Indiana Troopers Association 2009 Archives

INDIANAPOLIS -- The final day of the year marked the last day on the job for 42 inspectors with the Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Division.

The state eliminated about half of the workforce of the division tasked with inspecting large trucks and school buses in an effort to trim costs.

On Thursday, the employees who were let go lined up at the state police garage to return their vehicles and say goodbye to friends and colleagues, 6News' Stacia Matthews reported.

"It's tough day," one inspector said. "It's very unfortunate that this is going on, but it's just very tough."

Forty-one motor carrier inspectors now make up the civilian force, in which employees don't carry weapons and are strictly limited to enforcement of motor carrier laws.

Beginning on Friday, state troopers will be assigned additional duties once carried out by the inspectors.

Many thanks to all of you – engineers, educators, advocates, law enforcement officers, and emergency responders – who together with a more cautions and compliant motoring public contributed to the reduction of death, suffering and economic loss on Indiana roadways in 2009. I have attached the latest INDOT crash snapshot, which we use as a broad view barometer of statewide safety performance. In examining fatal crashes, severe crashes (those that result in either a fatality or incapacitating injury) and serious crashes (those that result in either a fatality or any injury) monthly since January 2003, the patterns are encouraging:

The Governor held a very well attended press conference this morning to speak specifically about Indiana recording the lowest number of traffic related deaths since 1925. This is the sixth consecutive year Indiana has shown a reduction in traffic fatalities, a 28 percent drop. If you go back just ten years, to 1999, Indiana has reduced its fatalities on the roadways by 1/3. This is a tremendous accomplishment that cannot be attributed to one individual, program or organization, but to all of you traffic safety advocates working together. Some additional notes to consider that led to this reduction besides what you can find in the press release:

• Indiana’s overall observed seat belt usage rate climbed to a record high of 92.6 percent in 2009. This eight point increase in seat belt usage over the past four years translates into an estimated 529,273 additional Indiana motorists buckling up.

• Although Hoosiers drove the same number of miles in 2009 as 2008, the number of fatalities still decreased 16 percent.

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Indiana had the fifth lowest percentage of alcohol related fatalities in the nation, 26 percent, for 2008. This is considerably lower than the national average of 32 percent of alcohol related fatalities (.08% BAC or greater).

• Programs totaling over $8.5 million in federal grants were awarded by ICJI to over 250 law enforcement agencies throughout Indiana, to support traffic safety enforcement in 2008 and 2009.

• ICJI awarded federal grants to enable local law enforcement agencies to fund overtime enforcement. These extra enforcements resulted in 8,975 DUI related citations, 113,497 seat belt citations, 100,213 speeding citations, and 2,228 child restraint citations from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009.

Although this is great news, there is still room for improvement with over 680 deaths occurring in 2009 on our roadways. With a 92.6 percent seat belt rate we are still showing that 44 percent of individuals killed in car crashes in 2008, where restraint usage was known, were unrestrained. And although a 26 percent alcohol related fatality rate is low, with regards to the national average, it is still inexcusable and a 100 percent preventable factor leading towards over a quarter of our fatalities.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---State Police are stepping up the fight against meth labs across the state. It's part of a project they've been working on for more than a year.

The law limits the amount of pseudoephedrine you can purchase. Meth cooks found a way to skirt the law. Authorities discovered a way to crack down.

State Police have been experimenting with an electronic database to track the sale of pseudoephedrine, which is a primary ingredient in methamphetamine. But they've had to use another state's server. Now, Indiana will be able to set up its own database thanks to a grant State Police received this month.

Under state law, a single person can only buy 24 pills containing pseudoephedrine every week. Right now, there isn't a computerized system to track who buys the pills. Police have to manually compare pharmacy logs to look for matches. That means if a pill buyer goes to another town, there's a lesser chance of getting caught. Authorities say going electronic will change that.

"This system is built to create an environment where law enforcement can be much more efficient," said ISP 1st Sgt. Niki Crawford. "It's probably not going to reduce our meth labs."

In fact, police said the number of meth lab seizures will probably go up. This year alone, lab arrests are up 25 percent over last year and that's without a complete electronic database. Currently, only a few major retailers, like Target and Walmart, are helping with the testing phase.

State Police said they need to get the smaller Mom and Pop stores to go electronic so they can launch the permanent system.

In addition to logging every pseudoephedrine purchase, the database will also track meth lab tips and DEA information. Investigators said it'll easily allow them to cross reference suspicious buys with previous arrests. They'll also be able to quickly connect people known as "smurfs."

"Smurfing is when a group of individuals go from store to store buying the maximum amount at each store. Their combined purchase violates the law, but the single purchase does not," said Sgt. Crawford.

Police said the goal of tying everything together is to bust more meth cooks and make the community a safer place.

State Police expect all Indiana pharmacies to be submitting pseudoephedrine sales information electronically within six months.

NEW LONDON, INDIANA---A man who fled from two Howard County Sheriff Deputies after telling them he was armed and not going back to prison triggered an extensive police dragnet Monday afternoon. More than twenty county, city, and state officers, as well as three police K-9’s responded to the New London area after the deputies were threatened. Arrested was James Allen Henderson, 34, of the 1600 block of West Broadway Street, Kokomo. Henderson faces a warrant charge of class D felony invasion of privacy, and additional counts of resisting law enforcement, disorderly conduct, and attempted escape. Shortly after 2:00 p.m. Deputies John Michael Cipriano and Steve Holland went to a residence at 7610 W 226 South in New London after receiving information that Henderson could be located there. Deputies knocked, but no one would answer the door. Deputies set up surveillance on the home, and after a short time a male subject exited the residence. “Deputy Cipriano was familiar with Henderson, and recognized him. When Henderson was approached he stuck his hand in his sweatshirt pocket and threatened that he had a gun. He also stated he was not going back to prison,” said Sheriff Marty Talbert. Henderson turned and ran east through New London, and into a wooded area. Deputies requested additional assistance while tracking Henderson through the snow. “Most officers dread snow and ice because it oftentimes causes traffic problems, but today (Monday) the snow allowed officers to track Henderson’s flight,” said Talbert.

The request for emergency assistance brought ten deputies, seven Kokomo City Police officers, one Russiaville Officer, and five State Troopers headed into the area. “We did not want Henderson to get into a residence, or accost somebody driving down the road,” said Major Steve Rogers. “Our goal was to contain him as quickly as possible within a defined perimeter until we could get a police K-9 to the scene,” Rogers added. Off duty Deputy Mike Miller was responding to the manhunt when he observed a person running in a farm field north of 6348 W. CR 250 South. The individual went to the ground as Miller drove by. “Deputy Paul Cherry and K-9 Canto were in the area in one of the Sheriff Department’s four wheel drive pick up trucks. Miller jumped in on the passenger side, and the two officers drove into the field to investigate. Henderson got up and attempted to run, but he was quickly apprehended by Deputy Miller and K-9 Canto,” said Talbert.

“Kudos to Chief Rob Baker and his officers for their immediate response,” said Talbert. Henderson had fled from Kokomo officers attempting to serve the Howard Superior Court 1 bench warrant at the West Broadway Street address on Christmas Eve. Henderson was able to elude officers in the residential neighborhood. “I also want to thank the County Council and the County Commissioners for allowing our K-9 officers to have four wheel drive pick up trucks. Having the right equipment made a tremendous difference in terminating this foot chase. Having take home cars and off duty use of our police cars allowed us to get additional deputies to the area very quickly,” he added.

Henderson continued to resist even after he was placed in handcuffs for transport to the jail. “Officers had to stop in West Middleton and place Henderson in leg shackles. He was intent on escaping Christmas Eve, and he was bound and determined to avoid arrest Monday afternoon,” added Rogers. Henderson ran more than one mile through wooded areas, brush, creeks, and farm fields with deputies and Kokomo Police officers in pursuit. It took authorities just shy of an hour in below freezing temperatures to apprehend Henderson. Deputy Steve Holland suffered minor injuries after slipping on a patch of ice during the foot chase. “Deputy Cipriano did an outstanding job during this lengthy pursuit. This type of incident typifies the dangers police officers face every day,” the Sheriff added. Authorities did not locate a weapon on Henderson at the time of his arrest. Henderson’s bond on the bench warrant was set at $10,000, with no 10% allowed.

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of any wanted person is asked to contact the Howard County Sheriff Department at (765) 457-1105, or the Central Indiana Crimestoppers at (800) 922-5378.

AUSTIN, INDIANA---Police said a standoff where a man was holding a toddler hostage in Austin, Indiana, Saturday night ended peacefully.

Officers were called to a home on Factory Drive at about 10:30 as a domestic disrupted between a man and his girlfriend.

<<<Austin Police Chief Donald Spicer said the woman left and the man barricaded himself inside the home with a 2-year-old child.

The Clark County Sheriff's Department and Indiana State Police were called in assist Austin Police.

The identity of the man has not been released. Police said they plan to file charges against the man.

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA---Beginning Sunday, the local Indiana State Police district is geographically realigning its road troopers.

Currently, troopers work in set zones. In northeastern Indiana, there are two zones: Steuben-DeKalb and Noble-LaGrange. Troopers in Noble County may be called upon to go to LaGrange County, but not elsewhere on a regular basis.

The new zones to be implemented Sunday will change the zones to Steuben-LaGrange and DeKalb-Noble.

The goal, according to Indiana State Police public information officer Sgt. Ron Galaviz, is to prevent traffic accidents, particularly fatalities.

“The vast majority of the crashes we work involve the interstate,” Galaviz said. “That’s the impetus (behind the change).

“Every county in our nine-country district now has access to the interstate.”

Before Sunday, the state police had seven troopers in Steuben and DeKalb counties who could work the interstate. Beginning Sunday, that number will swell to 13 with the addition of the six troopers working Noble and LaGrange counties.

As of the middle of December, the state has recorded approximately 100 fewer fatalities statewide than during the same period in 2008, roughly cutting the number of deaths on Indiana roadways from 800 to 700.

According to Galaviz, it is hope the change instituted by district commander Lt. Rob Townsend will reduce the total even further.

“We’re looking to try to help improve that,” Galaviz said. “Trying to save lives is what we’re trying to do.”

According to Galaviz, having more troopers at the scene of crashes that do happen will also help get the area cleared more quickly, reducing what he called secondary crashes, or crashes that occur when traffic is congested because of a crash that has already taken place.

Currently, state troopers do more than patrol major roadways, writing warnings or tickets. They are involved in criminal investigations, and spend a lot of their time assisting other police agencies. None of that will change with the change in zone configurations, according to Galaviz.

Will area counties notice the difference on Sunday when the Indiana State Police realigns the zones its individual troopers work?

Steuben County Sheriff Rick Lewis said he doesn’t expect a big change with the realignment in his county, but he noted there could be an increased state police presence.

“Hopefully we’ll see more coverage with the state police,” Lewis said. “They’ve been spread pretty thin.”

LaGrange County Sheriff Terry Martin said he also doesn’t expect a large impact from the move, either.

“I don’t think it changes anything for us,” Martin said. “I don’t see a big problem for us.”

PORTAGE, INDIANA---Four teenagers who said they were on their way to church attacked a state trooper during a traffic stop on Sunday, police said.

<<Master Trooper Dave Eggers stopped the car just before 10 a.m. for speeding on Interstate 94 westbound at the 19.7 mile marker near Portage, police said.

The driver -- Olivia A. Smith, 18, of Michigan City -- told Eggers that she didn't have a driver's license, but that she and her three teenage passengers were on their way to church in Merrillville.

When a tow truck came to pick up the car, Eggers said Smith left her vehicle and confronted the truck driver, while a 14-year-old passenger began arguing with Eggers, he said.

The 14-year-old girl pulled on Egger's shirt, and Smith joined in, refusing to give him the keys to the car, Eggers said.

When they left their car a second time, Eggers said Smith and the 14-year-old began punching and kicking him, along with two other girls in the car, 15 and 17 years old.

Officers and deputies who arrived at the scene shortly after helped break up the fight, police said. All received minor injuries.

The 14-year-old, 15-year-old and 17-year-old were taken to Porter County Juvenile Detention and charged with resisting law enforcement, while Smith was transported to the Porter County Jail and charged with resisting law enforcement and driving while never obtaining an operator's license.

AURORA, INDIANA---Dana Cotton, former police chief in Aurora, was indicted on three felony charges: theft, conflict of interest and official misconduct. He was also indicted on a misdemeanor count of conversion.

According to court records, Cotton is accused of taking money from the city in 2005, having a personal financial interest in one of the city's outside contracts between 2005 and 2009 and taking city tires for personal use in 2008.

Trooper John Myers (left) and Sergeant Richard Myers (right) with the children

Christmas was delivered with a police car by Indiana State Troopers on Wednesday, December 16^th, to the children attending the Cloverdale Head Start program on State Road 42 approximately one mile west of US 231.

Sergeant Richard Myers and Trooper John Myers from the Putnamville State Police Post provided a pizza party and delivered a toy, toboggan hat and gloves to each of the seventeen boys and girls enrolled in the Head Start program. The Indiana State Police Alliance and Cops for Kids provided the money for the gifts and pizza while troopers and their families shopped for the toys and wrapped them.

Cops for Kids of Indiana, Inc. were incorporated in 1991 under the direction of the Indiana State Police Alliance Board of Directors. ISPA Vice President Greg Oeth chairs the Cops for Kids Screening Committee, which seeks out those opportunities where Cops for Kids of Indiana can make a difference in the lives of deserving children. Cops for Kids have been instrumental in supporting hundreds of youth programs, building strong relationships between our kids and those officers sworn to serve and protect.

Further information on Cops for Kids can be found at the Indiana State Police Alliance website (www.indianasfinest.com) or by calling (317) 636-0929.

I am attempting to develop an e-mail distribution list comprised of your personal e-mail addresses. I will utilize this distribution list to keep in touch with you. I am sure you have your preferred contacts already established, and that is fine. I simply wish to offer one more option in your points of contact with the Department.

Another way to stay informed is to visit regularly the various ISP related websites. Additionally, information alerts are sent out by some of our retirees. Ronnie Kane nrcc@verizon.net and Don Cox dlcox@earthlink.net do a great job of keeping their ear to the rail and they send out news updates and 10-0 information. They are good about adding additional recipients to their distribution lists.

Anthem recently sent this important email regarding Radiology Associates Inc. Please click on above URL to review the attachments concerning affected facilities. I will keep personnel apprised of any changes in the status of the negotiations.

Recently, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been in contract negotiations with Suburban Health Organization, which operates seven hospitals in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The current contract expires at midnight December 31, 2009, and while we are both pleased with the progress and are hopeful we can reach an agreement before the expiration for the current contact, we want to keep you informed of the ongoing negotiations.

If we do not come to terms on a new contract, the following hospitals would be considered out of network effective January 1, 2010:

If a termination were to occur, it would affect policyholders in the following plans:

We will continue to work hard in trying to keep Suburban Health Organization in our network. You have entrusted Anthem to provide your clients with access to affordable, quality health care. Our goal is to reach agreement on a fair contract that is in the best interests of our customers.

Again, we are hopeful that these negotiations will come to a successful conclusion soon. Please contact your sales account representative if you have any questions.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---Indiana state troopers are being asked to make sure they log runs while off-duty as the trooper's union tries to avoid the loss of off-duty use of vehicles.

The state has reduced its fleet of vehicles, parking 2,500 according to some sources. An internal memo sent to agency heads last month suggested carpooling as a way to reduce the use of state-owned vehicles even further.

"[We] want to reduce to the number absolutely necessary to do the business of the state. We've still got some room to go there," said Governor Mitch Daniels.

One agency, however, has remained untouched - Indiana State Police. It has maintained all official vehicles for both use on the job and, in the case of state troopers, off the job as well. They're allowed to drive anywhere in the state with anyone in their patrol car for any purpose. The gas and maintenance is covered by taxpayers.

"The purpose for the use of the car off-duty is for the additional presence of the police car, for the effect that it has when the motoring public sees a police vehicle. They tend to drive a little differently, a little more carefully," said ISP 1st Sgt. Dave Bursten.

Indiana State Police does not keep records of the breakdown of how much troopers drive on and off the clock. They only record a total number of miles driven each month, so it's impossible to know how much it's costing taxpayers for off-duty vehicle use.

But even a rough estimate suggests the state is spending millions. If 1,000 of the state's 1,300 troopers drive 5,000 off-duty miles each year, using state standards for mileage reimbursement, that adds up to $2 million. That's so much money, the State Police Alliance, the union that represents troopers, asked them last week to be vigilant in calling in off-duty activity, so off-duty use of their vehicles can be justified.

"Something we will never be able to quantify is the number of lives that were potentially saved because an off-duty trooper responded," Sgt. Bursten said.

Late Monday afternoon, ISP provided their own estimate for off-duty usage, which they say is around $700,000 for gasoline alone.

State Police does keep records for off-duty activity. In the past 10 months, for example, troopers have responded to more than 7,400 assistance calls assisted other departments 2,200 times and wrote nearly 1,000 tickets.

Peru – Recently, 33 children and grandchildren of Indiana State Police employees and retirees were treated to a Christmas party attended by Santa Claus. All of the children were given a present after revealing their holiday gift wishes to Santa.

This was the 26^th year for the annual tradition which was started by retired Indiana State Police dispatcher Ginny Kelley. The party serves as a fun event that allows children of police employees to come together and celebrate the holiday season, and of course meet Santa Claus. The children have changed over time, but one constant for the past twenty-five years is Jack Rich as Santa Claus.

Jack Rich served the Indiana State Police for almost 33 years, retiring in 1990 with the rank of sergeant. After retiring from the state police, Rich served eight years as the Miami County sheriff. He has had a rough couple of years with the passing of his wife Linda, and the line of duty shooting death of his youngest child Indiana State Police Master Trooper Detective David Rich.

“Anyone who has met Jack knows he has a very infectious, warm, and caring personality, “stated Jodie Miller, ISP Peru Post secretary and current organizer of the kids Christmas party. “Despite the unfortunate events of the last few years, no one is surprised that he continues to bring holiday cheer to numerous children every year.”

A conservative estimate of approximately 800 children have told Jack their holiday gift requests as parents stood nearby taking copious notes. Most of those children grew up thinking Jack Rich was truly Santa Claus himself, including his youngest grandchildren who recently realized grandpa was playing a role. They are now under the impression grandpa is Santa’s helper.

“I look forward to the party every year,” stated Jack Rich “To play a small role in bringing the magic of the Christmas season to a child is well worth the sore lap.”

Putnamville- Recently at the District 53 Post meeting, Lieutenant Dan Jones, Commander of the Putnamville State Police Post, presented awards to troopers. Troopers were presented awards for their years of service with the department and for the number of miles they have driven without being involved in a vehicle crash.

“This is just a sample of the men and women troopers that go above and beyond daily to serve the citizens and visitors of the State of Indiana” stated Lieutenant Jones. “We are proud to have these officers’s serving at the Putnamville Post.”

LYON COUNTY, KENTUCKY---The crime was almost unimaginable, and now some say so is the punishment. A jury convicted Timothy Doyle in 1999 for killing 27-year-old Brandon Thacker. Thacker was an investigator with the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Thacker was on the Western Kentucky Parkway near Princeton on his way to an assignment. He began to pull over an erratic driver. That driver pulled up beside Thacker's car and fired three shots, killing Thacker. Doyle admitted to pulling the trigger but convinced a jury he suffered from mental illness and received a twenty-year sentence. Now he's set for release from the Kentucky State Reformatory at the end of the year.

"I'm a nice guy and a hero." Those were the words of Timothy Doyle ten years ago almost beaming with pride about killing an officer in the line of duty. Now he's just weeks away from freedom.

"It's preposterous," Commonwealth's Attorney G.L. Ovey said, "A Lyon County jury heard the evidence."

Ovey prosecuted Doyle for murder, but the defense convinced the jury Doyle suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and didn't know what he was doing was wrong.

Members of Thacker's family were outraged by the verdict of guilty but mentally ill of 1st degree manslaughter. The jury recommended the maximum sentence of twenty years. Ovey says his next disappointment came last year when a parole board reduced that sentence to thirteen years. "We provide the man seven years credit? What kind of credit did Brandon Thacker have? None. Brandon Thacker will serve his sentence throughout eternity," Ovey said.

Thacker's fellow members of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control wrote, "The early release of Timothy Doyle rehashes painful memories of a terrible and senseless tragedy. Thacker's death caused immense grief for his friends and colleagues here at ABC."

"This is a classic example why the system is not respected. A court set the man's punishment at twenty years, but yet he doesn't do twenty years, he doesn't come close to doing twenty years," Ovey said.

Now ten years after boasting to television cameras, a killer could be free in time to celebrate the new year while another family endures another year without a father and husband.

Brandon Thacker's widow now serves as the national president of an organization that provides support to the surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The Thackers daughter, who was eighteen months old at the time of Brandon's death is now twelve. ABC colleagues honor Thacker each year with a ceremony at his grave site.

The parole board when contacted for comment on this story said no one at the D.O.C. was available for comment. Timothy Doyle is scheduled for release December 30th.

Indiana state troopers offered early retirement deal

Cuts lead to deal for veteran ISP officers

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---A tight budget has prompted Indiana State Police to try trimming its force.

An offer was put on the table to entice some officers to leave. The new proposal offers a cash incentive to get hundreds of veteran state police officers to retire early.

"There's a plan called a partial lump sum disbursement plan that's eligible for people that can retire now or can retire by March 31 of the new year," said ISP Sgt. Dave Bursten.

Officers with over 20 years on the job packed a mandatory meeting at the Motor Carrier Division on the south side Friday. It's the same place where 40 employees lost their jobs on Monday.

The president of the State Police Alliance, Sergeant Wayne Flick, didn't want to talk about what was happening inside. But Sgt. Bursten said the offer is part of the state plan to cut the budget.

"We are operating off the taxpayers’ dime and we have to make use of it," he said.

Hundreds of state police across the state now have to make big decisions about their futures.

Sgt. Perry Hewitt said at this point in his life, he's not sure if the deal is the right move for him.

"Got my facts and figures, going to crunch some numbers and talk to some financial planners and see how it works," he said.

Major Carlos Pettiford doesn't plan to retire.

"The lump sum will work for some people. It just depends on your financial situation and where you're at in life. I'm still enjoying the job. I like what I'm doing and I plan on working," he said.

"A Different Christmas Poem"

cid:E1DFD2A8B44947369B405373CD3B076F@shared.co.wayne.in.us

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Chris tmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its' really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this
to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming
soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men
and women for our being able to celebrate these
festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what
we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living
and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

"Real Integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that no body's going to
know whether you did it or not."

