WINTER 2003 THE DPS QUARTERLY The DPS Quarterly

A Department of Public Safety publication bringing professionalism and humanity together. Winter 2003

Inside Stories Department Reorganization Announced do just that. I think it is always important to understand that the work that we per- The Haz-men ...... 13 form is ultimately for the benefit of the people we serve. We believe these changes will improve our ability to serve the State.” The Wildlife Investigation Bureau, pre- viously a separate unit within Fish and Wildlife Protection, will continue their work of focusing on illegal guiding and commercial sport fishing and hunting practices. The Bureau will, however, be- CSI: Soldotna ...... 18 come a part of the recently reorganized Alaska Bureau of Investigation. Our goal is to further our previously announced Commissioner Bill Tandeske, an- concept of a “statewide investigations” nounced his planned reorganization of the function. Department of Public Safety. Changes are also being made to the “There has been considerable discus- Department’s Division of Administrative sion over the past six months regarding Services. This division is currently re- potential reorganization of the department, sponsible for budget, fiscal, procurement, “ said Tandeske, “and we are now ready records and identification, information to move forward.” systems, and human resources for the de- Dragon Slayers ...... 21 Effective Monday, August 4, 2003, the partment. Under the new organization, Division of Fish and Wildlife Protection budget, fiscal, human resources, and pro- became a statewide bureau within the Di- curement will remain within the Division of vision of Alaska State Troopers. This new Administrative Services. Records and bureau will be known as the Alaska Bu- Identification and Information Systems reau of Wildlife Enforcement (ABWE). will combine with the State Crime Lab to ABWE will be a statewide unit with re- become the Statewide Services Unit under gional supervisors in Juneau, Palmer, the Commissioner’s office. These state- Kenai, Kodiak, Fairbanks, and Anchorage wide services support law enforcement, (responsible for Western Alaska) each re- other agencies, and the public. Suspicious Fire ...... 23 porting to a commander in Anchorage. “I believe we have a tremendous op- “It is my goal, and that of my leader- portunity to be better at all that we do," ship team, to implement these changes said Commissioner Tandeske. “The ac- with little to no disruption to public ser- tions that we are taking are based on the vice” said Tandeske. “Despite changes premise that we expect the department to that are being made, all of the core mis- be the statewide leader in the services we sions and functions of the Department of provide. We want the department to be Public Safety will remain. Troopers who known as the most professional and re- have been protecting Alaska’s valuable sponsive organization in State fish and wildlife resources will continue to government.”

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New Department Personnel Commissioner Bill Tandeske an- forcement and security in the military, Identification, Crime Lab, and Permits nounced the selection of two new state, and private sector. Spencer brings and Licensing. Shade comes to DPS members of the DPS leadership team. with him a tremendous base of knowledge from private sector security and has 22 Administrative Services: Mr. Dan about state processes and obvious enthu- years of experience in the law enforce- Spencer joins DPS in Juneau effective siasm about coming to DPS. ment and security fields. September 16th and will serve as Ad- Statewide Services: Mr. Dave Schade Commissioner Tandeske commented, ministrative Services Director. Spencer joins DPS in Anchorage effective Septem- “Both of these gentlemen are tremen- has served in the same position for the ber 9th as the Director of the newly dous additions to our leadership team. Department of Administration for the formed Statewide Services Division. In Please welcome both to DPS and help past four years. He has a wide variety this position, Schade will be responsible them learn all they can about our depart- of experiences which include law en- for Information Systems, Records and ment.”

Colonel Grimes Announced Personnel Assignments future is to put the right people in the Southcentral Region of ABWE. Effective right places. This is an ongoing process immediately. upon which we will rely, to keep us on the Capt. Jeff Babcock moved from Palmer path to excellence in everything we do. to my staff as Division Staff Supervisor re- In an effort to keep you informed of our sponsible for supervising the Aircraft and progress to date, I want to make everyone Vessel Sections as well as some staff func- aware of the following changes in assign- tions. Effective immediately. ments: Capt. David Hudson moved from Divi- As previously announced, Lt. Duke sion Staff Supervisor to a newly formed Ballard moved to Anchorage from Bethel, headquarters staff function called “Profes- and will supervise the Anchorage Judicial sional Standards”, which will be Services Unit. Effective September 16, responsible for inspection and review of 2003 all divisions and entities in the department Lt. Dan Lowden moved into AST in an effort to improve our quality of ser- Headquarters to join my staff, working to vice and our work processes. Effective consolidate our many large grant pro- immediately. grams and work other special projects that Captain Howard Starbard is now the directly support field operations. Effec- Detachment Commander of W Detach- I would like to announce several per- tive September 16, 2003. ment (ABWE) and will directly supervise sonnel assignment changes that are an Lt. Rodney Dial moved into C Detach- the Lieutenants in charge of the six re- integral part of the reorganization and ment Headquarters as the Deputy gional areas. change process the department has been Commander, supervising AST functions in Major Jim Cockrell is the Administra- undergoing for the last several months. rural Alaska. Effective September 16, 2003. tive Commander of AST, and will oversee These changes are designed to take the Lt. Ralph Reyes remains on my staff, all Vessel and Aircraft issues, budget and greatest advantage of the individual but is now supervising the Recruitment all other administrative functions, as well strengths and skills that the members of Unit, an assignment he held previously as directly supervising Judicial Services our leadership team have to offer. Our or- and with which he is quite familiar. Effec- and the Emergency Operations Center. ganization is facing challenges as to how tive September 16, 2003. Administrative Assistant Lois Waugh we do our every day business and we Lt. Will Ellis, currently on military and Administrative Assistant Sandy have re-focused on a “back to basics” ap- leave, will move from Juneau to Kodiak Is- Belcher have merged the administrative proach to providing public safety services land to supervise the Southwestern functions that historically were done to our communities. We are looking at ev- Region of ABWE. Effective when he re- separately by both Divisions, so that no erything we do to ensure that it is turns from leave. duplication of effort exists. AA Waugh appropriate to our core missions and, if Lt. Joanna Roop moved from Kodiak will handle all employee moves, bids and so, that we are doing it right, and as effi- to Anchorage to supervise the Western transfers, as well as some budget matters ciently as possible. Region of ABWE. Effective immediately. and all procurement issues for the entire A basic premise to building a leader- Lt. Charlie Yoder moved from the Air- Division. AA Belcher will handle all Work- ship team to take our department into the craft Section to Palmer, to supervise the (Col. Grimes, continued on page 3)

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Col. Grimes, continued from page 2 place Alaska matters, badges, and IDs, in- Training Academy; Sgt. Todd Sharp was promotions and other possible reassign- ventory, and remote transfer notices for promoted to Lieutenant, ABWE Southeast ments. For those of you interested in the entire Division. Region; and Sgt. Pete Mlynarik was pro- these promotional opportunities, we Additionally, I have made several pro- moted to Lieutenant, Supervisor Bethel strongly encourage you to participate in motions as part of this same process: Sgt. AST. the process and compete. Hans Brinke was promoted to Lieutenant, With this much change occurring in so Once again, managing change can be a Deputy Commander of ABADE; Lt. John many areas, it is very important that you challenge. My goal is to focus on what Glick was promoted to Captain, Com- be patient as personnel accomplish their we can potentially do better than any mander of C Detachment; Trp. Chad moves and learn their new responsibilities. other law enforcement organization, and Goeden was promoted to Corporal, DPS These moves will precipitate additional stay solidly on that path to excellence. Colonel Julia Grimes Announced Promotions John Glick Promoted To Captain “Each is moving the next step up from Hans Brinke Promoted To Lieutenant their current position so I’m expecting a Colonel Julia Grimes, announced ment will be as Detachment Commander smooth and easy transition for everyone several promotions within the division. for C Detachment and VPSO Program involved. And, each has extensive experi- First is Lt. John Glick, C Detachment, Manager. ence with WAANT. I plan to use that Deputy Commander, to Captain, C Detach- Lt. Brinke: experience to support Governor (Frank) ment, Commander; and second, the Lt. Brinke has approximately 12 years Murkowski’s commitment to fighting ille- promotion of Sgt. Hans Brinke, Alaska of service with AST. After graduating gal drugs and alcohol in Western Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement, from the Public Safety Academy in 1991, Alaska.” to Lieutenant, Deputy Commander of his first assignment was with AST An- Alaska Bureau of Alcohol and Drug En- chorage Patrol, followed by a transfer to forcement. Klawock Post where he served for three Pete Mlynarik Capt. Glick: years. Promoted To Capt. Glick has approximately 13 years In 1997, he transferred to Soldotna Post of service with the Alaska State Troopers. and later was reassigned to the Soldotna Lieutenant After graduating from the Public Safety Office of WAANT. In 2001, he was pro- Academy in August of 1990, his first as- moted to Sergeant and transferred to the The promotion of Sgt. Pete Mlynarik, signment was with AST Soldotna Patrol, Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit, Airport Alaska Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement to followed by a transfer to Nome. Interdiction Team in Anchorage. Prior to Lieutenant, C Detachment, Bethel Post, ef- During his three years in Nome, he was his promotion to Lieutenant, he was as- fective November 16, 2003: first assigned to Nome Post and later was signed as supervisor over the WAANT Lt. Mlynarik has approximately 13 reassigned to the Statewide Drug Enforce- unit that includes investigators located in years of service with the Divisions of ment, Nome Office of Western Alaska Kodiak, Soldotna, Bethel, and Anchorage. Alaska State Troopers (AST) and Fish Alcohol and Narcotics Team (WAANT). Lt. Brinke is an experienced scent ca- and Wildlife Protection (FWP). After leav- In 1997, he was promoted to Sergeant nine handler. He is trained and certified in ing the Academy, his first assignment was and transferred to Soldotna Post where he a variety of law enforcement classes, in- with AST Soldotna Patrol for two years was assigned as General Investigations cluding Certified Firearms Instructor. He followed by a transfer to Yakatat FWP Supervisor, and later as Patrol Supervisor. also is a Certified Master Underwater Post where he served for three years. In In 2001, then-Sgt. Glick was promoted Diver. 1996, he transferred to Iliamna Post and a to Lieutenant, B Detachment, Palmer Post. Lt. Brinke’s assignment will be as the year later, in December of 1997, he trans- Within the year, he was reassigned to C Deputy Commander of the Alaska Bureau ferred to FWP Anchorage Post. Detachment, Deputy Commander. of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement. Re- In 1999, Lt. Mlynarik was promoted to While assigned to C Detachment, he sponsibilities include oversight of the Sergeant and was assigned to King was responsible for the oversight of patrol various drug units and operations Salmon Post. He supervised FWP King operations of seven State Trooper Posts throughout the State. Salmon, Dillingham, and Iliamna Posts in and two RPSO Posts located in Western “These men each bring a wealth of ex- addition to Bristol Bay Commercial Salmon Alaska. He has worked extensively with perience and leadership ability to their Fishery. the VPSO program. Capt. Glick’s assign- new positions”, said Colonel Grimes. (Promotions, continued on page 4)

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Promotions, Chad Goeden (FWP) as a seasonal Enforcement Officer continued from page 3 in Ketchikan and worked in that job class Promoted To Corporal Lt. Mlynarik has his Advanced Police for eight summers. In 1989, he received a Certificate, and he is a Certified Police In- special commission and worked as a mem- The promotion of Trp. Chad Goeden, structor. He is a commercial fixed wing and ber of the Governor’s security detail in C Detachment, Nome Post, to Corporal, rotor wing pilot and a Certified Flight Juneau. Department of Public Safety Sitka Training Instructor for fixed wing and rotor wing. Lt. Sharp has approximately 13 years of Academy, effective November 16, 2003: He has been an FTO and is a Department service as a State Trooper with Alaska Cpl. Goeden attended the Alaska Law Administrative Investigator. State Troopers, Alaska Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement Training Session (ALETS Lt. Mlynarik’s new responsibilities di- Enforcement. #12) and graduated third in his class. He rectly oversee the daily operation of the C After leaving the Academy, his first as- was elected Class Leader, received the Detachment’s rural unit that is responsible signment was with Soldotna Patrol, FWP Physical Training Award, and was an for the administration and management of Patrol, followed by a transfer to Sitka Post Honor Graduate. From 1995 to 1996 he three remote State Trooper Posts, a staff of where he served for four years. In 1997, was Chief of Police for the City of Tanana. 16 commissioned officers, and five civilian he was promoted to Sergeant and trans- Cpl. Goeden has approximately eight personnel. ferred to Fairbanks Post. He was in years of service with AST. After leaving This includes both daily and crisis man- charge of Fairbanks, Delta, and Tok Posts the Academy, his first assignment was agement, programs, and enforcement for FWP. with AST Palmer Patrol followed by a efforts covering 61 village communities. In 2001, he was transferred to Dutch transfer to Ninilchik Post where he served AST is fortunate to have a trooper with Harbor and supervised the patrol efforts for two years. In April 2001, he transferred the background, skills and attitude of Lt. for the 156 foot P/V Stimson in the Bering to Nome Post. Cpl. Goeden has attended Mlynarik who will become part of C De- Sea and the Aleutian. He has been a mem- numerous training classes, and has his tachment command staff. ber of the Tactical Dive Unit since 1983. Alaska Police Standards Council Interme- Lt. Sharp is a graduate of Administrative diate Police Officer certificate. He has Officers Course (AOC) Southern Police In- been a member of South Central and Kenai Todd Sharp Promoted stitute. Special Emergency Reaction Teams. Lt. Sharp’s assignment will be as Com- Cpl. Goeden’s new responsibilities will To Southeastern mander of Southeastern Region for the be to supervise and evaluate academy Regional Commander Alaska Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement. students; to provide specialized adminis- His responsibilities include the supervi- trative support and training; to function The promotion of Sgt. Todd Sharp, sion of two sergeants for Juneau and as an academy instructor; and to develop Alaska Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement, Ketchikan and the enforcement operations training plans and testing devices used to Dutch Harbor, to Lieutenant, Southeastern of the one large marine patrol vessel. evaluate student learning and perfor- Regional Commander of Alaska Bureau of Other duties include enforcement program mance. AST is fortunate to have a trooper Wildlife Enforcement (ABWE), effective coordination, training and responsibilities. with the background, skills, and attitude November 1, 2003: Lt. Sharp brings a wealth of experience of Corporal Goeden who will become part In 1982, Lt. Sharp began his employ- and leadership ability to his new of the instructor team devoted to training ment with Fish and Wildlife Protection position. our new Trooper Recruits. Salute To Those In The Field A salute and thank you to those in picious individuals. Trp. Ingram and Trp. Sgt. Rod Johnson, Trp. John Ostoj, the field who strive and attain success, Recruit Paul Wegrzyn recognized items Trp. Chris Russell, Trp. Tim Lewis, Trp. and have proven they're willing to provide purchased at a convenience store as ele- Andrew Adams, Trp. Rick Pyles, Trp. the highest degree of professionalism. ments of a methamphetime cook lab, Troy Shuey, Trp. Vance Peronto, Trp. Trp. Ken Acton, Fairbanks Roving Ru- conducted an investigation, located a resi- Michelyn Grigg, Trp. Skip Chadwell, Trp. ral, received a memo of appreciation for dence, and notified Mat Su Drug Unit Eric Lorring, Trp. Mike Zobel, Trp. Rob his calm demeanor and assistance to Investigators who were successful in ob- Langendorfer, Trp. Dean Hall, Trp. Re- Doyon Universal/Alyeska Pipeline Secu- taining a warrant. This resulted in the cruit Darren Hernandez, Trp. Recruit rity in dealing with an individual on the arrest of four adults on variety of felony Carl Henrikson, CSO Doug Packa, CSO Pipeline Right of Way. charges, removal of five children from the Ty Chisholm, CSO Dan Carlson, and Trp. Mike Ingram, Palmer Post, re- home, and stopping a serious public Eileen Brooks, B Detachment, each re- ceived a memo of appreciation for his safety issue for the neighborhood and so- ceived a memo of appreciation for their proactive response to a call regarding sus- ciety in general. (Salute, continued on page 5)

