COHPSCOHPS JANUARY 2019 Concerned Oklahomans for the Society Newsletter INSIDEAnnual THIS ISSUE: DPS Christmas Reception

The annual Christmas reception sponsored by COHPS (Concerned Oklahomans for the Highway COHPS sponsors Patrol Society) took place on Dec. 11 in the Commissioners’ Conference Room, hosted by staff members from the Commissioner’s and Chief’s offices. DPS employees enjoyed a buffet annual holiday lunch luncheon. Pictured above, L-R: Capt. Sheridan O’Neal #39, Billie Watkins, Ginger Greene, for DPS employees Commissioner Rusty Rhoades, Chief Michael Harrell, COHPS President Jim Laurick, Wanda Blair. For a thank-you to COHPS from Commissioner Rhoades and more pics, please see page 2.

Inside this issue…

Commissioner’s thank-you to COHPS 2 Seaworth Academy skating party 18 Promotion; Honorary Trooper 3 OHP meets CHiPS; bowl games 19 Ballistic vest; OHP kudos 4 OHP Out & About 20 OHP misc.; retirement 5 Blue Light; OHP “turkey” 21 COHPSCOHPS Holiday parties 6-15 Trooper Spouses 22 Thank-you notes to COHPS 16-17 About COHPS 23 www.cohps.org 501(c)(3) organization

COHPS Christmas reception (cont’d)

Photos: Elise Rinta

Photos: Elise Rinta Top left: Members of the Activities Committee serve beverages. Top center: Chief Michael Harrell and Chaplain Sam Garner greet guests. Bottom left: COHPS President Jim Laurick welcomes retired Chief . Bottom center: Commissioner Rusty Rhoades and guests. Bottom right: Wanda Blair and the Chief’s and Commissioner’s staff members serve the meal to appreciative DPS employees.

Thank-you to COHPS from Commissioner Rhoades

“Thank you to all of the members of COHPS, both individually and as an organization, for providing financial, logistical and personal support to our Troopers during the Christmas holiday. “As we all know, COHPS historically provides money to each Troop Headquarters in support of Troop Christmas parties. Without that financial support, we would not have the opportunity to share holiday cheer in such a great and family-oriented way. Due to the geography of our great state, we are spread literally to every corner, and don’t often have the chance to visit with our partners and their families. The parties and gatherings at this time of the year give us a chance to catch up and to solidify the true family culture that we cherish. “Thanks again to the COHPS Board and every member for taking great care of our Troopers on a daily basis, and for allowing us the chance to reconnect with each other during such a wonderful time of the year.”

2 A promotion ceremony for Capt. Joseph Lang #60 took place Jan. 7 in Classroom E at the Robert R. Lester Training Center. Lang is a graduate of the 52nd OHP Academy in 2000 and has served in several troops across the state. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2015. His promotion to Captain took effect Nov. 1, 2018, and he is assigned to Troop J. He is pictured at right with his wife, Christina, and Chief Michael Harrell. Congratulations Photo: Elise Rinta

OSTA presents citizen with Honorary Trooper Award

Photos: Trp. Hank Jenks #670

At the Dec. 5 meeting of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association, Rodney Timms, President/Owner of Western Flyer Express, was named an Honorary Trooper. The citation read, “Rodney has helped many troopers during the past several years. He has made numerous monetary donations to troopers and troopers’ families in need. When Rodney hears of a trooper in need of assistance, he goes out of his way to lend a helping hand.” Timms was also honored for his statewide contributions to the prevention of child abuse in Oklahoma. He is pictured above left with Chief Michael Harrell, OSTA President Trp. Keith Barenberg #415, Lt. Michael Lane #170, and Commissioner Rusty Rhoades. Above right: Lt. Lane reading the award presentation. According to the company’s website, Western Flyer Express is an business with a fleet of more than 600 trucks and 1300 trailers.

