COHPSCOHPS January 2020 Concerned Oklahomans for the Society Newsletter

Hampton, Holt promoted to rank of Major

Photos: Elise Rinta On Dec. 17, Ronnie Hampton #8 and Jason Holt #15 were officially promoted to the rank of Major. The ceremony took place in Classroom A at the Robert R. Lester Training Center. Shown during the pinning portion of the ceremony are Major Hampton with his brother, Capt. Scott Hampton #22, and Maj. Holt with Katie Childers. Hampton, who will serve as Zone 6 Commander, is a graduate of the 49th OHP Academy in 1997; Holt,

serving as Zone 3 Commander, is a graduate of the 54th OHP Academy in 2002.

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Wreaths Across America 3 Guinn, Dowell, Perkins honored 4 COHPSCOHPS Troop Christmas parties 5-13 INSIDE OHP Out & About 14-16 www.cohps.org COHPS info 17 501(c)(3) organization

Retirements Photos provided

Trp. Daniel “Chance” Lipe #925 recently retired after 20 years of service. He is a graduate of the 51st OHP Academy in 1999. He spent time in Troops G and A, and most recently was working in the Legislative Security Division. Lipe’s son, Chandler (pictured above right) will be part of the 66th Academy class that starts in February 2020. At left: Lipe receives his retirement plaque from Chief Brent Sugg #3.

Lt. Bryan Hale #168 was honored during the Troop W Christmas luncheon on Dec. 23. Hale is a graduate of the 49th OHP Academy in 1997. His assignments included several Troops across the state, including D, XC, B and C, before retiring from Troop W. Pictured above left: Trp. Jamie Futral #899 shaking hands with Lt. Hale, with Trp. Gordon Chronister in the background. Above: Lt. Hale shaking hands with Capt. Mike Sharp #31 as Trp. Ricky Humdy #543 and Trp. Gordon Chronister #452 look on.

2 Retirement Photos by Elise Rinta

Patrolman Cathy Gannon #441 was honored Dec. 5 upon her retirement from DPS. She started in 1999 with Capitol Security, and transitioned to Trooper status in 2004. She spent her entire career with Troop R (Capitol Patrol). Above left: Commissioner John Scully presenting Gannon her retirement plaque. Above right: Capt. Brian Orr #52, Lt. Kyle Winrow #74, Trp. Trevor Flanagan #193, Lt. Mike Abernathy #171, and Lt. Allan Young #80.

Wreaths Across America

Photos provided OHP partnered with the City Police Department and Wreaths Across America for the first-ever wreath ceremony at the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial in mid-December. Eight wreaths were placed for the various branches of the military and for fallen law enforcement officers, and were also placed around the state on the graves of all OHP Troopers who have died in the line of duty. Above left: Commissioner John Scully at the memorial grounds on the DPS campus. Above right: several Troopers took part in the ceremony, including Trp. Eric Blades #209, Lt. Michael Lane #170, Capt. Paul Timmons #50 and Capt. Gary Vinson #43.

3 Guinn, Dowell honored

Trp. Jamie Guinn #434 (top left) was recently recognized at Troop B’s Christmas party for his outstanding service during a winter storm on January 2, 2019. While responding to another call, Trp. Guinn drove up on a collision that involved 21 vehicles on the 51st Street bridge. Guinn worked swiftly and capably to attend to people with injuries and helping to maintain calm among the victims of the crash. At least one life was almost certainly saved because of his assessment and care until additional help arrived. Trp. Paige Dowell #460 (lower left) was also recognized for his service on Oct. 26, when Dowell joined a Creek County Sheriff’s Office deputy in pursuit of a subject reported to be armed and suicidal. The pursuit led to the suspect’s residence, and when Dowell deployed from his vehicle, the subject fired his weapon. Dowell engaged in the gunfight, bringing the lethal threat to an end. Capt. Mark Roach #32 presented both Guinn and Dowell with Glock 43X firearms, personally purchased by the Captain, to honor their excellent performance.