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Salute, continued from page 4 participation in enforcement efforts during Troopers on the highway. He further ex- A salute and thanks to those who have the Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival. As plained that his customers weren’t the been mentioned, and to those not de- stated in a portion of the memos, “The kind of people who stayed sober until scribed, who continue to provide Festival head of security complained that they reached the Festival. The presence outstanding public safety services, and attendance was down in part to attendees of the Troopers at this Festival is provid- strive to maintain a proud and profes- unwillingness to ‘run the gauntlet’ of ing a margin of safety for the public.” sional image. From The Desk Of Chaplain Jerry O. Norman Once again the beauty of fall in As the holidays approach, each of us that your mental, physical, and spiritual Alaska is upon us and the future and ex- has our own expectations and anxieties person is in “good health”. The best ad- citement of the holidays lay before us. I about the season. Some are excited be- vice I can give you is “Keep all things in enjoy looking at fall as part of God’s cause of reunions with family and friends; balance and use moderation in every- handiwork reminding us of His concern some are neutral to just another holiday thing”. I am extending to you all a for our daily lives. People say the only while some are anxious because of the holiday greeting and I am praying for each constant is “change”, but I see God’s care loss of a loved one or reminded of tragedy of you that this coming year will be a for each of us as a constant we can de- during this time. Regardless of the cir- prosperous year for all. God bless you pend on every day and in every situation. cumstances that you may be facing, I trust and keep you always.

Alaska State Crime Detection Laboratory Highlighted By The History Channel BY JOHN GIACALONE, ASCDL CRIMINALIST Last spring, the Discovery Channel usual styles and colors. A suspect had acquaintance in the state of Washington. produced a show for The New Detectives, been located but the carpet in the home The suspicious contents that included a which aired in August, that covered a had recently been replaced. Investigators knife were returned to investigators. The crime in Sitka, Alaska. This past Septem- were able to obtain a search warrant for knife was examined at the Alaska State ber, the History Channel sent a film crew the residence and located fibers from the Crime Detection Laboratory but did not to Alaska to produce two different epi- older carpet under the existing one. contain any DNA or fingerprints. Firearm sodes for a new series titled, “Invisible The talent of Mr. Skip Palenik, a and toolmark examiner Bob Shem noticed Clues.” world-renowned fiber microscopist, was an unusual pattern of the stab marks in The first crime involves the discovery solicited. Mr. Palenik worked on the car- the ribs of the victim. This pattern was of a body along a wooded area in 1993. pet fibers that linked Wayne Williams to copied in a mold and was able to be posi- The body had been wrapped up in sheets. the serial murders in Atlanta. With the ex- tively matched to test patterns produced The identity of the person was estab- pertise of the investigators, Amick, and by the knife. This implicated the suspect lished as Judy Burgin who had been Palenik, this tiny piece of evidence was to the murder. missing for four months. A single strand enough to tie the suspect to the murder of These episodes are expected to be of carpet yarn was recovered from the Judy Burgin. shown on the History Channel in Novem- body and was the only trace evidence The second crime involves the discov- ber or December. Keep an eye on the available. The fibers were examined by ery of a dead woman in Anchorage’s listings as time approaches and tune in to Janice Amick, a criminalist at the Depart- Bicentennial Park. The victim, Kathryn “Invisible Clues” for other exciting crime ment of Public Safety’s, Scientific Crime Harms, had her throat slit and stab stories that highlight the expertise and tal- Detection Laboratory. She observed that wounds to the chest. A suspect was de- ents of forensic scientists around the the fibers were composed of several un- veloped after a package was sent to an country. The Crime Laboratory’s Newest Employee Michelle Collins joined the Crime degree in Forensic Science in 1996 from military and the Alaska Department of Laboratory’s staff on September 16, 2003, the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Public Safety’s Crime Laboratory has been as a Criminalist in the DNA section. Over the past seven years, she worked in successful in recruiting her. Collins, a New York native, graduated from the North Louisiana Crime Laboratory in Michelle is an asset to our staff and we Clarkson University with a B.S. in Chemis- Shreveport as a DNA analyst. Her hus- wish her the best as she begins a career in try in 1994. She completed her Masters band was transferred to Alaska by the forensics here in the ‘Last Frontier.’

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A Detachment News

BY SHELLY DUNN, AST KETCHIKAN October 2003 On October 2, 2003, Ketchikan Post’s RDII Cindy Stone received a memo of ap- preciation for a job well done while handling an Alaska, Canada overdue mo- torist call on September 19, 2003. The complainant extended his thanks and gratitude for the outstanding profession- alism and courtesy that RDII Stone showed while speaking with him. On October 20, 2003, Trp. Chris Umbs of Juneau Post was named A Detachment Trooper of the Year at a ceremony held at Anchorage Headquarters. Congratula- tions Chris, you certainly deserved it. On November 9, 2003, Sgt. Lonny Piscoya returned to Ketchikan Post after spending 3 months at the Southern Police Institute. His wife Bridget, and children, Trp. A. J. Charlton posed with J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of Matthew, Nicholas, Daniel and Molly were Representatives and the number three man in American Government. He was in very happy to have him back. Ketchikan on August 21, 2003, and again on August 24, 2003, traveling to and from Southeast Alaska Troopers were very Waterfall resort to fish and attend fund-raisers. busy with Search and Rescues during the past few months. Troopers responded to 29 SARs from July 1, 2003, through Octo- ber 24, 2003. Most of the cases ended with the successful location of overdue or missing individuals.

Trp. Jeremy Baum and RDII Richard Nowland responded to a report of a bear that was hit and killed on North Tongass Highway. Trp. Chris Umbs and his son participated in the annual 4th of July Parade in Ketchikan.

Allyson Jolie Benson was born on July “When your work 31, 2003, at 7:13 pm. She weighed 7 speaks for itself, don’t pounds and 8 ounces, and was 21 inches interrupt.” in length. She joins proud parents Trp. Henry J. Kaiser Adam Benson, Julie Benson, and big sister Ainsley.

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B Detachment News BY KIM LEADER, AST PALMER

Palmer evidence facility news: The Palmer evidence facility is slowly becoming organized. Lisa Bucher, our new evidence custodian, has been hired to work with Julie A. Kirn, formerly of the Anchorage evidence facility. Bucher has worked here on a temporary basis since April 2003, and as of October 13, 2003, has been hired in a permanent position for the evidence room in Palmer AST. Bucher is an energetic worker and keeps everyone on his or her toes. Bucher has inventoried and reboxed about one fourth of our evidence. We have also reorganized our three off site units. Lt. Rick Roberts (AKA-“Tool Man Roberts”) kindly built shelving for us, Major James Cockrell presented Cindy Stewart (center) with the Outstanding 2002 which doubled the space. Thank you Civilian Employee award for B Detachment; Sue Sprague presented Stewart with a gold very much Lt. pan and appreciation for her work for the Detachment. Susan Sprague is now the supervisor for the Palmer evidence facility. Lt. Rob- October 3, 2003, who assisted the public The award reads, “Sergeant Mark erts and Lt. Randy Hahn supervised the and fellow employees in Palmer for 12 Ridling, Alaska State Troopers, for dedica- evidence facility prior to Sprague. Thank years. Stewart knew just about all the tion you have shown by putting forth the you both very much for all your support tasks involved in every clerical position in extra effort in the performance of your du- and guidance. Palmer. She was the main person that ties to aid your department, fellow Trading Places- trained all new employees. She assisted workers, and the community.” Congratu- Transfers in and out of DPS: employees with computer problems and lations Mark, from all of us at B Ms. Sprague has been promoted to Ad- was the LAN workgroup manager for B Detachment. ministrative Supervisor. She supervises Detachment. three Administrative Clerk III positions Stewart received the Outstanding 2002 consisting of two evidence custodians Civilian Employee award for AST B De- and one Administrative Clerk III, who in tachment. Major James Cockrell turn supervises three Administrative Clerk presented a plaque to Ms. Stewart at her II positions. Sprague has worked for DPS going away party on October 3, 2003. Ms. for over 13 years filling numerous roles. Stewart also received a Gold pan from the AST B Detachment values Sprague’s en- B Detachment employees and a gift card during professionalism. to her favorite craft store as a going away Kim Leader joined AST B Detachment gift. Cindy will be missed by all of her fel- on October 6, 2003, as an Administrative low workers and those she had daily Clerk III in Palmer. She will be responsible contact with from other State Agencies. for supervising three Administrative Clerk We wish her the best in her future endeav- II positions. Leader most recently worked ors. with the Department of Corrections in An- Palmer Sergeant receives special award: chorage and has had several years of On October 4, 2003, Palmer Sgt. Mark supervisory experience with a private em- Ridling received a beautiful plaque at the Sgt. Mark Ridling received special ployer in retail sales in the Palmer/Wasilla Palmer Elks Law, Order, and Safety Appre- recognition from the Palmer Elks Club area. ciation award ceremony. Sgt. Ridling is a for his outstanding performance and So long, farewell… swing shift sergeant in Palmer, which as contributions to the community. Cynthia “Cindy” A. Stewart has de- many of you know is considered to be Moose in the House: parted employment with the Alaska State consistently the busiest shift at perhaps Sgt. Mark Agnew stands by with his Trooper office in Palmer. Stewart was an the busiest Post throughout the State of “weapon” to break a window of the base- Administrative Clerk II, August 21, 1991 to Alaska. (B Detachment, continued on page 8)

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B Detachment, continued from page 7

Troopers broke out one of the windows in the residence to give the moose an escape route. Unfortunately, the moose declined to leave and had to be put down.

Sgt. Mark Agnew posed with his "window The only task Sgt. Cox can’t seem to Bruce, Helo 1, a State Park Ranger from weapon". complete without injury is mowing his Willow and a State Parks’ Boat conducted lawn. He injured his finger by pulling on the search. The search and arrest of the the cord to start it. The next mishap oc- individual is a result of a three-month in- curred as he tripped, fell, and ran over his vestigation of numerous burglaries foot. Sgt. Cox has now eliminated lawn reported from Big Lake to the off the road care as a sideline activity. Our talented system, where it is difficult to access by dispatch employee, Dick Carpenter, cre- normal patrol vehicles. According to Trp. ated this appropriate and life-like sketch. Dave Willson, one Homeowners Associa- Nice job, Dick! tion named the suspect, “ The Friendly What you going to do when Burglar” as a standard modus of operendi they come for you? was to drink coffee and eat peanut butter. On October 10, 2003, AST attempted to The arrest was accomplished with the stop a vehicle for a moving violation. The use of high technology, a hand held For- driver, failed to yield for the traffic stop. ward Looking Infrared Imaging (FLIR Following a two-mile pursuit through a -borrowed from the Palmer Police depart- Take one home, add one moose, and try to residential area in excess of 60 mph and a ment.) The individual was arrested negotiate its departure. The result: one short, “fleet-footed” manhunt, AST, in co- without incident with assistance from K-9 dispatched moose and a really wrecked operation with Wasilla Police Department, Rocco. room. took the suspect into custody. Investiga- Trp. Willson noted these comments ment residence with a moose INSIDE. The tion revealed the suspect was operating from the suspect, “Serving time with drug displaced moose tried to blaze his own the vehicle on a Suspended License and dealers isn’t good. They have bad atti- trail out of the residence for two and a half had two outstanding arrest warrants. The tudes. The best people to serve time with hours, resulting in a moose with a broken suspect was taken to MSPT and held on a are murderers (as they know they are in leg and an estimated $10,000 damage to total of $15,500. for warrants, Felony Elud- for a long time). They seem to think there the residence. Mercifully, compassionate ing, Reckless Driving, and Driving While is no better place than (jail) to serve your personnel put the distraught moose out of License Suspended. Well done Trooper time.” Precise timing, training, and out- its misery. Lt. Randy Hahn, Sgt. Mark Jason Feiser! standing personnel made this mission Agnew, Sgt. Robert Cox, Trps. Troy Skilled team effort=10-24: successful. Kudos to: State Park Ranger- Shuey, Mike Burkmire, and Cody Lister On October 4, 2003, AST arrested an in- Keith Wilson, Lt. Randy Hahn, Sgt. assisted. dividual after a cabin search in the Red Rodney Johnson, Mel Nading (Helo 1 Pi- For Sale Cheap, Very Powerful Lawn Shirt Lake and Cow Lake area in Willow. lot), Trps. Dave Willson, Rob French, Rob Mower…Used Twice. One Owner. SEE Troopers from Palmer, Big Lake, and Langendorfer, K-9 Bruce and Rocco as- “THE MAN”: Talkeetna along with K-9s Rocco and sisted.

