APRIL 2019 Concerned Oklahomans for the Highway Patrol Society Newsletter
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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.