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Montana trooper 1 Montana Trooper

ASSOCIATION OF MONTANA TROOPERS http://www.montanatrooper.com What is the AMT? The AMT is an independent association Association of Montana Troopers which is not affiliated with any other asso - P.O. BOX 394, DRUMMOND, MT 59832 ciation or union. It is funded by and run by troopers. OFFICERS DIRECTORS The Association’s Articles of Incorpo - President ration were completed in February of 1941. Art Collins District 1: Rocky Bailey, Corvallis; Lath Keith, Corvallis Membership in the corporation may be held by an active or retired trooper of the Mon - Drummond District 2: Kelly Mantooth, Lewistown Vice President tana Highway Patrol. District 3: Alex Betz, Helena The Association of Montana Troopers is Lath Keith not a charitable organization, nor is it orga - Corvallis District 4: Scott Ayers, Billings; Mark Tome, Billings nized or operated for charitable purposes. Secretary District 5: Mitchell Willett, Glasgow; Ed Hilbert, Glendive Bryan Adams What connection does the AMT have with the Bozeman District 6: Roy Christensen, Columbia Falls Montana Department of Justice Highway Patrol Treasurer District 7: Cal Janes, Townsend Division? Keith Edgell The AMT is an independent association Billings District 8: Robert Bender, Conrad representing active and retired troopers. Its Past President Headquarters Representative : Tom Butler views, opinions, policies and publications in Brad Sangray Retirees Reps: Bryan Adams, Bozeman; Sam Harris, Conrad; no way reflect the viewpoint of the Depart - Cut Bank ment of Justice or the Montana Highway Bob Clark, Ryegate; Bert Obert, Helena Patrol. MESSAGE TO OUR ADVERTISERS: As this publication is financed solely by the monies received from advertisements, we express our appreciation to those businesses that purchase advertisements What publication does the AMT produce? in Montana Trooper. We strive to make this a high quality publication that will provide the best Montana Trooper magazine is the only possible advertising exposure for our advertisers. We encourage our members and all our readers official publication and fund raiser for the Asso - to patronize those businesses that make this publication possible. ciation. Anyone not affiliated with this maga - zine should not be considered representing the YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE: The editor of the Montana Trooper welcomes your comments, crit - Association. icisms, or suggestions for the magazine. Your ideas for topics and/or types of articles which you Montana Trooper magazine assists asso - would like to see in future issues of the magazine will be appreciated and given every considera - ciation members in the following areas: tion. Please send your communications to: Scott Ayers, 1013 Babcock Blvd., Billings, MT 59105, • To create an awareness of a trooper’s job [email protected] and of efforts to maintain the high ideals and professional standards of our trooper ABOUT THE PUBLISHER: The Montana Trooper is published for the Association of Montana members. Troopers by Trooper Publications West, Inc. Sandra L. Daine, Publication Director. Advertising • To provide a fraternal organization for Mon - sales: 565 North 9th St., Suite #203, P.O. Box 181, Columbus, MT 59019-0181. Telephone (406) tana troopers. 322-4273. The publisher does not assume responsibility for the contents of this magazine or for • To interact with other highway patrol and statements of fact or opinion made by any contributor. state police agencies and associations on a national level. • To gain recognition and support from Mon - tana legislators. Change of Address

Why does the AMT use telemarketing? If you are moving, please let us know four weeks in advance of change of address. Attach magazine label and print your new address below, and mail to: Scott Ayers, 1013 Babcock Blvd., Billings, MT 59105, For a variety of reasons, but primarily [email protected] because it is the most cost effective way of reach - ing merchants and businesses in our very large state. Trooper Publications has an outstanding

record in the business and conducts its tele - RANK NAME ( please print ) marketing operations on behalf of the AMT in a friendly, professional manner. We thank you for advertising in Mon - ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP tana Trooper . By advertising in our magazine, your commercial message will reach judges, elected state, county and city officials, legis - lators, county attorneys, sheriffs, police offi - cers, business owners and operators, and all troopers, active and retired, as well as their families throughout Montana. ATTACH LABEL HERE

2 Montana trooper MONTANA

Vol. 20, TNo. 2 ROOPER Fall 2009

Association of Montana Troopers P.O. Box 394 Drummond, MT 59832 Features 9 Taps for a Trooper On the Cover By Nicholas Ledden

13 Police Week 2009

14 Remembering Evan Schneider, MHP 330

17 2009 Association of Montana Troopers Member Child Scholarship Recipients

25 Law Enforcement Carries Torch for Special Olympics Montana

27 50-Year Class Reunion Held in Lewiston

29 Spotlight on Retired Troopers: Bud Vacura BySil Kit Wa Rivera

25 Alive — Free Class Teaches Driving, Riding Safely Trooper Michael W. Haynes died on March 31 27, 2009, as a result of injuries sustained in the By Becky Shay line of duty traffic crash on March 23, 2009. Mike Haynes started the Academy on April 9, 2006, and he was sworn in on August 33 300 Wishes Bring Hope to Sick Kids 10, 2006. His initial station assignment was By Matthew Brown Baker, and he transferred to Kalispell on Octo - ber 1, 2007. Mike will be remembered for his love of the Patrol and loving the career he had chosen. Trooper Haynes’ photo is courtesy of Burch’s One Hour Photo, P.O. Box 2470, Kalispell, MT 59903. See story, page 9. Departments trooper schneider’s photo courtesy of Burch's one hour photo, p.o. Box 2470, Kalispell, Mt 59903. 4 Editor 43 On the Road Unless otherwise credited, material appearing 5 President 50 Final Patrol in this magazine is the property of the Associa - 6 Attorney General tion of Montana Troopers, P.O. Box 394, Drum - mond, MT 59832. Copyright © 2009, Association 7 Colonel of Montana Troopers, all rights reserved. Print - 35 Montana Hope Project ed in the U.S. Please contact the Association of 53 Directory Montana Troopers for permission to reprint. 37 In Uniform 60 Advertiser Index

Montana trooper 3 Montana Trooper

Editor’s Comments

Trooper Mike Haynes was a wonder - the recently restored 1935 Ford and ful family man, and he will be missed 1977 Plymouth is also there, with instruc - by all. We owe it to both Mike and tions on how members may obtain the Evan to bring about sweeping reform vehicles for community events, parades, with regard to DUI in their names and and car shows. memory. Lastly, I very much appreciate the In a somewhat related note, the overwhelming response I have had to Sgt. Scott Ayers new Association web site, www.montana- requests for submissions to the magazine Editor trooper.com, is up and running and as of late. As a result of the over - Montana Trooper there is memorial to all seven of the whelming response, some submissions Montana Highway Patrol’s fallen troop - had to be pared back a bit so as to ers there. make room for more, while others may Another six months has passed by There is a member’s only area which have to be held over until the next since our last issue, and unfortunately members and spouses, active duty and issue. If you feel your submission was we at the Montana Highway Patrol have retired, can apply for access to, and not given its due or you don’t see your said goodbye to yet another trooper in contained in that area is a bulletin board submission this time, please do not get the line of duty, Michael Haynes, our or forum for members, spouses, and discouraged. Do also continue to update third in less than two years. retirees to get together and talk about me as to your current mailing address All three troopers died in the line our losses or just to catch up. so that you never miss and issue. of duty as a result of traffic crashes, In addition, the calendar for use of Until next time, be safe. K which are the single most deadly event for law enforcement officers across our nation. Submission Guidelines One, David Graham, was lost to carelessness, and two troopers, Evan Montana Trooper welcomes contributions in the form of articles and photo - Schneider and Michael Haynes, lost graphs with captions. were due to the influence of alcohol on Articles should be submitted in Word and in both upper and lower case, not the errant driver’s part, bringing the all caps. The editor reserves the right to edit the text as per content and length issue of DUI to the forefront. in consideration of the style of this publication. Articles may be submitted either DUI and the many issues surround - on a CD or via electronic mail. ing it are complicated and interwoven, Hard copy photos, digital JPEG photos on CD, or digital JPEG photos via and no one single measure will be a electronic mail may be sent. All photographs should be of the highest possible panacea. The state legislature, courts, quality and, if digital, should be at least 5.1 megapixels for black and white repro - attorneys, law enforcement, medical professionals, insurance companies, duction and at least 7.0 megapixels for color reproduction. and, most importantly, the public must Photos meant for the cover are best displayed when taken vertically, as all take a stake in DUI and how it affects opposed to horizontal. each and every one of us on a daily Please indicate if you wish for your photo(s) and/or CD to be returned. Each basis. It is my firm belief that once the photo should have an accompanying description or caption. citizens of Montana have had enough Please do not imbed photos within articles, but rather send text and JPEG of DUI and its horrible results, the mind - photos as a part of separate files. set and trend that we have been exper - Send submissions and all other correspondence to: Scott Ayers, 1013 Babcock iencing for years will begin to taper off Blvd., Billings, MT 59105 or e-mail them to [email protected]. and then diminish.

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President’s Message

Sgt. Art Collins President AMT

Greetings all, we will have the ability to give our Well, it has been a very busy sum - opinion on matters concerning state mer, and it doesn’t look like the fall will law enforcement. In addition to having be any less so. There are so many things a voice, there are other benefits to our to write to you all about, so I will try families I hope we will never receive to just touch on the most important again. things. In addition to joining the National I know this letter will be in the fall Troopers Coalition, we will be hosting 2009 issue of Montana Trooper , and it the 2010 Spring NTC Conference. This has been a year since we have said good should be a great way to help us cele - bye to Evan and only a few months brate the 75 th Anniversary of the Montana since the loss of Michael. I believe we Highway Patrol, as well as show off our are on the way to ensuring these trage - great state. The conference will be held dies did not happen in vain. Colonel at the Grouse Mountain Lodge in White - Tooley and his administration have been fish near the end of April, 2010. I have and will be working with the legisla - only just begun to start working on this ture to pass stronger DUI laws in our and can see there is a lot of work yet state. Rest assured, your Association to do. Any help would be greatly appre - will be doing everything it can to assist ciated, I am sure there are several of the Colonel and his staff. I am sure our members that could be a great deal all of you will do your part in this of help on this project. endeavor. It is, in fact, a matter of life In closing, I would like to thank and death. the people who worked so hard for the Since I last wrote to you all, the Highway Patrol during the last legisla - Association has joined 38 other states tive session. I would also encourage across the nation to become members you to thank Attorney General Bullock, of the National Troopers Coalition. I Colonel Tooley, Lt. Colonel Huseby, believe it is important that we are Major Butler, and last, but certainly not involved not only in what happens in least, Mark Taylor. These people worked our state and region, but nationally as countless hours to safeguard this agency well. We may not be able to make much and its people. So if you see them, take difference by ourselves, but together to the time to thank them. I know there with the rest of the coalition, our voices are many others that should be listed, can and will be heard all the way to many of you included. Thank you all Washington D.C. While we may not for all you do. always agree with the NTC, at least Be Safe. K

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From the Attorney General

By Montana Attorney General Tradition of solid leadership continues at patrol Steve Bullock

On January 5 th , I was sworn in as Montana’s 20 th attorney general. That same day, the 61 st Leg - islative Session commenced, so we had to hit the ground running with our legislative and budget proposals. One of the most important tasks on my list was assembling the team that would help me accomplish my goals and lead the Department of Justice. For the Montana Highway Patrol, that meant finding someone who would continue to ensure the high degree of professionalism and ethical conduct we need in our troopers, some - one who would preserve and strengthen the would be needed. Patrol’s well-deserved reputation as an outstanding Trooper Haynes’s death was a deva stating law enforcement agency. And someone who would blow to District VI, the entire Montana Highway show the same degree of genuine respect, not Patrol, and us all. As the third fatality in that only to the motoring public, but to every employ - region in less than two years, it set us asking how ee and trooper of the Montana Highway Patrol. this could happen again. That is something Col. I believe I couldn’t have assigned those impor - Tooley and Capt. Edgell intend to find out. It is tant tasks to anyone more prepared than Mike my hope that their study will result in steps we Tooley. can take in the legislature, or through better road I swore Mike in as the Patrol’s 17 th colonel design and public education — whatever it takes on January 8. On the platform with us that day to keep our troopers and all Montana drivers safe. were six chairs, empty but for a Patrol hat and We owe that to Troopers Graham, Schneider, red rose on each one. We did not expect at the and Haynes, to their families, and to one anoth - time that, within just a few months, another chair er. I also encourage you to get involved in the legislative study that, over the next 18 months, will look into how we can reduce the prevalence and acceptance of impaired driving in our state. Let your commanding officers and your local leg - islators know your experiences and ideas. As the front line in responding to impaired drivers, you are in a unique position to educate others in your communities. Steve Bullock was elected as Montana’s 20 th Attorney General in November, 2008. K

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Colonel’s Message

Colonel Mike Tooley

I appreciate the opportunity to com - When tragedy strikes, there are two municate with the readers of Montana main choices that can be made. Focus - Trooper for the first time since being ing on the tragedy is one. The other sworn in as Colonel on January 8, 2009. choice is to act. The Patrol has chosen Since that time, many events have tran - to act. spired, including the loss of Trooper Through partnerships with the Mon - Mike Haynes on March 27 as the result tana State Legislature and other com - of injuries received in a traffic crash munity groups, a movement has already while on duty. Trooper Haynes was on begun to review the state’s position on routine patrol south of Kalispell when the issue of driving while impaired. a driver in the wrong lane of traffic col - Senate Joint Resolution 39 was lided with his vehicle. passed by the legislature and autho - The loss of Trooper Haynes was rizes an interim legislative study of our the third such tragedy in less than two DUI laws, as well as the culture behind years and follows the deaths of Trooper them. This is an opportunity to greatly David Graham and Trooper Evan improve the safety of the motoring pub - Schneider, both of whom also died in lic, which is exactly what the Montana traffic crashes when drivers crossed Highway Patrol was created in 1935 to into their lane of traffic. The Montana do. The Patrol needs to be a leader in Highway Patrol will study these three this era of change, and we will be. crashes in order to determine if there The mission of public safety con - are ways to prevent similar tragedies tinues. Next year, we will celebrate our in the future. Captain Keith Edgell will 75 th anniversary as an outstanding public lead an expert panel made up of indi - safety organization. There have been viduals from various fields. The panel many challenges for the Montana High - may make recommendations for changes way Patrol over the past seven-plus in policy or practice, or at the very least, decades, but the agency is as vital and answer the questions we all have as to professional as it has ever been. It is a how this could happen three times in privilege to serve as Chief of this organi - such a short span of time. Our fallen zation, and I look forward to working officers and those who survive them towards a better and safer future for deserve those answers. all of us. K

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8 Montana trooper Montana Trooper

Photo by Allison Money/Daily Inter Lake. ‘Taps’ for a Trooper

By Nicholas Ledden/Daily Inter Lake Published: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Reprinted with permission.