3 TRP. Sammy Lee presented with new ballistic vest

On Nov. 29, TRP. Sammy Lee #846 was presented with a new ballistic vest to replace the one that likely saved his life on May 11. On that date, Troopers were assisting the Talihina Police Department in the service of a felony arrest in a downtown Talihina building. As they served the warrant, the suspect opened fire. In the exchange of gunfire, a fire started inside the structure. The suspect died at the scene. When the team was evaluated by medics, they discovered that Lee had been struck in his ballistic vest by a bullet fragment, which had been stopped in the lower right torso. Troopers Brett Stephens #635, Brandon Seward #617, Christopher Bunch #313, Chance Tuttle #565, Jason Ross #845, and Timothy Wesley #710 all received minor injuries in the shootout.

Photos: Elise Rinta Back, L-R: Brett Stephens, Jason Ross, Brandon Seward. Trp. Lee receives the new vest and a plaque from Mike Front, L-R: Chance Tuttle, Sammy Lee, Chris Bunch, Tim Wesley. Shoenberger of Armor Express.

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

(Nov. 13) I don't know the Trooper’s name but I want to thank him and any others involved for helping us tonight. My 89-year-old father-in-law drove from McCune, Kansas, and thought he was lost Just would like to reach out around Baxter Springs but was actually outside of Vinita. With the and try and personally thank help of the Webster County Sheriff’s Department where we live in Trooper Hanover badge Missouri, the Crawford and Cherokee County offices in Kansas, #505...He came to our and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, he was found safe and taken to rescue yesterday afternoon the hospital to be checked out … God Bless you all. when we had a blowout on I-40...he got myself, mother and my baby girl safely back on the road and made sure I was stopped today on Hwy 412 for an we got to a gas station with air to get our spare expired tag. Wanted you to know that I tire more air! He went above and beyond and thought Trooper Ellison was very we can’t thank him enough and would love to professional and pleasant to talk to. Had a get back in contact to thank him again smile on his face and treated me with properly!! In the chaos we just don’t feel like respect. He sets a good example for the we properly thanked him for his service! Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

4 Ellis presented with Thin Blue Line afghan after injury

Trp. Austin Ellis #318, who was wounded in an exchange of gunfire with a suspect on Aug. 26, was the recipient of an afghan created by members of an organization called Covering the Blue. Afghans are sent to police officers and corrections officers wounded in the line of duty around the country, as a show of support and appreciation. He is pictured at left with his wife, Kristen, and daughters Brooklyn and Jovi. Ellis initiated a traffic stop in Woodward for a potential seat belt. violation. The driver failed to yield, then entered the parking lot of a hotel where he engaged the Trooper in gunfire. Ellis was flown by helicopter to the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He is still off duty, awaiting medical release to return. Capt. Gary Isbell #36 says he is doing well and Photo provided he thanks everyone for their support.

Troop M participates in Safety Town programs Troop M troopers recently participated in Safety Town programs for the ALt.us area children, along with Altus Police Department, Altus Fire Department, Altus EMS, and the Life Flight air evac helicopter crew. Over 100 local children attended these programs receiving important safety information on numerous topics. Those attending from Troop M, -L R: Trp. Brantley Ford #863, Capt. Johnny Freeman #40, Trp. Justin wheeler #550. The children’s faces have been obscured for privacy. Photo provided

Trp. Gary Smith #287 was honored for 26 years of service to the Department of Public Safety prior to his retirement. He is pictured at right with Troop H Capt. Brad Neidy #42. Smith started with OHP in May of 1992, a graduate of the 47th OHP Academy. His first assignment was in Troop F, assigned to Garvin County, Pauls Valley. He transferred in 1997 to Troop H and served in Custer/Washita counties until 2013. In 2013 he transferred to Troop W and was assigned to Foss Lake. In 2016 he went back to Troop H and served there until his retirement.