Hello Retired Col. Cox! I don't know if you remember me or not, but my name is Jeffrey Simmons and I just retired from the ISP in June of this year. My wife and I have our own telecommunications business. We are currently marketing cell phones with all the major carriers i.e..Verizon, ATT,Sprint Nextel,Alltel,T-Mobile. Also Direct and Dish TV, Protect America alarm system which is ranked just behind Broadview and ADT. Our alarm system is wireless and can be self-installed. We also market Internet and cable, and the pride of our business, the Video Phone, which uses the internet and a power source. We are very excited at the possibilities, and I was given your e-mail be retired Trp. Ron McDougal. My business website is www.5linx.net/52Simmons. If someone has a problem ascertaining it, they may call me at 317-280-0634 or 910-1481. I thank you in advance for any assistance you may provide in getting information out about our business. Have a joyous and blessed Holiday Season. Jeff

We can't express how much we Soldiers appreciate the support we get from the people of Indiana, and we are very excited about this program to support the youth of Indiana.

If members of the Indiana Troopers Association would like updates on the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy, they can follow this link:

LaPorte County---Indiana State Police Trooper Anthony Potesta discovered a large amount of drugs and currency on a routine traffic stop.

At approximately 1:15 p.m., on Monday, December 7^th, Trooper Potesta stopped a 2009 Chrysler mini-van west bound on the Indiana Toll Road at the 61.5 mile marker (this is near the LaPorte/Saint Joseph Counties line) for a moving violation. After talking to the driver Potesta realized after further investigation that there was an indication of illegal activity.

Left to right Trooper Potesta, Mirza, and Laporte county deputy Andrew Morse

LaPorte County Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Morse and his K-9 Mirza arrived and Mirza alerted on the vehicle. An unknown amount of what was later revealed to be marijuana was found and the van was impounded.

A search warrant was later obtained and five (5) large hockey style bags, containing 187 individual vacuumed sealed plastic bags. It is estimated that each bag contained one (1) pound of hydroponic marijuana. A total of $16,318.00 was also located.

The driver identified as Tomasz Stanislaw Harasim, 26 is a polish national on a passport from Canada. He was arrested and taken to LaPorte County jail and charged with Dealing in Marijuana Over Ten Pounds a Class C Felony and Possession of Marijuana Greater than Thirty Grams a Class D Felony.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---The state has eliminated 42 inspectors from the Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Division, half the division's workforce.

The division is responsible for inspecting large trucks and school buses. The cost-cutting move was made because of the state's financial trouble, 6News' Rick Hightower reported.

"Every agency is having to take steps to shore up their budgets," said Indiana State Police 1st Sgt. Dave Bursten. "We're going to do everything in our power to reassign state police personnel to fill in where those positions have been reduced."

Forty-one motor carrier inspectors kept their jobs. The last day of work for those who were let go is Dec. 31.

The civilian force, in which employees don't carry weapons and are strictly limited to enforcement of motor carrier laws, has been decimated within the last two decades, said Larry Hood, of Logansport, who learned he will be laid off.

"The state's in tough times," Hood said. "When I first hired on, there were 160 motor carriers."

The layoffs were emotional for workers who invested many years in their jobs, such as Darlene Hauck.

"I've been here 20 years," Hauck said. "They chose 42 of us to get it and 42 to stay."

"This is not what anybody wanted to see happen," Bursten said. "There is a lot of thought and feeling for those people."

Once again, just to let you all know, Bob is now in ICU at Memorial Hospital, 800 West 9th Street, Jasper, Indiana.

He is in room # 2224. There is an 800 number, which is 800-852-7279. His oxygen levels were really low & I couldn't get him to wake up this morning, when I checked on him around 11:40 or so. It is extremely unusual for him to sleep past 10:00 at the latest but he hadn't slept much at all last night & was really snoring the first time I checked on him.

Anyway, he was already turning blue, fingernails totally black and his lips were very purple. I checked his B/P & it was78/49 and he was cold to the touch. I got him awake enough to tell him I was calling an ambulance & he couldn't under-stand or talk. No, not a stroke. Just oxygen deprevation. His temperature was 101 when the ambulance got here.

They have run EKG, CT Scan, etc. and still nothing showing up. They were checking for a clot in the lungs and for fluids around the heart & lungs. Nothing but a little rattling. He has been getting IV antibiotics all day along with the oxygen & his temp. is back to normal now. They do think maybe he has pneumonia & maybe the flu on top of that so they are still checking everything, He's been very unstable for a couple of weeks now and gotten steadily worse.

But, he was wanting me to come home to get his laptop and bring it back to him tonight, along with his Hunter & Sprite. So, he was definitely feeling much better. I left the hospital around 9:30 this evening & his color is almost back to normal but they are keeping him at 100 percent on the oxygen for now. Everyone is still baffled by this illness.

ANDERSON, INDIANA---Indiana State Trooper Matt Wilson stopped a vehicle driven by Cortez McDonald, 18, Anderson, at approximately 12 a.m. on 120509 for a traffic violation on Harter Boulevard and 12th Street in Anderson. Trooper Wilson noticed a strong odor of marijuana emanating from McDonald’s 1998 Dodge.

Senior Trooper Dave Preston and his K-9 partner “Colt” were called to the scene for a K-9 search. Indiana State Police K-9 Colt indicated on the vehicle and 462 grams or 1.1 pounds of marijuana were located. A back seat passenger, Marzell Stennis II, 18, Anderson, was found to be wanted on an outstanding warrant out of Madison County. One handgun was found in the vehicle in addition to the 462 grams of marijuana. McDonald and Stennis II were transported to the Madison County Jail and incarcerated there.

Dealing in Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana over 30, Possession of a Handgun-No Permit

GREENCASTLE, INDIANA---Former Putnam County Sheriff Mark Frisbie, currently on probation after serving time in federal prison, was arrested Friday on suspicion of drunken driving, police said.

A state trooper pulled over Frisbie's vehicle Friday night just north of Highway 231 and Veterans Memorial Highway in Greencastle after police said he crossed the center line.

Frisbie was arrested on preliminary charges of driving under the influence, which may violate the terms of his probation.

Frisbie pleaded guilty last August and resigned from his job after a federal indictment alleged that he used a sheriff's department credit card and checking account to pay expenses for his consulting firm, personal travel expenses and campaign supplies.

The U.S. attorney said more than $12,500 in federal money was diverted to cover expenses incurred by Frisbie's private company and some money was used to pay for supplies related to his re-election campaign.

Frisbie served two months in federal prison, and was also ordered to serve four months on home detention and two years on probation.

ANGOLA, INDIANA---Troyer spent seven years undercover. He says the job is more dangerous than it used to be.

As an undercover officer, Steuben County sheriff’s Deputy Tim Troyer knows it’s not just about looks. Blending in is of the utmost importance. “You have to strip all police mannerisms you’re taught,” he says.

Flecks of gray are beginning to take over the sides of Tim Troyer’s neatly cut and finely parted hair.

The brown police uniform he regularly dons is pristine, ironed, tucked and proper, allowing him to blend with the other Steuben County sheriff’s deputies walking the department’s Angola headquarters or patrolling the streets.

There have been times over the years when Troyer’s hair was long. A full-on beard sometimes dominated his chin as he drove a motorcycle and wore jeans and Harley-Davidson or Lynyrd Skynyrd T-shirts.

He was a living, breathing fictional persona, a creation who couldn’t walk into a coffee shop, couldn’t take his wife or kids around town and whose youngest child never knew what he did for a living until last Christmas.

“To do things, my family and I would drive two hours away,” said Troyer, who spent more than seven of his 23 years with the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department as an undercover officer.

Local county and city police departments use undercover officers in various capacities and for various amounts of time, from one-day prostitution stings and simple drug buys to long-term assignments that involve the infiltration of groups responsible for dealing narcotics.

The work, some in law enforcement say, is more dangerous than even five or 10 years ago. Crack cocaine changed the drug culture in cities, but even drugs found in rural areas are becoming more of an organized enterprise.

The possibility that narcotics in these areas are being shipped in from Mexico and connected to gangs is increasing. In turn, drug dealers are more heavily armed and are not afraid to turn a gun on a police officer, especially one who has infiltrated their operation.

It’s more important than ever for an undercover officer – who has more freedom on the job than his colleagues – not to break character, to remember who he is and who he is supposed to be, according to those who have done the job.

<<< Tim Troyer says he can spot police officers out of uniform in an instant.

Simple things give them away. Someone might talk to his or her kids in a certain tone. The way they tuck in their shirt or even the shoes they wear might tip him off. To go undercover, you have to strip all that away and everything you learned at police academy, Troyer said.

“It takes about a year to strip that,” he said. “In the academy, you’re taught to say ‘ma’am,’ ‘sir,’ and ‘thank you.’ You’re taught to take charge. You have to strip all police mannerisms you’re taught.”

For some officers, that might mean letting minor crimes go when they’re undercover. If they see someone speeding, they have to let it slide.

Chief Deputy Doug Harp of the Noble County Sheriff’s Department worked undercover for about three years in the late-1990s. He said about half of the officers who try undercover work in his department do extremely well, while the others have trouble letting go of being in uniform.

“You have to get out of the mind-set of being a uniformed officer,” Harp said. “You see a traffic violation or something like that, crimes in progress, even if they are not major ones, they can be difficult to let go.

They’re also entrusted with immense freedom on how to do their job, a job that constantly puts them in a criminal environment, away from order and in positions that can cause problems.

“You have to wake up and know this is my mission and this is what I’m supposed to do,” Harp said. “Unfortunately, with that freedom, some people get themselves in trouble.”

As officers strip away their mannerisms, they try as much as possible to change their appearance. Some male officers dealing in the drug trade – especially methamphetamines or marijuana – will grow beards, maybe dress more slovenly or keep their hair long.

“I’ve run into some people from high school that saw me when I looked my worst,” an officer with the Allen County Sheriff’s Department said. “It’s amazing growing your hair long or letting your facial hair go. When you start looking like that, you go to church on Sunday and you get some looks.”

The Journal Gazette is not naming the officer because he still works undercover.

Still, with drugs spreading to every part of society, the need to completely overhaul someone’s appearance might not be as necessary, said one undercover Indiana State Police officer who came to the job relatively recently. Even some middle-class people buy drugs on their way home from work nowadays, he said.

“You don’t have to look like you just came out of an alley trash can,” said the officer, who is working for the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force in Fort Wayne. “You can look any way you want to look to buy dope today. It’s basically reached out to all facets of life.”

The Vice and Narcotics Division of the Fort Wayne Police Department has changed drastically since current police Chief Rusty York was an undercover officer in the early 1980s.

Once small, the unit has grown considerably, though York won’t give a figure of how many officers work in the division. In the ’80s, an ounce of cocaine was a big deal, a “big rip,” as York called it. Now, it’s common that police turn up kilos or dozens of pounds of marijuana.

York said back then turnover was much higher. He worked as a narcotics officer for about a year. Now, a position in the narcotics division is hand-picked by those in command and lasts for a maximum of eight years.

The goal for each officer is to get the highest level of drug supply they can, York said.

“Back when I did narcotics work, it was kind of the assumption that people had weapons, but they were not for use against police,” York said. “They were used to protect themselves. Now it’s more violent.”

That violence, once prominent only in inner-city areas, has spilled out into more rural areas, according to undercover officers.

When Harp worked undercover, Noble County was just beginning to see a rise in methamphetamines. Most of the undercover work being done was simple hand-to-hand buys. Police were buying a lot of product but not seeing a lot of meth labs, Harp said.

Northeast Indiana police began reaching higher on the drug chain, trying to make bigger arrests as those labs became more prominent.

“You’re dealing with those types of people and they have symptomatic issues related to the drugs, like paranoia,” Harp said. “It kind of changes the scope of investigations, dealing with meth labs compared to hand-to-hand buys. I think it creates a lot of danger.”

Methamphetamines and other narcotics coming from Mexico have also shifted the drug culture in rural areas, said one veteran undercover officer with the Indiana State Police.

In the past, a drug dealer might sell only to friends or a select few, the officer said. With the economy bad, drug dealing has become more of a business, even in rural areas. What used to be simple drug deals between friends might now be run by gangs.

People affiliated with the drug trade will now go to much more extreme lengths to protect their business. They have no hesitation in killing police, especially an undercover officer.

“You’re constantly walking into a situation where a guy with a shotgun might be waiting for you on the other side of a door,” Troyer said.

“I always tell my friends, ‘It’s not like a movie,’ ” the undercover Allen County sheriff’s officer says.

The veteran undercover officer with the state police remembered a time where there was more camaraderie among officers in vice operations. It was a time when people would go out and celebrate after a big bust.

Now, officers go their own way immediately after an operation. Also, save for the few in an officer’s own small circle, the trust is gone, he said.

“You have no openness with people on the outside,” he said. “You just don’t trust anybody. You go home, walk in to your girlfriend, wife or significant other, and you’re lying right off the bat. You don’t want to tell them or you can’t tell them. It’s a pretty funny place to be.”

Plus, the officer said, there is at times animosity from uniformed officers in one’s own department. Usually it is a misconception of the job, he said, something that might look much more glamorous than it really is, according to the officer.

“You get the Miami Vice syndrome,” the officer said. “Guys on the road see us with a cup of coffee walking around the office. We’re allowed to wear blue jeans, grow a beard and make our own schedule. What they don’t know is that we just turned around a 26-hour investigation.”

Still, those who have done it, often miss it, and those who still do it wouldn’t give up their experience for any other assignment.

Harp left because of a promotion. Troyer will turn 45 this month and is now running for Steuben County sheriff, feeling it’s time to do something else in his career. Neither is worried about coming out as a former officer and both said it was one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.

It made them feel like they were making a major difference by building cases against people harming their communities, they said.

The veteran officer with the state police, though, said when you do it as long as he has you go through different perspectives. He still likes watching his fellow officers as they go through different phases of the career if they stick with it long enough, and usually they all are glad they chose to go undercover.

“You’ll get the young guys who want to run and gun, then you’ll get the guys in the middle who’ve done this for five or 10 years who question why they’re doing what they’re doing, why they’re getting paid to lie and deceive people,” the officer said. “Then you get the guy who’s been around awhile, and you can look back on the whole picture and say, ‘It’s worth it.’ ”

NEW CASTLE, INDIANA---Embattled Henry County Community Corrections Director Doug Sheets had little to say after he was suspended without pay Friday morning by the program's advisory board.

<<<Doug Sheets, a former Indiana State Police detective, was recently charged with ghost employment, racketeering and misconduct following a state probe into corruption within the program.

Also charged were James D. Heffernan, the program's home detention manager, and Matthew Patterson, a former field officer.

Advisory board member Josie Richey, an appointee of New Castle Mayor Jim Small, moved to suspend Sheets and take action to terminate Heffernan. Sheets' suspension is effective Dec. 11.

The board, including Henry County Circuit Judge Mary Willis, Superior 2 Judge Bob Witham, Superior 1 Judge Michael Peyton and Henry County Sheriff Butch Baker, supported both actions. They also agreed to name Darrell Jackson, a Henry County sheriff's deputy, as interim director beginning Monday.

"(Jackson) is an outstanding person," said Richey, who believed the board addressed the community's concerns over the alleged corruption.

Once Jackson takes over Monday, the board recommended he fire Heffernan. Jackson also will be asked to conduct an audit and independently investigate the alleged wrongdoing.

Sheets and Heffernan attended the meeting at the community corrections office but did not speak.

Indianapolis attorney John Tompkins, representing Heffernan and Patterson, asked the board for more time so he could gather information about the allegations. He expressed disappointment afterward that the board moved to suspend and fire the accused staff members.

<<<Heffernan and Patterson, also New Castle police officers, have already been suspended from their law enforcement duties.

Sheets is accused of altering and approving time cards of employees, allowing them to be paid more hours than they worked. He also allegedly allowed HCC employees to use vehicles and equipment belonging to the program for personal use such as attending sporting events and traveling to a gambling casinos ad golf courses.

Heffernan and Patterson also are accused of clocking in for work when they were playing golf, exercising at a gym or conducting other personal business.

All three face initial hearings Dec. 10 before Hancock Superior Court 1 Judge Terry Snow.

Many of you have read or heard the various media reports in our area newspapers and on our local radio/TV stations. We would like you to know that the ITA is open and is conducting business as usual. Our ongoing fund raising program continues as do our various programs.

We have filed Chapter 11 Reorganization Bankruptcy. We continue to provide the same benefits and programs as we have for the past 30 years.

We continue to meet our two major goals: “Supporting those who serve with pride and lending a helping hand to those in need”.

If you have any questions, please contact the Indiana Troopers Association Corporate Office at 800-671-9851 – Monday through Friday between the hours of 9-5.

ANGOLA, INDIANA---The Indiana Troopers Association has filed for bankruptcy protection as the fraternal organization continues legal battles with telemarketing companies it hired for fundraising work.

The Angola-based troopers group supports a variety of police-related causes, such as a death benefit for officers killed in the line of duty, college scholarships and money to help troopers and their families in emergencies.

The group in February sued two Atlanta-based companies, claiming it had been defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past few years.

Campaign Resources Inc. and JAK Productions countersued, saying they had not been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for work performed and that they had been defamed.

Karen Shelton, ITA director of operations, said the move was made “to do the right thing and keep supporting our officers.”

At the corporate headquarters at 117 W. Maumee St., Angola, Shelton said it’s “business as usual.”

“Nothing has changed. We’re open,” she said, inviting those concerned or interested in the status of the group to call or stop into the office.

The ITA has served troopers, conservation officers and excise police for 30 years. Shelton said the largest contingent of members is in the Fort Wayne district, which includes the northern corner of the state.

“They’re very supportive of what’s going on,” said Shelton. “They are all aware.”

A 2010 membership drive is going on now. Shelton said 2009 was a record year for membership, though she did not disclose member numbers.

Fundraising also continues for ITA activities, which include Shop With A Cop through ITA member referrals and a fifth-grade essay contest. Fundraising was curtailed for a few weeks after the bankruptcy was filed, said Shelton, but is back at “full speed.” She said the slowdown in contribution requests was more a reaction to the economy than court issues.

“We have recently brought quite a lot of business back to Steuben County, which was our goal,” Shelton added. With the ITA headquarters in Angola, payroll services and other commerce is concentrated locally for services provided by the nonprofit organization throughout the state.

“All the money comes to us and we disperse it as we need to,” said Shelton. “We do what we say we do, and we are local.”

Rebecca S. Green

In the midst of a heated state lawsuit, the Indiana Troopers Association has filed for bankruptcy.

The Indiana Troopers Association, an Angola-based fraternal organization, collects money for a variety of state police-related causes such as a death benefit for officers killed in the line of duty, college scholarships and funds to help troopers in emergencies. Troopers voluntarily pay an annual fee to be members of the association, which collects money from donors around the state.

But the association has received less-than-stellar reviews from the Better Business Bureau, in part because nearly 80 percent of all the money it collects goes to pay fundraising costs, rather than to the causes it identified to supporters.

The fundraising process itself is at the heart of the lawsuit filed by the association. And bankruptcy filing in late November came the day before the group was to appear before an Allen Superior Court judge to explain why the organization should not be held in contempt of court for failing to comply with a court order.

In its bankruptcy filing, which officials said is related to the lawsuit, the association claims it has $69,178 in debts and more than $1 million in assets, according to court documents.

The defendants in the Allen Superior Court lawsuit are asking a federal judge to dismiss the bankruptcy case, claiming it was fraudulently filed to get the association out of trouble.

In February, the Indiana Troopers Association sued Campaign Resources Inc., JAK Productions and John Keller, the owner of both companies. Telemarketing companies Campaign Resources and JAK Productions were hired by the association to help handle fundraising from a West Virginia call center. The association first hired JAK Productions in 1995, according to court documents.

But according to the lawsuit, the association claims the companies defrauded it of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past few years. Despite the association’s belief it was being defrauded, it renewed its contract with the companies in 2007.

In response, the companies countersued, claiming they had not been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for work performed and that the association defamed them by alleging racketeering and fraud in the initial lawsuit. In a later motion to dismiss, CRI further argued that a contract dispute was inflated by the association into allegations of deceptive business practices and theft, according to court documents.

According to the contract between the association and the companies, the information about residents who contributed to the association was the property of JAK Productions.

After the association hired another company to access the data, information related to phone numbers and supporters, and blocked the Campaign Resources access to that data, an Allen County judge ordered the association to reinstate access.

When the association failed to comply with Levine’s order, a contempt hearing was scheduled for Nov. 23. The bankruptcy was filed Nov. 24, causing the Allen Superior Court case to be moved to federal court.

In a motion to have the bankruptcy dismissed, the company argued the association is solvent and using the bankruptcy to move the state case to a different venue.

Attorneys for Campaign Resources said their position was spelled out adequately in court documents and the company looks forward to explaining its position further in court.

Ernie Alder, the association’s executive director and a retired trooper, said he could not offer much comment.

NEW ALBANY, INDIANA---A former Indiana state trooper will face a third trial in the shooting deaths of his wife and children.

Floyd County Prosecutor Keith Henderson announced Thursday that he'll refile murder charges against David Camm in the Sept. 28, 2000, killings of Kimberly Camm and their children, 5-year-old Jill and 7-year-old Bradley.

Camm has been convicted twice of killing his family at their home in the southern Indiana town of Georgetown.

Camm's lawyers want a judge to appoint a special prosecutor because Henderson had negotiated a deal to write a book about the case.

Henderson says the deal was canceled once the Indiana Supreme Court overturned Camm's conviction in June.

*For a limited time only, if you are a graduate of our 3-Day Seminar, The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation or our 3-Day Seminar, The Reid Technique of Investigative Interviewing for Child Abuse Cases, and register for the 1-Day Advanced Program, you qualify for a $100 savings from the standard $305 fee.

To register and to take advantage of the 1-Day Advanced special pricing, call 800-255-5747 ext. 14 or 24. You must request the “$205 reduced rate” at the beginning of the registration process to ensure discount is reflected on invoice.

NOTE: Discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discount programs including Reid Institute,

John E. Reid and Associates, The Originators and Developers of The Reid Technique, will be presenting our exclusive seminar The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation in your geographic area as indicated below. The 3-Day Interview and Interrogation Seminar will be followed by our 1-Day Advanced Course.

To register or to obtain detailed information regarding seminar contents, select the applicable hyperlink provided above or call 800-255-5747, extension 14 or 24. In addition, our 2010 seminar schedule is available to view by date, by state/region or by seminar title. To view or download a copy of our 2010 seminar brochure and schedule, click here.

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KOKOMO, INDIANA---A Tipton County 911 dispatcher was arrested on charges of producing methamphetamine during a weekend raid, police said.

Kokomo police said Brian M. Raber, 29, and Holly Turner, 26, were arrested Sunday after investigators found several items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine in the garage of a Kokomo home.

Howard County Sheriff's Department officials say that Turner is employed as a Tipton County 911 dispatcher.