Hundreds turn out for MHP funeral

A somber phalanx of green- and black-clad Montana High - way Patrol troopers stood rigidly at attention Tuesday after - noon over the flag-draped casket of slain trooper Mike Haynes. more ®

Montana trooper 9 Montana Trooper continued Hundreds of people — including sheriff’s deputies from counties across Montana, police from cities large and small, Highway Patrol troopers from neighboring states, federal law enforcement officers and firefighters — attended Haynes’ funeral and the subsequent grave - side service at Glacier Memorial Gardens. With emergency lights flashing, police motorcycles led a procession north on U.S. 93 that stretched the entire route from church to cemetery. Members of the Patriot Guard Riders of Montana motorcycle organization lined the cemetery’s entrance, holding large American flags. Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Department of Transporta - tion Director Jim Lynch and Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock stood behind members of the fallen troop - er’s family as mourners placed red roses on Haynes’ casket. During the funeral, Haynes was remembered as a kind, loving, energetic and thoughtful man dedicated to his Christian faith. Photo by Allison Money/Daily Inter Lake. Also remembered as a man of honor and humility, Haynes is survived by his wife, Tawny; his two young Strains of “Amazing Grace” rose from a set of bag - children, Taryn, 3, and Elias, 16 months; and his par - pipes and toiled through the turbulent and snow-spotted ents, John and Melody Haynes of Kalispell. air as Montana Highway Patrol commander Col. Mike “He impacted my life, and I’m a better man because Tooley handed that flag — carefully taken from the cas - of it,” said Haynes’ brother-in-law, Jamison Wing. ket and folded by white-gloved troopers — to Haynes’ Wing shared with mourners stories of fishing trips widow, Tawny. he took with Haynes, few of which resulted in any great The patrol’s honor guard lifted their rifles and at a catch. On one trip to Libby Dam, Haynes was pulled barked command fired into the air, following the salute over by a patrolman because of a problem with the boat with the mournful cadence of a trumpet playing “Taps.” and trailer he was hauling. Out of the silence, a ceremonial last call broadcast “Later he said to us, ‘Man, these sneaky patrolmen, statewide burst from the radio of a nearby patrol car. they use cover real well,’” Wing said. Haynes later “All units and stations, clear the radio for a moment would become one of those “sneaky patrolmen” protect - of silence in honor of our fallen friend,” crackled the ing drivers on Montana’s highways. dispatcher’s voice, identifying Haynes by his badge Other fishing trips were to the place Haynes later number. proposed to his wife of five years and to the Old Steel “159, Kalispell Direct. Status check.” Bridge in Evergreen, Wing said. There was no answer. “I was impressed by Mike’s demeanor, his kind “159, Kalispell Direct. Status check.” smile,” Wing said. “He was a man of few words ... but Again, there was no answer. he was always in perpetual motion, for some reason.” “Copy 159. You’re now off shift and en route to the Wing urged mourners to “be like Mike: selfless, place your Heavenly Father has prepared for you.” hope-filled and just a positive person to be around.” Haynes, 28, died Friday at Kalispell Regional Med - Matthew Haynes remembered his brother as a lover ical Center from injuries suffered in the line of duty of games who excelled at whatever he did. during a March 23 collision with a drunk driver south “He gave his all no matter what he did, and he was of Kalispell. good at it,” Matthew Haynes said. “He was a hero, and According to investigators, Haynes was southbound he died a hero.” on U.S. 93 north of Somers at about 2:40 a.m. when a Haynes served in Iraq with the Montana Army car travel ing northbound in the southbound lanes National Guard before he became a trooper in 2006. struck the trooper’s marked cruiser head-on. “This wasn’t just a job to Mike. He had a purpose,” “Mike was a great man, and he led a great life,” said Tooley said. “Mike chose to stand guard over us, as a Tooley during Haynes’ memorial service Tuesday at the trooper and a soldier.” Christian Center Assembly of God Church in Kalispell. John Haynes, Mike’s father, also praised his son’s “In his 28 years he lived more than most people do in 80.” life of service to God, country and the people of Mon -

10 Montana trooper Montana Trooper

Photos by Nate Chute. tana. “That was what my son was, a servant,” he said. Rev. Jim Davey read from statements prepared by members of Haynes’ family who did not speak during the funeral. “Mike was a gentle, kind, loyal and tenderhearted young man. If you weren’t his friend, it’s only because he hadn’t met you,” wrote Haynes’ mother, Melody Haynes. Haynes’ wife, Tawny, wrote of the great love between her and her husband, a “kind and gentle soul hiding behind that quietness.” Haynes, a 2000 graduate of Flathead High School, was the seventh trooper to die in the line of duty in the Highway Patrol’s 74-year history. After 30 years with no fatali ties, the patrol has lost three troopers in the line of duty in the last 18 months, all from head-on collisions on Flathead Valley highways. Reporter Nicholas Ledden can be reached at 758- 4441 or by e-mail at nledden@daily- interlake.com.

Benefit fund The Trooper Michael W. Haynes Memor ial Fund has been established at First Interstate Bank. For dona - tions, please see your local branch.

MHP’s fallen Heroes Since the Montana Highway Patrol was founded 74 years ago, seven troopers have died in the line of duty. Five of them were in Northwest Montana. March 27, 2009: Trooper Mike Haynes of Kalispell died from injuries sustained four days earlier when his squad car was hit head-on south of Kalispell. Aug. 26, 2008: Trooper Evan Schneider of Kalispell died in a crash near Bad Rock more ® Photos by Allison Money/Daily Inter Lake.

Montana trooper 11 Montana Trooper continued

Montana Highway Patrol Col. Mike Tooley hands Trooper Mike Haynes’ widow, Tawny, an American flag during the graveside service Tuesday for the trooper who died last week. Next to her are Haynes’ mother, Melody, and father, John. In the back row, from left, are Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Attorney General Steve Bul - lock and Transportation Director Jim Lynch. Photo by Allison Money/Daily Inter Lake.

Canyon. While in pursuit of a vehicle, struck and killed by a pickup. Hed - Schneider was hit head-on by another strom had been on the road less than vehicle that was forced into oncom - three weeks following recruit acade - ing traffic. my. Oct. 9, 2007: Trooper David Gra - Aug. 1, 1954: Officer James ham of Kalispell died in a crash two Anderson had pulled over a driver on miles north of Kalispell when a vehi - the Bozeman Hill. A vehicle coming cle crossed a turn lane and hit him from the opposite direction struck head-on. Anderson. April 8, 1978: Officer Michael Nov. 2, 1946: Patrolman Robert Ren was shot and killed near Eureka. Steele was responding to a report of Ren was trying to arrest a man on an an armed robbery in Billings. The outstanding warrant. Ren pulled the suspects were headed east on High - suspect over and approached the way 10. Steele and another trooper vehicle with his gun drawn. The sus - spotted the getaway car parked in a pect pulled a rifle and shot Ren. ravine off the roadway. July 19, 1973: South of Kalispell, The troopers approached the car Officer Richard Hedstrom was writ - on the passenger’s side and Steele ing a warning ticket when he was was shot in the neck. K

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Police Week 2009

Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF ) and seminars sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors ( COPS ). The Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Grand Lodge Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Police are very proud to be the official Evan’s name as inscribed on the memorial wall. sponsor of the Memorial Service. In 2009, “Police Week” began on May 10 th , with 133 law enforcement offi - cers being honored. The Montana Highway Patrol had the sad occasion to add another name to the memorial, that of Trooper Evan Schneider, who was killed in the line of duty Evan’s brother Jim, also a MHP trooper, making a Statue at the memorial wall. while on patrol near rubbing at the wall. Columbia Falls. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy We honor Troopers Robert Steele, name will be added to the memorial in signed a proclamation which desig nated James Anderson, Richard Hedstrom, 2010), as well as all other law enforce - May 15 th as Peace Officers Memorial Michael Ren, David Graham, Evan ment officers who have died in the line Day and the week in which that date Schneider, and Michael Haynes (whose of duty. K falls as “Police Week”. Every year since, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world con - verge on Washington, D.C., to partici - pate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The first official memorial service took place on May 15, 1982. On that date, approximately 125 people gathered in Senate Park to honor 91 law enforce - ment officers. Over the past 22 years we have honored over 3,000 law enforce - ment officers from around our nation. Today, the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service has become one in a series of events which includes the Candlelight Vigil, which is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Candlelight vigil with a laser beam representing the thin blue line.

Montana trooper 13 Montana Trooper

Remembering Evan Schneider, MHP 330

had taken of Interstate 90, milepost 330, just outside of Livingston, reminiscent of Evan’s badge number. Evan was a lover of all animals. Several times he would take pictures of his interaction with dogs. Trooper Barcus wrote, “Personally, I would freak out if a gigantic beast

Trooper Evan Schneider passed away in the line of duty on August 26, 2008, and his loss continues to be felt even today. About Trooper Evan Schneider, Trooper Glen Barcus wrote, “There truly are not enough kind words that can be said about Evan. He was a great trooper, one whom I looked up to and admired, but he was an even better person. His comical and yet laid-back approach to life was definitely out of the norm.” Trooper Barcus sent a compilation of photos that reminded him of those traits in Evan, which included photos Evan more ®

14 Montana trooper Montana Trooper continued

more ®

Montana trooper 15 Montana Trooper continued jumped on my car, but Evan rolled down the window and snapped a picture.” There was a one-vehicle crash in Somers last summer. The crash occurred in late afternoon and the DUI driver left the road and crashed into Flathead Lake with his dachshund as a passen - ger. The dog was not found, and the drunk and his girlfriend were devas - tated. On Evan’s next shift, he went to the wrecking yard to see if it was some - how trapped in the car. Unable to find it, he went to the crash scene and start - ed poking around in the boulders and calling the dog’s name. Evan heard some whining and whimpering. Sec - onds later, the dachshund came running out from under a nearby build - ing, shivering and frightened, yet unharmed. Evan called the owners to come pick up their pup. Trooper Barcus also supplied sev - eral pictures of Evan at work, investi - gating a semi vs. car crash with Sgt. Roy Christensen just the driver. The man was passed out, beer still between his twenty days before he died. These photos are a great trib - legs. When Evan awoke the driver, the man had no idea ute to what Evan stood for and worked every day to accom - where he was, only that he was on his way from Bozeman plish. to Butte to visit his son. The man was facing eastbound on On his way home from training, Evan happened upon MT 200. a vehicle parked on the shoulder of MT 200 near Ovando We all remember a training pamphlet we received in in the early morning hours. He noticed the PT Cruiser had 2007. The cover featured a scraggily looking overweight fresh damage and suspected the driver had just hit a deer. guy with a goatee with a terrible angry pose. Evan had Not too excited about having to delay his drive home, Evan Trooper Rick Mehring (MHP 272) take several pictures of pulled in behind the vehicle and approached to talk with him imitating this pose. As was common, Evan changed all of the screen savers in the office to this picture and placed a copy of the pamph - let in question by the monitor for com - parison. One day while at break at the Back Room Restaurant in Columbia Falls, Evan left earlier than the others, hav - ing been called out. As Evan got into his car, he heard a deputy was in pursuit of a vehicle, and they were literally headed right towards him. Without moving his car, Evan removed his stop sticks and spiked the vehicle as they drove buy, thus ending the pursuit. That night, he posed like a proud papa with his spent stop stick. Evan’s zest for life and his career was infectious and left a lasting impres - sion on those who he came into con - tact with. As we look back, no more fitting tribute can be made. Evan, we salute you. K

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2009 Association of Montana Troopers Member Child Scholarship Recipients

Each year, the Association of Montana Troopers grants secondary education scholarships to legal sons or daughters of active duty or retired members in good standing. The scholarships are for $1,000 and can be renewed for up to a total of $4,000 or four years of secondary education. In addition, the Association of Montana Troopers recently instituted a public scholarship for persons seeking a criminal justice degree from a Montana secondary education institution. The scholarship is also for $1,000 and is not renewable. For more information about these scholarships, as well as the Dearborn Ranch Scholarship for Children of Montana Highway Patrol Officers, please visit our web site at: http://montanatrooper.com/scholarships/.