8 WINTER 2003 THE DPS QUARTERLY Troopers To The Rescue In late July, the summer sun melts other people in the area and learned the ABWE Aide Joshua Heinbaugh noted the snow in the high mountains and the campers had not been seen at their camp Copper River was bank to bank and the added seasonal rains tend to make the riv- for about five days. area where the camp had been was ers in Southcentral rise. So, when Trp. Trp. Chastin reviewed documents he’d flooded. Rafters reported to Trp. Jimmy Bernard Chastain, ABWE Glennallen, found in the vehicle, including a rental Jones, ABWE Cordova, that they’d seen found what appeared to be an abandoned agreement, in an effort to learn how to the two individuals on the riverbank. Trp. campsite along the Copper River south of make contact with the missing campers. Jones relayed the information to Trp. Tony Chitina, he became concerned. The camp One of the individuals’ family was con- Beck, ABWE Valdez, who notified Sgt. was located on a sandbar and the water tacted to find out if they had a local Duane Stone, AST Glennallen, the indi- level was rising in the river. Weather re- number to reach the campers. They did viduals had been located walking along ports indicated the river would probably not. Locates for each subject was entered the Copper River. Arrangements were climb another two feet which would wash into APSIN. made to for a pick up by jet boat. The out the camp. Troopers returned to the rental vehicle campers were in good health and reported Trp. Chastain began relocating the and opened the back of the truck to find they had gotten separated from their raft. camp and came across personal effects, assorted clothing, spoiled food, and pho- They were transported to Chitina by boat including wallets, IDs, and a passport, of tographs of one of the campers. The truck and returned to their vehicle. two individuals, one 23 years old, the was locked up again and troopers re- A few weeks later, Sgt. Stone and Trp. other 45. He found their vehicle, a rented newed the search of the Chitna area. Chastain received a letter from the parents U-Haul, and placed all of the items inside They showed the photos of the campers of one of the campers. It read in part, the vehicle along with a note to contact they’d found to people in the area. Still, “…we want to thank you for the efforts the troopers if and when the individuals no one had seen the campers. you made, both to protect (our son’s) returned. Then he began looking for the Troopers also returned to fly over the property and find him safely. Thank you campers. He searched several miles of the area in a helicopter however due to for your dedication and professionalism. riverbank without success. He talked to weather it turned back. Trp. Chastin and You make Alaska—and us—proud!”

If It’s August--It Must Be The Bluegrass Festival WRITTEN BY JEAN SHAINDLIN, PIO DATA COMPILED BY GREG WILKINSON, PIO August means Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival in the Matanuska Valley. This year, Alaska State Troopers, from B De- tachment, working the Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival Thursday, August 7 through Sunday, August 10, dedicated ap- proximately 700 man-hours to patrolling in and around this year’s Festival. During that time, troopers made 21 ar- rests. Six of those arrested were actually taken to jail, the remaining 15 were issued summons to appear in court. (One person was charged with more than one crime) Arrests were made for: Misconduct In- volving a Controlled Substance (6th degree) 3, Driving with Suspended Li- cense 10, DUI 4, Driving with License Revoked 3, Misconduct Involving Weap- ons 1, and Outstanding warrant 1. The Talkeetna "Bluegrass Boys" made 21 arrests, stopped a total of 554 vehicles, Troopers stopped a total of 554 ve- issued 173 warnings, 263 citations, and responded to four motor vehicle crashes hicles, issued 173 warnings, 263 citations, during the four day Festival. and responded to four motor vehicle written for not wearing a seat belt. Fifty- Each of the 14 troopers, 2 trooper re- crashes. One hundred six citations were five citations were written for failure to cruits, 3 CSOs, and one administrative written for speeding. Four citations were show proof of insurance. (Bluegrass, continued on page 10)

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Bluegrass, continued from page 9 clerk received a personal memo of appre- ciation from Col. Julia Grimes. Their specific duty assignments included ad- ministration, planning, and execution of the enforcement event; patrol; breathalizer operation; supervisory; K-9 handler; and FTOs. (See Salute To The Field for the specific individuals involved in this Cars, campers, caravans stretched for as far as the eye could see during the Talkeetna event. Editor.) Bluegrass Festival weekend.

One Last D Detachment News BY INV. SUE ACQUISTAPACE Kiss Farewell October 2003 BY VILLAGE POLICE OFFICER, FREDERICK The frost is not on the pumpkin. It’s about everybody here is either an FTO or OZENNA III, ST. MICHAELS, ALASKA. kind of amazing, but it’s mid-October and a Recruit, so that may have had something it’s still getting into the 40s during the to do with it, but we appreciate the fact I walked down the hall to give day. This is probably due to the fact that that our ranks have not been depleted any you a kiss. we just got new holsters and everyone further, at least this quarter. Little did I know that would be needs to qualify, again, outdoors. We as- Within the Detachment some changes my last kiss. sume that as soon as the last bulls eye is have occurred. Trp. Ramin Dunford is I told you I would see you tomor- in, the snow will come. now an Investigator in the newly formed row not knowing Also enroute are Trps. John ABI in Fairbanks; and Trp. Kirsten Whether or not I will live Williamson and Al Bell, who will be join- Hansen will fill Dunford’s DV Coordinator to see tomorrow. ing our beleaguered patrol troopers in slot. All was going well at work. their effort to try to catch up with the local Lt. Charles Tressler presented Tok A little later we got marauding ne’er do-wells. Welcome! Dispatcher Diane Kendall, Trp. Steve The call that a shoot out was It’s finally happened, nobody left D Lantz, and Sgt. Freddie Wells with their happening. Detachment this quarter. Basically, just (D Detachment, continued on page 11) A cop was shot and the suspect was apprehended. A cop put his life on the line to protect and serve the public. Yet this officer died because of his Dedication, Courage, Loyalty. Now a single mom must live alone and feed her kids. The kids do not know if their father is going to come home. Little does the public know we are there for them. We are the most needed but yet the most unwanted people; We are a shoulder for the public to cry on. And yet we are brothers and sisters in the Law Enforcement: Alaska State Troopers, Correctional Officers, City Cops, VPSOs, and Sgt. Freddie Wells traveled along the Tanana River to the Old Tanacross Village and Village Police Officers. conducted a gun safety class to youth during the 2003 Youth Fair. Members of the village as well as the Tanacross Village Council expressed their thanks to the Alaska State Troopers for the class.

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D Detachment, continued from page 10 “Five Year” pins. It used to take seven or eight years to get those, so it’s newswor- thy that they were awarded after only five years’ service. Congrats to all. Just beginning her career is Savannah Lilith Mackenzie Allen-Adkins, delivered on August 8, 2003, at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital to proud parents Trp. Sean Adkins and wife Kimberly M. Allen- Adkins. Mom, Dad, and Baby are all doing well. It’s hard to believe that this publication will be out around Christmas. This year has really zoomed by. We hope everyone has a happy and uneventful holiday season. Here’s wish- Trp. Gary Tellep gathered his allotment of Trooper hats (plastic in kind), painstakingly ing everyone a Happy, Safe, and added badge stickers, and brought them out to Pat, his wife’s first grade class at Uneventful 2004! Anderson Elementary School on Eielson Air Force Base.

First Annual D Detachment Highway Safety Challenge

BY: SGT. BRIAN WASSMANN

The summer is over and the numbers beds of criminal activity with which troop- highways, and 3) Aggressively target are in for the First Annual D Detachment ers contend. reckless drivers. Highway Safety Challenge. All of you In an effort to build upon the esprit-de- The stakes were high; the sergeant that readers are probably asking yourself, corps among the Delta Junction Post supervised the winning crew would give a “What Challenge?” The challenge troopers and the Parks Highway troopers, hairstyle job of his choosing to the losing stemmed from weekly staff meeting chatter we devised the challenge. The challenge sergeant. The hair style penalty was a between Sgt. Dave DeCoeur and I during pitted the two trooper crews in a test of “no holds barred” stipulation insofar as the spring of 2003. productivity and trooper presence on our perms, purple hair, shower cap-n-curlers, In April 2003, I spoke with Sgt. highways. The main objectives of our and crew cuts were all viable hairstyle op- DeCoeur in Cantwell about a budding ri- challenge were to: 1) Reduce motor ve- tions to the loser. valry that seemed to be developing hicle crashes, 2) Get DUI drivers off the (Safety Challenge, continued on page 12) between the D Detachment- Parks High- way troopers, and the Delta Junction Post troopers. Since my arrival in Delta Junc- tion in January 2003, Sgt. DeCoeur and I traded jabs a few times about the activity level in our respective areas. The similarities of the Posts and the competitive spirit of all the troopers fueled the inception of the challenge. The similarities between the posts are evident: Delta Junction has four troopers, as does the Parks Highway crew (Cantwell, Healy, and Nenana), and both areas are in D Detachment. The respective areas have roughly the same mileage of highway with similar highway safety problems. Both areas Trp. Nasruk Nay and Sgt. Brian Wassmann measured the scene of a fatal motor have similar population bases with hot vehicle crash.

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Safety Challenge, continued from page 11

A firm handshake transformed the lip service in to a bona fide challenge with some rumors of in-house motivational speeches, tambourine banging rallies, threats of medieval torture to under- achievers, and some serious pencil sharpening. Starting on May 1, 2003, that challenge began in earnest. Motorists on the Parks, Richardson, and Alaska Highways were greeted by an increased trooper presence not seen in D Detachment in recent his- tory. Troopers in both areas targeted reck- less drivers with a vengeance. All equipment violations were fair game and speed limits in all zones were enforced. Sgt. Brian Wassmann with Mrs. Casey’s kindergarten class following a classroom No seatbelts- no leniency, no tolerance presentation on safety. was the name of the game. Unfortunately, I will be meeting with Highway: Trp. Dell Arnston, Trp. Patrick By September 15, 2003, the summer had Sgt. DeCoeur sometime in the near future Nelson, Trp. Jake Covey, and Sgt. passed with an outstanding effort from all for my hairstyling appointment because DeCoeur. A salute acknowledging hard troopers in both areas. The positive ef- his crew scratched out many more cita- work also goes to the crew at Delta Junc- fects were obvious. The D Detachment tions than my crew. tion Post: Trp. Nasruk Nay, Trp. Steve highways enforced by the Parks Highway The final analysis is that both crews Lantz, Trp. Tim Tuckwood, and Sgt. troopers and Delta Junction Post troopers chalked up some impressive statistics. Wassmann. One more note of apprecia- had only one fatal motor vehicle crash. Delta Junction Post DUIs eclipsed the tion is in order for dispatchers and Troopers in both areas issued a collective DUI stats for the entire year of 2002 by especially to admin. clerks, Lynn Harris at 2500 citations, made 58 DUI arrests, and 300% during the challenge time frame. Delta Junction, and Sue Hendren at made 60 DWLR arrests/summons between The number of citations issued by Parks Cantwell. Their hard work behind the May 1, 2003 and September 15, 2003. Highway Troopers was approximately 500 scenes was appreciated very much. The only collateral damage of this chal- tickets above previous years for that time It was truly an entertaining and pro- lenge was carpal tunnel syndrome and frame. ductive summer as well as a safer summer blisters on the writing fingers of a few A pat on the back acknowledging de- for all motorists passing through D De- troopers. feat goes out to our brothers on the Parks tachment highways.

E Detachment News

BY SHAE HOLLANDSWORTH, AST SOLDOTNA

The Soldotna post said good-bye to less to the ground. Trp. Whittom immedi- victim would surely not be here today. Trp. Joe Whittom, who transferred out to ately rolled the man over and determined Way to go, Joe! Kotzebue. Although we all miss you, Joe, he was not breathing and had no pulse. Our Homer post clerk, Deb Hannigan, we have to let you know the fishing has After quickly calling for medics, Trp. left us this summer to begin phase two of been great since you packed up all of your Whittom cleared the victim’s airway and her life. Deb and her husband decided to bananas and left town. began chest compressions. After two relocate to the lower 48 and get some sun- Trp. Whittom was a great asset to our compressions, there was no response. shine. Best of luck to both of them in their post, as is evident from his actions on Five more compressions later, the victim new adventure. June 6, 2003. Upon arrival at an in- began breathing on his own. Luckily, the After roughing it in Homer for a time progress assault, Trp. Whittom found two victim made a full recovery. Had it not without a clerk, Sgt. Jim Hibpshman and men on the ground, one being held in a been for Trp. Whittom’s quick-thinking, crew enthusiastically welcomed Signe headlock by the other. After ordering one immediate action, and professional de- Paulsrud to the position. Paulsrud is an man to release the other, the victim fell life- meanor during this stressful situation, the (E Detachment, continued on page 13)

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E Detachment, continued from page 12

Trp. Vic Aye poses with happy travel- ers alongside an unmarked vehicle used for special traffic enforcement this sum- mer. The extra enforcement along the Seward and Sterling Highways this sum- mer was very well received by the public and highly successful. Super-duper dispatchers: Who are these masked men? No, they’re not teletubbies, they’re Trp. Ryan Browning, Soldotna AST is lucky to have dis- Inv. Dane Gilmore, and Sgt. Jim Hibpshman, suited up for an interesting call. patchers the caliber of Mellinee Davis and incredibly quick study and has taken on he’d love to recount the story of how he Lisa Morgan. Both received commenda- her many duties with confidence and great became aware of the need… tions for their actions both during and skill. Welcome to the team, Signe! Girdwood gab… after receiving a 911 call in which it was re- Good news: Girdwood Trps. William Welch, ported a man was shot through the chest We have good news to report about Katrina Malm, Jorge Santiago, and Sgt. with a large caliber rifle. Despite the ex- Ricki Grundy, our radio dispatcher who Keith Mallard spent a very busy summer tremely agitated state of the caller, Davis underwent surgery to remove a tumor recovering bodies and investigating motor and Morgan skillfully extracted enough in- from her auditory nerve. Although Ricki vehicle fatalities. Luckily, they found time formation to dispatch medics and troopers was not able to return to dispatching due to do some other things as well. to the scene. to hearing loss, she has been providing Trp. Welch traveled to Tyonek to at- Their efforts most likely resulted in the some greatly appreciated assistance in tend their health fair and was a big saving of the victim’s life and facilitated Soldotna’s records section. With Ricki’s hit—apparently everyone loves “Trooper the collection of important investigative help, the “conference room” (a.k.a. the di- Bill” in Tyonek. Congratulations to Trp. information that assisted ABI with having saster area) now actually resembles a Malm, who was given Honorable Mention search warrants, arraignment notes, and conference room. in the national “Looking Beyond the Li- criminal complaints ready for court the fol- If any of you get a chance, be sure to cense Plate Award” for her stop of a lowing morning. Thanks for your ask Capt. Tom Bowman about the impor- fleeing homicide suspect on August 14, cool-headedness and dedication to the tance of proofreading email. We’re sure 2002. job, ladies!

