July/August 2015
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July/August 2015 OURI ST S AT IS E M H L IG O H R PATR WAY PA T L NEWS “Over 80 YEARS OF SERVICE & PROTECTION” Cover details on page 3. From the Staff ... Major Kemp A. Shoun Executive Services Bureau Change is a part of life whether we want to admit it or not. I have often found myself resisting change, or putting off difficult transitions until I absolutely have to deal with them. It is not that simple with work. We often receive assignments and must adapt to them as quickly as possible. The learning curve can be mentally exhausting. Transitions are more difficult when someone with prior experience leaves the agency. The history and experience they take with them can only be regained over time. In recent months, many have noticed changes in bureau commanders and the bureaus them- selves. In January, I transitioned to a newly created bureau called the Executive Services Bureau. The good part of this transition is that the bureau itself has no history, so there are no comparisons to the past. The bureau combines the work of the former chief of staff position with the Budget and Procurement Division and the Governor’s Security Division. As usual, the personnel make the job interesting and rewarding. The success of the Executive Services Bureau will be centered around the colonel’s strategy of sound departmental management through building partnerships. We must continue to build work- ing relationships with other state agencies, other law enforcement agencies, our elected officials, community groups, and those within our own agency. Only by working together can we advance the efforts and needs of the Patrol and law enforcement in general. During the legislative session, I have found that I did a significant amount of “hands-on” work that included personal contacts, legislative reviews, and testimony that could not be delegated to others. One thing I have noticed is this: MSHP employees had arrived at the Capitol long before me. Maybe not physically, but by reputation. When everyone does outstanding work, they build a part- nership with the public. That partnership is a key to our success. 2 Patrol News/July-August 2015 The Official Publication of the July/August 2015 OURI ST S AT IS E Missouri State Highway Patrol M H L IG O H R PATR WAY PA T L NEWS “Over 80 YEARS OF SERVICE & PROTECTION” Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon, Governor Volume 50 • Number 1 State of Missouri Lane Roberts, Director Patrol Honor Guard Competes ........................................................................Pages 7-8 Department of Public Safety Col. J. Bret Johnson, Superintendent 100th Recruit Class Graduates ....................................................................Pages 16-17 Missouri State Highway Patrol 39 Cadets Experience Academy .........................................................................Page 21 PATROL NEWS STAFF VSP Superintendent Visits DDCC...............................................................Pages 26-27 Capt. John J. Hotz Managing Editor Cheryl Cobb Editor Erin Center Optimists Name Thoman Officer Of The Year Design-Layout Chad Buschjost By Sgt. Brent J. Bernhardt, Troop B Printing & Assembly Brenda Campbell On May 13, 2015, Photography Trooper Bruce E. Thoman accepted the Moberly Optimist’s Club “Officer TROOP REPORTERS of the Year” award during Troop A, Sgt. Collin Stosberg; Troop B, Sgt. the organization’s annual Brent Bernhardt; Troop C, Sgt. Al Nothum; Troop D, MVI III Skip McMillan; Troop E, Respect for Law Enforce- Sgt. Clark Parrott; Troop F, Cpl. Scott White; ment banquet. The event Troop G, Sgt. Jeff Kinder; Troop H, Sgt. Jake Angle; Troop I, Sgt. Cody Fulkerson. took place at Nelly’s Res- taurant in Moberly, MO. John Pehle, Department of Social Service’s State GHQ REPORTERS Technical Assistance Team, Aircraft, Sgt. Jeff Noack; Budget & Procure- ment, Capt. Lance MacLaughlin; Career Re- served as the guest speak- cruitment, Sgt. D. Brad Haggett; Commercial er, and Randolph County Vehicle Enforcement, Brenda Lock; Crime Laboratory, Abigail Lehman; Criminal Justice Sheriff Mark Nichols pre- Information Services, Ruth Koechner; Driver Examination, Cheryl Bardwell; Drug & Crime sented the award to Tpr. Control, Sgt. Shawn Griggs; Field Operations, Thoman. Sergeant Nick D. Lt. Brian Daniel; Gaming, Lt. Ed Aylward; Randolph County Sheriff Mark Nichols presents Governor’s Security, Cpl. Bret Brooks; Human Berry, Troop B, nominated Tpr. Resources, Sgt. Jerry Callahan; Information & the Moberly Optimist’s Club “Officer of the Year” Thoman for the award due to Communications Technology, Roger Martin; award to Tpr. Bruce Thoman. Fleet & Facilities, Larry Rains; Motor Vehicle his tireless work effort, and for Inspection, Brenda Davis; Research & Devel- opment, Lt. Dusty Hoffman; Patrol Records, being a person who is eager to to Troop B, Zone 10, Monroe and Ran- Deborah Willoughby; Training, Sgt. Brandon White; Water Patrol, Capt. Mark Richerson. assist others. Tpr. Thoman is assigned dolph counties. The Patrol News is published by the Public Information & Education Division Cover of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Members of the color guard prepare to present the colors at the 100th Recruit Class in the interest of all active and retired graduation ceremony.