My name is Ally Hagenbuch , and spend a lot of time making videos, both as school projects, I will be a junior at Montana State and for fun, often times I upload my videos to YouTube. University Billings. My dad is Trooper My love for film is the reason that I wish to attend Montana Todd Hagenbuch, and my mother, State University in Bozeman, Montana, in order to get the Karleen Hagenbuch, is an auditor for Film/Video/Theater degree which they offer. I would like the Montana Department of Revenue. to thank the Association of Montana Troopers for consid - I graduated from Billings West High ering me in their scholarship program. in 2007 and spent my first year of college in Bozeman. I transferred to Billings in 2008 where I am currently pursuing My name is Craig Becker . En - a degree in Accounting and am planning to graduate in durance can mean several things, but May 2011. During my spare time, I enjoy snowboarding, the way I intend to use the word in hiking, camping, fishing, reading, and spending time with the following passage means being my family. I would like to thank you for considering me able to outlast. I am a very enduring as a recipient of the 2009 Association of Montana Troopers person, and when it comes to college scholarship. I am finding ways to be successful. Whether it takes long hours of study - My name is Matthew Allan Bailey , ing, going to a tutor, or working my and my parents are Michael “Rocky” way up to higher level classes I will Bailey, and Kerri Bailey. I was born graduate from the college of my choice with flying colors. in Glendive, Montana. For a short I played football all four years of my high school career. time my family lived in Big Timber, Come rain or shine, snow or cold, heat of injury I managed Montana, where my dad worked as to endure. I was not the best player on the team by any a Highway Patrol Officer. After leav - means, but I loved the game and the want to play Friday ing Big Timber, we moved to Hamilton, nights under the lights kept me going. It was tough through Montana, where my dad continued all the elements listed above, and the coaches pushing me work as a State Trooper. I have spent hard. I had figured out it was ninety percent mental and most of my life in the Bitterroot Valley, and I go to victor that is the attitude I have taken into college. high school. I have participated in football, track and field, I have used my endurance to experience the outdoors. drama, and baseball. In my free time, I enjoy spending time I am a camper, hunter, and fisherman and through these outdoors, by skiing, biking, kayaking and hiking. I also more ®

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18 Montana trooper Montana Trooper continued events have learned that endurance leads to patience and graduated from there the summer of patience is a virtue. Enduring the situations has also pre - 2009. I truly enjoyed participating in pared me to be a successful college student. I will fight all of the top choral groups at the through hardships whatever they may be, I will be patient, school, along with active under takings and drive hard for what I want. in cross country and track & field. I I have chosen to pursue a four-year degree in electri - am very active in the music ministry cal engineering at the U of M Montana Tech. I will endure at my church, where I get to sing with the longevity and come out ahead. my dad in a praise band. I’ve also had the privilege of singing at local Caitlin Adorni is currently a junior nursing homes, school functions, and at the University of Mary in Bismarck, Christmas parties around the Gallatin Valley. In addition, I North Dakota. She is involved in the served as president of my church’s youth group. I have university’s forensics team and ener - found that becoming a schoolteacher really suits me. I am getically volunteers at Big Brothers considering several out-of-state colleges such as Eastern and Big Sisters. Caitlin actively demon - Oregon University, University of Mary in North Dakota, strates servant leadership by partici - and Concordia College in Nebraska. Montana State University pating in her local bible study. in Billings is also a possibility for my major of elementary In addition, Caitlin has been education. I am very grateful to the Association Montana honored for her scholastic achieve - Troopers for making available a scholarship to help me ments throughout her college career. She has been a member financially in furthering my education. of the Dean’s List and Honor Roll for all four semesters while attending the University of Mary. She has also been Jessica Finley , daughter a member of the Harold Shaffer Leadership Academy where of Montana Highway Trooper she has refined her leadership skills and learned the impor - Sean Finley, is a recent grad - tance of the Benedictine values as an active participant. uate of the University of Mon - tana. Jessica graduated early Courtney Adorni is currently a with two degrees including a senior at Wibaux County High School Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in Wibaux, Montana. She is involved as well as a Bachelor of Arts in many school and community activi - in Sociology with an emphasis ties, which include FCCLA, FFA, choir, in Criminology. She main - band, PALS mentoring program, and tained Dean’s List marks, completed sociology internships, 4-H. She also participated in all girls’ and committed time to volunteering through her sorority varsity high school sports. These activ - Kappa Alpha Theta all while holding a part-time employ - ities include volleyball, basketball, ment position. Jessica is currently preparing for law school and track. In addition, Courtney in fall 2009 where she has been accepted at the University ac tively demonstrates teen leadership skills through her of Montana. local church as a youth mentor. She has received accolades from her pastor and church leaders for this involvement. Hi, my name is Caitlin Fox . I am Courtney has been honored to have been recognized from Lewistown, MT and graduated for her scholastic and athletic achievements throughout her from Fergus High School last spring. high school career. She is an honor roll student and a Currently I am enrolled in college at member of the Wibaux County High School Academic Montana Tech in Butte. I am going to Olympics team. Her athletic honors have included 1st Team college for Metals Fabrication and I All-Conference in volleyball, 1st Team All-Conference in am really enjoying it. When I am home basket ball, as well as 4-C District 1st Team All-Tournament I hang out with and Tournament MVP, and 4-C Divisional 1 st Team All- my little sister Tournament. She was a member of the 2008 State Track as much as possible. Hanging out with 4x100 relay team that set a Wibaux County High School friends and watching movies is always record. a fun time. In my spare time from college I like to swim, run, play Hi! I’m Elissa Adams , and I am the daughter of retired basketball and ride dirt bikes. officer Bryan Adams. I live in Bozeman, where my father has served 22 of his 25 years in law enforcement. I have Hi, my name is Kale Huseby . had many good years at Bozeman High School and re cently Thank you for selecting me as a recipi - more ®

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20 Montana trooper Montana Trooper continued ent of the Association of MT Troopers Scholarship. I grad - my hometown, and definitely miss the beautiful landscape uated in May of 2008 from CM Russell High School in Great there. I graduated from Fergus High School, where I Falls and am now attending the University of Montana, participated in basketball and volleyball for a couple years, majoring in Political Science. as well as track and softball. My main hobby is playing and listening to music. I I grew up with a desire to pour into the next genera - have been involved in several different bands playing the tion, as well as a love for writing and photography. I went tuba, trombone and bass guitar. I have also picked up instru - to the University of Montana for a year to study photo - ments such as acoustic guitar and banjo in my free time. I journalism. It was a great year, but also a year that made also enjoy tennis, hiking, skiing, politics and reading. me question if I really wanted to get further into photo - My parents are Butch (MHP 110) and Rhonda Huseby. journalism. I heard about a youth ministry internship here Your support is greatly appreciated! in Tennessee, so I applied and got in! Subsequently, I moved down here and participated in the internship for about a My name is Jessica Hensley , and year and a half. I enjoyed the great experiences during that I am a junior at Flathead Community time: I wrote and edited Bible studies, talked to thousands College. My dad is Trooper Robert of teens online about many issues they were facing, and Hensley and my mom, Shelly Hensley, took some counseling and Bible classes. For part of the is a registered nurse at Colonial Manor internship, we traveled around the Midwest helping with in Whitefish, Montana. I was born altar calls along with a band called Seventh Day Slumber . and raised in Great Falls, Montana. I I ended up loving youth ministry, as trying as it was some - lived in Haughton, LA for three years times, and felt the Lord calling me to stay here in Tennessee. while my dad was stationed there with I finished the internship about a year ago, and became the United States Air Force. We moved a youth leader at my church. I wound up back in school at back to Montana where I went to CMR high school, my a community college called Columbia State. I’m currently freshman year and Whitefish high school my sophomore, pursuing a journalism degree, and learning how to apply junior and senior years. I graduated from Whitefish high the gifts God’s given me to everyday life. I would to write school in 2007. I am majoring in Elementary Education and at least one book someday! Yet this much I know is certain: really enjoy working with children. During my spare-time, my writing needs to be unto greater things. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, playing The question I’m asking myself right now is, “ How do Frisbee Golf and Fantasy Football. I live my God-given life in a way that makes an impact for eternity? ” My name is Kaitlin Hagenbuch . My parents are Karleen and Todd Henry King graduated from Hagenbuch. My dad is a trooper in Whitefish High School in 2008. Columbus, MT. I graduated from He is currently attending Flat - Billings West High School in 2007 as head Valley Community College a valedictorian. I first went to college and plans to transfer to the at MSU Bozeman but then, after my University of Montana. Henry first year, transferred to University of hopes to teach English as a second Montana-Missoula with my boyfriend language abroad. of three years. I am currently major - ing in accounting and plan on attending the Law School in Kristen Mantooth is a Lewistown Missoula to become a tax attorney. In my free time I love native currently attending Montana to ski, paint, back pack, work out, hang out with friends, State University-Billings. She will be and take my mini dachshund long-boarding. graduating this December with a degree in Public Relations and an art minor. My name is Kaycee Mantooth , She hopes to one day be a public rela - and I am almost 22 years old. I am tions consultant for a non-profit orga - the daughter of Kelly and Carrie nization. Kristen will be marry ing Jeff Mantooth of Lewistown. My dad, Yeley of Billings in a Lewistown wed - Kelly, is a Highway Patrolman there. ding on August 8 th . I grew up in Montana, but now I Kristen Mantooth recently finished a year of servant find myself in Thompson Station, leadership to the great state of Montana while under the Tennessee. My parents are still in role of Miss Montana 2007. During the year Kristen acted Montana, as well as my two sisters, as a goodwill ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network. Kristen and Kara. I call Lewistown To raise awareness and funds for Children’s Miracle Network, more ®

Montana trooper 21 Montana Trooper continued Kristen wrote and illustrated a children’s book called Danny year at the United States Naval Acad - goes to the Doctor. Kristen also acted as a state spokes person emy (USNA), where I’ll graduate 28 for the Montana Hope Project. Kristen represented Montana May 2010 with a degree in Mechan - at the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas. She then spent ical Engineering. Most of my days as the rest of her year traveling across Montana doing numer - a midshipman are spent toiling away ous appearances and speaking about her platform “REACH!” to learn the finer points of the Mechani - which encourages integrity in Relationships, Emotions, cal Engineering field. In addition to Actions, Character, and Habits. my scholastic duties, I put in for and Throughout college Kristen worked as a wild land fire attained the position of squad leader, fighter with the Bureau of Land Management. She worked making me responsible for the wel - in Montana and was also sent on some detail missions to fare of twelve other midshipmen. I’ve also set up training Arizona and Utah while on a small engine crew and also a courses for my underclassmen and squad in building searches helitack crew. and Active Shooter situations. Once this phase was com - To accomplish all of this Kristen needed a strong sup - pleted, I became part of the Training Cadre that received port at home. Kristen has two inspiring parents and two and helped train the 1,200 or so new Midshipmen entering wonderful sisters. Her parents own All Awards, a trophy the academy for Plebe Summer 2009, eight weeks of hell and engraving store located in Lewistown. Kristen’s mom, on earth for these young men and women. One highlight Carrie, is a grant writer for Snowy Mountain Developments of this year included a surface cruise aboard the Cruiser and Montana’s Resource Conservation and Development. U.S.S. Port Royal CG-73. On my 25-day-underway period Kristen’s father, Kelly, is a 23 year Montana State Trooper. I was able to observe several missile, deck gun, and close- in-weapons exercises. Additional summer training experi - Hi, my name is Shelby Logan . I ences included a short underway period on a submarine, like to live a very active life. I enjoy flying a T-6 trainer jet, and a week with the Marines in doing any kind of outdoor activity. I Camp Lejune. After experiencing much of what the Navy have a passion for snowmobiling and has to offer, I feel I am best suited for service in the Marine dirt biking. I work hard to complete Corps and hope to pursue a career as a Marine aviator. any task given to me. I am a quiet Thank you Association of Montana Troopers for the very individual and like to keep to myself. generous AMT Scholarships and support of my endeavors I am a person that likes to work with in my educational and vocational fields. their hands. I like anything mechani - cal. I enjoy driving anything with an My name is Kayla Rosenberg , engine. I like to make small tweaks to my vehicles to make daughter of Jim and Lynn Rosenberg. them operate better. I am going to attend MSU-Northern I grew up in Harlowton, MT, and grad - next fall. I will major in Electrical Technology. uated Salutatorian of my class in 2007. I am 20 years old and in my second My name is Lucas Coccoli , and I year of college at the University of am currently a freshman at Montana Montana in Missoula, MT. I am major - State University. I am a Fish and ing in conservation with an empha - Wildlife Management major and hope sis on hydrology. After finishing school, to someday become a MT Game I would like to travel before settling Warden. I like to play just about any down to a set job, and maybe join the Peace Corps for a sport especially football and basket - year or two. ball. I enjoy being outside and always find fun things to do such as skiing, My name is Joshua Smith , son of hunting and fishing. I am currently retired trooper Dan Smith. I was born working part time as a “work-study” student at the MT Fish, and raised in Montana and current - Wildlife and Parks office here in Bozeman with the enforce - ly am a student at Montana State Uni - ment division. I plan to apply for the Game Warden trainee versity. I am a senior and am expect - position my junior year in order to reach one of my most ed to graduate May 2010 with a B.S. important long term goals. Being selected as a recipient of in Civil Engineering. After gradua - this scholarship will greatly help me in both my scholastic tion, I plan to attend graduate school and occupational endeavors. and work towards a M.S. in Struc - tural Engineering. Aside from school, I am Nathan Adams , the son of retired officer Bryan I have worked for a local contractor for about the past eight Adams, and am currently completing my Senior (1 st Class) years framing homes in the Belgrade/Bozeman area. When more ®