Photos provided Perkins honored

Trp. Mystal Perkins #795 was recently honored with the Troop Commander Award for Troop A. This award is for overall excellence. Capt. Joe Williams #59 said, “She is a great Field Training Trooper, sits on the Policy Committee, and is a leader within the Troop. She never complains and will adjust her shift as needed to help cover shifts. All of this makes her stand out within the Troop.” Pictured at right: Capt. Joe Williams #59, Trp. Mystal Perkins #795, Commissioner John Scully, Lt. Col. Russell Maples #5, Maj. Garrett Vowell #11, Col. Brent Sugg #3. Congratulations

4 The annual Christmas reception sponsored by COHPS (Concerned Oklahomans for the Highway Patrol Society) took place on Dec. 12 in the Commissioner’s Conference Room, hosted by staff members from the Commissioner’s and Chief’s offices. DPS employees enjoyed a buffet luncheon provided by Michael’s Catering. Pictured above left, L-R: George Randolph, Director of Administrative Services; Alyssa Youngblood, Commissioner’s Office; Angela Finley-Jones, Commissioner’s Office; Billie Watkins, Chief’s Office. Above right: Capt. Sheridan O’Neal, Legislative Liaison. Below center: Commissioner John Scully. Below right: Chief of Administration Pat Mays, OHP Chief Brent Sugg #3, Chaplain Sam Garner.

COHPSCOHPS

Photos: Elise Rinta

5 Thank-you note from DPS Commissioner John Scully

6 (Photos and information provided by Marsha Cowart, Troop M 1 Communications Superintendent) The Troop M 2019 Christmas party was held on Dec. 4. Troop M would like to thank COHPS for sponsoring the party, and Stockman’s Bank in Altus for allowing us to use their facility.

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1. 1. Retired Trooper Dennis Ratzlaff, Casey Rogers, Retired Trooper Will Rogers, Terry Alexander, Retired Lt. Col. Larry Alexander. 2. 2. Major Mike McClelland presenting Capt. Johnny Freeman with his 35-year service pin. 3. 3. Capt. Johnny Freeman presenting Trp. Justin Wheeler #550 with the Troop M Award for Top Safety Education. Trp. Wheeler also received the Troop M Award for Impaired Driving Enforcement. 4. 4. Trp. Justin Wheeler #550 presenting Trp. Josh Tinsley #682 with the Troop M Trooper of the Year Award. This award is voted on by Troop M Troopers. 5. 5. Capt. Johnny Freeman presenting Trp. Scott Hazle #907 with the Troop M Award for Top Total Enforcement Activity. 6. 6. Troop M retirees Will Rogers, Dennis Ratzlaff, DL Examiner Linda Smith, Larry Alexander. 7. 7. Troop M. wives Anastacia Shaw, Missena Hayes, Tiffany Hazle, Audra Sherman, Holly Ford, Shelly Tinsley, Sarah Wheeler, Veronica VanHorn. 8. 8. Capt. Johnny Freeman presenting Trp. Kyle Shaw #536 with his five-year pin. 9. 9. Capt. Johnny Freeman presenting Trp. Chris Sherman #661 with the Troop M Commander’s Award for Excell in DRE Education and Training, Firearms Training, and Traffic Homicide Unit Investigation.

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10. 10. Panoramic view of everyone in attendance at the moment when Troop M Secretary Lesa Stehr won the grand prize of $100 cash. 11. 11. Capt. Johnny Freeman #40 presenting Trp. Brantley Ford #863 with the Troop M Award for Top Seat Belt Enforcement. 12. 12. BBQ meal was catered by Bronc Corral from Blair, Oklahoma. 13. 13. Back row, L-R: Maj. Mike McClelland #18, Capt. Johnny Freeman #40, Trp. Jeff Fielder #723, Trp. Ryan Hayes #282, Trp. Justin Wheeler #550, Trp. Chris Sherman #661, Lt. Steve Pothorst #172. Front row, L-R: Lt. Richard VanHorn #159, Trp. Kyle Shaw #536, Trp. Jimmy Wallace #734, Trp. Josh Tinsley #682, Trp. Scott Hazle #907, Trp. Brantley Ford #863.

Troops XB and XE enjoyed their COHPS-sponsored Christmas party on Dec. 17 at Sports Page Steakhouse in Coweta.

