COHPSCOHPS JANUARY 2018 Concerned Oklahomans for the Society Newsletter INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Rhoades appointed as DPS Commissioner

Chief Harrell promoon 2 On Nov. 14, Gov. appointed Billy D. “Rusty” Rhoades as Public Safety Commissioner. Thompson award 3 Rhoades began his career with DPS in 1989, Christmas pares 4‐9 serving with the Capitol Patrol. He graduated Trooper Spouses 10 from the 46th OHP Academy in 1991 and held assignments in Troops L (Vinita) and A Purple Heart Awards 11 (). He was assigned to the FBI

COHPS info 12 Gang/Violent Crimes Task Force and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force; he was promoted to Lieutenant in 2003 and Captain in 2006. He served as legislave liaison for DPS, and was promoted to Major in 2009. “I appreciate the confidence Governor Fallin has shown in me,” Rhoades said upon his appointment. “I will work to guide the Department of Public Safety to connued growth, while maintaining the strong tradions and standards of the agency.” Harrell named as OHP Chief

Michael S. Harrell has been named to serve as OHP Chief. Harrell is a graduate of the 48th OHP Academy in 1995. Assignments include Troops K (Pawnee), B (Tulsa), J (Enid), C (Muskogee) and XB (Muskogee Turnpike). He promoted to Lieutenant in 2003, to Captain in 2006 and to Major in 2013. He has served as Troop COHPSCOHPS Commander for several Troops. “I am equally humbled and excited by the www.cohps.org opportunity bestowed upon me by the 501(c)(3) organizaon Commissioner,” Harrell said. “I look forward to promong his vision for the Department of Public Safety and connuing our long history of serving the cizens of the great State of Oklahoma.”

Promoon ceremony: Col. Michael S. Harrell, Chief of Patrol

December 4, 2017

Keli Harrell assists in pinning the collar brass during the promoon ceremony.

Col. Harrell’s family: Back row, L‐R: Kaelin Woods (son‐in‐law); Kailan Woods (daughter); JoAnn Graham (step‐mom); Keli Harrell (wife); Cleon Harrell (dad); Tyler Harrell (nephew); Jeff Harrell (brother). Front row: T.H. Harrell (son); Col. Harrell; Lena Harrell (mom).

Former Capt. Sco Horton pinned Col. Harrell’s badge and presented a plaque from the family of former Chief Jerry Horton (pictured below right).

Chief of Staff Gerald Davidson (le) and Commissioner Rusty Rhoades address aendees.

2 Thompson honored with COHPS Lifetime Award

Rered Commissioner Michael C. Thompson was honored at a luncheon on Nov. 30 at the Will Rogers Theatre in Oklahoma City. Jim Laurick, COHPS President, presented Thompson with a Lifeme Award on behalf of the organizaon. Guest speakers included:  Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb  DPS Chief of Staff Gerald Davidson  Agent Brent Fairchild, ABLE  General Counsel Steve Krise, DPS  Director Stan Florence, OSBI  Chief Bill Ciy, OKCPD  Jim Laurick, COHPS  Commissioner (Ret.)  Director John Scully, OBNDD  Agent Ken Valenne, USSS  Jusce Joe Wa  Agent Raul Bujanda, FBI  Agent Richard Salter, DEA  OHP Capt. Randy Rogers #28 on behalf of the 45th OHP Academy Thompson’s rerement plaque was presented by Chief Ricky Adams (at right: Adams, Thompson, Chief of Staff Gerald Davidson).

Photos: Russell Perkins, ODOT

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Chief of Staff Gerald Davidson, General Counsel Steve Krise, COHPS President Jim Laurick and Capt. Randy Rogers #28 were among the speakers at the rerement luncheon.