22 Montana trooper Montana Trooper continued I find time away from work and school I enjoy hunting, really enjoy working in the lab and try to spend as much snowboarding, target shooting, and hiking with my dog time on my research as is possible with my studies and my Morgan. Attending school full time as well as working can extracurricular activities. I am the President of my sorority, be a difficult task; although the past assistance provided by Alpha Gamma Delta, and the Alumnae Relations chair of the Association of Montana Troopers has eased the burden the senior honor society Mortar Board. This year I am apply - and has been greatly appreciated. ing to graduate schools and hope to get accepted into the biology graduate program at the University of Washington, My name is Tiffany Hensley , and where I can continue to research and earn a doctorate in I am senior at Montana State University- biology. During my spare-time, I enjoy reading, hanging out Bozeman. My dad is Trooper Robert with my friends, family, and sorority sisters, hiking, and Hensley and my mom, Shelly Hensley, exploring the outdoors. is a registered nurse at Colonial Manor in Whitefish, Montana. I was born My name is Zach Coccoli , and I and raised in Great Falls, Montana am the son of Sergeant Bruce Coccoli. with the exception of living in I am from Choteau and have been Haughton, LA for three years while blessed with the opportunity, through my dad was stationed there with the scholarships such as this, to attend United States Air Force. Upon moving back to Montana, I Washington State University where I spent my junior and senior year of high school in White - am currently a sophomore studying fish, MT and graduated from Whitefish High School in 2006. Political Science and Environ-mental This year I will finish my degree in cell biology and neuro - Resource Economics. I hope to science with a minor in biochemistry and graduate from continue my education at law school Montana State University in May 2010. I am currently work - and then pursue a career in international environmental ing on research in a developmental biology lab at MSU. I development. K

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24 Montana trooper Montana Trooper

LawEnforce- mentTorchRun forSpecial OlympicsMon- tanafinalleg participants. Backrow,from lefttoright: BlaineHeavner, MarvinReddick, PatMcLaughlin, BradMoore, DanAmundson, JoshGiddings, JoshBrown. Frontrow: MarcusCook.

Law Enforcement Carries Torch for Special Olympics Montana

ver 500 Montana Law Enforcement representatives contributed over $5,000 in pledges to Special Olympics and their friends hit the streets, highways, and byways Montana, and was not without its perils, with high winds Oof Big Sky Country starting on April 27, 2009. In and rain at times. Pierce RV in Billings donated the use of addition to fulfilling their duties of enforcing speed limits, an RV for the leg, which was greatly appreciated. maintaining order, and keeping our state safe, they fulfilled The relay continued on in the days that followed, with another different type of duty. runners converging on Bozeman from both the east and the The relay began with ten starting points around the state west. with hundreds carrying the Flame of Hope 2,400 miles to the As the torch closed in on Bozeman, the following troopers State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies in Bozeman. The took up the call: arrival and lighting of the cauldron officially began the Games. Jeff Sargent participated in the run/bike combination One such relay leg was coordi nated by Trooper Tony on the east side of Gallatin County, from Bear Canyon to Beehler (MHP 172) of Hardin and garnered numerous Bozeman. participants from the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office and Brett Charvat handled the escort for east Gallatin Montana Highway Patrol, who came together to make the County. trip from Hardin to Billings on May 8, 2009. This leg alone more ®

Montana trooper 25 Montana Trooper

TroopersKyleHayter(running)andBrainSampson(biking)maketheirwayfrom TroopersKyleHayter(running)andBrainSampson(biking)maketheirwayfrom HardintoBillings,escortedbyTrooperDarvinMeesandSergeantScottAyers. HardintoBillings,escortedbyTrooperDarvinMeesandSergeantScottAyers.

Justin Braun participated in the relay from Three Forks to Belgrade, changed, and escorted the runners from Belgrade to Bozeman. Marvin Reddick ran 8 miles with Broadwater County and handled the escort from Three Forks to Belgrade, then changed to the run/bike combi - nation to Bozeman. Mike Walrath handled the escort from Three Forks to Bozeman. Josh Giddings assisted with trans - ports of equipment, handled calls, and when not busy, joined in the escort. Shawn Fowler initially offered to take Bozeman calls and provided escort for the Park County leg. The following troopers assisted ParticipantsfromtheMontanaHighwayPatrolattheconclusionoftheirlegfromHardintoBillingsonMay with final leg, presentation of the torch, 8,2009.Fromlefttoright:SergeantScottAyers,TroopersKyleHayter,JasonGrover,BrianSampson,Mark and lighting of the Caldron: Tome,JustinKirchheck,TonyBeehler,CaptainKeithEdgell,TrooperShaneWarehime,andSergeantCraig Baum.(Notpictured:TrooperDarvinMees) Pat McLaughlin, Dan Amundson, Josh Giddings, Marvin Reddick, and Marcus Cook participated in the run, while Josh Brown and Blaine Heavner provided escort. Once finished with the delivering of the torch, Troopers Marcus Cook, Dan Amundson, and Marvin Reddick quickly changed into Class A dress uniforms for the Circle of Honor pre - sentation in the MSU Fieldhouse. The athletes and theirs families appreciated our participation, and it was great meeting our new Attorney General Steve Bullock. Mr. Bullock personally made the effort to introduce himself and thank each of us for being a part of such a great event. All and all, it was a great success, one of which ParticipantsfromtheBigHornCountySheriff’sOfficeandtheMontanaHighwayPatrolpreparetodepart the Montana Highway Patrol was proud HardinearlyonthemorningofMay8,2009,enroutetoBillings. to be a part of. K

26 Montana trooper Montana Trooper

50-Year Class Reunion Held in Lewiston

ByKennethHoefner,Captain(M.H.P.Retired) colorfully. Perhaps a little come upmanship may have been at work here too. You might say that in some measure you The Montana Highway Patrol Recruit Class of 1958 gath - could sense the brushing aside of the hazards that were faced ered in Lewistown, Montana, on August 22, 2008, to com - and replaced with a giggle at how well things turned out. memorate the beginning of their careers fifty years ago with Our class was not unusual for the time, but it was unique the Patrol. In attendance were Larry Eckhardt, Jim Girdler, for many reasons. Thirty two men were selected from a field Ken Hoefner, Jack Kenyon, Dan Magone, Walt Miller, Har - of more than five hundred applicants to fill the ranks of the vey Olson, Leonard Rice, Jack Shields and Ralph Snodgrass 1958 class. Two candidates withdrew just before classes and their wives. They appear older now, but have clear mem - began and too late to replace them. Selection was in three ories of their most memorable experiences on the job. It is parts; first was a multiple part written test, then an inten - amazing how harrowing these encounters can be at the time sive sweaty oral interview, and finally a physical examina - and yet how humorous some become after the fact. And yes, tion at the Galen State Hospital. after a good meal, the stories of the past flowed freely and more ®

Lefttoright.Standing:HarveyOlson,LarryEckhardt,JackShields,JackKenyon,LeonardRice,KenHoefner.Seated:JimGirdler,DanMagone,WaltMiller, RalphSnodgrass.

Montana trooper 27 Montana Trooper

continued Classes began on July 7, 1958, at Fort Harrison in Helena, ed and knowledgeable men from within the ranks of the Montana. Class members were housed in four man ”Officers” Patrol. They were there in the areas we worked to guide and quarters. This may sound plush today, but in reality it was shape us as Patrolmen. Thirteen in this class earned twen - nothing more than a tar paper hut with 2x4s exposed inside ty four promotions. At retirement, there were 5 Captains, 2 with a coal stove for heat, except there was no coal available Lieutenants, and 6 Sergeants. The remainder chose to remain to us. Living was rather primitive, and necessary facilities in positions in which they felt most comfortable or because were fifty yards across the field. they had become rooted in the communities they served. Classes concluded on August 30, 1958. The final formal All of these men were dedicated to the work they enjoyed activity was the interview to receive the good news-bad news and the public they served. of grades and class standing. The class standing established We became a part of a brotherhood that looked after the order in which an individual would be called to work. one another. We lifted each other up when one another was After that was the letdown of returning home to wait for the down, and we discouraged and guided each other over call to report for duty. familiar rough spots along the way. In the years between That call began on September 11, 1958, when ten eager 1958 and 1990, no member of this class was lost to the new Patrolmen reported to their Captains to begin their new hazards that are encountered on a daily basis. careers with the Montana Highway Patrol. The final mem - Many, however, were scarred emotionally and physi - ber of the class came on board in 1961, after a not so sub - cally by what they saw and encountered during their ser - tle choice was suggested, as only Captain Kerr could so aptly vice. Eight of our numbers have died of natural causes in put it. At that time, all thirty members of the class were now recent years and others are now experiencing declining in uniform and had settled into new careers and communi - health. ties. Oh yes, offenders quickly learned there was a new bear One question remains; did we reach the youthful goals on the prowl and a new strategy in play to catch them. We and ambitions we had set for ourselves when we first started? just thought if we worked hard at it, the highways might Some were fulfilled, and some were beyond our reach. Most just be a little safer place to drive. agree, however, that an honest effort was made to reach the Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the first resigna - goals set by the Patrol. We trained those who followed in tion was in after just 2 years 2 months and 2 days. More time tested management practices we knew to be success - would leave in the years to come, but the most to leave in ful to improve how the Montana Highway Patrol would func - any one year was 1978. Retirement and greener pastures tion in the future. We may not have reached all of those looked good and their time was in so it was time to leave. early goals, and we may have stubbed our toes here and Twenty of the class retired with 20 or more years of service. there, but the Class of 1958 did in fact leave its mark on the The Class of 1958 service ran from 2 years 2 months and 2 Montana Highway Patrol. days to 32 years and 19 days when the last of the class retired. Perhaps in conclusion we should note that in 1958 the Impressive is the combined service to Montana of these thir - sworn officers of the Montana Highway Patrol were all male. ty men. Their time adds up to 540 years 9 months and 11 That practice continued until 1979, when our first female days. officer was sworn and began her service. Since then, many Historically, we felt we were a special group of Patrol - more practices and terminologies have changed. The term men. We entered the job while some original Patrolmen were patrolman or patrolmen are used here as it was appropriate still working. We were trained by an elite group of dedicat - during the tenure of most of this class. K

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28 Montana trooper Montana Trooper

Spotlight on Retired Troopers: Bud Vacura

BySilKitWaRivera

*Editors note: The fol - lowing article was original - ly printed in the fall 1998 issue of Montana Highway Patrolman. It is being re- printed in honor of retired Captain Bud Vacura, a mem - ber of the Patrol’s second recruit academy in 1937 and the first president of the Association of Montana High - way Patrolmen (now the Association of Montana Troopers), who recently passed away. For more infor - mation, please see Final Patrol.

t’s been sixty years since Bodley (Bud) B. Vacura began power lines that ran along much of the highway, my re - his association with the Montana Highway Patrol. Bud ceiver was pretty much useless; a noise box.” Imay be retired, but his can-do attitude isn’t. From the “Back then, we had check points. One was at the time he was elected as the first president of the Associa - sheriff’s office, and we had others at places outfitted with tion of Montana Highway Patrolmen back in 1940, to his a telephone along the patrol route. Gas stations and such.” current service on the Board of Directors representing Patrolmen would sign in at these check points. If there retired members, Bud has served as a role model for all were any messages or calls, they were relayed through of us that wear the uniform. these sites. “We got two way radios after the war.” Bud commenced service on April 1st, 1937, to attend There were nine enforceable “highway menaces” that the second Patrol Academy, which brought the total force could result in a summons or arrest when the Patrol began of officers up to forty-one. As the first Columbus patrol - taking enforcement action. Bud states, “We didn’t have a man, Bud cruised into town in a 1936 Hudson Terraplane. lot of people wanting to go to trial. In my time, I don’t “The first thing I did when I pulled into town,” recalls believe that I had over a half dozen trials.” Whether or not Bud, “was to go down and see the county sheriff. Frank that was because people just knew they were guilty and Murphy was the Stillwater County Sheriff and Paul Rosine took responsibility for what they had done, I can’t say. It was the undersheriff. Frank became one of my closest was different.” friends.” When asked about the most memorable events of his This was fortunate, because there were about ten career, Bud shook his head. “That would probably be the patrolmen in the Billings division back then; an area encom - Bear Creek mine disaster back in February of 1943. “I passing one fourth of the state. remember getting the message on Saturday morning to In 1938, the Patrol purchased the first mobile receiving report to Bear Creek. Naturally, I expected to get back units. “As a matter of fact,” Bud recalls, “because of the home that night. Well, when I got to Bear more ®