Photo provided

5 HOLIDAYHOLIDAY PARTIESPARTIES

TROOPS D & XC (Provided by Kim Evans, Troop D Secretary) Troops D and XC held their Christmas party Dec. 1 at the Choctaw Community Center in McAlester. Pictured above left: Joyce Pryor (Kim Evans’ mom, who helps with the party each year) and Lisa Gray (XC Secretary). Above center: Retired Trp. Dennis Splawn and wife Miranda; Retired Trp. and Retired DL Examiner Alford McConathy and wife Peggy; Janet Forehand and Retired Trp. Jim Bullock; Sydnee and Cameron Splawn. Above right: Abigail Sutherland, daughter of Trp. Ashby Sutherland #501 and wife Cassie, with Santa (played by Mike Sexton).

TROOPS ES & LS (Provided by Barbara Adams, Troop Secretary) The Troop ES & LS Christmas luncheon provided by COHPS was held Dec. 19. The meal included ribs, barbecued bologna, cabbage rolls, hummus and tabouli from Freddie’s Steakhouse in Sapulpa. Pictured, seated, are Trp. Barry McCown and ASO Danny Travis. Standing, L-R: Trp. Steve Johnson, Trp. A.J. Jamerson, former ASO employee Mark Ward, Trp. Albert (Bo) Mowdy, Trp. Tony Rumpl, Trp. David Lynch, Capt. Gary Vinson, and Lt. Dawson Blacklee. Special thanks to Trp. Johnson for making the trip to Sapulpa to pick up the food!

6 TROOP K

(Provided by Lisa Poarch) Troop K had their Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Blackwell Event Center in Blackwell. DeWayne’s BBQ provided the food and CO Jill Courtney arranged for door prizes a visit from Santa.

The following awards were presented:

Troop K Achievement Awards Impaired Driver Apprehension Kay/Noble Detachment: Trooper Adam Beck K700 Pictured at top, L-R: Lisa Poarch, Trp. Chris Vaughan, Trp. Brian Payne Detachment: Trooper Ryan Long K541 and Trooper Derek Fry K298 Rose, Trp. Coby Snyder, Trp. Todd Hatchett, Trp. Malcolm Deming, Osage/Pawnee Detachment: Trooper Romulus Gregory K430 Trp. Derek Hempel, Lt. Ricky Gunkel, Lt. Phillip Ludwyck, Capt. Safety Belt Enforcement Brent Joens, Trp. Tyler Langston, Trp. Aaron Crompton, Trp. Justin Kay/Noble Detachment: Trooper Chris Vaughan K832 Littlesun, Administrative Assistant Jennifer Rupp, CO Jill Courtney. Payne Detachment: Trooper Colby Martens K691 Above: CO Jill Courtney with Santa; Trp. Littlesun and family. Osage/Pawnee Detachment: Trooper Travis Garrison K730 Below: Children enjoying the visit from Santa. Overall Contact Enforcement Kay/Noble Detachment: Trooper Malcolm Deming K662 Payne Detachment: Trooper Derek Fry K298 Osage/Pawnee Detachment: Trooper Brian Rose K605 Narcotics Apprehension Kay/Noble Detachment: Trooper Tyler Langston K609 Payne Detachment: Trooper Ryan Long K541 Osage/Pawnee Detachment: Trooper Romulus Gregory K430 Most Collisions Investigated Trooper Tony Harper K239 Volunteer Work Trooper Ryan Long K541 Troop Commander’s Awards Impaired Driver Apprehension Trooper Romulus Gregory K430 Safety Belt Enforcement Trooper Travis Garrison K730 Overall Contact Enforcement Trooper Derek Fry K298 Narcotics Apprehension Trooper Tyler Langston K609

7 TROOP C

Photos provided Mr. Bill Inhofe was honored by Troop C at their Christmas dinner. Inhofe was presented an appreciation award and a Glock 9mm engraved sidearm. He is a COHPS (Concerned Oklahomans for the Highway Patrol Society) Director and longtime supporter of OHP.

