December 31, 2008
******************************
Dive Team saves man's life
PLYMOUTH---A hunting trip turned into a brisk swim for one local man Tuesday.
Gayton Marks, 33, of Tyner (and Niles, Mich.), was trying to locate a place to hunt geese along the Yellow River near the middle bridge (near the Menominee Wetlands area) on Glen Overmyer Drive in Plymouth when the kayak he was in was swamped.
A passerby stopped on the bridge and Marks was able to call out that he was in trouble. He asked the person to call 911. The passerby informed Marks he didn’t have a cell phone and drove away.
“He was able to find his own cell phone which he had placed in a Ziploc bag and call 911 himself,” said Plymouth Fire Chief Andy Metsker. “That saved his life.”
Plymouth Police, Marshall County Police, Indiana State Police, Plymouth Fire and EMS and the DNR all responded. The Marshall County Dive Team made the rescue.
“Officer Mark Owen was first on the scene and he spotted him from the bridge,” said Plymouth Police Officer Chris Miller, who entered the water before divers arrived to assist Marks. “I believe Trent Shively was also on the bridge and I went into the water to assess his situation. He was standing waist-deep in the water.”
The dive team was called in to assist in the rescue, which was not an easy task.
“Any time you’re dealing with floodwaters that are fast moving — and cold — it’s not a good thing,” said Metsker, who is also a member of the dive team. “It was a very dangerous situation for both him (Marks) and the rescuers.”
Dive team members had to wade through shoulder high water to Marks’ location to attempt the rescue.
Marks was unhurt but was taken to St. JosephRegional Medical Center-Plymouth for precaution, where he was treated and releasd.
Consevation officers said Marks did have a life jacket behind the seat in the kayak, but urged all boaters to wear their jackets at all times.
December 28, 2008
Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D has been asked to
delay building new posts at Connersville and Terre Haute
INDIANAPOLIS---State agencies ordered to cut their budgets by 10 percent by June 30 are looking for every place they can to save money -- even making sure employees turn off the lights when they leave their offices.
In all, Gov. Mitch Daniels has ordered 50 actions to cut planned spending, revert excess revenue to the state's main checking account, or delay capital projects until the state can afford them.
The steps include the agency cuts, a 1 percent reduction in university operating budgets and a delay in replacing the carpet in state government center buildings.
The goal is to spend $763 million less by June 30 than lawmakers planned when they wrote the current two-year, $26 billion budget, a necessity to account for weaker-than-expected tax receipts.
The cuts in agency budgets plus the cancellation of planned pay increases for state employees will add up to just more than $200 million, said Chris Ruhl, the state's budget director.
"We've got to get spending back in line because we don't know how deep and long this (downturn) will go," Ruhl said.
Some agencies are exempt from the cuts in operating costs but affected by delays in capital projects. Lt. Col. Larry Larkin, a budget official with the Indiana State Police, said Daniels has generally exempted public safety from spending cuts. That means the agency's $129 million budget is intact, he said.
But state budget officials talked to Chief Paul Whitesell about construction of new police posts in Connersville and Terre Haute, asking him to delay the buildings for a year or two, Larkin said.
Money for those posts had been included in the current budget, but Larkin said state police probably would not have spent it for a year or two anyway. That's because the agency already is constructing a new post on the Indiana Toll Road, which is being funded by the private company that leased the highway.
The Connersville and Terre Haute posts will be built in 2009 and 2010, Larkin said.
"The money is not frozen. The money is there," Larkin said. "What we have agreed to do is only build one post at a time."
December 25, 2008
Santa wears a blue uniform
Troopers deliver gifts to 10 children
PERU---Troopers from the Peru post of the Indiana State Police recently delivered gifts to six struggling families from Fulton, Miami and Cass counties.
Troopers bought and delivered gifts to some families, while others were treated to a holiday shopping trip at an area Wal-Mart store. The gifts and shopping trips were courtesy of the Indiana Troopers Association and the Indiana State Police Alliance.
The association conducts the annual Trooper Patrick Bartram Memorial “Christmas for Kids” program in honor of Bartram, who was killed in the line of duty in an automobile crash on March 3, 1998.
Troopers were issued gift cards to use for shopping with the families. The monetary value was based on the number of children in need. Half of the gift card amount was spent on clothing items, while the rest amount could be spent on toys.
The alliance provided money to each state police post that identified struggling families in its district. The names of families were submitted by troopers who saw a chance to help a family with children who were down on their luck during the holiday season.
The money was provided as part of the “Cops for Kids” program, which was started in 1991. The ongoing program is an effort to make a positive impact on crime prevention by building relationships between police officers and children.
Officers bought gifts and grocery certificates from area retailers. The gifts were then delivered by troopers.
“You never want to see a child go without toys or clothing, especially during Christmas,” Trooper Ezariah Bricknell said in a press release. “I hope we helped make their holiday a little brighter.”
December 24, 2008
Trucker who hit troopers car loses license one year
FRANKFORT---A truck driver whose rig crushed a state police cruiser while a trooper sat inside lost his license to drive in Indiana for one year.
Francisco Gallegos Jr., 26, Milwaukee, Wis., also was fined a total of $1,400 on four traffic violations Tuesday. Clinton Superior Court jurors this month convicted Gallegos of the traffic violations but acquitted him of felony criminal reckless and misdemeanor reckless driving in the Sept. 5, 2006, crash that seriously injured Sgt. Rich Kelly.
"I understand that driving is your livelihood. ... You're lucky to that you have your freedom and you have your health," Judge Kathy Smith said. "You should be thankful that no one died that day."
Kelly had pulled over a semitrailer on the shoulder of northbound Interstate 65 about a mile north of Indiana 28 and was inspecting it from his patrol car when Gallegos' truck slammed into the car, crunching it against the other rig, police said. The crash left the cruiser partially wedged under one of the trucks and both its front and rear ends nearly disintegrated.
Kelly suffered a fractured vertebrae and required surgery to fuse his fifth and sixth vertebrae. He returned to duty in January following four months of rehabilitation.
Smith suspended Gallegos' license for violating an Indiana law that requires vehicles to slow down or move to the left lane to give police officers room to work. She also ordered 30-day suspensions for following too closely, unsafe lane movement and speeding, though all four suspensions will be served concurrently.
Smith said the suspensions will be sent to Wisconsin's Division of Motor Vehicles, and Gallegos could lose driving privileges there and possibly Illinois as well as Indiana.
Gallegos, who did not testify during his trial, did not comment Tuesday.
December 23, 2008
Dan Jones Promoted to Commander of the Putnamville Post
Putnamville- Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D., announced the promotion of F/Sgt. Dan Jones to the rank of Lieutenant to serve as Commander of the Putnamville State Police Post. Jones received this promotion through written testing and a competitive interview process.
Lieutenant Jones is a nineteen year veteran of the Indiana State Police Department. After graduating from the
Jones has previously served on the departments USRT (SCUBA), TIP (Tactical Intervention Platoon) and CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) teams and is a recipient of the Combat Action Award.
Jones graduated from Van Buren High School in 1982 and obtained an Associates Degree in Criminology from
From 1984 to 1987 Jones served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps with the Second Marine Division at
After leaving the military, Jones worked as a correctional officer at the Putnamville Correctional Facility and the Federal Prison in
Jones has replaced Lieutenant George Schneider who commanded the Putnamville Post from 1980 to 2008. Schneider has accepted a position as Field Enforcement Commander for the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division.
Jones is the son of the late Thomas and Martha Jones. He has three children and is married to Deanna, a State Police detective assigned to the Putnamville Post. They reside near
Probasco was one of 46 members of the 69th Indiana State Police Academy who took their oath of office Thursday at the University of Indianapolis' Ransburg Auditorium.
"The addition of these 46 new troopers will bring the state police to within 16 sworn officers of their authorized staffing level of 1,334 troopers," a release from the ISP Indianapolis District said. "This is the closest the Indiana State Police has been to its authorized level of sworn enforcement personnel in over 20 years and is a testament to Gov. Daniels' and Superintendent Whitesell's commitment to public safety in Indiana."
Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul E. Whitesell, Ph.D., recognized the accomplishments of the class upon their graduation from the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard of the Indiana Supreme Court administered the oath of office to the recruits.
The trainees have received approximately 878 hours of structured training in law enforcement techniques since the class reported on June 15, 2008. Their curriculum included 85 hours of criminal law instruction, 80 hours of vehicle operations training and 30 hours of psychology. They also developed skills in criminal investigation, vehicle crash investigation and impaired driver prevention and detection.
"During the academy, these trainees have been equipped with the skills and knowledge required to be a trooper," said Whitesell. "Now it is time to put those skills to work for the people of Indiana."
Trainees come to the academy from different places. Some had served in the military; many entered the academy directly after college. Newly sworn officers look forward to a future with the Indiana State Police and are part of the Governor's initiative to return the state police to full capacity.
The new troopers will be assigned to field training officers for at least three months before being placed on solo patrol.
December 20, 2008
Criswell brothers team up as ISP troopers
INDIANAPOLIS---A lifelong dream came true Thursday morning for a 1999 graduate of Monrovia High School when he became not only a law enforcement officer, but joined the ranks with his younger brother.
Jeremiah Criswell took the oath of an Indiana State Police Trooper at graduation ceremonies held in the Ransburg Auditorium at the University of Indianapolis.
Jeremiah Criswell also joined a small group of graduates who had their badges pinned on them by a family member who is also a member of the state police. Trooper Daniel Criswell pinned the badge on his older brother.
Jeremiah Criswell was part of the 69th Indiana State Police Recruit Class. Daniel was a member of the 67th class.
Both brothers attended Monrovia High School. Daniel Criswell graduated from Plainfield High School in 2002.
Daniel Criswell said for him, being a part of the ISP was also a lifelong dream.
“Like the superintendant said, being part of the Indiana State Police is a calling,” he said.
Daniel Criswell is stationed at the Putnamville District which covers Putnam, Morgan and Hendricks counties. He attended Vincennes University to work on a degree in law enforcement, then worked at the Marion County Sheriff’s Department as a special deputy in the jail division for two years. He is a member of the Gregg Township Fire Department and in 2008, he lead the district in operating while intoxicated (OWI) arrests.
Jeremiah Criswell will be stationed at the Pendleton District, which covers Hamilton, Madison and Hancock counties.
Jeremiah Criswell said being at the academy for the 27 weeks was hard.
“We started with 61 cadets and 46 graduated,” he said.
Being in law enforcement was something he has always wanted to do and after his brother joined the ISP, he decided that was right organization for him. Jeremiah Criswell said his family was very supportive and proud of him.
Jeremiah Criswell said ISP Superintendent Dr. Paul Whitesell’s address he gave the graduating class was “truly motivating.” After graduating from Monrovia, Jeremiah Criswell served an enlistment in the United States Navy. He currently lives in Noblesville with his wife Teresa and their 6-year-old son, Jacob.
Jeremiah Criswell said in the future, he would like to join his younger brother on the roads in Morgan County.
Their grandfather, Don Davidson, said he was “proud as hell” of his grandsons. Davidson, who is a retired firefighter, said he wanted the boys to go into the fire service, but he was proud they had chosen a career in law enforcement.
During his speech, Superintendant Whitesell told the new troopers they had a big responsibility to the people of Indiana. He told them they had to resist temptation and always follow the law. And they had to set an example in both their public and private lives.
December 19, 2008
December 18, 2008
MASTER TROOPER PORNTEB NATHALANG PROMOTED TO SERGEANT
TO SERVE AS MOTORCYCLE PATROL SQUAD LEADER
Sergeant Pornteb “Luke” Nathalang
Nathalang is a 1976 graduate of
During his career with the State Police, Nathalang has served as a field training officer, a speed timing instructor, and a crash re-constructionist. From 1991 until 2004, he was a member of the Department’s High Performance Vehicle program in which he patrolled in both the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. In October 2004, he attended and graduated from the
Nathalang lives in
The addition of these 46 new troopers will bring the state police to within 16 sworn officers of their authorized staffing level of 1,334 troopers. This is the closest the Indiana State Police has been to its authorized level of sworn enforcement personnel in over 20 years and is a testament to Gov. Daniels’ and Superintendent Whitesell’s commitment to public safety in
Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul E. Whitesell, Ph.D., recognized the accomplishments of the class upon their graduation from the
The trainees have received approximately 878 hours of structured training in law enforcement techniques since the class reported on June 15, 2008. Their curriculum included 85 hours of criminal law instruction,
80 hours of vehicle operations training, 30 hours of psychology. They also developed skills in criminal investigation, vehicle crash investigation and impaired driver prevention and detection.
“During the academy, these trainees have been equipped with the skills and knowledge required to be a trooper,” said Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D. “Now it is time to put those skills to work for the people of
Trainees come to the academy from different places. Some had served in the military; many entered the academy directly after college. Newly sworn officers look forward to a future with the Indiana State Police and are part of the Governor’s initiative to return the state police to full capacity.
The n
District Assignments
69th
Toll Road, District 21
Jasper, District 34
Pendelton, District 51
Putnamville, District 53
December 17, 2008
David Price is Promoted to Sergeant
To Serve as the Investigative Squad Leader at Jasper
On Monday, December 15, Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D., promoted Senior Trooper Detective David Price to the rank of sergeant to serve as the investigative squad leader at Jasper. The Jasper Post covers seven counties in Southern Indiana; they include Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Martin,
Price is a native of
In June 1995, Price graduated from the
Price’s job responsibilities as the investigative squad leader will include, being the first line supervisor for the detectives and assisting in criminal investigations.
Sergeant Price and his wife, Cary, reside in Rockport with their two sons.
December 16, 2008
Auto Crashes in Water
]
ISP training detail held today at Geist Reservoir near Fishers. State Police Divers exit the vehicle to safety.
State Police Survival Tips
Pendleton - Drownings occur each year nationwide as the result of driver’s losing control of their vehicle and sliding into water retention ponds, lakes or other bodies of water. Of 805 reported crashes in
Your Indiana State Police offer the following tips to survive a vehicle/water crash. You can be a survivor, however, you have to save yourself. The Indiana State Police Dive Team recommends water crash victims follow these steps immediately after a vehicle has entered water:
· Unbuckle seat belts (Driver and all Passengers)
· Roll down or break the side windows (Do Not Try to Open the Doors)
· Get everyone out the window and go to the top of the vehicle
· Sit or stand on the top of the vehicle and assess the situation
· Now is the time to call for help, wade out, or swim to shore
· Do not reenter the vehicle to retrieve personal effects
According to Master Scuba Diver Trooper Bob May, “Most vehicles will float for two to ten minutes. Once a vehicle has entered water all occupants need to get out immediately.” Master Trooper Detective May went on to state, “If help has not arrived, occupants can swim or wade in the direction the car first entered the water. You must save yourself. Often times the water may be shallow enough to wade back to shore.”
Citizens who come upon a vehicle immersed in water can assist by throwing a rope, jumper cables or anything that will float to stranded persons.
December 15, 2008
10-0 retired trooper Francis Shrock PE1845
Francis Shrock died at 4:30PM 121408
Francis W. Shrock, P.E. 1845 retired Detective Sergeant, Criminal Investigation Division, District 52, and the brother of retired Sergeant Glen Shrock, P.E. 1249 passed away Sunday, December 14, 2008. Viewing will be on Friday, December 19, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday December 20, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Services will be held at the Drury and Leppert Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street (SR 39), Lebanon, Indiana. A memorial box has been presented to the family.
December 12, 2008
Retired F/Sgt. Carrol Mohr PE308
is in re-hab for a broken hip.
He is at the Hooverwood Indianapolis Jewish Home. 317 251-2261.
FORT WAYNE TROOPERS RECOGNIZED
FOR 20 YEARS OF SERVICE
Fort Wayne-Five Indiana State Troopers assigned to the Fort Wayne post were recognized this morning for achieving a milestone in their respective careers, 20 years of service to the Department. Each of the five was a member of the 46th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy that graduated on November 13, 1988.
Lieutenant Gary Robbins, District Commander of the Fort Wayne post, presented awards in the form of certificates and longevity medals to the following Troopers:
First Sergeant Tyler D. Chrisman
First Sergeant Tyler D. Chrisman, 44, of Auburn who graduated from Lakeland High School in 1983 prior to enrolling at Indiana University. In 1987, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Upon graduation from the State Police Academy, Chrisman was assigned to the Toll Road post where he worked for one and a half years before transferring to the Fort Wayne post, where he worked in DeKalb and Steuben Counties. During his career, Chrisman served as the Fort Wayne District and then Area II Marijuana Eradication Coordinator, a field training officer and member of the tactical intervention platoon. He has also served the Department as a Corporal, Sergeant, and is now the Assistant District Commander for the Fort Wayne Post. He lives in Auburn with his wife Katrina and two sons, Zachary and William.
Master Trooper Gary L. Gerardot
Master Trooper Gary L. Gerardot, 47, of New Haven who graduated from Snider High School in 1981 before joining the Indiana Air National Guard in Fort Wayne, where he spent nine years serving his country. Upon graduation from the State Police Academy, Gerardot was assigned to the Redkey post where he worked Delaware County for two years before transferring to the Fort Wayne post, where he has worked in both Allen and Adams Counties. During his career, Gerardot has been a field training officer, he was trained in the use of a radiological monitor, and he spent eight years in the Problem Oriented Police section. In the last four years, he has attended and graduated from the Harley Davidson Police Motorcycle School which allowed him to serve the Department as one of its motorcycle units. Gerardot now works the road serving the citizens of DeKalb and Steuben Counties.
Master Trooper Donald L. Curtin
Master Trooper Donald L. Curtin, 45, of Harlan who graduated from Elmhurst High School in 1981 before pursuing a business degree at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) and Tri-State University. Upon graduation from the State Police Academy, Curtin was assigned to the Peru post where he worked Wabash County for two years before transferring to the Fort Wayne post, where he currently works Allen County. During his career, Curtin has been a field training officer, a member of the tactical intervention platoon and has been assigned to the Federal Bank Robbery and White Collar Crime Task Force. He lives in Harlan with his wife, Kathy, and three daughters, Melissa, Jaime, and Stefani.
Master Trooper Dale R. Reber
Master Trooper Dale R. Reber, 44, of Fort Wayne who graduated from South Side High School in 1982 before joining the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard, where he specialized in communications for six years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management from Tri-State University and upon graduation from the State Police Academy, was assigned to the Redkey post where he worked for one year. After transferring to the State Police post in Fort Wayne, Reber worked in Adams, Wells and now Allen County. During his career, Reber has been a field training officer, a member of the tactical intervention platoon, a first aid instructor, a speed timing instructor, a crash reconstructionist, an aircraft investigator, and a nationally certified drug recognition expert through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). He lives in Fort Wayne with his wife, Kimberly, and three daughters, Audrey, Chelsey, and Sarah.
Master Trooper Gary R. Shenefield
Master Trooper Gary R. Shenefield, 47, of Huntington who graduated from Huntington North High School in 1980 before joining the United States Army where he served his country for four years. Upon graduation from the State Police Academy, Shenefield was assigned to the State Police post in Seymour, where he worked Jennings County for one year, before transferring to the State Police post in Fort Wayne. After three years in Fort Wayne, he transferred to the State Police post in Indianapolis where he spent seven years before transferring back to Fort Wayne. During his career, Shenefield was a member of the Emergency Response Team and is currently serving the citizens of Huntington County along with his K-9 partner Beau. He lives in Huntington with his wife, Diana, son Jeremiah and daughter Rebecca.
TWO STATE POLICE CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES
RECOGNIZED FOR TEN YEARS OF SERVICE
Cheryl K. Lawson Renee V. Andrews
Renee V. Andrews of Garrett joined the Indiana State Police on February 16, 1998, and works as a secretary in the Criminal Investigation Division office. She is responsible for the transcription and filing of reports generated by Troopers and Detectives assigned primarily to the
Cheryl K. Lawson of
Lieutenant Gary Robbins, District Commander of the
December 11, 2008
TROOPER RECOGNIZED BY NATIONAL ORGANIZATION
FOR SAVING
Fort Wayne-Indiana State Police Trooper Jason Ward was recognized today for his life saving actions that took place back on November 25, 2008, on US 30 near the Allen/Whitley County Line.
Ward found himself in the right place, at the right time, and with the proper medical equipment on that early morning when he learned that there was a vehicle traveling towards him that had a person experiencing a serious medical emergency inside of it. As he was only a few miles away, Ward quickly found the vehicle and he, along with a firefighter from the Arcola Fire Department, made a quick assessment of the patient, Zachary P. Mosley, 20, of
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA), which is based out of
December 10, 2008
10-0 Marie Bogard
Mother of ITA President Patricia C Warcznski PE4894
10-0 Marie Bogard, Mother of Sergeant Patricia C. Warczynski, PE # 4894, District # 53 Putnamville. Visitation, Saturday, December 13th from 1000 – 1200 EST Indiana State Time (0900 – 1100 CST Illinois Time) at Goodwine Funeral Home, 501 W. Lamotte, Palestine, IL., with funeral service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.
Authority 5-1 Captain Brent Johnson
TERRE HAUTE DISTRICT RECEIVES NEW
Terre Haute District Commander Lieutenant Mike Eslinger (left)
Assistant District Commander First Sergeant Dan Jones (right).
During the 75 year history of the Indiana State Police, 45 of its members have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties. Department employees are reminded daily of the dedication that each of these heroes displayed to their families, to the State of
Recently, the
The opposite side is etched with both an Indiana State Police badge,
The
Lieutenant Mike Eslinger, commander of the Terre Haute District and
“This new monument will serve as a daily reminder of the inherent dangers of our job and the sacrifices given by our fallen officers”.
If any individual or company would be interested in assisting the
STATE POLICE ADD THREE MORE K-9 TEAMS TO
BRING STATEWIDE TOTAL TO 30
Trooper Jon Eads, his K-9 "Nico" and Lt. Jay Janke, commander of the Lafayette Post
Fort Wayne-On Friday, December 5th, three Indiana State Police K-9 teams joined the existing 27 teams to bring the strength of the program to 30 teams. These specially trained German shepherds assist their trooper handlers in their day to day activities and duties, and, are assigned throughout the State of Indiana. The State Police uses the German shepherd breed because of their adaptability, intelligence, demeanor, and drive.
The handlers and their K-9 partners just completed 14 weeks of intense training in which each dog was certified in drug detection, tracking, evidence (article) searches, building searches, obedience and controlled aggression. The new K-9 teams received over 500 hours of training which was conducted during both the daylight and night time hours.
The training course was taught by Master Trainer Robert Compton of the Allen County Police Department. Master Trainer Compton has trained all of the State Police K-9 teams currently in the field. In the three years since Superintendent Whitesell implemented the multi-dimensional K-9 program, the total number of teams has flourished to 30. This is a credit to the Department’s mission of providing assistance to the public and all police agencies, as well as addressing crimes and offenders with diligent and proactive initiatives.
The Lafayette State Police Post received one of the K-9 teams. Trooper Jon Eads and his dog “Nico” will start working this week in the Lafayette area. Pat Harrington of the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office with help from Clinton, White, Warren, Montgomery, and Benton County Prosecutors helped in funding this project for the Indiana State Police. With their help, Trooper Eads and Nico will work to continue serving the citizens of Indiana.
As of the end of October of this year, the Indiana State Police K-9 program is responsible for the following:
• 1,426 searches
• 775 criminal arrests
• 4.41 pounds of methamphetamine seized
• 46.505 pounds of cocaine seized
• 882.58 pounds of marijuana seized
“The Indiana State Police shall provide the most professional, effective and courteous police service possible at all times and with every endeavor.” -Mission Statement of the Indiana State Police.
December 09, 2008
10-0 Marie Bogard
Mother of ITA President Patricia C Warcznski
Pat’s mother, Marie Bogard passed away early this morning in Illinois. We don’t have a lot of details and funeral arrangements are pending. As soon as we know more, we’ll pass it along. Let’s be sure to keep Pat and her family in our prayers.
December 07, 2008
10-0 retired Indiana State Police Criminal Intelligence Analyst
Democrito C. Lumanlan PE2274
.
Democrito C. Lumanlan a long time resident of Indianapolis died December 3, 2008. He was born on July 31, 1934 in Porac, Philippines. He obtained a B.S. Degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines. Democrito retired as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst with the Indiana State Police. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Josefina; three children; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitationwill be held on Friday December 4, from 4 to 9 p.m. with a rosary service at 8 p.m. at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center - Washington Park North. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 6131 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN. Entombment will be in Washington Park North Cemetery. www.flannerbuchanan.com
December 05, 2008
Former Trooper Jerry Davis Evansville District
Former Trooper Jerry Davis (Gibson Co/ Dist 35/47) will undergo brain surgery at St Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis on December 18, 2008 to remove a tumor from a pituitary gland behind one of his eyes.