Montana trooper 29 Montana Trooper

continued Creek, it was total confusion.” position, he won the bid for Captain of the Great Falls “There were seventy-eight miners trapped. Myself and division and stayed there for ten years. He retired in 1963 the other patrolmen took care of getting the rescue workers with twenty five years of distinguished service. and gear to and from red Lodge.” When a trooper serves, so do their families. About his “I’ll never forget the Thursday that they brought out wife, Bud says, “She was definitely a career patrolman’s the first load of miners, all dead. It was about 20 below wife. There was never a conversation between us over zero with two feet of snow on the ground. I was down whether she was worried, but, of course, she did. There wind, and the odor was pretty bad. I had to destroy that were many times after midnight that I would call to say, uniform — I never could get the odor out.” ‘Well, I’m here, and I don’t expect to be back until…’ That “That night about ten o’clock, they brought out forty probably relieved a little tension, but there were trying more dead. That’s not something you forget. We served times.” ten days in all.” It’s been thirty four years since Bud Vacura retired From 1943 to 1945, Bud completed a tour of duty in from eth patrol, but he hasn’t been idle. With a true entre - the Army, 30 th Division, and 119 th regiment. During World preneur’s eye, he saw that Missoula had a market and War II, his tour included Belgium and Germany. In 1945, need for automatic car washes. He partnered up with he returned to his Patrol career. another fellow, then built and patented their own auto - He has vivid memories of November, 1946. “(Patrol - matic car wash. They ended up selling them all over the men) Gordon McDermid, Robert Steele, and I had met in United States, even shipping two to Puerto Rico. Laurel for a cup of coffee. After we finished, they head - After finally selling that patent and business, they saw ed back toward Billings, and I headed back to Columbus.” a need for foreign car parts store in Missoula. This was “I got a radio call that they had been in a shoot-out. about 1970, and at that time, everyone had to drive to Naturally, I headed back to see what I could do, but when Spokane for foreign car parts. Naturally, that business was I got there, it was all over.” a success as well, but the story doesn’t end there. Patrolman Steele was killed in the gun battle with one Bud’s son Tom was about to graduate from the university of the men who robbed the Olive Motel in Billings. Offi - and hadn’t decided on a particular career. Bud had just cer McDermid was wounded, but he had been able to noticed that Missoula didn’t have an ice company, so Bud shoot and kill one suspect and wound the other. and Tom set up a small ice plant in the garage. Tom sold When asked about tough spots he had been in, Bud $5,000.00 worth of ice that summer. From there, they rubbed his chin. “Well, one night I stopped a fellow that moved to a large building that Bud owned, and the ice was pretty important in his community – and he had been empire of Missoula was born. drinking quite a bit. I guess he knew that if he got a DUI, Through it all, Bud has remained active in the Associa - he could lose his position. Anyway, he grabbed a 30/30 rifle tion of Montana Highway patrolmen. Retired now for out of the back of his car. I was able to wrestle it away thirty four years, he’s still emphatic about the need to from him, but that was quite a fight. He ended up in jail, work for the officers, both current and retired. “The Asso - after all.” ciation does a lot of good. If greater numbers of officers When asked about patrol cars, Bud noted that in the would get their shoulder to the wheel, it could be even early days, the patrol got a new fleet every year. “Except better.” for the war years. We mostly used 1941 Fords through the When asked what advice he has for those of you on war to 1945. Everything was scarce then.” the road, he smiles infectiously. “The thing that stayed Every trooper has a favorite patrol car. Bud’s was his with me the most, the words that were drilled into me and 1951 Hudson Hornet. Groups of officers flew to Duluth to that I thought about every time I made a stop, were ‘firm, pick up the Hudsons, which were revered for their power. fair, and impartial’. Simple words, but if you follow them, Bud continued his career by bidding Anaconda, where you’ll never go wrong.” he served until 1949. He was then promoted to Captain Thanks, Bud. We’re proud to follow in your tradition. and Safety Director in Helena. After four years in that K

30 Montana trooper Montana Trooper

25 Alive — Free Class Teaches Driving, Riding Safely

ByBeckyShay—OftheGazetteStaff 25 Alive ClAss DesCriptions PublishedThursday,June18,2009. Reprintedwithpermission. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Brenda Timm is offering Alive at 25 training for young drivers. The free eer pressure is tough on kids. Apply that pressure course teaches young drivers defensive-driving and safe- inside thousands of pounds of metal hurling along the driving skills. Part of the curriculum is the “RUA” philosophy, Proadway and it can be deadly. which teaches young drivers to: That is why the driving course Alive at 25 gives young • Recognize the hazard — which means scanning people the skills they need to be good drivers who control ahead, around and behind the vehicle; checking mirrors not only the vehicles they drive but the behavior of people every three to five seconds and using the “what if ... “ in them. And, when they are passengers, the course encour - strategy to stay alert and spot hazards. ages them to assert their right to control their own future • Understand the defense — which means knowing by not getting into unsafe and potentially fatal situations. what to do to avoid traffic hazards, the consequences of People ages 15-24 are 83 percent more likely to be driving choices and basic defenses. involved in a car crash, according to National Safety Council • Act correctly, in time — which means being alert statistics. and concentrating on the driving task; choosing the safest “If we can get these kids to the age of 25, their chances driving maneuver to avoid a crash and remembering that improve,” Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Brenda Timm other drivers may act in time but they may act incorrectly. said. As a trooper, Timm knows the dangers faced by inexperi - enced drivers who are more likely than their older counter - little encouragement. parts not only to crash a vehicle but die in that wreck. As The course cannot be offered as part of driver’s an aunt, she knows the pain of losing a young loved one in education curriculum but is a perfect complement to a car crash. As a mom to two teenage boys, she knows the the class, Timm said. One of the students said he liked Alive concerns of handing over the car keys to a young driver. at 25 because it was “a lot more involvement and less Timm was among 20 MHP troopers who were trained lecture.” in January and are offering Alive at 25 around Montana. Tylan Jones, 19, was the oldest student to attend Wednes - The program is sponsored by the National Safety Council day. He said the course helped refocus his driving skills and and is offered free to people age 15 to 24. reminded him to try not to speed, to always use his seat About a dozen students from the Yellowstone Home - belt and not to text while behind the wheel. school Association attended Timm’s class Wednesday at “It’s something you really have to think of because you Montana State University Billings, which donates space for find yourself guilty of a lot of it,” he said. “It’s not some - the course. thing to be proud of, but it just happens.” Student Isaac Scanson said he didn’t realize the high The videos included testimonials by young drivers who fatality rate for young people until taking the class. had asserted their rights to drive and ride safety; one showed “It really shows you how many people die in car accidents,” horseplay in a vehicle and its tragic consequences. Several he said. said the videos, which are short and edgy, were among their Timm arrives at class with a huge, pink tote bag full of favorite parts of the session. The kids could identify with information for herself and the students. Kids receive a most of the scenarios. “It makes it more personal,” Micah booklet they follow through the four-hour program, which Lynch said. includes videos and ends with them role-playing scenarios Timm has given the class twice each in Big Timber and to fight peer pressure in a vehicle. So far, the kids have been Columbus. She has classes scheduled in Billings in July and engaged in the course, Timm said, but she also brings a August but wants to offer more. “I’d really love to be able basket of candy and MHP giveaways in case they need a to come to Billings once a month,” she said. K

Montana trooper 31 MISSOULA 406-721-8422 BELGRADE 406-388-8295 SINCE 1985

490 North 31st Street, Suite 500 Billings, Montana

406-252-3441

with additional offices in Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula, Montana & Bismarck and Williston, North Dakota Phone: 406-586-9526 www.crowleyfleck.com Fax: 406-587-2784 2275 West Koch • Bozeman, MT 59715

N O C. D IN OR G, G KIN UC TR

Supports the efforts of the Association of Montana Troopers

32 Montana trooper Montana Trooper

300 Wishes Bring Hope to Sick Kids

ByMatthewBrown—AssociatedPressWriter PublishedintheBillingsGazetteonThursday, January01,2009.Reprintedwithpermission. The nightmare of a cancer diagnosis at age 15 has brought Guy Hutton the wish of a lifetime. But Hutton is no Disney kid, eager to visit Mickey Mouse or Cinderella in sunny Florida like many other children with life-threatening illnesses. What animates Hutton, from his vantage on a Montana ranch tucked just south of the Canadian border, is a new pickup. Make that an old one, a 1978 Ford. It cost his family $800 and was recently refurbished for more than 10 times that amount as the 300th wish granted by the Montana Hope Project. “Cancer sucked,” said Hutton, who received the truck at a New Year’s Eve event in Helena. “But this is making up for it.” Since its founding 25 years ago by members of the Montana Highway Patrol, the Montana Hope Project has sent 178 children to Disney World and Disneyland. Forty-six children asked for and got new computers. Two went on shopping sprees. Four went to Hawaii. Five wanted hot tubs. And every once in a while a one-of-a-kind request comes along, like the little girl from Columbia Falls who wanted to see Amy Grant in concert. Another child from Belgrade who simply wanted a pug puppy. Guy Hutton and his truck. Hutton, of Turner, population 100, was diagnosed with lymphoma in April, when a sharp pain led to discovery of a mass “as large of a man’s fist” in his chest, said his mother, Linda. He recalls disappointment on the day of his diagnosis chuckling over the fact that it’s an ($800) pickup, but it’s because it meant he would miss a calf branding that week - his pickup,” Hader said. end. Instead, he flew to Seattle to spend four-and-a-half The program is modeled after the Make-A-Wish foundation, months in a chemotherapy program at Children’s Hospital, founded in 1980 by law enforcement officers in Arizona. leaving him wistful for the open spaces back home. But as Make-A Wish mushroomed into an international “If you like the city that’s fine. I’m a country boy and organization that now grants a wish every 40 minutes — I’ll stick to my gravel roads,” he said. And as for his Ford: 172,000 and counting — the Montana program remained “I’m not a Disney person. Absolutely not. It was either this small, with 10 to 15 wishes a year. or the rodeo,” he said. Hader said that has given the organization flexibility to Whatever a sick child’s wish, the Montana Hope Project stay involved beyond the act of granting a wish. Its twice- tries to deliver, said Richard Hader, a state trooper from a-year reunions — every winter at Fairmont Hot Springs Missoula and president of the organization. “We were more ® Montana trooper 33 Montana Trooper continued and summer at Glacier National Park — have become annual The Hope Project has since sent the family on two week - vacations for many families. long trips. “All of a sudden all their worries are gone. There are Jessica, now 10, took the tried and true route to Disney other children that have the same problems and everyday World two years ago. There she indulged her appetite for struggles, and they feel normal for the weekend,” Hader all things princess, through face-to-face meetings arranged said. with Cinderella, Snow White and the Little Mermaid, Ariel. For seven years Hader worked as one of the Hope “We could have anything we wanted for breakfast,” she Project’s regional coordinators, tracking down families in said. “I had blueberries and ice cream. I liked it and I loved need and tackling the logistics needed to meet the child’s it and I liked it a lot.” special request. Thomas, 8, opted for SeaWorld, where last May he got Cancer is the most common ailment, with cerebral palsy a chance to feed Shamu, the theme park’s famous killer and muscular dystrophy also common. Most wish recipients whale. survive well past childhood, although many won’t make it The irreplaceable nature of the trip was underscored to 30 years old, Hader said. this fall when Thomas suffered a massive heart attack He said that among the most heart-wrenching parts of and had to be airlifted to Seattle for medical treatment. the job is to watch the realization that dawns on some parents Trooper Hader, who had developed a close bond with the when they are first told their child is eligible for a wish. child, flew to the city to visit the boy and his family at the “I’ve had families that didn’t want to believe their hospital. children’s’ illness,” he said. “It was worse when we showed Leanne Beers said the visit epitomized the Montana up and granted a wish and drove the point home to them.” Hope Project’s commitment. For Leanne Beers of Missoula, such moments have “There’s no words to describe it,” she said. “Richard come in pairs, after her daughter was diagnosed with mus - and the entire Hope Project — they are there uncondi - cular dystrophy and later her son with a heart condition. tionally.” K

Southgate Mall

2901 Brooks Street Missoula Montana 59801 406-721-5140

34 Montana trooper Montana Trooper

Montana Hope Project

Our Mission Dream Come True The Montana Hope Project originated from a strong desire of Montana Highway Patrolmen to give back to the communities that they served. In 1984, the Montana Hope Project was formed and sponsored by the Association of Montana Highway Patrolmen. The goal of the project was simple, to grant wishes and make dreams come true for the children of Montana that suffer from a life threat - ening illness. The Hope Project is not affiliated with any national organization and is staffed by volun - teer troopers and community members who give of their time. This allows over 90% of all funds raised to go directly to the granting of the wishes. The Montana Hope Project has granted over 306 wishes to date at the average cost of $6,000.00. The Hope Project is also proud of being able to hold a summer reunion in Essex at the Izaak Walton Inn and a winter reunion at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort at no cost to the families. Our Organization Today, the Montana Hope Project is a separate nonprofit organization funded by charitable contributions, donations and fundraisers. We are a 503(c) (3) nonprofit, and donations are tax-deductable. The Hope Project does not receive tax or governmental support, and we never solicit donations by phone. The governing board is made up of troopers and community members. The key to the Montana Hope Project is the combined efforts of dedicated individuals, organizations and businesses that generously support our mission. We welcome you to join our effort in making dreams come true for the children of Montana with life threatening illnesses. K

To contact, or help, please mail: Montana Hope Project, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604 or go to the website at www.montanahope.org.