TROOP W (Provided by Melissa McClain, Troop W Secretary) Troop W held their holiday fish fry at Troop HQ in Muskogee on Dec. 5. Frymasters were Trp. Cody Cross #562, Trp. Brian Gage #207, Trp. Gordon Chronister #452, and Trp. Woody Perry #349.

8 TROOPS L, XA & XD

(Provided by Lt. Katie White, OHP Communications) The Troop L, Troop XA and Troop XD Christmas Party was held on December 1st, 2018 in Adair, OK. The event was sponsored by the COHPS organization, with door prizes being provided by area merchants such as Young's Tire, Kemp Quarries, 1909 in Grove, Sooner Emergency Services, Troop L Secretary Charlotte Daniels and many others. Photo credit: COHPS Director Jerry Don Henry.

9 TROOP S

Administrative staff Brittany Berry, Sandy Boies, Charlotte Fullbright, Kristy Kendall, and Kirstie Ware with their Photos: Elise Rinta amazing Captain, David Moffitt #20. (Provided by Charlotte Fullbright, Troop Secretary)

(Back row) Thomas Riddle #739, Jason McAlister #916, Brad Mitchell #341, Cpt. David Moffitt #20, Tanner Beckner #620, Lt. Darrin Rose #138, Scott Doty POE, Robert Rowley POE, Justin Pope #679, Robert Hedges #262, Micah Whittington #433. (Front row) Chris Laufer #323, Lyle Lubbers #578, Kevin Crawford #559, Brittany Berry, Kristy Kendall, Kirstie Ware, Sandy Boies, Denise Logan, Lt. Kirby Logan #62, and (front) Charlotte Fullbright.

Lt. James Watson #123 receiving his gift after being“ Dirty Santa-ed” by a coworker. Trooper Chris Laufer #323 receiving his gift.

10 TROOP A (Provided by Rebeccah Sword, Troop A Secretary) We had more than 100 people in attendance — and it was a wonderful experience; from what I understand, the kids loved the catering by NeverEnding Snowballs, prizes, and visit from Santa. Below is my thank-you to everyone for helping out. Thank you to EVERYONE that made our TROOP A Christmas Party a HUGE SUCCESS!!!! I've had so many good reviews from the Troopers and their spouses between last night and (while working this morning that I was completely BLOWN AWAY! (The cherry on top was the kids telling me they had fun!!!)*** [heart melting here, they're all so cute!!!] And thank you to those that baked/ brought goodies. Without all of you assisting, it wouldn't have been as fantastic; I would like to apologize, as we never got to the musical chairs, I was pulled a little bit in every direction for a while and l lost my focus. Please don't be mad! :) your efforts didn't go to waste, and all of it will be eaten very shortly. :) Thank you to the Retirees, Dispatch, and LTs for getting the word out even further. Thank you for every guest that was able to attend and have your family with us to share a moment in time with our Troop Family; there were so many more than I knew of - and I loved meeting everyone - you all are so kind! And last but not least - thank you to those that came to my rescue to assist in both setting up and taking down everything after. You all are my heroes, and I REALLY mean that. :) If I have forgotten anyone or anything in here, don't hesitate to comment - I want next year to be even greater, so bring up anything, I'm all ears! :)

Nathan Battershell and family, Lt. John Vincent Lt. Pogue, the Stacy family, Lt. Lane and daughter Piper

Dispatchers and their families The Snyder family

11 The Troop E party took place at the Choctaw Nation Event Center in Broken Bow. TROOP E

Photos: COHPS Director Jerry Don Henry

12 TROOP I The Troop I party took place Dec. 15 at the Beaver County Fairgrounds.

Photos: COHPS Director Jerry Don Henry

13

TROOP B TROOP

(Provided by Janet Blissit, Troop B Secretary) These pics are from Church On The Move’s “12 Days of Kindness.” An outreach group from Church On The Move (a church in Tulsa) adopted Troop B several years ago. Members of this outreach group pray for each of us and bless us with encouraging cards once a month. From Dec 1 through Dec 12, something special was delivered to Troop B for all to enjoy. On December 12th, they blessed us with a full spread from Cracker Barrel. The first pic is of LT Hamilton #61 with a family who delivered handmade ornaments. This precious family enjoyed putting all the ornaments on our tree. During the 12 days, the group provided homemade cookies, kettle corn, and hand- decorated bags of treats for each of us.