3 Commissioners’Commissioners’ andand Chief’sChief’s ChristmasChristmas receptionreception

The Commissioners’ and Chief’s Christmas luncheon, sponsored by COHPS, took place on Thursday, Dec. 7. Pictured below, L‐R: Ginger Greene, Steve Krise, Billie Watkins, George Randolph and Wanda Blair served the meal for DPS employees. Boom: Gyda Davidson, Chaplain Sam Garner, Chief Mike Harrell, and Chief of Staff Gerald Davidson ready to receive guests. Le: DPS employees enjoying the meal. Commissioner Rusty Rhoades was unable to aend.

Photos: Anne Shirley

4 Each year, COHPS sponsors Christmas pares for acve and ChristmasChristmas partiesparties rered Troopers, support staff members and families across the state. This year, COHPS sponsored more than 30 celebraons.

M

Photos and info submied by Marsha Cowart Troop M hosted their kids’ Christmas party at the Skate Place in Altus on Dec. 2. Pictured above le, back row L‐R: Trp. Shawn Laughlin #324, Trp. Kyle Shaw #536, Lt. George Dickerson #144, Trp. Chris Sherman #661, Trp. Jusn Wheeler #550. Third row: Trp. C.J. Williams #777, Trp. Ryan Hayes #282, Lt. Richard VanHorn #159, Capt. Paul Chrisan #53, Trp. John Tinsley #682, Lt. Steve Pothorst #172. Second row: Rered Lt. Mike Holloway, Trp. Jimmy Wallace #734, Trp. Alex Wilson #265, Trp. Sco Hazle #907, Rered Asst. Commissioner Larry Alexander, Rered Trooper Dennis Ratzlaff, Rered Trooper Will Rogers. Front row: Rered Trooper Bob Beers, Troop M’s oldest rered Trooper at age 96. Pictured above right, back row L‐R: Zeke Rogers, Beau Rogers, Makenna Hayes, Riley Hayes, Maci Hayes, Elf (Trp. Alex Wilson #265), Julie Pendergra, Jamie Pendergra. Front row: Dusn Best, Adelyn Wallace, Jagger Wheeler, Santa (DL Examiner Rod Millard), Easton Tinsley, Brooklyn Tinsley, Jusce Wheeler, Hadley Wallace.

K

Photos and info submied by Jennifer Rupp Troop K had their Christmas party on Dec. 1 at Mexico Joe’s in Sllwater. Almost 70 people aended, including Commissioner Rusty Rhoades and his wife. There was also a raffle for a shotgun, benefing Trp. Todd Hatche, who was involved in a major motorcycle accident in September. Hatche’s family was in aendance and thanked everyone for their contribuons and prayers. He is now recovering in room 5312 at the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitaon Center, 4219 S. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, and the family encourages visitors to come by as it brightens his day. Troop K would like to thank COHPS for generously donang for the Christmas celebraon year aer year! Pictured above, L‐R: Trp. Robert Regnier #219, Trp. Jusn Lilesun #560, Trp. Brian Rose #605, Trp. Chris Vaughan #832, Trp. Steve Burrows #202, Commissioner Rusty Rhoades, Lt. Preston Lay #177, Lt. Gabe Leach #167, Trp. Jason Ross #845, Lt. Ricky Gunkel #63, Trp. Derek Fry #298.

5 ChristmasChristmas partiesparties (cont’d)(cont’d)

G

Photos and info submied by Katherine White The Troop G Christmas party took place at the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha on Dec. 2. Pictured at right: Madison Briscoe, daughter of Trp. Chris Black #206; Santa Claus (played by CO Brandon Johnson); Capt. John Paul #30. More photos from the Troop G party on page 8.

S & R

Photos and info submied by Charloe Fullbright

On Friday, Dec. 8, Captain David Moffi #20 and his administrave staff hosted a Christmas Luncheon for both Troop S and Troop R personnel and many other guests. There was a mountain of tradional Christmas foods. Cpt. Moffi smoked all the meats and administrave staff members prepared all the sides, as well as tons of homemade candies. A good me was had by all Pictured at le: Capt. David Moffi #20, Chaplain Sam Garner, and Troop S personnel. .