Alaska Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement--Southeast Region

BY CAROLYN S. HALL, ADMIN. CLERK III, JUNEAU

The days are getting shorter and the There has been a lot of activity in our now decided that when released from ac- rain is coming for longer periods of time. region since the last writing. We are now tive duty he will not return to us in SE, but YES, we reside in Southeast Alaska. It known as Alaska Bureau of Wildlife En- venture off to Kodiak. Good luck Lt, we seems we actually had quite a few days of forcement Southeast Region. I am still all wish you well. With this transfer, Sgt. sunshine this year and temperatures in the having problems getting all the verbiage Todd Sharp from Dutch Harbor was pro- high 60s and 70s. I know for you interior out on the phone but it will come in time. moted to Lt, and returned to SE in people that is not uncommon, but down We now have lost our commander. Lt. November. Sharp is from SE and knows here, sunshine, no rain, warmth…. it Will Ellis, as reported earlier, was recalled the area well. Sgt. Steve Hall, Juneau Post brings people out by the droves. into the Coast Guard in February. He has (ABWE-SE, continued on page 14)

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ABWE--SE, continued from page 13 has Recruit Status, and has been a real as- set to the Ketchikan group. The Enforcer will be missed, but once the replacement Enforcer is out of the shipyard, I am sure the old Enforcer will be a fond memory. June was a month with a lot of activity. We kicked the month off in Juneau with Trp. Shaun Kuzakin getting married. While stationed in Juneau, Kazakin met his wife, Teri. How he convinced a Ju- neau girl to marry him and move to Sitka, that is still a big question. Teri was born and raised in Juneau and grew up with the Juneau Police Department as her extended family, her mom worked at JPD for 27 years. Aide Josh Bentz returned to work from seasonal leave on June 4, only to pack his bags and get ready to spend the next month and half on the P/V Woldstad for the Bristol Bay fishery. Bentz returned, af- Trp. Herv Ibarra, Todd Machacek, and Aide Wade McClennan spent many days at sea ter going back to Kodiak with the boat, this summer aboard the P/V Enforcer on fisheries patrol. only to find out a week later he had been Supervisor, lately of Acting commander Machacek and Rob Welch, along with accepted in the academy. Congratulations fame, was happy to be turning the reins Klawock Trp. Herv Ibarra spent a few to Josh for being accepted into the acad- over. Hall had been filling in the gaps of days out on troll fisheries, along with per- emy as a trooper recruit, and on his the Lt, along with his job since February. sonal use and subsistence Dungeness engagement. Sgt. Ken Woldstad in Ketchikan had been crab fishery. They were able to make a Trps. Glenn Knapp, Juneau Post, and helping out with handling the patrols and few good cases on the patrol. The final Kurt Walgenbach, Klawock Post, were people in Southern Southeast. sailing of the Enforcer was in August with both sent TDY to Bristol Bay in the middle The patrol vessel Enforcer with its Trp. Glenn Taylor, Klawock Post and Trp. of June and did not return from the patrol skipper BO III Laurence Nagy and Aide Jeremy Baum, Ketchikan Post; they pa- there until mid-July. Upon being back Wade McClennan spent many days at sea trolled the Commercial Dungeness crab home for 2 weeks, Knapp was sent off to this summer. Juneau troopers Todd fishery. Congrats to Jeremy, he no longer Kodiak to patrol with the P/V Woldstad and from there to the Yakutat fishing grounds. This time he was gone for 2 weeks. Trp. Rob Welch flew to Yakutat to assist in the patrol, and ended up in Peli- can. Thanks to Skipper Mike Rueter and the crew of the Woldstad for helping out with the SE patrol. Speaking of Trp. Welch, he transferred to Juneau from Big Lake June 16th. He brought with him his wife Dawn and one year old son Ethan. Welcome to Juneau. To round out the rest of the Northern SE crew, Aide Liam Higgins, Juneau Post, was presented the 2002 Civilian of the Year award for A Detachment SE by Major Jim Cockrell. Higgins was awarded this due to his diligence on getting the De- tachment inventory straightened out. This was quite a project. In Haines, Trp. Pat McMullin has been Trp. Scott Carson (right) was selected as Trooper of the Year for 2002 A Detachment keeping busy with a record return of Sock- ABWE Southeast Region. Major James Cockrell presented the award. (ABWE-SE, continued on page 15)

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ABWE--SE, continued from page 14 eyes in the Chilkoot River. This, along with patrolling the Lynn Canal gillnetters, has kept him busy. McMullin’s seasonal Aide Tim Hall was presented the 2002 Honorable Service award for his strength in repairing the outboards on various de- tachment vessels and for saving the state $3000 on the repair of one motor. The film of the TV show/Movie, Jackass, paid a visit to Haines at the end of July. The purpose of the trip was to instigate a bear charge. Trp. McMullin kept busy making sure this did not occur. However it appears that they paid a visit to the new Wildlife Park at Mosquito Lake and the highlight of the trip was one of the indi- viduals removed there pants and sat on a Major James Cockrell (left) and Commissioner Bill Tandeske (right) presented Aide porcupine. Okay…. The things some Liam Higgins with the 2002 Civilian of the Year award for A Detachment Southeast people call fun? Region. In Hoonah, Trp. Andy Savland and Aide Aide Josh Nelson and Lt. Chuck Lamica, and was happy to return. He is now a Lt. Brian Botts have been busy with boat were involved in a SAR with for a missing in the Guard. The one comment he did and airplane patrol. Savland flew one plane on July 3rd. On the 4th, the plane was have was that boot camp was not this SAR out of Yakutat for a missing fisher- located crashed into Harbor Mountain in hard, however Scott is now ten years man, and also assisted Trp. Rob Hunter, Sitka about 2.5 miles from the airport. older than he was. Prior to leaving for Haines Post, with the SAR for an airplane Both troopers commented that it was like OCS, the christening of Carson’s new pa- with 6 people on board that went down in being in class with Lt. Lamica. He walked trol vessel occurred. The P/V Moen was Icy Straits. them through all the steps needed in deal- christened into service with the late Trp. In Sitka, Trps. Tom Akelkok and ing with the crash and body recovery. All Jim Moen’s family present. At this time, Shaun Kuzakin were busy patrolling the 3 received a memo of appreciation from Lt. Carson was also awarded Trooper of the commercial fishery’s along with the Char- Lamica for their assistance with this. Year for 2002 A Detachment FWP. ter boats, and the rest of the sport and In Southern Southeast, August 18th Trp. Dan Shamhart finally got his boat. personal use fisheries. Hunting season marked the return of Trp. Scott Carson. Thank goodness, the whining has opened August 1st, so efforts were shifted Carson departed Petersburg on June 16th stopped. Not only did Shamhart get Trp. into some game patrols. Both Troopers for Officer Candidate School for the Carson’s patrol vessel P/V Protection, work actively with the U.S. Forest Service Alaska National Guard. Need we say that which was replaced by the P/V Moen, but and the National Marine Fishery Services South Carolina is definitely warmer in the also for two months he got both of them. agents in Sitka. Both troopers, along with summer than Petersburg? Carson did well Along with two vessels, he also obtained a seasonal aide, Tracy Lenehan. He thought he had it made, 2 boats and an aide… hmmm, life is good. Then the news was sprung that Shamhart, while Carson was gone, got his whole patrol area. So Shamhart covered from Wrangell up to Kake and all the area in-between for two months. Thanks Dan…. Next time you need something? Think twice about how badly you really want it. All in good fun, Dan did an excellent job, was away from home most of the summer. I think Scott was hardly off the plane and Dan was on his way to Petersburg to return the boat, the keys to the office, and the area Sgt. Steve Hall presented the 2002 Honorable Service award to Aide Tim Hall for his to him. outstanding work and saving money for the State. (ABWE-SE, continued on page 16)

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ABWE--SE, sorry to see him go on seasonal leave. At AST A Detachment Northern region, continued from page 15 We are hoping he returns next summer. this summer flew by. Trp. Mark Granda In Ketchikan, Trp. Clyde Campbell was On a trip to Sitka this spring, I was able joined Juneau Post in April. Granda told busy with Recruit Jeremy Baum and his participate in an investigation. A “Sea us when he came that he was a magnet. I training for the first part of the summer, Lion” homicide. While I was there, a re- did not quite know what he meant; I until he was passed off to Trp. Glenn Tay- port came in from the barge company next thought it must just be his magnetic per- lor in Klawock, then back to Campbell for to the office that a sea lion was on the sonality. Wrong….. To say the least he the final training. Trps. Campbell, Mark beach and had been shot. I accompanied has been busy on one case after another. Finses, and Baum along with Aide Jason Trp. Kuzakin over to see this. I mean how Trp. Chris Umbs worked two plane Keirn have been patrolling the waters often does one get to see a dead sea lion. crashes, both in Skagway. In one month, from Hyder up to the Wrangell area pretty The complainant informed us that the sea we had four small plane crashes in north- heavy. Good job guys. lion had been shot numerous times. Upon ern southeast: two in Skagway, one in Icy In Klawock, with Trps. Ibarra, Taylor, inspecting the sea lion, I asked the com- Straits, and one in Sitka. All four planes and Walgenbach taking their turns out on plainant why he thought it had been shot. were from out of state with 16 people on the various boats, Aide Ken Seymore was He pointed out to me the six bullet board and only two survivors. busy repairing, and rebuilding. Seymore wounds on the belly of the sea lion. I had RD III Scott Guenther took a few days was a great asset to Klawock, and to the to think about this for a minute, but told off for family fishing time and the Golden detachment. The crab pot puller from one the complainant that those alleged bullet North Salmon derby. I think in the future the patrol vessels was recently sent to wounds looked like nipples. The poor this time period may be re-evaluated for Klawock to be repaired, prior to taking it guy was suddenly embarrassed and leave. Actually, it does not seem to matter to the shop, Aide Seymore set out to see pointed out he did not know the anatomy when Guenther takes leave. The past what was up. He fixed the puller and re- of a sea lion. Trp. Kuzakin, upon further couple of times, the very day he starts turned it back to boat. This saved a few inspection, confirmed this was the case, leave we end up with a Search and Res- hundred dollars in a repair bill. He also as- no bullet wounds to be found. The animal cue. sisted in a couple of Search and Rescue was then turned over to NMFS who had That’s all in the summer of AWBE operations. The troops in Klawock were arrived on scene. Southeast region…. Till next time.

Knock On Horns And Kick Ash

BY TRP. JIM PAGEL, ANIAK POST

When I was a young recruit in the Deep KOHAKA on a daily basis. Which been afraid to keep an ear open, and better Academy in Sitka, one of the classes we brings us to the point of this article. yet, pass on to me any game violation that had was Criminal Investigation. The in- I had just walked into the Aniak Wild- may come his way. structor was a seasoned Trooper with the life Enforcement Office and as it often “Jim, I know you are very busy but I Major Crimes Unit in Anchorage sent TDY does the phone was already ringing. It think there is something funny going on to the Academy to instill upon us the finer was September 11th, and I had been roll- up on the Anvik River!” Toby went on to points of catching bad guys. ing over caribou and sheep gut piles and explain he had just received a phone call After many war stories and as many carcass for almost six weeks; hunting sea- from Brian Jardine and Robert Fawcett; outbursts from the class, The Great son was in full swing. they had called from the A.C. Store in Karnack, if I may borrow a phrase from Aniak. Toby went on to explain that Johnny Carson and the Tonight Show, Fawcett had lost his hunting license and took his piece of chalk and wrote upon the “Jim, I know you are very metal locking tag. Fawcett told Toby he erasable tablet of knowledge, busy but I think there is was from Southern California and was not “GOYAAKOD.” To those who might re- familiar with the Alaska system and member, it stood for GET OFF YOU’RE something funny going on up wanted Jardine to explain his problem for A— AND KNOCK ON DOORS. I will on the Anvik River!” him. never forget that acronym, however for us Toby took care of Mr. Fawcett’s prob- in Wildlife Enforcement the proper acro- lem. Toby went one step further and made nym is, “ KOHAKA”, KNOCK ON As I picked up the phone, I instantly a phone call to Jack Whitman the Area HORNS AND KICK ASH. recognized the friendly voice of the Fish Biologist in Sitka. Toby was able to deter- When you have been around long and Game Area Biologist, Toby Boudreau. mine, Jardine was an Assistant Big Game enough, and spent most of your career in Toby and I have had a great working rela- Guide, who had once worked for one of the bush as I have, you find yourself in tionship for several years and he has not (Knock on Horns, continued on page 17)