PIO The OHP/DPS Public Information Office celebrated Christmas belatedly with a lunch at Iron Star Urban Barbecue in OKC on Jan. 10. Pictured clockwise from bottom left: Director of Media Operations Sarah Stewart, COHPS President Jim Laurick, Capt. Paul Timmons #50, Lt. Kera Philippi #161, PIO Secretary Alice Collinsworth, Digital Media Resource Elise Rinta.

@Oklahoma.Highway.Patrol @OHPDPS

14 TROOPS D & XC

(Provided by Kim Evans, Troop D Secretary)

Troops D and XC held their Christmas party Dec. 1 at the Choctaw Community Center in McAlester. Pictured above left: Joyce Pryor (Kim Evans’ mom) and Lisa Gray (XC Secretary). Above center: Troop D Capt. Troy German #41 and Troop SC Capt. Jeff Sewell #26 with Santa (played by Mike Sexton). Above right: Abigail Sutherland, daughter of Trp. Ashby Sutherland #501 and wife Cassie) with Santa. At left: Retired Trp. Dennis Splawn and wife Miranda; Retired Trp. and Retired DL Examiner Alford McConathy and wife Peggy; Janet Forehand and Retired Trp. Jim Bullock; Sydnee and Cameron Splawn.

Former Commissioner inducted into Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame

Former DPS Commissioner Michael C. Thompson was inducted into the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Museum and Hall of Fame on Jan. 5. Thompson joined the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in 1990, promoting through the ranks until being appointed Commissioner of Public Safety and Governor’s Secretary of Safety and Security in 2011. He was appointed as Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard in 2017, serving as the top military advisor to the Governor and commanding the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard. He received the Bill

15 16 17 LEO/Justice Alma Wilson Seaworth Academy Skating Party

On Dec. 5, several Troopers took part in the annual LEO/ Justice Alma Wilson Seaworth Academy Skating Party at the Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink at Mitch Park in Edmond. The event is sponsored each year by the UCO Criminology School and provides a unique opportunity for children in grades 3-8 to interact with law enforcement officers.

Photos: Elise Rinta

Troopers pictured at left with a Blanchard PD officer: Trp. Mystal Perkins #795, Lt. Kera Philippi #161, Trp. Dustin Carlton #848, Lt. Richard Losurdo #127, Trp. Scott Patton #575, Capt. Paul Timmons #50.

18 OHP Troopers meet CHiPs actors at Tulsa Pop Culture Expo

Photos provided Front row, L-R: Trp. Jon Moser #471, Robert Pine, Larry L-R: Larry Wilcox (“Officer Jon Baker”), Trp. Adam Wood #959, Capt. Paul Wilcox, , Trp. Chris Bonny #270, Trp. Ron Timmons #50, Robert Pine (“Sgt. Joseph Getraer”), Erik Estrada (“Officer Frank Watson #817, Trp. David Cravens #235. Back row: Trp. Poncherello”). Brian Medeiros #633, Trp. Adam Wood #959, Trp. Keith Najera #716, Trp. Steve Eason #419, Trp. Troy Gilmore #188, Trp. Chris Simpson #758, Trp. Clint Riddle #581, Capt. Paul Timmons #50, Trp. Scott Patton “CHiPs” #575, Trp. Rocky Barnes #393.

