National Board of Directors and are subject to change without notice. • Trooper Connection newsletter

18A�������������������������������������������������������������������������� AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013 American Association American Association of State Troopers, Inc. of State Membership Application Troopers, INC.

To be considered for membership, application must be received by AAST within 12 months of your official retirement date.

To be considered for membership, application must be received by AAST within 12 months of leaving employment.

Retired for more than 12 months. No insurance benefit offered in this category.

1949 Raymond Diehl Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 • (800) 765-5456 • FAX (850) 385-8697 • www.statetroopers.org

AAST Trooper Connection Spring 2013______19 merican A PRSRT STD Association U.S. POSTAGE of PAID State MILWAUKEE, WI Troopers, INC. PERMIT NO. 5654 1949 Raymond Diehl Road Tallahassee, FL 32308

Trooper dive teams prepare

Members of the and Delaware State Police conduct training in Lake George. The dive teams have to be prepared for any situation, including ice-covered water.