16 WINTER 2003 THE DPS QUARTERLY

Knock on Horns, flew north to Aniak, refueled, delivered The stillness was broken by Jardine, with a very nervous “Ha Hi Jim”. continued from page 16 two caribou to the elders in Aniak, and headed 100 miles north to the Anvik and “Brian we need to talk”, I said starring the Registered Guides in Game Manage- Yellow Rivers. straight into his soul. ment Unit 21E. “I know what this looks like, Jardine After a brief discussion, Toby and I stammered, “But honest to God, this is agreed it sure smelled like an illegal guide The Yukon River valley not a guided hunt.” operation. Basically, an Assistant Guide was a collage of canary That was the beginning of the end for acting as a Registered Guide - a Title .08 yellow and spruce green Mr. Jardine! violation. I had met Jardine in Aniak and against a cobalt sky. All four hunters were separated, and knew he was an Assistant Guide. I bit by bit, the truth came out. I felt like an checked with the Commercial Services old cutting horse in the final seconds of Board, and verified that Jardine was not a The wind was out of the north at about team penning. Registered Guide. 20 knots. The Yukon River valley was a One or the clients, Robert Fawcett, told Illegal Guides in Alaska area, are a ma- collage of canary yellow and spruce green me he was one of the biggest plumbing jor problem. Too often an unsuspecting against a cobalt sky. The Anvik River contractors in the Los Angeles area. I client is hoodwinked into paying for what finds it’s beginning just south of the vil- asked Fawcett, (Faucet?) “Bob when you he thinks is a professional guide. The cli- lage of Unalakleet and snakes its way go into a building can you tell if it’s ent spends thousands of dollars on a south through open tundra, birch, and plumbed right just by the way it looks?” fly-by-night operator who is not insured spruce forests. Fawcett replied, “Well yes, of course I and does not have the proper equipment Two sky blue rafts were located about can.” or expertise and leaves the State without a ten miles south of the Yellow River on the I looked directly at Fawcett and said, trophy and a very bad taste in his or her Anvik River. As I flew by, I could see four “Well partner, today I am the plumber, and mouth. hunters standing on the gravel bar. The this plumbing sucks.” It helped a lot knowing what Jardine rafts were moored on the inside of a hair- In the end, Mr. Fawcett and his hunting looked like. I began checking the airport, pin turn of the river. It was impossible to partner admitted to paying Jardine several looking for the Jardine party. On the very land there. I overflew the river and was thousand dollars to take them on a guided next day, the 12th, I hit pay dirt. Jardine able to locate a suitable landing area down moose hunting trip. was standing in the lobby of one of our river. And the moral is: "It is better to keep local air taxi operators. As the super cub slowed, I pulled on your mouth closed and let people think Jardine recognized me right off; he full flaps. I descended between two an- you are a fool than to open it and remove looked as nervous as a calf moose on cient spruce trees that appeared to reach all doubt." Mark Twain (1835 - 1910) glare ice! I walked up and greeted Jardine out to capture the blue dragonfly as it ap- and the man standing next to him. Jardine proached the coffee water below. The introduced me to his brother Shane. They floats kissed the river and cast a shower told me they had some time off from work of golden leaves into the air. Karen Allam Retired and decided to go on a float trip down the I kept the aircraft on step and ap- BY CAPT. HOWARD STARBARD Anvik River. Jardine further stated just his proached my suspects as close as I dared, brother and he were going on the trip and then pulled the mixture and glided up to After twenty-five years with the De- that he was not going to guide this fall. shore. A soft crunching sound met my partment of Public Safety, Karen Allam The client was not in sight! ears telling me the floats had met the decided to retire, effective July 31, 2003. It helps having a good professional re- sandy bottom. I turned the cub around by If ever there ever was a position we lationship with the air charter that Jardine hand and brought the heels of the floats would all agree on to be the slot we could was flying out on. They told me the out of the water and secured the tail line least afford to have vacated it would be Jardine party was going to be dropped off with my trusty Danforth anchor. Karen’s. Not only because her position on the Anvik River near its confluence As I approached my suspects, I stayed was important to our overall operation but with the Yellow River. The Jardine’s would to the shadows and all four people had because she performed functions that no be floating in blue rafts down the Anvik the sun in the eyes as I approached. The one else did and completed them in an out- River to the Village of Anvik. The trip was suspect’s body language was textbook as standing manner. Her skills, budgetary reported to last 10 days. I approached the hunting camp. The two knowledge, work ethic, and historical On September 14, 2003, the bad weather young guys, the Jardines, were grooming memory have long been the hallmark of broke. I had to fly south west of Aniak them selves and trying to find things to this Division. about 80 miles where I had a report that a do with their hands. The two older gentle- Allam’s duties were absorbed by others non-resident from Wisconsin shot an men were looking at each other, hoping if in headquarters, both ABWE and AST fol- overlimit of caribou and the wrong sex. Af- they did not say anything maybe I would lowing the reorganization of the ter wrapping that case up with citations, I not see them. Department’s fiscal section.

17 THE DPS QUARTERLY WINTER 2003

It’s The Sign Of The Times...

BY DENA BRONSON, ABWE SOLDOTNA Lt. Steve Bear and Sgt. Glenn Welcome to Shiloh Sexton, our new Godfrey of ABWE Soldotna post stand Clerk II at the Cordova Post. Sexton brings under the new post sign that displays our her professional experience, very pleasant newly acquired name. personality, and the adaptability to ABWE: what’s that stand for? Acquir- change. Thanks, Shiloh, for your patience ing Blue With Enthusiasm. Not quite but with all the delays in response to your close. It’s the new acronym for Alaska questions. Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement. There I have met many of her inquiries with “I certainly has been a lot of change around am not sure, let me find out”! The an- here with uniforms, signs, identifiers, etc. swers come from many sources: Ann One thing that I am glad to see not change Porter, Sandy Belcher, Audrey Ayay- is the morale of the troops. Their un- Dehart, Judy Fletcher, Debbie Boylan, changing positive demeanor and and many more. These mentioned few dedication to their profession makes the have been resources of knowledge and di- work environment a most pleasant one. I rection for me as well as many others and personally feel fortunate for the opportu- they all deserve to be recognized for their nity to be employed among such a quality hard work and dedication to their profes- Lt. Steve Bear and Sgt. Glenn Godfrey of people. sions. Thanks to all of you. pose beneath the new post sign.

Kenai Peninsula-Prince William Sound Region

BY SGT. GLENN GODFREY What do they say? There must be ues to plug away in Valdez, still taking Also, next time, I will wear rain gear as ad- something in the water? I guess in boat trips in between storms. vised prior to the experiment; as 30 Soldotna’s case, there must be something I am thinking of opening our own divi- gallons of water tends to make wool pants in the Jersey Subs. We have multiple ex- sion of CSI right here at post. We smell like a pack of wet dogs, and has an pectants running around the Soldotna conducted our first experiment by getting adverse effect to brass. ABWE post. Lt. Steve Bear’s wife, Renee a slug from a 30.06 in our own homemade In other news, Trp. Todd Mountain is due in December; this will make number water tank. I’m just not sure if the side of bagged himself a 53 inch Moose. Way to five for them. Amateurs! Trp. Travis the tank, or garbage can as the un-scien- go Todd. That ought to keep the world fa- Helund’s wife Misty is expecting in about tific may call it, is supposed to blow open. (Kenai Peninsula, continued on page 19) seven months, and Trp. Brent Johnson’s wife Mariah is also expecting around then. Hmmmm, my investigative intuition tells me that we may be a little short-handed at the Soldotna Post in May and April ‘04. I will also surmise that Trps. Hedlund and Johnson will start bidding the later shifts, as they will covet more sleep. Well at least we can count on Homer and Seward to be there in April. Unless there is something Trp. Tom Lowy isn’t telling us? Trp. Todd VanLiere has been very busy working on his new home, so he hasn’t had time for anything else. And Trp. Travis Bordner, in between SARS, has been holding down the fort in Homer. Overseas, Sgt. Paul McConnell is settling in Cordova, he too has a new mini-trooper with Trp. Clint Songer’s new addition to the Cordova Trp. Clint Songer and Mama, proudly present Micah, the newest addition to the population. And Trp. Tony Beck contin- population of Cordova.

18 WINTER 2003 THE DPS QUARTERLY

Kenai Peninsula, continued from page 18

CSI: Soldotna ABWE opened a branch Is this suppose to happen? Sgt. Glenn A qualified success. Sgt. Godfrey forensic lab to process evidence. Godfrey considers using State Lab. obtained the slug he was after. mous “Mountain’s Mega Moose burgers” don’t know if you can call it hunting if In between all this fun, we had work, flowing for the next couple of Soldotna you don’t see ONE animal that was not on and plenty of it. There is nary time to take BBQ’s. If you haven’t had one, then… I a leash. Yet, he came home with a cooler a breath from June to September in this guess you haven’t had one. Trp. Brent full of meat, thanks to Trp. Alan Jones try- area. In fact, I wonder how Johnson and Johnson took a hunting trip to Kodiak. ing to get off of “freezer restriction” so he Hedlund had time in July or August Well, he said it was a hunting trip, but I can harvest more critters. to……never mind.

True Tales Of An Alaska State Trooper

I Slept With The Bears, by Dave Car- Carpenter joined the Department in friends and relatives encouraged me to penter, is a collection of true tales of an 1973 as a road trooper and later switched get it published. Since being published, Alaska State Trooper/Game Warden. to Fish and Wildlife. During that time, he sales have skyrocketed and we have to Carpenter’s love of Alaska, the land, was stationed in Anchorage, Delta Junc- keep ordering more batches to keep up the people, and the creatures are evident tion, Kodiak, Palmer, and Haines, then with the demand. That’s really not what I in his book. It has something for nearly back to Anchorage where he retired in had in mind. I’d like to get a book to every everyone. It is exciting, informative, and 1994. trooper who wants one and then, hope- humorous. He writes with passion and Carpenter commented, “The book is fully sales will dwindle so we can go back enthusiasm. Follow him as he takes you separated into those different posts. Nu- to our routine lives. around the countryside on his various ex- merous experiences on the job are On a separate note, I would like to en- ploits. Although incredible at times, all mentioned, as are several of the troops I courage any trooper who is now working the stories are true. worked with. My wife, Linda, is a large to keep a log or journal of all the comical, His informal style invites you to imag- part of the book and most of the women serious or strange things that happen to ine you are sitting with him around a cozy who have read it have enjoyed it and say or around him/her so some day, if they de- campfire somewhere in the Alaska bush, they want more of Linda’s versions of cide to put it in written form, they won’t while he relates these stories. It won’t those stories. have to depend on their memory as I did.” take much imagination, as his personal This book was originally written not to I Slept With the Bears can be ordered and friendly style of writing will make you be published, but merely to be passed on by contacting Carpenter at feel as though you are with him and expe- in manuscript form to our children and [email protected] or by riencing these adventures yourself. So sit grandchildren in order that they might calling him in Idaho at (208) 486-6204. back, relax, pour yourself a hot cup of cof- have some written record of our life in The book is also available at the FOAST fee and enjoy this incredible book. Alaska. It turned out so well that many Museum, in Anchorage.

19 THE DPS QUARTERLY WINTER 2003 Division of Fire Prevention

BY JODIE HETTRICK, PUBLIC EDUCATION COORDINATOR 2003 Alaska State Fire Service Conference: Members of the Division of Fire Pre- vention attended the 2003 Alaska State Firefighters and Fire Chief’s Annual Con- ference in Kenai during September. Deputy Commissioner Ted Bachman spoke at the opening ceremonies. The conference brought together almost 200 members of the fire service from all over Alaska. For many people this is their only opportunity to attend new fire training. The Kenai Chapter of the Alaska State Firefighters Association and the Kenai Fire Chief’s Association hosted the conference in Kenai and Soldotna. Fire Service Training provided a new testing station this year, firefighters were able to test for certifica- Participants in the Opening Ceremony of the Alaska State Fire Service Conference tion as Firefighter I and II, Fire Instructor I included (left) Mark Barker, Mayor John Williams, SFM Gary Powell, Deputy and II, and Fire Investigator I and II. Commissioner Ted Bachman, and Chief Scott Walden. During the conference Lt. Governor Products Safety Commission Investigator District. He found this blocked exit door in Loren Leman attended meetings with the Marcus Morris to see if the lights had Kwigilligok. The door was bolted shut, Alaska State Firefighters Association and been recalled or reported in the past. In- barred, and duct taped. There was no pos- Alaska Fire Chiefs Association. vestigator Morris discovered that a similar sible way for anyone to escape through light was recalled and began an investiga- that exit during an emergency. (See photo tion to see if this was the same light with a next page.) different name. These lights were also be- Plan Review Office: ing used in a preschool facility in Meadow The Plan Review office is working on Lakes. many projects that improve small commu- Deputy Bond requested removal and nity infrastructure. New or upgraded replacement of the lights. The CPSC may power plants, water and wastewater treat- issue a new recall for these lights under ment facilities, bulk fuel storage, and the different name. The last recall involved health care facilities are being built all 1.2 million lights. over Alaska. Koyuk and Kaltag are in the Deputy Fire Marshal I Dan Jones re- plan review stages for their new power State Fire Marshal Gary Powell spoke cently spent six days inspecting 23 plants. Huslia is making improvements to during the opening ceremony of the schools in the Lower Kuskokwim School (Fire Prevention, continued on page 21) Alaska State Fire Service Conference. The Division of Fire Prevention awarded Fire Instructor of the Year to Homer Fire Department Assistant Chief Scott Elmer. Public Fire Educator of the Year was awarded to Fairbanks Fire De- partment Fire Marshal Ernie Misewicz. The Importance of Inspections: Deputy Fire Marshal I John Bond dis- covered a problem with emergency lighting in a Bethel elder housing complex. Burn marks on the exterior casing of the lights were evidence of an internal prob- lem. Further investigation found that all of the emergency lights had the same burn marks. The Division contacted Consumer Defective Prescolites were found in a Bethel elder housing complex.