Montana trooper 35 Montana Trooper

WELLS FARGO BANK

131 Main Street Shelby, MT 59474

(406) 434-5528

36 Montana trooper Montana Trooper

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WearehappytoannouncethebirthofEavanMae WearehonoredtoannouncethebirthofMichaelDavid Brown,bornthemorningofMaythe7,2009,at Novak,bornMay20,2009.LittleMichaelweighed 10:59a.m.Eavanweighed8lbs.4oz.andmeasured 10lbs.0oz.ParentsareTrooperAndrewNovak(MHP 21inches. ParentsareTrooperDerekBrown,District 208)ofStevensvilleandhislovelywifeTanya.Michael 7,andhislovelywifeKjersten.Bothmomandbaby DavidwillalsobejoiningbigbrotherDrew.Bothmom aredoingwell.CongratulationsBrownfamily! andbabyaredoingwell.MichaelDavidisnamedin honorofourtwobelovedtrooperswhohavefallen inthelineofduty;MichaelHaynesandDavidGraham, WearehappytoannouncethebirthofRyanDavid twoofAndrew’sfriendsandacademyclassmates. Hawkins.RyanwasbornThursday,June11,2009in CongratulationsNovakfamily! Kalispell,weighinginat6lbs.7oz.RyanDavidwas borntoTrooperJamesHawkinsofKalispellandhis lovelywife,Marsha.Bothmomandbabyaredoing TrooperJeffSargentandhiswifearetheproudparents well.CongratulationsHawkinsfamily! ofababyboy,LandenJames.LandenwasbornJanuary 27,2009,at11:01p.m.andweighed9poundsis21¾ inches.Thisistheirsecondchild.Motherandbabyare WearehonoredtoannouncethebirthofKiranRae doingwell. Hazleton.KiranRaewasbornSundayMay7,2009, at3:04p.m.Sheweighedinat7lbs.13oz.andmea - sured20.75inches.Becauseofthegenerosityoftwo JadeandRuthannShopearetheproudparentsofa veryspecialbirthparents,SergeantShawnHazelton beautifulbabygirlnamedKarissaGraceShope.She andhislovelywifeJenniferwereabletoreceivethis wasbornFebruary11,2009,at2104hours.Karissa wonderfulgift.Shehasbeenalongawaitedblessing! weighedinat6pounds15ouncesandwas19½inches KiranisathomeinGreatFallswithherproudparents. long.BothRuthannandKarissaaredoingwell. CongratulationsHazeltonfamily! The Association of Montana Troopers maintains and recently restored two vintage Montana Highway Patrol Anotherbeautifulgirlhasbeenreportedasbeingborn cars, a 1935 Ford and 1977 Plymouth. Following their Wehavethepleasureofannouncingthewonderful toaTrooperConnerSmithandhislovelywife,Puja. restoration, both cars were driven in a parade in Helena birthofMs.KamiLynHensley.LittleKamiwasborn SourcessayAaliyaJyotiSmithgracedourworldwith on May 15, 2009. Pictured are Sergeant Mike Swingley onMonday,April13,2009,weighinginat6lbs. herpresenceonMonday,April13,2009,weighingin and his sons in the 1935 Ford, as well as Major Tom 15.8oz.and20.5incheslong.KamiwasbornatPSL at6pounds,10.1ounces,andmeasuring18inches Butler and Sergeant Art Collins in the 1977 Plymouth. inDenverduetosomecomplicationsandunderwent long.Aaliyaisdoingwell,alongwithherparentsand th Association members can request the vehicles for dis - surgerythefollowingday,the14 .PleasekeepKami bigsisterReva. play at community events, cars shows, and parades. inyourprayersforaspeedyandfullrecovery,remem - berherparentsinyourprayerstoo!Congratulationsto For more in formation, members may log onto our web WearehonoredtoannouncethebirthofOliviaBrielle TrooperJosephHensleyandhisbeautifulwifeTina, site, www.montanatrooper.com, register for access to Tenney.Oliviawasbornat0131hours,June4,2009 District4,Billings. the members only area, read more, and make a request toSgt.ScottTenneyofBillingsandhislovelywife on-line. Stacy.Oliviaweighedinat7lbs.,14ozs.Momand WearehonoredtoannouncethebirthofDavidKnutsen, babyaredoinggreat. bornApril22,2009.LittleDavidweighed7lbs.12 oz.andmeasured19inches.ParentsareTrooperJoel Knutsen(MHP175)andhislovelywifeJenny.Both momandbabyaredoingwell.Davidiswelcomedby hisparentsandbigsisterSage.CongratulationsKnut - senfamily!

ErinElizabethMcNultywasbornuntoTrooperJames McNultyandhiswifeJessicaonMarch26,2009.She weighedinat8pounds4.6ouncesandwas20.5inches long.BothmotherJessicaandbabyarehealthyand On January 13, 2009, Trooper Rocky Bailey (MHP doingwell. CongratulationstoJessicaandJames(District 261) of Stevensville Detachment 113 was presented 8,Havre)! his 15 years of service stars. Troopers Jeremiah Snider (MHP 279), Tamra Winchell (MHP 261), and Martin WearehonoredtoannouncethebirthofLarrisaRae Shrock (MHP 258) were on hand to congratulate Rocky Melton.LarrisawasbornJune18,2009,at1204hours On May 29, 2009, Trooper Sean Finley was pre sented for his years of service. The award was presented by andweighedinat8lbs.8oz.Larrisawasborntoproud a Hedstrom Award by Colonel Mike Tooley for life - Capt. Hamilton, along with Sgts. Richardson and parentsTrooperTerranceMeltonofBrowningand saving attempts. Breidenbach. TerryWeaselTail. more ®

Montana trooper 37 Montana Trooper

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To: Captain Gary Becker from: Sergeant Andrew Knapp DATE: June 16, 2009 SUBJECT: Hedstrom Award-Trooper David Gleich

Withgreatpride,IrecommendTrooperDavid GleichfortheMontanaHighwayPatrolHedstrom Award.Bydefinitionthisawardisgrantedfor attemptingto“Savealife”andgoing“Aboveand beyond”thenormalcallofduty.TrooperGleich mettheserequirementsonMay4 th ,2009,shortly after1800hours. TrooperGleichoverheardavehiclevs.pedes - triancrashontheLewisandClarkCountyradio channel.TrooperGleichrespondedtothecrash. TrooperGleichwasthefirstlawenforcementand/ ormedicalpersonnelonthescene.TrooperGle - ichobservedasmallchildlayingonhisrightside withalargeamountofbloodaroundthechild. TrooperGleichexitedhisvehicleandgrabbedhis medicalbagfromthetrunkofhisvehicle.Troop - erGleichthenrantothechild’ssidesurrounded byonlookersandfamilymembers.TrooperGle - Pictured are Governor Schweitzer congratulating ichtookcontrolofthesituationwhileremaining Trooper Grover, Colonel Tooley, Sergeant Ayers, calm.TrooperGleichrolledthechildontohisside Trooper Grover and Captain Keith Edgell together, andobservedbloodfromthechild’smouth,nose A short graveside remembrance was held on the one as well as a group photo of the Governor with all the andtherightsideofhishead.Thechildwasnot year anniversary of Trooper David Graham’s death. recipients, showing Billings Police Department Detec - breathing,unresponsiveanddidnothaveadetectable Those pictured are as follows: Captain Clancy King, tive Ken Paharik, BPD Officer Harley Cagle, Gover - pulse.TrooperGleichinitiatedCPR.TrooperGleich Sgt. Roy Christensen, Sgt. Duane Bowers, Sgt. Steve nor Schweitzer, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office wasunabletoacquireanaffectivesealwiththe Lavin, Trooper Martin Schrock, Trooper Rick Mehring, Lieutenant Mike Schieno, and Trooper Jason Grover. onewaybreathingapparatus.TrooperGleichmade Genny Graham, Carrie Schneider, Trooper Mike thedecisiontoremovethemaskandcontinuewith - Haynes, Tawny Haynes and their children, and Trooper outprotectionfromthechild’sbodilyfluids. Glen Barcus’ wife December and their son. Genny AsaresultTrooperGleichingestedalargeamount attached pictures drawn by David’s children to a memo - ofblood. rial wreath. A few people spoke of fond memories of Trooper’sGleich’spassionanddedication David and what he meant to us and to the Patrol, rein - forpreservinghumanlifewasonfulldisplaythis forcing that while David may be gone, he will not be day.TrooperGleichdemonstratedwhysomany forgotten. areproudtobepartofourorganization.Trooper Gleichputasidehispersonalsafetyandwellbeing tohelpanotherpersoninneed.TrooperGleich’s OnTuesday,April7,2009,TrooperJasonGroverwas actionembodieswhattheMontanaHighwayPatrol honoredataluncheonattheCrownePlazaHotelas andtheHedstromAwardareallabout. theBillingsDowntownExchangeClubOfficerofthe YearfortheMontanaHighwayPatrol.Thekeynote speakerwasGovernorBrianSchweitzer,andColonel MikeTooleymadethepresentationofTrooperGrover, whoreceivedaGlock9mmsemiautomaticpistolfrom theExchangeClubasatokenoftheirgratitudeforhis service.

On May 15, 2009, as a part of National Police Week On May 29, 2009, Trooper David Gleich was presented and Memorial Day ceremonies, the Montana Highway with the Hedstrom Award by Colonel Mike Tooley for Patrol Honor Guard gathered in Helena, honoring lifesaving attempts. those who have served and died in the line of duty.

38 Montana trooper Montana Trooper

stayedconsciousandbreathingwhilecalmlyand patientlyawaitingthearrivaloftheambulance. OnFebruary10,2009Mrs.HeatherDesatoff madeapersonalappearanceattheHighwayPatrol Officeandrequestedtospeakwithme.Shetold methatshewantedtothankTrooperMeesfor “savingherhusband’slife.”Shestatedthathad TrooperMeesnotbeenonscenethatherhusband wouldsurelyhavediedthatnight.Shestatedthat TrooperMeeswasaheroinhereyesandthathe isthereasonherhusbandisstillalivetoday.She alsoappreciatedthatfactthatTrooperMeescon - tinuedtofollowupwithherastoherhusband’s condition,andthathisconcernandcompassion wasofgreatcomforttoherandherhusband.She statedthatthequalitiesthatTrooperMeeshas displayedareveryrare,andshewantedtothank himfor“savingherhusband’slife.” Iwouldliketorespectfullyrequestthat TrooperMeesbeconsideredforeitheraHedstrom AwardortheColonel’sCitationforMeritorious ServiceduetohisactionsonthenightofJanuary 28,2009.

The Montana Highway Patrol had the sad occasion to recently add three names to the law enforcement memo - rial located on the capitol grounds in Helena, those of Troopers David Graham, Evan Schneider, and Michael Haynes. May there never be another.

To: Captain Keith Edgell On June 1, 2009, Trooper Darvin Mees was presented from: Sergeant Craig Baum with the Hedstrom award for lifesaving efforts at the DATE: 2–11–09 District IV meeting in Billings by Colonel Mike Tooley. SUBJECT: nomination for award of recognition

OnJanuary28,2009TrooperMeeswas investigatinganon-injurycrashneartheArrow CreekInterchangeonInterstate90whenacall cameinofanothercrashafewmileseastofhis location,attheArrowCreekInterchange.Trooper Meesrespondedtothatlocationanddiscovered thatPhillipGeorgeDesatoffhadlostcontrolof hisvehicleonicyroadsandhadstruckaparked tractortrailer.Mr.Desatoffwasejectedfromhis vehicleandsustainedseverelife-threateninginjuries. HelpFlighthelicopterwasdispatchedtorespond sincethecrashwas20milesfromthenearestmedi- calassistance,howevertheycouldnotlaunchdue toinclementweather.Theresponsetimeofthe On Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, a service at the Park groundambulancewascompromiseddueto City cemetery honored Trooper Evan Schneider. Trooper extremelyicyroads.TrooperMeeswasthefirst Schneider’s family and friends attended, as well as medicalrespondertoarriveonscene.Mr.Desatoff several members of the Montana Highway Patrol, hadaseverelegfracturecausinghisfoottorest paying tribute to Trooper Schneider and his family for nearhishead.Mr.Desatoffwasinandoutofcon - their sacrifice. sciousness,andTrooperMeesensuredthathe more ®

Montana trooper 39 Montana Trooper

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Troopers in District IV, Billings, participated in a range day on April 6, 2009. In the first photo, Sergeant Craig Baum and Trooper Brian Sampson are shown, with Troopers Kirchheck, Freivalds, and Hayter in the back - ground. In the second photo, Trooper Brian Sampson takes aim, while in the third photo, Sergeant Baum assesses the target and Trooper Sampson expresses pride in his shooting capabilities.