Police said the raid was sparked by a traffic stop during which containers of anhydrous ammonia, a precursor commonly known and used to manufacture methamphetamine, was found in Raber's vehicle.

Raber was preliminarily charged with possession of anhydrous ammonia, possession of an illegal drug lab and manufacturing methamphetamine, while Turner faces charges of possession of an illegal drug lab, manufacturing methamphetamine and maintaining a common nuisance.

Investigators said they are looking for two other people in connection with the case. Anyone with information is asked to call Captain Robert Salinas at 765-456-7204, the Kokomo Police Department hot line at 765-456-7017 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

A call to the Tipton County Sheriff's Department concerning Turner's status with the department had not been returned Monday evening.

VERSAILLES, INDIANA---A free, one day seminar sponsored by members of the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division will be giving truck drivers a jump on the competition next month.

According to a release from Indiana State Police Sgt. Noel Houze, the free commercial driver seminar will be for: Those who own or drive a truck for a small trucking company; those self-employed as a construction worker and drive a vehicle with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating more than 26,000 pounds; those with or without a commercial driver’s license (CDL); those who operate a vehicle or a combination vehicle whose gross weight exceeds 10,000 pounds; those looking for a D.O.T. number; and those making sure they have all of the permits required to comply with state and federal regulations.

The seminar will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at the Indiana State Police Post at the intersection of U.S. 421 and State Road 129 in Versailles.

Although anyone can attend this training, the seminar is primarily for owners of small trucking companies, owner operators or individuals owning their own business who operate smaller trucks and trailers as part of that business. With so many state and federal requirements, many individuals with small companies and personal businesses in which trucks are used as part of the business are unknowingly operating in violation of state and federal laws, according to the release.

Only 15 people can be accommodated at this seminar so registration is required. Persons interested in attending the free seminar should call 812-656-8168 or 656-8004 on Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to register.

Plainfield, IN. November 25, 2009: The Indiana Law Enforcement Academy located in Plainfield, Indiana will conduct its 12th Annual Project Blue Light Ceremony on Tuesday, December 1st at 7:00 p.m., on the east grounds of the Academy. The 184th and the 186th Basic Class, of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy will be hosting this year’s program. The Academy’s Executive Director, Rusty Goodpaster says, “the fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice and their families will be honored.

The Keynote Speaker representing the Indiana Chapter of C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors)will be Brukentta Geisler, who is the surviving sister of Pulaski County Deputy Shandon Bassett E.O.W. 10/07/05. Shad died in a single vehicle accident while responding to an officer needing assistance. Brukentta is the mother of four children and is presently Co-President of Indiana C.O.P.S.

Executive Director Goodpaster reports, “after a 48 – year low, Officer deaths rose 20% in the first half of 2009.” Even though Indiana lost an officer earlier this month, Kosciusko County Officer Jeff Shaw, his name and family will be honored at next year’s Ceremony.

Executive Director Goodpaster encourages the public “to remember your blue lights this holiday season, to honor and remember those law enforcement officers, who have given their lives in service of their profession. Also, the blue lights thank those men and women, who continue to work America’s streets each and every day of the year.”

Robert L. Meeks

<<<Robert L. Meeks, a retired Indiana state trooper from LaGrange, served as the Senate District 13 representative for 20 years before he retired in 2008.

Editorial writer Karen Francisco talked with the former chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee about his experiences there and what he’s been doing since he stepped down.

1 This past year was your first on the sidelines of the General Assembly. What do you miss most now that you’ve left office?

I miss everything. I miss being in the fray and the mix, the debate. I miss being on the floor of the Senate. I miss taking care of constituent problems. I miss the town meetings. I just miss the whole thing. In fact, when I sit out there, I looked through the glass, inside, rather than the inside looking out. It hurt.

2 You famously warned about budget problems years ago. What advice would you give your former colleagues now that there truly is no money?

Sen. (Luke) Kenley (R-Noblesville) is now appropriations chair. … He had a pretty good feel for what kind of financial condition the state was in. … He understands there is no money. He practiced that this last session.

3 Your successor (in District 13), Marlin Stutzman, is now seeking the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate. Did you ever consider running for statewide office?

No. I never did. When I was on the state police, I never considered going to Indianapolis for a promotion. When I came into the Senate, I didn’t consider going higher because I wanted to serve the people that I knew – the people of the area that I worked for 45 years. … I was asked – I had a Democrat friend of mine in the House of Representatives (who) said, “If you run for governor, I’ll resign my seat in the House, and I’ll be the campaign manager in the south.” I said, “No, I’m not going to do that, maybe if I was 25 years younger.” … I felt my place was there. I tried to maximize that with everybody that called.

I serve on the Public Safety Academy board, which is taking a considerable amount of my time. I serve on a board of an insurance agency that’s located in Indianapolis … and I’m trying to help the people of Steuben County and get a casino up there. Not that I’m a gambler. I’m not, really, but I like 700 jobs. I mean, the average salary is $35,000; a dealer makes $50,000. Those are good jobs, and Steuben County right now doesn’t have many jobs … that’s what I’m interested in.

5 You had a 25-year career in law enforcement before you served in the Senate. What advice would you offer a young person considering public service?

My advice would be, “the water’s fine – jump in.” The only thing that I tell people when you go into public service, the only thing you have to give away is your integrity, and once you give it away, it’s gone forever. You can never get it back.

Right now, everybody has a jaundiced eye of government. They have a jaundiced eye because the people that are there don’t listen to the people they serve. They forgot who the boss is. The boss is the people that elect you. If you’re not willing to listen to them, you don’t belong in government because you are their voice.

NEW CASTLE, INDIANA---A high-profile Indianapolis businessman whose companies are the subject of an FBI investigation may also have links to accusations of ghost employment by two New Castle police officers.

Tim Durham, whose financial offices in downtown Indianapolis and Akron, Ohio, were raided Tuesday, is listed as a state witness in the case.

Lt. James Heffernan, 39 and Patrolman Matthew Patterson, 38, along with Henry County Community Correction Director Doug Sheets, 57, were arrested last week on preliminarily charges of ghost employment, corrupt business influence and official misconduct.

Heffernan and Patterson worked part time for Henry County Community Corrections, with Heffernan serving as the assistant director of the facility. Both were hired by Sheets, a retired state police detective.

Investigators said the three men golfed at a nearby country club, gambled at Hoosier Park in Anderson, went to sporting events and visited friends, all while clocked in at their corrections jobs.

John Tompkins, who is representing Durham, is also representing Heffernan and Patterson in their case.

He said Durham is connected to the New Castle case because off-duty officers often worked at his home.

"Mr. Durham has events at his home where he hires private security. Frequently, private security is off-duty police officers," Tompkins said.

But Tompkins could not explain why Patterson was seen in possession of a Hummer SUV registered in Durham's name.

Court documents in the case against Patterson also indicate that the officer's GPS system showed that he was at

Durham's sprawling mansion on Geist Reservoir while he claimed on his time sheet that he was checking on people on house arrest.

Sources within Henry County Community Corrections told Sanchez that the agency did not have anyone on house arrest that day with the 30,000-square-foot home.

The board overseeing the Henry County Community Correction facility will meet Wednesday behind closed

doors before making any public statements on the official status of the men accused of ghost employment, official misconduct and corrupt business influence.

ANDERSON, INDIANA---He was a former member of New Hope United Methodist Church and Rhema Word Ministries. He was retired from General Motors after 30 years of service, a member of United Auto Workers Local 662. He was founder/CEO of Youth Need Prime Time, a member

of Sertoma, CASA, Human Rights Commission, past president Elks IBPOE of W, and past president of NAACP. He also served in the United States Marine Corps.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Diana" Dee" Jackson of Anderson; his mother, Leatha Ann Davis of Muncie; a son, Eric T. Jackson of Muncie; five daughters, Sterlinda Jackson and Johnetta "Neesie" Jackson, both of Muncie, Tiffany (Jmarr) Jackson-Robinson and Candace Jackson, all of Anderson, and Vickie Jackson-Keyser of California; one brother, George Jackson Jr. of St. Louis Mo.; five sisters, Carla, Pam, Rose, Muffin and Paulette Jackson, all of St. Louis, Mo.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Jackson; and one sister, Sharon Jackson.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at New Hope United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Reginald E. Lee officiating. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Gholar and Gholar Funeral Service, 2223 Nichol Ave., Anderson.

Lieutenant Mike Eslinger, Commander of the Terre Haute District, would like to inform the public of recent changes to the telephone numbers for the post. Until recently, the Indiana State Police post at Terre Haute could be contacted at local numbers 812-299-1151, 299-1152 and 299-1153, along with the toll free number 1-800-742-0717.

Effective immediately, the Terre Haute post can be contacted at either (812) 299-1151 or toll free at 1-800-742-0717.

CARMEL, INDIANA---The Indiana State Police, Seymour Post, was honored at the 15th Annual Operation Pull Over Awards Banquet, held in Carmel, Indiana. The event pays tribute to state and local law enforcement agencies who participate in year round efforts to improve traffic safety and save lives on Indiana roadways.

“As a result of this collaborative effort involving the Indiana State Police Seymour Post, Bartholomew, Jackson and Jennings Counties are making significant strides in the realms of traffic safety enforcement and overall, fewer motorists are being killed in traffic crashes as a result,” said Lieutenant Mark Davis.

Efforts conducted through Operation Pull Over rely on a dual strategy involving high visibility enforcement and heightened public awareness aimed at promoting seat belt use and preventing crashes, injuries and fatalities that occur due to impaired and dangerous driving behaviors.

Operation Pull Over is structured in four quarterly campaigns and is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Each campaign consists of two weeks of public awareness using television, radio and outdoor advertising and two weeks of increased enforcement.

At this year banquet the award in recognition of outstanding performance in Operation Pullover was given to the Indiana State Police Seymour Post, District 43.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---An Indiana state trooper fired shots at a vehicle driven by a 14-year-old boy after he reached for a gun during a traffic stop.

<<<Senior Trooper Ronald Lowe pulled over the boy in the construction zone on Interstate 465 near the Rockville Road ramp just before 11:30 a.m. on suspicion of speeding, said Sgt. Dave Bursten.

Lowe said that the boy was acting suspicious, and reaching under his seat. When the trooper saw the butt of a gun, he had the boy step out of the car and tried to handcuff him, but the boy struggled, pushing Lowe to the ground, Bursten said.

When the boy got back into the car and reached under his seat again, Lowe fired several shots, striking the car and a back tire, Bursten said.

The boy drove off, but lost control of the car on Rockville Road and ran, police said. He was apprehended by officers in a nearby apartment complex, Bursten said.

A semiautomatic pistol was found under the driver's seat of the car the boy was driving.

The boy was arrested and preliminarily charged with battery on a police officer, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, resisting a police officer and possession of a handgun without a permit.

"Our trooper suffered some minor injuries in the course of the scuffle with the suspect, but this could of ended much more tragically than it did," Bursten said.

ROCHESTER, INDIANA---A six week long investigation resulted in one arrest after police found a grow operation inside a Rochester home with 704 marijuana plants inside, equaling a street value of about $700,000.

The investigation brought police to search two homes owned by 44-year-old Daniel R. Nells Wednesday.

According to Indiana State Police, the first residence searched was at 10525 East 50 North in rural Knox, Ind., where officers found handguns, an undetermined amount of cash, marijuana under 30 grams and drug paraphernalia.

It was at Nells other home, at 4250 South 225 West in rural Rochester where police found an active indoor marijuana grow operation which had 704 marijuana plants. Police estimate the growing equipment alone cost nearly $10,000. Police say the home appeared to be unoccupied and used only to grow marijuana. Nells was living in a camper on the property.

Nells faces a class D felony for Possession of Marijuana over 30 grams, Dealing Marijuana over 30 grams and Maintaining a Common Nuisance. Nells is also charged with a misdemeanor for Possessing Drug Paraphernaila in Fulton County.

Police say a report will be filed with the Starke County Prosecutor's office requesting that charges be filed for the items found at the Knox, Ind. home.

Two New Castle police officers and a retired Indiana state trooper arrested

NEW CASTLE, INDIANA---Two New Castle police officers and a retired Indiana state trooper who is the director of the Henry County Community Corrections program were arrested Wednesday after being accused of racketeering, ghost employment and other crimes.

The arrests -- of officers Jim Heffernan, 39, and Matthew Patterson, 38, and HCCC director Doug Sheets, 57 -- followed a state police investigation of the community corrections program launched in May at the request of the Henry County Board of Commissioners.

Heffernan, a city police lieutenant with 15 years of experience, and Patterson, a patrolman and 12-year police veteran, hold part-time positions with HCCC, which monitors the activities of convicted criminals who have been placed on home detention.

The HCCC program has been overseen for several years by Doug Sheets, a retired Indiana State Police detective.

All three men surrendered to authorities at the Henry County jail on Wednesday afternoon and were released after posting $1,000 bonds.

Sheets, of Centerville, is charged with one count of corrupt business influence, a Class C felony carrying a standard four-year prison term, and two counts each of official misconduct and ghost employment, all Class D felonies with standard 18-month sentences.

Heffernan, HCCC home detention manager, and Patterson, a field officer for the community corrections program, are both charged with corrupt business influence, official misconduct and three counts of ghost employment.

Contacted Wednesday night, New Castle Police Chief James Nicholson said both officers had been suspended without pay pending resolution of the criminal allegations.

"As police officers, we are held to higher standards," Nicholson said. "We have zero tolerance for criminal activity."

Nicholson noted all allegations against Heffernan and Patterson stemmed from their duties for HCCC, not their work as city police officers.

A special prosecutor -- Julie Pottenger of Hamilton County -- has been appointed to the case because Henry County Prosecutor Kit Crane serves on the HCCC advisory board, along with the county's three judges.

Details of the events leading to the allegations were not available late Thursday.

An audit of HCCC's operations for 2008, issued by the State Board of Accounts last month, noted discrepancies between hours listed on the program's time cards and those submitted to the commissioners for payment.

"(HCCC officials) did not provide evidence nor could we determine the reason for those differences," auditors wrote.

After county commissioners last spring requested the probe by state police and the State Board of Accounts, Sheets apparently placed on leave some New Castle police officers who had been working on a part-time basis for HCCC.

However, Heffernan and Patterson reportedly were not among the HCCC employees placed on leave by Sheets.

On Sunday, November 15, Joel Flores, Crawfordsville, completed his run to honor two local children who have fought difficult battles with childhood cancer. These children were affected with childhood cancers at an early age, and are children of local law enforcement officers. Flores, a seven-year veteran with the Indiana State Police, ran the 33-mile distance between the Crawfordsville Police Department and the Indiana State Police Post in Lafayette in five hours and forty-four minutes with the support of fellow law enforcement colleagues from the Crawfordsville Police Department, the Tippecanoe County Sherriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police.

Flores ran to raise support and money on behalf of two law enforcement families: Sean Swaim, a State Trooper, whose 5 year old daughter, Reagan, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a brain tumor and Jack Taylor, a Crawfordsville City Policeman, whose family who lost their 13 year old son, JD Taylor, to cancer on October 2, 2009. Reagan is currently beginning 56 weeks off chemotherapy and radiation.

Flores began his route at 7:00 am on Sunday and reached the Indiana State Police Post in Lafayette around 12:45 p.m. Flores appreciates the community support and outreach that he has experienced preparing for this run and encourages supporters to continue to donate to this cause now that the run has been completed successfully.

All donations are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to the Indiana Trooper’s Association Youth Fund and indicate “Trooper Runs 33” Fund in the memo section. Donations and pledges will be divided evenly between the two families.

For additional information relating to this cause, please contact Joel Flores via email at trooperruns33@sbcglobal.net.

The run went very well. I finished the run in 5:44:28, well under my anticipated time of 6 hours. I was able to have at least one person with me at all times. Runners that ran portions with me are: from the ISP Lafayette post; Sgt. Randy Gritten, Trp. Ryan Winters, Trp. Phil McBride, Trp. Brock Russell, Trp. Andrew Smith, F/Sgt. Brian Olehy, and Trp Sean Swaim (Reagan's father). Runners from Tippecanoe county sheriffs department and runners from the Crawfordsville Police Department. I also had family and friends run portions as well.

EVANSVILLE, INDIANA---Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away and Indiana State Police are already increasing patrols as travelers hit the road. Troopers say they hope "The Safe Family Travel Enforcement Blitz" will help reduce the number of traffic fatalities and injuries as the holiday travel season approaches.

<<<Sergeant Trevor Helmer with the Indiana State Police says the primary focus will be on dangerous and impaired drivers and seatbelt violations.

"Basically we have more troopers on the road," Helmer said. "And they'll be enforcing targeted issues like alcohol related driving and failure to comply with seatbelts."

And these targeted issues are based on the numbers from last year's Thanksgiving holiday period.

Sergeant Helmer says 15 people died on Indiana roadways last year - 66 percent of those were alcohol related and two thirds of the victims were not wearing seatbelts. Troopers say they're not only looking for impaired drivers but also aggressive ones too.

"Speeding, excessive speeding, following too close, unsafe illegal lane changes, disregarding automatic signals; all these things lead to traffic causation factors and can lead to fatal crashes," Helmer said.

According to Helmer these efforts are federally funded through grant money which allows for these extra troopers to be posted on the roadways. It's a statewide group effort with over 250 agencies involved.

Helmer says along with increased enforcement and saturation patrols drivers should be aware of sobriety checkpoints at anytime.

Indiana State Trooper Joel Flores planning a 33-mile run to benefit cancer patients

CRAWFORDSVILLE, INDIANA---An Indiana State Trooper is lacing up his running shoes for a good cause this weekend.

<<<Indiana State Trooper Joel Flores knows what it's like to go the distance and he knows the pain that comes with running a marathon of 26.2 miles.

"It takes some kind of mental toughness to get through it," says Trooper Flores.

"Your mind plays tricks on you. It tells you that you're falling apart. It tells you that you're hungry. That you're tired, or that you've run enough, stop already," Flores says.

But Flores won't be listening to that voice this Sunday when he runs his longest race yet of 33 miles.

Trooper Flores will be thinking about two people he has never even met and one of them he won't ever get the chance to meet.

J.D. Taylor, the 13-year-old son of a Crawfordsville police officer, passed away last month from cancer. The other, 5-year-old Reagan, is the daughter of a fellow state trooper who just began her fight against cancer.

"She's going to be going through 56 weeks of chemo and radiation therapy," said Flores.

"A lot of people have come up to me and said, 'Are you the trooper running 33 miles?' and I'll tell them 'Yeah,' and they'll ask me 'Are you crazy?'," Flores explained.

Flores will run north on US 231 from Crawfordsville all the way to Lafayette. He says that's an easy course compared to the uphill marathon kids face fighting cancer.

"The pain that I'll feel or any discomfort that I'll have will not compare to what these kids have been going through," said Flores.

But Flores will get to rest when Sunday's race is over and his two-year-old son Miguel and wife Charity, who's expecting their second baby, will be with him. Flores says he can't help feeling blessed even though he lost his own mother to colon cancer two years ago.

That's why even when Sunday's race is wearing him down, the thoughts of two kids will keep him running.

"I can go the extra mile or I can take that extra step and that's what's going to be pushing me," said Flores.

Half the donations and pledges raised will go to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis in memory of J.D. Taylor. The other half will go to Reagan's family to help with her medical expenses.

DUBLIN, INDIANA---Police shot and killed a man in southeastern Henry County late Friday after he led authorities on a 30-minute vehicle chase, then left his car and opened fire on authorities with a handgun.

The man, whose name was not available early Saturday, was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting, along U.S. 40 near Bentonville Road, just west of the Wayne County town of Dublin.

According to Sgt. John Bowling, public information officer for the Indiana State Police post in Connersville, the chase began about 9:50 p.m. Friday when a state trooper tried to stop a car for a traffic violation in northwestern Fayette County.

The chase continued, at speeds ranging from 30 mph to 60 mph, down several county roads, with the driver at times displaying a handgun to his pursuers.

About 10:20 p.m., the man, by now in Henry County, made a U-turn on U.S. 40 east of Bentonville Road, then pulled into the median and stopped. By this time a second state trooper, two Henry County sheriff's deputies and a Cambridge City police officer were also involved in the pursuit, Bowling said.

The man then left his car, again displayed his handgun and "fired in the direction of the officers," drawing the return fire that would end his life, the ISP press release said. No other injuries were reported.

U.S. 40 was closed to traffic near the shooting scene early Saturday at the investigation continued.

Any ISP retiree who has been retired for over one year and is interested in becoming a member of AAST must apply before January 1, 2010 or they will no longer be eligible. While they have the website up checking out this week’s feature story, they should check out the entire site including the membership benefits section. Thanks. Noel Houze Jr.

Trooper Patrick was killed in the line of duty on December 22, 2003. Trooper Patrick was dispatched on a common motorist assist run. This time the individual in need was a criminal intent on doing harm. Following a short struggle, Trooper Patrick was shot once above his bulletproof vest. He was able to return fire and radio for assistance, he died shortly after. Trooper Patrick and his wife were expecting their first child. Six months after Scott's death his son was born. Isaac Scott Patrick bears the initials ISP in honor of his father's love and dedication to the Indiana State Police.

Like many law enforcement officers, Scott had a great appreciation and love for the American flag. For Scott, the flag was much more than a cotton banner to be displayed on holidays. Scott viewed the waving stars and stripes as a symbol of what our country stands for. Scott chose a career in law enforcement to do his part to protect the freedoms symbolized by the flag. The Trooper Patrick Flag Fund is a living legacy to the sacrifice that Scott made in service to the State of Indiana.

Scott held dear in his heart what the flag represented and revered those who have fought abroad and at home to ensure its survival. Scott insisted on always displaying an American flag in his commission.

We chose to honor Scott's selfless sacrifice by honoring the commitment and sacrifice of other law enforcement officers in Indiana. After Scott's death, many people came together to provide a final tribute to a hero. During the months and years following Scott's death we learned more about the people who organized the tribute, and what they contributed. As the years passed we realized there was a gap that needed to be filled. When a veteran passes away one of the ways they are honored for their service is by an internment flag, also known as a burial flag. No such program exists for law enforcement officers. We decided it was time to change that. The Trooper Patrick Flag Fund provides burial flags for all law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in Indiana, burial flags for retired Indiana State Troopers, and ceremonial flags for events that honor fallen law enforcement officers in Indiana.

Honor the ultimate sacrifice made by Trooper Patrick by honoring all fallen Indiana law enforcement officers, as well as recognize the service of retired Indiana State Troopers, while showing appreciation and gratitude to the American flag and what it represents.

Your contributions to the Trooper Patrick Flag Fund are tax deductible through the Indiana State Police Alliance (please note on the memo line your donation is for the Trooper Patrick Flag Fund). Your generous donation in any amount to the Trooper Patrick Flag Fund is greatly appreciated, and goes directly toward honoring an Indiana law enforcement officer. If each ISP Trooper could donate $5.00, the program will be well funded and able to provide a flag to honor an Indiana Law Enforcement Brother. A donation of $95.00 will provide an internment flag to honor a fallen Indiana law enforcement officer.