20 WINTER 2003 THE DPS QUARTERLY

Fire Prevention, continued from page 20

Deputy Fire Marshal I Don Cuthbert spent several days in St. Paul in early September. He lucked out and experienced beautiful weather, sunny skies with no wind. He liked it so much he might go back to house hunt for a retirement vacation spot. Homebuilders Convention in Juneau. The trained students will pass the information focus of the booth was to educate and en- on to those unable to attend. courage homebuilders to offer residential Off To Fight Other Fires: sprinklers to their customers. Capitol City The Division of Fire Prevention wishes Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal Rich Deputy Fire Marshal Theresa Ross a Etheridge and Alaska State Firefighters warm good-bye. Theresa (Smith) Ross Association member Billie Jo Gehring as- was hired as a Deputy Fire Marshal I in sisted him at the booth. the Juneau Regional Office on August 16, Project Code Red: 1999. She transferred to the South-central Contract instructors Jan Dick and Regional office in March of 2001. Deputy Mike Supkis traveled to Savoonga for Ross was promoted to a Deputy Fire Mar- This exit door found in a Lower Project Code Red in September. The com- shal II, and transferred to the Northern Kuskokwim School was not only blocked, munity was extremely receptive to the Regional office as the regional supervisor it was bolted shut, barred, and duct taped. training. Instead of having a sign up sheet on August 16, 2002. Deputy Ross re- their health clinic. Improving the infra- for the class, they had a non-attendance signed on September 18, 2003, in order to structure in the small communities will sign up sheet. If fire department members accept a position with the University of greatly improve life in rural Alaska. couldn’t attend the training they had to Fairbanks Fire Department. Home Builders Convention: write down justification for not being We thank her for her years of contribu- Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Plumb available. Almost half of the fire depart- tion to our Division and wish her all the staffed a booth at the Alaska State ment participated in the training. The best in her future career.

Dragon Slayers – Camp Kick Ash

The Aniak Volunteer Fire Department Camp Kick Ash began on July 21 with (Dragon Slayers, continued on page 22) began a new program this summer, emer- the final drill exercise on August 2. The in- gency response training for teenagers. structors covered a wide array of topics. Aniak is the home of the Dragon Slayers; They spent four hours each morning a group of teenagers trained to respond to learning how to be Emergency Trauma fire and medical emergencies. Pete Brown, Technicians and four hours each after- the Aniak Fire Chief, proposed bringing noon learning other rescue skills such as teens to Aniak for an emergency re- firefighting, rappelling, water rescue, self sponder camp. The Alaska State Troopers, defense and structural rescue. Division of Fire Prevention and Division Teenagers from Aniak, Crooked Creek, of Community Health and Emergency Chuathbulak, Ruby, Huslia, Shageluk, Medical Services provided funding and Grayling, and Russian Mission attended services to bring nineteen young people the two-week training camp. from western Alaska to Aniak to partici- The Dragon Slayers traveled to several Teens from western Alaska attended ETT pate in Camp Kick Ash. schools this spring to talk about their pro- training at Camp Kick Ash.

21 THE DPS QUARTERLY WINTER 2003

Dragon Slayers, continued from page 21

The Aniak Volunteer Fire Department Dragon Slayers are an all girl rescue team which has been recognized in such publications as Reader's Digest and People Magazine, and on the Oprah Winfred Show for their inspiration to State Fire Marshal Gary Powell (left); Aniak Fire Department Chief Pete Brown; Jodie other teens. Hettrick, DPS Fire Training Specialist; Janice Latoza, CDC; and Mary Kvamme, CHEMS developed and conducted Camp Kick Ash. gram. They focus on the importance of setting small goals. Small goals lead to big goals. Three of the Dragon Slayers and an Aniak firefighter attended the Youth and Elder Conference at the beginning of AFN this October. FOAST hosted a “Meet the Dragon Slayers” event at the Alaska State Trooper Museum. Shenai Simeon, Caroline Kvuamme, Jasmin Simeon, and Jenny Hoeldt signed posters and spoke Trp. Michael Duxbury, Aniak Post, was with the media about their program and instrumental in the design and promotion the Aniak Fire Department. of a safety poster on ATV safety featuring the Dragon Slayers. The team frequently Teens from Aniak, Crooked Creek, travels to local schools to discuss their Chuathbulak, Ruby, Huslia, Shageluk, program and to encourage healthy life Grayling, and Russian Mission attended choices and setting of positive goals. the two-week training camp. They learned rescue skills such as rappelling, water rescue, and firefighting.

The Dragon Slayers attended the Youth and Elders Conference during AFN and Nineteen students attended the Their Land Rover was presented to them were guests of FOAST where they emergency responder training camp. by the Oprah Winfred Show. autographed the safety poster.

22 WINTER 2003 THE DPS QUARTERLY Suspicious Fire Destroyed Marshall VPSO Office

PHOTO BY DFM1 DON CUTHBERT The burn pattern on the floor of the VPSO office indicates the most substantial damage occurred in this area which would have been under a desk.

PHOTO BY TRP. ERIC SPITZER With all other possible causes If VPSO Richard Ellis HAD an office and a desk, this is where he would be. Vandals eliminated, it was determined the fire was are suspected of setting the fire which resulted in an estimated loss of $50,000 an intentional act, a crime of arson. including building and equipment. Shortly after 5:00 a.m. on July 3, 2003, VPSO Richard Ellis was notified that his office was on fire. The building, located next to Marshall City Hall, housed the VPSO office, jail, evidence storage, and fire fighting equipment storage. He ar- rived to find the front door locked, but open, and the building fully engulfed in flames. VPSO Ellis was able to withdraw one portable pump from the fire fighting stor- age equipment before the building was destroyed. Use of this one pump was credited with saving the Marshall City Hall from destruction. PHOTO BY DFM1 DON CUTHBERT Fire Investigator Don Cuthbert, DFM1, The building which housed the VPSO office, jail, evidence storage, and fire fighting responded to the scene. After investiga- equipment storage was located next door to the Marshall City Hall which was not tion of the area, Cuthbert determined fire damaged. patterns indicated that a person(s) used fire damage. He found no evidence of Estimated losses, including the build- available combustible materials, placed accelerants, and natural, mechanical, and ing and equipment, are $50,000.00. There them in the area of the desk, and ignited electrical causes were examined and elimi- were no injuries in the fire. them. Although an exact heat source was nated. After eliminating all other possible Alaska State Troopers responded to not recovered, a lighter or match was the causes, this fire was determined to be an the scene. Following interviews by VPSO probable heat source used. The floor un- intentional act by person(s), which is a Ellis and Troopers, at least one arrest was der the desk received the most substantial crime of arson. made.

Holiday Fire The holiday season is a special time Hunt for Home Hazards Safety for Alaskan families. Family get-togethers • Are all electrical cords in good are the perfect time to discuss fire safety. shape? No bare wires showing. Walk through the house before decorating • Do the smoke alarms work? begins and check for fire hazards. (Holiday Safety, continued on page 24)

23 THE DPS QUARTERLY WINTER 2003

Holiday Safety, continued from page 23 • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, • Are the electrical outlets used prop- • Cut at least 2 inches off the bottom of house walls or other firm supports to pro- erly? No more than two items should be the tree so it can draw in water. tect lights from wind damage. plugged into the outlet. • Maintain a good water supply for the Decorations • Is there at least 3 feet between heat tree. • Use only non-combustible or flame-re- sources and combustible material? • Place the tree away from any heat sistant materials to trim the tree. • Did the chimney get cleaned this year? source. • NEVER use lighted candles on or near • Did the furnace get its’ annual cleaning • Make sure the tree does not block ex- a tree. and inspection? its. Fireplaces • Can you open every exit? Are they free Christmas lights • Use care with “fire salts” which pro- of snow and ice? • Use only lights approved by Under- duce colored flames when thrown on Christmas trees writers Laboratory (UL). wood fires. • If using an artificial tree, make sure it is • Inspect all lights for bare wire, loose • Do not burn wrapping papers in the labeled “Fire Resistant”. connections and broken or cracked sock- fireplace. A flash fire may result. • Make sure the live tree is fresh by ets. • Ensure that decorations used on the checking if the needles are hard to pull • Turn off all lights when you go to bed fireplace do not hang down in front of the from the tree. or leave the house. mantle.

Patriots Day 9-11-03

BY LCDR MIKE SNYDER, USN (RET) I woke in the dark this morning to si- way to the strength of this nation have with him at the loss of his comrades, and rens wailing up the main road to some justifiably earned the title Patriot. at the emotional rending inflicted on his emergency or another. Routine stuff . . . This is a new commemoration day city. Unabashedly, I revel that he was until you think what day today commemo- forced on us by terrorists. But counter to among those who got to go home on 9-11- rates. their expectations, it will forever symbolize 01. We’re calling it Patriots Day in memory our strength, determination and resilience (Mike Snyder is a retired U. S. Navy of all those lost and injured in the terrorist as a nation, rather than our deaths and officer and a contributor to a new publi- strikes this day two years ago, and to for- damages. cation on Navy stories and anecdotes malize the emotional bond we have with Today I think of my friend, an NYPD about their experiences in the service the overwhelming numbers of Americans Captain who served at ground zero, grieve which will be published soon. Editor.) who, over 300 years, gave their lives, their skills, and their personal commitment to make the United States the dominant eco- nomic, political, and military power in the world today. I grieve at the senseless loss of life on September 11, 2001, while standing in awe of the resilience and determination of the entire nation. We’re more vigilant today, we’re more aware of our vulnerabilities, we’re more committed to the defense of our way of life, and we are at war with the international beasts who abhor our suc- cesses and personal freedoms. The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do something to pay tribute to their The dead of September 11, 2001 have fallen comrades and let the world know, “We have not forgotten and are proud to serve been called heroes, as certainly those who our country.” Baker Company is part of the only Marine Infantry Battalion left in knew the danger and unhesitantly faced it Iraq. Photo and information provided by First Sergeant Dave Jobe, U. S. Marine should be. Corps. But all from that day and the thou- sands of days before and since who From the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial worked at their desks, plied their trades, “Carved on these walls is the story of America, of a continuing quest to preserve carried weapons, delivered fuel, produced both democracy and decency, and to protect a national treasure that we call the Ameri- food or steel, and contributed in some can dream.” - President George Bush

24 WINTER 2003 THE DPS QUARTERLY

The Day The Old Detective Cried©

BY KEITH BETTINGER In February and March of 2002, I was Yorkers, turned to the attack of September Elliott’s voice started to change, and doing a lot of traveling. I went to Anchor- 11, 2001. the tears came. This was something I had age, Alaska with a friend for the American Elliott told me how, after he retired, one never seen or heard from this tough old Society of Law Enforcement Trainers. of his jobs was driving a limousine. He time detective before. I gave him his time. Alaska in winter is beautiful. From there I made many trips into the World Trade He had to grieve. He had to work his way went to Southern California to visit a Center with clients. In fact, he made so through his thoughts. After a while, he friend and his family. The high desert is many trips, he made friends with the park- wiped his eyes, and we started to talk also magnificent. After California, I drove ing attendants in the underground garage. about the temporary memorial that was be- to Las Vegas to visit my son who lives He bought them coffee on his frequent ing set up at the World Trade Center site; there and to put a down payment on the visits and chatted with them while waiting the towering twin blue lights. I told Elliott new family home. for his passengers. Elliott can make I was hoping to view the towering lights While visiting, I looked up an old friends with anyone. He wondered out on my flight home the next evening. friend, a retired detective from the New loud how well these people fared in the at- York police department from which we tack. He told me about some of his other both retired. After a while, he wiped friends. These were friends who did not make it out. Always the cop’s cop, Elliott his eyes, and we started to He is the old time cop is a member of the Blue Knights Motor- talk.... that movies are made about cycle Club. He has made many motorcycle trips across country with his and from where folklore is law enforcement friends. He also would The next night the flight home was un- born....to this day, he is still make trips from Long Island into New York eventful and even though I was happy to a legend. City on his motorcycle to visit cop friends get home after three weeks of traveling, I at their commands. was disappointed I didn’t get a view of One of his friends was Mike Curtin, a the twin towers of light. Whenever I go to Las Vegas, I try to New York City Police Sergeant assigned to The next morning, my slumber was bro- get together with this gentleman, Elliott Emergency Services. Mike was a former ken by a phone call from Suzie Sawyer of Kraus. He is the old time cop that movies Sergeant Major in the United States Ma- Concerns of Police Survivors. She needed are made about and from where folklore is rine Corps. He served in the Persian Gulf a favor. Concerns of Police Survivors was born. He has unique people skills and al- War and had a chest full of medals for doing a three-day seminar on line of duty ways gets the job done. To this day, he is heroism. Although he was as tough as deaths near Buffalo, New York. The still a legend. steel, he had a heart that was as soft as speaker for the third day was ill and un- He is the only detective, who during butter. able to attend. She wanted to know if I his career, was returned to uniform for would fill in? I put together my lecture having a “discussion” with a less than as- material, made my airline reservations, and tute supervisor, and later was returned to Elliott’s voice started to got a ride to LaGuardia Airport. detective duties. He is also the father fig- change, and the tears came. At 6:30 I boarded my flight for Buffalo. ure you can always call on when you This was something I had As we left the airport, we flew over lower need help. never seen or heard from this Manhattan. I looked out my window and When a kid, far away from home, needs tough old time detective there, soaring into the heavens, were the a Dutch uncle to fall back on, Elliott is before. twin towers of blue light. Everyone on there with just one phone call. When he the plane looked out the left side windows is told, ‘I owe you big time,’ his response and sighed and commented how beautiful is always, “We’re family. We’re here for Mike was one of the cops who went in the memorial looked. As we left the area, I one another.” the World Trade Center during the rescue sat back in my seat and thought how I In March of 2002, while in Las Vegas, I operations and never made it out. His wished the old detective was with me on called him. We met for lunch at the Sun- nickname was Iron Mike. this flight; we could have shared a few set Station Casino. After our greeting and According to Elliott, he was invincible. tears together. then some small talk, the discussion He spoke reverently about Mike’s family (Reprint by permission of the author. turned to old friends and how they were. and how important they were to him and Keith J. Bettinger, 9669 Vista Crest Av- Later, the discussion like all discussions what a great friend he was to all who knew enue, Las Vegas, NV 89148, between New Yorkers and former New him. 702-795-8616.)

