COHPSCOHPS JANUARY 2018 Concerned Oklahomans for the Highway Patrol Society Newsletter INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Rhoades appointed as DPS Commissioner
Chief Harrell promo on 2 On Nov. 14, Gov. Mary Fallin appointed Billy D. “Rusty” Rhoades as Public Safety Commissioner. Thompson award 3 Rhoades began his career with DPS in 1989, Christmas par es 4‐9 serving with the Capitol Patrol. He graduated Oklahoma Trooper Spouses 10 from the 46th OHP Academy in 1991 and held assignments in Troops L (Vinita) and A Purple Heart Awards 11 (Oklahoma City). 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 legisla ve 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 con nued growth, while maintaining the strong tradi ons 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) organiza on Commissioner,” Harrell said. “I look forward to promo ng his vision for the Department of Public Safety and con nuing our long history of serving the ci zens of the great State of Oklahoma.”
Promo on ceremony: Col. Michael S. Harrell, Chief of Patrol
December 4, 2017
Keli Harrell assists in pinning the collar brass during the promo on 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 a endees.
2 Thompson honored with COHPS Lifetime Award
Re red 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 Life me Award on behalf of the organiza on. 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 Ci y, OKCPD Jim Laurick, COHPS Commissioner (Ret.) Bob Ricks Director John Scully, OBNDD Agent Ken Valen ne, USSS Jus ce Joe Wa Agent Raul Bujanda, FBI Agent Richard Salter, DEA OHP Capt. Randy Rogers #28 on behalf of the 45th OHP Academy Thompson’s re rement 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 re rement 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. Bo om: 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 a end.
Photos: Anne Shirley
4 Each year, COHPS sponsors Christmas par es for ac ve and ChristmasChristmas partiesparties re red Troopers, support staff members and families across the state. This year, COHPS sponsored more than 30 celebra ons.
M
Photos and info submi ed 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. Jus n Wheeler #550. Third row: Trp. C.J. Williams #777, Trp. Ryan Hayes #282, Lt. Richard VanHorn #159, Capt. Paul Chris an #53, Trp. John Tinsley #682, Lt. Steve Pothorst #172. Second row: Re red Lt. Mike Holloway, Trp. Jimmy Wallace #734, Trp. Alex Wilson #265, Trp. Sco Hazle #907, Re red Asst. Commissioner Larry Alexander, Re red Trooper Dennis Ratzlaff, Re red Trooper Will Rogers. Front row: Re red Trooper Bob Beers, Troop M’s oldest re red 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: Dus n Best, Adelyn Wallace, Jagger Wheeler, Santa (DL Examiner Rod Millard), Easton Tinsley, Brooklyn Tinsley, Jus ce Wheeler, Hadley Wallace.
K
Photos and info submi ed by Jennifer Rupp Troop K had their Christmas party on Dec. 1 at Mexico Joe’s in S llwater. Almost 70 people a ended, including Commissioner Rusty Rhoades and his wife. There was also a raffle for a shotgun, benefi ng Trp. Todd Hatche , who was involved in a major motorcycle accident in September. Hatche ’s family was in a endance and thanked everyone for their contribu ons and prayers. He is now recovering in room 5312 at the Jim Thorpe Rehabilita on 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 dona ng for the Christmas celebra on year a er year! Pictured above, L‐R: Trp. Robert Regnier #219, Trp. Jus n Li lesun #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 submi ed 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 submi ed by Charlo e Fullbright
On Friday, Dec. 8, Captain David Moffi #20 and his administra ve staff hosted a Christmas Luncheon for both Troop S and Troop R personnel and many other guests. There was a mountain of tradi onal Christmas foods. Cpt. Moffi smoked all the meats and administra ve 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: Re red Trp. “Flipper” Ellyson with Lt. Brian Orr #93 and wife Krista Orr. Center: Commissioner Rusty Rhoades with re red Secretary Carolyn Rawlings. Right: Troop R Secretary Kelley Gazaway and Troop S Secretary Charlo e Fullbright.
6 ChristmasChristmas partiesparties (cont’d)(cont’d)
ES
Photos and info submi ed 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. Sco y 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 submi ed 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 con nued support of Troopers across the state.
C&ES
C&ES (Communica on 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 submi ed by Kami Hamman
The Troop G Christmas party took place Dec. 2 in Grady County, with ac ve and re red Troopers and families in a endance. 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 Bap st Church in Atoka. Many Troopers and their families, communica ons personnel, and re rees a ended. 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, Iden ty Verifica on Director; Angela Finley‐Todd, Deputy Chiefs’ office.
Are you following OHP on @ohptraffic OHP traffic informa on @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
Submi ed by Kayla Burch, President
November 10‐12 brought 46 women from across the state together for a weekend full of rest, relaxa on, friendship, learning, and LOTS of laughter when Oklahoma Trooper Spouses hosted their second annual retreat. Member a endance 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 par cipant 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 re rement readiness course presented by re red 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 a ended with their spouses. The course was fantas c, and discussed debt management, SoonerSave, OLERS, and the Drop Plan. On Saturday morning, mo va onal 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 ques ons on the best ways to handle difficult situa ons too o en encountered by our li le 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 Mee ng in September about four basic ways to stay connected, and expanded upon this subject with more inten onal approaches for everyday connec on 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 emo onal needs of law enforcement, fire/ rescue, and correc ons, 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 devo onal, followed by a session detailing her experiences as a law enforcement spouse, and wisdom and lessons she has learned along the way. In addi on to me in sessions, we cra ed, 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 life me. We missed all those who were not able to a end, 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 organiza ons 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 organiza on providing warmth, community and resources to all Trooper Spouses. Membership is open year‐round to all Trooper Spouses, both ac ve and re red. For more informa on, 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 excep onal 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 protec ng 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 s ll with us today.”
Trooper Dennis Dickens #563 On July 26, 2013, Trooper Dickens was opera ng 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 loca on. While performing flight opera ons, the aircra entered an aerodynamic stall and crashed in an open field near the intersec on of State Highway 9 and State Highway 102 in Po awatomie County. Dickens suffered mul ple fractures and other cri cal injuries, requiring mul ple 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 inves ga ng 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, resul ng in a collision and loss of control of the motorcycle. Johnson suffered mul ple injuries, resul ng 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 a er midnight on January 25, 2014, Trooper Bunch a empted 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, a empted 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 con nued 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 a empted a tac cal vehicle interven on, causing the suspect vehicle to lose control. The suspect exited the vehicle and fled into a residen al 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 dona ons and golf tournament COHPS of our troopers, both ac ve and proceeds, the COHPS organiza on Board of Directors re red, 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 dona ons to troopers and President Edmond COHPS has made these situa ons 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. apprecia on 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.” celebra on in 2012. Personal memberships are $12 per Treasurer Mangum year and corporate memberships Funding of Proudly Protec ng 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 deduc ble. 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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