Former Covington School District Superintendent Arrested by the Indiana State Police

COVINGTON, IN – On Friday, November 13, 2009 officers from the Indiana State Police arrested Nathan E. Evans, former Superintendent of the Covington

Community School Corporation on seventeen criminal counts. The arrest follows a lengthy investigation by the Indiana State Police and the Indiana State Board of Accounts that started in February of 2009.

The investigation began as a result of a routine audit by the State Board of Accounts when discrepancies in school accounts were found.

The completed investigation was turned over to the Fountain County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

As a result of the investigation, seventeen counts were filed in the Fountain County Circuit Court.

The charges included two counts of Forgery; a class C Felony, fourteen counts of Theft; a class D Felony, and one count of Perjury; a class D Felony.

Investigating officer, Detective Tom Minnicus, of the Lafayette Post said, “Investigations like this take a long time to complete because of their complexity and the large amount of documents to reconcile and review.

In the end, the time is worth it to protect the public funds and hopefully prevent this sort of event for happening again.”

He was released when bond was posted. An initial court appearance is set for December 15, 2009 in the Fountain Circuit Court in Covington.

A Kosciusko County sheriff’s deputy died in the line of duty Thursday after his squad car collided with a truck.

Sgt. Jeffery B. Shaw was in a department squad car when it collided with the GMC flatbed truck about 2:45 p.m. on Indiana 14 west of Kosciusko County Road 100 East, said Sgt. Trent Smith, an Indiana State Police spokesman.

The circumstances of the crash, about four miles east of Silver Lake, were not available Thursday evening.

Shaw was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw, where he died, police said.

The driver of the truck, 53-year-old Steven L. Byerly of Fort Wayne sustained minor injuries.

He spent four years working in the work release division before being hired as a deputy in 1998.

St. Joseph County – Early Tuesday morning, November 10, members of the Indiana State Police Marijuana Eradication Team served a search warrant at 51209 South 25^th Street, in South Bend. Troopers conducting the investigation on the occupant of the residence secured a search warrant based on information they gathered over several weeks.

Troopers from the Bremen Post recovered approximately 90 live plants, drug paraphernalia, cash, and grow equipment at the home. A line of ventilating fans placed along the basement stairs guided officers to the plants located in two basement rooms. The marijuana was growing in five gallon buckets as an automated high intensity light moved along a track above them. The marijuana plants were found in all stages of growth and each mature plant can have a street value of $1,500.

Dawn Dubin, 49, of South Bend was home when the warrant was served. Dubin was arrested on several felony charges and taken to the St. Joseph County Jail where she is being held on bond.

Eradication Team Leader, Trooper Brian Hoffman, would like to remind the public to continue to report suspicious activity to the Indiana State Police Marijuana Eradication Tip Line at 888-873-1694. “The tip line continues to be a valuable asset in the fight against indoor and outdoor marijuana growing operations,” Hoffman added.

Arrested & Charges: Dawn Dubin, 49, 51209 S. 25^th St., South Bend, Indiana

GARY, INDIANA---As a former Indiana state trooper, deputy prosecutor and as Lake County sheriff, I have spent my career championing public safety and security.

I am grateful I have had the opportunity to oversee a jail that is a professionally run facility, needed to incarcerate those who commit violent acts against others or who pose a danger to society.

I believe we need to continue measures that reduce the cost of operating one of Indiana's largest jail facilities, without sacrificing public safety.

The recently announced book and release program is an opportunity to reduce the operating cost of the jail, as well as to avoid the significant cost of expanding the jail facility. The program also recognizes that these are individuals who have not been convicted of a crime, but instead have been charged with nonviolent disobedience of law. Those charged will still have to appear in court to answer the charges. The book and release proposal is supported by members of the judiciary, the County Jail Oversight Committee and the Lake County Prosecutor's Office.

The present practice of incarcerating those charged with allegedly perpetrating a nonviolent offense is an unnecessary financial burden on county taxpayers. In fact, the county spends more than $1 million annually holding those who have been charged with committing offenses such as conversion, shoplifting, check deception or traffic-related incidences.

When a person is incarcerated, we must provide him or her with housing and meals. Case in point is the young pregnant mother or the elderly person who is a nonviolent offender. By law, we must provide free medical treatment to those who are incarcerated. All of these costs are assumed by the taxpayer -- costs that continue to rise. Let me be clear, those who are arrested and charged with violent crimes will go to jail and suffer the full consequences for their actions.

Unfortunately, due to hard economic times, criminal activity is on the rise, and an increased jail population also generates a significant potential financial burden on the county when it can least afford another major expense.

The county jail is already at capacity, and if we do not take measures to reduce inmate population, Lake County could face new construction costs to expand the facility in the very near future. In fact, the cost of such an expansion is estimated at more than $60 million.

Upon a judge's order, the use of electronic GPS monitoring devises will keep offenders of a nonviolent crimes at home. This will reduce the cost of jail operations and result in improved efficiency. It may also keep those individuals from being indoctrinated into more serious criminal activity by keeping them out of jail and away from those who should be in jail and kept at bay from society.

The proposed book and release program allows the county to process those who are charged with nonviolent actions, and incarcerating those who pose a danger to others. The book and release program is working well in other jurisdictions. Failing to fully implement this innovative approach -- which is a decision of the county's judiciary -- will burden county taxpayers with unnecessary cost.

Roy Dominguez started his initial employment at Inland Steel where he worked as an apprentice millwright in Local 1010.

In 1976, Roy enrolled at the Indiana State Police Academy. A year later Roy Dominguez graduated first in his class and won the prestigious Donald Flint Award for outstanding cadet.

As an Indiana State Trooper he attended night classes at Indiana University Northwest and earned a BA in sociology. Dominguez enrolled in Valparaiso University School of Law.

Once Dominguez received the law degree he joined the Lake County prosecutor's office in 1982 and was named Deputy Director of the Child Support program. He cracked down on dead-beat parents and increased child support collections 300%, from $3 million to $9 million.

In 1989 Governor Evan Bayh appointed Roy as chairman of the state Workers' Compensation Board. Under Roy's leadership, the Worker's Compensation Board was modernized and outdated workers' comp. laws were overhauled for the first time in 62 years.

Roy has served as legal council to many municipalities and boards.

On January 1, 2003 Dominguez assumed the Office of Lake County Sheriff.

Trine University School of Professional Studies has new criminal justice director

ANGOLA, INDIANA---Carl J. Lafata has joined the Trine University School of Professional Studies (SPS) as director of criminal justice programs.

<<<Carl J. Lafata is joining Trine after more than a decade of service with the Michigan State Police, most recently serving as departmental research analyst.

He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice from Western Michigan University, a Master’s Degree in criminal justice administration from Oklahoma City University and a doctoral degree in sociology with concentration in criminology and social psychology from Western Michigan University.

His doctoral dissertation examined the effects of post-secondary education on state troopers’ job performance and attitudes.

In addition to his experience in law enforcement, Lafata has extensive teaching experience at Michigan higher education institutions, including Kellogg Community College, Western Michigan and Michigan State University.

“We are pleased to welcome a talented educator with equally impressive work experience to Trine SPS as director of criminal justice programs,” said Brad Grubb, Trine SPS dean.

“We look forward to enhancing the education of criminal justice students with Dr. Lafata’s expertise.”

Trine SPS has campuses in Angola, Fort Wayne, Merrillville and South Bend-Mishawaka. The SPS offers a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice at all campuses and a master of science in criminal justice at Trine-Fort Wayne and Trine-Merrillville.

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA---Nearly 14 years ago, Erick Riddle found himself in the middle of Interstate 69 on a cold, snowy December night telling a man his wife had just died in a two-vehicle crash.

Riddle had offered to fill in for a fire department chaplain in Fishers. But he never thought he would actually be called to tell someone such heartbreaking news.

He was not fully prepared to talk to this man and asked God to give him the right words of comfort. But the time and place that a death happens can’t be predicted, nor can the reaction from surviving family members, he said.

Each time he tells families their loved ones have died, Riddle prepares himself the way in which he’s most familiar.

Riddle is the coordinator of the Fort Wayne Police Department’s chaplaincy program. The volunteer program has been in existence for about 10 years, Police Chief Rusty York said, having grown tremendously during that time and influencing how death notifications are made.

Death notifications affect those delivering the news nearly as much as the families experiencing loss. And as chaplaincy programs have grown, so has the amount of support these volunteers give police officers.

Chaplains are more than volunteers, York said, they are part of the police family.

Before the chaplaincy program began, officers often delivered the news to families solo. With chaplains, a police officer and sometimes a victim advocate, there now is more of a support system for grieving families.

The police department’s six chaplains come from various racial and spiritual backgrounds, are on a weekly rotation and deliver, on average, three to five death notifications a year each . Those notifications involve homicides, crashes and deaths from natural causes, said Riddle, who also pastors Christ’s Hope Ministries & Church on Fort Wayne’s north side.

When chaplains get to the location, they talk to police and decide who is going to deliver the news. The chaplains go to the family’s home in person. The news is never delivered by phone.

Chaplains are encouraged to stay with a grieving person until other family members arrive. Listening is a large part of what they provide. Grieving people will often want to tell stories about their loved ones and remember what they loved most about the person, Riddle said.

Pastor Phil Schamehorn, of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ligonier, has been a Fort Wayne police chaplain for about three years and describes his experience as “eye-opening.” But prayer calms Schamehorn, he said, and it’s his love of people that keeps him coming back time and again.

Each family is given a booklet detailing the grieving process, how to prepare for a funeral and who to contact if they need help. During such a traumatic time it can be difficult for families to know what to do next, said officer Michael Joyner, police spokesman. Occasionally, someone will help that person make those difficult phone calls, Joyner added.

“I can’t make it any easier for them, but I could make it harder,” Riddle said. “I try to be caring and compassionate to help people through an absolutely horrible time.”

Chaplains aren’t the only ones who make the notifications. Police supervisors and deputy coroners do this difficult yet necessary job.

Fort Wayne police Sgt. Michael Burris works full time as a crime-scene supervisor and part time as a deputy coroner.

As a crime-scene technician, Burris collects forensic evidence and takes photos at homicides, suicides, deadly crashes and bank robberies. As a deputy coroner, Burris is usually called to do natural-death notifications, which have averaged one a year since 2001.

Although Riddle remembers the date, sights and sounds of his first death notification in 1995, Burris does not hold onto that memory.

“I learned a long time ago it’s best to let a lot of this go or else you’d be carrying around a lot,” he said. “It’s probably the worst job out there.”

Although officers often have sincere concern for families experiencing trauma, they must distance themselves emotionally, say the people who do this job.

“You can never shake it,” Joyner said. “It’s the loneliest walk you can ever do.”

On top of that, people react differently to hearing the news. They might experience a range of emotions including sadness, anger and denial. Notifying someone of the death of a loved one resulting from a homicide is often the most difficult, Riddle said.

“The sense of violation is increased, and the anger is multiplied,” he said.

Riddle said his motivation for chaplaincy comes from wanting to serve officers. He spends about 20 hours a month riding in a patrol car and building officers’ trust.

During a ride-along an officer might talk about job stress, family problems and spiritual issues, York said.

“They are going to somebody they consider part of the police family – somebody that is solely there to help,” he said.

Just as important as making the notification, those who deliver it must rely on one another for support, said the Rev. Chuck Lorrain, executive director of the International Conference of Police Chaplains, from which Fort Wayne chaplains receive training on a monthly basis.

“There’s a lot of heartbreak, because the highs are high and the lows are low,” Lorrain said. “We are not immune from the stress.”

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA---A suspect in a South Bend rape that's set the community on edge is in the St. Joseph County Jail this morning, following an arrest Wednesday night after he was pulled over by police.

<<<The suspect, 24-year-old Anthony Frick, of Granger, was driving along Capital Avenue about 8:30 p.m. when St. Joseph County's domestic violence incident team asked for assistance with the traffic stop.

Frick was taken into custody without incident, according to Sgt. Bill Redman of the St. Joseph County Police.

He faces preliminary charges that include rape, sexual deviant conduct, burglary and robbery, Redman said.

Police think this is the man who posed as an Indiana State Police officer early Tuesday, and told a 67-year-old woman living near Indiana University South Bend that he needed to speak with her about something going on in the neighborhood.

When she opened the door, the man forced his way in and raped her, police said. He was not dressed as a police officer.

The Indiana State Police Post held its annual inspection of personnel and equipment today at the Indianapolis Post. Commanders inspected the appearance, commission and equipment of 70 officers ranging in rank from trooper to lieutenant. The inspections are held once every year at all 18 state police districts.

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 has a rich history in providing the best law enforcement service possible to the citizens of Indiana. In doing this, the department holds the individual officer responsible for the utmost cleanliness and care of all issued equipment.

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA---A 67-year-old woman was raped in her home by a man posing as an Indiana state police officer early Tuesday, police said.

Police are still searching for the attacker, who they said could be a serial rapist.

The man went to the woman’s home, near Indiana University South Bend, around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The man told the woman he was a state police officer when she asked who he was through the door.

“He told her there was something going on in the neighborhood and that he needed to speak to her,” said Sgt. Anne Schellinger of South Bend police.

When she opened the door, the man forced his way in and raped her, police said. He was not dressed as a police officer.

She was not seriously injured, but she could not provide a description of the rapist, police said.

“He had one thing in mind when he came to her house — to rape this woman,” Schellinger said. The attacker did not steal anything from the residence, police said.

Just thought I would let you know that I went back to the Oncologist today and we feel like we finally got some good news. The path reports were sent to Mayo Clinic, the report was received back this morning and disagreed with the Marion Pathologist finding, in that, the cancer was in a Lymph Node. Last week we were told that the cancer was in the Mesentery lining.. Today with the new info, the Oncologist stated that this changed the urgency, all of my test from the CT and Blood test came back negative for any cancer. Great News. Power of prayer, although I know God knows the final outcome of what I’m going through, I have had so many people that has told me that they and their churches are praying for me, The good news we found out today, should make all believe. Brian

Lt. Tackett advised me that retired ISP detective, Brian Buroker, has some serious issues with cancer. I spoke with Brian’s supervisor, Tom Rubesha, who confirmed it. Brian’s address is 4730 S./700W., Swayzee IN. 46986. I am sure he would appreciate hearing from his ISP brothers and sisters. Also, in the future if you hear of someone in distress please let me know.

The Indiana State Police Post held its annual inspection of personnel and equipment today at the Putnamville Post. Commanders inspected the appearance, commission and equipment of forty six officers ranging in rank from trooper to lieutenant. The inspections are held once every year at all 18 state police districts.

“The results of this inspection are a direct result of the pride and dedication that is instilled into each trooper, starting at recruit school”, commented Lieutenant Dan Jones, Commander of the Putnamville District.

The Grigg’s are proud parents of a new baby girl named Falon. She was born October 20^th at 8:37pm at the IU medical center in Indianapolis. She is 19” and weighs 4lb, 14oz and was 3-4 weeks early. Baby and parents are doing well and they should be going home today. Please call and congratulate Chris and Nichol.

The Indiana State Police remind motorists of Indiana’s abandoned vehicle law which changed July 1, 2009. When troopers locate an unattended motor vehicle on interstates, U.S. highways, state highways, county roads or city streets the trooper will place an orange tag on the unoccupied vehicle. The tag contains the license plate number of the vehicle, the date and time the tag was placed on the vehicle. The trooper will also notify the affected state police district of the vehicle description and road the vehicle was abandoned on. That information will be documented by the district.

Many times a vehicle may be abandoned or left unattended because of mechanical problems. During hunting season, troopers see an increase of unattended vehicles parked on the public road right-of-way. The trooper can only assume the vehicle is abandoned and follows the procedures as previously stated. In all cases, the trooper checks the vehicle for occupants, particularly in the winter.

Hunters should park their vehicle on private property, with the property owner’s permission. The law requires that abandoned vehicles located on public roads be removed within 24 hours, and 48 hours on private property without the consent of the property owner. Additionally, if a vehicle is located on a roadway in such a manner that constitutes a hazard or obstruction to the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a public right-of-way, the vehicle will be removed immediately. There are other situations that a vehicle will be removed such as, expired or no registration plates, or the vehicle is reported stolen and abandoned.

If the vehicle is not removed, the law requires a law enforcement officer to have the vehicle towed. This will be at the vehicle owner’s expense. The following are the Indiana laws that apply to abandoned vehicles:

IC 9-13-2-1
Abandoned vehicle
     Sec. 1. "Abandoned vehicle" means the following:
        (1) A vehicle located on public property illegally.
        (2) A vehicle left on public property without being moved for twenty-four (24) hours.
        (3) A vehicle located on public property in such a manner as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a public right-of-way.
        (4) A vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of that property for more than forty-eight (48) hours.
        (5) A vehicle from which the engine, transmission, or differential has been removed or that is otherwise partially dismantled or inoperable and left on public property.
        (6) A vehicle that has been removed by a towing service or public agency upon request of an officer enforcing a statute or an ordinance other than this chapter if the impounded vehicle is not claimed or redeemed by the owner or the owner's agent within twenty (20) days after the vehicle's removal.
        (7) A vehicle that is at least three (3) model years old, is mechanically inoperable, and is left on private property continuously in a location visible from public property for more than twenty (20) days. For purposes of this subdivision, a vehicle covered by a tarpaulin or other plastic, vinyl, rubber, cloth, or textile covering is considered to be visible.

IC 9-21-16-3
Removal of vehicle from traveled portion of highway
     Sec. 3. Whenever a police officer finds a vehicle standing upon a highway in violation of this chapter, the officer may require the person driving the vehicle or other person in charge of the vehicle to move the vehicle to a position off the paved, improved, or main traveled part of the highway. If:
        (1) a person directed by an officer fails or refuses to move the vehicle; or
        (2) the vehicle is unattended;
the officer may provide for the removal of the vehicle to the nearest available garage or other place of safety.

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA---The Indiana State Police were notified Monday that Probationary Officer Elton D. Jones, 28 of Valparaiso, IN was arrested in the Lansing, Michigan area for allegedly being involved in criminal activity.

Based on this preliminary information P.O. Jones was placed on administrative leave without pay pending further developments in the active investigation of the Lansing, Michigan Police Department.

Earlier Tuesday afternoon the Indiana State Police was notified the following charges were filed against Elton Jones: (All Charges Filed in the State of Michigan)

3. Weapons – Felony Firearm (If Convicted, Sentence Term is Two Years Served Consecutive to any other Sentence

As a result of these charges Elton Jones was provided notice of termination of employment from the Indiana State Police.

Elton Jones was appointed to the state police on August 21, 2008. Prior to his termination he was assigned to patrol duties at State Police District 21 in northern Indiana.

The Indiana State Police does not comment on the investigations of other police agencies. Inquiries about the investigation should be directed to the Lansing, Michigan Police Department.

Our praises to the Almighty above. Bob received a call from Dr. Rosario this evening with the news that there is no signs of cancer & no tumors, so far. I'm glad he answered the phone himself so that he could hear the words first & be relieved.

There is a lot of inflammation from previous issues. Don't know what that is yet but he said, "We will be going further. We are going to take things one step at a time until we get some answers."

For right now that is all we have, but it definitely boosted our spirits, a whole lot. Thank you all for your concern & prayers. This is probably far from over but it's enough for now. If we get more news, rest assured you will all be informed as soon as we are able to absorb the news, whatever it may be, good or bad.

Jeremiah L. Dunn, 21, and Jessica Lynn Ward, 23, both of Tipton, along with Brant Michael Barker 27

KOKOMO, INDIANA---Quick work by an off duty Howard County Sheriff Deputy led to the arrest of three burglary suspects early Sunday evening.

Jeremiah L. Dunn, 21, and Jessica Lynn Ward, 23, both of Tipton, along with Brant Michael Barker 27, of Anderson each face a class B felony charge of residential burglary.

Barker also faces a class D felony charge of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle.

The trio is accused of breaking into the David Kelly residence in the 5400 block of W. CR 100 North, shortly before 5:00 p.m. Howard County Sheriff Dispatchers received a cellular 911 call from an alert citizen reporting that he witnessed a possible burglary in progress at the Kelly home, and that he was following a dark colored Dodge van from the scene.

“The citizen observed two male suspects removing a television set and other items from the home. He followed the van from the crime scene, and contacted 911 on his cell phone,” said Sheriff Marty Talbert.

“The suspects recognized that they were being followed and attempted to elude the citizen,” Talbert added. Howard County Sheriff Dispatchers broadcast suspect vehicle information to surrounding law enforcement agencies.

“We had three off duty Sheriff Deputies and two off duty Indiana State Troopers who immediately responded to the northwest side of Howard County to help on duty officers search for the van,” said Talbert. Off duty Deputy Mike Miller observed the van traveling eastbound on Smith Road at Davis Road. The van initially refused to stop for Deputy Miller, but later pulled onto the shoulder. Deputies conducted a felony stop, and discovered a flat panel television set, lap top computer, along with documents and mail taken from the Kelly’s home.

Deputies responding to the residence discovered the front door kicked in, and drawers ransacked. All three suspects were transported to the Howard County Jail where they were questioned by Sheriff’s detectives. The van was impounded and towed to the Howard County Jail for processing. “This is a great example of the value of allowing officers to use their police cars when off duty,” said Talbert.

The Kelly family was not home when the burglary occurred but officers discovered rubber gloves and a roll of duct tape inside the van. The burglary case remains under investigation by the Howard County Sheriff Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Greg Hargrove at (765) 456-2031.

JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA---Firefighters, police officers and military heroes serve their communities daily, and their work has not gone unnoticed.

Saturday they were honored by the Southeast Christian Church Indiana Campus during its inaugural Community Heroes Day celebration.

The event was geared towards children, according to Jarrett Samuels, children’s minister for the church. Kids were able to sit atop fire trucks, talk with cops and peer inside military vehicles that lined the Southeast Christian parking lot off Charlestown-New Albany Pike in Jeffersonville.

“We wrestled with ideas of what we could do to say thanks,” Samuels said. “This is great for kids to stop by and see [the heroes] and see what they do, see them in a positive light.”

Tom Sellmer Sr. recalled how inspirational talking to then Jeffersonville Assistant Fire Chief Buttons Bennett when he was a kid. He still remembers the antique fire trucks he explored with his friends at a now defunct Jeffersonville fire house and how it played a role in shaping his life.

Since 1961, Sellmer has been a firefighter, as he currently serves as a volunteer for the Clarksville Fire Department. Many in his family including his son have followed in his footsteps locally.

“It gets in your blood,” he said of the career. “A little kid will come up to us, want to get in the fire truck, and that’s where it starts.”

