COHPSCOHPS APRIL 2019 Concerned Oklahomans for the Highway Patrol Society Newsletter

Troopers of the Year honored at 50th Annual DPS Awards Luncheon

Photos: Elise Rinta The 50th Annual Department of Public Safety Awards Luncheon took place April 9 at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. The event was sponsored by AAA, COHPS, the Oklahoma State Troopers Association and the Retired Oklahoma Troopers Association. Numerous troopers and civilian employees were honored for outstanding performance during 2018. DPS Commissioner Rusty Rhoades said, “We would like to thank COHPS for their ongoing support of troopers and their family throughout the year, and for their role in sponsoring our annual award luncheon. We very much appreciate their contribution that helped to make this important event possible.”

Pictured above left: Commissioner Rusty Rhoades, Assistant Commissioner Megan Simpson, and Chief Michael Harrell present a Trooper of the Year Award to Trp. Austin Ellis #318, honored for his actions on August 26 when he was fired upon by a fleeing suspect. Above right: Commissioner Rhoades and Chief Harrell present Trooper of the Year Awards to seven members of the OHP Tactical Team for a May 11 event in Talihina where the suspect barricaded himself in a building and engaged the team members in gunfire. For more pictures and award information, see page 2.

DPS Awards 2 OSPOA; Live PD; Meyer Resolution 3 Nicholas Dees Memorial Run 4 Troop M honored 5 COHPSCOHPS Retirements, OHP Out & About 6 OHP Out & About 7-9 www.cohps.org Kudos, OHP misc. 10 501(c)(3) organization COHPS info 11

Chief’s Awards: Trp. Matt White, Trp. Vince Curtis, Trp. Craig Dill, Trp. Tim Baker, Lt. Eddie Bohanan

DPS/OHP Award Recipients

Paul W. Matthews Award for Community Service Lori Swanson, Trp. Paige Dowell #460

Commissioner’s Awards Amy Graham, Trista Gregory, Mark Bright

Career Achievement Awards Beverly Baker, Janet Hernandez COHPS President Jim Laurick is pictured with Director Administrative Professional of the Year Awards Dr. Joe Taron and Kathy Gooding (OU Health Sciences Shannon Muse, Gayla McKenzie Center) at the DPS Awards Luncheon.

Team Award DPS Mobile Systems Division

Chief’s Special Recognition Awards Christa Alderman, Myriah Downs

Chief’s Awards Trp. Matt White #742, Trp. Vince Curtis #854, Trp. Craig Dill #564, Trp. Tim Baker #260, Lt. Eddie Bohanan #133

Communications Officer of the Year Awards CO Glenn Hankins, CO Stephanie Lour OHP Motorcycle Unit

Unit Citation OHP Motorcycle Unit

Commissioner’s Special Recognition Award OHP Emergency Services Unit

Trooper of the Year Awards Trp. Austin Ellis #318, Trp. Brett Stephens #635, Trp. Brandon Seward #617, Trp. Sammy Lee #846, Trp. Chris Bunch #313, Trp. Chance Tuttle #565, Trp. Jason Ross #845, Trp. Tim Wesley #710

Trooper of the Year recipients

2 PLEASE SAVE THESE DATES!

COHPS 20th Annual Open Golf Tournament June 7, 2019 The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge, Sand Springs

The annual golf tournament is the COHPS organization’s major fundraising event, and the proceeds are vitally important as we help troopers and their families in times of need throughout the year. Financial support for this tournament would not be possible without our valued sponsors, who are recognized both during the tourney and at the dinner/awards ceremony. A variety of sponsorship levels are available, and several levels also include the entry of a team in tournament play. For additional information about becoming a sponsor and supporting the critical mission of the COHPS organization, please visit www.cohps.org or contact Gordon Hampton, tourney chairman, at 918-234-5462. Entry deadline is May 1, 2019.