8 The Troop F Christmas party took place on Dec. 12 at the Crossway First Baptist Church in Sulphur.

Back row, L-R: Trp. Brian Quinn, Lt. Scott Woodward, Trp. Members of the PIO group had their holiday lunch at Iron Paul Kenney, Trp. Tony Rumpl, Trp. Calvin Symes, Trp. AJ Star Urban Barbecue on Dec. 20. Pictured L-R: Lt. Kera Jamerson, Trp. Brian Conaghan. Front row, L-R: Trp. Philippi #161, Alice Collinsworth, Elise Rinta, Director of Steve Johnson, Trp. David Lynch, ASO Danny Travis, Capt. Media Operations Sarah Stewart, COHPS President Jim Brent Jones, Trp. Bo Mowdy, Trp. Trinity Simmons, Trp. Laurick. Not pictured: Capt. Paul Timmons #50. Jeremy Tolman, Lt. Dawson Blacklee, Maj. Jason Holt, Col. Brent Sugg #3.

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10 (Photos and information provided by Lt. Lisa Poarch, Troop K Communications) 1. Retired Communications Officer Dawn Rae Ware, Santa, and Bill Ware 2. Jama and Lt. Phillip Ludwyck #155 3. Osage/Pawnee Detachment table (Littlesun, Armstrong, Rose, Hempel, and Regnier families) 4. Lt. Gabe Leach #167 and family 5. Trp. Robert Regnier #219 and family 6. Lt. Ricky Gunkel #63, Santa, and Lt. Gabe Leach #167 7. Judith and Trp. Jim Armstrong #246 8. Trp. Brian Rose #605 and family 9. 9. Jimmy and Will Poarch with Santa Claus 10. 10. Trp. Derek Hempel #798 and family

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(Photos and information provided by Melissa McClain, Troop W Secretary. Party was held Dec. 11 at Troop W HQ in Muskogee.) 1. Trp. BJ Gage #207, Trp. Cody Cross #562, Trp. Justin Williams #537 2. Trp. Ryan Williams #746, Trp. Scott Lee #923, Trp. Rodney Copeland #214, Trp. Jamie Futral #899, Trp. BJ Gage #207, Trp. Justin Williams #537, Trp. Cody Cross #562, Trp. Jay Reich #839, Ret. Lt. Bryan Hale #168, Trp. Chris Newcomb #479 3. Some of the food enjoyed at the party 4 & 5. Chaplain Sam Garner, Trp. Brent Lankister #557, Trp. Amy Cobalt #874, Scott Croasdale, Trp. Chris Newcomb #479, COHPS representative Bill Inhofe, and others. 6. Food items were collected for the Gospel Rescue Mission in Muskogee.

(Photos and information provided by Samantha Wishon, Troop I Secretary. Party was held Dec. 21 at the Beaver County Fairgrounds.)

Front to back: Joyce Welch, wife of Trp. David Left to right: Trp. Wyatt Wulf #936, Trp. Derrick Stewart #671, Trp. Mason Welch #334; Mason Lang # 871, Lt. Eric Brown Lang #871, Trp. Levi Hill #297, Trp. David Welch #334, Trp. Cody Rehder, #145, Wyatt Wulf #936, Trey Sheets #903, David #941, Lt. Chance Husted #158, Trp. Trey Sheets #903, Capt. Jansen Idlett #41. Welch #334, Levi Hill #297 .

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(Information provided by Rebeccah Sword, Troop A Secretary) 1. Commissioner Scully with his wife, Shanea; Beth Meyer, retiree Stewart Meyer. 2. Chief Brent Sugg, Karen 6 7 Bridges-Williams #59.5, Capt. Joe Williams #59. 3. Comm. Lt. Tracy Powell, Comm. Supv. Denise Privitt, Jeremy Privitt. 4. Assorted Troopers’ kids. 5. Megan Fredrickson #82.5 with Trp. Leo Flores #381, Marissa Flores #381.5 and 8 9 their son. 6. Ret. Trp. Brad Lovelace and family. 7. Dinner’s on! Brad Lovelace leads the way. 8. Troopers’ kids with “Santa” (retiree Phillip “Flipper” Ellison.

Photos by Elise Rinta 9. Goodies for the kids!