And there were plenty of eager children fascinated by the engines on display courtesy of the Clarksville and Jeffersonville fire departments.

Indiana state police troopers took the opportunity to educate children about the need to follow off road vehicle laws and wear seatbelts.

“The best time to get this in their head is when they’re little,” said state trooper Kevin Fisher.

Though the American Red Cross had a booth setup to take blood donations, and police were on hand to discuss safety, Heroes Day seemed to be more about family and fun.

Kids tumbled down slides and laughed as they jumped and played inside inflatable playgrounds. Free hot dogs and popcorn were served and the foyer of the church was open for families to step inside and escape the chill of the unseasonably cool October wind.

The famous Chic-fil-A cow walked between the tables and posed for pictures with little tots as their parents grinned. Not quite 2-years-old, little Conner Hixenbaugh-Yonts wasn’t sure what to make of a cow that walked on two feet and encouraged people to eat more chicken.

At first he looked like he might cry when his mother, Angela Yonts, squeezed him in close to the cow for a snapshot. But then the toddler cracked a smile.

His mother said Conner had been smiling most of the day, as the family came from Louisville to enjoy the event.

“He really liked painting the pumpkin, though he tried to eat some of the paint,” she said.

Heroes Day was not just for Southeast Christian membership, and Samuels said church leadership would love to hold a similar festival next year.

“The turnout has been great,” he said. “It’s been a great way to reach out to families.”

ANDERSON, INDIANA---Hundreds witnessed history Friday as Rudolph R. Pyle III took the oath as Madison County’s first African-American judge.

After he was sworn in as Madison Circuit Court judge by Gov. Mitch Daniels, Pyle, 39, thanked God and his parents while fighting back tears.

“You say you’re not going to do that,” he said, wiping his eyes as he joined the county’s other robed judges. An overflow crowd packed into commissioners’ court, spilling into the lobby outside.

“I am keenly aware that this is not my seat. I don’t own it, you do,” Pyle said. “I’m willing to serve as long as you’ll have me.”

Daniels, who selected fellow Republican Pyle to replace former Judge Fredrick R. Spencer, noted the historic nature of his choice but also said his choice was clear.

“The man we are about to swear in to this office has multiple qualifications,” Daniels said, noting Pyle’s experience as a deputy prosecutor, state trooper and law clerk at the Indiana Court of Appeals.

“Yes, this is historic; yes, something unprecedented is happening,” Daniels said. “That has nothing to do with this choice. ... We have the best person.

“Indiana expects him to not merely be a competent judge, but to be a great judge,” he said.

Daniels said the selection of a new judge is among the toughest decisions a governor must make. “There’s no place for cronyism,” he said.

But Daniels did acknowledge at least one shared interest. A known motorcycle enthusiast, the governor paused while listing Pyle’s heady achievements.

Pyle pledged to focus on 3 Rs from the bench — respect, reliability and results. He led those gathered to chant the mantra and said they were qualities that the county was accustomed to from its judges.

Pyle acknowledged difficulties facing county residents, including foreclosures and unemployment, but he said there were positive things happening locally, including in the courts.

“With all the stresses that go on,” he said, “there’s still a sense of excitement when you look at what’s happening in the judiciary. ... In the past two weeks, you could sense it walking around the courthouse.”

He noted a recent federal stimulus grant of nearly $1 million that will help the courts consolidate and expand problem-solving courts. Drug court, mental-health court and re-entry court are meant to provide alternatives to nonviolent offenders who may benefit more from treatment and social-service intervention than from incarceration.

Pyle also noted that his appointment and Daniels’ previous selection of David Happe to fill a vacancy in Superior Court 4 placed on the bench two judges under age 40.

After he was sworn in, Pyle was greeted by lines of well-wishers who streamed into Circuit Court.

“We’re very, very, very proud of him, but I’m not surprised,” said Jean Morehead, a family friend who was the director of multicultural affairs at Anderson University when Pyle was an undergraduate student there.

Morehead noted that Pyle had been the first African-American student government president. “I’m not surprised by his success today.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Anderson, called Pyle “A man of integrity, a man of character and a man of accomplishment.

“It’s also a historic milestone,” he said. “It’s a cause for celebration in Madison County and all over Indiana.”

Rudolph “Rudy” R. Pyle III is the first African-American judge in Madison County. Here’s a look at the new judge of Madison Circuit Court:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Anderson University. Law degree from Indiana University. Master’s degree from the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Va.

Professional: Deputy Madison County prosecutor since 2004; in private practice in 2006. Indiana State Trooper for nearly four years. Served as law clerk for Indiana Court of Appeals. Adjunct professor at AU.

I am seeking information from back in the day when we carried S&W's, with the exception of Bob Conley, when we went to a shoot at Putnammville some of the guys were using a Smith semi automatic that would fire wad cutters.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Beth Sutor at bsutor@dhs.IN.gov or 317.232.1402 or Nancy Morris nmorris@dhs.in.gov or 317-232-3837

Your Preparedness makes the difference. Go to www.in.gov/dhs and Get Prepared!

As most of you know, our ITA Administrative Assistant Deb Deuter-Speidell and her husband, Randy and daughter, Madeline were in a serious auto accident in January of this year. Randy was critically injured and is still recovering from his injuries. As you can imagine, his medical bills are extremely high and he is unable to work. Chick-Fil-A of Glenbrook Mall has offered to donate 10% of their sales to Randy to assist with his medical expenses. Here are the details:

BICKNELL, INDIANA---Wednesday morning Indiana State Police arrested Bicknell City Judge Andrew Moreland, 45, and his wife, Cindy Moreland, 38, after an investigation revealed they allegedly stole money from the Bicknell City Court.

<<<Andrew and Cindy Moreland were arrested after they turned themselves in at the Knox County Jail.

An investigator with the Indiana State Board of Accounts conducted an audit after receiving information that money was missing from the court’s account.

Indiana State Police discovered nearly $21,000 worth of traffic ticket fines and other fees were allegedly stolen from the court’s account during 2008 and 2009.

Should these men have been allowed to carry a gun?

By Mark Alesia, Heather Gillers, Tim Evans and Mark Nichols
mark.alesia@indystar.com

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---One Indiana man pressed the barrel of a loaded handgun into the chest of a woman holding her 1-year-old son.

Another's handgun was confiscated by police three times -- twice for shooting in public. A third man was arrested for allegedly dealing crack cocaine and later was accused of beating his girlfriend.

But it's not merely those actions that concern law enforcement officials and others on both sides of the polarizing handgun debate. It's what happened next.

In each of these three cases, the person later applied for a permit to carry a handgun in public. And in all of these cases -- and hundreds of other questionable ones uncovered by The Indianapolis Star -- the Indiana State Police granted that request, often over the objections of the local police department and even though, in some cases, it appears the State Police had a legal obligation to deny the permit.

Even worse, many of those people committed subsequent crimes, some with the guns they were legally permitted to carry.

One such person held his wife captive for four days in their home, threatening to shoot her and four children. Another man pressed a gun barrel to the head of his live-in girlfriend, threatening to kill her and leaving "a very noticeable round circle mark." A third man reached toward his gun and threatened to kill police during a domestic-dispute call.

Over the past few months, The Star has examined the gun-permit process, focusing on about 450 permit holders with dubious backgrounds from Marion and Lake counties. Those counties were chosen because they are large ones where records are most accessible electronically.

In broad terms, The Star found a system that breaks down in numerous ways, enabling people with troubled and often violent pasts to legally keep a loaded gun in their waistbands and on their passenger seats.

State law says a person must be of "good character and reputation" to obtain a permit, but the State Police have not denied a request based on that legal requirement since at least the 1980s.

State law says a person should be denied a permit if there is a "reasonable belief that the person has a propensity for violence." However, State Police often are unaware of extensive police and court records involving violent behavior.

State and federal laws prohibit felons from carrying handguns, but State Police grant permits to those convicted of felonies that are treated as misdemeanors under alternative-sentencing plans.

There is a disconnect between state and local police on who is responsible for thoroughly investigating applicants, which results in the State Police often failing to receive pertinent information.

The Star sought comment from Gov. Mitch Daniels but was referred to the State Police.

"I don't think I would characterize it as flawed," said State Police Maj. Doug Shelton, commander of the records division that oversees the permitting process. "Are there things we can improve on? Sure. Absolutely.

The agency is looking into revoking the permits in some of the troubling cases identified by The Star, and State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell acknowledged a need for better communication with local police.

In Indiana, a permit is not necessary to have a firearm at one's home or place of business.

But if a person wants to take a handgun out in public, he or she must apply for a "carry permit." The application is reviewed by local law enforcement, which makes a recommendation to the State Police. The state agency ultimately grants or denies permits.

There are about 300,000 active permits in Indiana. In 2008, State Police decided on 77,429 applications, including renewals. Of those, 1,278 were denied (about 1.6 percent).

No one has illusions that permit denials will keep guns out of the hands of criminals. Permits are intended, however, to provide some restrictions on who can carry handguns in public -- based on past behavior and other factors that could pose a danger to others -- while also allowing law-abiding citizens to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms.

Groups as divergent as the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the National Rifle Association favor "behavioral" restrictions on gun possession.

"The one thing the NRA has always fought for is that every criminal who abuses a firearm, who uses a gun to commit a crime, has gun charges filed," said Andrew Arulanandam, spokesman for the NRA's national office. "They should not be plea bargained or dropped."

The person must be of "good character and reputation," be a "proper person" and, generally, be a U.S. citizen.

"Proper person" was narrowly defined in state law in 1983. It contains 10 disqualifiers, including drug and alcohol abuse -- both of which are specifically defined -- and a conviction showing "an inability to safely handle a handgun."

But what is not defined -- and what seems to give State Police the most leeway to issue denials in the interest of safety -- is the "good character and reputation" clause, which dates to the 1930s.

"They didn't put that in there for nonsense," State Police attorney Jerome Ezell said. "But, boy, who defines that?"

And because it's not defined, State Police admit to instead using the definition of "proper person" to address questions about character and reputation.

"Although the (character and reputation) standard is vague, the legislature deemed it important enough to make it a prerequisite for receiving a license," said Indiana University law Professor Ryan Scott. "The statute not only permits but compels the superintendent to evaluate character and reputation."

Leslie Duvall, a former state senator who co-wrote the 1983 gun law that defined "proper person" but left "good character and reputation" undefined, said legislators intended to leave State Police with discretion in evaluating people for carry permits, and "they should be using it."

But Shelton, the State Police commander, said, "I really had never given it thought . . . because we rely on that 'proper person' definition."

But doing so means some people with extensive criminal histories -- who have been flagged by local police -- get gun permits. People such as Tony Thomas.

Tony Thomas had five misdemeanor convictions, including battery and resisting law enforcement, before receiving his permit in 2006.

Indianapolis police recommended disapproval based on false statements on his application. But State Police allowed Thomas to resubmit the form because his criminal record was not "on its face" a disqualifier under the "proper person" provision.

Seven months later, police said, Thomas held his wife in their house for four days, threatening to kill her and their kids. Police confiscated numerous weapons, including five loaded handguns.

Thomas, who couldn't be reached for comment, later was convicted of domestic battery. Two years after the incident, the state revoked his permit.

Such situations anger Indianapolis police officer Miguel Roa, who said he was on duty last year when his life was threatened by a gun permit holder with a dubious past.

"You can have an extensive criminal history and still have (a permit)," Roa said. "At some point you should say enough is enough."

Bill Owensby, president of the local Fraternal Order of Police, said most officers are staunch defenders of gun rights.

But, he said, "if you've got three or four or five arrests such as battery, even if they're misdemeanors, even if they're just arrests and not convictions, then yes, I think they should invoke ('good character and reputation')."

But Arulanandam, the NRA spokesman, worries about putting too much stock in a vague requirement for good character and reputation.

"Our concern would be if that stipulation is being exploited to deny people their permits," he said. "To the best of my knowledge, I don't think that has been a problem so far."

But the question is valid: Without guidance, where would -- where should -- the State Police draw the line?

For example, is a person convicted of receiving stolen property or gambling or soliciting a prostitute a person of good character and reputation?

Scott, the IU law professor, said State Police could create an administrative definition of "good character and reputation." A court challenge likely would follow that could provide guidance. Another option: Lawmakers could clarify the meaning.

State Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said the recommendations of local police should weigh heavily.

"They should have some authority to say, 'I don't want to forward this application on' for whatever reason," he said. "By virtue of them being closer to the community, they know this person is not of sound character, but the State Police wouldn't know because they are so far removed."

Even the brother of one man who got a permit despite two battery convictions -- police report he twice struck women in the face -- questions the decision by State Police.

"I'd probably say no," Lawrence Oats, 59, Indianapolis, said when asked if he thought his brother, David Oats, should have a permit. "He might get mad and try to hurt somebody."

Using the "good character and reputation" requirement might be one way to get at another potential problem: Sometimes a felony conviction is not really a felony conviction, allowing the offender to get a permit to carry a gun.

William Gammon, the man accused of threatening to kill police officer Roa, had five misdemeanor convictions, including two for disorderly conduct, and in 1998 he was convicted of a felony charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. But that felony was reduced to a misdemeanor.

Last year, Gammon's girlfriend called police to report that he was drunk and banging on her door. When Roa arrived, Gammon said he had a gun in his jacket pocket -- and a "(expletive) gun permit," according to the police report. Gammon reached toward his pocket and, the report said, threatened to kill Roa and another officer.

The police report said, "I believe this to be a safety issue towards police and the public and would strongly advise to invalidate his gun permit."

Gammon, who denies threatening Roa, contested revocation of his permit in a hearing last month. He told The Star, "Every time you get in the littlest trouble -- 'Oh, he doesn't deserve to carry a gun.' " A decision is pending.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Michael Spears said legislators should reconsider alternative misdemeanor sentencing as it relates to gun permits. Just because a felony conviction was later reduced, he said, "doesn't mean it didn't occur."

But misdemeanor convictions can be a strong predictor of future violence. Research by Dr. Garen Wintemute, an emergency room physician and director of the Violence Policy Research Program at the University of California-Davis, found that "handgun purchasers with just one prior misdemeanor conviction -- and no convictions for offenses involving firearms or violence -- were nearly five times as likely as those with no prior criminal history to be charged with new offenses involving firearms or violence."

The Star's investigation also found examples where applicants seemed to violate another provision that would disqualify them: that they not have a "propensity for violence."

Brandon Kennedy had misdemeanor convictions for battery, criminal confinement, criminal trespass and public intoxication. Moreover, police documented two incidents in which he fired his gun in the air in public: in 2004 in a White Castle drive-through lane at 4 a.m., and a year later at the scene of another shooting.

Local police recommended against granting the permit. But State Police granted it.

The issue wasn't State Police reluctance to determine good character or that they thought Kennedy didn't have a propensity for violence. They granted the permit because, while local police knew of these incidents -- and The Star was able to discover them -- State Police never knew.

There is no comprehensive, centralized law enforcement information available to provide more than just a list of charges and dispositions on an applicant. So the details in police reports that might raise character issues or show a propensity for violence are not known to State Police unless local police provide them or the State Police dig them up.

In interviews with Indianapolis police and State Police officials, each department seemed to expect the other to initiate the exchange. And the State Police said they consider IMPD among the best agencies in the state on gun-permit issues.

Whitesell, the State Police superintendent, said his agency asks local police agencies for reports, but IMPD Deputy Chief Bryan Roach said he had never heard that request. Roach didn't know reports could be considered as part of an application.

Indeed, said State Police spokesman Lt. Jerry Berkey, local agencies rarely forward police reports to the state.

Whitesell is aware of the disconnect. He is developing a handbook to help local police identify information State Police should use in deciding permit requests.

In the case of Kennedy, who twice fired a gun in the air in public, State Police attorney Ezell said, "That would be one we would be very interested in."

Jim Tomes, Evansville, director of the pro-gun rights 2nd Amendment Patriots, generally opposes any licensing requirements. But if they're going to exist, he said, people such as Kennedy should be excluded.

"My concern is why the Indiana State Police would allow that guy to get a handgun license," Tomes said.

Kennedy, who disputed the White Castle incident but admitted to firing his gun at the scene of the shooting, says he is responsible enough to carry a gun. Asked why, he pointed out that even the State Police seem to have confidence in him.

"The (IMPD) already told me, 'No, you shouldn't be able to get it,' " he said. "But the State Police say 'yes.' State has the final say-so."

The Star examined more than 900,000 records for this project but focused primarily on two large counties -- Marion and Lake -- where local law enforcement issue their recommendations for approval and disapproval electronically and where comprehensive criminal histories are more accessible.

We further focused on three groups of permit holders: those who appeared to have felony convictions; those in which local law enforcement had recommended their permit be denied; and those who had their permits later revoked.

But our research was limited. For example, local law enforcement only recently began issuing permit recommendations electronically -- and only in select counties.

Still, even when looking at only Marion and Lake counties -- and only for a one-year period covering parts of 2008 and 2009 -- we found 456 permit applications in which local police recommended disapproval but the Indiana State Police granted the permit.

From there, we investigated cases using court records and public access terminals to look at police reports.

Who's carrying?

Following the letter of the law

The Indiana State Police superintendent is responsible for issuing permits allowing Hoosiers to carry handguns in most places outside their homes and fixed places of work.

Indiana offers four-year and lifetime permits. It is the only state in the U.S. to offer a lifetime permit.

As of Aug. 20, there were 321,195 Hoosiers -- or about one in 14 residents 18 years or older -- with a carry permit.

Under Indiana law, the State Police superintendent must issue a permit to an applicant unless the agency can prove the person does not qualify under specific terms. Among factors that could prohibit a person from obtaining a permit are:

A conviction for resisting law enforcement within five years of application.

A conviction for a felony.

A conviction for a crime of domestic violence, unless a court has restored the person's right to possess a firearm.

A conviction for any crime involving an inability to safely handle a handgun.

Evidence that would cause a reasonable belief that a person has a propensity for violent or emotionally unstable conduct.

To obtain a permit, a person must apply to the local police department or, if they do not live in an area covered by a municipal police agency, the county sheriff. Applications also can be filed online.

The local department must verify the applicant's personal information, whether the applicant previously has held an Indiana license to carry a handgun and whether that license has ever been suspended or revoked. The department also must conduct an investigation into the applicant's official criminal history, if there is any, and forward that information with a recommendation for approval or disapproval.

State law says "the superintendent may make whatever further investigation the superintendent deems necessary" and shall issue a permit if it appears the applicant has a proper reason for carrying a handgun, is of "good character and reputation," is a proper person to be licensed and is a citizen of the United States or a noncitizen allowed to carry a firearm under federal law.

Who's carrying?

Indiana's permit holders as of Aug. 20:

Gender:

Male: 12.18% of 18-and-older population; one in every 8.21 adult males.

Female: 2.41% of 18-and-older population; one in every 41.4 adult females.

Race:

White: 7.38% of 18-and-older population; one in every 13.56 adults.

Black: 7.14% of 18-and-older population; one in every 14.01 adults.

Asian: 2.21% of 18-and-older population; one in every 45.29 adults.

Native American: 2.31% of 18-and-older population; one in every 43.29 adults.

Other: 0.2% of 18-and-older population; one in every 501.51 adults.

Sources: Indiana statutes, Indiana State Police, Star reporting

Ok, I know this is news to some & just an update for others. I'm going to try to put the facts in as I remember them so bear with me on this. I hope I'm not leaving anything out.

About 1 1/2 weeks ago, Bob started feeling really worn out, out of breath & generally not worth a darn. We finally got in to the Dr. & they ordered x-rays & put him on an inhaler to try to expand his lungs for more air. The next day the results from the x-ray showed a mass so they ordered a CT Scan just to be sure it wasn't a cloudy film.

The inhaler caused his throat to close up & he started having trouble swallowing & was strangling when he tried to eat anything. Went back to the Dr. & they took him off the inhaler & he can swallow now but still can't catch his breath right. His whole upper body is numb or tingly to the touch but there is no pain, he says.

Anyway, the x-ray showed a large mass on his right lung. They thought it might just be a cloudy film so then we went for the scan. The scan on Friday showed that, indeed, there was a mass on the upper right lung. Along with that, there were 8-10 lymph nodes enlarged, so they have decided that it may be LYMPHOMA OF THE LUNGS, which isn't the same as full lung cancer and will be easily treated since they are all fairly small. There are 3 that are larger than the rest. One of which is near the Tracheal Tube which may or may not be another cause for the swallowing problem.

So we go to an ONCOLOGIST in Jasper tomorrow (Thursday) for a consultation. Then there will be a biopsy done on the larger lymph nodes or glands. This illness has nothing to do with the Prostate Cancer, since it didn't show up in the liver or bones, which is where it would show if it pertained to the Prostate. So far his PSA is still good. Thank God for small favors.

The Scan also showed Plural swelling, which is pleurisy, but nothing major. Also, Emphysema cells, but this is also normal for this area & has nothing to do with smoking or any other cancers. The Ohio Valley is well known for this illness.

I'm sorry for the mass sending of this notice but it is so much simpler than trying to call everyone to let them know individually.

If you know of anyone who would like this information, please feel free to pass it on.

Bob & Glenda Hunt
107 N. Washington St.
Huntingburg, IN 47542
812-683-3528 Home
413-683-3521 Fax
huntiai@insightbb.com

TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA---The Indiana State Police Post at Terre Haute held its annual inspection of personnel and equipment today at the Riley Fire House.

During the inspection, each officer was inspected for proper grooming and uniform appearance.

Also, all equipment and vehicles issued to the officers were accounted for and inspected.

ISP Sergeant Joe Watts said, "The trooper will receive a score of 1-4, with 4 being the best, and that's what the trooper's strive for is a 4 or a perfect score."

Troopers receiving an unsatisfactory rating must complete the process again until they pass.

ISP says, in recent years, no one from the Terre Haute post has failed this inspection.

RICHMOND, INDIANA---A routine truck inspection by Indiana State Police motor carrier inspectors along Interstate 70 led investigators to more than $250,000 in cash, state police said.

The tractor-trailer was searched by inspectors during a standard weighing near Richmond on Thursday, said Sgt. John Bowling.

A K-9 officer alerted on the cab of the truck, where officials found three bags containing more than $250,000 in bundles, common with drug money, police said.

The truck's driver -- Rajpl Singh, 47, of South Richmond Hill, N.Y. was arrested on a preliminary charge of false informing. He was being held Friday at the Wayne County Jail.

LOGANSPORT, INDIANA---The son of an Indiana State trooper killed in the line of duty by a murder suspect more than 38 years ago has been formally charged in a double homicide in Missouri.

On Wednesday, Cole County Prosecutor Mark Richardson filed six felony counts against 54-year-old David Russell Hosier in the shooting death of his former lover, 45-year-old Angela Gilpin, and her 61-year-old husband, Rodney Gilpin.