On January 14, 2009, Captain Keith Edgell pre sented Sergeant JV Moody and Trooper Brian Sampson with Pictured is Trooper Olivas receiving his award, along their 15 years service stars. with Sergeant JV Moody and Trooper Olivas.

In the fall of 2009, Montana Highway Patrol cars will have a new look, with new graphics. On the rear quarter panels, the Patrol’s motto of “Service, Integrity, Respect,” as well as the infamous “3–7–77” of the Vigilantes will be prominently displayed. On the rear of the car, the Patrol’s 75 th anniversary (1935–2010) will be cele - brated. For 2010, all new patrol cars will be Chevrolet Impalas.

ThesixOptimistClubsofthegreaterBillingsarea recognizemembersoflocallawenforcementagencies foroutstandingworkwithyoungpeopleofthe community. Officerswererecognizedatanoonluncheonin May,2009,attheWarBonnetInn.JudgeRussellFagg On June 1, 2009, at the District IV meeting in Billings, wasthekeynotespeaker.Thisyear’shonoreeswere Colonel Mike Tooley presented Trooper Brenda Timm OfficerMikeProtainoftheBillingsPoliceDepart - with her certificate of confirmation, as well as a Hedstrom ment,ReserveDeputyDaveKenatoftheYellowstone award for lifesaving efforts. CountySheriff’sDepartment,andTrooperAdamOlivas oftheMontanaHighwaypatrol. more ®

40 Montana trooper Montana Trooper

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STATE of monTAnA DEPArTmEnT of JUSTICE monTAnA HIGHWAY PATroL DIVISIon

Steve Bullock 2550 Prospect Attorney General P.o. Box 201419 Helena, mT 59620-1419

Mr.AlRecke,Coordinator CascadeCountyDUITaskForce 1019 – 15 th St.North,GreatFalls,MT59401 Reference:LawEnforcementRecognitionProgram DearSelectionCommittee, ItiswithgreatpleasureandrespectIsubmitMontanaHighwayPatrol Trooper Scott Wad - dell asouragency’sLawEnforcementRecognitionProgramnomineeforhiseffortsin2008. TrooperWaddellhasexhibitedahighlevelofperformanceandcontributionintheareas ofarresting,preventing,educating,andtrainingothersaboutdrunk/impaireddrivingandthe impactsandconsequencesinvolved.TrooperWaddellarrested18impaireddrivers,issuedfive (5)minorinpossessionofalcohol,andone(1)furnishingalcoholtoaminorcitationintheCas - Trooper Scott Waddell recently received the Officer cadeCountyarea.Hehasahighconvictionratefortheseoffensesandtakesprideinhisinves - of the Year award for 2008 from the Cascade County tigations.TrooperWaddell’sdedicationtothecitizensoftheStateofMontanaisevidentinhis DUI Task Force Coordinator Al Recke. Scott’s wife, hardworkwhilebothonandoffduty. Tammy, is standing to his left. This was Trooper CaptainKentonHickethier,SergeantBruceCoccoli,andIunanimouslysupporthisnom - Waddell’s second time be honored as the top DUI inationforthisrecognition.TrooperWaddellhasbeenemployedwithouragencyforover5 enforcement trooper in Great Falls. K years.Hislevelofexperience,dedication,andwillingnesstohelpotherisanexampleforallour trooperstofollow.IfIcanbeoffurtherassistance,oryouwithtohavemorespecificsabout TrooperWaddell,pleasedonothesitatetocontactmeat(406)453-1121or(406)868-8872. ThankyouforyourconsiderationofTrooperWaddell. Respectfully,

Sgt.ShawnHazelton Detachment213Commander,MontanaHighwayPatrol Telephone: (406) 444-3780 fax: (406) 444-4169

BIG SKY AUTO & AG

P. O. Box 429 Big Sandy, MT 59520

Montana trooper 41 1105 East Main • Cut Bank, MT 59427 406-873-5825 Gary & Thelma Bjorklund “Proud to support the activities of the Association of Montana Troopers”

Buckle Up for Love!

42 Montana trooper Montana Trooper OOnn tthhee RRooaadd

On May 6, 2009, around 1300 hours, One of the subjects was expertly Trooper Dan Amundson stopped a black interviewed by Trooper Meskiman and 1998 Ford SUV bearing California license confided that the vehicle occupants plate for speeding eastbound on I-90 were involved in a check cashing ring near mm 273 in Broadwater County. and had just cashed a check in Butte. The occupants made furtive gestures That subject admitted that additional while vehicle was coming to stop. checks were concealed in her bra. Furthermore, the occupants gave con - All subjects were arrested and trans - flicting stories and were not familiar ported to the Broadwater County deten - with each other. tion center. At the jail, 17 U.S. Treasury Immigration and Customs Enforce - Tax Refund checks in various names ment (ICE) was contacted and spoke were located in the female’s underwear where it went down an embankment with subjects by phone. The agent totaling $27,922. Also located in her and through a fence. The vehicle then requested that two of the vehicle occu - bra were 18 California ID cards or driver vaulted an irrigation ditch and rolled, pants be detained for suspicion of not licenses with her picture and various during which time the unrestrained being in the U.S. legally. associated names that corresponded to right rear passenger was ejected and Permission to search the vehicle the checks. Also present in the under - suffered fatal injuries. Two other pas - was requested and signed a written wear were 13 California ID cards or sengers were injured and transported consent was given. No drugs were driver licenses with one of the male’s to a Billings hospital, while the driver de tected, but a bi-fold wallet with no picture and various names associated fled the scene, only to be captured at iden tifi cation contained $1,347 currency. with the checks. a nearby residence. Speed and alcohol Under the right front seat was a receipt One male had $661 cash on his were factors in this crash, which was for cashing a $1,232.27 check at National person, another had $1800, another investigated by Trooper Mark Olsen Quick Cash in Butte at 1216 hours on had $2568, and another had $2002, (MHP 323) and Rick Starks (MHP 309), May 6, 2009. while the last male subject admitted with assistance from Trooper Tony Trooper Braun contacted National ownership of wallet with $1,347. The Beehler (MHP 172). Quick Cash in Butte and determined female admitted she was going to be ))) that one of the vehicle occupants had paid $1000 for her role in the check cashed the check using a California ID cashing trip. It is still under investiga - card, presenting himself as the subject tion as to if the checks were stolen or On March 18, 2009, Trooper Tony named on the check. The remaining are counterfeit. Beehler (MHP 172) and Trooper Jason vehicle occupants were questioned All persons, cash, checks, and evi - Grover (MHP 232) assisted with a safety about their identities and activities, and dence were turned over to ICE agents presentation at the Montana Holiday two additional subjects were subse - for possible federal charges of aggra - Inn Trade Center in Billings. Troopers quently arrested. vated identity theft, conspiracy, and transportation of stolen monetary instru - ments. The vehicle was seized and impounded. )))

At approximately 0022 hours on February 20, 2009, a 1995 Pontiac Grand Am was southbound on Montana secondary Highway 451 near milepost 13 when the driver drifted off the road - way to the right. The driver overcor - rected and left the roadway to the left, more ®

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ON THE ROAD continued

))) provided the use of the seat belt con - Early in the evening of April 7, vincer and provided instruction for a 2009, a 1980 Ford Bronco was east - driving course. bound on Goodluck Road near Lodge The Family, Career and Commu - Grass when the driver slowly drifted nity Leaders of America (FCCLA), off the right side of the roadway. The formally FHA, sponsored the program. vehicle dug into the field and struck an The program director estimated 1200 PicturedareTroopersJoshGiddings,CherieLofton, approach. The vehicle then rolled, and students attended the presentation. BrettCharvat,andDaveOliversonassistingwitha two of the three unrestrained male Numerous activities pertaining to traf - twovehicle,eightinjurycrashonInterstate90,mile - occupants were ejected. One of the fic safety were additionally present. post301,nearBozeman,onJune25,2009.Photosby passengers died at the scene, while the Commercial carriers provided a truck SergeantSteveWisniewski. driver died later at a local hospital. trailer outlining the blind spots and ))) Alcohol use was believed to be a factor other safety concerns with commercial in this fatal crash investigated by Trooper vehicles. The Montana Department of On March 1, 2009, Bozeman troopers Joe Coughlin (MHP 234), with assistance Transportation provided use of traffic assisted with evacuations and site from Trooper Tony Beehler (MHP 172) cones for the event, while the Billings security as a result of a huge explosion and Trooper Rick Starks (MHP 309). Police Department demonstrated alco - and fire on Main Street in downtown hol impairment with goggles. Bozeman, which took the life of one The driving course was a simple person. “S” curve coned course. Underriner Motors provided a driver education car for the event. The students drove the course first without any distractions. The second attempt on the course was negotiated while utilizing a cell phone with an emphasis on texting while driving. Some students were able to negotiate the course rather well, while others failed miserably. Adults attempt - ))) ing the course had more difficulty than some of the students. It was apparent On April 9, 2009, a single vehicle, students are familiar with texting and double fatality crash occurred on US using a cell phone more efficiently than Highway 87 North, just south of Big most adults. It was still evident, how - Sandy. The driver was traveling at a ever, that cell phone use while driving high rate of speed and was under the put divided attention skills to the test influence of drugs and alcohol. The and is not a safe practice. The car was driver of the vehicle entered a corner consequently retired with scuffs on and failed to maintain control of the both sides from the cones. vehicle, resulting in the vehicle rolling ))) over. The driver and left rear passenger more ®

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ON THE ROAD continued tance from Trooper Jeffery Martin (MHP him, the deputy that responded had a 212) and Chris Baker (MHP 331). camera. As luck would have it, history ))) repeated itself, as noted in the second picture. In January of 2009, Trooper Robert ))) Hooper became stuck in the interstate median while still in field training. He Trooper Patrick McCarthy sub - tried to keep it quiet by calling in for mitted these two photos as examples a tow himself, but a DOT snow plow of obstructed windshields he came driver spotted him and called the inci - dent into county dispatch. Lucky for

were not wearing their seatbelts, result - ing in the ejection of both. Fortunately, the right front passenger was wearing her seatbelt and was released from the hospital a few days later. The female indicated that prior to the crash, the two male passengers had been taunt - ing her for wearing her seatbelt. This fatal crash was investigated by Trooper David DeLaittre (MHP 269) with assis -

Inter-District Memorial Day CPU

Sgt. Bender organized a CPU for rarely patrolled US Highway 2 between Kalispell and East Glacier on May 22, 2009, in advance of Memorial Day. Sgt. Bender, Troopers Melton and Duram met up with Sgt. Lavin, and Troopers Barcus and LeRette. It was a beautiful sunny day in NW Montana. Lunch was had at the Half-Way House restaurant, meeting up with retired Trooper Bob Marshall. Excellent buffalo burgers found there, by the way. After a filling lunch, it was decided that the fine occasion should be recorded with a snapshot at the Silver Staircase (milepost 188). Sgt. Lavin worked for several minutes setting up the camera across the roadway on the guardrail, using small pebbles to be sure it was straight. Trooper Duram then blurted out, “Hey Sarge, you need a tripod?” I thanked him for not advising me earlier, and we got some pictures. All this fun, and yes, we did make a bunch of stops and kept the public safe!