(inset)Trooper Travis L. Harmon accepted the Superintendent’s personnel. (573) 526-6115 Award from Col. J. Bret Johnson. SHP-862 July-August 2015/Patrol News 3 H4H: Connecting Heroes & The Outdoors By Sgt. D.J. Hedrick, Troop A This past April, Corporal Neil R. (l to r)Patrol Atkinson, Troop F, Sergeant Chris M. Academy Gach, Troop A, and I volunteered to classmates Tpr. help the Hunting for Heroes organiza- Brian Logan and Cpl. Neil tion with raising money and awareness Atkinson stand while at the 2015 World Turkey Hunt- next to the Bucket ing Championship. Our goal was to List promotion make everyone aware of law enforce- vehicle. ment officers who have been injured in the line of duty. This was the third year for the championship, which is hosted by Wicked Outfitters located in La Cygne, KS. Hunting for Heroes was formed In the past five years, Hunting for Centerville, MO, providing the place in 2010, by Mr. Chris Allen and Mr. Heroes, a not-for-profit corporation, to have these hunts, Chris has been Chuck Bowles, who are active duty law has been able to touch many disabled able to expand and reach officers from enforcement officers and avid hunters. officers’ lives, as well as the lives of across the United States. In 2012, he Both Chris and Chuck were interested their families, with weekend-long fish- was able to partner with country music in the idea of creating a law enforce- ing trips, hunting camps, and other singer and songwriter Bobby Pinson. ment hunting show for television. outdoor activities. Hunting for Heroes Mr. Pinson has had over 150 songs When they realized there were no orga- allows the officers and families to recorded by country music superstars, nizations that focused on the needs of connect with others who have experi- seven number one singles, and won the law enforcement officers injured in the enced the similar life-altering events. BMI Songwriter of the year award in line of duty and their enjoyment of the Even though this started with a 2009. He recognized the importance of outdoors, they decided to form one. Mid-Missouri property owner from Hunting for Heroes and wanted to give back. Mr. Pinson has been instrumental in providing both support and fundrais- ing opportunities for the organization because of his contacts and fame. Wicked Outfitters, owned by Kenny Walker and family, graciously hosted the World Turkey Hunting Championship once again. The total prizes of $50,000 included a first place price of $25,000. Thirty-eight teams from around the United States sought to be named “World Turkey Champi- ons.” Volunteers for Hunting for He- roes helped set up banners, prepared gift bags for the contestants, and spend time as regulators for the competition. The company Flextone was the spon- sor for this year’s championship and provided the contestants with amazing gifts. Cpl. Atkinson was the regulator for “Team Bucket List,” which ended up placing second in the competition Officer Lee Hilty (St. Claire County Sheriff’s Department & H4H board member); Officer Brantley Cargill (Alabama), Dean Reagan (guide and and winning $15,000. affiliated with Flextone Inc.), and Phil Pritchett (H4H vice president) pose after their successful hunt. Continued on the next page. 4 Patrol News/July-August 2015 Hunting for Heroes trucks wait at the entrance to welcome heroes, guests, and participants. reached out to me and made me feel a how the program has been life chang- — H4H part of something bigger,” said Brian. ing. The injured officers also expressed Continued from page 4. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity, the importance of keeping in touch with This year, Hunting for Heroes friendships, and support I have re- them, even though they no longer are chose three officers from around the ceived through the Hunting for Heroes working on the road. nation to participate in a turkey hunt organization.” There is a way to become involved while at Wicked Outfitters. The Mis- The other two officers, Brantly Car- and be a Cover Team member. This souri State Highway Patrol’s own gill (Alabama) and Mark Bradley (West is broken down into three types of Trooper Brian C. Logan, who was Virginia) also harvested birds during memberships: (Command Post – $50 a injured in the line of duty in 2000, and the contest. Officer Bradley stated, month; Entry Team – $20 a month; or medically retired in 2012 after multiple “This is better than any medicine I have Perimeter Team – $10 a month). The surgeries, was chosen to participate in taken, better than any doctor I have commitment to the Cover Team will his first ever Kansas turkey hunt. On seen. This is the healing process.” help honor the heroes with “all expens- April 15, 2015, Wicked Outfitter em- Phil Pritchett, Hunting for Heroes es” paid retreats for them and their fami- ployee Alex Stewart and Brian harvest- vice president, was excited to see that lies, and ensure the long-term success ed the second largest bird killed in the each “hero” was able to make a memo- of Hunting for Heroes and its mission.