Le photo: Rered Trp. “Flipper” Ellyson with Lt. Brian Orr #93 and wife Krista Orr. Center: Commissioner Rusty Rhoades with rered Secretary Carolyn Rawlings. Right: Troop R Secretary Kelley Gazaway and Troop S Secretary Charloe Fullbright.

6 ChristmasChristmas partiesparties (cont’d)(cont’d)

ES

Photos and info submied by Barbara Adams

Troop ES had their Christmas luncheon, sponsored by COHPS, on Dec. 13. Van’s Pig Stand catered. Top Le, L‐R: Trp. Tony Rumpl #492, Trp. Nate Starks #728, Armed Security Officer Danny Travis, secretary Barbara Adams, Capt. Gary Vinson #43, Trp. Jason Lanier #397, Lt. Marc Page #96, Trp. Scoy Beamon #346, Trp. Clayton Dodge #891, Trp. A.J. Jamerson #468, Trp. Steve Johnson #263 and Trp. Calvin Symes #789 Top right: Trp. Jason Lanier #397, Trp. Tony Rumpl #492, inmate Elissa, and Trp. Bo Mowdy #475.

Photos and info submied by Anne Shirley Z

Troop Z’s Christmas party took place at Café 7 on Dec. 8. Guests from across the state came dressed in their favorite ugly Christmas sweaters and took part in a “Dirty Santa” gi exchange. Host for the event was Capt. Jason Holt #49. Troop Z said they would like to extend a very special thank‐you to COHPS for their selfless service to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and their connued support of Troopers across the state.

C&ES

C&ES (Communicaon and Electronic Services) had their Christmas party on Dec. 15 in the C&ES office area at the I‐240 building in Oklahoma City.

7 ChristmasChristmas partiesparties (cont’d)(cont’d)

G (cont’d)

Photos and info submied by Kami Hamman

The Troop G Christmas party took place Dec. 2 in Grady County, with acve and rered Troopers and families in aendance. Santa Claus himself even made a surprise appearance, with the help of CO Brandon Johnson. Pictured below with Santa, L‐R: Cayson Comer, son of Trp. Corey Comer #330; Moriah Paul, daughter of Capt. John Paul #30; Caleb Paul, son of Capt. John Paul #30; Kole Black, son of Trp. Chris Black #206.

E

Photo: Jerry Don Henry

The Troop E party took place Dec. 8 at the First Bapst Church in Atoka. Many Troopers and their families, communicaons personnel, and rerees aended. Pictured at le: Trp. B.J. Keeling #521 and Wava Denito.

8 ChristmasChristmas partiesparties (cont’d)(cont’d)

The Troop L, XA/XD party was held Dec. 14 at the Adair High School cafeteria. Pictured below: Capt. John Starling #55 and Capt. Gary Isbell L, XA/XD #36 with Santa Claus.

Photos: Jerry Don Henry

YE Photo: Jerry Don Henry

The Troop YE party took place Dec. 14 at Express Ranches in Yukon. Maj. Pat Mays #13; Brenda Mays, Identy Verificaon Director; Angela Finley‐Todd, Deputy Chiefs’ office.

Are you following OHP on @ohptraffic OHP traffic informaon @OHP_LTCWILSON Lt. Col. J.D. Wilson SOCIAL MEDIA? @htblish Maj. Todd Blish @ohp52mike Maj. Mike McClelland @capt_timmons Capt. Paul Timmons, PAD @ohpcaptain Capt. Ronnie Hampton www.facebook.com/ @OHPLTKera Lt. Kera Philippi, PAD Oklahoma.Highway.Patrol @TrpDurant Trp. Dwight Durant, PAD

…….. and many more!