10-0 Donald G Robbins
Father of Lieutenant Gary Robbins PE3425 District 22
GOSHEN---Donald G. Robbins, 85, formerly of Marion, died at 3:45 a.m. Thursday, December 4, 2008, in his home.
Donald was born on August 4, 1923, in Huntington County, the son of the late Benjamin Robbins and Dessie (Searles) Robbins. He married Phyllis Lutz on June 3, 1952, she survives.
Donald graduated from Marion High School in 1942. He was an Army Air Force veteran serving during the Pacific Theater of WWII with the 434th Troop Carrier Group 66th Squadron stationed in Guam and the Philippines.
He retired from Hoosier Metal Fabricators in Gas City where he was also part owner. While there, he worked on engine parts for one of the first space shuttles. Prior to working at Hoosier Metal Fabricators, he worked at Alloy Products, Crosley Motors and Chrysler Motors.
He was a member of Arbor Trace Golf Course, (formerly Hart’s). He was quite proud of his only Hole-In-One which occurred in the ’80s.
Survivors include wife, Phyllis Robbins, Goshen; son, Gary (Kathy) Robbins, Albion; daughter, Beth (Marvin) Bontrager, Goshen; grandchildren, Brian Robbins, Matt (Alison) Bontrager and Kelly Bontrager; and great-grandchildren, Haley and Nicole Bontrager.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Ben Robbins and Dessie Robbins-Bovie; brothers, Ray and Charles Robbins; sister, Mary (Robbins) Brown and granddaughter, Jennifer Robbins.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2008 in Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, with Reverend Dr. Tom Mansbarger officiating. Burial will be in Grant Memorial Park, Marion.
Friends may call one hour prior to services on Saturday, December 6, in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to Care At Home Hospice, Goshen General Hospital, 200 High Park Ave., Goshen, IN 46526.
Online condolences may be made at www.ravenchoate.com.
Fremont man arrested by Indiana State Police and Steuben County Sheriff Detectives
FREMONT---A Fremont man was arrested earlier Thursday for Human Trafficking involving a teenage girl.
The man had told an undercover informant that he wanted to pay cash to purchase a local teenage girl for himself.
Warren L. Stump, 55, of Fremont, was arrested by Indiana State Police and Steuben County Sheriff Detectives Thursday morning on one count of Human Trafficking, a class C felony.
Stump allegedly paid $500 cash at a staged meeting with an undercover State Police officer for what he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. He planned to take the girl from Indiana to an unknown, out-of-state location for forced marital purposes immediately after the deal was done.
The Steuben County Prosecutor's Office is still gathering all the facts and have many unknowns in this case.
Stump is currently being held in the Steuben County Jail pending bond or court appearance.
Police want to stress that at no time during the investigation was an actual teenage girl confronted by the suspect or in danger of being actually "purchased" by Stump.
December 03, 2008
10-0 Nora Jane Ryan Grandmother of PO Donald Perkins Capitol Police Section
Nora Jane Ryan, Grandmother of PO Donald Perkins Capitol Police Section, passed away December 1, 2008. Visitation will be Thursday December 4th from 4-8 p.m. at the McGann Hay, University Chapel, 2313 E. Edison Rd. (at Ironwood) in South Bend, IN., and Friday at 10a.m. for one hour prior to the funeral. The funeral service will be held on Friday December 5th at 11:00 a.m., also in the funeral home, with the Indiana State Police Chaplain, Reverend Bill Wassner, officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. Winter Uniform.
Norm Malone PE581 appointed 5-1-55
has suffered another stroke
December 01, 2008
Lets all send Fred a card
Fred Lee PE172
Fred fell Nov. 15th and broke his hip.
He is doing Rehab at
Westminster Village North
11050 Presbyterian Dr.
Indpls., IN 46236
His 88th birthday is Dec. 19th.
November 29, 2008
10-0 RETIRED MASTER TROOPER MARC A MCDUGLE PE#4432
RICHMOND, Ind. – Marc A. McDugle, age 54, of Richmond, died unexpectedly Thursday, November 27, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. He was born May 30, 1954, in Richmond to L.C. and Colleen Harris McDugle and was a lifelong resident of this area. Marc graduated from Richmond High School. He worked in the Traffic Division at the Richmond Police Department from 1976 to 1983, he was a Master Trooper with the Indiana State Police, retiring in 2004 after 20 years of service, and was the Safety and Security Director at the Richmond State 
Hospital. Marc was a member of Christ Connection Ministries as well as Pastor of the Body of Christ Fellowship. Marc was an ordained Elder of Christ Connection Ministries. He received his Doctorate of Divinity from the World Christianship Ministries and was later ordained a Pastor. Marc was honored by the Richmond Noon Optimist Club for his distinguished dedication to the law. He was recognized by the National Governor’s Association for his work in security. Marc graduated with honors from the World Christianship Ministries Bible Study Program. Survivors include his mother, Colleen McDugle of Richmond; his wife, Jane Gustin McDugle, whom he married March 14, 1998; son, Marc McDugle II and wife Lisa of Richmond; daughters, Erin McDugle of Indianapolis and Julie Williams, M.A. of Richmond; son, USMC Lance Corporal Jeremy Williams of Camp Lejeune, N.C.; grandson, Tyler Williams; sisters, Edith McDugle of Minnesota and Belinda McDugle of Dayton, Ohio; brother, Tyrone McDugle of Richmond; nieces; nephews; cousins; aunts; uncles and friends. He was preceded in death by his father. Visitation for Marc A. McDugle will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2008, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 3 at Christ Connection Ministries, 248 Pearl St., Richmond, with Bishop John L. Fonzer officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.
Visitations:
4:00PM to 8:00PM on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 at Doan & Mills Funeral Home
Services:
1:00PM at Christ Connection Ministries on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
November 25, 2008
TROOPER’S QUICK ACTION
HELP SAVE LIFE OF
Allen County---An Indiana State Trooper is being credited with saving the life of a Columbia City man who was experiencing medical difficulties on US 30 in eastern Allen County early Tuesday morning.
At approximately 12:17 am, Trooper Jason Ward was on a traffic stop on US 30 near Solon Road when he heard what he initially thought was a tornado siren. When he contacted the State Police post in
Ward found the van at approximately 12:21 am, and made contact with 20 year old Zachary P. Mosley and 20 year old Sidney Allen, both of Columbia City, and 19 year old Mallory Tarr of Churubusco. Mosley was wrapped in a blanket and was unresponsive to Ward’s attempts to rouse him. Allen told Ward that Mosley had a history of heart problems and that chest compressions were provided to him prior to Ward’s arrival. Moments later, a volunteer firefighter from the Arcola Volunteer Fire Department arrived, and together, they took Mosley out of the van. Ward and the firefighter removed Mosley’s shirt and affixed the automatic electronic defibrillator (AED) to Mosley’s chest. After the AED conducted its assessment of Mosley’s vitals, it told Ward that a shock was advised.
Ward provided the necessary shock as recommended, to which, Mosley sat up, doubled over and laid back down. It was said that at this point, Mosley became more responsive and began answering questions. He was transported to
The AED that Ward had was provided to him by
November 24, 2008
10-0 Francis I. Kilcline, Jr
Father of the Rev. Fr. Frank Kilcline III, District Chaplain Peru District
10-0 Francis I. Kilcline, Jr., 81, died on Sunday, November 23, 2008
Father of the Rev. Fr. Frank Kilcline III, District Chaplain Peru District
Memorial Mass is scheduled for Noon on December 6, 2008 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1201 N. Washington St., Kokomo, IN.
Another Memorial Mass is scheduled at 11:00 a.m. on January 17, 2009 at St. Mark Catholic Church, The Villages, Florida. Uniform winter.
Authority 85-1
10-0 Pauline L. Good, Mother of M/Tpr. Robert Good, PE3852, Peru Post.
Pauline L. "Polly" Good, 81, of Maple Street, Monterey, IN, passed away at 5:25 AM Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at Miller's Merry Manor in Culver, IN.
She was born August 1, 1927, in Monterey, IN, to Edward and Ida Appler Master.
Polly was married to Lorin C. Good on January, 13, 1947 in Monterey, IN. He died August 8, 1969.
She was the owner and operator of Polly's Beauty Shop in Monterey.
Polly was an active member and organist at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Monterey. She frequently played the organ at other churches in the area. She was a member of the Altar & Rosary Sodality. She also taught music class at St. Anne's Catholic School in Monterey.
She served as the secretary for the American Legion Auxillary Post #399 in Monterey. She was President of the Pulaski County Human Services Board of Directors. She was an active member of the Monterey Birthday Club. She had been a 4-H Leader, and was a member of the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxillary. Her family lovingly called her a "professional volunteer".
Polly loved to play golf and go bowling. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, and taking care of her flower garden.
Polly was a selfless friend to all she knew. She loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.
Survivors include
Master Trooper ISP Robert L. (Carla) Good, Tipton, IN Son and Daughter-in-law
Lt. Col. USAF Charles L. Good, Kokomo, IN Son
Alberta Wilcockson, Plymouth, IN Sister
Jean (Rowdy) Rensberger, Argos, IN Sister and Brother-in-law
Karl (June) Master, Monterey, IN Brother and Sister-in-law
Jack (Carol) Master, Monterey, IN Brother and Sister-in-law
Andrea M. (Brad) Powell, Tipton, IN Grandaughter
Allison L. (Toby) Ripberger, Tipton, IN Grandaughter
Tara R. Good, Kokomo,IN Grandaughter
Preceded in death by
Edward C. Master Father
Ida A. Appler Master Mother
Lorin C. Good Husband
Dorothy Langenbahn Sister
Wilma Kelsey Sister
Martha Master Sister
Phil Master Brother
Rudy Master Brother
John Master Brother
Services will be held at 10:30 AM EST Monday, December 1, 2008, in St. Anne's Catholic Church, Monterey, with Rev. Bert Woolson officiating.
Burial will take place in the St. Anne's Cemetery, Monterey, IN.
Friends may call 2-8 PM EST Sunday, November 30, 2008 at Frain Mortuary.
A Rosary Service will be held at 2:30 PM EST Sunday at the Funeral Home.
A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 7:30 PM EST Sunday at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of plants memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne's Catholic Church, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or to the American Cancer Society.
November 19, 2008
MOTOR CARRIER INSPECTOR RECEIVES AWARD
Master Motor Carrier Inspector William D. Davidson
Indianapolis---An Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Inspector was been awarded a 1,000,000 mile Safe Driving Award. Master Motor Carrier Inspector William D. Davidson, who is assigned to the Toll Road District, received the award in September.
Davidson, who lives in Angola, joined the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division on the last day of April in 1973.
He has driven more than 1,000,000 miles performing his duties as an Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Inspector.
According to Motor Carrier Administrator Marty Kipp, Davidson is the first Motor Carrier Inspector to ever receive a 1,000,000 Safe Driving Award.
November 14, 2008
Senior Trooper Bruce Duhaime
The Indiana State Police recently held an awards ceremony at the
Senior Trooper Bruce Duhaime, who is assigned to the Bremen Post, was honored at this ceremony when he was presented a Combat Action Award by Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D. Sergeant Corey Culler and Senior Trooper Stephan Smeltzley, Ft. Wayne Post, were also recognized for their involvement in an incident that occurred on December 5, 2000 in
Duhaime, Culler, and Smeltzley, were utilized as an ERT entry team to serve a search warrant on a suspected meth lab in rural
After nearly six hours of unsuccessful attempts at contacting the suspect from the command post, two rounds of non-incendiary tear gas were deployed into the trailer by ERT members. The suspect exited through a window and as he approached the ERT members, he failed to follow their verbal commands. During this time, the suspect kept one of his hands tucked inside his jacket. After a rubber baton round was fired at him, which affected his balance, the suspect was knocked to the ground by an ERT member with a shield. The suspect then drew a handgun from his jacket and pointed it at the officers. Culler, protecting his fellow officers, fired at the suspect. The suspect was fatally wounded in the exchange.
STATE POLICE POST IN
RECEIVES NEW
Master Trooper Larry Schenk
At the Indiana State Police post in
The opposite side is etched with both an Indiana State Police badge and the Indiana State Police Alliance logo and prominently displays the names of the 45 troopers whose dedication and sacrifice will continue to be immortalized. The top of the monument is etched with a trooper’s campaign hat and the words: “The strength of the Indiana State Police Department lies in the character of its people”.
The Indiana State Police Alliance is responsible for the project to replace the monuments at each of the 18 state police posts and the
If any individual or company would be interested in assisting the Indiana State Police Alliance with the cost of this project, you may contact the
Note from the Indiana Troopers Association:
These will be going to each of the posts....so the press release will cover all of them.
The old ones had run out of space to add names......it would be nice to never need any more space, wouldn't it?
Karen Shelton
Director of Operations
Indiana Troopers Association
karen@trooper.org
1-800-671-9851
November 07 , 2008
Trooper Michael Finney & Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D.
The Indiana State Police held an awards ceremony on Thursday, November 06, 2008 to honor and recognize troopers from around the state for their dedication to service, bravery and devotion to the department and the citizens of
The Indiana State Police Post at
Trooper Michael Finney, received the Meritorious Service Award for his actions on October 3, 2007. A shooting was reported at the Terre Haute Drury Inn located at US 41 and I-70. The suspect was armed with a handgun and fled the scene. A vehicle matching the description was observed by a
Trooper Finney was informed that the suspect was armed and had made suicidal threats. Making the situation worse was the suspect reportedly had several small children in the vehicle.
Once the vehicle was stopped utilizing a moving roadblock, Trooper Finney provided on-scene security as the suspect released three of the four children. The suspect ignored officer’s commands to surrender as he held a handgun while using the small child as a shield.
At the most opportune time, the suspect was shot by another state police officer. Trooper Finney immediately ran to the small child near the suspect and carried the child to safety. The suspect later died.
“Trooper Finney’s unselfish actions serve as a reminder that troopers live in harm’s way. He risked his life to save the lives of innocent children. I can think of no greater achievement”, stated Lieutenant Mike Eslinger, Commander of the Terre Haute Post.
November 06 , 2008
State Police Detective Jason Page is Promoted to Sergeant
Prior to his promotion, Page, an eight year veteran of the department, was assigned to the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigation Division where he served as a detective working from the Indiana State Police Peru Post. Prior to working as a detective, Page was assigned road patrol duties for the Peru District. Page also served as a member of the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team.
A graduate of
Troopers Recognized for Outstanding Service
Troopers Brent Lykins and Shea Reliford were given the Departments Silver Star Award. On April 8, 2007 calls of a wrong-way driver flooded the state police dispatch center in Indianapolis.
The wrong way driver entered I-465 at
The wrong way driver didn’t stop until a horrific head-on crash with a
OF TWO
Sergeant R Corey Culler and Senior Trooper Stephan J Smeltzley
Sergeant R. Corey Culler and Senior Trooper Stephan J. Smeltzley were awarded the Indiana State Police Combat Action Award for their involvement in an incident that occurred on December 5, 2000 in
On that date, Culler, Smeltzley, and Trooper Bruce Duhaime, from the Indiana State Police post in
After approximately six hours of unsuccessful attempts at contacting the suspect from the command post, two rounds of non-incendiary tear gas were deployed into the trailer by the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team (ERT), of which, Culler, Smeltzley and Duhaime, were then, and still are, active members. The suspect escaped through a window and as he approached the ERT members, he failed to follow their verbal commands. During this time, the suspect kept one of his hands tucked inside of his jacket. After a rubber baton round was fired at him, which affected his balance, the suspect was knocked to the ground by an ERT member with a shield. The suspect then drew a handgun from his jacket and pointed it at the officers. Culler, while protecting his fellow officers, fired at the suspect. The suspect was fatally wounded in the exchange.
10-0 ISP Retired Sgt. Frank Jagoda PE1732
FRANK J. JAGODA JR., 68, of Mongo, died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at his residence. He had lived in LaGrange County since 1967. He was a Sergeant Technician with the Indiana State Police Department from 1966 until his retirement in 1995; the LaGrange County Coroner from 1996 to 2004; and was currently a C.S.I. Instructor at Tri-State University, Angola, where he had taught since 1996. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving from 1957 to 1961. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaGrange; Orland American Legion Post 423; Knights of Columbus, LaGrange; a LaGrange County 4-H Leader; and was involved in many other community events and organizations. Born Feb. 26, 1940, in Chicago, Ill., he was the son of the late Frank J. and Catherine B. (Slanina) Jagoda. On Oct. 14, 1961, he married Lillian A. "Lily" Gregus; she survives in Mongo. Also surviving are two daughters, Catherine (Michael) McKowen of Martinsville and Andrea (Jeff) Fenstermaker of Angola; three sons, F. Andrew Jagoda of St. Joe, Paul (Jean) Jagoda of Helena, Mont. and Phillip (Cris) Jagoda of Rochester, Mass.; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and three sisters, Mildred E. Jaeger and Barbara Rose Misch, both of Rensselaer and Sister Frances Mary Jagoda of Chicago, Ill. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Andrea Jordan, Betty Wilson and Catherine Halliwell. Funeral mass is 2:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaGrange. Father Mark Weaver officiating. Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church, with a rosary service at 8:30 p.m. Burial in Mongo Cemetery, Mongo, with a military graveside service conducted by the Orland American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Parkview Home Health and Hospice or LaGrange County Sheriff Department's Shop with a Cop program. Arrangements by Frurip-May Funeral Home, LaGrange. Condolences may be left for the family at www.fruripmayfuneralhome.com
November 02 , 2008
The Amazing Kreskin appeared in Greenfield on Halloween Friday
Photographed backstage after the show was
Linda Hoffman, The Amazing Kreskin,
and retired Indiana State Trooper Bill McCallister PE1910
GREENFIELD---The Amazing Kreskin, who has been called the world's foremost mentalist, performed a special Halloween show on Friday in downtown Greenfield.
"People at the show experienced ghosts," he claims.
Kreskin, born George Joseph Kresge Jr., included his famous "check test" in this show.
His hosts hide his check for the performance, and if he fails to locate it, he doesn't get paid. He is the only performer known to do this.
He performed at 8 p.m. at the Ricks Centre for the Arts, 122 W. Main St.
Kreskin appeared at the Ricks Centre two years ago for its opening and performed to a sold-out audience.
A television pilot, "POI: Persons of Interest," starring Kreskin, is being considered by networks.
October 29, 2008
AND COMPLETES
Trooper Jason R. House
House, a 13 year veteran of the State Police, began running seriously four years ago when he joined a running club in
House had run six mini-marathons in that time and felt that the “mystique of the marathon” inspired him to start training for this year’s Chicago Marathon. He began an intense 18 week training regiment for the 26.2 mile run with his ultimate goal of “not only to finish, but to do so in less than four hours”. House can boast that his goal was achieved as he was the 5681st to finish out of a field of 31,348 participants, and he did so in a time of three hours, fifty-six minutes and twenty-four seconds.
House is currently assigned to the Indiana State Police post in
October 28, 2008
Early Morning
The first crash was reported to police at 4:34 a.m. and happened just west of the SR 15 overpass in the eastbound lanes of the
The driver of the semi, Frank Bernatth Jr., 65, Temperance,
The second crash involved Indiana State Trooper Nicholas Meade who is assigned to the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post. Tpr. Meade was responding to the initial crash when he lost control of his car on a slippery overpass around 4:48 a.m. The crash occurred in the eastbound lanes just west of the accident site. Tpr. Meade’s vehicle struck a guardrail and a
The third crash involved a semi tractor-trailer hauling bananas and a semi cargo-tanker that was transporting non-hazardous liquid soap. This crash happened at 5:14 a.m. in the westbound lanes of the
Preliminary reports show that the driver of the semi cargo-tanker, Vermond T. Dixon, 32, of
Borsci was not injured in the crash.
The westbound lane of the
ISP's Oldest Retiree Turns 95 on November 1st
David Milbourn
Retired ISP Sergeant David Milbourn of Goshen will celebrate his 95th birthday on Saturday, November 1st at his home.
Milbourn, who came on the department in 1937, had no PE number as he joined prior to the beginning of that program. He served the department until 1958.
Due to health concerns, there will not be a formal birthday gathering, but if anyone would like to send him a card, his address is:
2307 Sheridan Drive, Goshen, Indiana 46526.
October 27, 2008
Health Concerns
ISP Retired Sgt. Frank Jagoda PE1732
The ITA has learned that Sgt. Frank Jagoda, PE 1732 is experiencing serious health issues in his battle with cancer. His family requests that visits be pre-scheduled by calling his wife, Lily, at 260-367-2169, cards of care and concern would be welcomed at the home address: RR2, Box 155A, 7950E-150N, LaGrange, Indiana 46761.
Jagoda served the ISP from 1966 until his retirement in 1995. He also served a LaGrange County Coroner and taught Forensic Classes at Tri-State University in Angola.
October 26, 2008
In birthday year Indiana state troopers show pride in state police
MARION---In about the past decade, Indiana State Police troopers have noticed changes in regard to traffic patrol in the Grant County area, including a decrease in the number of people speeding.
Trooper Eric Treon and Senior Trooper Don White work out of the Redkey District, which is one of 18 districts in the state. It serves Grant, Randolph, Delaware, Blackford and Jay counties.
Although overall crime in the county has remained about the same, White said the number of people speeding, especially on Interstate 69, has decreased. He credits the change to the troopers’ presence on the interstate and to the recent high gas prices.
“It’s obvious people are watching their speed,” he said. “It’s definitely slowed down.”
Treon agreed that less people are speeding, and he attributes the decrease to gas prices.
“People are trying to get as much as they can out of a tank of gas,” he said.
Motorists, for the most part, are abiding laws more than in the past, Treon said. The reason, he said, is because of the increase in education and campaigns like Click it or Ticket.
The Indiana State Police is celebrating 75 years of service this year. The Redkey District was formed in 1955.
White said he’s seen changes for the better in the police department as far as equipment in the past decade.
“Our radios are a lot more advanced,” he said. “We have computers in our cars that make the job easier.”
Treon said the technology has definitely changed during the 16 years he’s been in law enforcement.
“It’s changed like night and day,” he said. ‘If you see the inside of my car, it’s gadget central in here.”
Adapting to the new and ever-changing technology hasn’t been difficult, Treon said. In the long run, he said the technological advancements are good and help save time for the troopers.
White, a Matthews resident, has worked for ISP for 11 years. Previously, he’d worked for the Upland Police Department and been a volunteer fire fighter in Matthews.
Going from Upland to the state police was somewhat of a change.
“It was definitely a difference as far as a wider range of patrol area,” White said.
The responsibilities, however, are the same, and working for the state police isn’t any better or worse than working for the Upland Police Department, he said.
To get onto the department, White said an officer must go through the state police academy. That training lasts 26 weeks, and then the new officer has to spend two months riding with a senior officer before he gets his own patrol car. All troopers are required to continue training, though, includes firearm training, defensive tactics, first aid training and updates on legal matters, White said.
Treon went through the academy last summer. The Fairmount resident had previously worked for the Gas City and Fairmount police departments. He likes the high traffic aspect of the state job.
“I was just ready for more area to play in,” he said.
Treon likes the feeling that he’s helping people and saving lives. He said he would rather people get mad at him for writing them a ticket than having the person die in a wreck for not buckling up.
“We’re not just here to write tickets, we’re here to save lives,” he said. “People think that we’re just out there to write tickets and that we have a quota. I don’t have a quota. For the majority of us, we care. We’re just trying to educate the driver and keep them alive.”
Treon said he’s glad he decided to become a state trooper.
“I love it,” he said. “It’s the best move I’ve made. This is where I’ve always wanted to be.”
He said he’s enjoyed learning about the agency in its 75th anniversary this year.
“It’s been interesting to learn about the history,” he said.
Grant County Sheriff Darrell Himelick said there is a great deal of history about the state police, as well as a lot of pride. Himelick said he has many friends who work for the state police, and some of them helped train him when he was a rookie. The relationship between the local and state departments is great, he said. The state troopers help the deputies a lot, especially by patrolling the interstate and helping with vehicle crashes during snowy weather.
He and Lt. Mike Nichols, commander of the Redkey Post, are always keeping each other updated on what’s going on within their agencies, the sheriff said.
“I talk to him on a regular basis,” Himelick said. “We’re real good together, and so are the guys on the street.”
October 24, 2008
Dana Harshman Promoted to Sergeant
Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D., has promoted Dana Harshman to the rank of Sergeant to serve as a district squad leader at
Harshman is a native of
Harshman’s job responsibilities as Sergeant will include, assisting the District Commander in overseeing the daily functions of the post and supervising a squad of troopers assigned to the Indianapolis Post.