20th Annual COHPS Trooper Spouses’ Appreciation Event June 18, 2019 Oklahoma State Troopers Association Annual Conference Sequoyah State Park near Hulbart

Troopers’ spouses will be recognized for the support and sacrifices they provide to their Trooper and children on a daily basis

3 Neill, Costanza receive OSPOA awards

Trp. Nathan Neill #812 and Trp. Brian Costanza #598 recently received Meritorious Service Awards from the Oklahoma Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. The awards honored their actions on April 9, 2018, when they led the OHP Tactical Team in a dynamic entry to a residence where a suspect was holding a hostage. Presenters said Costanza and Neill placed themselves in imminent danger as they entered the residence, not knowing the exact location of the suspect. Their quick and decisive actions undoubtedly saved the life of the hostage and eliminated any further threat to other law enforcement officers on the scene.

Photo: Elise Rinta Photo provided The widow and daughters of the late Lt. Heath Meyer OHP joins “Live PD” nation received House Resolution 1013 on April 10, honoring the life and sacrifice of Lt. Meyer. He died in July of Starting on March 29, OHP became one of the law 2017 after being struck during a high-speed chase. enforcement agencies featured on A&E Network’s “Live PD.” The live show follows various officers in the course of their LT. HEATH MEYER #64 nighttime patrols, broadcasting select encounters with the public. The show airs on the A&E Network from 8-11 p.m. (Central time) Friday and Saturday nights and will mostly feature OHP units in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas. In a YouTube video announcing OHP’s participation, Commissioner Rusty Rhoades said, “This is a great opportunity for this agency to show people across the nation what we do, why we do it, and how we do it.” 1974-2017

4 4th Annual Memorial Trooper Nicholas Dees #731 Run

(Information and photos provided by Lt. Scott Hampton)

The 4th Annual Memorial Trooper Nicholas Dees #731 Run took place March 16 in Durant to raise awareness about the dangers of texting while driving.

Trooper Dees was killed in the line of duty in 2015 when he was hit by a texting driver while investigating a traffic accident.

Funds raised from this event benefit the Nicholas Dees Scholarship.

Trp. Dees’ oldest daughter, Claire Dees, ran the 5k race in her father’s honor. She was escorted by Trp. Robby Keeling #726 of the Bryan County detachment and completed the race with her grandmother, Shelley Russell.

This year there were more than 300 participants consisting of Troopers from around the state and adjoining states, as well as many other LEOs.

Tulsa Police Officer Josh Metcalf won third overall. The Sherman (Texas) Regional Pipe Band with Trp. Jamey Miller, Trp. Troopers David Hamilton #502 and Robby Keeling Matt Stacy, Trp. David McCutcheon, and Lt. Scott Hampton. #726 won medals in their age class. CO Brycen Collins won second in his age group.

TRP. NICHOLAS DEES #731 IN MEMORIAM 1985-2015

5 Troop M personnel honored by Altus VFW Post 4876

(Submitted by Capt. Johnny Freeman #40, Troop M Commander)

Troop M members were presented the following awards from the Altus VFW Post 4876 on March 30: 1. Trp. Jeff Fielder #723 received the award for leading Troop M in occupant restraint (seat belt) citations. 2. Trp. Chris Sherman #661 received the award for Troop M Trooper of the Year for outstanding performance in all areas. 3. Capt. Johnny Freeman #40 accepted an award presented to Trooper Josh Tinsley for outstanding performance in the area of Impaired Driver enforcement. 4. Capt. Johnny Freeman #40 also accepted the award presented to Troop M for outstanding service to the community during 2018. A delicious brisket dinner with all the fixings was prepared by VFW Post Commander Joe Roman and his staff for all attendees from Altus Police Department, Altus Fire Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County EMS and Altus AFB Security Forces and Fire Department. 1 2

3 4

6 Photo: Elise Rinta Photo provided Troop W (Marine Enforcement) conducted their annual training at Lake Troopers Brian Medeiros #633, Clint Murray on April 1. Riddle #581 and Rocky Barnes #393 are pictured working a construction zone south of Kingfisher. Work Zone Awareness Week is April 8-12.