12 (Photos and information provided by Kimberly Evans, Troop D Secretary) The Troop D and Troop XC Christmas party took place Dec. 6 at the Choctaw Community Center. Pictured at top left are Capt. Scott Hampton #22 with his wife, Trp. Ashley Hampton #290 and their daughters Preslee and Rylie. Top center: current and retired personnel enjoying the meal. Top right: Retiree Art Garner and Sharon Garner among the guests.

Top left: Top Chef, Communications Lt. Robert Padgett. He and his wife, Anita, help organize and cook for the annual party. Top middle: XC Turnpike Capt. Jeff Sewell #26 and his wife, Ellen (left side) and XC Lt. Shane Allen #143 and his wife, Gail. Top right: Guests enjoying dinner.

Troop S had its annual Christmas Luncheon Dec. 6 and shared great food and fellowship. Pictured near right are Commissioner John Scully, Captain David Moffitt #20 and Trooper Micah Whittington #433. Far right: administrative staff members Janet Echols, Kirstie Ware, Brittany Berry, Charlotte Fullbright, Gina Kotwitz, Chris Pape IT, and Sandy Boies. (Not pictured: Lesli Duncan)

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On Dec. 14, OHP joined the Poteau Police Department, the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police, the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office, and the Shady Point Police Department to take 26 kids from the local area Christmas shopping. The event took place at the Poteau Walmart, and Santa Claus even made a special trip from the North Pole. Santa hitched a ride on an OHP motorcycle during the Dillard’s Winter Wonderland Kids’ Day. Trp. Scott Patton #575 and Lt. John Vincent #107 were there to greet the many children who came to see Santa.

Troop W personnel recently received a new airboat, which will replace an older model that is being retired. The new boat was soon equipped with decals and wiring, allowing lake patrol Troopers to communicate with OHP personnel on land.

Troop M personnel, along with the Altus Police Department, Santa Claus, and Walmart associates, took part in a Shop With a Cop event in Altus on Dec. 12. Troopers taking part were Trp. Justin Wheeler #550, Lt. Stephen Pothorst #172. Trp. Shawn Laughlin #324, Trp. Brantley Ford #863. Children’s faces are blurred to protect their privacy.

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Troopers taking part in “Shop With a Cop” activities with the Choctaw Police Department included Lt. Richard Losurdo #127, Lt. Mike Roe #77, Lt. Mike Abernathy #171, Trp. Mike Krupczyk #512, Trp. Austin Dobbs #856, Trp. Aaron Nickell #555, Trp. Zach Hargus #331 and Trp. Lyle Lubbers #578.

The Chief’s Office requested Christmas ornaments from all OHP troops for their office tree, and the finished product was a display of OHP creativity!

A group of OHP Troopers helped pass out teddy bears to kids at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis on Dec. 18. This photo was provided by the family of Hazel, the seven- year-old pictured with Santa (who happened to be Trp. Russell Knoke #738).

Trp. Jeff Laue participated in the Quapaw Schools Shop With a Cop holiday event.

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Capt. Gary Isbell recently received the Thunderbird A stretch of Highway 77 in Marietta was dedicated Award from the Oklahoma National Guard. He was recently to Trp. Leon Brown. The memorial highway recognized for his efforts during the flooding earlier this goes from the Marietta city limits south to the city year where he was instrumental in ensuring the safety limits of Thackerville. Several Troopers joined and welfare of the Braggs citizens. His actions directly members of Brown’s family for the dedication. contributed to the opening of the East route through Cherokee County allowing citizens of the Braggs community to receive supplies.

Oklahoma City Public Schools recently trained with Lt. Allan Young #80 was one of the Troopers who did members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the media interviews related to New Year’s Eve safety. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protection Happily, OHP reported no fatality crashes on New Service for explosive detection K9s. Trooper Steve Year’s Eve 2019. ENDUI checkpoints were set up in Burton #909, K9 “Piper,” Trp. John Wheeler #958 and K9 Tulsa and Pottawatomie County, and saturation “Bill” took part in the training. patrols took place in several areas of the state.

16 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 Tim Barrack 405-740-2898 www.cohps.org and click “Join Us.” celebration in 2012. Personal memberships are $12 per Director Shawnee year and corporate memberships  Funding of Proudly Protecting 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 deductible. Gene Fitzpatrick 405-641-8296

Director Grove 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 COHPS

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

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