Sergeant Dana Harshman and her husband, Trooper Brian Harshman, reside in
NEW TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE
National statistics show that in crashes which involve a large truck and a car, the driver of the car is assigned the primary cause of the crash 56% of the time. Recognizing this fact, that cars contribute to the overall number of crashes involving big trucks, the Indiana State Police will focus their efforts on violations of state laws committed in and around commercial vehicles and also on violations committed by commercial vehicle drivers.
The IMTA, in its never ending promotion of safety within the commercial vehicle industry, has members who have expressed an interest in assisting the State Police with this program. Through their generosity, these companies will provide a semi tractor and trailer to be utilized in this new TACT-RA project,
A trooper observer will man the passenger seat in the semi and observe for violations committed in and around the big truck. The trooper observer will then call other troopers, who will be in the area, to stop the offending vehicle and take corrective action.
The goal of this new initiative is to gain the voluntary compliance of state traffic laws and federal motor carrier regulations through education and enforcement. The long term effect will reduce the number of crashes involving big trucks and make
The Indiana State Police would like to remind you that if you observe aggressive driving or the unsafe operation of a vehicle to please call the nearest Indiana State Police post or dial 911.
October 22, 2008
Thirteen-Year-Old - Former ITA Essay Winner
Continues Operation Socks for Our Troops
Alison Mansfield, an eighth grade student at Summit Middle School in Fort Wayne, Indiana has announced the continuation of Operation Socks for Our Troops, her project to collect socks for soldiers serving in the cold, mountainous regions of Afghanistan and some areas of Iraq. Socks and other donations will be collected through December 20, 2008; however, Ms. Mansfield would prefer to receive donations prior to November 20, 2008 so shipments can arrive in
Since Veteran’s Day, 2007, Alison has collected over 6,000 pairs of warm wool socks for the troops as well as over $10,000 in cash and in-kind contributions used to purchase socks and defray shipping expenses. According to Alison, socks and cash donations have continued since the commencement of the project. Additionally, since 2005, Ms. Mansfield has collected over 3,000 toiletries and snack items including such things as beef jerky, trail mix, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, lotion, Chapstick, shaving cream, and disposable razors, as well as 1,036 letters of support for the troops.
Support for Operation Socks for Our Troops has come from all over the
If you or your organization would like to donate socks, toiletries, cards/letters, or snacks, donations may be mailed to Operation Socks for Our Troops,
(Alison was selected as one of the 4-Runners-Up in the 2006 David Deuter Memorial "What Being A Good Citizen Means To Me" Essay Contest for 5th Graders.)
October 20, 2008
10-0 Retired Trooper Lee H Cole PE418
Lee H Cole
Nov. 1, 1923 - Oct. 17, 2008
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP---Lee H. Cole, 84, of Liberty Township, IN, passed away early October 17, 2008, in St. Anthony Memorial Hospital, Michigan City. He was born November 1, 1923, in Woodville, Liberty Township (rural Chesterton, IN), to Valentine Rue and Loretta May (Brown) Cole, who along with his brothers, Jack W. and Don C. Cole, preceded him in death. On June 5, 1971, in LaPorte, Indiana, he married Bobbie West O'Dell, who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Lesa (O'Dell) (Gary) Whitlark; and his grandson, Jamie Lee Whitlark of Pickney, Michigan; numerous nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces, among whom are Tim Cole, Kerry Cole, Kirk Cole, Kim (Cole) Glassley, Rebecca (Cole) Crum with David Crum; buddies, Tyler and Gavin Crum, Wendalyn (Cole) Kirpanos with James Kirpanos; and sweethearts, Zoe and Onora Kirpanos. Also in mourning are the many members of the West family and his faithful dog, Ladybug. Lee was a veteran of World War II and Korea, a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, seeing action in the European Theatre. In Korea he received serious wounds shattering his leg when bringing a medic to his unit to attend to the other wounded. Left with others to be evacuated, his unit moved on but came under heavy fire, wiping them out entirely; Lee was the only survivor. His wounds, though with him for the rest of his life, did not prevent him from achieving his life's goal: being an Indiana State Police Trooper. He joined the ISP in 1952, retiring in 1976 as detective sergeant. Upon his retirement, he then worked as an investigator for the Indiana Welfare Department until retiring fully in 1996. He made his home on the family farm where he had been born, helping his daughter and others with Sheep and Walking Horse projects in 4-H. He and his wife, Bobbie, also volunteered as chaperones and guides for the Trojan Guard while their daughter was in school. Lee was a charter member of the VFW, Porter Post 2511. Lee had early established a reputation as a "Straight Arrow" with his dedication to the precepts and missions of the State Police. There are many in the area who remember being stopped and lectured by him, including some within his own family. Also not forgotten are the many times he went out of his way to help stranded or disabled motorists, once being seriously injured while helping with a stalled car. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008, at 11 a.m. from the White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton, with Rev. Gene Collings officiating, followed by interment at Chesterton Cemetery. The family will receive friends today, Oct. 20th, from 2-8 p.m. in the White-Love Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks everyone to donate to their local police organization in Lee Cole's memory, or to the VNA Hospice Center, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.
October 17, 2008
Dale Rabanus survives heart attack
Dale Rabanus PE1129
Dale Rabanus, retired lieutenant of Lafayette District 14, had a heart attack on Wednesday, October 15th.
He is now resting at home, and cards are welcome at:
853 Dover Lane
Lafayette, IN 47909
DONATION SCAM - BEWARE!!!
The ITA has received information that another fund-raising organization is calling Indiana residents posing as the Indiana Troopers Association. The fraudulent group is asking for personal banking information from those they call.
The ITA has been in touch with the area media and issued the following statement:
The Indiana Troopers Association does have an ongoing fund-raising drive. The ITA does not - at any time - ask for any personal information from any resident that they call.
When a person agrees to make a donation to the association, their address is verified and an information packet, which includes a letter from our President Sergeant Patricia Warczynski, a pledge form, return envelope and a window decal.
The Indiana Troopers Association never asks for credit card or banking information and does not send someone to your home to pick up the donation.
The Indiana Troopers Association was founded in 1979 as a support organization for the Indiana State Police. Their two major goals are "supporting those who serve with pride" and "lending a helping hand to those in need."
Their Corporate Office is at 117 West Maumee in Angola, Indiana. If you need further information about the organization, please contact them directly at 800-671-9851.
Norm Malone PE581 appointed 5-1-55
has suffered a stroke with some paralysis.
October 16, 2008
Lieutenant Larry Keiser and Master Trooper Rodney Means
invite you to join them for a luncheon in honor
of their retirement from the Indiana State Police.
The luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 12:00 (CST)
in the District #13 Training Room.
The cost will be $10 per person.
Payment can be sent to Secretary IV Lisa Morgan at District #13. Checks should be made payable to
“District #13 Post Fund”.
RSVP no later than Wednesday, October 15, 2008 by email to:
or
by contacting Lisa at (219)696-6242
Annual Inspection/Audit
Trooper Kurt Steinkamp being inspected by Sergeant Pat Warczynski
Putnamville – For 75 years the Indiana State Police has strived to provide courteous, professional, and effective service to the citizens and visitors of
Sergeant Jason Fajt being congratulated by Lieutenant George Schneider after passing inspection
Today, October 16th, all employees at the Putnamville District and their issued equipment were inspected. Commanding officers conducted a very strict inspection of the employee’s commission, uniforms, firearms and all issued equipment. The commissions had to be cleaned, removing all foreign materials, such as bugs and tar, and then hand waxed. All tires including the spare had to be scrubbed clean and interior carpets shampooed. The vehicles were inspected for any signs of dirt including the door jams and gas cap. All issued equipment had to be free of any dirt and all uniform items had to be dry-cleaned and pressed to include appropriate military creases. The employee is also inspected to make sure they comply with the Indiana State Police grooming standards. At the conclusion of the inspection, employees are issued a rating ranging from outstanding to unsatisfactory.
All issued equipment is audited, at each of the 18 posts throughout
Sergeant Cory
Captain Durnil instpecting S/Tpr. Bastin's High-Performance Ford Mustang
left photo - Captain Jimmie Durnil inspects S/Tpr. Ben Bastin's side arm
right photo - Lt. Steve Comer inspects S/Tpr. David Meyer
Today, October 15th, all employees at the Versailles District and their issued equipment were inspected. Commanding officers conducted a very strict inspection of employees’ commissions (patrol car), uniforms, firearms, and all other issued equipment. The commissions had to be cleaned, removing all foreign materials such as bugs and tar, and then hand waxed. All tires including the spare had to be scrubbed clean and interior carpets shampooed. The vehicles were inspected for any signs of dirt including the door jams and gas cap. All issued equipment had to be free of any dirt and all uniform items had to be dry-cleaned and pressed to include appropriate military creases. The employees are also inspected to make sure they comply with the Indiana State Police grooming standards and to make sure drivers’ licenses and certifications are current. At the conclusion of the inspection, employees are issued a rating ranging from outstanding to unsatisfactory.
left photo - Sergeant Major Rodger Popplewell thanking Tpr. Nate Adams for his efforts preparing for inspection
right photo - Lt. Marty McKinney inspects Master Motor Carrier Inspector Robert Burkhead's commission
Employees from the Indiana State Police Logistics Division were also on hand to inventory all issued equipment. Uniforms and other issued items that are worn or no longer serviceable are taken out of service and replaced.
Lt. Marty McKinney, Commander of the Versailles District commented, “The guys worked very hard on their cars. You could tell they spent a lot of time; even the cars with high mileage looked really good.”October 14, 2008
Annual Inspection/Audit
Lieutenant Steve Comer Commander of the Connersville Post on left
inspects Trooper Brian Rumple
Photo on left - Trooper Aaron Edwards standing at attention
Photo on right - Captain Jimmie Durnil AREA IV Commander inspecting
District 41 Motor Carrier Coordinator Fred Bunzendahl
Today, October 14th, all employees at the Connersville District and their issued equipment were inspected. Commanding officers conducted a very strict inspection of the employee’s commission, uniforms, firearms and all issued equipment. The commissions had to be cleaned, removing all foreign materials, such as bugs and tar, and then hand waxed. All tires including the spare had to be scrubbed clean and interior carpets shampooed. The vehicles were inspected for any signs of dirt including the door jams and gas cap. All issued equipment had to be free of any dirt and all uniform items had to be dry-cleaned and pressed to include appropriate military creases. The employee is also inspected to make sure they comply with the Indiana State Police grooming standards. At the conclusion of the inspection, employees are issued a rating ranging from outstanding to unsatisfactory.
All issued equipment is audited, at each of the 18 posts throughout
Sergeant Brian Metcalfe, Squad Sergeant at the Connersville Post, said “All our personnel had equipment and cars in showroom condition. It’s a testament to their dedication to their careers and the citizens of
Anyone interested in a career with the Indiana State Police is asked to contact Sergeant John Bowling at 1-800-437-7159 (
October 11, 2008
Marty Talbert is expected to be released from hospital today
left photo - Marty PE3357 as PIO at Peru Post
right photo - Marty as Sheriff of Howard County
KOKOMO---Howard County Sheriff Marty Talbert will be inactive for a few days after his appendix ruptured Wednesday as he was returning from Colorado.
Talbert flew to Colorado to pick up Lelano Caldwell III, 41, who is wanted on several drug charges, including dealing in methamphetamine. As he was transporting Caldwell back to Kokomo, Talbert began feeling pain.
“I thought it possibly was a kidney stone at first,” Talbert said Friday from St. Joseph Hospital.
“If I knew it was my appendix, I wouldn’t have gotten on the plane. You don’t want to have your appendix rupture when you’re thousands of feet in the air.”
Talbert said he flew into Indianapolis International Airport Wednesday evening and had Maj. Steve Rogers meet him to take custody of the prisoner.
“My wife met me there and drove me directly to the hospital from Indianapolis, and I went straight into surgery. It was a miserable trip home,” he said.
Talbert said doctors removed his appendix, and he’s feeling a lot better.
“They removed it, and I should make some progress,” he said. “All my vitals look good.”
Talbert said he expects to be released today and should be back to work Tuesday.
This is the second time this year Talbert has been on medical leave. Earlier this year, he underwent hip replacement surgery and was off duty for several weeks.
October 09, 2008
10-0 Frank Enick PE645
SOUTH BEND---Frank Enick, 81, of South Bend, passed away at 5:05 p.m. Monday, October 6, in Bremen Community Hospital. Frank was born March 22, 1927, in Hammond, IN, to the late Frank and Mary (Petosky) Enick. On June 25, 1953, in Highland, IN, Frank married Frances (Swart), who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Colleen (Robert) Terry of Elkhart; two sons, William Enick and companion, Beth Newman of Lawrence, KS, and Dale (Carrie) Enick of Baldwin, KS; five grandchildren, April Lepore of Bonney Lake, WA, Andrew Terry of Elkhart, Jacob, Rachael and Callie Enick, all of Baldwin, KS; a great-granddaughter, Madelyn Lepore of Bonney Lake; and a brother, Donald Enick of Olathe, KS. Frank proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was honored with the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, and Korean Service Medal.
Frank served 24 years with the Indiana State Police. After retiring he worked security at Memorial Hospital for 12 years. His hobbies included flying Cessna aircraft, boating, woodworking, and spending time with his family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, October 10, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, where friends may visit with family one hour prior to the service. Military rites will follow after the service. Cremation was held at Welsheimer Crematory. In Frank's memory, contributions may be made to the Bremen Healthcare Center, 316 Woodies Lane, Bremen, IN 46506; or to the Alzheimer's Association of Northern Indiana, P.O. Box 4204, South Bend, IN 46634. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at welshfh@yahoo.com.
Seymour line inspection
left photo - Sgt Wilson returns Trp Matt Holly's driver license after it is inspected for correct address and expiration date
right photo - Trp Brian Meeks gets inspected by Captain Durnil and Sgt Major Roger Popplewell
Tuesday, October 7th, all employees at the Seymour Post and their issued equipment were inspected. Commanding officers conducted a very strict inspection of the employee’s commission, uniforms, firearms and all issued equipment. The commissions had to be cleaned, removing all foreign materials, such as bugs and tar, and then hand waxed. All tires including the spare had to be scrubbed clean and interior carpets shampooed. The vehicles were inspected for any signs of dirt including the door jams and gas cap. All issued equipment had to be free of any dirt and all uniform items had to be dry-cleaned and pressed to include appropriate military creases. The employee is also inspected to make sure they comply with the Indiana State Police grooming standards. At the conclusion of the inspection, employees are issued a rating ranging from outstanding to unsatisfactory.
left photo - Trp Dave McKalip gets a thorough looking over by Sgt Major Roger Popplewell in front of Captain Durnil
right photo - Trp Chris McCawley stands at attention while Lt. Davis inspects his commission
All issued equipment is audited, at each of the 18 posts throughout
“We are very thorough when we inspect our employees,” stated Captain Jimmy Durnil, Area IV Commander. “When you become an employee of the Indiana State Police you know expectations are very high. Fortunately for us our employees usually meet those expectations.”
Anyone interested in a career with the Indiana State Police is asked to contact Sergeant Don Gregory at 1-800-658-8328 (
10-0 retired Indiana State Trooper Richard L. Downs PE1216
Richard L. Downs
BROWNSBURG---Richard L. Downs 74, of Brownsburg, passed away October 7, 2008. He had an unblemished 38 year police career. He was a million mile Indiana State Trooper and was awarded the Red Cross CPR Life Saving Award and served on several presidential security details.
He was an Indiana State Trooper for 27 years, retiring in 1989 as a Master Trooper. He was also a Marion County Deputy Sheriff from 1955-56 and from 1990-93.
He served as a Speedway Patrolman from 1956-62.
He was also a Brookston, IN Deputy from 1989-90.
He was the son of the late Harry Downs and LaVon Arthur Dunn. Surviving are his wife, Sharon Downs of Brownsburg; son, Kevin (Annette) Downs; four daughters, Kelly (Ancy) Couch, Kara (Steve) Tsuleff, Kristie Foxworthy, Kathy Downs; uncle, Jack (Kathy) Arthur; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 11 with calling from 4-8 p.m. Friday, October 10 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. Burial will be at West Ridge Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Food Pantry.
October 08, 2008
Rita Cline Health Concerns
Rita & Bob Cline
For the many ISP friends and family of Bob Cline PE 248 and his dear wife Rita, please remember them in your thoughts and prayers. Rita, who has been struggling with a number of health issues in recent months, suffered a stroke over the weekend. She is currently being cared for in their Madison home.
Cards of encouragement would be welcomed and can be sent to:
Mr & Mrs Robert Cline
345 McCormick Lane
Madison IN 47250
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Two Local Troopers Selected for ERT
In 1975 the Indiana State Police formed its first Emergency Response Team (ERT) more commonly referred to as SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics). Since 1975 ISP ERT teams have been considered “part-time.” On
Trooper Mark Jenkins
Tpr. Jenkins, originally from
Trooper Joe Livers
Tpr. Livers is a native of Batesville and former Batesville City Police officer. Livers has been with the Indiana State Police since June, 2001. He was originally assigned patrol duties in
Jenkins and Livers were selected as part of a competitive selection process which included a grueling timed obstacle course, firearms scenarios, marksmanship, and two interviews. Other members of ISP’s South Field Operations ERT team from Versailles Post include Senior Trooper David Meyer and Troopers Mark True, Matthew Haviland, and David Ellis.
Maybe you could send Gene a note or give him a call.
Marion G. "Gene" Neff PE1070
Gene Neff, 401 Ludlow St., Rolling Prairie, Indiana, 46371-9731 has reportedly had some medical problems and is currently in the Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
If you know Gene, I'm sure he would appreciate getting a card from you at his home address.
He should be back home in a couple of days and his phone number is 219-778-4122
October 06, 2008
Trooper Injured While Directing Traffic in Connersville District
The car, a silver 2000 Buick, driven by Maureen Gierach, 52, of Cleves Ohio, swung the corner too wide and struck McPheeters with the left front fender spinning him out of the roadway. McPheeters complained of back and hip pain and later sought treatment at
After doing a license check on Gierach, it was found her Ohio Driver’s License was suspended. She was issued a ticket for no operator’s license when required. In addition none of Gierach’s three passengers had a valid driver’s license. Therefore her car had to be towed and impounded.
McPheeters, who was treated at Fayette Memorial and released, said “This is just one example of the dangers we face everyday on the job. The public can help make our job safer by just by being more patient and observant when officers are present. We are trained observers but in heavy traffic conditions we can’t always see everything. We are there to help keep motorists safe. Please do your part to help keep us safe.”
October 03, 2008
INDIANA STATE POLICE E.R.T. TEAMS
PARTICIPATE IN 2008 DELAWARE COUNTY S.W.A.T. CHALLENGE
Trooper Mike Dennison
Members of the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team (E.R.T.) participated in the 2008 Delaware County Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) Challenge held at the Muncie F.O.P.
Eleven S.W.A.T. teams consisting of officers from state, county, and local law enforcement agencies participated in the three day competition that began October 1st and concluded the 3rd, and was hosted by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. The S.W.A.T. team events included shooting skills, endurance, officer rescue, and the negotiation of obstacles.
The five S.W.A.T. team timed events are: The Beaver Creek Run: officers are deployed from an S.W.A.T. truck, and make their way through rough terrain and a natural creek. The Money Shot: officers push a patrol car, carry a log over a hill that represents a downed officer, put on their gas masks, shoot targets, carry the log down a hill, and a S.W.A.T. sniper finishes the event. The Five Gun Scramble: team members shoot a variety of weapons. The Officer Rescue: fallen officers are rescued and carried to safety. The Obstacle Course: teams of five officers run through a 12 stage obstacle course built for competition.
The following are the overall event finishing for the Indiana State Police E.R.T. teams:
The Indiana State Police E.R.T. North Alpha Team: First place.
The Indiana State Police E.R.T. Central Team: Second place.
The Indiana State Police E.R.T. North Bravo Team: Fourth place.
The Indiana State Police E.R.T. South Team: Sixth place.
During the event, there was a two day individual S.W.A.T. officer’s competition that consisted of shooting skills and endurance. Trooper Mike Dennison a seven year veteran of the Indiana State Police (Redkey District), and two year member of the Indiana State Police E.R.T. North competed against 21 officers to win the individual competition.
October 02, 2008
We Goofed!!
The Summer-Fall issue of The Trooper Magazine has been delivered and we are pleased to report that we have received many compliments on this issue. While we sincerely hope that we never have to do another issue honoring the memory of one of our Troopers, the Barrett family has expressed their appreciation for the memorials to their son, Trp. Daniel Barrett.
We do make every effort to provide accurate information in each publication. However, a few mistakes have been brought to our attention. We want to take this opportunity to set the record straight:
Master Trooper Rodney Means-District 13 is alive and well. While he did retire from the ISP, he is not among our deceased members as listed on page 50. A longtime ITA member, Means will be presented with his Lifetime Membership at his retirement luncheon in October.
1st Sergeant Lonie Slisher-District 16 is the Assistant Commander of the Peru Post. Jay Kistler-District 16 was promoted to 1st Sergeant, but does not serve as Assistant Commander of the Peru Post as listed on page 46.
MCI Bill Beckford received his 35 year service award, but has not retired as reported on page 56.
Thanks to these folks for their understanding and thanks to our readers for letting us know of the corrections.
If you do not receive The Trooper Magazine and would like a free copy, contact the ITA office at 800-671-9851 or by email at trooper@trooper.org .State Police Mustang Patrol Encounter More than Speeders
This past weekend seventeen officers with the Indiana State Police High Performance Vehicle Mustang Patrol rolled into the Notre Dame area to help supplement the patrol duties of local troopers. During home football weekends at Notre Dame, the state police typically see an increase in traffic. The previous weekend was no exception due to the proximity of
Senior Trooper Troy Sunier, assigned to the Indianapolis Post, found more than just a surprised driver when he stopped a speeding car in his blue Mustang for 90 mph in a 60 mph zone. S/Tpr. Sunier uncovered approximately 127 grams of marijuana and 247 grams cocaine inside the rental car. The driver of the car, Sarah Shaw, 26, of
In all, troopers assigned to the detail wrote 973 traffic tickets and 76 warnings over the weekend. This included, but was not limited to citations for speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and otherwise driving aggressively. Senior Trooper Jim Zeser, who operates the high performance vehicle out of the Bremen Post said, “It’s about saving lives, preventing crashes and educating the public on the perils of reckless, irresponsible, and distracted driving.
September 29, 2008
TERRE HAUTE DISTRICT HOLDS ANNUAL INSPECTION
Inspection line
Photo 1 (left) Captain Danny Price, Area III Commander, inspects Master Trooper Todd Miles, TH Post.
Photo 2 (right) Lieutenant Mike Eslinger, Commander of the Terre Haute District, inspects the weapon of Trooper Shilo Raulston of the TH District.
The Indiana State Police Post at
During the inspection, each officer is personally inspected for proper grooming and uniform appearance. The officer’s firearms are then examined for cleanliness and serviceability. The police commission is next and inspected for cleanliness both inside and out, as well as the trunk. Finally, all equipment issued to the officer is accounted for and inspected. Those items include such things as clothing, shoes, radar, computer, camera, baton, mace and any other miscellaneous equipment issued to the officer.
At the conclusion of the individual unit’s inspection, the inspecting commander gave the officer a rating of unsatisfactory, marginal, satisfactory, superior or outstanding. Troopers who received an unsatisfactory rating will have to complete the process again at another district until he or she passes.
The Indiana State Police Department is currently celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year. The department has a rich history in providing the best law enforcement service possible to the citizens of
“The results of this inspection are a direct indication of the commitment and pride our troopers have in adhering to the standard of excellence required of Indiana State Police Troopers”, commented Lieutenant Mike Eslinger, Commander of the Terre Haute District.
Dan R. Starnes Memorial/Walk/Run
GREENTOWN MAN WINS NSRA AND
Larry Williams, Jack Roe, and Sergeant Randy Renbarger
The annual Fairmount James Dean Run was held this year at
The National Street Rod Association (NSRA) offers vehicle safety inspections at each of the thirteen annual NSRA events, and at hundreds of independently produced activities all across the country, such as the James Dean Run.
The NSRA Vehicle Safety Inspection Program is completely voluntary, and includes 23 separate items from the lighting systems, suspensions, steering and brakes. The purpose of the safety inspection is to alert the vehicle owner of problem areas, either real or potential. As an "advisory" type inspection, it is only used to call the owner's attention to something which may have been overlooked. This program and number of vehicles inspected grows every year.
In 1994, the NSRA’s Indiana Safety Team working with the
On September 28th, Larry Williams the
September 27, 2008
10-0 Kenneth D. Needler, PE 818,
Retired Peru Post Crime Scene Technician.
Visitation Tuesday September 30th, 2008 from 1100-1400hrs at
Shirley and Stout Funeral Home-1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo IN.