9 Oklahoma Trooper Spouses

Submied by Kayla Burch, President

November 10‐12 brought 46 women from across the state together for a weekend full of rest, relaxaon, friendship, learning, and LOTS of laughter when Oklahoma Trooper Spouses hosted their second annual retreat. Member aendance was diverse, with individuals traveling from 12 of the 13 Field Troops. The longevity with the Patrol spanned more than 40 years and 20 Patrol Academies, with the most seasoned Trooper Spouse ed to the 22nd, which her late husband referred to as “the last REAL Academy.” Throughout the weekend, five speakers brought with them invaluable experience and insight, and allowed each parcipant to take the me to focus on him/herself, which as adults and parents and grandparents, we rarely take the me to do. The weekend kicked off with a financial planning and rerement readiness course presented by rered Trooper Ken Stafford from Stafford and Associates, which provided a wealth of knowledge to the spouses, and also served as CLEET Credit for Troopers who aended with their spouses. The course was fantasc, and discussed debt management, SoonerSave, OLERS, and the Drop Plan. On Saturday morning, movaonal speaker Zenneth Nevers from Florida provided some comedic relief, followed by Licensed Professional Counselor Stephanie Williams, who works in Edmond with children, adolescents and adults through therapies focused specifically on children and the impact of growing up in a law enforcement family. Stephanie helped members with quesons on the best ways to handle difficult situaons too oen encountered by our lile ones too young to understand, and strategies to more easily navigate through the all‐too‐common fears of our children. Next up was Jamie Scammahorn, M.Ed., LPC, who has recently joined the OAP team, and who focused her me with OTS on strategies to strengthen law enforcement marriages. Jamie spoke at the OTS State Meeng in September about four basic ways to stay connected, and expanded upon this subject with more intenonal approaches for everyday connecon and how to stay in touch with each other’s needs. The last speaker, Allison Uribe, is an auxiliary chaplain with the San Antonio Police Department, where her husband serves as a police officer. Allison is also a chaplain with Serve and Protect, serving the spiritual and emoonal needs of law enforcement, fire/ rescue, and correcons, and is the founder of Wives on Duty Ministries, designed to support and encourage wives of law enforcement and other emergency services through the word of God. Allison led the group in a Sunday morning devoonal, followed by a session detailing her experiences as a law enforcement spouse, and wisdom and lessons she has learned along the way. In addion to me in sessions, we craed, played games, took naps, hiked, swam, hit the spa, watched movies, ate gummy bears and genuinely enjoyed the company of our friends, both old and new. Each member walked away with some killer door prizes, abs sore from laughing, and friendships to last a lifeme. We missed all those who were not able to aend, and hope to see many new and familiar faces next year. This amazing weekend would not have been possible without the support of COHPS and the many other organizaons who have shown OTS such tremendous support from the beginning. Founding OTS has presented many challenges and obstacles along the way; however, our commitment to unite the spouses of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol remains steadfast, and our drive is more present than ever to offer an organizaon providing warmth, community and resources to all Trooper Spouses. Membership is open year‐round to all Trooper Spouses, both acve and rered. For more informaon, please email [email protected].

10 Troop A Purple Heart Awards

Five OHP Troopers from Troop A in Oklahoma City were honored Nov. 9 with Purple Heart Awards for exceponal acts of bravery in the line of duty. The awards were presented by Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael C. Thompson and OHP Chief Ricky Adams at Troop A headquarters. “It’s an honor for us to recognize these people and the tremendous cost that goes with the responsibility of protecng and serving the public,” Adams said. “These individuals have paid a great cost and we are very grateful that they survived their ordeals and are sll with us today.”

Trooper Dennis Dickens #563 On July 26, 2013, Trooper Dickens was operang as pilot‐in‐command of an OHP aircra while searching for a suspect who had fled from a nearby accident scene on foot. During the flight, he was able to spot the suspect from the air and begin guiding nearby officers to the suspect’s locaon. While performing flight operaons, the aircra entered an aerodynamic stall and crashed in an open field near the intersecon of State Highway 9 and State Highway 102 in Poawatomie County. Dickens suffered mulple fractures and other crical injuries, requiring mulple surgeries and almost 21 months of recovery prior to returning to duty in 2015.