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ON THE ROAD continued across in the course of his patrol this ing head on in the left hand eastbound On April 21, 2009, at approximately past winter in the Missoula area. A suit - lane. The Volvo was dragged several 0530 hours, this vehicle was heading able caption might be, “You’ve got to hundred feet and burst into flames, west on East Edgewood Drive in White - be kidding,” but feel free to insert your killing the female driver on impact. The fish. The driver fell asleep and drifted own caption. driver and passenger of the commer - off the south side of the road. Once off ))) cial vehicle were uninjured. Alcohol the road, the vehicle struck a privately and drugs were factors in this fatal crash owned fence. The photos speak for On June 4, 2009, a Mitsubishi pas - investigated by Trooper Justin Moran themselves as to how lucky the driver senger car was northbound on 12 Mile (MHP 305), with assistance from Troopers is to be alive. Had he been sitting upright Road near Shepherd when the driver Dell Aman (MHP 158), Jason Grover instead of slumped over on his right crested a hill and lost control of his (MHP 232), and Rick Starks (MHP 309). side, he probably would have be killed. vehicle, first drifting right and then overcorrecting to the left, crossing the center line of the two lane road - way. The driver began to overcorrect back to the right when it struck a south - bound truck and trailer head on. The unrestrained driver was fully ejected and suffered fatal injuries, while the restrained passenger in the Mitsubishi remained inside the vehicle and suf - fered serious injuries. The restrained driver and passenger of the truck were ))) uninjured in this fatal crash in vestigated by Trooper Darvin Mees (MHP 304), On May 12, 2009, at approxi mately with assistance from Troopers Dell 0705 hours, a 2008 Nissan Maxima was Aman (MHP 158) and Brian Sampson northbound at a high rate of speed on (MHP 290), as well as Sgt. Scott Ayers 88 th Street West outside Billings in (MHP 131). Yellowstone when the roadway transi - tioned from pavement to dirt and gravel. The driver lost control, with the vehicle traveling off the right side of the roadway and rolling, coming to rest ))) on its wheels. The unrestrained female driver was fully ejected and died at the scene from her injuries. Speed and alco - hol were contributing factors to this crash, which was investigated by Trooper Buck O’Neill (MHP 278), with assis - tance from Troopers Dell Aman (MHP 158) and Barry Mitchell (MHP 226). )))

On May 6, 2009, at approxi mately 2300 hours, a 1994 Volvo was travel - ing westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 near Laurel when the female driver crested a hill and rounded a curve. At the same time, two commer - cial vehicles were eastbound, occupy - ing both eastbound lanes of traffic. The TrooperTammyPerkins(MHP334)spottedthisvehicle andprecariousloadinEnnisthispastwinter,noting driver of one of the commercial vehicles theAmericaningenuityittooktopullthisoff. was unable to see the vehicle traveling the wrong way and unable to take evasive ))) maneuvers, with the two vehicles strik - ))) more ®

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ON THE ROAD continued

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Charges

By BECKY SHAW — The Gazette Staff on the Zoo Drive overpass Friday and was eventually Published on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. arrested on the traffic allegations. Reprinted with permission. During a search of the Pathfinder, Warehime found A Montana Highway Patrol trooper who stopped a a large plastic sack with a green leafy substance, suspected vehicle because its license plate was difficult to see found to be marijuana, in the center console. $6,000 and several stashes of marijuana in the car. Two backpacks found during the search held more The result of Trooper Shane Warehime’s stop was suspected drugs and paraphernalia, authorities said. that Daryl Lynn Big Hair, 27, has been charged with Big Hair admitted to lying to troopers and allowed felony criminal possession of drugs with intent to distribute them to make another search of the vehicle and back - and misdemeanor charges of criminal possession of drug packs, police said, and they found more cash and sus - paraphernalia, driving while his license was suspended pected marijuana. and failure to show proof of insurance. They also found a laptop computer with memory He is being held on $15,000 bond and is expected to sticks and memory chips and a digital scale with suspected enter a plea Thursday in District Court. mari juana residue on it along with a ball of green leafy He is also being held on $875 bond for warrants issued substance suspected to be drugs, authorities said. by Hardin City Court. The vehicle, money, other items Big Hair told the trooper that he had smoked marijuana and the suspected drugs were taken by a DEA agent. earlier in the day and that he uses the scale to ensure he Big Hair was driving a black Nissan Pathfinder south does not get “ripped off” during buys, police said.

On January 22, 2009, a trooper On February 10, 2009, at 2204 hours, cated she was traveling from Washing - stopped a 2008 Dodge truck for speed - a trooper investigated a traffic crash ton to North Dakota, and there were ing eastbound on Interstate 90, near involving a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe with discrepancies with regard to the regis - milepost 22, in Mineral County. The Washington registration which had been tration of the vehicle. Her story and vehicle occupants were from Kalispell traveling eastbound on Montana High - the male passenger’s story did not agree, and were reportedly traveling from way in Missoula County. The driver and there were indicators of drug traf - Washington to Kalispell. The stories of was a resident of Washington, and a ficking in sight inside the vehicle. A the vehicle occupants didn’t match, bystander reported to the trooper that subsequent check revealed the vehicle and the trooper asked for consent to the driver had hidden some items nearby occupants to have a prior drug history. search the vehicle, which was granted after the crash. The trooper located a The vehicle was subsequently impounded in writing. While the trooper was re- duffel bag, which the driver denied and a search warrant was obtained, questing back-up and running criminal ownership of. Since he denied owner - which revealed 1 pound of marijuana, histories, he saw something black tossed ship, the bag was searched, at which 1.5 ounces of crystal metham phetamine, out of the window of the truck and land time five Ziploc bags of marijuana were and $150 in counterfeit US currency. in the snow bank. A weapons search discovered. Imprints of the driver’s On April 19, 2009, at approximately of the driver revealed a metal spoon shoes matched those leading to the loca - 2327 hours, on Interstate 90 near mile - with white residue, which the driver tion the bag was found at, and he had post 273 in Broadwater County, a trooper claimed to have used to crush Oxycotin. a large amount of currency on his per - stopped a 2009 Chevrolet Impala for A search of the vehicle revealed 21 son. A search warrant was obtained for speeding. The driver, an Oregon resi - syringes. A review of the black case the vehicle which revealed some trace dent, indicated he was traveling from thrown from the vehicle revealed multiple marijuana, as well as an electronic scale. Oregon to Minnesota. Inside the vehicle baggies with white residue. On the way The total seizure was 5 lbs of marijuana, were indicators of possible drug traf - to the jail, the female passenger denied 1 electronic scale, 1 marijuana pipe, ficking activity, and the details of the knowing it was cocaine in the bag she’d and $3,806 in US Currency. driver’s story were suspicious. The thrown out, but the trooper had not On March 5, 2009, at 0650 hours, trooper asked for consent to search the told her what was in it. Total drugs a trooper stopped a 1993 Chevrolet vehicle, and consent was granted. When seized were 132 grams of cocaine and Cavalier with Washington license plates the trooper looked in the trunk, he noted 84.5 grams of methamphetamine. Cash for speeding that was traveling east - two duffel bags with three five gallon found on the vehicle occupants totaled bound on Interstate 90 near milepost plastic paint cans. Each can contained $563 US currency. 134 in Custer County. The driver indi - more ®

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ON THE ROAD continued a bale of raw marijuana. During the the trooper noted the rear bumper search, the driver kept attempting appeared to be larger than normal, plus to make a phone call. When he was the rear cargo box appeared to have placed in custody, the driver asked, “Do been modified. The trooper asked for you have mercy for the widow’s son?” consent to search, which was granted, The total seizure was 11 lbs, 1 oz of and the trooper noted the truck marijuana. had been tampered with. A K-9 also On April 22, 2009, at approximately alerted to the vehicle, and the truck 1806 hours, on Interstate 94 near mile - box was subsequently removed at a post 131 westbound in Custer County, local body shop, which revealed a hid - ))) Trooper Muri stopped a 2003 Chevro - den compartment with packages wrapped let Blazer for a registration violation. in green plastic wrap. After a search In the early hours of May 17, 2009, The driver indicated he was traveling warrant was executed, 28 lbs. of Trooper Mark Wilfore was in pursuit to Missoula. The driver’s story appeared marijuana were removed from the com - of a vehicle on Birch Creek Road on to be suspicious, and the trooper sub - partment. the Blackfeet Indian Reservation when sequently asked for consent to search ))) a cow ran onto the roadway in front of the vehicle, which was given. Upon his patrol vehicle, resulting in substantial opening the vehicle, the trooper smelled damage to his patrol vehicle. raw marijuana and subsequently located On March 17, 2009, an elderly male a plastic bag with four bundles of cash was eastbound on Old Highway 10 totaling $29,524. The driver was arrested, about 4 miles east of Columbus, when, the vehicle impounded, and the money for an undetermined reason, he drove seized. off the left side of the roadway, where On April 30, 2009, at approximately the vehicle, a 1991 Oldsmobile, vault - 1629 hours, a trooper stopped a 2001 ed into a ravine. Despite being restrained, Ford truck with California license plates the extreme severity of the crash caused for speeding eastbound on Interstate fatal injuries to the driver in this crash 94, near milepost 190, in Prairie County. investigated by Trooper Brenda Timm The driver indicated she was traveling (MHP 202) with assistance from Sergeant from California to North Dakota, and JV Moody (MHP 155). )))

In March of 2009, a male driver was eastbound on responded with an armored vehicle, and Highway Patrol U.S. 2 in Columbia Heights when a Montana Highway troopers later found the driver dead in the front seat. Patrol trooper with the Strategic Traffic Enforcement The apparent suicide is still under investigation, but Team noticed the pickup truck had expired license plates the driver had recently had lost his job and experienced and initiated a traffic stop. a death in the family. As the truck pulled off the road, the trooper noticed The driver also had a misdemeanor warrant out of the male driver pull a rifle from near the back window. Columbia Falls and had been drinking before the shoot - The truck then crossed a field, where it stopped after ing occurred. running into a fence. Officers found the man’s pickup truck with the doors Because the driver was slumped over and out of sight, locked, windows rolled up, and no holes from bullets the trooper called for backup before approaching the fired from outside the vehicle. A .22-caliber rifle was truck. Deputies with the Flathead County SWAT team recovered from the cab. K

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fiNAl pATROl Deceased Members of the Montana State Highway patrol

TROOpER MicHAEl WAR - 2006. REN HAyNES He enjoyed video games, shoot - ing, and playing with his children. Trooper Michael Warren Haynes, He is survived by his wife, 28, passed away Friday, March 27, Tawny, of Kalispell; his daughter, 3 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical 1/2-year-old Taryn; and his son, 16- Center as the result of an automo - month-old Elias; his parents, John bile accident that occurred Monday and Melody Haynes; his brother, morning, March 23, 2009, while on Matthew, and wife, Christina Haynes; duty south of Kalispell. his sister, Joanna, and husband, Jami - Mike was born July 7, 1980, in son Wing; grand father, Mark Lilley; Westlake, Calif., to John and Melody and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, Haynes. He was raised in Sylmar, nephews and nieces. Calif., until his teens, when they Funeral services were held at moved to Kalispell. He attended 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at schools in the Flathead Valley, grad - the Christian Center Assembly of uating from Flathead High School God Church, 107 Summit Ridge, in in 2000. Kalispell. Burial services were at He enlisted in the Army Nation - Glacier Memorial Gardens, with al Guard after high school, where military honors by the Montana he served with C Company 1-163 rd Army National Guard. The Mon - Infantry Battalion out of Missoula tana Highway Patrol performed the in Operation Iraqi Freedom from “last call” at the graveside. December 2004 to November 2005. A benefit fund is set up at First Mike worked in guest services Interstate Bank, and in lieu of flow - at Hume Lake Christian Camp in ers, donations can also be made to California where he met Tawny. the Montana Hope Project. They were married March 15, 2004, You are invited to go to in Kalispell. Mike and Tawny attend - www.Buffalo hillfh.com to leave con - ed Faith Alliance Church in Kalispell. dolences. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home Mike attended the Montana is caring for the family. Highway Patrol Recruit Academy starting on April 9, 2006, and was sworn in as a trooper on August 10, more ®

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continued cApTAiN BODlEy B. VAcuRA attending basketball games until he was 96 years old. After retirement, he and his wife MISSOULA – Bodley B. Vacura, 97, Helen traveled extensively in the states and passed away at his daughter’s home on overseas. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009. Bodley lived a long, varied, interesting Bodley was born on Jan. 21, 1912, in life with many accomplishments; the most Camas Prairie to Annie and Louis Vacura. important being his relationships with his Bodley graduated from Plains High School. children, grandchildren and great-grand - Bodley would marry Helen Wells in 1936 children. and they spent 56 wonderful years togeth - Bodley is survived by daughter, Collette er dancing, playing bridge and golfing. Bod - (Richard) Johnson, and son, Tom of Mis - ley served honorably in World War II and soula; three grandchildren, Lisa (Scott) Ster - saw action in Italy, France and Germany; neckert of Westlake, Ohio, Andrea (Jim) he fought valiantly in the Battle of the Bulge Meckes of Avon, Ohio, and Ken (Shelly) and was stationed aboard ship en route to Johnson of Missoula; six great-grandchil - the Pacific Theater to fight against Japan dren, Cody and Mackenzie Meckes, Ava when the war ended. and Liam Johnson, Connor and Amanda He graduated with the second gradu - Sterneckert. In addition, he is survived by ating class of the Montana Highway Patrol sisters, Levina Noll of Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1937. Bodley worked in Columbus and Ramona (Glenn) Larson of Missoula, Roxy Anaconda; he served as captain in Hele - Brothers of Kalispell; and brother, Joe (Flo - na and was district commander of the rence) of Kalispell. Bodley is further sur - Patrol in Great Falls. Bodley finally retired vived by numerous nieces and nephews. from the patrol 1963. The family moved Bodley was preceded in death by his par - to Missoula in 1961. He worked with the ents; wife, Helen; great-granddaughter, Cloe Missoula Sheriff’s office for a time after Sterneckert; sisters, Edith, Gertie and Flo - retirement from the Highway Patrol. rence; and his brothers, Ed, Clarence, Wes - Bodley had many business interests in ley, Albert, John and Jerry. Missoula; he owned the first automatic car Instead of flowers, please make dona - wash in Missoula, had an interest in an auto tions to the Association of Montana Troop - parts store, and was involved in VW ice ers charity: Montana Hope Project, P.O. with his son Tom. As part of that partner - Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604. ship, Bodley mentored many young men Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thurs - and made many friends and business asso - day, Feb. 26, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. Antho - ciates. ny Catholic Church, 217 Tremont St., Mis - He was past president of the local VFW, soula. A luncheon followed the Mass in the a member of Grizzly Scholarship Associa - church hall; internment followed the lun - tion; past board member of the retired High - cheon at Old St. Mary’s Cemetery at 2 p.m. way Patrol Association, where he was instru - with military honors. Sunset Memorial mental in restructuring the Montana High - Funeral Home assisted the family with way Patrol retirement system. He was an arrangements. K avid Grizzly basketball and football fan,

Montana trooper 51 TO KEEP KIDS OFF DRUGS

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