Funeral service to immediately follow visitation at Shirley and Stout Funeral Home.
Uniform Summer.
September 25, 2008
10-0 Retired Sgt. David L. Blue PE 1670
Retired Sergeant David L. Blue
10-0 Retired Sergeant David L. Blue PE 1670 Lafayette District. David Blue passed away on Monday September 22, 2008 in Greensboro, NC.
A service will be held on Friday September 26, 2008 at 2:00pm at the Tippecanoe Memory Gardens located at 1718 West CR350 North West Lafayette, IN 47906. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Indiana State Police Alliance or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Units attending should assemble at 13:45 hrs. (state time) at the Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, uniform summer. A memorial contribution will be made on behalf of the department to the Indiana State Police Alliance.
Authority: Lt. Jay T. Janke Lafayette District
September 23, 2008
4 Years of Supporting Heroes
The following was sent to our members. We thought you would be interested.
September 11th marked four years since SUPPORTING HEROES began serving the families of Indiana's and Kentucky's fallen public safety heroes.
In that four year period, 60 such heroes have given the ultimate sacrifice and over $625,000 of support has been provided to their families.
As a member of SUPPORTING HEROES and/or of a Partner agency, you can be proud of what you have helped accomplish.
In many instances, it was your support in the wake of tragedy that enabled a family to keep their home or maintain health insurance. In others, you helped provide new clothes for funerals, you kept utilities on, and you put food on tables.
At the same time, you provided comfort. You showed survivors they were not alone and others cared. And you demonstrated that what their loved one lived and died for was important and his/her service was respected and appreciated.
You are undoubtedly saddened that the need has been so great, but you can be proud that you have helped do so much.
ANNUAL REPORT
If you have not already done so, please take time to look through the Annual Report for 2007. It will give you valuable information about the activities of your organization and tell more about how you have helped the families of our fallen heroes.
You can view or download the report from our website (www.SupportingHeroes.org)
Thank you for being part of such a worthwhile cause!
Eric W. JohnsonSeptember 21, 2008
Attention all Indiana State Police Personnel Current and Retired
On the year of your 75th anniversary Indiana Office Supply would like to offer you the opportunity to purchase custom made Indiana State Police flags. These flags can be displayed indoors or proudly outside of your home! The flags are made of 100% nylon, fade resistant, and made in the USA. Indiana Office Supply is a QPA flag provider for the State of Indiana. Point of Contact at ISP is Captain Pat O Connor. Please place your order by October 31st, 2008 by faxing to 866-394-1866 or calling 866-921-9845. click here to see order form
September 19, 2008
National C.O.P.S. Seeks Support For Annual Walk
To All My Friends:
You all know my story, some better than others. I lost my husband Jason in 2000 while I was pregnant with our son. My life was completely turned upside down. I was 21 and clueless what I was going to do. Then on top of that, I was expecting our baby, a little piece of Jason. I was excited to have our son, but scared to death of raising him alone. I wanted so badly to have Jason back. I would still love to have Jason here for Cody. But that can't happen. What I have been able to do is find a way back on my feet, right my world and make the best life for Cody as possible. I have stumbled along the way, but my journey has been made much easier because of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS). They organize Counseling Sessions during National Police Week where Jason's name was added to the wall in 2001. They have hands-on programs including a Spouse's Retreat and C.O.P.S. Kids Camp. I have attended National Police Week 8 times, Spouse's 6 times, and Camp 2 times (because of age requirement). Without this organization I would not be where I am today and would not have been able to give Cody the life he has now. He has a mother who actually looks forward to each day now. I make plans for the future. I never imagined that happening again after losing Jason.
In 2003, I met Chris. C.O.P.S. helped me learn how to love again, how to give a part of me to someone else and not feel guilty about it. They taught me that finding a way to love again was the biggest compliment I could give to Jason. Because he showed me so much love and taught me how great having a partner in life again, I wanted to find that kind of love again. Chris gave this to me. We now have a full family! Chris came into our relationship with a son of his own that is only 3 wks younger than Cody. In March I gave birth to our son, Liam.
I am a happy woman today. I have no doubt that Jason watches down on Cody and I and smiles. I owe all of this to C.O.P.S.
Some of you share similar stories and have had C.O.P.S. help you to some degree. You know how important this organization is to survivors.
Below is a letter from the woman who had the strength to brave the insanity of bringing widows & widower's all across the country together. She is the woman that I owe the life I now live to. Please read the letter and if you are able to help her, please do so. If you cannot, then please keep this organization in mind in the future or pass this on to someone that you know would like to help surviving families of officers killed in the line of duty. She hasn't just helped the spouses. She helps the entire family!
Thank you,
Emily Beal-Nelis
Widow of Trooper Jason Beal
EOW 1/15/00
9/18/08
In the 25 year history of Concerns of Police Survivors, I have never been so afraid about the financial situation of the organization as I am this year. Going from approximately $1 million a year in Federal grants two years ago to only $368,000 this year, truly has me concerned about being able to meet the needs of the growing number of families that need C.O.P.S.’ programs.
Last year we were able to secure a corporate sponsor for this walk. Their $25,000 contribution met all costs associated with the walk. Due to their current economic condition, they were not able to support C.O.P.S. again this year. So the first $25,000 raised will need to cover expenses of the walk itself.
The 2008 COPS Walk being held October 11 and 12 near Harpers’ Ferry, WV, is very important to Concerns of Police Survivors. We need to reach our goal of $100,000 if we are to relieve some of the concerns about funding. I decided to walk only 2 weeks ago. Now that I’m finally in the office, I’ve only begun my fundraising. doing If you can help, if you can support this great organization of ours, please consider doing so.
By using the link listed below, it will take you right to the COPS Walk page. I hope you will scroll down to the “National COPS” team and select me as “YOUR FAVORITE WALKER”! And if someone else has already asked you and you have given, thank you for supporting C.O.P.S.
There are 74 people doing the walk so each of us needs to raise well over $1,000. I would be most appreciative if you can help. I hope the fall months are good to all of you and I am also hoping I will see many of you at C.O.P.S. events.
If you have already supported another walker. Thank you. If you have gotten more than one request, please accept my apologies. But, as you know, I have always been passionate about C.O.P.S. and will do whatever it takes personally to make this organization FLY!
Suzie Sawyer - C.O.P.S. Executive Director
https://www.nationalcops.org/WalkDonorSlip.htm
September 18, 2008
Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation Presents
Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired U.S. Secret Service agent and former United States Marine, spoke on behalf of the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation. Sullivan explained the foundations mission is to encourage the spiritual, moral, intellectual and physical development of children through education. The foundation was formed in February of 1995 by former marines and law enforcement personnel who strongly believe that our nation's most precious resource is its youth. Through the continuous support of donors, the foundation has distributed aid with a value of more than $37,000,000.00 to eligible children. This assistance was primarily rendered to children of marines or law enforcement personnel who were killed on duty or died under extraordinary circumstances while serving our country at home or abroad. The funds raised enable the foundation to provide children of fallen heroes with scholarships for their higher education. In the past, the foundation also included in their program the children who lost a parent from all agencies killed in the murderous attack on the Pentagon. The foundation also decided to go back and give U.S. Treasury bonds to children who lost a parent on the USS Cole; the children of air force personnel killed at
More information about the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation can be found on the internet at www.mc-lef.org.
Class of 58 honored at 2008 Pioneers meeting
Following are the names of those in the 1958 class, plus a counselor and Supt.
From Left to Right: Jack Steele, Larry Clendenin, Lester Carpenter,
Jim Theobald, Bill Sheeks........ a counselor to the class,
Don Lows, Chuck Taylor, Jim Wampler, Gene Gastineau, Dean Ruley,
Oscar Gates, Myron Sharp, and Paul Whitesell.......current Supt
September 15, 2008
10-0 wife of Joe Badger PE2022
Mrs. Diane "Penny" Badger
Mrs. Diane "Penny" Badger, 67 of Bloomington died on September 13, 2008 at her residence. She was the daughter of Donald "Jiggs" and Theresa (Helfrich) DeVault born February 14, 1941 in Evansville, IN.
She was a homemaker.
She is survived by he husband Joseph Badger, 3 Children and 8 Grandchildren. Services will be held at Deremiah-Frye Mortuary, Greene & Harrell Chapel on
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 2:00pm. Pastor Jim Hobson will be officiating and burial will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 4-8pm on Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Bloomington Hospital in memory of Diane.
September 10, 2008
ANNUAL INSPECTION AND AUDIT AT
The mission statement of the Indiana State Police reads: “The
Each Commander, Trooper, Detective, Crime Scene Technician, Motor Carrier Inspector, and Telecommunication Operator is required to present his or her issued equipment which is then thoroughly inspected to ensure cleanliness, proper maintenance and overall serviceability. Police cars, uniforms, firearms, specialty team equipment and more are put through this rigorous process. Personnel from the Logistics Division identify and remove from service any equipment which no longer meets the requirements of the Department.
The Indiana State Police in
ITA BOARD MEETING/ANNUAL MEETING
The Board of Directors of the Indiana Troopers Association will meet for their Fall Board Meeting on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at the Hampton Inn in Anderson. The business meeting will commence at 9:00am.
Following the business meeting, the Annual Meeting of the ITA will be held. All members - active and retired - are welcome to attend the meeting.
During the Annual Meeting, Indiana state police officers who have worked in the Youth Service Camp Program for ten years or more will be honored by the association for their service to the youth of Indiana.
September 8, 2008
LABOR DAY SPECIAL PROJECT RESULTS REPORTED BY ISP
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
Indianapolis---Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Inspectors (MCI’s) and State Troopers worked an extra 679 hours during the Labor Day Holiday period which ran between August 29th and September 2nd.
During this special project period, inspectors and troopers conducted 603 inspections of commercial motor vehicles (CMV’s) traveling Indiana highways. During these inspections, a total of 1129 violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) were found. Sixteen percent (187) of the total violations were out-of-service (OOS) violations. An OOS violation MUST be corrected or repaired before any further operation of the commercial vehicle is permitted.
Motor Carrier Inspectors and Troopers issued a total of 421 traffic citations during this special project. Nine of the citations were for following too closely and ten were for disregarding an automatic signal. Fifty three of the CMV drivers were issued citations for failing to comply with the federal seatbelt regulation governing commercial vehicles. MCI’s and troopers also issued 376 warnings during this special project period.
The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) will continue its concentrated efforts to ensure voluntary compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for those CMV’s operating within the state of Indiana. The goal of the CVED is to reduce the number of crashes involving commercial vehicles and by conducting these special projects many unsafe vehicles and drivers are removed from Indiana highways.
Remember, if you observe an unsafe commercial vehicle or the unsafe operation of a commercial vehicle, please contact the nearest Indiana State Police post or dial 911 to report the incident.
For Indiana State Police Retirees
For anyone who has a computer, to access this information go to the Indiana State Police Website to get forms, retirement information and much other useful data. The website address is: http://www.in.gov/isp/
September 5, 2008
Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team Takes First Place
Photos from an earlier competition
The Indiana State Police North Zone E.R.T. (Emergency Response Team) recently took first place in the annual Michiana Police SWAT Challenge. The competition was held in Niles Michigan this year at the Bend of the River Conservation Club. Police officers from the Indiana State Police, South Bend Police Department, St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Elkhart City Police Department, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, and Niles City Police Department, all took aim at capturing the title this year.
The one-day event matches skills that encompass handgun accuracy, an obstacle course, and a skills course. Team scores are typically based on the speed and accuracy that the different events are completed. Last year the South Bend Police Department took first place but was defeated this year by the Indiana State Police in a come from behind win during the last event.
E.R.T. member Senior Trooper Bruce Duhaime commented, “We knew we had to move with speed and shoot with great accuracy in order to make up the ground to take first.” The team moved into first place after completing the last event of the day, the skills course. They finished with the best time and score of the day, putting them in front of South Bend who took second.
Sgt. Mike Young, S/Tpr. Bruce Duhaime, S/Tpr. Chad Larsh, S/Tpr. Jason Sample, Tpr. Mike Dennison, Tpr. Jeff Dolson, Tpr. Jason Page, Tpr. Steve Smeltzley, and Tpr. Brian Walker all competed for the state police in this year’s event. The team is scheduled to participate in another event later this year in Delaware County.
September 4, 2008
2008 Retiree Firearms Qualifications
Click here to read the letter from the Superintendents office
For your information, please find a scanned copy of the letter by clicking on the red line above which was sent out to all retirees so that you may be able to answer any calls you may receive regarding firearms qualifications. Also attached is an Instruction Sheet and Qualification Course that was included with the letter. If you have any questions, you may contact the Training Division at (317) 232-8329 or Sergeant Christopher Lambert at (800) 527-4752.
Five Troopers Transfer to Pendleton Post
Pendleton---Lt. Clint Bundy, Commander of the Pendleton Post, has announced that five Indiana State Troopers have transferred to the Pendleton Post from Indiana State Police Posts around
Trooper Aaron K. Pfaff
Trooper Aaron K. Pfaff- Graduated from the Indiana State Police Recruit School in July 2007. He is a graduate of Eastern Hancock High School and attended Indiana State University. He has six years of military service and spent one year in Bosnia. He will be patrolling Hancock County. He is married and has a three month old child.
Trooper Franklin Filson
Trooper Franklin Filson- He graduated from the Indiana State Police Recruit School in July 2007. He is a graduate of Greenfield Central High School. He previously patrolled Lake, Porter, St. Joe, Elkhart, and Lagrange counties. He served five years in the Army. He will patrol Hamilton County.
Trooper Scott P. Keegan
Trooper Scott P. Keegan- Graduated from the Indiana State Police Recruit School in 2004. He graduated from Pendleton High School and Hanover College. He transferred from the Lafayette Post. Keegan will be patrolling Madison County. He is a crash reconstructionists and is on the Tactical Intervention Team. Keegan is married and will reside in Madison county.
Trooper Chris Pestow
Trooper Chris Pestow- Graduated from the Indiana State Police Recruit School in 2006. He graduated from Goshen High School and Ball State University. He previously patrolled St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. He will be patrolling in Hamilton county. Pestow is engaged to be married and will reside in Hamilton county.
Trooper Jason Callaway
Trooper Jason Callaway- Graduated from the Indiana State Police Recruit School in 2000. He is a graduate of Lapel High School and Indiana State University. He previously worked out of the Terre Haute Post. He has spent time as a detective and as an instructor for several Indiana State Police Recruit Schools. He will be patrolling in Hamilton County.
September 3, 2008
10-0 RETIRED MASTER/TROOPER JAMES L. SPANGLER PE1147
REDKEY DISTRICT 25.
VISITATION FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH, BETWEEN 1400 AND 2000 HRS AT “EIKENBERRY-EDDY FUNERAL SERVICE 84 WEST MAIN STREET, PERU, IN.
FUNERAL SERVICE” SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH, 1000 HOURS WOODLAWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, SOMERSET, IN.
INTERMENT GRANT MEMORIAL PARK MARION, IN.
UNITS ATTENDING SIGNAL 8 THE CHURCH AT 0930 HRS. UNIFORM SUMMER.
IN LEW OF FLOWERS MEMORIAL DONATIONS FOR WOODLAWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, SOMERSET,IN OR CELINA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, CELINA,TN.
MEMORIAL BOX ORDERED.
AUTHORITY LT. M NICHOLS
SP REDKEY 1400 TLM
September 2, 2008
Fallen law enforcement memorial destroyed in second incident
TERRE HAUTE---For the second time in just a few months, a memorial site for two fallen law enforcement officers was vandalized.
Indiana State Police Troopers are investigating for the second time the destruction of a memorial site at Indiana 63 south of Interstate 74 in Vermillion County that honors Indiana State Police Lieutenant Gary Dudley and Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Gary Martin, both of whom were struck and killed in August of 2006 while participating in the annual C.O.P.S. bicycle ride.
The most recent damage consisted of numerous flowers pulled from the ground and strewn about, as well as damage and spray-painted profanity to two wooden crosses with the individual officers’ names . In addition, a photo portraying Dudley and Martin together was covered with black spray paint.
At approximately 7:30 a.m. Monday, while on routine patrol, Vermillion County Sheriff’s Deputy C.B. McLaren found the site destroyed. The Indiana State Police Post at Terre Haute was then contacted and Senior Trooper Jeremy Lewis arrived at the scene to conduct the investigation. The destruction is believed to have occurred during the early morning hours of Monday.
The site was first destroyed on July 23, and that investigation is still ongoing.
The Indiana State Police would like assistance from the public in solving these crimes; if anyone has information that would assist officers in bringing the person or persons to justice, contact the Terre Haute Post at (812) 299-1151 or (812) 299-1152.
August 30, 2008
Unidentified Human Remains Located on and near Interstate 65 in Scott County
On August 28, 2008 at approximately 7:00 PM, troopers from the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg were called to Interstate 65 southbound at the 28.5 Mile Marker, (Lake Road Overpass), Scott County to assist the Scott County Sheriff’s Department in a death investigation. Deputies had located human remains on and near the Interstate earlier and requested troopers to assume the investigation.
Preliminary evidence from the scene appears to show that an unidentified person was struck on the roadway sometime late yesterday evening. The remains were not located until today after a call of a suspicious abandoned vehicle was located on a county road near the Lake Road Overpass that goes over Interstate 65. At this time the deceased has not been identified and there is no information available on the vehicle involved in the crash. No one has come forward reporting a crash.
Investigators are asking that if anyone passed through the area of the 28.5 Mile Marker, (Lake Road Overpass), Scott County on Interstate 65 South on yesterday’s date between the hours of 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM and thought they may have hit something or if anyone was passing through the same area and saw a crash or any persons or automobiles pulled off to the side of the road to contact the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg with the information. Investigators are also asking if anyone sees an automobile with damage consistent with running over a person or animal to contact the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg. The contact number is 812-246-2509 or 1-800-872-6743.
Identification of the unknown person will be released by the Scott County Coroner’s Office.
This investigation is continuing.
Assisting Agencies: Scott County E. M. S., Scott County Coroner’s Office, Scottsburg City Police, and the Scottsburg Fire Department.10-0 Virginia R. Kaiser, mother of F/Sgt. Timothy Kaiser PE 3702
10-0 Virginia R. Kaiser, mother of F/Sgt. Timothy Kaiser PE 3702 assigned to District 51, Pendleton.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 2nd, between – 1600 and 1800 hours
at Meeks Funeral Home, Mount Pleasant Chapel,
7901 West Isangonel Road, Yorktown. (500W 1.5 miles south of SR 332 – across from Elks Country Club)
Funeral will on Wednesday, September 3rd, at 1000 hours St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2300 West Jackson street, Muncie.
Units attending Sig. 8 the church at 0930 hours. Uniform summer.
Department flowers will be ordered.
A/ F/Sgt. Kaiser.
SP Pendleton 1837 DQD
State police make changes
LOWELL---Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell announced the reassignment of Master Trooper Dave Andrews, a 17-year veteran, to detective at the Lowell District.
Andrews graduated from the Indiana State Police recruit school in December 1990 and was assigned to the Lowell Post where he worked Lake County.
In 1996, he was assigned to the Gaming Division, where he worked until 2006 when he was reassigned back to the Lowell Post.
Whitesell also announced the reassignment of Trooper Les Norvell, a nine-year veteran, to detective to serve at the Lowell Post.
Norvell graduated from the Indiana State Police recruit school in June 1999 and was assigned to the Lowell Post where he worked Lake County.
In 2000, he was assigned to the Gaming Division where he worked until 2001 when he was reassigned back to the Lowell Post and worked Porter/La Porte counties.August 28, 2008
Statewide Outdoor Campaign by
&
Anheuser-Busch
Emphasizes Seat Belts, Designated Drivers
Labor Day Travelers Reminded to Drive Safely
Indianapolis---Today the Indiana State Police and Anheuser-Busch launched a state-wide public awareness campaign to encourage motorists to use seat belts and designated drivers.
The campaign consists of 46 initial outdoor billboards along interstates and highways throughout the state featuring two Indiana State Police troopers that read: “Thanks to You…Seat Belts & Designated Drivers Save Lives.” More than 100 billboards will be displayed by year’s end; additional locations will rotate through 2009.
The troopers featured on the billboard are Trooper Holly Falk of the
“It is well established that seat belts save lives and drunk drivers take them. These two significant facts are glaringly obvious to those who work within the fields of medicine, insurance and law enforcement. These facts are not nearly so well established among some members of the motoring public. We extend our gratitude to Anheuser-Busch and their
Drunk-driving fatalities nationwide are down 36 percent since 1982, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Indiana, the decline is even greater at 40 percent.
“We share the same goals as the State Police – saving lives and preventing drunk driving,” says Carol Clark, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility at Anheuser-Busch, Inc. “This proactive effort involving all of our 23
Clear Channel Outdoor, Lamar Outdoor and Burkhart Advertising are also donating some of the outdoor space for the campaign.
“This is an outstanding way to reach tens of thousands of motorists on a daily basis to reinforce a timeless safety message,” said Major Carlos Pettiford, Commander of the Indiana State Police Public Information Office. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Anheuser-Busch to promote responsible driving decisions.”
The timing of the campaign coincides with the Indiana State Police’s annual Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) program that encourages safe driving during busy holiday travel periods.
Anheuser-Busch is the global industry leader in promoting responsibility, with ads dating back to the early 1900s that carried the tagline “Budweiser Means Moderation.” Since 1982, the company and its 600 wholesalers nationwide, including the 23 in Indiana, have invested more than $750 million in alcohol awareness and education programs and partnerships. In 2008, for the fifth year in a row, the company ranked first in the beverage industry for social responsibility in FORTUNE magazine’s “America’s Most Admired Companies” and “Global Most Admired Companies.” More information about Anheuser-Busch’s responsibility efforts is available at www.beeresponsible.com.
Operation C.A.R.E. is a nationwide traffic safety initiative that began in 1977, with the Indiana State Police serving as one of the founding members. Today, it includes state police and highway patrol agencies from all 50 states and Canada.
For more information about the billboard campaign, please call or email Sara Geisner at 314-765-6790 or sara.geisner@anheuser-busch.com.
Please direct inquiries about this release to F/Sgt. Bursten, as listed below:
David R Bursten, First Sergeant
Public Information Officer, Field Supervisor
317-502-6220
August 27, 2008
10-0 Retired Indiana State Trooper Jackson A Lynch PE462
10-0 Retired Trooper (PSCI) Jackson A. Lynch, PE 462
of Evansville District #35 passed away Tuesday, August 26th.
Retired August 31, 1973 with 20 years on the department.
Viewing: Thursday August 28th from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Evansville Time)
at Alexander East Chapel 2115 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, In
Services: Friday, August 29th at 11:00 AM at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville,
Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Department flowers have been ordered.
Units attending Signal 8 at the funeral home 10:30A. Uniform summer.August 26, 2008
Former ITA staffers maintain contact through the years
In the 1990's the ITA reorganized, changed its name from the Indiana Troopers Benevolent Association to the Indiana Troopers Association, and added several programs. Dr. Paul F. Koepke was the senior consultant during this period and wrote much of the policy still in effect today. I was honored to serve as the first Executive Director during this transitional period.
Paul Koepke and Ronnie Kane
From time to time Paul and I get together to reminisce about the ITA and other areas of our 40+ year friendship. Today was one of those days. The photos were taken at or near the Town Square restaurant in Howe where we meet for coffee and fellowship.
10-0 Retired Trooper Jon Koonce, PE 1816
Word has been received of the passing of Trp. Jon Koonce, PE 1816. We received a call here at the office today from his son, Sam. Jon died on August 11, 2008 at his home in Myakka City, Florida of a massive heart attack. He had been in failing health for several years.
Jon served from 5/16/67 until his retirement on 5/28/81. He was trooper on the Toll Road and had been a member of the ITA for a number of years.
He leaves his wife, Bobbie; 3 sons: Sam, Kevin, and Jon; a daughter, Cindy; 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Private family services were held in Florida and cremation has taken place.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obit published in the Herald Tribune Sarasota Florida on 081408
April 11, 1941 - Aug. 11, 2008
Jon N. Koonce, 67, Myakka City, formerly of Sarasota, died Aug. 11, 2008.
Services will be private for family. Toale Brothers Funeral Home is in charge.
Survivors include his wife, Bobbie; sons Kevin of Suffolk, Va., Jon Jr. of Sarasota and Samuel of Enterprise, Ala.; daughter Cynthia Allard of Enterprise; 11 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
Jon, loving father and husband, served in the Navy, was a retired Indiana state trooper, and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Sahib Shrine.