<<<David Russell Hosier, the son of the late ISP Detective Glen Hosier, is accused of using a 9mm to gun down the couple in the doorway of Angela’s apartment, located just down the hill from the murder suspect’s residence in Jefferson City.

Hosier was captured some seven hours later and more than 300 miles away after a nationwide all-points bulletin was issued by Missouri authorities for Hosier and his 2000 Pontiac.

Charges include two counts of murder, two counts of armed criminal action and single counts of burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm. If convicted, Hosier faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

Hosier remains in the Cherokee County Jail in Muskogee, Okla. He has “invoked his right to an attorney and refused to make a statement,” according to court records. As of Wednesday, an extradition hearing had yet to be scheduled.

Jefferson City Detective Mark Edwards said in a probable cause affidavit that police not only found numerous loaded weapons, a bulletproof vest and “documentation linking him to Gilpin,” they also reportedly discovered shell casings in Hosier’s vehicle similar to those left at the crime scene.

Court records also indicated that Angela Gilpin had been trying to break off the relationship with Hosier for about two months. Police say they located evidence on Angela that she feared being shot by Hosier.

Hosier reportedly told a neighbor the night before the killings that he intended to “eliminate the problem.”

Court records stated that Angela told her landlord that Hosier had been stalking her and that she needed to move. Hosier actually worked as a maintenance manager for the landlord, who had taken keys to the apartment complex away from Hosier in an attempt to prevent him from gaining access to Angela’s apartment.

The Jefferson City News Tribune reported Wednesday that Angela and Rodney were trying to reconcile.

This is not Hosier’s first encounter with law enforcement. In Indiana during the 1990s, he served six years of an eight-year sentence for battery. In that case, Hosier was accused of holding a woman hostage for several hours while he beat her.

In a motion to modify his sentence after the 1993 conviction, Hosier represented himself. His failed argument to reduce his prison time included the success of his counseling sessions with a behavioral clinician.

“Since the defendant has started these meetings,” his motion read, “he better understands himself and is not likely to ever commit another offense of this nature or of any other nature.”

Hosier, a Logansport High School graduate, was 16 when his father was shot to death in April 1971 by Linde Mallard, a suspect in the murder of a woman whose body had been found at Catholic Cemetery in Peru.

He was shot as he climbed the stairs of a Miami County residence in search of Mallard. She died inside the home as it burned while exchanging gunfire with police.

David Hosier attended the 2001 dedication of the West Market Street Bridge that is now named for his father.

Versailles: A local trooper has been selected as the newest member of the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team (ERT). Trooper Jimmy Wells of the Versailles District will begin his new assignment Thursday, October 1. The Indiana State Police has three full-time Emergency Response Teams; north, central, and south. Members of the ERT, more commonly referred to as SWAT, are highly trained in the use of specialized weapons and tactics and are utilized statewide for hostage situations, barricaded subjects, dignitary protection, high risk warrant services, as well as other special details requiring teamwork and tactical response.

Trooper Wells competed against eight other troopers for two positions on this elite team. As part of the selection process, applicants had to run an obstacle course, go through a “skills” station, two different firearms proficiency phases, and two interviews; one with ERT team members and one with the ERT command staff.

Trooper Wells began his career with the Indiana State Police as a member of the 61^st Indiana State Police Recruit Academy graduating in June, 2001. Upon graduation he was assigned the Versailles District where he has served as a trooper in Ripley County most of his career. During his career Trooper Wells has served as a member of the Tactical Intervention Platoon and served as a detective in the Gaming Enforcement Division on the Argosy Casino.

Trooper Wells is a 1995 graduate of Meade County High School in Kentucky. He attended college at Eastern Kentucky University majoring in Criminal Justice. He resides in the Osgood area with his wife, Shannon and their three children.

Dear Friends, just a note to let you know that Jerry Grant PE1593 is not well.

He has dodged the bullet many times but, this one he can not. The cancer has spread to the kidneys, pancreas and liver. Time is not on our side. I know he would appreciate hearing from all of his old cronies.

Pritch (Larry Prichard PE1139) he really enjoyed the visit in Lynn this Summer, we are so thankful that he did make it to that, and we were not aware how sick he was at that time.

Mick (Mick Carmin PE1053) I understand you are coming in next Tuesday, that will be great, just thought you should be fore warned about his condition. He is very weak, and has lost a great deal of weight. As I said, time is not on our side.

We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and are very thankful for the time we have been given. Our address here is: 55 Ln 140 B, Lk. George Fremont, IN 46737

WHEN – Saturday, September 26th, 2009. Sign in starts at 7a.m.-Tournament starts at 8 a.m. with weigh in at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE – Sign in at Brookville Lake Mounds Recreation Area Beach off of State Road 101 just north of Brookville.

WHY – Tournament is in honor of fallen Trooper Richard Gaston who was killed in the line of duty March 3^rd,1999. Monies from the tournament go to the Richard Gaston Scholarship Fund that has to date provided $102,000 to graduating seniors at Brookville High School to continue their education.

PRIZES – Top Walleye – Crestliner Boat Valued at over $11,500. 2^nd Prize - $500

MEDIA NOTE – For interviews or further information you may contact Diana Koester, with Parkside Marine and More, at 1-765-647-4619, or visit the website

You may be wondering why this lunch reminder is being sent so early. I ask you to PLEASE understand the purpose. I also ask you to understand why this will be an inconvenience to some, but the purpose will overshadow that problem.

We all are aware of the great difficulties that are being faced by our great friend and brother, Jon Deer. He stated the other day that he really missed going to the retirees lunch. Jon will be in Evansville on
Wednesday, the 23rd prior to his next treatment on Thursday the 24th. Dave would be willing to bring Jon up for our regular lunch, but the distance would be too much for him. Therefore, after being informed about a conversation between Dave Deer and Joe Rhodes, we decided to take the lunch to Jon.

We are asking you, for this one time, to please try to attend our regular Fourth Wednesday Lunch which will be held at C J's Pizza Place located inside Willow Bowling Center in Evansville.

We will be getting together at 12:00 Noon (Eastern Time) on September 23. You will find Willow Bowling Center with the following directions:

THANK YOU for your understanding in this change. Again, spread the word to others. Should you be unable to attend, keep Jon in your prayers.

An additional note and request for you to keep Amy Mischler (33 year old daughter of Mike and Erma Mischler) in your prayers. She is home recovering from the series of strokes she suffered while in Chicago. Mike said she is making progress, but still has plenty of rehab work ahead of her.

Indiana State Police E.R.T. Teams Participate in 2009 Indiana S.W.A.T. Challenge

Troopers of the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team (E.R.T.) participated in the 2009 Indiana Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) Challenge held at the Muncie F.O.P. this week.

Sixteen S.W.A.T. teams consisting of officers from state, county, and local law enforcement agencies from Indiana and Illinois participated in the three day competition that began September 16^th and concluded the 18^th. The event was hosted by Sheriff George Sheridan Jr. and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. The S.W.A.T. team events included shooting skills, endurance, officer rescue, and the negotiation of obstacles.

SWAT officers converge on Muncie -- for training

MUNCIE, INDIANA---Patrick Etter, Indiana State Police senior trooper, the statewide SWAT competition is a chance to match up against the best emergency response and special weapons and tactics teams in the state, along with sharing time with good friends.

"It challenges you as a police officer to go beyond ordinary duty," said Etter, who serves with ISP's emergency response team.

The Delaware County sheriff's department is hosting the statewide SWAT competition this week at the local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 87 along Butterfield Road. Sixteen teams from throughout the Hoosier state -- with a combined total of nearly 100 officers -- are competing in a number of events.

Sheriff George Sheridan Jr., who leads the county SWAT team, said officers compete in shooting and physical fitness events at the lodge's shooting range and obstacle course. Sheridan also presides over the state SWAT officers organization.

Most special weapons and tactics teams handle high-risk arrest and search warrants, hostage situations, heavily armed criminals and barricaded suspects. Muncie's SWAT team was called Monday when a Marion man barricaded himself in a garage after threatening a local family with a knife. Jeffrey Rittenhouse, 26, surrendered without incident.

"Every time we go out, we are in danger," said Cpl. Matt Jones of the Hammond Police Department's special weapons and tactics team.

Jones, a Ball State University graduate, said most of Hammond's SWAT calls were on narcotic cases and arrest warrants.

The competition, which continues through Friday, is open to the public and also has vendors selling law enforcement equipment and supplies.

I sent you some photos from the Pioneers Annual Meeting. Noel Houze Jr. won $119.00! Also, there is a great photo of Melissa Patrick, and Amy and Dawn. The Pioneers gave a $1,000 donation to the Trooper Scott Patrick Flag Fund. Theirs is a very noble and honorable undertaking. I hope you can use the photos in the magazine. I also sent you a couple of photos of Daniel Barrett’s headstone. Looking forward to seeing everyone in a couple of weeks.

A lot of familiar faces in the following photos but no names were submitted.

Confirmation on the heart attack--surgery early at 130 am this date was stent emplacement---not open heart as reported--release date in couple of days--THANKS to all for prayers and support

Terry advised his heart attack was the result of 100% blockage of the Left Anterior Descending Artery. He is in Room 5108,
St. Mary's Medical Center, Evansville, IN 47750 - TX 812-485-4000

Lt. Dennis Marshall, Evansville District reports that retired Sgt. Terry Hedges suffered a heart attack and had heart surgery this morning at St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville (switchboard tx: 812-485-4000).

As of 1155 hours this date, St. Mary's personnel reports Terry had open heart surgery and is still in recovery.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---Despite a recent string of violent attacks on Indiana State Police troopers, the agency said outfitting its force with Tasers would be too much of a liability.

A man scuffled with a trooper on Indianapolis' south side Monday night, while, last month, a trooper was attacked as she tried to arrest a man suspected of driving under the influence.

In May, an ISP trooper couldn't subdue a suspect until a local police officer shocked him with his department-issued Taser.

In the Midwest, only Indiana and Illinois state police departments do not issue Tasers, while those in Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky do.

ISP does provide its SWAT officers with Tasers, but not all troopers. Sgt. Dave Bursten said the device is just another weapon that could be turned against them in an altercation.

"We don't feel that that's one more piece of liability we need to bring to everybody on the department," he said.

Seven other law enforcement agencies in central Indiana provide officers with Tasers as an alternative to deadly force.

Indianapolis police Lt. Jeff Duhamell said he believes the device can help save officers' lives.

The ISP is considering outfitting Capitol Police with Tasers, but even with more funding, Bursten said adding them to the belts of troopers would need further review.

Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Logansport Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com

Mile of US31 highway being named for trooper

ROCHESTER, INDIANA---A section of U.S. 31 in northern Indiana will be dedicated for a state trooper killed in a nearby crash last year.

Road signs reading "Trooper Daniel Barrett Memorial Mile" will be unveiled during the Saturday morning ceremony at the Fulton County Museum north of Rochester.

State police say Barrett's parents and state and local police officers are among those who will participate in the ceremony.

Authorities believe Barrett was trying to catch a speeding vehicle on Jan. 27, 2008, when his cruiser left U.S. 31 about 30 miles south of South Bend and struck a tree, killing him instantly.

The 25-year-old who grew up in Logansport had been a trooper for six months.

The Public Information Office previously located at GHQ moved to the Indiana State Police Museum on August 27, 2009. Please note the telephone numbers listed below. There is one telephone number that would have been utilized for Allyson Taber which now shows vacant. Ms. .Taber has left our agency to attend school.

In addition, Logo sales are expected to begin on 9/8/09. Logo items will only be sold at the museum.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---Today, at approximately 5:48 p.m., a fugitive being sought for assaulting an Indiana State Trooper turned himself in to authorities.

On August 17, 2009 at 12:22 a.m. Indiana State Trooper Ginger Marshall initiated a traffic stop on a suspected drunk driver near Winchester and Xenia streets on the south side of Marion County. Upon stopping the 2005 white Toyota a white male later positively identified by Trooper Marshall as Michael L. Kessler, 48, Columbus fled on foot east bound on Stop 11 road.

Trooper Marshall chased Kessler on foot and tripped him and was able to get one handcuff on his right arm. Kessler proceeded to swing around and strike Trooper Marshall in the head with a closed fist. Trooper Marshall then maced the suspect at which time he got on top of Trooper Marshall and began to choke her and strike her again with a closed fist before he fled on foot. Trooper Marshall sustained a cut to her hand and head pain. She was not hospitalized.

Since the incident, Indiana State Police have been in constant contact with family members and known associates of Kessler attempting to locate him. Sergeant Ryan Harmon, a detective with the Indiana State Police whom is currently assigned to the U.S. Marshall’s Task Force, spent days working closely with Kessler’s family in hopes they would reach out to Kessler for a peaceful surrender. On Friday, August 28, 2009, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Sergeant Harmon was contacted by Michael Kessler’s son, Brandon. Brandon negotiated a deal with Sergeant Harmon where as Michael Kessler would voluntarily surrender himself to authorities on today’s date. Today, at approximately 5:48 p.m. Michael Kessler turned himself in at the Marion County Arrestee Processing Center where he is currently being held without bond due to a parole violation.

Assisting Agencies: Marion County Sheriff’s Department and U.S. Marshall’s Task Force

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS---Amy Mischler - 33 year old daughter of Mike Mischler and sister to Matt Mischler - has suffered a stroke. She was participating in a Triathalon in Chicago. After the event, she suffered this stroke. An E.R. Doctor that was involved in the race or there for the event was close by and started treating her right away. He stayed with her until the emergency personnel arrived and transported her to a trauma hospital about thirty minutes away.

Mike Mischler provided the following update on his daughter's condition:

Today they attempted to get Amy up - her right leg did not want to cooperate.

Early attempts to have her use index finger to make contact with their index finger was not close.

Later attempts at the index finger test was marked improvement (finger to finger) (finger to nose)

Later in the day she was able to slightly lift her right arm and leg.

She is breathing on her own.

There is more feeling coming back - even in her right cheek.

They are putting her on some form of medication.

She will remain where she is for about four (4) days so they can closely watch how the medication is working.

After the four days, she will go to a re-hab center.

That's about all Mike was able to fill us in on at this time.

A few weeks ago, at the Osgood Museum, I came across an early photo (probably 1932) of

He's the one I mention in the "PE 248 A Moment In Time" opener filling his cycle at my uncle's

Nickname in Osgood - "Hot John" - given to him by my Uncle, Henry Humphrey, who I believe took this photo.

ANGOLA, INDIANA---Recently, the Indiana Troopers Association was honored to host the Indiana Cops Cycling for C.O.P.S. Team as they visited our town.

Each year, the bicycle team travels approximately 900 miles around the perimeter of our great state in memory of law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.

During their 13 day trek, they make overnight stops at 12 cities, meeting with family members of officers who have died in the line of duty. Angola was fortunate to be one of those stops on their 2009 tour.

They loved Angola!!! Compliments from the 23 cyclists and their support team were plentiful as they visited Steuben County on July 29.

While they were escorted by area Indiana State Police officers, they were met at the Steuben County line by our Steuben County Sheriff’s Department. Thank you, Sheriff Lewis, Chief Deputy Kevin Kane and your Deputies!

As the team approached the Angola City Limits, they were met by Angola City Police Officers — some even joined in the cycle ride with the team. Thank you, Asst. Chief Stu Hamblen and your Officers!

Traffic was halted as the ride made their traditional circle around our memorial monument and headed west to their overnight destination, the new dorms at Trine University. Thank you, Dr. Earl Brooks, Mike Bock and Tammy Bowen!

A delicious group dinner was prepared by the capable staff of Sutton’s Deli and served to the team members and invited guests. Honorees for the dinner were the surviving family members of the 5 fallen law enforcement officers from our area.

They included the families of: Avilla Town Marshall William Miner, Ft. Wayne Officer Kenny Stiverson, Indiana State Police Master Trooper David Deuter, Lawrence City Officer Craig Herbert and Monroe County Deputy Sarah Haylett-Jones. All have families who live in or very close to Steuben County. Angola Mayor Dick Hickman welcomed the team and survivors with a heartfelt message prior to dinner, followed by team members reading memorials to each of the five area fallen officers.

Following dinner, many memories, tears and hugs were shared with all who attended. As team members gathered for a group photograph with the survivors, they chose the beautiful Soldier’s Monument in the circle as a backdrop — a perfect fit — a memorial to soldiers and a memorial for law enforcement officers. All gave their lives for our freedom and safety. Many complimented the beautiful flowers and the perfectly manicured monument circle area. Thank you Angola Garden Club and City of Angola!

As the group departed for rest at Trine, several decided to enjoy the beautiful summer evening and took a leisurely walk around the downtown area to West Maumee, meandering through the beautiful Trine Campus.

The team rode into town at 6 a.m. on Thursday morning and was treated to a bountiful continental breakfast at Sutton’s Deli. A few cyclists needed minor repairs or replacement parts for their bikes and special thanks goes to Bob Crankshaw for opening his cycle shop early to accommodate their needs. At 7a.m , the team, escorted by city, county and state officers departed our town and county to continue their memorial ride.

We cannot fail to mention the excellent media coverage that we received both prior to, during, and after the team visited our town. The Herald Republican and WLKI were great to work with and helped to share the team’s story with their audiences.

Thank you to everyone who joined the ITA team and helped us show Steuben County hospitality at its best to the team and surviving families. You made us very proud to call Angola and Steuben County our “corporate home.”

PLAINFIELD, INDIANA---Two men killed during a bike ride honoring fallen officers were remembered across the state Saturday.

Indiana State Police Lt. Gary Dudley and retired Lake County Sheriff's Department Chief of Police Gary Martin were killed on August 22, 2006 while cycling in a memorial ride themselves for fallen officers.

"I miss him with every breath and will always love him," said Dudley's widow, Carolyn. For the first time, she was holding "Gary's Ride" on the date of her husband's death.

Master Trooper Rich Crawford says Dudley and Martin were cycling right behind him when they were killed.

"All of a sudden, we heard this horrific crash and I looked behind me to see what was going on. Then I saw all these events unfold in front of me and it was just horrible. Just horrible," Crawford said. "A much larger truck ran into our support truck and just catapulted it into the cyclists. Gary and Gary were at the back of the pack that day."

"That was the last thing Gary Dudley ever said to me on August 22, 2006, is he wished

me a happy birthday and minutes later, he was dead.

"It's just so ironic that these two guys, that time of day, just happened to be in the back when this tragedy happened. Just for two guys to be out there supporting officers that have been killed in the line of duty and now, all of a sudden, we're honoring them," said Crawford.

"Cycling was his passion. That's why I thought it would be a perfect fit for what he would have wanted," Carolyn Dudley said.

Gary Dudley wasn't just a participant in the ride, he actually started it in 2003 to raise money for families of fallen officers. This year, six children of fallen officers received college scholarships thanks to Gary's Ride.

"That was Gary's dream and so we just continue doing that every year," said Crawford.

donate backpacks, school supplies to youth

Courtesy THE GOSHEN NEWS

SYRACUSE, INDIANA---The Indiana State Police, along with the Knights of Columbus and the Lakeland Youth Center of Syracuse, came together to organize and donate school supplies and backpacks for Kosciusko County youth.

The supplies and backpacks were given to children in need that attend the Bowen Center in Enchanted Hills in northeastern Kosciusko County.

The supplies included glue, scissors, crayons, folders, paper, markers, erasers, pencils, and rulers.

According to Indiana State Police Trooper Kyle Dukes, “This is a great example of a community that is working together, to help support the youth and families of Kosciusko County.”

The children who attend the Bowen Center were “extremely surprised and grateful for the end-of- summer gift,” state police reported.

Indiana State Police officials said they would like to thank the Knights of Columbus, Lakeland Youth Center and the Bowen Center of Enchanted Hills for their dedication to the youth and their continued community support.

LAKEVILLE, INDIANA---We now know the name of the man found shot to death behind a home near Lakeville.

Police say 28-year-old Arden Balmer Jr. shot 30-year-old David Lawton six times, including once in the head.

When officers arrived, they found Balmer with a gun, a girl with injuries on her face and neck and Lawton dead in the back yard.

The woman told police she was in a relationship with Balmer, but broke it off last Friday.

Wednesday she received a call from Balmer asking her to come to his home. She arrived and saw Lawton there as well.

Balmer took them both to the back yard, where he accused Lawton of "taking her away from me" and then shot him, according to the woman.

He then grabbed the woman and took her into the home where he used to gun to hold her against her will. When he became distracted, she ran out of the house to an arriving officer.

Balmer was then involved in a 2.5-hour standoff with police before being shot in the shoulder by an officer.

The prosecutor's office has now filed formal charges against Balmer for murder and confinement.

TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA---A Parke County sheriff’s deputy was airlifted to Methodist Hospital on Tuesday after an accident on Indiana 63 north of Hillsdale.

Sheriff’s Deputy James Awbrey was listed in critical but stable condition, according to a hospital spokesman.

The accident occurred in Vermillion County, where Awbrey was on an escort detail. The oversize vehicle he accompanied was pulling off the highway and Awbrey had stopped his police car in the driver’s lane of Indiana 63 to block traffic; emergency lights were on, according to Vermillion County Sheriff Bob Spence. A flagman also was out to caution drivers.

Awbrey’s police car was struck from behind by a pickup truck driven by Thomas Crouch, 57, of South Bend, who also was going south on the state highway.

Crouch had dropped a drink onto the floorboard of his truck and was trying to pick it up when he struck the rear driver’s side of Awbrey’s vehicle, said Chris MacLaren, Vermillion County sheriff’s deputy.

Police reports will be forwarded to the Vermillion County prosecutor’s office, which will determine if any charges should be filed, MacLaren said

Mike Eslinger, Parke County sheriff, said Awbrey is in neurological critical care at Methodist.

Awbrey has internal injuries including rib fractures and some vertebrae fractures in his back. “The neurologist can’t find any separation in his spinal cord, which is good,” Eslinger said.

Right now, Awbrey has no feeling in his legs, but doctors believe it will return, Eslinger said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” the Parke County sheriff said.

Crouch was taken to Union Hospital-Clinton, which declined to release information about his condition Tuesday night. MacLaren said Crouch complained of abdominal and chest pain after the accident.

Just arrived at the ITA Corporate Office a die-cast replica of the 75th Anniversary Commission.

An Indiana State Police trooper escaped injury at 8:14 a.m. yesterday morning, when his patrol car was struck by another vehicle while assisting a motorist in Delaware County.

Trooper Mike Dennison who is assigned to the Operations Support Division, was assisting a motorist who’s vehicle stopped running eastbound on S.R. 28 east of C.R. 400 W. Dennison parked his fully marked Indiana State Police car behind the disabled vehicle with emergency red and blue lights activated, when an eastbound 2001 Dodge Caravan driven by Robert C. Etheridge, age 84, 10121 W. C.R. 525 N. Gaston, Indiana side-swiped the police cruiser.