Photo: Elise Rinta Ten of OHP’s 16 female Troopers gathered for a group photo as part of Women’s History Month. This photo was taken near the Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City. Photo provided Trp. Derek Humphrey #647 recently visited with youngsters at Salina Elementary School.

On the day of the “Live PD” meet-and-greet event, several OHP members gathered for photos to be used in future recruiting materials. Pictured L-R: Lt. Kera Philippi #161, Capt. Paul Timmons #50, Trp. Quenton Payne #668, Trp. Cliff Kinsler #770, Trp. Micah Freeman #237, Trp. Ryan Smith #629, Trp. Leonardo Flores #381, Trp. Jacob Craig #547, Lt. Richard Losurdo #127, Trp. Mystal Perkins #795.

Photo: Elise Rinta 7 Photos provided

Congratulations to these four retiring troopers and thank you for your service to the state of Oklahoma. Pictured from left are Trooper Jack Walker, retiring from Troop E down in the far southeastern part of our state, Trooper Brian McGill, retiring from Troop F in the southern part of the state, Trooper Jason Scarborough, retiring from Troop R, capitol patrol and Trooper Troy Thompson retiring from Troop A in the OKC metro.

Photos provided

CPT Eric Cannaday and Director Kathy Fuss of the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative presenting an Older Driver Safety Class at the Durant VFW in March.

OHP joined with the Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Wichita (KS) Police Departments for high-speed training (in high winds!) on March 14. Lt. Kera Philippi #161 and Cody McDonell from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office participated in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Oklahoma City on March 16.

8 Photos provided

Trooper Danny Long is being recognized by the National Association of Police Organizations for his service as a member of the U.S. Marshals Task Force. This photo was taken during a previous award for being involved in a shootout with a suspect back in May of 2018 near Noble. OHP Chief Mike Harrell says it it weren't for Trooper Long's quick thinking and action, several task force members could have been killed that day.

Students in Gore Elementary 4th and 5th grade classes received a visit from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol March 11. Trp. Stephen Spencer #624 and Trp. Jonathan Earls #426 spoke with the students about respect and watching out for others. Troopers answered many questions and gave insight into how to be a better person and empower others. When the discussion led to bullying, troopers were very informative and discouraged anything that was not kind or meant to help others. The internet safety discussion led to Staff and Administration hosting an "Internet Safety and Your Family" dinner meeting for parents at a later date.

Trp. Carlin Neece #879, Trp. Tyrone Dixon #245, Trp. Morgan Harp #938, Communications Lt. Kami Hamman and Lt. Kera Philippi #161 attended a recruiting event at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton on March 12.

9 Several OHP troopers participated in a celebration for the oldest living trooper, Hubert "Clarence" Anderson, on April 5.

Anderson graduated from the 13th Academy in 1953 and was assigned to the Okemah division of District 2.

He is currently 95 years old and lives at Centennial Hospice. The hospice group threw a Bob Wills-themed celebration for him because Wills is his all-time favorite country singer.

OHP took part in a mock impaired driving crash scene in Locust Grove recently, along with the Salina and Locust Grove Fire Departments, Tulsa Life Flight, MESTA Emergency Service, and the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office. Through this mock crash, organizers hope to make teens more aware of the dangers of impaired driving.

Two of OHP's Explosive Detection K9s attended the DFW Advanced Explosive Detection K9 Workshop in Dallas recently. Lt. Mike Norman #111 participated with K9 “Bob” and Trp. Steve Burton #909 with K9 “Piper”.

The workshop conducted various advanced training exercises in explosives detection in some of Dallas’s largest venues, including DFW airport terminals, multi-level parking garages, terminal trains, wide body aircraft, luggage and warehouses. They also conducted searches at ATT Stadium, Globe Life Stadium and Six Flags. The K9s were exposed to live gunfire, then placed into a search for explosives. A Chinook helicopter was also provided for acclimation and took the K9’s for a 20-minute ride over the city of Dallas.