United States Marine 2nd Lt Tiffany Lloyd deployed to Iraq this week
Folks, this is ITA board member Dave and Jan Lloyd's daughter, Tiffany, that we have watched grow up and mature into a beautiful Christian lady. She was a recipient of our Scholarship Program and, along with her parents, has been very supportive of all our activities.
Please put Tiff and her Platoon on your daily prayer list as they depart for Iraq this week....and don't forget Dave and Jan and the rest of the family.
Most likely - a "thinking of you" box in the near future would be appreciated..... following is a note from Tiffany
--------------------------------------------
Hello My Precious Family and Friends!
Well, this is the last time I'll be writing you from the States for quite some time. My unit is heading to Iraq for our 7 months in the Big Sandbox this week! Please keep myself and my Marines in your thoughts and prayers. This will be a first deployment for many of the Marines in my shop, which means there will be many new experiences for us to face together. As a Communications Platoon, we are responsible for the computers, servers, telephones, switches, wires, cables, satellite systems, and all radio systems for the Battalion, as well as the supporting units. Our Battalion is part of the Marine Logistics Group, which means there will be daily convoys providing materials to outlying units throughout the country. Myself and several of our female Marines will be a part of the Lioness program as well. Hopefully we will have opportunities to interact with the Iraqi women, by conducting searches and being involved in intercultural social events. Right now, I don't have a clear picture of what this will look like for us.
This deployment is a great opportunity for me to grow personally as a leader and professionally as a Marine. I also plan to be intentional in growing spiritually in my relationship with God. The hot desert nights and early mornings will be a great time for thinking about life!
There are many of you I haven't talked with or E-mailed for quite some time. I would enjoy hearing from you while I am away and hopefully re-connecting with you via E-mail.
Serving God and Our Country,
Tiffany
Here's my address! Packages are an amazing morale booster! J
2nd Lt Tiffany Lloyd
1st MAINT BN H&S CO S-6
Unit 42280
FPO, AP 96426-2280
10-0 Retired Indiana State Trooper Gerald 'Jerry' Allan Waikel PE737
1930-2008
Gerald “Jerry” Allan Waikel, 78, Laramie, Wyoming died Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Jan. 24, 1930, in Huntington, Ind., a son of John William and Pansy (Best) Waikel.
He married Carolyn Herzog on April, 6, 1952. In 1948, he joined the United States Marine corps and served in Korea at the Chosen Reservoir. He was 
honorably discharged in September 1952.
In July 1956, he became a trooper with the Indiana State Police.
He retired in 1976, and he and Carolyn moved to Laramie.
He was employed at the University of Wyoming and retired in 1992 from the civil engineering department.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Waikel and Jim Waikel.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Waikel of Laramie; two daughters and their families, Rhonda and Tom Lund of Laramie and Monica and Pete Hochstetler of Wolcottville, Ind.; three grandchildren, Brian, Rachel and Leslie; two sisters, Charlotte Waggonner and Pat Adams, both of Fort Wayne, Ind.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cathedral where he was a member. The Very Rev. Marilyn Engstrom will officiate.
Inurnment will be with military rites by the Laramie Veterans’ Honor Guard and the Wyoming National Guard.
Memorial contributions can be directed to the Albany County 4-H Shooting Sports, 3520 S. Third, Laramie, WY 82070; or to Hospice of Laramie, 1262 N. 22, Laramie, WY 82072.
Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To send condolences or sign the online guest book, go to www.montgomerystryker.com.
August 25, 2008
Congratulations - Jamie & Gina
Jamie Spriggs and Gina Michelle Raschella
ITA Call Center Manager, Jamie Spriggs and Gina Michelle Raschella have announced their plans to be united in marriage.
The ceremony will held on Saturday, September 20, 2008 in Keyser, West Virginia.
We wish them many happy years together!
August 24, 2008
Jerry Waikel update submitted by
Jennifer Hammond (honored to be his niece)
I wanted to correct one item....the daughter you talked to was Rhonda.
Carolyn (Jerry's wife) was a bit overwhelmed with phone calls from the countless troopers who knew Jerry.
Your website was very much noticed.
She did enjoy some of the stories of his better times and shared one with me as well.
A memorial service may be in the works for Wednesday but there is nothing definite yet.
The family asks that no flowers be sent.
They would instead prefer that donations be made to the 4-H rifle club (I will have more info in the near future).
Thank you to everyone who shared their stories with Carolyn....it gave her some joy in a very difficult time.
He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
August 22, 2008
10-0 - Jerry Waikel PE737
Karen Shelton called out to their home and talked to daughter, Robin. She was sad to report that Jerry passed away about 2 hours ago (1400 082208). Karen expressed sympathy to all of them on behalf of the ITA....although arrangements are incomplete as of right now, Robin did say he will not be brought back to Indiana. His sister, who lives here is on her way to Wyoming now. There could possibly be a memorial service in the future.
She was very appreciative to those who called and who sent cards...and I'd like to think some of that is due to our posting on the website
Commemorative 75th Anniversary Indiana State Police History Book
As you may be aware, the Indiana Troopers Association is in the process of putting together a Commemorative 75th Anniversary Indiana State Police History Book. The ITA sent out order forms and all retirees probably should have received one by now. The deadline date on the previous form indicated all pictures, stories, and orders for a book had to be in by July 16. That deadline has been extended to October 31 and I have attached a new order form .
We are still accepting pictures and stories to add to our collection for possible use in the book. We would like to have “too much” material vs. not enough. Please forward this message to your ISP email distribution list so those who did not order before the original deadline will be aware it’s still not too late to place an order.
We also encourage anyone to send photos or little stories to be used in the book. Any photograph sent will be scanned at the ITA office and then promptly returned to the sender. Digital photographs and stories can be emailed to Karen Shelton in the ITA office. Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi but if the sender isn’t sure, send them in anyway. Cathy McIntire, our computer graphics guru, can do some enhancing that may make most digital photos useable. Email to Karen@trooper.org. The U.S. Mail address to the ITA office is on the form if they prefer to use snail mail rather than email. Anyone sending photos should identify the person(s) in the photo, what district or division they are from, what the event depicted in the photo is, and a date (approximate) if possible.
The history book committee consists of myself, Brenda Wilson, Rick Hammer, Pat Warczynski, Karen Shelton, Ernie Alder, and Cathy McIntire. All items will be submitted to the publisher shortly after the first of the year and the books should be delivered by sometime in June or July of next year. I believe this is going to be a really nice book and will be filled with a lot of great stories, photos, and memories.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Karen Shelton
Director of Operations
Indiana Troopers Association
karen@trooper.org
1-800-671-9851
August 20, 2008
Kopinski Named Assistant Commander of Toll Road District
First Sergeant Keith Kopinski
Kopinski, a
During his tenor, Kopinski has been a member of the Tactical Intervention Platoon (T.I.P.), and a Field Training Officer (F.T.O.) for newly hired recruits. Kopinski is also a member of the Indiana State Police Possible Club. The Possible Club is a shooting award that is given out for outstanding marksmanship. Since the inception of the award in 1946, there have only been 280 troopers that have earned the Possible Club Award. Kopinski earned the distinction by shooting four perfect scores, two in phase I and two in phase III of the Indiana State Police firearms program.
F/Sgt. Kopinski continues to callTROOPER CHRIS KATH REASSIGNED TO
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
Kath, a graduate of
In his new position, Kath will be required to become certified in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to inspect commercial motor vehicles, and he will also be task with conducting the annual school bus inspections in the
August 19, 2008
Evansville ISP Joining "Komen Race for the Cure"
Over 16,000 participants from the Greater Evansville area are expected to join this event in an effort to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Since one women is diagnosed with breast cancer every 3 minutes, each of us will be affected in some way by this life-threatening disease.
The Evansville Team is gathering members until September 5th. Online resigatration will be available until midnight September 8th.
For more information contact JoAnn Broshears or Marlene Zenthoefer at the Evansville Post at (800) 852-3970.
Superintendent To Honor All Retirees
All ISP Retirees and their spouses are invited to join Superintendent Paul Whitesell for a luncheon honoring Retirees. The event will be held on Friday, September 19th from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Indiana State Police Museum.
The meal is being provided by the ISP Alliance. Please RSVP to Michelle Trinkle at 317-232-8200 no later than September 5th or email at mtrinkle@isp.IN.gov
Master Trooper Paul Daugherty Recognized for Excellent Marksmanship
Master Trooper Paul Daugherty
Daugherty earned the award by shooting four perfect scores, two in phase I and two in phase III of the Indiana State Police firearms program. Phase I requires a shooter to fire fifty rounds of ammunition at a target utilizing various shooting positions and distances ranging from 25 yards to seven yards. All stages of fire have a specific time limit which is strictly enforced. Phase III is also a fifty round course of fire, but the longest shooting distance is increased to fifty yards, and shooters have stages where they are required to shoot with their non-dominate hand. The shooters in both phases must complete the course of fire in the allotted time and receive perfect scores every time they attempt the course.
Including Daugherty, the Indiana State Police Peru Post has four active troopers who have earned the Possible Club Award. The other three members of the Possible Club are Lieutenant Matt Bilkey of
Smithers Promoted to Assistant District Commander
First Sergeant Jon Eric Smithers
Smithers is a native of
He was selected for his new position based upon a competitive selection process that included written testing, oral interview, seniority, education, and past job performance. Smithers resides in
SENIOR TROOPER COREY CULLER PROMOTED TO SERGEANT
TO SERVE AS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM SQUAD LEADER
Sergeant Corey Culler
Sgt. Culler is a 1988 graduate of
Since September of 1996, Sgt. Culler has been a member of the Emergency Response Team, commonly referred to as “SWAT”, and has been the north team’s leader since October of 2007. He is also serves as a Department firearms instructor and was most recently the Fort Wayne District’s Domestic Cannabis Eradication Coordinator.
Sgt. Culler and his wife, Sarah, are expecting their first child and reside in rural Kendallville.
Trooper Reassigned to Detective
Master Trooper Brent Dougherty
Dougherty is a native of
He was selected for his new position based upon a competitive selection process that included written testing, oral interview, seniority, education, and past job performance. Dougherty resides with his wife and two daughters in
August 15, 2008
Retired Lt. Jerry Waikel PE737 Health Update
Word has been received at the Indiana Troopers Association Corporate Office of serious health issues of Retired ISP Lt. Jerry Waikel, PE 737. Jerry is suffering from pancreatic cancer and is being discharged from the hospital in Laramie, Wyoming soon. Jerry served the Indiana State Police from 1956 to 1976. The Waikel's have been great friends of the ITA and have many friends across the state. Jerry and Carolyn would really enjoy hearing from some of their ISP friends in Indiana.
His address is: 271 North Pierce, Laramie, WY 82070-6025.
The Waikel's can be reached by phone at 307-745-3781.
August 13, 2008
Telecommunications Operator Bill Shortz
Prior to his law enforcement career, Bill worked as a broadcaster for several
Bill said he has so many fond memories of his service with the state police he can’t pick just one as his favorite. He said one thing he will always remember is the great feeling of satisfaction he would receive after summoning help for a citizen or police officer in need. Bill said he will never forget his worst memory when he was the dispatcher on duty July 5, 2007. That was the day Master Trooper Detective David Rich was shot and killed. “Despite knowing one of his guys was down, Bill was able to professionally and calmly dispatch resources to the scene,” stated Ginny Kelley, Telecommunications Supervisor for the Indiana State Police Peru Post. “That scenario is a dispatcher’s worst nightmare and Bill handled it like the true professional that he is.”
“The state police family is what I will miss the most,” stated Bill Shortz.” I have had the privilege for over twenty years of working with the most professional and caring people that law enforcement has to offer. I will miss them.”
In retirement, Bill will have more time to devote to his favorite hobby of communicating on an amateur radio. Since 1962, Bill has communicated with fellow operators in over 200 countries utilizing voice and Morse code.
Bill is a 1965 graduate of
This tribute to a returning military hero is courtesy of Madison Came Running
http://www.madisoncamerunning.com/
August 5, 2008
Statewide Essay Contest Award Ceremonies in Indy
Trooper Teddy is in "real life" - Retired Trooper Kenny Shelton. PE2071
with Indiana's First Lady, Cheri Daniels.
The little guys are our grandsons: Nick Pizer, Keaton Shelton and Austin Stemen.
Just prior to the start of the Statewide Awards Program for the David Deuter Essay Contest on June 13th Trooper Teddy was summoned to the Governor's office for a photo session with the 1st Lady. The little ones were quite taken back by the whole event.
August 1, 2008
Steve Priest is Promoted to First Sergeant
To Serve as the Assistant District Commander at Sellersburg
First Sergeant Steve Priest
Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D., has promoted Sergeant Steve Priest to the rank of First Sergeant to serve as the Assistant District Commander at Sellersburg. The Sellersburg Post covers five counties in
Priest is a native of
Priest’s job responsibilities as First Sergeant will include, assisting the District Commander in overseeing the daily functions of the post and supervising all civilian personnel assigned to the Sellersburg Post.
First Sergeant Steve Priest and his wife, Barbara, reside in Corydon inJuly 31, 2008
Connie Rich, Sarah, Vince, Laura, and Patrick Barrett with the cyclists.
Barrett Family with Cyclists at Daniel's memorial site
Rich family with Cyclists at Dave's memorial site
Just waiting and thinking.
On average, a police officer in the
On July 21, 2008, in a ceremony in
Indiana C.O.P.S. operates as a peer support network for survivors of line-of-duty death. They operate according to federal criteria with the primary goal of being there for all survivors on a day-to-day basis, assisting them with anything they need. Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors also provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Furthermore, C.O.P.S. provides training to law enforcement agencies on survivor victimization issues and educates the public of the need to support the law enforcement profession and its survivors.
On July 30 and 31, Cops Cycling for Indiana Cops will be cycling through the Indiana State Police Peru District. In the afternoon of July 30, they will be cycling south on U.S. 31 from northern
10-0 retired Indiana State Trooper
Larry C. Line PE1289
Larry C. Line 68, Greenwood, died July 29, 2008.
Memorial service: 1 p.m. Fri. Aug. 1 at Indianapolis Baptist Temple.
Arrangements: Forest Lawn Funeral Home.
July 30, 2008
10-0 Robert Nathan Bush
ROBERT NATHAN BUSH, 93, of Fort Myers, Florida died Tuesday June 17, 2008. Arrangements by National Cremation Society and Funeral Home.
The following letter was written by Retired Captain Robert N. Bush in March 2008 and sent to the ITA by his daughter, Sarah J. Rogers. Capt. Bush and his wife now reside in Fort Myers, Florida and his health is declining rapidly:
In all probabilities, I'm one of the oldest retirees to ever join the Indiana Troopers Association. Having been retired for almost fifty years, I still have great respect and admiration for the Indiana State Police.
My joining the Indiana State Police in 1937 was one of the highlights of my career. After retiring from the ISP, I joined the U.S. State Department (AID) and spent 14 years in Foreign Service - the major part in the Orient - Vietnam, Korea, East Pakistan and the Philippines. I had the opportunity to visit 57 countries and made 5 trips around the world. I was fortunate to have my wife and three daughters with me on most of my assignments.
I worked with former officers throughout my career and still feel that the Indiana State Police officers are the finest of all that I worked with.
In closing, I might say that our lives have been exciting, interesting and most enjoyable in resulting from my choice to be an Indiana State Policeman.
DETECTIVE HONORED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE
Detective John D. Goldner
The Indiana State Police has recognized an employee from the Terre Haute Post for his years of service to the department. The agency takes great pride in recognizing the longevity achievements of their employees.
Detective John D. Goldner has received his recognition award for 20 years of service to the Indiana State Police Department. The award was presented to him at a recent post meeting by First Sergeant Duke Smith, District Investigative Commander for the Terre Haute Post.
Goldner’s career began with the Indiana State Police on 7-18-1988 as a civilian Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer for the Terre Haute Post. He held this position until he was accepted into the
During his tenure, Goldner has served in many capacities. He is a past member of the tactical intervention platoon (T.I.P.), a past Motor Carrier Enforcement Trooper for the
Detective Goldner is a
July 28, 2008
10-0 Former Indiana State Police Chaplain
Robert F. Kirkman
Former Indiana State Police Chaplain Robert F. Kirkman, of Bedford, Indiana, died Saturday morning in Freeport, Florida.
Robert served as the Chaplain for District #33 from 1976 through 1982 and was the brother of retired Bedford Police Chief Joseph Kirkman.
Visitation will be at the Chastain Funeral Home, 705 W. Warren St., Mitchell, Indiana, on Wednesday, July 30th from 1400 hours till 2000 hours.
The funeral will be at 1000 hours on Thursday, July 31st at the First Baptist Church, 7th and Frank St., Mitchell, Indiana.
Burial will follow at the Talbott Cemetery in Bono, Indiana. Summer uniform will be used for those attending the service.
Department flowers have been ordered.
July 24, 2008
Indiana police officers' bike-ride memorial vandalized
NEWPORT---State police are trying to determine who damaged a memorial for two police officers killed during a charity bike ride in 2006.
Authorities say someone uprooted flowers and damaged two wooden crosses at the memorial on Indiana 63 for state police Lt. Gary Dudley and retired Lake County Sheriff’s Department Chief Gary Martin. A lighting system also was ripped from the ground and the lamps broken.
Dudley’s widow, Carolyn Dudley, discovered the damage Tuesday when she visited the site to prepare it for a memorial service set for Sunday during this year’s ride for Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors.
The memorial marks the site where Gary Dudley and Martin were struck and killed in August 2006. Dudley and Martin were among a group of riders on a four-lane section of Indiana 63 about 50 miles north of Terre Haute when a support van spun into them after it was hit from behind by a box truck. Another officer was injured in the crash.
State police urged anyone with information that might help find the vandals to call the Terre Haute post at 812-299-1151.
July 23, 2008
Lagrange County Chamber of Commerce
retirement reception for
Senator Bob Meeks
LAGRANGE — Hugs, smiles and lots of handshakes highlighted a retirement reception Tuesday afternoon for state Sen. Robert Meeks, R-LaGrange. Meeks, who chaired the powerful Senate appropriations committee, announced his retirement in May, citing health reasons for quitting a job he loves.
Last month Republican Marlin Stutzman was chosen in a caucus to replace Meeks on the November ballot to run against Democrat Fred Demske, a retired Kendallville banker. Meeks will continue serving on Senate summer committees until the election.
Tuesday, the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce hosted an open house retirement reception for Meeks in the chamber offices, with about three dozen well-wishers stopping by to shake the senator’s hand and exchange anecdotes. Among those who stopped by were local elected officials, such as Noble County Judge Stephen Spindler, business associates and constituents.
“Oh, you don’t have to stand for me,” was an often-repeated refrain from visitors, as the senator steadied himself on a cane and rose from his chair to greet each person who entered the room.
“Oh, yes I do,” was the senator’s response each time.
Several constituents thanked Meeks for his help and dedication to the state and to the people he served during his 20 years in the Senate. Don and Janis Swank, who said they’d missed only one of Meeks’ town meetings in the past 15 years, were just two of many local residents who were wistful about his retirement.
“He’s going to be missed. That’s what I think,” Don Swank said. “But I also think if Marlin wins the election, we’ll be well represented.”
Another well-wisher, Mark Leu, general manager of LaGrange County REMC, received praise from Meeks for staying in LaGrange after graduating from Purdue University.
“I like to keep good people in Indiana,” Meeks explained. “Indiana’s a good place to live and work, but too many leave the state after they graduate. Here’s an example of a Purdue grad who stayed, who was able to find a job in our area and his hometown. I want that to happen more.”
Talking about retirement, Meeks said he plans to spend time on the golf course this summer — in between serving on the three committees he’s agreed not to leave until the election, including the budget committee, the Lakes Management Work Group and the Medicaid oversight committee. In fact, he was on his way to Indianapolis immediately following the reception, he said.
“I didn’t want to quit,” he told numerous visitors. “But I have to. In the meantime, I’m going to see these committees through until I’m done Nov. 4.”
Even then, he won’t be far away from the Senate, even though he won’t be in office, he said. He will always “be there” for the people who call him and need help, he said.
“And Sen. (David) Long has asked me to act as an adviser to the budget for the next two years, because ‘09 is going to be important, and ‘10 will be big.”
He’s also been approached by some special interest groups to work as a lobbyist for them, Meeks said, but he’s not made any commitments.
A retired state trooper who sat on the Lakeland school board between 1984 and 1988, Meeks was elected to the Senate in 1988. In the past year he’s fought a series of health problems — and continued working — even while hospitalized — but it was a stroke that finally triggered his retirement announcement.
July 21, 2008
Indiana COPS ride pays tribute to fallen comrades
INDIANAPOLIS---A squad of police officers and other cyclists plan to set out this morning on a 1,000-mile ride around Indiana.
That's a big number, but they are riding to remember a more important figure: seven.
From South Bend to New Albany, seven officers have been killed in the line of duty during the past year.
So cyclists from the Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors will pedal with the goal of raising money for the families left behind by those seven men. Last year, their ride netted more than $50,000.
The event was marred by an accident in 2006 that left two riders dead. Indiana State Police Lt. Gary Dudley and former Lake County Police Chief Gary Martin died after a truck crashed into their support vehicle, sending it plowing into the group of cyclists.
Over the years, State Police Trooper Rich Crawford estimated, 377 Indiana police officers have died in the line of duty. Crawford said he is glad that Indianapolis metropolitan police Patrolman Jason A. Fishburn is not among them. Fishburn was critically wounded while chasing a homicide suspect July 10.
"All we can do is pray for his speedy and full recovery so he can return to duty," Crawford said. "When we're out on the front lines, this is what happens."
The annual charity ride starts at 9 a.m. from the Indiana Law Enforcement and Firefighters Memorial on the west side of the Statehouse. The 13-day ride will conclude at the Heroes of Public Safety Memorial at Crown Hill Cemetery on Aug. 2, with Dudley's widow, Carolyn, giving the keynote speech.
"The main message I want to convey is just how much I appreciate the continuation of the bike ride to not only show support for my husband, but to all officers fallen in the line of duty," she said. "These seven families will never be the same. This bike ride is a way of showing the families these officers will never be forgotten."
After her husband's death, Carolyn Dudley found comfort and understanding from this group of survivors .
"I've made great friends that I know I can always count on to help me live a future without Gary," she said.
This year, the cycling group expects about 40 cyclists from across the state to bike an average of 80 to 100 miles per day. Proceeds will help provide counseling and financial assistance for families of fallen officers.
Riders warmed up Friday on Monument Circle, pedaling away on stationary bikes for 18 hours.
"We're out today in this 90-degree weather to raise every dollar we can," Crawford said as he continued to cycle. "It's worth it to support the families."
July 17, 2008
Trooper Marc D. Leatherman
Each year the firearms instructor at each Post, as part of one of the annual training sessions, records the scores of bulls-eye target shooting (Conventional Style), which will also determine the best four shooters to represent that Post as a team. As it is not mandatory, only those that wish to compete will make up a team. The instructor then tries to set aside enough extra ammunition for the team to practice a time or two prior to the match and pass on additional information about match rules, shooting techniques and requirements.
This year’s competition was held recently, and the Fort Wayne Post was represented by:
Of the 19 teams that competed,
July 16, 2008
We remember Dave
Ten Years Ago Today
July 15, 2008
State Police Employees Receive Service Awards
Peru---Lieutenant Matt Bilkey, District Commander of the Indiana State Police Peru Post, and Colonel Rick Weigand, Assistant Superintendent of the Indiana State Police, recently recognized six Indiana State Police employees for their continued excellent service to the community during a meeting of the Indiana State Police at the Peru Post.
Bob Piovesan of
Master Trooper Earl McCullough of
Troopers drive their police cars approximately 40,000 miles per year. They are recognized for safe driving starting at 50,000 miles.
July 11, 2008
Memorial Stone and Crosses
Located on State Road 63 about two miles south of Interstate 74 near Perrysville."
Hi to all-hope all of you had a great July 4th week-end. I wanted to send you a couple of pictures. The crosses were installed today at the crash site. For those of you that know Bob Brinson (ISP-Peru) he did an awesome job with the crosses. Not only did he make the crosses, get the nameplates done, but he drove 2 1/2 hours each way today and installed them. Olga & Greg Martin were able to drive down to help us. My goal of having them up before this year's COPS Ride (starts July 21) was achieved.
The Memorial stone is a duplicate stone(the original is at Proctor Park in New Whiteland). I have this one at the house. Thanks to Amy Haupert-Jarvis, Tom Davidson, and Doug Carter for this stone. It is beautiful!
Have a great week & stay safe.
Carolyn Dudley
July 10, 2008
Fremont ‘good citizen’ awarded
FREMONT---Kaileigh Folland’s definition of “What a Good Citizen Means to Me” earned her a place as the county winner for the 12th annual David Deuter Memorial Essay contest for fifth-grade students.