Dennison was on passenger side of the disabled vehicle speaking to the driver when the crash occurred, and was not injured. The disabled vehicle was not struck. Etheridge was not injured, but was cited for failure to yield to a stationary emergency vehicle.

The Indiana State Police reminds drivers that Indiana law requires motorists to approach cautiously when an emergency vehicle is stopped on two or four lane roadways with emergency lights flashing.

Motorists MUST change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if they can do it SAFELY, if not they must SLOW DOWN and proceed with caution. We are asking motorists NOT TO STOP in the roadway, this may cause a chain reaction rear end collision with other vehicles, but SLOW DOWN and/or MOVE OVER.

The intent of this law is to protect the emergency and highway personnel who serve the public. Please be alert when you see emergency lights flashing and give them room to do their job safely. Violating the law can result in a fine and your license will be suspended up to two years if you cause damage to emergency equipment, injury or death to an emergency worker.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---An Indiana state trooper is injured after chasing a suspect on foot.

Around 12:30 Monday morning, Trooper Ginger Marshall pulled over a suspected drunk driver near Winchester and Xenia streets on the south side of Marion County.

That's when police say 48-year-old Michael Kessler of Columbus ran from the scene.

Authorities say Trooper Marshall chased Kessler, tripped him and was able to get a handcuff on his right arm.

Trooper Marshall used Mace on the suspect, at which time he got on top of her and tried to choke her before he ran again.

Indianapolis – On today’s date, at 2:30 a.m., Indiana State Trooper Kyle Freeman of the Indianapolis Post and his K-9 partner “Dudley” were struck by a drunk driver. Trooper Freeman was sitting in his Indiana State Police car at a previous crash on Interstate 70 east bound at Emerson. Freeman had his K-9 partner “ Dudley” in the rear seat when they were rear ended.

Zenith Harding, 40, Indianapolis, was east bound on Interstate 70 when he swerved toward the median and struck Trooper Freeman’s patrol car that was in the left lane of Interstate 70 at a previous crash site. As the investigation of the crash continued it was determined that Harding was driving while intoxicated and he was arrested.

Trooper Freeman was treated at the scene and released. K-9 “Dudley” will be taken to a veterinarian today for a check out. Harding was taken to the Marion County Jail where he was incarcerated.

Charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Public Intoxication, Driving While Suspended

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---A former Indiana state trooper and gaming investigator is in trouble with the law.

Troy Knorr, 46, is being charged with theft, misconduct and forgery. The Switzerland County probable cause affidavit said that, while working as a state gaming investigator, Knorr took confiscated counterfeit money and used it for himself.

"He was at Wolfe Theatres in Greensburg, Indiana and an employee or someone at the theater saw him trying to pass a twenty dollar bill. They were a little suspicious of the activity and contacted the local police," said Indiana State Police Spokesman Sgt. Noel House Thursday.

Police said Knorr spent the money in places like Wal-Mart and Lowes in Columbus. Charges date back to December 2007 after Knorr retired as a state trooper. They say he also worked at Columbus East High School as a public safety teacher. Administrators said he resigned from that position earlier this week.

24-Hour News 8 called and visited Knorr's home, but got no response. He was a 20-plus year veteran of the state police department.

"It's kind of dumb founding, how just one little mistake like this can ruin your life and a man that had a career with the state of Indiana and by all appearances was doing very well, doing fine and made a bad decision," said Sgt. Noel House of the Indiana State Police.

24-Hour News 8 was told Knorr bonded out, but has a pre-trial conference set for October 19.

Lt. Dan Jones (left) Sgt. Cory Robinson (center) Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter (right)

Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter recently made a donation to the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post to support the post's firearms training program. Three times a year, the post must transport its equipment to the firing range for training. However, the post's old trailer had grown antiquated. "It wasn't meeting our needs. Tim found his way to purchase a new trailer," said Sgt. Cory Robinson, district firearms instructor and Putnam County squad sergeant Bookwalter's donation from the county's asset forfeiture fund made it possible for the post to purchase a new trailer. Lt. Dan Jones, district commander said relations between the county and the local ISP post are very positive. "We really have a good relationship here," he said.

EVANSVILLE, INDIANA---An intoxicated motorist landed in jail Saturday night when he rolled up beside a car, flashed his wallet and told the other driver to pull over, according to police documents.

The only problem: The motorist, 43-year-old Cary W. Melton, is not a police officer and the driver of the other car was.

Melton was arrested on preliminary charges of impersonating a public servant, driving without a valid license and operating while intoxicated. He was released from the Vanderburgh County Jail today on a $750 cash bond.

According to an Indiana State Police probable cause affidavit, off-duty trooper Scott Qualls was in his personal vehicle stopped about at Fulton Avenue and the Lloyd Expressway when a white truck drove up beside him. It happened about 10:45 p.m.

The driver of the truck - later identified as Melton - "opened a wallet in the manner of trying to show an identification and told Trooper Qualls to pull over ... in a manner appearing to be a public servant," according to the affidavit.

Qualls pulled over but "the suspect yelled to him out of his vehicle and took off going north on Fulton Ave. while laughing," the affidavit said.

Qualls called the Indiana State Police post and followed Melton as he turned onto Cedar Street and came to a dead-end. Melton initially backed up as though he was going to hit Qualls' vehicle but the stopped it and got out, police said.

On-duty Evansville Police Department and Indiana State Police vehicles arrived a short time later.

According to the affidavit, Melton failed a field sobriety test and later registered a 0.16 blood-alcohol level, which is twice the legal limit for driving.

REPORT MARIJUANA GROWERS

The marijuana eradication efforts of the Indiana State Police are currently underway throughout Indiana and will continue year round. In years past, troopers have been successful in eliminating outdoor cultivated marijuana and growers of the illegal drug have reverted to indoor grow operations.

Outdoors, marijuana growers typically grow their plants on other people’s property and in farmer’s crops. Indoors, they establish elaborate grow operations using artificial lighting, traditional planting methods and hydroponics within outbuildings and residential homes. Typically, the growers will attempt to conceal the indoor grow operation by covering the home or outbuilding windows from the inside.

Growing marijuana is a crime and is punishable by fines and imprisonment. Failure to report or destroy marijuana plants is also a crime.

The public can anonymously report suspicious activity around crop fields, outbuildings and residential homes where the possibility of growing marijuana is suspected to Senior Trooper Ron Halbert Jr. The Marijuana Tip Line is 888-873-1694 or 800-761-2985.

It's been over 4 months since I returned to California from Iraq and nearly as long since I have written to you. I realize an update is long overdue, as many changes have taken place in my life since last March. When I first returned to Camp Pendleton, I went back to my old unit, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, as the Communications Officer. However, I was not meant to stay there for long, as the 1st Marine Logistics Group G-6 pulled me to transfer and work in a higher level of Marine Corps communications planning. I am now the Assistant Operations Officer for the 1st MLG G-6 (Communications). The "G Offices" work directly for the 1st MLG Commanding General. My job is pretty diverse and includes representing the G-6 in meetings to brief the General on current communications operations and equipment, having oversight of communications gear, enforcing accountability of equipment within the MLG units, planning the personnel and equipment for upcoming deployments to Afghanistan, ensuring units have the needed gear to train, and having an oversight of all communication operations, equipment, and training within the 1st MLG. Some days I am very busy, briefing in meetings where I am the junior officer, working out communication equipment issues with my superiors, and drafting/reviewing communication operation documents. I have found that the biggest change in my job is the fact that I do not have a platoon of marines in my charge anymore and that many of my daily interactions are now with senior officers and senior enlisted Marines.

I've also met an incredible young man who has become very important to me and an integral part of my life. He is a Marine Corps Military Police Officer and we actually met in Iraq. We were first introduced when both of us were briefing the Commanding General about a new mission. 1st Lt Jared Justice was chosen by his Company Commander to be the Officer in Charge of the Military Police Mission and I was responsible for the Communications Plan. We caught one another's eye then, but Jared was away from Al Taqaddum on missions for about one half of our deployment. For the last half of our deployment, Jared was appointed as the Executive Officer of the Military Police Company. Since I was the Executive Officer of Headquarters and Service Company, we began attending many of the same meetings and awards boards. We discovered that both of us enjoy working out, so towards the end of the deployment, as our responsibilities slowed down, we were able to meet almost every day for a workout. Once we returned California (he is stationed at Camp Pendleton as well), we began training for the San Diego Marathon, which we ran together at the end of May. Training for, and then running 26.2 miles together is a bonding experience and we had a great time getting to know one another in the process! We've been dating since the week after we returned from Iraq and are doing very well together! :)

Another change on the horizon is deciding whether or not I will transition out of the Marine Corps next June. With the current operational tempo of the USMC, if I stay in, there is a very good chance that I would have to deploy to Afghanistan. This is not something that I want to do. At the same time, I haven't determined what my "dream job" will look like when I re-join the civilian workforce. My USMC experience has given me the opportunity to further develop my leadership skills, develop personnel management and supervising skills, and become proficient in communication planning. I realize the job market is slow, and my initial job may not be my first career choice, but I accept the fact that I have to delve into wherever I am with a good attitude, always ready for the challenges I will face!

Attached below is information on a charity bicycle ride that will be held in honor of Indiana State Police Lt. Gary E. Dudley. All proceeds from this family event, being held at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, in Plainfield, IN, will go toward the continued funding of the Gary Dudley Memorial Scholarship Fund (GDMF). Complete details are in the attachment.

You may recall Lt. Dudley and Chief Gary Martin were both killed on August 22, 2006. The date of this event is August 22, 2009 – the third year anniversary of the crash that claimed their lives.

Carolyn Dudley, the surviving spouse of Lt. Dudley, is the current President of the Indiana Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS). She will be at the event all day and is available for print and radio interviews anytime from now up to and including the event day. For TV markets in the greater Indianapolis area Mrs. Dudley is also available for TV interviews during the weeks prior to the event or as a in-studio guest for weekend news interviews.

Richmond – Police Officers cycling for C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) rolled into Richmond this afternoon, stopping at the Richmond Police Department for the night. The ride started with a short ceremony on July 20^th in front of the Fallen Officers Memorial outside the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis and will conclude tomorrow, Saturday, August 1^st, in Indianapolis.

Indiana C.O.P.S. operates as a peer support network for survivors of line-of-duty death according to federal criteria. Their primary goal is to be there for all survivors on a day-to-day basis, assisting them with anything they need. Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. They provide training to law enforcement agencies on survivor victimization issues and educate the public.

In 2008 there were 138 officers killed across the nation. In Indiana during 2008 two officers were killed in separate traffic crashes. Each death results in untold numbers of family and co-workers left behind to cope with the tragic loss. C.O.P.S. provides resources to help them rebuild their shattered lives.

Cops’ Cycling for Indiana C.O.P.S. consists of Indiana Police Officers along with friends, family and survivors that will bicycle a total of 878 miles around Indiana to honor fallen officers who have died in the line of duty. In 2008 Cops Cycling for COPS raised nearly $40,000.

The group will depart Richmond around 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 1^st, traveling US 40 west to Knightstown for lunch. They’ll continue west on US 40 to Indianapolis, taking streets to Butler University. They will stage at Butler University for movement to Crown Hill Cemetery for closing ceremonies.

Cops cycling for C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) began with a short ceremony in front of the Fallen Officers Memorial outside the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis July 20^th. The ride’s first stop was in Bloomington to honor fallen Deputy Sarah Jones of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department who was killed in October of 2008. The riders stopped at the Indiana State Police Redkey District this morning for refreshments before continuing to the Muncie Police Department for lunch.

Indiana C.O.P.S. operates as a peer support network for survivors of line-of-duty death according to federal criteria. Their primary goal is to be 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.

Nationally well over 100 law enforcement officers are killed each year. In 2008 there were 138 officers killed across the nation. In Indiana during 2008 two officers were killed in separate traffic crashes. Each death results in untold numbers of family and co-workers left behind to cope with the tragic loss. C.O.P.S. provides resources to help them rebuild their shattered lives.

Cops Cycling for Indiana C.O.P.S. consist of Indiana Police Officers along with friends, family and survivors that will bicycle 878 miles around Indiana to honor fallen officers who have died in the line of duty. The 2008 Cops Cycling for COPS raised nearly $40,000. Money raised from this event and other sources will assist in providing financial assistance to family members of fallen officers by helping defray the costs associated with National Police Week. National C.O.P.S seminars for children, siblings, parents, adult children and spouses of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, needs associated with criminal trials, continuous support of survivors in need and support items and business needs of the Indiana Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors.

2009 Cops Cycling for IN COPS Route

Day 1, July 20 – Indianapolis - Bloomington 65 miles

Depart Indy at 0930 hrs via city streets to S/B SR 37 stopping in Martinsville for lunch. SR 37 to Bloomington exiting at College St to the Monroe Co SD for Memorial Service

Day 2, July 21 – Bloomington - Madison 83 miles

Depart Bloomington (0700) via SR 446 south to US 50 continuing east on US 50 to Brownstown for lunch. Continue from Brownstown on SR 39 south to SR 250 east to SR 7. Traveling south on SR 7 into Madison

Day 3, July 22 – Madison - Jeffersonville 50 miles

Depart Madison (0700) south on SR 62 to New Washington for lunch. Continue on SR 62 south to Jeffersonville for overnight at Jeffersonville FOP Lodge.

Day 4, July 23 – Jeffersonville - Huntingburg 76 miles

Depart Jeffersonville (0700) on SR 64 west stopping for lunch at location TBD. Continue on SR 64 to SR 231 then north to Huntingburg

Day 5, July 24 – Huntingburg - Vincennes 62 miles

Depart Huntingburg (0700) on SR 64 west to Princeton for lunch. Continue on SR 64 to US 41 north to Vincennes

Day 6 July 25 - Vincennes -Terre Haute 60 miles

Depart Vincennes (0700) on SR 41 north to Sullivan for lunch. Continue on SR 41 north to Terre Haute

Day 7, July 26 - Terre Haute - Kentland 97 miles

Depart Terre Haute (0700) on SR 63 north to Lunch at SR 63/I-74. Continue on SR 63 to SR 41 to Kentland

Day 8, July 27 – Kentland - Merrillville 64 miles

Depart Kentland (0700) on SR 41 north. Lunch in Lowell. Continue on SR 41 north to Merrillville

Day 9, July 28 – Merrillville - South Bend 70 miles

Depart Merrillville (0700) on US 30 east to SR 2 east to Laporte for lunch. Continue on SR 2 to South Bend

Day 10, July 29 - South Bend - Angola 70 miles

Depart South Bend (0700) on county roads the parallel US 20 to Middlebury for Lunch. Continue on County roads paralleling US 20 to Angola

Day 11, July 30 – Angola - Bluffton 83 miles

Depart Angola (0700) on Old US 27 south to CR 39 to SR 427 to Tonkel Road downtown to Fort Wayne Headwaters Park for Lunch. Continue out of Ft. Wayne on city streets to SR 27 to Decatur depart west on SR 224 to SR 1 south to Bluffton

Day 12, July 31 –Bluffton - Richmond 90 miles

Depart Bluffton at (0700) on SR1 south to SR 67 south to downtown Muncie for lunch. Depart Muncie on SR 35 (Bike Path for 20+ miles) and continuing on SR 35 south to Richmond

Day 13, Aug 1 – Richmond - Indianapolis (Crown Hill Cemetery) 73 miles

Depart Richmond (0700) on US 40 west to Knightstown for lunch. Continue west on US 40 to Indianapolis city limits to Butler University via city streets. Stage at Butler Univ. for movement to Crown Hill for 1600 CLOSING CEREMONY

Carbon Motors Selects Indiana

Site Selection Announcement Made at “A Rally for American Jobs”

CONNERSVILLE, INDIANA---Carbon Motors Corporation, a new homeland security company, announced at “A Rally for American Jobs” that the State of Indiana, Fayette County, and the City of Connersville would be its new home. Governor Mitch Daniels, Mayor Leonard Urban and thousands of Hoosiers were present for the unexpected announcement that had been in the works with the leadership and support of U.S. Senator Dick Lugar, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh, and Congressman Mike Pence. The jobs rally, held at a shuttered automotive facility, demonstrated the commitment of state, county and city officials, and clearly reflected the determination, spirit, and commitment of its workforce.

Carbon Motors will invest over $350 million in developing and producing the Carbon E7, which is slated for start of production in 2012. According to the Enterprise Innovation Institute, the Carbon Campus, which will house the entirety of its operation, is expected to bring 10,000 new direct and indirect American jobs to the region to support the production of the world’s first purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle. It is estimated that the Company will have a $3 billion positive economic impact over ten years.

“We are creating new American jobs of national importance and it was only appropriate to announce that at a very unique ‘Rally for American Jobs’. It is essential that the local, state, and federal authorities work in concert with the private sector to deliver on our country’s moral obligation to provide our 840,000 law enforcement responders the appropriate equipment to secure our homeland against threats, both foreign and domestic,” remarked William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer, Carbon Motors Corporation. “With the unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, we are pleased and honored to announce that the great State of Indiana will become the police car capital of the world,” continued Li.

“We are thrilled at the possibilities that Carbon Motors represents and, I’ll be honest, especially at their selection of Connersville for the factory they hope to build. This company, in this former capital of American manufacturing, would make a tremendous symbol of economic rebirth and Hoosier leadership in it,” said Governor Mitch Daniels.

KEY FACTS

Carbon Motors Corporation is a bold, new homeland security company on a critical mission to design, develop, manufacture, distribute, service, and recycle, the world’s first purpose-built patrol vehicle. The Carbon E7 vehicle was recently at the U.S. Capitol for review by the U.S. Senate and subsequently at the U.S. House of Representatives.

This new homeland security technology platform will have a positive effect on every town, city, county, state, airport, college campus, border, and port of the United States of America – a social benefit nationwide. The country’s law enforcement fleet is the most visible government fleet across the nation and it must lead by example. By creating thousands of new American jobs, providing our law enforcement first responders the appropriate level of equipment, and doing so in an environmentally responsible manner, we can establish a tangible new symbol for “America is Back”. It is in the national interest of the United States from all levels of the public and private sector that the Carbon E7 be expedited to full-scale production. The opportunities the Carbon E7 vehicle represents cut across several cabinet level positions:

U.S. Department of Energy

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Department of Justice

U.S. Department of Labor

U.S. Department of Transportation

About Carbon Motors Corporation

Carbon Motors Corporation is a bold, new homeland security company on a critical mission to design, develop, manufacture, distribute, service, and recycle, the world’s first purpose-built patrol vehicle. Learn more at www.carbonmotors.com.

ANGOLA — The Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors bicycle tour of the state was designed, chairman Mitch Crawford said, to provide those participating with a feeling for the pain and suffering that survivors’ families feel each day.

The COPS ride returned to Angola at around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, with 24 riders being escorted in by area police agencies.

The cyclists then met with five area surviving families of officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

Crawford said those meetings with survivors mean a lot to the riders, who come from across the state to participate in the 13-day trip.

“It means a lot to the cyclists to meet those survivors and I think it means something to the survivors to meet them as well,” Crawford said.

“The cyclists are going through a lot of suffering on the ride, but is nothing compared to what those survivors endure every day. It’s a good bonding opportunity. We’re letting them know we are honoring them and the officers.”

Angola Mayor Richard Hickman spoke briefly at the event, noting that he had an uncle who’d been killed in the line of duty before he was born.

“Thank you for allowing us to remember these men and women, and thank you for reminding us that you’re just like one of us,” Hickman said.

Kim Haylett and her husband Wayne were among the survivor families honored at the event. Their daughter, Sarah Haylett Jones was a Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy.

She was struck by a vehicle last year while directing traffic around an accident near Bloomington.

The Hayletts live south of Coldwater, Mich. Kim said she was gratified that the riders were taking the time to remember her daughter.

“My first reaction is that I’ve always felt an enormous sense of pride in her being an officer,” Haylett said.

They all deserve it, and not just the officers who’ve been killed. They sacrifice a lot to protect us.”

She recalled that her daughter had always felt an enormous sense of pride from wearing her uniform.

Crawford said the riders would be housed overnight at Trine University before leaving today at 7 a.m.

The riders will go south along Old U.S. 27 to Auburn, where they will stop for a break, then on to Fort Wayne for lunch and to Decatur for a memorial, before settling down for the night in Bluffton.

On yesterday’s date at approximately 7:30 PM, Indiana State Police K-9 Handler, Trooper Nathan Abbott, stopped a 2008 Chevrolet at the Seven Mile Marker on Interstate 65 Southbound. The vehicle was stopped for a speeding violation. As Trooper Abbott spoke to the driver and the passenger in the vehicle something just did not seem right. He retrieved his K-9 “Kilo” from his police car and walked “Kilo” around the stopped vehicle. When he did this, “Kilo” alerted for possible narcotics in the vehicle.

The vehicle was searched and troopers located $30,000.00 in U. S. Currency bundled together by rubber bands. The denominations ranged from One Dollar Bills to One Hundred Dollar Bills. After locating the money, “Kilo” sniffed the bundled currency. “Kilo” alerted on the currency. This alert tells police that some or all of the monies sniffed had possibly been in recent close quarters with narcotics.

During the course of the vehicle stop troopers developed probable cause to believe the currency had been possibly used in the purchase and/or sale of narcotics. The currency was seized and forfeiture proceedings are pending.

Both occupants of the vehicle were released. Due to the pending investigation the names of the occupants will not be released.

I didn't get home last night until 11pm so I decided phone calls were out of the question....I know you are all glad about that one :-). Chuck's surgeon said all went very well. His spine was strong enough not to need the cage, so he used screws and rods. He harvested bone from the spinal stenosis and also used some artificial bone to avoid a pelvis bone graft which eliminated a second surgery site. This means less pain....another plus! Your prayers helped and God is good!

They have Chuck on a morphine pump so he's in and out of consciousness and seems to be able to rest even with all four of his daughters and one granddaughter and me yacking in his room :-). Chuck had a pretty good support group surrounding him.

The Dr. anticipates releasing him possibly on Friday, depending on pain control, drainage, etc. Knowing Chuck he'll be trying to escape Thursday.

He's at the Lutheran Orthopaedic Hospital room 2510. The nurses station is 1-800-444-2001. They did not hook up his phone yesterday because he's not yet able to communicate well. Who knows what today will bring. I'll keep you posted through the computer and will have my cell on 260-668-6862 should you have any questions feel free to call.

Thanks again for all of your prayers and please keep praying that he heals quickly and avoids any complications. He said he wasn't coming home if they didn't fix him so as you can see he hasn't lost his sense of humor :-). Tina (Mrs. Chuck Hampshire)

Don - Heard from my son Mark, who is a Marion County Deputy Prosecutor, that retired Sgt. Rick VanNess, employed as an Investigator within that Office, is in Methodist Hospital in critical condition with what appears to be an inoperative brain tumor. His address is:

Rick VanNess
Progressive Care Unit
Room #5091
Methodist Hospital
1701 North Senate Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46202

I suspect, given that Rick was a counselor at the ILEA for many years during his tenure within the Training Division, that he is as well known within the Indiana Law Enforcement Community as any retired Officer we have within our ranks. Request you make this information known via the outstanding 'informative service' you have provided us for so many years.