10 Kudos are collected from social media, the DPS public website and other sources.

Today as I was driving to Chickasha on highway 81 … I had a front passenger side blow out! If anyone has driven on 81 near Union City you can understand why it’s such a dangerous place to be parked on the side of the road! I decided to get out, get my spare, and get my jack instead of wasting money on roadside assistance. I was lowering my jack as far as it could go down so I could stick it under my vehicle when a Trooper pulled up. I can change my own tire, I’ve done it a couple of times before, but seeing Oklahoma State Trooper Eric Albrecht made my day! He could have sat in his vehicle and done ‘traffic control’ to make sure I didn’t get hit as I was changing my tire, but instead he and another gentleman who was with him got Trooper Albrecht’s jack out and cut the tire changing time in half. Law enforcement sure doesn’t get enough recognition. Thank you to both men!

Mount Laurel, NJ OHP friends and family... March, 2019

Dear Col. Harrell: Greetings! My name is Christopher J.F. Ruggiano, and I am 31 years of age. I just wanted to take a moment to extend to you and your department my prayers and support as you protect the life and property of those in your community! The need to pray and express thankfulness for law enforcement has always been important; however, as the recent events across our nation have shown, the need is all the more imperative now. Savannah Deatherage (far left), niece of Capt. Jeff Sewell #26, So please accept this letter with my thankfulness and delivered a once-in-a-lifetime play to bring a championship to the Varnum girls’ basketball team with a 39-36 victory over appreciation for you and your officers as you strive defending champion Hammon on March 2. With the game tied every day to protect and serve that which has been and only 13 seconds remaining, Deatherage stepped in front of entrusted to you. Please know of my prayers and a Hammon player’s pass, intercepted it, raced to the basket for support always. the layup, and was fouled. She made the free throw with 8.6 Keep up the good work! God bless. seconds remaining. Information and photo courtesy of NewsOK.com.

Facebook fan Billy Wade took this picture of an OHP unit while storm chasing near Altus April 3. 11 ABOUT THE COHPSCOHPS ORGANIZATION

Thanks to membership dues, COHPS is dedicated to the support donations and golf tournament COHPS of our Troopers, both active and proceeds, the COHPS organization Board of Directors retired, and their families. has accomplished many goals in Each year, unfortunately, Troopers recent years, including: Jim Laurick 405-202-6100 are injured in the line of duty.  Direct donations to Troopers and President Edmond COHPS has made these situations a their families in times of need. Bill Inhofe 918-260-8583 top priority by reaching out to these  Annual sponsorship of Christmas Troopers and their families — not Eastern Vice-Pres. Muskogee dinner events for Troopers and only to help them through difficult their families across the state. Paul Roan 580-371-5373 times, but to let them know that  Sponsorship of an annual event Western Vice-Pres. Tishomingo they have the support of all our honoring Troopers’ spouses in Pam Simmons 580-471-6749 COHPS members. appreciation for their support. Treasurer Mangum To join COHPS, visit our website at  Sponsorship of the Department of Public Safety’s 75th anniversary Tim Barrack 405-740-2898 www.cohps.org and click “Join Us.” celebration in 2012. Personal memberships are $12 per Director Shawnee year and corporate memberships  Funding of Proudly Protecting Bob Ellis 918-791-1045 Oklahoma, Bob Burke’s book about are $100 per year. Remember, your Director Grove the 75th anniversary of OHP. membership fee is tax deductible. Gene Fitzpatrick 405-641-8296

Director Grove Gordon Hampton 918-625-8917

Director Broken Arrow Jerry Don Henry 580-471-5035

Director Yukon Joe Landon 918-798-6800

Director Collinsville Dr. Joe Taron 405-308-3650 COHPS

Director Shawnee P.O. Box 3258 www.cohps.org Pat Woodward 918-810-4728 Shawnee, OK 74802-3258 Director Bixby

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