The contest, provided by the Indiana Troopers Association, invites fifth-grade students to write a 100-word essay on the subject “What Being a Good Citizen Means to Me.” All 92 Indiana counties participated in the contest this year, with one winner selected from each county.
Folland, the daughter of Chris and Jill Folland, was asked to write a 50-word essay for her fifth-grade class at Fremont Middle School.
“(Folland’s teacher) said around 50 words so people wouldn’t go over,” said Folland.
Folland said she based her essay on ways she thought one could help people.
“When you’re old enough to vote, voting for city, state and national elections is being a good citizen,” Folland said in her essay. “It also means picking up trash around the community and helping recycle things.”
Her mom said Folland found out she was the school winner the last day of school, but she did not realize she was the county winner until her family received an invitation to an awards program.
Folland’s family attended the awards program, which was held at the Indiana State House, where a statewide winner and four runners-up were selected.
Jill Folland said her daughter had been to the Statehouse a year before for a fourth-grade field trip. Folland said she wasn’t nervous about going to such an important building, because “a lot of people have been there before.”
The statewide winner received a $1,000 U.S. Savings bond, the runners-up received a $750 bond and Folland and the other county winners received $500 in bonds. Folland said she would probably save her money for college.
Guest speakers for the program included Indiana’s First Lady Cheri Daniels, Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed, and Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell.
The annual program is dedicated to honor the memory of a 26-year veteran of the Indiana State Police, David Deuter, who was killed in the line of duty on the Indiana Toll Road on July 16, 1998.
July 09, 2008
Carpenter a Claypool native served as a patrol officer for the Kosciusko County Sheriffs Department for six years prior to being hired by the state police. Carpenter also served as the Town Marshall in Mentone for more than six years before moving to the sheriffs department. Carpenter served as the Crime Scene Investigator for the Kosciusko County Sheriffs Department beginning in 2003 and currently serves in a supplemental role as a CSI at the Bremen Post. Carpenter is married and has two children. Detective Carpenter will primarily be responsible for cases in
The Bremen Post currently has five criminal investigators, two investigation supervisors, one white-collar crime investigator, one computer forensic examiner, and one full time crime scene technician. The Bremen District is comprised of
July 08, 2008
STATE POLICE LOWELL DISTRICT HAS NEW COMMANDER
Lt. Brown a 28 year veteran of the Indiana State Police Department. After graduating from the
Lt. Brown is a graduate of
In his new assignment as Commander of the Lowell State Police Post Lt. Brown will oversee the operation of a post that covers Lake, Porter, LaPorte,
Lt. Brown is married and resides in
July 06, 2008
Indiana state police retirees feted in Angola parade
Members of the Indiana State Police pose for a photograph in 1937.
ANGOLA---Members and former members of the Indiana State Police are celebrating their 75th anniversary in 2008. A number of retired troopers with connections to the Angola area were honored Friday during the Angola Fourth of July Parade.
Steuben County Sheriff Rick Lewis, who retired from the state police in 2001, said the men who came before him and others of his generation set the standard for the state police.
“Those guys are the ones who made it what is today. Some of these guys may have been the only police in two or three counties. They started this, and they carried themselves with pride,” Lewis said.
One of the oldest living troopers, David Milbourn of Goshen, began his career in 1937. Milbourn said he started his career in Angola, learning from a more experienced trooper.
“Back then, we had a receiver in our car, and at 10 p.m., the radio station would go off the air, and we were on our own out there. No outside help,” Milbourn, 94, said.
“My first criminal was an escapee from Ohio,” Milbourn said. He rode out to meet the escapee east of the Angola city limits. The car carrying the escapee and another man crashed in a field, Milbourn said.
“One of them came walking up to me to give himself up,” Milbourn said. When the newspaper account of the incident came out, it went a bit beyond Milbourn’s description of the incident.
“They had me chasing the criminal down and tackling him. I kept that newspaper article for a lot of years,” he said.
Milbourn retired from the force after 20 years, much of which was spent in Elkhart and then as a detective.
“I had six counties under my control,” Milbourn said. “Most of my work was building cases for local departments when they would catch somebody, and then some of my own.”
Steve Woodworth, another retired officer, lives in Angola, where he was based for most of his 27 years on the force. Woodworth served as co-grand marshal of the parade with retiring state Sen. Robert Meeks, also a retired state trooper.
When he started on the state police in 1949, Woodworth said, he was just looking for some opportunity.
“I needed a job,” Woodworth said. “It was as simple as that. Times were tough economically, and it was an opportunity.”
After about a year on the job, Woodworth said, he decided he wanted to stay.
“I felt this was as good a place to stay as any. I like the work,” he said.
Woodworth said he most enjoyed working with people as part of his job.
“A lot of it is helping people, and you do that a lot of different ways,” he said.
After retiring in 1976, Woodworth replaced Milbourn as a manager for NIBCO in Elkhart.
July 04, 2008
July 4th Parade in Angola Honoring The Indiana State Police
Things are shaping up for a really nice tribute to the 75th Anniversary of the Indiana State Police tomorrow here in Angola.
We have 14 retirees who are coming in to ride in ISP commissions during the parade and a number of others who are joining us for the luncheon afterwards.
Dave Milbourn, who will turn 95 this year plans to come over from Goshen and is bringing his wife, daughter who flew in from Texas and several other family members. His wife told me yesterday that he is so excited about this.
Dick Peters, PE 120 - from Bristol is coming over and his son and family from Pittsburg will be attending with him.
Our own, Ken Johnson plans to be here, Trooper Teddy, as well as Ernie and the 65 Ford.
We have a total of 9 units in the parade so we will be very well represented. A listing of the units and participants is attached for your review.
It has been fun working with all of these retirees who are truly honored to be the honorees in this parade.
The Ft. Wayne and Toll Road personnel have been very helpful in supplying troopers and commissions to be a part of the parade.
It is great to be a part of an organization who does so much for so many. Thank you all!
Parade assignments
Indiana State Police Bremen District Has New Squad Sergeant
Sergeant Maurice Wilkins
Bremen---Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D. has announced the transfer of Sergeant Maurice Wilkins to the Bremen Post and assigned to
Sgt. Wilkins is a 13 year veteran of the Indiana State Police. Upon graduation from the
Sgt. Wilkins is originally from
Wilkins resides in
New District Investigator-Bremen Post
Trooper Aaron Campbell to the Criminal Investigation Division
Trooper Detective Campbell is a 9 year veteran of the Indiana State Police. Upon graduation from the
Detective
Detective
Starnes Case Continues
From Janice Starnes
In February 2007 a four day Post Conviction Relief hearing was held in Dearborn County. In May 2007 the judge upheld the death penalty conviction. The defense filed several motions requesting the Post Conviction Relief hearing be re-heard. Mental illness and mental retardation are some of the continuing arguments in this case.
On July 10, 2008 at 9:00 am, Oral Arguments are scheduled in the Indiana Supreme Court in Indianapolis. Anyone wishing to attend, please let Janice Starnes know by calling her at 765-318-2466.
***NOTE***Both Dustin and Ryan are ISP troopers and ITA members.
Thank you for your continued support.
July 02, 2008
Portion of
State Representative William Ruppel, Connie Rich, and Captain Bob Rich
Wabash---State Representative William Ruppel, State Senator Gary Dillion, M.D., the Wabash community, Indiana State Police personnel, and local emergency workers joined the family of fallen Indiana State Police Master Trooper Detective David E. Rich today in a dedication ceremony naming a one mile stretch of U.S. 24 in honor of the 18-year state police veteran who was shot and killed in the line of duty on July 5, 2007. The ceremony was held at a city park in
Detective Jason Page, First Sergeant Bob Land, Detective Mike Tarrh
Connie Rich, Detective Tony Frawley, and First Sergeant Tim Miller
The one mile stretch of U.S. 24, in Wabash, from west of Stitt Street to east of State Road 115, will forever be known as the Master Trooper Detective David E. Rich Memorial Mile. The renaming of the road was due to the efforts of Indiana State Representatives William Ruppel, Vern Tincher, and William Friend who co-authored House Concurrent Resolution 0019 which urged the Indiana Department of Transportation to name part of U.S. 24 in honor of Rich. The resolution was sponsored by State Senators Gary Dillion, M.D. and Tom Weatherwax. Representative Ruppel spoke at the ceremony honoring Master Trooper Rich’s dedication to the citizens of
This sign is in place and a very eye catching tribute to Dave
Master Trooper Detective David Rich, a
Master Trooper Detective David E. Rich was the 42nd
Blue Knight Motorcycle Club to Honor Dave Rich
On the first anniversary of the death of Master Trooper David Rich, Chapter 13 of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club will host the "David Rich Memorial Short Ride".
Club members and any other motorcyclists who wish to join them may gather at the Peru ISP Post for the short ride which will commence at 3pm on Saturday, July 5th.
The cyclists will ride to the fatal accident site on US 24 near Wabash, where they will pause to remember Rich and then return to the Peru ISP Post for food and fellowship.
For more information contact Sheriff Marty Talbert at 765-863-7401.
June 30, 2008
The Final July 4th Celebration at the Bloomington Post!!!
Lt Bucher would like to extend this invitation to all Bloomington District personnel and their families.
Join us for the last Independence Day Celebration at what will soon be known as "The Old Post"
WHAT: Annual July 4th Bloomington District "Pitch-in Picnic"
WHERE: Bloomington Post Parking Lot
WHEN: Friday, July 4th - We'll eat at 7:30 pm with Fireworks @ 10:00 pm
BRING: Enough food and soft drinks for your crew
There will be a grill on station for your cooking convenience.
Hope to see you all there!
Sgt. Curt J. Durnil
*** Don Cox suggests tha altho Durnil didn't say so, his guess is any other ISP retiree can attend and enjoy the Celebration.
June 29, 2008
Indiana state trooper struck while changing tire
INDIANAPOLIS---An Indiana State Police trooper was injured this morning in a chain-reaction crash as he changed a tire for a stranded motorist on the Westside.
Trooper Jeff Woodward was working on the disabled vehicle next to southbound I-465 at the 13 mile-marker near Rockville Road about 6 a.m. 
Woodward’s injuries were not life-threatening. Southbound lanes were closed for more than four hours while police investigated the crash.
Woodward parked his patrol car behind the disabled vehicle and put his emergency lights on while he changed the tire on the white 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue.
“Amber M. Harper, 19, of Indianapolis was driving her gray 1994 Buick LeSabre southbound on I-465 in the far left lane at a high rate of speed approaching Woodward’s vehicle,” a state police news release said.
“Harper moved from the far left lane to the middle lane to pass another vehicle and lost control of her car. She continued across the right lane onto the shoulder striking Woodward’s vehicle. The impact forced Woodward’s vehicle into the disabled Oldsmobile Intrigue. The Oldsmobile Intrigue moved forward striking Trooper Woodward.”
Harper and the owner of the disabled vehicle escaped injury.
Woodward was treated at Methodist Hospital for injuries to his legs and back and was listed in “non-critical status,” state police said.
Harper was cited for reckless driving, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, speeding, expired plate, no drivers license in possession and unsafe lane movement.
Seven troopers and one Motor Carrier Enforcement officer have been struck and killed while working along Indiana highways, a state police news release said.
After today’s accident Lt. Jay Nawrocki, commander of the Indianapolis post, issued a reminder that drivers are required by state law to move over or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing.
“Motorists who are unable to change lanes due to heavy traffic must slow down below the posted speed limit,” Nawrocki said.
Besides police, fire and emergency medical vehicles, the law applies to highway work trucks and tow trucks.
“We will have troopers out on the roadways watching for this violation. We want the public to know we are taking a no tolerance approach to enforcing this law,” said the Indianapolis commander, whose district includes Marion, Boone, Shelby and Johnson counties.
Trooper Scott Patrick Case Decided
Trooper Scott Patrick was killed in the line of duty on December 22, 2003 by gunfire. The family endured many pre-trials, and a month long trial in May 2006. The offender, Darryl Jeter, was found guilty of murder and received a sentence of life without parole.
The first appeal (also known as the direct appeal) was filed by the defense almost immediately following the sentencing. Oral arguments were held in the Indiana Supreme Court in December 2007.
Thankfully, on June 26, 2008, the family learned the Indiana Supreme Court upheld Jeters conviction.
June 25, 2008
David E Rich Memorial Baseball Field Dedication
On July 4th the North Miami Youth League of Jefferson Township will dedicate the old Mexico "Rendel Baseball Field" to honor one of the youth who once played on that field. That young man grew up and became an Indiana State Police officer giving his life in the line of duty on July 5, 2007.
The Rich family will be present and Dave Rich's twin sons, Connor and Carson will throw out the first pitch of the 11 & 12 year old Town & Country All-Star Game.
Thanks to the generosity of the Mexico/Miami County residents, a new larger scoreboard with the new name of the field has been installed, as well as a memorial monument. The Indiana Troopers Association donated the Indiana State Police flag which will be flown over the field.
For more information, please call Jim Alwine at 765-473-3335 or 469-1597.
75th Anniversary Special for Retirees:
Our Retirees do not pay dues for ITA membership. Our policy has been that in order to continue to receive our annual $75 medical reimbursement, an ISP employee had to be an ITA member for 5 years prior to his/her retirement date.
For 2008 only
Retirees may make a 1-time only donation to the ITA and receive a Lifetime Membership.
This will enable them to submit up to $75 per year (beginning with 2008) in any combination of prescription/dental/vision receipts and receive reimbursement each year.
For more information, please contact the ITA Corporate Office at 800-671-9851.
10-0 Retired Indiana State Trooper Earl E. Keller PE329
MONTICELLO---Earl E. Keller, 83, of Monticello, died at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008, at the Monticello Assisted Living and Healthcare Center in Monticello.
Born Aug. 18, 1924, in Corunna, DeKalb County, he was the son of the late Frank Owen and Minnie Catherine Schoup Keller.
On Feb. 23, 1951, in Monticello, he married Roberta Madge Ireland. She preceded him in death on Sept. 25, 2006.
Mr. Keller was a 1942 graduate of Auburn High School. He had lived in the Monticello community since 1994, moving from the Chalmers-Brookston area. He had also lived in Corunna, Auburn, Fowler and Attica.
He graduated from the International Business College in 1942, Kalamazoo College in 1947, and Indiana University in 1950. While attending Kalamazoo College, he played on the men's basketball team.
He was a World War II Navy veteran, serving as an aviation Machinist Mate 2nd class from March 10, 1943, to April 16, 1946.
He served as an Indiana State Police Trooper for 22 years, retiring in 1972. He was White County Sheriff from 1975 to 1982 and was an investigator for the White County Prosecutor's Office. He also served on the White County Council from 1985 to 1994. He was a member of the Monticello Christian Church, American Legion Post 268 in Chalmers, Indiana Sheriff's Association, and an Indiana State Police Pioneer. He had served as president of Indiana Sheriff's Association. He had been attending the Guernsey Church of the Brethren in rural Monticello.
Surviving are two daughters, Sidonie D. Inman (husband: Lane) and Earlene L. Cunegin (husband: Mike), both of Fort Wayne; and a son, Kurt O. Keller (wife: Kathy) of Chalmers.
Visitation 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, at the Miller-Roscka Funeral Home of Monticello. Services there at 10:30 a.m. Friday; www.miller-roscka.com
ISP SELECTS NEW COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE TROOPER
On June 15, 2008, Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D. announced the selection of Master Trooper Charles A. Tharp, a 16-year veteran, to the position of District 32 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer. Master Trooper Tharp attained this position upon completion of written testing and a competitive interview process.
In this position, Tharp will coordinate the department’s annual, semi-annual, and spot School Bus Inspections; investigate complaints related to intrastate-hire carriers; conduct compliance reviews of intrastate and interstate carriers; assist in commercial motor vehicle post-crash inspections and investigations; dyed fuel enforcement; as well as the normal duties of an Indiana State Police trooper.
Master Trooper Tharp is a
Along with Master Trooper Tharp, the Terre Haute District has ten civilian motor carrier inspectors that perform similar functions at the I-70 scale facility and during portable scale operations.
The Terre Haute District is comprised of Parke, Vermillion, Clay,
TERRE HAUTE TROOPER GRADUATES FROM
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies.
Training for the program is provided by
FBI Director Robert Mueller was the principal speaker at the June 6th graduation ceremony.
Lieutenant Myers is a
VETERAN TROOPER PROMOTED TO SERGEANT
Flick, who just completed his 30th year with the State Police, was previously assigned as a trooper in the CVED division serving the
Flick, who has two sons Tyler and Trevor, is a native of
June 20, 2008
FORT
FROM NORTHWESTERN
Sergeant Max Weber
Weber, a 20 year veteran of the Indiana State Police, and supervisor for the Troopers in Noble and LaGrange Counties, said that he was “very fortunate” to have had the opportunity to attend this school. He encouraged other law enforcement agencies to send their new commanders so as to learn about the overall direction that law enforcement is heading here in the 21st Century. Although the demands of being a student were tough, Weber said that his experience and education was “very worthwhile”.
Sergeant Mike Toles
Toles, a 16 year veteran of the Indiana State Police, and supervisor for the Troopers in DeKalb and
Northwestern University Police Staff and
The school, which started February 11, 2008, focused on leadership but also had instruction on budgeting, scheduling, management, and the psychology of policing. Graduation was held June 13, 2008, in
Bays, who was raised in
Bay resides in
NORTHWESTERN
First Sergeant Brian Olehy
Olehy, who was raised in
First Sergeant Matthew Bilkey to the rank of lieutenant
Prior to his promotion, Bilkey, a 13-year veteran of the department, began his career at the Lowell District, where he worked road patrol in
During his career, Bilkey has been a member of the Methamphetamine Clandestine Lab Team and Tactical Intervention Platoon. He is a certified firearms instructor and field training officer
Bilkey is a graduate of
June 19, 2008
First Sergeant Jay Kistler
Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul E. Whitesell, Ph.D. recently announced the promotion of Sergeant Jay Kistler to the rank of First Sergeant. In his new assignment, Kistler will serve as the traffic safety grant administrator and is the second line supervisor for troopers assigned motorcycle patrol duties.
Prior to his promotion, Kistler, a 30-year veteran of the department, began his career at the Lafayette State Police Post, where he patrolled Carroll and
Kistler is a graduate of
He and his wife of 32 years,
2nd Annual "Gary's Ride" - August 9th
WHAT: “
Police Lt. Gary Dudley. All proceeds from the ride benefit The
Dudley Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which provides college
Grants to the children of Police Officers killed in the Line of Duty in
WHEN:
WHERE:
WHO: Bicyclists of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Routes range
from a “Family Fun Ride” up to a Century (100 miles). Six levels are
available. You can ride as little or as much as you want.
NOTES: On-line registration is available at: www.signmeup.com. For more
information about this event, please go to www.indianacops.org, click
on “EVENTS” to
EVENTS: In addition to the ride, there will be activities for kids of all ages to enjoy at ILEA,
including a large display of Police, Fire, and Department of Natural Resource vehicles and equipment.
Memorial Mile Dedication - Master Trooper Dave Rich
On Wednesday, July 2nd at 10am a dedication service will be held at the
For safety reasons, one of the signs that will be placed on US24 will be unveiled at this ceremony.
The public is invited to attend.
"Lifeline" - Song Dedicated To Telecommunications Employees
The song is a collaboration between Tim Smith, who is the Managing Director at
Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Needler 50 years married
Darrell is retired from the Indiana State Police
K. Darrell and Marcia Needler celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner at Charleston’s in Carmel. They were married May 4, 1958, at First Methodist Church, Frankfort, by the Rev. Otis Collier.
Darrell is retired from the Indiana State Police, and Marcia is a retired teacher assistant at Taylor Schools.
The couple has two children, Myra and Bill Pointer, and Brett and Terry Needler, all of Kokomo. The couple has one grandchild, Brook Whitefield, and one great-grandchild, Travis Whitefield.
June 18, 2008
New District Investigative Commander on the
Master Trooper Al Williamson to the rank of First Sergeant
Toll Road: -
First Sgt. Williamson is a 20 year veteran of the Indiana State Police Department. After graduating from the
Williamson attended
Assistant District Commander
Corporal Terrance Weems to the rank of First Sergeant
Toll Road: -
First Sergeant Weems is a 13 ½ year veteran of the Indiana State Police Department. After graduating from the
Weems graduated from
District 41 Sergeant Graduates From
Northwestern
Squad Sergeant Brian Metcalfe
Metcalfe, a 13 year member of the Indiana State Police, said the course was both “challenging and demanding with a lot of assignments and work.” He received 21 college credit hours just for completing the course. “I would really like to thank my wife and kids for supporting me through this. I had to stay at the school during the week and only got to come home on the weekends; with three small children it makes it tough.”
Metcalfe went on to say “This school helped me to look at the big picture as far as the department’s vision statement and goals and not just focus on day to day operations.” Metcalfe supervises troopers in Fayette and
June 16, 2008
SENIOR TROOPER RONALD GALAVIZ IS PROMOTED TO
SERGEANT TO SERVE AS THE
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER/RECRUITER
Ronald Galaviz attended
During his career as a State Police Officer he has distinguished himself by being awarded the “Silver Star” for life saving action in 2003. He was one of the initial officers to have been trained with the new electronic “E-Ticket”. Sgt. Galaviz was responsible for training all of the district personnel. He has also been trained in “Chemical Testing for Intoxication”, Tactical Intervention Platoon and Defensive Tactics. In addition, he is a Field Training Officer.
Ron Galaviz is married to his wife, Kimberly, who is a registered nurse. The couple has two children, Natalie (12) and Justin (9). The Galaviz family resides in Kendallville.
THORNBURG PROMOTED TO FIRST SERGEANT
Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D. has promoted Sergeant Darrell Thornburg to First Sergeant and he will serve as District Investigative Commander for the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigative Division at the Redkey District.
Thornburg has been assigned to the Redkey District since graduating from state police recruit school in 1980 and has served as trooper, undercover drug investigator, detective and most recently a detective sergeant since November 2006. His new duties will be commanding the Criminal Investigative Division at the Redkey District.
First Sergeant Thornburg has completed several specialized training schools including: Equivocal Death and Cold Case Homicide Investigations, Reid School of Interrogation Techniques, and is an emergency driving instructor for the state police at the
Thornburg and his wife Diana have one grandson and reside in
In his spare time, he and his wife race super pro drag cars at the Muncie Dragway.
PERU DISTRICT FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS WIN ESSAY CONTEST
Recently, awards were presented to 5th grade students from Cass, Fulton,
Dave Deuter was an
The contest starts each January and culminates with a winner being chosen from each
The
The
The
The
The
The
Each winner received a certificate at their respective school awards program. The county winners will receive a $500 savings bond and an engraved plaque at the state awards ceremony on June 13, 2008 in
Since the inception of the essay contest in 1996, The Indiana Troopers Association has provided over $350,000 in
June 14, 2008
Seven New K-9 Units Join The Ranks.
From Sergeant John Bowling
Indiana State Police Connersville:
On The Indiana State House Lawn
Front row L-R
Trp. Shane Stevens (Connersville) and Jaxx, Trp. Kevin Waters
(Evansville) and Andy, Trp. Dan Heron (Putnamville) and Samson
Second row L-R
Trp. Kevin Brown (Evansville) and Rydr, Trp. Kendrick Donald (Pendleton) and Murtaugh,
Trp. Mike Finney (Terre Haute) and Sabre, Trp. Brad Shultz (Fort Wayne) and Gunnar
Fort Wayne---Today, seven more K-9 teams joined the existing 20 teams to bring the strength of the program to 27. These patrol dogs are assigned throughout the State of
The handlers and their K-9 partners just completed 14 weeks of intense training. Each dog was certified in Drug Detection, Tracking, Evidence (Article) Search, Building Search, Obedience and Controlled Aggression. Both handlers and dogs received over 500 hours of training. The training was conducted during the hours of daylight as well as darkness.
The training course was taught by Master Trainer Robert (Bob)
Superintendent Whitesell implemented the multidimensional K-9 program in September 2005. The K-9 program graduated its first handlers and their counterparts in February of 2006. The goal of the department is to place 30 patrol/detector teams throughout the state.
The K-9 program has made numerous drug seizures as well as making hundreds of apprehensions. Their tracking capabilities have been utilized to find children and elderly people who have become lost. The Indiana State Police will continue to provide the best possible service to the people of the State of
June 11, 2008
Rush county tornado photos
at Moscow covered bridge
From Sergeant John Bowling
Indiana State Police Connersville
aerial view of Moscow from copter five
view of the Covered Bridge that WAS the focus of a festival held the last weekend of June
Lt. Steve Comer welcoming Lt. Governor Becky Skillman to Moscow to survey the damage
on his left is Joe Wainscott Executive Director Of Indiana Homeland Security
and on the right is Adjutant General Umbarger of the Indiana National Guard.