Trooper Jason Richardson #367 On January 19, 2016, Trooper Richardson was invesgang a collision that had occurred on Interstate 40 near the 180 mile marker, approximately one mile west of Shawnee. Richardson was outside his unit, on foot in the center median. A vehicle approaching from the west lost control on an icy bridge and slid into the center median backwards. The vehicle vaulted over the center cable barrier and struck Richardson. He was released back to work on Oct. 3, 2016.

Trooper Steven Johnson #808 On October 2, 2007, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Trooper Johnson was on duty and riding an OHP motorcycle southbound on Pennsylvania Avenue near Northwest 32nd Street in Oklahoma City. While riding southbound in the outside lane of the four‐lane street, a Nissan Pathfinder operated by a civilian changed lanes into the path of Trooper Johnson’s motorcycle, resulng in a collision and loss of control of the motorcycle. Johnson suffered mulple injuries, resulng in an extended recovery. The driver of the other vehicle was cited for changing lanes unsafely.

Trooper Ryan Smith #629, Trooper Chris Bunch #313 Shortly aer midnight on January 25, 2014, Trooper Bunch aempted to make a traffic stop on SE Grand Avenue at I‐35 in Oklahoma City, on a vehicle that had failed to stop at a stop sign. The driver, Zachary Sumner, aempted to elude Bunch by entering the northbound lanes of I‐35. A short me later, Trooper Ryan Smith and Trooper Brandon Seward joined the pursuit northbound on I‐35, during which me the suspect fired gunshots from the driver’s window toward the Troopers and toward passing traffic. The pursuit connued north on I‐35 to I‐40, where the suspect traveled eastbound at speeds of up to 100 mph while also ramming three civilian vehicles. The suspect then exited I ‐40 at Sunnylane Road, where Bunch aempted a taccal vehicle intervenon, causing the suspect vehicle to lose control. The suspect exited the vehicle and fled into a residenal area, with Bunch and Seward chasing him on foot. Smith drove his patrol unit into the path of the running suspect to cut off his escape, at which the suspect fired gunshots, striking Smith in the face. The suspect then turned his weapon toward Bunch and Seward and exchanged gunfire, wounding Bunch in the thigh. The suspect was shot and killed by the Troopers in the exchange of gunfire. Photo provided L‐R: Dickens, Richardson, Johnson, Smith, Bunch

11 ABOUT THE COHPSCOHPS ORGANIZATION

Thanks to membership dues, COHPS is dedicated to the support donaons and golf tournament COHPS of our troopers, both acve and proceeds, the COHPS organizaon Board of Directors rered, 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 donaons to troopers and President Edmond COHPS has made these situaons a their families in mes of need. Gordon Hampton 918‐625‐8917 top priority by making reaching out  Annual sponsorship of Christmas to these troopers and their families Eastern Vice‐Pres. Broken Arrow dinner events for troopers and their — not only to help them through families across the state. Dr. Joe Taron 405‐308‐3650 difficult mes, but to let them know  Sponsorship of an annual event Western Vice‐Pres. Shawnee that they have the support of all our honoring troopers’ spouses in Gene Fitzpatrick 405‐641‐8296 COHPS members. appreciaon for their support. Secretary Shawnee To join COHPS, visit our website at  Sponsorship of the Department of Public Safety’s 75th anniversary Pam Simmons 580‐471‐6749 www.cohps.org and click “Join Us.” celebraon in 2012. Personal memberships are $12 per Treasurer Mangum year and corporate memberships  Funding of Proudly Protecng 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 deducble. Jerry Don Henry 580‐471‐5035

Director Altus Bill Inhofe 918‐260‐8583

Director Muskogee Joe Landon 918‐798‐6800

Director Collinsville Paul Roan 580‐371‐5373

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

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