Actors Erik Estrada, Larry Wilcox and Robert Pine from the TV show “CHiPs” appeared in Tulsa Nov. 2-4 as celebrity guests at the Tulsa Pop Culture Expo. Several Troopers had a chance to interact with the actors, who played motorcycle officers in the television series during the late 70s and early 80s. In a Tulsa World article, Trp.. Brian Medeiros #633 called meeting the actors a once -in-a-lifetime opportunity. “This is really awesome for these guys to come here,” he said. “I grew up watching ‘CHiPs’ as a kid, and I always thought that would be the greatest job in the world to be a motorcycle officer. I got on the Highway Patrol in 1995, which we did not have motorcycles at that time. We got our first motorcycles in 1999, (and there were) just two. I got to get into the unit in 2001, and now, I am living my dream because of these gentlemen right here.” The Tulsa Pop Culture Expo (tulsapopcultureexpo.com) benefits Tulsa Pop Kids, Trp. Clint Riddle #581 with Erik Estrada which seeks to use pop culture to aid literacy.

Orr, Vincent attend OU, OSU bowl games Capt. Brian Orr #52 and Lt. John Vincent #107 serve as security for OU Coach Lincoln Riley and OSU Coach Mike Gundy, respectively, and of course attended their teams’ bowl games. At left: Capt. Orr showing off an OHP sticker “someone” placed on a Broward County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle. At right: Lt. Vincent with the Memphis motors unit. OU lost to Alabama 45-34 in the Orange Bowl, while OSU defeated the Missouri Tigers 38-33 in the Liberty Bowl.

19 Photos provided

Outpatient clinic, The children’s hospital at ou medicine Oklahoma City, Dec. 20 OHP Troopers visited The Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine to pass out toys to kids in the outpatient clinics.

Troopers participating included: Trp. Lyle Lubbers #578 Trp. Kyle Medcalf #778 Trp. Vernon Brake #390 Trp. John Marion #553 Trp. Chad Pape #488 Comm. Sgt. Renee Lovett Trp. Trevor Flanagan #193

Shop with

Skiatook, Dec. 20

Trp. Travis Garrison #730 Trp. Romulus Gregory #430 Trp. Derek Hempel #798

Trp. Brian Rose #605 Trp. Jon Cotner #706 Trp. Justin Littlesun #560

20 Blue Light Ceremony Nov. 4

OHP Troopers took part in the annual Blue Light Ceremony Nov. 4 at the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial in Oklahoma City. The ceremony honors law enforcement officers from across the state who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. A blue obelisk was recently added to the site and will glow 24 hours a day year-round. The memorial is located on the grounds at the Department of Public Safety at 3600 N. Martin Luther King Avenue.

IT’S AN OHP TURKEY !!! (Submitted by Lisa Gray, Troop XC Secretary) Beckett Enloe, son of Trp. Cody Enloe #826, took part in a Thanksgiving project at Klever Kidz Academy in McAlester. The children were to disguise a turkey for “show and tell,” and explain why they chose that disguise for their turkey. It’s apparent that Beckett is thankful his dad is an OHP Trooper, and proud of his real-life superhero. Beckett’s description to his teacher said:“ My turkey is disguised as an Oklahoma Highway Patrol. My daddy is a Trooper and he is my real life superhero. He protects people every single day and he takes the bad guys to jail. His trooper car is so cool and it goes really fast! He turns the lights on for me and lets me sit in it when he comes home.” The owner/director of Klever Kidz Academy is Kyleigh Tolman, the daughter of Troop XC Secretary Lisa Gray. Kyleigh is married to Trp. Jeremy Tolman #705. Lots of OHP pride at that organization!

21 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 Bob Ellis 918-791-1045 www.cohps.org and click “Join Us.” celebration in 2012. Personal memberships are $12 per Director Grove year and corporate memberships  Funding of Proudly Protecting Gene Fitzpatrick 405-641-8296 Oklahoma, Bob Burke’s book about are $100 per year. Remember, your Director Grove the 75th anniversary of OHP. membership fee is tax deductible. 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

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

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