June 10, 2008
INDIANA STATE POLICE PHOTOS
Submitted by
Donald F. Gregory, Sergeant
Public Information Office
Indiana State Police, District #43
State Road 252 near Flat Rock
June 9, 2008
Indiana State Police
11th Annual Investigation Division Golf Outing
You’re invited to come be a part of the
11th Annual Golf Outing
Registration form attached. Please return registration form by July 10th
Directions: From the intersection of I-74 and State Road 32
in
Turn left (north) and drive until you see the course on your left (west side of the road)
or midway between County Roads 400 North and 300 North.
INDIANA TROOPERS ASSOCIATION OFFERS ASSISTANCE
The ITA has notified the ISP Districts in the flooded areas and offered assistance. We also asked for the names of the troopers who have lost their homes or have been evacuated. We will activate our "Just Because" program when we have a list of our members who need our help.
Scene Shots of I-70 Flood Conditions
INDIANA TROOPERS ASSOCIATION
HONORS 5TH GRADE ESSAY CONTEST
WINNERS AT INDIANA STATE HOUSE
For the 12th year, the Indiana Troopers Association (ITA) has provided the David Deuter Memorial Essay Contest for 5th grade students across
In this year’s program, all 92 Indiana Counties participated in the program which culminated in March. One winner was selected from each participating county and from those county winners a statewide winner and 4 runners-up were selected. The Statewide winner received a $1,000 US Savings Bond, while Runners-up received $750 in bonds. All remaining county winners were awarded a $500 bond by the association. In addition award winners received “You Make a Difference” Certificates from Governor Mitch Daniels, engraved plaques, a “Respect for Law”
Many of the county awards were presented by area Indiana State Police officers at end of year Awards Programs at the winner’s school.
On June 13th, all county winners, their families, school officials and legislators, have been invited to the Indiana State House for the Statewide Awards Program. Guest speakers for the program will be
The annual program is dedicated to honor the memory of a longtime ITA member and 26-year veteran of the Indiana State Police, David Deuter, who was killed in the line of duty on the
The David Deuter Memorial Essay Contest is one of the many programs provided by the ITA which directly benefits
June 7, 2008
10-0 retired Indiana State Police Communications Officer
Fred M. Schultz PE 1038
(October 27, 1932 - June 6, 2008)
Fred M. "Fritz" Schultz, 75, of Ligonier, passed away on June 6, 2008 at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville, IN. He was born October 27,1932 in Wheatfield, IN to Michael A. and Helen (Hartley) Schultz. He married Gladys Jones on August 7, 1954. She survives.
Fred was a Conservation Officer for Jasper-Pu laski County Game Preserve from 1954-59. He worked for the Indiana State Police as a Communications Officer from 1960-1980. He also owned and operated local radio station WNRL 105.9 until recently donating the station to West Noble High School. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ in Wheatfield. A licensed HAM Radio Operator since 1954, member of the Indiana Historical Radio Society, Michigan Antique Radio Club, Illinois Antique Radio Club, AWA National Tube Collectors Association, & the State Police Pioneer Association. He served as the Curator of the Ligonier Historical Radio Museum since 1993. He also served on the board of the Ligonier Visitor's Center and Convention Bureau. He Was named Ligonier's Citizen of the year in 1997.
Survivors include wife: Gladys Schultz of Ligonier, 2 sons: Michael Schultz of Ligonier, IN & Mark A.(Hayley)Schultz of Kendallville, IN. 1 daughter: Mary A. Schultz of Ligonier. 1 brother: Gilbert "Tim" (Terry) Schultz. 1 sister: Norma Schultz Hackery. 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Marcella L. Schultz.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at Yeager Funeral Home in Ligonier. Pastor John Lutton will officiate. Friends may call from 2-6 PM prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Home Health and Hospice, 1836 Ida Red Road; Kendallville, IN 46755
June 6, 2008
Trooper Donald R. Turner Flag ceremony
Duane Davies places flag at Turner's grave in Kendallville
June 5, 2008
Give Blood In Memory of Fallen Officers-June 9th
On July 10, 2001, Sgt. Dan Starnes of the Morgan County Sheriff's Dept. lost his life as a result of gunshot wounds he received during a line of duty gun battle with a burglary suspect a month earlier.
To keep his legacy alive, his wife, Janice organized the Sgt. Dan R. Starnes Memorial Blood Drive in Morgan County. Later that year she made the decision to make the blood drive an annual event and spread it to all Indiana Counties. The Fallen Officers Blood Drive is now held statewide during the month of June. In 2007, the goal was 1,500 units of blood and over 5,000 units were collected.
The Steuben County Fallen Officer's Blood Drive is scheduled for Monday, June 9th at the Angola Kids Bingo League facility on North Wayne Street in Angola from Noon to 6pm.
Members of the Indiana Troopers Association staff and area survivors will be on hand during the blood drive. Please come out and donate blood in memory of our officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.
June 4, 2008
Posting of Flag at William J Trees gravesite
I am sending my Thank You through you to the Indiana Troopers Association. The flag which will be put at the graves every year is such a nice tribute to the fallen officers and the families also. (Through the years, I have tried to find small Indiana State Flags to put at the gravesite) Photos of 3 of my 4 grandchildren attended...they helped with the flag, then they each had a rose to leave at the grave as the troopers watched. Also the Memorial monument which......... I am attaching photos taken at the Evansville Post. What a beautiful monument, which they said was from the ITA.
WIBC Ride for Cops Cycling for Indiana C.O.P.S.
This year's WIBC 18 hour ride will be held on Friday, July 18, 2008 from 6:00am to midnight. If you have not guessed, the location will be on the sidewalk right outside the WIBC radio station on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. Each participant typically cycles 20 minutes of each hour. This is an additional fund-raising opportunity for Cops Cycling for Indiana C.O.P.S. Many of the cyclists who ride in the "big ride" also participate in this event, as well. If you are interested in participating, bring your bike, a stationary trainer, lawn chair, fluids, snacks and a smile and story to share with the public about our wonderful Indiana Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors.
If you are a survivor and want to participate, bring yourself and hugs. There will be plenty of bikes and trainers for you to use if you want to ride a few minutes or bring a chair and visit with the cyclists.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO STAY THE WHOLE DAY! Whether a cyclist or survivor, please come and participate in any portion of this day that best fits your schedule. Homemade goodies are always excellent motivation to go that "extra mile" to nowhere. Actually, we hang brownies on poles over their heads to keep them going in the latter parts of the day - ha ha!
If you have any question, please let us know. Thank you to Spencer Moore for organizing this event again this year.
For many years the Indiana State Police has offered safety programs and other opportunities to interact with Hoosier youth to provide a positive influence. Sgt. Ernie Alder, retired Public Information Officer from the Connersville District, had a particular interest in youth. He is considered by many as the "father" of the Indiana State Police Youth Services Program. In 1969 Sgt. Alder made a proposal to the Indiana Board of Directors of the Indiana District of Kiwanis to co-sponsor a summer camp that would appeal to high school boys interested in pursuing a law enforcement career. The Kiwanis would be primarily responsible for providing much needed financial support to initiate the camp program while the Indiana State Police would provide troopers to serve as counselors, equipment for demonstrations, and provide speakers and other activities to present to the campers. Sgt. Alder's proposal was met favorably by the board and after receiving approval for the venture from State Police Superintendent Robert Konkle, the first Indiana State Police/Kiwanis International Career Camp was held in the summer of 1970 at the Hoosier 4-H Leadership Center near Purdue University.
Then, as today, Career Camp provides insight for high school students to get an idea of what a career in law enforcement has to offer. A classroom setting for lectures from the various participants in the criminal justice system, to include prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, judges, as well as police officers themselves combined with field problems, visits to local jails, and mock vehicle crash scenarios are a regular part of the curriculum. The addition of physical activities such as softball and other athletic competitions makes for a well rounded camp experience.
In 1973 the Career Camp opportunities were expanded to include the young ladies as the female role in law enforcement was growing nationally. The initial camp was a three day camp that met with such success it was expanded to five days the following year.
In 1979 the Indiana District of Optimists teamed up with the Indiana State Police to co-sponsor Respect for Law Camp. Respect for Law Camp offers opportunities for fifth and sixth grade students to participate in a camp experience that is law enforcement oriented, yet the content is geared toward the younger camper. Safety programs, law enforcement demonstrations, and physical activities provide the campers the opportunity to interact with troopers in a less regimented atmosphere than the Career Camp. The three day camp is held on several different college campuses throughout Indiana each summer.
The Respect for Law Camp was deemed a success when so many kids attended both their fifth and sixth grade years. This resulted in the creation of the Lions Law Camp. Lions Law Camp is co-sponsored by Indiana Lions Clubs and is for junior high school age children. The four day camp also includes law enforcement related topics and activities but does not duplicate that of Respect for Law Camp. With the addition of Lions Law Camp, the Indiana State Police now has camp opportunities for kids from fifth grade through their senior year in high school.
Sgt. Alder was also concerned about the history of the Indiana State Police. So many photos, antiquated equipment, books, and other articles of memorabilia was stored haphazardly in cabinets, closets, drawers, and boxes in different locations throughout the state. He had the idea of a centralized location to store these priceless items and preserve the history of the department. Although by the late 1980's Sgt. Alder had been retired from the state police for several years, he got the idea to request a parcel of unused state owned land near the Indianapolis Post as a location to build a museum. The museum would serve as an excellent location to preserve all the I.S.P. memorabilia and at the same time allow it to be displayed for the public to enjoy. This museum could also serve as the central office for the Indiana State Police Youth Services Program.
Though Sgt. Alder's idea seemed like a logical solution to what he believed to be a problem, it lacked one very important element. Where would the money come from? Sgt. Alder, not one to give up on an idea, approached the Indiana State Police Alliance with his proposal and the Alliance agreed to fund $100,000 to get the project started. Although that amount of money would not complete the project, Sgt. Alder continued seeking donations and other means of raising funds. Finally on April 13, 1992 a ground breaking ceremony was held and the new Indiana State Police Youth Education and Historical Center was officially under construction. The project was completed about one year later with the official grand opening. Today the Youth Education and Historical Center serves as the central office for the Indiana State Police Youth Services Program and its displays include old Indiana State Police cars, photos, brochures, and other memorabilia from I.S.P. history. The museum, which is free, is open to the public during normal business hours Monday through Friday and group tours can be arranged. For more information on the Indiana State Police Youth Education and Historical Center or Indiana State Police Youth Services Programs, visit the Indiana State Police website at www.in.gov/isp. There are links for both the museum and youth camps located on the left side of the page.
June 1, 2008
10-0 Retired Trooper Richard Graeber PE1369
March 27, 1940 - May 29, 2008.
He was born on March 27, 1940 in New York State, the son of Glenn and Elsie Graeber. Rich was married to Patricia Sims on October 21, 2000. Dick retired in 1992 as a Master Trooper with the Indiana State Police at the Lowell Post. Rich was also an independent trucker as an owner/ operator with RD Graeber, Inc. who were dispatched by Barr-Nunn Trucking Company. Rich loved gardening, being outdoors, carpentry, collecting antiques, and listening to his music. Rich was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Rich is survived by his loving family: wife Patricia Graeber, Portage; children: Richard (Leslie) Graeber, Portage, Jonathan Graeber, New Carlisle, Kenny Trujillo, Portage, Julie (David) Czysczon, Munster, Mike Trujillo, Portage, Christopher (Lynn) Eckert, Valparaiso, and Deena Djokic, Valparaiso; four grandchildren; brothers, Jim (Kathy) Graeber, Indianapolis, and Mike Graeber, North Carolina; sisters, Annie Fain, Arizona, and Kiki (Steve) Young, Arizona; close friend, Al Udvare, best friend Kenneth Trujillo; and other loving family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lee Graeber, and his sister Jeanne Belange. A visitation for Richard Graeber will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at Rees Funeral Home Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage. A funeral service will follow immediately on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Mark Hostetler, officiating. Cremation will follow with a burial of cremains at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2008 at Fairlawn Cemetery in Kentland, Indiana. For further information call Rees Funeral Home (219) 762-3013 or www.reesfuneralhomes.com
May 28, 2008
Since mid January hundreds of
Invitations were sent to all
Macey Warren, the daughter of Walt and Jan Warren of
Macey Warren and Master Trooper Martin Mead
Scarlett Smith, the daughter of Gary and Carol Smith of
Detective Roger Drew II and Scarlett Smith
Darion Denniston, the daughter of Darren and Kathy Denniston of
F/Sgt.
The statewide awards ceremony will be held in the Indiana State House on June 13th. The statewide winner will receive a $1,000 US Savings Bond, while four runners-up will receive $750 in US Savings Bond. The remaining 87 county winners will all receive a $500 US Savings Bond. All winners will receive an engraved plaque, as well as "You Make A Difference" Certificates which are signed by the Governor and embossed with the seal of the State of
E. Vaughn Powell (PE 8962), Chaplain at District 22
passed away at Lutheran Hospital following an extended illness.
Visitation: Sheets and Childs Funeral Home
206 N. Main (US33) Churubusco, IN
Friday, May 30th from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday, May 30th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Visitation and Funeral: Churubusco United Methodist Church
750 N. Main (US33) Churubusco, IN
Saturday, May 31st from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Visitation Funeral – 4:00 p.m.
Burial: Riverview Cemetery on Carroll Road (near intersection of Carroll and Madden Roads)
Department flowers have been ordered.
Authority: Fr Daniel Coffey,
Chaplain Indiana State Police
Company Seeks ISP Officers To Share Experience
Kuder, Inc. the industry's leading provider of comprehensive Internet-based education and career planning tools is looking for professionals with a minimum of 3 years experience in their career in law enforcement to share their insights with students across the nation!
Their research department is working on a project called Person Match, through which they feature the career stories of distinguished professionals from select occupations in order to give students a personalized, in-depth look into a field.
In the short time it takes to participate, officers will be given the opportunity to share your unique career insights with thousands of students across the nation expressing interests similar to your own!
In turn, this also acts as an opportunity to promote the law enforcement field you have grown to love. All information is confidential and your name will never be used in any published material.
If you are interested in participating in the project (answering 10 interview questions and completing online assessment - 20-30 minute process), please contact Patty Origer at origerp@kuder.com or call 1-800-314-8974, Ext. 215. Thank you!
On the left is Bob Burcham, a classmate of Kellems
and on the right is Leon Griffith
placing flag at gravesite of William Kellems
William Kellems
May 26, 2008
In Memoriam
http://www.ai.org/isp/2441.htm
This site is dedicated in memory of the brave Indiana State Police employees who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Walk Remembrance, leads visitors to three black granite and an eternal flame. Inscribed on these tablets are the names of Indiana State Police personnel killed in the line of duty. The sound Taps echoes on the hour from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm through a grove of trees, which surrounds the memorial site.
The memorial is located on the east side of Indianapolis just off of Post Road at I-70. You may visit the memorial Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Sign in at the front desk of the Indianapolis District and you will receive directions to the Memorial site.
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Trooper Eugene Teague |
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Trooper Paul V. Minneman |
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Trooper William R. Dixon |
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Trooper George A. Forster |
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Trooper Richard F. England |
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Trooper Herbert W. Smith |
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Trooper Robert E. Clevenger |
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Sergeant Hubert E. Roush |
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Trooper Earl L. Brown |
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Sergeant John R. Miller |
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Trooper Donald R. Turner |
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First Sergeant Marvin E. Walts |
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Trooper William R. Kellems |
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Trooper John H. Powell |
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Trooper Robert J. Garrison |
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Trooper Robert C. Gillespie |
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Trooper William F. Kieser |
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Trooper Oscar E. Mills |
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Trooper William R. Rayner |
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Trooper Richard G. Brown |
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Trooper Robert O. Lietzan |
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Sergeant George W. Campbell |
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Trooper John J. Streu |
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Sergeant Glen R. Hosier |
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Trooper William J. Trees |
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Trooper Lawrence B. Meyer |
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Trooper Lewis E. Phillips |
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Trooper Roy E. Jones |
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Trooper Robert J. Lather II |
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Trooper Steven L. Bailey |
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Sergeant John E. Hatfull |
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Master Trooper Michael E. Greene |
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Trooper Todd A. Burman |
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Master Motor Carrier Inspector Ralph R. Reed, Jr. |
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DNA Supervisor Kimberly S. Epperson |
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Trooper Andrew P. Winzenread |
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Senior Trooper James Patrick Bartram |
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Master Trooper David A. Deuter |
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Trooper Richard T. Gaston |
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Trooper Cory R. Elson |
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Trooper Jason E. Beal |
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Trooper Scott A. Patrick |
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Lieutenant Gary E. Dudley |
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Master Trooper David E. Rich |
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Trooper Daniel R. Barrett |
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May 24, 2008
The primary focus for troopers in the Mustang Patrol will be reducing the number and the severity of crashes by means of public education, combined with strict enforcement on ‘high risk rural roadways’ in each District. In 2004, 64 percent of
One of the primary goals of the Mustang Patrol is to make Indiana’s roadways safer by aggressive targeting of crash causation violations; speeding, driving under the influence, disregarding traffic control devices, improper passing, following too closely, unsafe lane movement and fail to yield. The Mustang Patrol will also target traffic violations associated with unsafe operation of motorcycles.
Troopers selected to be assigned a Mustang are veteran troopers with a proven safe driving record, good judgment and have solid performance related to traffic violation enforcement. Selected troopers will go through additional emergency vehicle operation training that will focus on high performance vehicle operation.
Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D., stated “We believe that the Mustang patrol will prove to be a most useful tool in our efforts to reduce death and injury crashes on Indiana highways. We have had similar programs in place in years past and know such efforts equate to increased awareness and increased compliance with traffic laws – both of which lead to safer highway travel.”
Putnamville
Trooper Dustin Starnes
Trooper Dustin Starnes is assigned to the Mustang Patrol Unit for the Putnamville District which serves Morgan, Hendricks and
Peru
Master Trooper Ron Whitney
Master Trooper Ron Whitney recently completed training unique to operating a high performance vehicle. He is assigned the Mustang to patrol the Indiana State Police Peru District which covers Cass,
Versailles
Senior Trooper Ben Bastin
Senior Trooper Ben Bastin was selected as the Versailles District Mustang Trooper. S/Tpr. Bastin is a 13 year veteran of the Indiana State Police. Although he has been assigned patrol responsibilities in
Connersville
Indianapolis
Trooper Troy Sunier
Redkey
Senior Trooper Don White
Senior Trooper Don White is assigned to the Mustang Patrol Unit for the Redkey District which serves
Terre Haute
Senior Trooper Jason Owen
Senior Trooper Jason Owen, an 11-year veteran, was selected for this position by the Indiana State Police Operational Support Division through a recommendation by the command staff at the Terre Haute Post.Trooper Owen is a Vigo County native having graduated from West Vigo High School and Indiana State University. He is married with three children and the family resides in rural
Seymour
Master Trooper Kevin Riordan
Master Trooper Kevin Riordan is assigned Seymour District’s HPV Mustang and will focus on two lane roads in Bartholomew,
Bremen
Senior Trooper James Zeser
Senior Trooper James Zeser was selected from the ranks at the Bremen Post. Zeser, an eleven-year veteran with the department, received the “Trooper of the District” award in 2007 for his outstanding service to North Central Indiana. Zeser is also a Field Training Officer, a Level III Commercial Vehicle Truck Inspector, Child Passenger Safety Technician, and the District Salvage Vehicle Inspector. With these added responsibilities, Zeser still found time to lead the district in traffic tickets issued in 2006.
Sellersburg
Master Trooper Kevin Fisher
Master Trooper Kevin Fisher, 2007 Indiana State Trooper of the Year, has been assigned the Mustang for the Sellersburg Post. Master Trooper Fisher joined the Indiana State Police in December of 1980. He will be working high crash areas within the Sellersburg District. He is also Motor Carrier Inspector, (MCSAP), certified.
May 21, 2008
The following note was received from
Howard County Sheriff Marty Talbert
Marty Talbert
To The ITA:
I want to thank you for the memorial flags to place on trooper graves. This is a proper and fitting thing to do. I feel better knowing that every troopers grave will be visited, and every sacrifice acknowledged for all who visit the cemetery to see.
Keep up the great work. I am proud to be a part of the ITA.
Marty Talbert
Since the early days of the Indiana State Police, memorial services have been held each May at all Indiana State Police districts to perpetuate the memory of those who have died in the line of duty. The service serves as a means of paying tribute to those who died in the line of duty, that their sacrifice was not made in vain, and as a reminder to those of us left behind that we should strive to maintain the level of professional service to the public our departed comrades so unselfishly gave their lives for.
A total of 45 members of the Indiana State Police have died in the line of duty since the department’s inception in 1933. The Indianapolis District and Indiana State Police Headquarters have lost several members of the State Police in the line of duty. Those members are as follows:
SERGEANT HUBERT ROUSH
TROOPER STEVEN L. BAILEY
MASTER TROOPER MICHAEL E. GREENE
DNA SUPERVISOR KIMBERLY S. EPPERSON
Fountaintown, Indiana (Headquarters) Appointed February 4, 1985, died November 16, 1995, in an automobile crash while enroute to a training assignment at the Lowell Laboratory.
LIEUTENANT GARY E. DUDLEY
Lake County Sheriff’s Department Chief of Police Gary Martin also died as a result of the crash.
For a complete listing of Indiana Troopers killed in the line of duty and a summary of their deaths, visit the Indiana State Police website at www.in.gov/isp and click on the “In Memoriam” link on the left side of the page.
A total of 45 members of the Indiana State Police have died in the line of duty since the department’s inception in 1933. The Connersville Post has lost three troopers in the line of duty. A widow of one of
Since the early days of the Indiana State Police, memorial services have been held each May at all Indiana State Police districts to perpetuate the memory of those who have died in the line of duty. The service serves as a means of paying tribute to those who died in the line of duty, that their sacrifice was not made in vain, and as a reminder to those of us left behind that we should strive to maintain the level of professional service to the public our departed comrades so unselfishly gave their lives for.
For a complete listing of Indiana Troopers killed in the line of duty and a summary of their deaths, visit the Indiana State Police website at www.in.gov/isp and click on the “In Memoriam” link on the left side of the page.
Roadside Memorial Dedication
Indiana MCI Ray Reed was killed in the line of duty on August 3, 1995 in
Comments from Tim Buffum Indiana Troopers Association board member regarding the memorial
Attached are photos of the crash site, both before and after. As you can see the memorial was in poor shape and was in desperate need of updating. A dedication of the memorial was conducted on the day of Bremen’s memorial service. About 30 Troopers to include the Dept. Chaplin, Major Melville, Captain Rich and Lt. Weaver. Ralph’s surviving Spouse, Son, Daughter and Grandchildren were in attendance as well. WNDU Channel 16 South Bend covered the event during their evening news. The Reed family was extremely thankful to the ITA for making this happen. I have never been more proud to be a member of the ITA!
We honor MCI Ray Reed, May 24, 1947 - August 3, 1995, for making the ultimate sacrifice.
State Trooper’s Vehicle Struck-Driver Flees on Foot
Senior Trooper David Preston
Madison County-On today’s date at 1:42 p.m. Indiana State Police Senior Trooper David Preston’s Ford Crown Victoria State Police car was sideswiped and the driver of the other car fled on foot. According to investigating Officer Master Trooper Al Willis a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am with
The driver’s side of Trooper Preston’s police car was sideswiped from front to rear, however, Senior Trooper Preston escaped with no injuries. Trooper
Master Trooper Willis stated there were two Hispanic males in the front seat of the Grand Am and four in the back seat. The front seat passenger was transported to
The Indiana State Police helicopter and K-9’s from the Indiana State Police and other local departments are still searching for the driver in the area of State Road 9 and Interstate 69. Citizens are urged to call the Pendleton Post at 800-527-4752 if they witnessed this accident and the subsequent fleeing by the suspect.
Indianapolis District Trooper of the Year
Trooper Donald Howard was selected as the Indianapolis District Trooper of the Year. Trooper Howard’s all around enforcement efforts and outstanding overall performance for 2007 earned him the award. He is a 13 year veteran of the Indiana State Police. Trooper Howard is assigned patrol responsibilities in
Trooper Donald Howard
Trooper Howard is a 1979 Maconaquah H.S. graduate. He joined ISP after serving 10 years in the United States Air Force. His dad served as the Miami County Sheriff just prior to Jack Rich's terms.
ITA Board Member Randy Palmer placing the flag at the gravesite of
Trooper Scott Patrick
Lake County Indiana Sheriff Roy Dominquez given lifetime award
The ITA recently presented Sheriff Roy Dominquez of Lake County with an Honorary Lifetime Membership for his support and for his untiring work with the residents of Lake County.
left to right
Retired Trooper Joe Kirk,
Sheriff Roy Dominquez
ITA board member Randy Palmer
Shf Dominquez was an ISP trooper for a while and then went to law school....but has remained a supporter of our efforts.