25 THE DPS QUARTERLY WINTER 2003 D.A.R.E. Sponsors Retro Bill Tour Of Alaska

BY BOB SANDERS, D.A.R.E. COORDINATOR The award winning RETRO BILL are too high for snowmachines. Trooper Children’s Safety Show performed for Sgt. Pete Mlynarik flew over from King 8,000 school children in twenty-seven Salmon in the helicopter to give us a ride Alaska communities during the month of from Koliganek to New Stuyahok since September. RETRO BILL is considered by the runway there was a little short for the many leading authorities to be one to the Navajo. After an evening performance in country’s foremost experts in children’s Dillingham, Bill posed for a “Got Milk” safety and self-esteem. This super- poster for a local restaurant so they would charged “blast from the past” was created let us in for a late night milkshake after by and is performed by actor, director, closing time. After Dillingham we stopped writer, and producer Bill Russ. He is the in Manokotak and Togiak on our way to official “Safety Buddy” of the National Bethel. On Wednesday we flew to D.A.R.E. program. RETRO BILL has pre- Atmautluak and Kwethluk on the National formed all over the United States Guard Black Hawk helicopter accompanied promoting healthy life choices and the im- by Army Guard Major Simon Brown (and portance of maintaining a positive circle of retired State Trooper Captain). Landing in friends for young people. He co-hosted a Black Hawk is certainly a good way to Andy Greenstreet kindly loaned Bill his National Kids Day in Washington D.C. get the attention of everyone in the vil- parka for the rest of the week. He finished with First Lady Laura Bush before travel- lage. off the week in Unalaska on Friday. We ing to Alaska. After Bethel we traveled to Chevak, St. were blessed with great flying weather On September 9, Bill arrived in Juneau, Michael’s, Unalakleet, and Aniak before while traveling throughout the State. This in a driving rainstorm, to begin his Alaska returning to Anchorage for the weekend. was very much a surprise to me because I tour. With his towering pompadour hair- Time and again, RETRO BILL demon- know how bad the weather can be during style, wind and rain was a definite hazard. strated is talents as an actor and the September hunting season. Except for Bill continued his first week with perfor- entertainer by holding the attention of the rain in Juneau, the weather had been mances in Anchorage, Seward, Kenai, students from first grade through high perfect until Bill reached Dutch Harbor. Soldotna, Homer and Kodiak performing school for a full hour. He has the unique His plane on Friday was the last to land as often as three times a day. Right away I ability to capture their attention with his before the weather closed the airport discovered this guy was addicted to antics and 1950’s Elvis hairstyle and down for four days. “double-shot skinny lattes.” A triple-shot clothes. Bill does not follow a script. He The part RETRO BILL seemed to enjoy espresso was an after-dinner drink. tailors each performance to the audience. most was meeting kids following his per- While he always has the same props avail- formance. If time permitted, he would stay able on the table behind him, he chooses around signing autographs and talking to Right away I discovered only those he needs for whatever lesson kids as long as the teachers would allow. this guy was addicted to he is emphasizing at the time. I was The majority of the audience in Nenana “double-shot skinny present for approximately thirty of the for an evening show was middle and high lattes.” forty performances he gave during his school kids so Bill directed his comments tour and no two were identical. Teachers primarily to that age group. Following the and principals praised the program as the show, Bill met with several high school The second week we headed for West- right message for the kids of today. Be- kids who had been genuinely affected by ern Alaska with pilot Joe Wilson in the lieve in yourself and be kind to others. Do what he had to say. I was constantly im- State Trooper Piper Navajo. Thanks to good things and good things will come to pressed by RETRO BILL’s ability to read Joe, this old pilot even got to fly a couple you. Do bad things and bad things hap- his audience, capture their attention the of legs. Our Hollywood star was intro- pen. Don’t put harmful things in your whole hour and effectively deliver a duced to rural Alaska in Koliganek and body. Keep a good circle of friends simple but powerful message in a way that New Stuyahok, our stops on the way to around you to help you make good entertained them all, teachers and stu- Dillingham. The first thing he noticed was choices. dents alike. that there were no Starbucks in the vil- The third week Bill visited Kotzebue, The Alaska D.A.R.E. program spon- lages. I explained to RETRO BILL that Noatak, Point Hope, Barrow, and sored RETRO BILL’s tour of Alaska which there was only one street in most villages Fairbanks. It was 104 degrees in L.A. would not have been possible without the and it ran from the airport through town to when Bill departed California. It was 18 transportation provided by the Alaska the dump. There are no corners to put a degrees in Noatak when he climbed on the State Troopers and the Alaska Army Na- Starbucks on and besides, the drive thrus 4-wheeler for the ride into town. Trp. tional Guard Counterdrug Operations.

26 WINTER 2003 THE DPS QUARTERLY AFN Youth Dance

BY BECKY LYONS, RECRUITMENT The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Youth Dance was held on October 21, at the Egan Convention Center. There were volunteers from DPS Headquarters along with some Troopers and a few VPSO who were in Anchorage for the re- cruitment booth at the Convention. The AFN Youth Dance was funded by FOAST as it has been for about 3 years. Glow sticks, pink bunny ears that flashed with lights, and flashing necklaces were Kids put on Fatal Vision goggles, which distort the vision as if the person had been handed out. There were about 600 kids drinking, then tried to play basketball. and 200 chaperons. The event went off with out any prob- lems, the kids were a lot of fun to be around. Half of the Convention Center was delegated to the dance and the other half was delegated to about 4 basketball hoops. The Army National Guard came in and helped with the games portion of the dance. Fatal Vision goggles were put on the kids so they could see how drinking impaired there ability to play the game, was among the activities. The kids really enjoyed this and kept coming back to play again. The AFN Youth Dance at the Egan Convention Center.

Subject: New virus I thought you would want to know about this email virus. Even the most advanced programs from Norton or McAfee cannot take care of this one. It appears to mostly af- fect those who were born prior to 1960. Symptoms: 1. Causes you to send the same e-mail twice. 2. Causes you to send a blank e- mail. 3. Causes you to send e-mail to the wrong person. 4. Causes you to send it back to the person who sent it to you. 5. Causes you to forget to attach the attachment. In July, four Alaska State Troopers traveled to Barcelona, Spain to compete in the 6. Causes you to hit “SEND” be- 2003 World Police and Fire Games. Our trooper team joined the 10,000 other fore you’ve finished. competitors from around the world in a gathering of competition and friendship. Trp. 7. Causes you to hit “DELETE” Robert French, Capt. David Hudson, Sgt’s Robert Baty, and Tim Schoenberg instead of “SEND.” participated in the team Center Fire Pistol Competition. Although the weather was hot, It is called the “C-Nile Virus. the festivities were endless. The trooper team placed 7th overall in the pistol shoot.

27 THE DPS QUARTERLY WINTER 2003

The Doll And A White Rose BY V.A.BAILEY I hurried into the local department “I have to give the doll to my Momma rose, but I didn’t ask him, but he gave me store to grab some last minute Christmas to take to her” I asked him where his sister enough to buy the doll and a rose for my gifts. I looked at all the people and was. He looked at me with the saddest Momma.” “She loves white roses so very grumbled to myself. I would be in here for- eyes and said, “She has gone to be with very much.” ever and I just had so much to do. Jesus.” My Daddy says that Momma is In a few minutes the aunt came back Christmas was beginning to become such going to have to go be with her. My heart and I wheeled my cart away. I could not a drag. I kinda wished that I could just nearly stopped beating. keep from thinking about the little boy as I sleep through Christmas. Then the boy looked at me again and finished my shopping in a totally different But I hurried the best I could through said, “I told my Daddy to tell Momma not spirit than when I had started. all the people to the toy department. Once to go yet. I told him to tell her to wait till I And I kept remembering a story I had again I kind of mumbled to myself at the got back from the store.” seen in the newspaper several days earlier prices of all these toys. And wondered if Then he ask me if I wanted to see his about a drunk driver hitting a car and kill- the grandkids would even play with them. picture. I told him I would love to. He ing a little girl and the Mother was in I found myself in the doll aisle. pulled out some pictures he’d had taken at serious condition. The family was decid- Out of the corner of my eye I saw a the front of the store. He said “I want my ing on whether to remove the life support. little boy about 5 holding a lovely doll. He Momma to take this with her so she don’t Now surely this little boy did not belong kept touching her hair and he held her so ever forget me.” “I love my Momma so with that story. gently. I could not seem to help myself. I very much and I wish she did not have to Two days later I read in the paper just kept looking over at the little boy and leave me but Daddy says she will need to where the family had disconnected the life wondered who the doll was for. be with my sister.” support and the young woman had died. I I watched him turn to a woman and he I saw that the little boy had lowered his could not forget the little boy and just called his aunt by name and said, “Are head and had grown so very quiet. While kept wondering if the two were somehow you sure I don’t have enough money?” he was not looking I reached into my connected. She replied a bit impatiently, “You know purse and pulled out a hand full of bills. I Later that day, I could not help myself that you don’t have enough money for it.” ask the little boy, “Shall we count that and I went out and bought some white The aunt told the little boy not to go any- money one more time?” He grew excited roses and took them to the funeral home where that she had to go get some other and said, “Yes, I just know it has to be where the young woman was. things and would be back in a few min- enough” So I slipped my money in with And there she was, holding a lovely utes. And then she left the aisle. his and we began to count it. white rose, the beautiful doll, and the pic- The boy continued to hold the doll. Af- And of course it was plenty for the ture of the little boy in the store. I left ter a bit, I asked the boy who the doll was doll. He softly said, “Thank you Jesus for there in tears, my life changed forever. The for. He said, “It is the doll my sister giving me enough money.” Then the boy love that little boy had for his little sister wanted so badly for Christmas. She just said “I just ask Jesus to give me enough and his mother was overwhelming. And in knew that Santa would bring it.” I told him money to buy this doll so Momma can a split second a drunk driver had ripped that maybe Santa was going to bring it. He take it with her to give to my sister. And the life of that little boy to pieces. said, “No, Santa can’t go where my sister he heard my prayer. I wanted to ask him This holiday season, and throughout is.” for enough to buy my Momma a white the year, please don't drink and drive. Test Your Holiday IQ

Questions: 6. Which renowned Christmas card artist 10.What were True Love’s first and last 1. What were the first names of Scrooge was still turning out “a batch of three or gifts in the rondeau “The Twelve Days of and Marley? four paintings a week” at age 100? Christmas”? 2. How many Magi or Wise Men came to 7. Which of James Joyce’s “Dubliners” 11.For what crime did William Sydney Por- Bethlehem? short stories takes place at Christmastime? ter, alias O. Henry, the author of “The Gift 3. Who wrote the words to the carol “Si- 8. Who was the surprise guest speaker of the Magi,” spend several Christmases lent Night”? when President Franklin D. Roosevelt lit in the Ohio State penitentiary? 4. When is the feast day of Santa Claus the National Tree at the White House in 12.What popular revel, evocative of the celebrated? 1941? Middle Ages, takes place in Philadelphia 5. What Christmas delicacy did Mrs. Bob 9. Which Nativity masterpiece was stolen during the holiday season? Cratchit prepare in a copper cauldron in from a church in Palermo, Sicily, in 1969 (Holiday IQ, continued on page 29) her washhouse? and has not been seen since?

28 WINTER 2003 THE DPS QUARTERLY

The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, Not how I pictured a United States soldier “Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice; he lived all alone, Was this the hero of whom I fight for freedom, I don’t In a one bedroom house made of I’d just read? ask for more, plaster and stone. Curled up on a poncho, the floor My life is my god, my country, my corps.” I had come down the chimney with for a bed? presents to give, I realized the families that I saw The soldier rolled over and And to see just who in this home this night, drifted to sleep, did live. Owed their lives to these soldiers who I couldn’t control it, I continued were willing to fight. to weep. I looked all about, a strange sight I kept watch for hours, so silent I did see, Soon round the world, the children and still No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. would play, And we both shivered from the cold No stocking by mantle, just boots And grownups would celebrate a bright night’s chill. filled with sand, Christmas day. On the wall hung pictures They all enjoyed freedom each month I didn’t want to leave on that of far distant lands. of the year, cold, dark, night, Because of the soldiers, like the one This guardian of honor so With medals and badges, lying here. willing to fight. awards of all kinds, Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice A sober thought came through my mind. I couldn’t help wonder how many soft and pure, For this house was different, it was lay alone, Whispered, “carry on Santa, it’s dark and dreary, On a cold Christmas eve in a land Christmas Day, all is secure.” I found the home of a soldier, far from home. once I could see clearly. The very thought brought a tear One look at my watch, and I knew to my eye, he was right. The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, I dropped to my knees and “Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a Curled up on the floor in this started to cry. good night.” one bedroom home. The face was so gentle, the room in The soldier awakened and I heard This poem was written by a Marine sta- such disorder, a rough voice, tioned in Okinawa Japan.

Holiday IQ, 10.If sung properly as a rondeau, with continued from page 28 2. St. Matthew did not specify how many. In early Christian times, their number var- each day’s new gift followed by a repeti- 13.Which movie has had the most TV re- ied from two to six. A 4th century fresco in tion of all the previous gifts, the answer is runs during the holiday season? the Catacombs of Domitilla, outside Rome, “a partridge in a pear tree.” 14.Who were the stars of the film, “White depicts four. By the 6th century, tradition 11.Bank embezzlement Christmas”? settled on three. 12.The Mummers Parade. 15.Who played Kris Kringle in the 1947 3. Father Joseph Mohr, the parish priest 13.Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.” original film version of “The Miracle on in the little Austrian village where the mice 14.Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. 34th Street?” had eaten the bellows of the church or- 15.Edmund Gween 16.Who played the little girl? gan. 16.Natalie Wood. 17.How did the della Robbia wreath get its 4. December 6 is the feast of St. Nicholas, 17.It is the family name of an uncle and name? the original Santa Claus. nephew, Luca and Andrea della Robbia, 18.Sherlock Holmes, Ellery Queen, Inspec- 5. Her Christmas pudding. acclaimed sculptors in Florence, Italy, dur- tor Maigret and many other fictional 6. Anne Mary Robinson, better known as ing the early Renaissance. From their sleuths have solved Christmas crimes. Grandma Moses. workshop came exquisite ceramic wreaths What is the contemporary best-selling 7. “The Dead.” sculpted with a floral motif in brightly mystery novelist Mary Higgins Clark’s 8. Winston Churchill enameled glazed terra cotta. contribution to the genre? 9. Caravaggio’s “Nativity,” one of the 18.Her short novel “Silent Night,” where Answers: master’s last works, painted in 1609, the the criminal trail begins under the tree in 1. Ebenezer and Jacob. year before he died. Rockefeller Plaza.