Lake County always participates in our programs.
May 20, 2008
10-0 Pauline Mercer-Mullen,
mother of retired Captain Clarke Mercer, PE 1144,
of the Criminal Investigation Division.
Pauline Mercer-Mullen, 85, of Evansville, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Deaconess Hospital. She was born September 2, 1922, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.
Pauline was a member of the VFW Post No. 1114 Ladies Auxiliary. She liked to feed rabbits and squirrels.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Basil Mercer, her sisters, Virginia Fawcett, Mildred Bitter, and brother, Mel Griffin.
Pauline is survived by her husband of 101/2 years, Bert Mullen; sons, Clarke Mercer and wife, Lori, and Bruce Mercer and partner, Tom Woods; and grandchildren, Michelle, Dawndy and Shannon.
Services will be noon Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at Alexander West Chapel, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Wednesday from 10 a.m. to service time at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674. Condolences may be made online at http://www.mem.com/ Arrangements by Alexander West Chapel, 2100 West Illinois Street.
Department Flowers have been ordered.
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Indiana State Police Redkey District
Holds Annual 2008 Memorial Service
The Indiana State Police Redkey District held their annual memorial service today for those members of the department who gave their lives in the line of duty. Motor carrier inspectors, troopers, and civilian employees present, were brought to attention and prepared for roll call. Retired department personnel and surviving family members of deceased employees were also in attendance.
Area II Captain Bob Rich and Lieutenant Mike Nichols, Commander of the Redkey District read each of the 45 fallen members of the Indiana State Police have died in the line of duty since the department’s inception in 1933; along with a description of the circumstances surrounding their death.
Since the early days of the Indiana State Police, memorial services have been held each May at all Indiana State Police districts to perpetuate the memory of those who have died in the line of duty. The service serves as a means of paying tribute to those who died in the line of duty, that their sacrifice was not made in vain, and as a reminder to those of us left behind that we should strive to maintain the level of professional service to the public our departed comrades so unselfishly gave their lives for.
Through the efforts of the Indiana Troopers Association, burial sites of all the department employees were located and an Indiana State Police Memorial Flag was placed at each gravesite.
Trees family at the gravesite
After the Redkey District’s memorial service, family members and troopers visited the grave of Trooper William J. Trees located in
Troopers also place a memorial flag at the gravesite of Trooper Robert J. Garrison who is buried in
For a complete listing of Indiana State Police employees killed in the line of duty and a summary of their deaths, visit the Indiana State Police website at www.in.gov/isp and click on the “In Memoriam” link on the left side of the page.
May 18, 2008
Senator Meeks ignored mini-stroke episode
LAGRANGE---He was having breakfast with the governor in January when it happened. He lost control of his left hand. The left side of his face went numb and, momentarily, state Sen. Robert Meeks, R-LaGrange, could feel a bit of drool slip down the corner of his mouth.
He stuck his other hand up on his chin and slightly across his lips to hide it, and stopped talking — for some reason his words were garbling up on his tongue, refusing to come out the right way.
And then it was over as fast as it happened.
“I was sitting there talking to (state Sen.) David Long, when I had what they call a TIA,” Meeks said Monday, less than 24 hours before he announced that he was leaving his Senate seat. In a press conference Tuesday he cited health reasons for leaving the legislative position he’s held for 
20 years, referring to a stroke he suffered in February as the primary factor.
“At the time I had the TIA, though, I had no idea what it was, or that it was a warning sign for a stroke. I didn’t know the signs,” Meeks said. “It only lasted five seconds, and I didn’t do anything about it at the time except talk to some other legislators about it. They were the ones who said it was a mini-stroke, a TIA, and that was the first time I’d ever heard of a TIA.”
A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, sometimes called a mini-stroke, is a temporary loss of blood supply to the brain. Usually it is caused by a clot in a blood vessel in the brain, although the clot sometimes can originate elsewhere in the body.
Although TIAs last only a few seconds or minutes, statistics show that five percent of people who have this experience will have a full stroke within two days; 11 percent will have a stroke within 90 days; 14 percent within one year and 20 percent within two years.
For Meeks it was only a few days.
"It was Monday, Feb. 25, and I was in Indianapolis,” Meeks said. “I woke up in my room and I didn’t feel very good. I’d been sick and was coughing a lot. I tried to get ready to go to work, but I couldn’t. So I stayed in bed all day, and all day my left hand wasn’t working right. It was just floppy. It wouldn’t work.
“I never thought of calling a doctor. All I was doing was trying to think, now how am I going to play golf with it doing that?”
Left side affected
The next morning it took Meeks three hours to get ready for work — normally a less-than-one-hour task. Still, his mind didn’t allow him to translate his problems into realizing something was wrong.
“So I finally got to work, but I didn’t feel very good, not at all,” Meeks said. “By that time I couldn’t use my left hand at all. I couldn’t touch my ear or nose. And my left leg wasn’t working either, so I decided to see the doctor of the day in the Statehouse.”
Unfortunately, doctors of the day volunteer their services and, much to his dismay, one wasn’t scheduled for that day, Meeks said.
“So I called a dermatologist who’s also a senator and told him what was going on, and he came up and said, ‘You’re going to a hospital right now.’”
Meeks insisted on using the restroom first, where he discovered his hand coordination had deteriorated to the point that he couldn’t zip his pants.
By the time someone arrived with a wheelchair and had taken him to a waiting police car to race to the hospital, he also had become extremely nauseated.
In the emergency room the attending doctor told him that a blood clot had burst in the carotid artery in his neck, possibly triggered by coughing. He also told Meeks that he was very fortunate.
“And I said, ‘Why?’ And he said, ‘Because when the carotid artery ruptures from a blood clot that goes into the brain, usually you die, or at the very least are paralyzed on the left side.’”
Meeks was in the hospital three days, then went home to LaGrange County. He still had the flu, and between that and the stroke, he was too ill to return to Indianapolis for two weeks.
He completed the Indiana General Assembly’s short session with the help of e-mail and phone communications when he couldn’t physically be in the Statehouse and, as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, managed to oversee the critical financial legislation he helped draft for this session.
In March, he played golf and had another episode where his left side went numb and, when he tried to drink a soda, he couldn’t — the liquid ran down the side of his face. He went home, and when his wife Carol noticed that his face was drooping on the left side, he landed right back in the hospital, all the way to Indianapolis.
This time doctors looked at the possibility of doing a bypass on his artery.
“But they found I was not a candidate for that,” he said. “So I went back home.”
‘You don’t wait’
Today the only residuals he has from the stroke are a little trouble pointing with his finger, and shaking in his hand when he tries to pick something up, like a glass of water. His left leg is still weak, and it hurts below the knee — a problem he didn’t have before. Also, when he reads too long he 
will get a severe headache.
He tires easily. But he does have his life — and a whole volume of knowledge about strokes that he didn’t have before.
“I’ve learned one thing: When you get those indicators, the TIAs and the loss of your hand, and the speech problems, you ought to do something right away,” Meeks said. “You don’t wait.
“When you start having TIAs you better get to a doctor’s office before it’s too late. You just need to know that those indicators are not normal.”
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Meeks said he knew that when he made the most heart-wrenching decision of his life — to quit his job in the Senate. But it was his life, and the fact that he wanted to live it a little longer, was the determining factor in his decision.
"It takes 110 percent of your body and 130 percent commitment to do this job,” Meeks said. “I am 74 but I am still totally committed to my job. During the session people line up outside my office begging for just 15 minutes with me, and I see them. I answer every e-mail, read every letter, return every phone call and every survey. I work until late in the night during the session doing this.
Stress level high
“And it is stress. It is stress that my doctor said will kill me if I don’t stop.”
Meeks has four children and five grandchildren, with a wedding coming up for one of them. His youngest grandchild is 7 and, he said, he wants to live long enough to see that grandchild grow up.
His cardiologist told him, “Get rid of the stress or you’re going to die,” Meeks said.
So, difficult as it is, Meeks chose to give himself the best chance possible at seeing his grandchildren grow up. Tuesday, with tears rimming his eyes, and with family and friends standing with him, he resigned his seat in the Senate.
Risk factors
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and the No. 1 cause of adult disability.
Before his stroke Meeks had several risk factors for stroke: High cholesterol, diabetes and a rapid heartbeat, all under control, but still risk factors.
And, of course, the TIAs which he ignored.
In Parkview Noble Hospital emergency room in Kendallville, Dr. Terry Gaff sees plenty of patients who have had TIAs before “the big one.”
“We actually see people who have had these frequently before the completed stroke,” Gaff said. “But you need to know that statistics show that a significant number of people will have that completed stroke within 48 hours of a TIA.”
That’s why it can be a life-or-death situation to know how to recognize a TIA, Gaff said — and to understand that even with a TIA, you need to get to the hospital immediately for evaluation and treatment.
And if you don’t go and you feel fine?
“Even if it’s a month later, you absolutely need to go to your doctor for a work-up to see what caused it and what can be done,” Gaff said.
At stroke.org on the Internet, the National Stroke Association (NSA) has an easily-navigated Web site that explains in simply language what TIAs and strokes are, and what to do about them.
‘An example’
“Sen. Meeks is an example of how dangerously uninformed the public is about strokes,” said Jim Baranski, NSA president and CEO. “What we’ve found is that the senator’s behavior in ignoring the signs and symptoms to stroke is most common.
“So what we try to do through our Web site is give information in a way that simplifies recognizing those signs, all of which happen suddenly.”
The NSA has several outreach programs designed to educate people about TIAs and strokes in as many ways as possible, including educating children about the signs of stroke, with special classroom activity kits for teachers and kids.
The Web site also directs visitors to pages that will tell them a “FAST” test for stroke signs — face: Can the person smile? arms: Can the person raise both arms? Speech: Can the person repeat a simple sentence? And finally, Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is of the essence — call 911 or get to the hospital FAST.
The most important message of all, Baranski said, is urgency in recognizing and treating both TIAs and strokes.
“Don’t wait. You can’t walk off a stroke. You’ve got to get to the hospital, even with a TIA,” Baranski said.
“One reason is there is a treatment for TIAs if you receive it within three hours of it happening. It is a treatment that will help you have fewer negative after-effects.
“But you have to get to the hospital to get it.”
According to the NSA Web site, most strokes occur in people age 55 and over. But younger folks can have strokes too, including children.
Also, women have unique stroke risks that men don’t have, for example, taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, being pregnant, or being a migraine headache sufferer — all of these individually or together can add to a woman’s stroke risk.
It’s for these reasons that the NSA wants to educate as many people as possible about strokes. Even Meeks’ example is important and significant, Baranski said.
“That’s because many people try to hide that they’ve had a stroke. It’s a stigma for some reason.
“That’s why we applaud Sen. Meeks’ courage to stand up and do this story,” Baranski said.
“Not many survivors want to admit they had a stroke. Many just choose to deny it.”
May 13, 2008
National Peace Officer’s Memorial Week
This week in our nation’s capitol, thousands of law enforcement officers and survivors and their families are gathered to be a part of National Police Week. Held annually to honor officers across the country who have given their lives in the line of duty, the highlight of the week is May 15th – National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
On October 1, 1962, President Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 which designates May 15th each year to be National Peace Officer’s Day. Further, it directs that the flag of the
While many
Please remember these families during this week and remember to fly your flag at half-staff in their memory.
For more information about this event go to:
Fallen Trooper’s
Trooper Lawrence Meyer
During the month of May, Indiana State Police Employees who were killed in the line of duty will have their grave sites marked by a shepherd’s hook and a blue flag bearing the image of an Indiana State Police Badge being covered, showing the sign of an officer fallen in the line of duty.
All 45 Indiana State Police Employees who were killed in the line of duty will have their grave sites marked by the shepherd’s hook and flag. The shepherd’s hooks and flags were bought and will be maintained by the Indiana Trooper’s Association.
There is a photo attached to this news release showing the shepherd’s hook and flag next to Lawrence Meyer’s grave site. The photo also shows Lou Meyer,
There were three other troopers who were killed in the line of duty while assigned to the
ISP Toll Road Troopers Lankford and
Recognized for Outstanding Service
On Monday, May 5, at an annual awards ceremony held in
Recognitions and awards were presented under the following categories: Commendations, Meritorious Service, Life Saving, Combat Action Award, Silver Star, Life Awards, Trooper of the District, the Outstanding Investigation of the Year, and Trooper of the Year Award.
The 2007 Life Awards are presented to the top DUI enforcement officer for each of the 18 Indiana State Police posts. The Toll Road Post’s Life Award recipient was Trooper Brandon Lankford. Tpr. Lankford was recognized for his effort in removing impaired drivers off
The “Trooper of the District” was selected by the command staff from each of the 18 state police districts across
Trooper Al Martinez received the “Trooper of the District” award for the Toll Road District this year for his outstanding service. Trooper
ISP Awards Ceremony Honors Four from Sellersburg Post
The Indiana State Police Department held its second annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony Monday May 5th in
The idea for this event was conceived by Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D.; Superintendent Whitesell felt the need to publicly recognize the achievements and deeds of self sacrifice and accomplishment that all too often go without the proper recognition.
The Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg had four recipients receiving awards. Those individuals and their accomplishment are as follows:
Master Trooper Kevin Fisher
Master Trooper Kevin Fisher: Trooper of the District and Trooper of the Year Award was presented to Master Trooper Fisher for his dedication to his job, traffic and criminal enforcement, community involvement, instructor ratings, specialty assignments, and other services performed for the department beyond normal expectations. He was selected by the command staff at the Sellersburg District. Fisher is a 27 year veteran of the Indiana State Police. Trooper Fisher patrols Clark and
Trooper Chris Keeton
Trooper Chris Keeton: Life Award was presented to Trooper Keeton for his commitment to DUI enforcement. He arrested 68 impaired drivers in 2007. This was the highest total at the Indiana State Police Post in Sellersburg. Trooper Keeton is a five year veteran who patrols Clark and
Investigative Secretary Donna Law & Post Mechanic David Brown
Two civilian employees working for the Indiana State Police Post in Sellersburg received the Meritorious Service Award for consistent attention to duty, diligence, good judgment, and responsibility during the performance of their duties. These individuals have set the example for other members of the department to follow. They are Investigative Secretary Donna Law of Scott County, a ten year member of the department and Post Mechanic David Brown,
May 12, 2008
Two Lafayette Troopers Receive Honors at Awards Ceremony
Two troopers from the Lafayette District received awards for their work ethics and driving under the influence arrests at the annual awards recognition ceremony at the Indianapolis Post on May 5th. There were 80 troopers and civilians from around the state that were recognized for outstanding service to the citizens of
Trooper Bill Brooks
Trooper of the Year Award for the Lafayette District was Master Trooper Bill Brooks. Brooks was selected for his work ethics, leadership abilities, and over all performance. Brooks is a 29 year member of the Indiana State Police and has had various jobs on the department. Upon graduation from the State Police Academy in 1980, he was assigned to the Lowell Post and from there went into the Aviation Section serving the North Field Zone and the Central Field Zone as a pilot in fix wing and helicopter. Brooks later went back to road patrol and worked Jasper/Newton Counties for the Lowell District and then was assigned to Gaming Enforcement Division before returning to the road working White/Carroll Counties for Lafayette District. Brooks lives in Wolcott and helps on the family farm when not on patrol.
Trooper J. R. Winters
The 2007 Life Award for the top DUI enforcement officer of the district went to Trooper J. R. Winters. Winters was recognized for his efforts in removing drunk drivers from the roadways of
Kevin Fisher of the
Receives
The Indiana State Police Department held its second annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony Monday May 5th in
Master Trooper Kevin Fisher
During this years awards ceremony Master Trooper Kevin Fisher of the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg was awarded “The Indiana State Police Trooper of the Year Award.” Master Trooper Fisher earned this award over approximately 1,300 other Indiana State Troopers eligible.
The plaque which Master Trooper Fisher was presented with reads: Presented in recognition for the highest level of service, dedication and professionalism, which all members of the department should strive to emulate when serving the citizens of this state as a member of the Indiana State Police.
Indiana State Police Superintendent, Dr. Paul Whitesell commented, after the Executive Staff of the Indiana State Police reviewed potential recipients for this award there were several that ranked high in consideration. But when all things were considered – traffic and criminal enforcement, general well rounded approach to duties, and volunteering for additional duties, the choice became clear.
Master Trooper Fisher joined the Indiana State Police in December of 1980. He is Motor Carrier Inspector, (MCSAP), certified and inspected 601 commercial motor vehicles in 2007. Also in 2007 he made 1,829 traffic arrests, 889 truck arrests, issued 437 warnings, had 156 police services and investigated 42 crashes that resulted in 10 crash arrests. He also made 36 criminal arrests of which 14 were for felonies and he made three DUI arrests. All of this while being assigned to the early shift. Master Trooper Fisher is assigned Clark County and he and his wife Jana reside in Clark County.
May 11, 2008
Lincoln school carnival raises money in trooper Barrett's memory
LOGANSPORT---Money raised from a carnival held at Lincoln Middle School in honor of a state trooper that died in a car accident earlier this year has been donated to the Indiana State Police and Riley Children’s Hospital.
Anita Vernon, a social studies teacher at Lincoln Middle School, recently presented a $900 check to Indiana State Police Sgt. Tony Slocum, who was accompanied by Vince and Sarah Barrett, parents of fallen Indiana State Trooper Daniel Barrett. The check was from money raised in a carnival conducted on April 17.
The funds will be donated to the Indiana State Police Alliance Cops for Kids of Indiana program.
The carnival also raised $820 for Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
The carnival was held in memory of Trooper Barrett, who died in the line of duty on Jan. 27. The 25-year-old died in a single-vehicle crash while chasing a speeding vehicle on U.S. 31 in northern Fulton County.
“The community support is overwhelming,” stated Trooper Chris Miller, Daniel Barrett’s shift partner, in a news release. “Through your generosity, the money raised in Daniel’s memory, will serve the most precious of all resources — the children of Indiana. The money will provide opportunities that might not have been available otherwise. It is truly appreciated and humbling.”
Cops for Kids of Indiana is an effort by the Indiana State Police Alliance and its members to make a positive impact on crime prevention in Indiana.
Since its inception in 1991, Cops for Kids has been instrumental in supporting hundreds of youth programs, along with building strong relationships between Indiana children and the officers sworn to serve and protect them.
May 10, 2008
Following is the obituary of the brother of ITA President Patricia Warczynski
10-0 Donald R. Loveless
Donald R. Loveless, 58, of the town of Lincoln, Wisconsin died unexpectedly Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at his home.
Friends may call from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. Monday at the Hansen Funeral Home.
Mr. Loveless was born Feb. 11, 1950, in Hammond, Ind., the son of Marie (Robinson) Loveless and the late George Loveless. He graduated from high school in Robinson, Ill.
On Aug. 22, 1970, in Joliet, Ill., at St. Jude's Catholic Church, Donald was united in marriage to the former Patricia A. Roushar.
Donald served in the U.S. Air Force as a nuclear weapons specialist. During his military career Mr. Loveless was stationed in Duluth, Minn., Vajont, Italy, and Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nev. Donald served his country and was honorably discharged, retiring from military service because of a disability.
In addition to being a loving husband and devoted father, Donald cherished the time he could spend with his grandchildren. His other interests included traveling, camping, fishing and boating.
He is lovingly survived by his wife, Patricia Loveless, Marshfield; son, Michael Loveless, Marshfield, and his son, Matthew; and one daughter, Tracey Woehrle, Chili, and her children, Jacob and Jasmine Gehrett and Jason and Johnny Woehrle. Sisters, Patricia Warczynski, Green Castle, Ind., and JoAnn (Junior) Gerrard, Cleveland, Tenn.; brothers, David (Norma) Loveless, Palestine, Ill., and Jess Loveless of Washington State; as well as many nieces and nephews further survive Donald.
Pat is taking a memorial throw with her to be given to the family.
May 9, 2008
ISP Awards Ceremony Honors Four from
The Indiana State Police Department held its second annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony Monday in
The idea for this event was conceived by Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D.; Superintendent Whitesell felt the need to publicly recognize the achievements and deeds of self sacrifice and accomplishment that all too often go without the proper recognition.
The Indiana State Police Post at
Master Trooper Robert Good
Trooper of the District Award was presented to Master Trooper Good for his dedication to his job, traffic and criminal enforcement, community involvement, instructor ratings, specialty assignments, and other services performed for the department beyond normal expectations. He was selected by the command staff at the Peru District. Good is a 29 year veteran of the Indiana State Police. Trooper Good patrols
Trooper Bart Stouffer
Life Award was presented to Trooper Stouffer for his commitment to DUI enforcement. He arrested 58 impaired drivers in 2007. This was the highest total at the Indiana State Police Post in
Two civilian employees working from the Indiana State Police Post in
They are Investigative Secretary Cathy Shuler of Miami County, a 21 year member of the department; Post Secretary Jodie Miller, of Cass County, an eight year member of the department. This is the second Meritorious Service Award for both.
“Our people work hard everyday serving the citizens of
STATE POLICE SELECTS NEW BOMB SQUAD COMMANDER
Trooper Chad Hilton
On April 30, 2008, Indiana State Police Lieutenant Colonel Danny L. East, Deputy Superintendent of Enforcement, appointed Trooper Chad Hilton to serve as the new Indiana State Police Bomb Squad Commander.
In this capacity, Trooper Hilton will supervise 50 Indiana State Police EOD personnel who are responsible for approximately 200 EOD calls for service a year, coordinate training assignments, be responsible for all administrative paperwork, and manage the federal grant submissions for all of the eleven bomb squads in the State of Indiana (which includes the ISP bomb squad and ten local agency bomb squads). Trooper Hilton will continue to respond to EOD calls and perform educational programs in his initial response area of
Trooper Hilton is a
Indiana State Police Captain Pat O’Connor, Specialty Teams Commander, commented, “ Trooper Hilton has been tasked with coordinating the bomb sweeps for various dignitary visits including the Dali Lama, Former Prime Minister Tony Blair and most recently for the democratic candidates for president. When the previous ISP Bomb Squad Commander resigned from the position, Trooper Hilton immediately came to mind. He has continually demonstrated the self confidence, authority, and enthusiasm necessary to lead this highly disciplined specialty team”.
Pendleton Trooper receives Meritorious Service Award
Trooper Josh Watson
Pendleton- Lt. Kevin Rees, Commander of the Pendleton Post, announced that local Indiana State Trooper Josh Watson was presented a Meritorious Service award Monday May 5 by State Police Superintendent Dr. Paul Whitesell, Ph.D. Trooper Watson patrols
The citation as read by Superintendent Dr. Paul Whitesell, “It was October 4, 2007 that drew these four state police officers together as they responded to the report of a suspect who had just shot and killed his wife in front of the couple’s four young children. The shooting occurred outside the lobby of a hotel near US 41 and Interstate 70 from which the suspect fled in a vehicle – reportedly with all the children in the vehicle. The suspect and his vehicle, with the children aboard, were spotted on Interstate 70 and a lengthy pursuit ensued. The chase did not end until the suspect had collided with a police vehicle and struck stop sticks. Police vehicles from several agencies were then able to surround the suspect who was now stopped on I-70 in the Putnamville District.”
Now in a stand-off situation, with young hostages, Master Trooper Lux was able to engage the suspect in a conversation and was able to secure the release of all but one child. The suspect held the one remaining child with one arm around the child as he clutched a pistol in the same hand while also pointing the gun at the child.
During this time the other troopers worked to strategically position themselves to react if there was an opportunity to rescue the child. Trooper Watson, a member of the State Police Emergency Response Team, positioned himself with his rifle to maximize his ability to take appropriate action if the situation deteriorated.
The stand-off continued with Master Trooper Lux trying to convince the suspect to release the last child as the suspect was making phone calls to relatives threatening suicide.
During this time the suspect pointed his pistol at Trooper Watson, at which time Trooper Watson fired one shot from his rifle that mortally wounded the suspect. Immediately after Trooper Watson shot the suspect Trooper Neal was able to grab the child and rush to a safe area.
The actions of these officers, and other assisting agencies, saved the lives of innocent children who would have likely been in grave danger had the suspect not been located and stopped before he could inflict more harm than had already occurred.
PUTNAMVILLE TROOPERS and CIVILIANS RECEIVE AWARDS
The Indiana State Police held its third awards and recognition ceremony today in
The event was conceived by Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D., with the first ceremony on
Recognitions and awards were presented under the following categories: Commendations, Meritorious Service, Life Saving, Combat Action Award, Silver Star, Life Awards, Tro