29 THE DPS QUARTERLY WINTER 2003

Personnel Actions: July 1, 2003, To September 30, 2003

Appointments: SINE HOLLY Nome MARLENE LAVALLE Anchorage KEVIN M. KELLY Anchorage Court Services Officer 07/01/03 Administrative Clerk II 08/11/03 Court Services Officer 08/18/03 STEVEN T. BELANGER Anchorage SIGNE PAULRUD Homer JAYE FORST Sitka Deputy Fire Marshall I 07/07/03 Administrative Clerk II 08/11/03 Administrative Clerk III 09/02/03 PAULA SODEN Fairbanks MARGARET BRUNER Soldotna GREGORY MCEWEN Juneau Administrative Clerk II 07/14/03 Radio Dispatcher II 08/15/03 Accounting Tech. II 09/11/03 SANDRA S. EUNICE Anchorage RANDY L. BURDINE Soldotna NANCY JACOBSKI Juneau Radio Dispatcher II 07/15/03 Radio Dispatcher II 08/15/03 Human Resource Tech. II 09/16/03 JESSICA REIS Juneau PIERRE BURKETT Palmer DANIAL SPENCER Juneau Administrative Clerk II 07/15/03 Court Services Officer 08/15/03 Director/Admin. Services 09/16/03 JOY E. CRAIG Anchorage JENELLE O’BRYANT Anchorage Project Assistant 07/16/03 Court Services Officer 08/18/03 Transfer location: DANA MIDGETT Juneau LAUREN RAE JONES Juneau RYAN BROWNING Homer Administrative Clerk II 08/01/03 Human Resources Tech. II 08/20/03 State Trooper 07/01/03 MARGARET FOSTER Talkeetna LINDA BRANCHFLOWER Anchorage CHRISTOPHER JAIME Nome Administrative Clerk II 08/07/03 Corporal 08/25/03 State Trooper 07/01/03 KEVIN R. BAKER Sitka DOUGLAS BURTS Anchorage KENNETH ACTON Glennallen State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Aircraft Pilot II 09/01/03 State Trooper 08/03/03 SHAYNE M. CALT Sitka DANIEL MCMONAGLE Anchorage DONALD STARBARD Anchorage State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Accounting Clerk I 09/02/03 State Trooper 08/05/03 JASON M. CARPENTER Sitka MARY SWISHER Kotzebue JIMMY JONES Talkeetna State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Administrative Clerk II 09/02/03 State Trooper 08/16/03 HENRY K.C. CHING Sitka BEVERLY FLETCHER Juneau ANGELA LANGSTON Palmer State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Assoc. Coordinator 09/09/03 State Trooper 08/16/03 MICHAEL CRESSWELL Sitka AMY MAIO Juneau RALF LYSDAHL Dutch Harbor State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Assoc. Coordinator 09/09/03 State Trooper 08/16/03 MATTHEW CUNNINGHAM Sitka DAVID SCHADE Anchorage ANCREW MERRILL Bethel State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Division Director 09/09/03 State Trooper 08/18/03 JEFFREY DUHRSEN Sitka MICHELLE COLLINS Anchorage PAUL MCCONNEL Cordova State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Criminalist II 09/16/03 State Trooper 08/19/03 ELIZABETH HADDAD Sitka JOANNA ROOP Anchorage State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Transfer in: Lieutenant 08/26/03 MARC HENDRICKSON Sitka JOHN F. BLYEU Anchorage JOSEPH WHITTOM Kotzebue State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Investigator I 07/01/03 State Trooper 09/01/03 JAMES KIMURA Sitka DOUGLAS GRIFFIN Anchorage JASON EAGLEY Cordova State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 ABC Division Director 07/01/03 State Trooper 09/04/03 PRESTON KROES Sitka RICHARD FINNEY Fairbanks NELSON BALLARD Anchorage State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Investigator I 07/01/03 Lieutenant 09/16/03 ARTURO LINCON Sitka JANE HANNAN Anchorage State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Administrative Clerk III 07/01/03 Promotion: AARON MOBLEY Sitka DAWN WILLIAMS Anchorage GREGORY N. GRAVES McGrath State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Records/Licensing Supervisor 07/01/03 RPSO 03/01/03 JAMES NORTON Sitka HENREEDA JARMILLA Anchorage FRANCES KINNEY Juneau State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Administrative Clerk III 07/01/03 Human Resource Manager 09/01/03 JOHN RHYSHEK Sitka EDWARD KALWARA Juneau KRISTI JOHNSON Anchorage State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Investigator I 07/01/03 Criminal Justice Tech. II 08/01/03 GREGORY PAELATERE Sitka GILBERT NELSON Anchorage SUSAN SPRAGUE Palmer State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Administrative Assistant 07/01/03 Administrative Supervisor 08/01/03 JAMES WILCOX Sitka WILLIAM ROCHE Anchorage JOHN R. GLICK Anchorage State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Investigator I 07/01/03 Captain 08/13/03 MICHAEL ZWIEFEL Sitka PAULINE THOMAS Bethel (Personnel, continued on page 31) State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Administrative Clerk II 08/16/03

30 WINTER 2003 THE DPS QUARTERLY Personnel Actions, Look For Us On The Web continued from page 30 BY JEAN SHAINDLIN, PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST HANS J. BRINKE Anchorage he December 2003 edition of the DPS special about the feel of a publication Lieutenant 08/14/03 T when you read it.” However, time indi- NELSON BALLARD Bethel Quarterly will be the final edition to be published and mailed. With the December cates we need to make an effort to move Lieutenant 08/16/03 forward with technology and to reduce the JEREMIAH BAUM Ketchikan edition, you can also see the first edition of the Quarterly presented electronically. costs to our department. State Trooper 08/16/03 I appreciate the comments, you our SCOTT BRIGGS Palmer To find the electronic Quarterly, just go to the DPS Public Information Office readers, have made over the years, and State Trooper 08/16/03 www.dps.state.ak.us/pio/ thank you for forwarding articles which EDWARD HALBERT Palmer webpage at: and click the link "DPS Quarterly." were of interest to the department. Please State Trooper 08/16/03 continue to send in those comments and ERIC LORRING Palmer As Editor of The Quarterly, it has been an honor for me to be able to place a copy articles. You are still an important part of State Trooper 08/16/03 this publication! JON MCENROE Fairbanks of our publication on every desk and cof- fee table for which we’ve had a request. I And now, as the techno-savvy saying State Trooper 08/16/03 goes, “just look for us on the web.” HAROLD C. MILLER Soldotna concur with many “there is something State Trooper 08/16/03 BRENDAN RUMPH Juneau Payroll Supervisor 08/16/03 With Regret CHRISTOPHER RUSSELL Palmer etired Alaska State Trooper, State Trooper 08/16/03 R at the age of 60, in Tyler Texas, after a Abraham E. GreyBear, passed away Au- BRIAN ZEISEL Fairbanks battle with cancer. gust 28, 2003, following a battle with State Trooper 08/16/03 Trp. Higgins was born November 11, cancer. MARTHA C. BOLAR Anchorage 1942, in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He Trp. GreyBear joined the Troopers in Administrative clerk II 09/01/03 was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and 1975 and served until 1992. His four chil- AMY GAMBOA Anchorage was part of the 95th Bomb Wing. He was dren have followed in his footsteps as law Mail Services Courier 09/01/03 discharged June 10, 1965, in Tacoma, enforcement officers. PAUL MCCONNELL Cordova Washington, with decorations of Out- GreyBear was born in Poplar, Montana, Sergeant 09/01/03 standing Unit, Good Conduct, and U.S. October 3, 1945. He attended college and ALICE PONCHO Anchorage Parachutist. the Law Enforcement Academy. He joined Criminal Justice Tech. I 09/01/03 Trp. Higgins earned an associate’s degree the U. S. Air Force in 1963 and was sta- BONNIE CLOUSER Anchorage in police science and police administra- tioned at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Accounting Clerk II 09/16/03 tion. He was employed by the Fayetteville, 1964. When he retired from the Troopers, North Carolina Police Department from he returned to Montana where he contin- Promotion with transfer: 1971 to 1974. He then moved to Alaska ued his work in law enforcement as a lead JOSHUA A. BENTZ Sitka and was an officer with the Palmer Police detention officer. He was appointed an State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 Department from August to December Associate Judge before accepting a posi- MICHAEL HENRY Sitka 1974. He joined the Alaska State Troopers tion as the public safety officer, State Trooper Recruit 08/10/03 on January 16, 1975, and served 20 years, overseeing the law enforcement agency. retiring on April 30, 1995. He returned to Alaska in 1999 and worked Transfer out: His family wrote: “He was a dedicated as a security officer on the Trans-Alaska SUSAN BROWNE Juneau trooper and was honored as such with oil pipeline until he became ill. Administrator VCCB 07/01/03 Trooper of the Year. He was a loving fa- Trp. GreyBear was buried in Copper NORMAN LEAR Juneau ther, a devoted and loving husband, and Center, Alaska. Donations to the family Administrative Clerk III 07/01/03 loyal friend to many.” He was buried in may be sent to Wells Fargo Bank, account AMY O’MARA Juneau his Alaska State Trooper dress uniform. #1101941030. Administrative Assistant 07/01/03 In lieu of flowers, donations in Trp. Higgins’ memory may be made to the Trin- (Personnel, continued on page 32) Retired Trooper Quentin Forrest ity Mother Francis Foundation, 611 S. Higgens passed away September 6, 2003, Fleishel, Tyler, Texas, 75701. This publication is released by the Department of Public Safety to provide departmental information and education. It is produced at a The Alaska Department of Public Safety complies with Title II of the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act. cost of $1.77 per copy, and printed in Anchorage, This publication is available in alternative communication formats upon request. To make necessary Alaska. arrangements, contact Tim DeSpain at (907) 269-5549 or the TDD at (907) 269-5094.

31 THE DPS QUARTERLY WINTER 2003 THE DPS QUARTERLY © WINTER 2003 STATE OF ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

FRANK MURKOWSKI GOVERNOR BILL TANDESKE COMMISSIONER TED BACHMAN DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DAN SPENCER, DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES CHRIS BEHEIM, DIRECTOR ALASKA SCIENTIFIC CRIME Hats off to our Future: Trp. “Howie” Peterson's, daughter, Remmi, just 5 days old, DETECTION LABORATORY COLONEL JULIA GRIMES, DIRECTOR sits in Dad’s trooper hat. (Read more B Detachment news beginning on page 7.) ALASKA STATE TROOPERS DOUG GRIFFEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Personnel Actions, continued from page 31 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARD GARY L. POWELL, DIRECTOR SUSETTA BEATTIE Juneau KAREN MORGAN Juneau FIRE PREVENTION Payroll Supervisor 07/08/03 Administrative Services Director 07/31/03 DAVE SCHADE, DIRECTOR DONALD CRYTS Juneau STEPHANIE WALTON Soldotna STATEWIDE SERVICES Administrative Clerk III 07/11/03 Administrative Clerk II 07/31/03 BRAD W. KESLER Juneau GWENDOLYN THOMPSON Anchorage THE QUARTERLY is written by Administrative Clerk II 07/11/03 Accounting Clerk I 08/03/03 and produced for the employees and KELLY MITCHELL Juneau REBECCA YODER Anchorage friends of the State of Alaska Depart- Mail Services Courier 09/01/03 FW Aide 08/11/03 ment of Public Safety. KATE BOWNS Juneau THOMAS T. JONES Anchorage Its purpose is to inform, educate Program Budget Analyst III 09/08/03 Radio Dispatcher II 08/13/03 and entertain. It is published four MONICA BORST Anchorage MARIA LABUA Sitka times a year by the Public Informa- Accounting Tech. II 09/19/03 Administrative Clerk III 08/15/03 tion Office. SARAH FORTIN Juneau BRUCE NORRIS Anchorage Reader comments are encouraged Administrative Clerk II 09/25/03 Major 08/15/03 and welcome. Reprint permission is DONNA HENEGAR Anchorage granted on all materials not under Separation: Radio dispatcher II 08/26/03 owner copyright. Please credit this LUCILLE LINCOLN Glennallen KATINA HOLMBERG Juneau publication, and provide a copy of the Administrative Clerk II 06/27/03 Accounting Tech. II 08/29/03 publication in which the material is KAREN ALLAM Anchorage ELIZABETH AGNEW Juneau used. Administrative Manager III 07/31/03 Assoc. Coordinator 09/05/03 Entry date for the next issue is DANNY COX Kotzebue ANGIE GAST Palmer January 15, 2004. You are invited to State Trooper 07/31/03 Administrative Clerk III 09/05/03 contribute to THE QUARTERLY by DEBORAH HANNIGAN Homer MARGARET L. BRUNER Soldotna submitting materials to: Administrative Clerk II 07/31/03 Radio Dispatcher II 09/15/03 LINDA KENNY Anchorage THERESA ROSS Fairbanks Public Information Office Court Services Officer 07/31/03 Deputy Fire Marshall II 09/19/03 THE QUARTERLY, Editor CHARLES LAMICA Sitka JUANITA HENSLEY Juneau 5700 East Tudor Road Lieutenant 07/31/03 Special Assist. To Commissioner 09/16/03 Anchorage, Alaska 99507 SAMANTHA SMITH Anchorage MARGARET HAMLEY Juneau PHONE: 1-(907) 269-5654 or Administrative Clerk II 07/20/03 Program Budget Analyst IV 09/30/03 FAX to: 1-(907) 338-0276 or DARYL MAGNUSON Big Lake NORMAN HOOD Anchorage [email protected] State Trooper 07/28/03 Court Services Officer 09/30/03

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