Respectfully, Ken Hollingsworth, #1373

CONNERSVILLE, INDIANA---A startup company that plans to build high-tech police cars has picked a vacant auto-parts plant in eastern Indiana for its first factory.

The announcement Wednesday by the chairman of Atlanta-based Carbon Motors Corp. drew cheers from the large crowd gathered inside the former Visteon plant in Connersville.

The company says it intends to invest $350 million in the plant and potentially hire 1,550 workers.

Carbon Motors' decision had been eagerly awaited among Connersville residents as the company considered sites in several states.

The Connersville area had a 15.9 percent unemployment rate in June. Michigan-based Visteon stopped production in 2007 at its factory, which once employed more than 3,000 people.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---Concerns over semi-trailer accidents like the one that took place Monday on I-65 in White County have prompted a new program by Indiana State Police. Troopers plan to use semis to target aggressive drivers.

They've teamed up the Indiana Motor Truck Association , who will provide trucks for the program.

"We want people to be careful, even when they don't know that there's state police around," said Sergeant Wayne Flick with Indiana State Police.

"He will, inevitably, see drivers doing stuff that they wouldn't normally be doing if they knew it was a trooper around," Sergeant Flick said.

Truck drivers say the view drivers get from a car and a truck are totally different.

"We're trying to be professional, give everybody more room, but we can't do that when everybody is sitting there trying to cut us off because they are in a hurry," explained Milton Cagle of Ohio.

"You know, we've got 80,000 pounds out on the road, we can't stop on a dime like the cars can -- and they expect us to," Cagle said.

"I think it's great, anything for the safety of the public. There's a lot of people doing things that they shouldn't be doing in cars," motorist Scott Retherford said.

"We are going to do what we want to do, regardless. It doesn't matter if somebody is driving in something else, we're going to do what we want to do, regardless," Cline said.

State police won't actually use the semis to chase down the reckless drivers. If they catch someone driving unsafe, they'll just call on other troopers in the area to make the stop.

ALBANY, KENTUCKY---While school is still out, many kids are enjoying summer camp. Every summer, hundreds of eastern Kentucky children spend the summer with state troopers, not only to have a lot of fun, but to also get a whole new impression of police.

"And sometimes it's kids whose parents have been arrested, and they have seen a really negative side of state police," says Trooper Jackie Pickrell

But at Trooper Island, the lights and sirens are simply a wake-up call for a full day of fun.

"We get to do all these classes like canoeing and other stuff," say Sean Miller, a Trooper Island camp participant.

Since 1965, Kentucky State Police troopers have taken kids who may have challenges at home, and given them a week they will always remember. For some, this may be their only chance to go to camp.

"Sometimes we'll have a couple of kids that will show up, they won't have clothes or shoes," says Pickrell.

The camp has a closet full of donated clothes and shoes that are given to kids who need them. The kids get to take the items home with them when they leave the camp.

"These kids are being kids, they're away from all the bad stuff they have to deal with on a day to day basis," says Pickrell.

"They're fun to be around, they're nice to you. They do a lot of stuff for you," says Travis Dunn.

"The kids you see you've made an impact on, to see 'em change, they become more respectful," says Pickrell.

"They risk their life, put their life on the line just for us," says Anthony Mullins.

"They'll know if their lost and if they ever see that gray car, they can get help there," says Trooper Island's Camp Director Craig Sutton. "It's not somebody that as soon as they see 'em they'll be taking them off to jail."

And that's something they hope the kids remember, along with all the fond memories.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Island is funded fully by donations from the public.

Recently, Master Trooper Vern Robinson completed training at the Deeley Harley Davidson Motorcycle Officers School in Ontario, Canada. The school is located on the campus of the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario. The school trains motorcycle officers from all over the United States and

Canada

. The rigorous two week motorcycle school enhances an officer’s basic motorcycle handling skills through advanced high and low speed maneuvering, highway operation, and safety techniques unique to police motorcycle units. The students were required to complete eight separate phases in order to become a certified motorcycle officer.

Prior to completing the motorcycle school, Robinson was assigned road patrol duties for the Indiana State Police Peru Post. He is now assigned to the Indiana State Police Operations Support Division as motorcycle patrol unit. He will work from the Indiana State Police Peru Post. Robinson will utilize a 2009 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Motorcycle to patrol northern Indiana from March 1^st through November 30. He will patrol in a police car during the winter months and inclement weather. The motorcycle is equipped with dual head radar, emergency lighting with siren, and a hands free radio system.

The mission of the motorcycle program is to reduce the number and severity of crashes on Indiana roadways. This is to be accomplished through public education and strict traffic enforcement. The Indiana State Police has identified several primary causation factors related to motor vehicle crashes. They are speeding, operating while intoxicated, disregarding a traffic control device, improper passing, following too closely, unsafe lane movement, and failure to yield. The motorcycle program along with the Indiana State Police high performance Mustang vehicle program is designed to combat such driving behaviors.

Robinson is the second motorcycle patrol unit working from the Indiana State Police Peru Post. The Indiana State Police currently has 25 motorcycle patrol units working from various posts throughout Indiana.

We remember Dave

Eleven Years Ago Today

**********************************

2009 Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors (Indiana COPS)

Annual Charity Bicycle Ride

Across Indiana

The 2009 Cops Cycling for COPS Team will visit Angola on their ride across Indiana. The ride begins on Monday, July 20 at the Police & Fire Memorial near the State House and continues for 13 consecutive days covering 878 miles. The ride across Indiana will conclude on August 1^st at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.

The purpose of the ride is to honor the memory of Indiana’s fallen law enforcement officers and to raise funds for the Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors. Along their route they stop to visit the gravesites and meet with the families of these brave officers who gave their all serving and protecting our citizens.

Indiana lost two law enforcement officers in 2008; Indiana State Police Trooper Daniel Barrett of the Peru Post and Monroe County Deputy Sheriff Sarah Hawlett-Jones. Jones is from the Bronson, Michigan area and is buried near there.

Officers who will be honored that have families living in the Angola area are:

· Patrolman Kenneth P. Stiverson, Ft. Wayne PD – 7/17/69

· Town Marshal William Miner, Jr., Avilla – 5/28/83

· Master Trp. David Deuter, Indiana State Police – 7/16/98

· Officer Craig Herbert, Lawrence PD – 3/6/05

· Deputy Sarah Haylett-Jones, Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept – 10/19/08

The Indiana Troopers Association is honored to again host the team of 23 cyclists as they visit our town on Wednesday, July 29^th. Surviving family members and friends of these fallen officers will be invited to join the cycle team as our guests at a buffet dinner at Sutton’s Deli in downtown Angola compliments of the ITA.

Overnight accommodations will be provided by Trine University; Angola City Police and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, as well as the Indiana State Police will provide escorts into Angola around 5pm on Wednesday, July 29^th and again as they depart our town around 7am on Thursday, July 30^th.

For more information, please contact the Indiana Troopers Association office at 260-624-2926.

Hello everyone!

4,725! is the official count for UNITS received this year for the 2009 IN Fallen Officer Blood Drive!! More than 5,000 presenters! I think this is wonderful to have collected this many units on behalf of our IN Fallen Officers! Another successful year!~

In our short 3 year history of the IN Fallen Officer Blood Drive, we have collected approximately 15,000 units of blood across the State of Indiana! Thanks to all of you for your dedication and hard work to make this happen!

I am looking forward to working with each one of you again next year!

Janice Starnes

Sgt. Chip Sunier, 34-year-veteran of the Indiana State Police injured in Crash

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA---Every week, Indiana State Police Trooper Mike Carroll has to let go at least five vehicles that he believes contain drugs.

Carroll works primarily in LaGrange and Noble counties, where methamphetamine has become a scourge and lab busts are among the highest in the state.

But without consent or probable cause, he can’t search the vehicles or their drivers for drugs, he said.

A police dog could change all that, Carroll said. Trained to sniff out and identify drugs inside cars, a police dog’s behavior can give court-admissible cause for police to search a car.

In addition to finding drugs, the dogs can find missing people and track down suspects, Carroll said.

The trouble is, Carroll said, the state police have always had difficulty finding money for police dogs.

The state police post in Fort Wayne, which covers northeast Indiana, fields three troopers with police dogs. But they work in the district’s southern counties.

With a dog and its equipment costing $10,000 to $12,000, Carroll, formerly with the Kendallville Police Department, must rely on grants and community support.

He has applied for grants and talked to business leaders in his patrol areas, but LaGrange and Noble have been two of Indiana’s counties that were the hardest hit by the recession.

To help raise money for a police dog, both Fort Wayne Chick-fil-A locations are donating a portion of their daily sales today to the Indiana State Police Alliance.

Carroll and a state trooper and his dog will be at the Glenbrook Square location at noon and at the Jefferson Pointe restaurant about 1 p.m.

Jeff Hoffman, the owner/operator of the Jefferson Pointe store, said the fundraiser is a way for the company to have a positive effect on the community.

Wabash---Sunday, July 5, marked the two year anniversary of the death of Indiana State Police Master Trooper Detective David E. Rich. Detective Rich, an 18 year veteran of the Indiana State Police Department, had stopped to help what he believed was a stranded motorist on U.S. 24 in Wabash County. The male motorist, from Gaylord, MI, shot and killed Rich. Detective Rich left behind a wife and three children.

On July 5, 2009, members of Chapter XIII of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club chose to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by Detective Rich and his family by dedicating their Fourth of July ride in his memory. During the day long ride, stops were made at the cemetery in Wabash County, where a new head stone had recently been placed on Rich’s grave site, the park in the city of Wabash, named in Rich’s honor, and the roadside cross where Rich was shot. Riders also remembered Trooper Daniel R. Barrett who was killed in the line of duty on January 27, 2008 in a crash on U.S. 31 in Fulton County. Members concluded the ride by stopping at the roadside cross where Trooper Barrett died.

“We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by our friends, “stated Indiana State Police Master Trooper Ron Whitney, Chapter XIII president. “We were able to combine our love of motorcycle riding with honoring those who set the ultimate example of self sacrifice to ones community. It was an enjoyable, yet humbling day.”

The Blue Knights is a non-profit fraternal organization consisting of active and retired law enforcement officers who enjoy riding motorcycles. The first club was formed in Bangor, ME, in 1974. There are 599 chapters with almost 20,000 members in 29 countries. Chapter XIII was formed in January of 2006. Its members consist of active and retired law enforcement officers, as well as selected community members from north central Indiana. The Blue Knights hold various fund raising functions to raise money for various charities. Especially near to their hearts is helping children. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Toys for Tots, D.A.R.E., and Concerns of Police Survivors are some examples of charities benefiting from the generosity of the Blue Knights. They also make cash donations to help local charities and citizens that are in need of a helping hand.

Fort Wayne---The Indiana State Police post in Fort Wayne has added a third K-9 team to its District with the graduation of Trooper Shane Neuenschwander and his partner Smokey this morning at the Allen County Courthouse.

Neuenschwander and Smokey just completed 14 weeks of intense training in which Smokey was certified in drug detection, tracking, evidence (article) search, building search, obedience and controlled aggression. They received over 500 hours of training which was conducted both during the daylight and nighttime 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 September of 2005, Superintendent Paul E. Whitesell, Ph.D., implemented the multi-dimensional K-9 program which saw its first graduates in February of 2006. With today’s graduation, the State Police has a total of 30 K-9 teams statewide.

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. Neuenschwander and Smokey join the existing teams of Senior Trooper Brad Shultz and Gunnar and Master Trooper Gary Shenefield and Beau. Neuenschwander, a graduate of the 60^th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy in December of 2000, resides in rural Markle with his wife Traci, and his two sons, Kline (4) and Korben (2).

ELKHART---A new Indiana State Police headquarters building taking shape off the Indiana Toll Road in Elkhart County is nearly complete.

The structure, located north of the toll road off the east side of C.R. 17, will be the center of the ISP's toll road operations, replacing an aging structure in South Bend. Work started last year and ISP Lt. Dallard Tackett said it should be done by mid-July and occupied by Sept. 1.

"It's wonderful, especially now after being here in this building," said Tackett, referring to the South Bend structure, a converted 1950s-era gas station. "It's just going to be great."

Around 70 state police officers will be housed at the new 16,000-square-foot, $5 million building, equipped with a training room and a mechanics garage. There will also be office space for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Excise Police, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Indiana Gaming Commission.

The new building, tentatively called the Indiana Multi-Agency Law Enforcement Facility, would complement two other ISP locations along the toll road.

The cost of the new water and sewer lines extended from the city of Elkhart to the location, located in unincorporated Elkhart County, came in much lower than expected, $702,000 instead of the earlier estimate of $1.08 million. That will mean a smaller expense for the city, county and state, which jointly funded the lines.

The county will end up paying around $280,000 instead of $450,000; the city will pay $170,000 instead of $285,000; and the state will pay $205,000 instead of $300,000, according to County Administrator Tom Byers. The $47,000 contribution from a developer with land in the area stays the same.

The county's share of funds comes from money generated in the Northeast Tax Increment Finance District, where the new structure is located.

I’m beginning to realize that the ups and downs of dealing with a loved one with cancer are extreme and unpredictable. Some days I wake up bright and cheery, thankful for my blessings, and I feel strong and confident in whatever the day might bring. Other days I am frustrated that my daughter has to go through so stinking much that it almost makes me sick. On those days I find myself wondering how the rest of the people in the world could possibly go on with their lives when ours has come to such an abrupt halt. It’s true, I wonder if these feelings lessen over time or if it’s just something that will sneak up in me as long as I live. Then, like on a day like today, we are still completely blown away by the kindness and loving support we are

continually shown. Caleb was asked how Aubrey was feeling and when the response was, “…actually, pretty good” he was told to take us (the kids and me) to the state police post. When we arrived 35 State Troopers walked outside, all with freshly shaven heads. How awesome is that?! So Incredible! We could hardly believe that even though Caleb has only been at this new post for 4 months that the guys would do something as amazing as that. It meant so much to all of us and Aubrey loved seeing all the bald guys.

Aubrey has been feeling fairly good. She is a little more tired and I’ve noticed more bruising on her, so I am expecting her platelets to be low, but she is still playing most of the day, which is great – she is always exhausted by 6pm though. Tomorrow we are going back to Lutheran Hospital to have Aubrey’s blood counts checked to see if she is in need of a transfusion or two. She will most likely need hemoglobin and platelets because she is at the point where the latest chemo is starting to take its toll on her body, but we can’t be sure until we get her lab results.

I’d like to thank All of You that have helped and supported us through this journey. Your thoughts, prayers, cards, gifts, and acts of kindness (like today) have helped us get to the point that we are at right now. Thank you!!!

Troopers at the Fort Wayne Post recently shaved their heads in support of the 3 yr. old daughter of one of a fellow Troopers. Little Aubrey Anderson, daughter of Trooper Caleb Anderson, has been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing chemotherapy. Aubrey recently lost her long, pretty blonde hair, so her Dad's fellow troopers decided to "go bald" in a show of their support for Aubrey and her family.

Lowell---Indiana State Police Trooper Detective Alva Whited recently completed training at the National Computer Forensic Institute (NCFI) in Hoover, Alabama for computer forensics and digital evidence analysis. He was the first Indiana police officer to complete this training.

The NCFI is run by the United States Secret Service and is a national cyber crimes training facility where state and local officers, as well as prosecutors and judges, are offered training and equipment.

Detective Whited provides the service and skill that is needed to recover files that have been deleted, hidden and accidentally or maliciously deleted or damaged. He can collect evidence from computer systems, cell phones, external drive, memory cards, and other storage media. Whited does this while maintaining the integrity of the data and the evidence by adhering to strict forensic procedures.

The most common computer crime in the news is child pornography, but computers are also instrumental in crimes ranging from check fraud to conspiracy cases.

Detective Whited stated, “A single image, document file, or email can provide the proof that clinches a case”.

Whited’s training is not just for state police use only; he will use his skills for any police agency in northwest Indiana including as far south as Montgomery County.

Whited has been on the department for nine years and lives with his family in Porter County.

Indiana Supreme Court on Friday threw out former Indiana state trooper David Camm's second conviction for the September 2000 murders of his wife and their two small children, sending the case back to Floyd County for a possible third trial.

In a 4-1 decision, the court said "speculative" evidence that Camm molested his daughter a day or two before the murders should not have been allowed by the judge because it could inflame the jury.

The court also said a friend's statement that Camm's wife, Kimberly, expected to see him at 7 to 7:30 the night of the murders should not have been allowed because it was hearsay that couldn't be challenged because Kimberly Camm is dead.

The ruling "is what's right, it's what's just," said Stacy Uliana, one of David Camm's lawyers.

Camm "was stunned, happy and relieved," Uliana said after she and co-counsel Katharine Liell called the Pendleton Correctional Facility to tell him about the decision.

Floyd County Prosecutor Keith Henderson said he was surprised by the court's ruling.

Henderson and Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said they intend to ask the Supreme Court to re-hear the case within the next 30 days. Henderson said he would decide whether to re-charge Camm after the court makes a decision on that request.

"I will weigh justice against the reality of what the state and community have to deal with in this 8Ω-year-old case," he said.

Nick Stein, the lawyer for Kimberly Camm's parents, Frank and Janice Renn, said the ruling was "devastating. It makes them sick to their stomachs."

Sam Lockhart, David Camm's uncle and a leader of his defense, said he expected the ruling.

"I know he's innocent," Lockhart said of his nephew.

At his first trial in 2002, Camm was convicted in Floyd County of murdering his wife, their 7-year-old son, Bradley, and 5-year-old daughter, Jill, in the garage of their Georgetown home. But the conviction was overturned by the Indiana Court of Appeals in August 2004.

The appeals court said claims from 12 women of Camm's extramarital affairs unfairly prejudiced the jury against him. In its decision, the appeals court also warned that the court handling a new trial should be careful in allowing speculative evidence that Jill was molested because it is so prejudicial.

But at Camm's second trial in Warrick County in 2006, Henderson was allowed to argue in his closing statement that Camm murdered his family to cover up the possible molestation.

The use of such speculative evidence as "the foundation" of the prosecutor's case requires the second conviction to be overturned, the Supreme Court said.

The court also said the trial court was correct in its decision to not allow the jury to hear evidence about the prior convictions of Charles Boney, Camm's co-defendant. Boney was found guilty of conspiracy and murder in a separate trial and was sentenced to 225 years in prison. Camm was sentenced to life without parole.

Camm's lawyers have argued that Boney committed the murders, and they should have been allowed to present evidence to the jury about his prior convictions.

Henderson said at a news conference Friday that he believes the eight-week retrial was conducted properly. "What the four (majority) justices have done today is rewritten Indiana law about presenting evidence," he said.

Referring to the Supreme Court's comments about the use of molestation evidence, he said, "surely the court isn't saying the condition of a deceased's body isn't relevant."

In evaluating whether to try Camm a third time, Henderson said, he will consider the difficulty of questioning witnesses about events that happened such a long time ago, and the impact of the Supreme Court's restrictions on what he can use as evidence.

The two trials have brought a heavy financial burden to Floyd County, Henderson said, with the county paying about $1million for the defense, since Camm was ruled indigent and his lawyers were paid as public defenders.

But despite the estimated $3million total price tag for the two trials, he said, his decision about whether to charge Camm again won't be based on the cost, "but to seek justice."

Carol Tobe, a Floyd County resident, said she was shocked when she heard that Camm's conviction had been overturned again.

"It seemed like it was settled," Tobe said. "You just really feel for the families, that the wounds have to be opened up again."

Stan Faith, who was the Floyd County prosecutor at the time of the murders and who tried Camm the first time, said he was confident that if necessary, Camm would be convicted a third time.

"I think 24 people have convicted him and now I think 36 will," Faith said.

In Friday's ruling, Chief Justice Randall Shepard dissented from the majority, arguing that "two reversals entered by the appellate courts in this case have unnecessarily sanitized the evidence" against Camm.

Shepard said at least some of the evidence about affairs on which Camm's first trial was reversed should have been allowed and that the affairs not long before the murders could be proof of a motive. He also said alleged evidence that Camm's daughter was molested was allowable as "an inference" about a motive.

The majority disagreed, however, saying there was no connection of Camm to the molestation.

Still, the majority also said there was enough evidence for a reasonable jury to convict Camm.

ANGOLA, INDIANA---The annual Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) bike ride will return to Angola after a one-year absence later next month.

The ride, which honors fallen law enforcement officers from across the state, begins July 20, with a ride from Indianapolis to Bloomington, where Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Sarah Haylitt-Jones will be honored. She will also be honored when the tour arrives in Steuben County, as her family lives in the area and Haylitt-Jones is buried between Fremont and Coldwater, Mich.

Trooper Dave Deuter of rural Angola who was killed in the line of duty in LaGrange County in 1998, will also be honored at a ceremony when the tour arrives in Angola on July 29, Indiana Troopers Association director of operations Karen Shelton said. The families of both officers will be invited to the ceremony.

Shelton said the ride has traditionally stopped in Angola, but the route was changed last year in order to go through Peru and Logansport to honor officers who had died in those communities. Shelton said the riders have enjoyed coming through Steuben County in the past.

“They’ve told me they always like coming through Angola,” Shelton said. The riders will have dinner provided by Sutton’s Deli and the Trooper’s Association when they finish their 70-mile ride from South Bend.

The group will likely be housed at the Angola Public Safety Building before they depart the next morning on a ride to Bluffton.

Indianapolis---Indiana State Police Master Trooper Thomas Merkling recently completed photogrammetry training in Indianapolis. Master Trooper Merkling is a vehicle crash re-constructionist and this training will enhance his efforts in the reconstruction of serious or fatal crashes.

Photogrammetry is a computer based program that utilizes integrated digital photography with a specialized software program that creates scale diagrams of crash, or crime scenes that are accurate to within 1/8^th of an inch. By comparison, a fatal crash scene may take several hours for investigators to collect evidence, measurements and to prepare a scale diagram utilizing previous traditional methods.

With photogrammetry, the same crash scene can be documented in possibly less than 30 minutes. The officers receiving this training are assigned to areas along the I-69 corridor from the Indiana-Michigan state line to Indianapolis, and I-65 from Chicago to Louisville.

Grants provided by the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Revenue Motor Carrier Services, the Indiana Toll Road, and the Federal Highway Administration, have been provided to train and equip 22 officers throughout Indiana. The training was conducted June 15-19 at the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division in Indianapolis.

Sixteen troopers and officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and Sheriff’s Departments from Boone, Clark, Delaware, Johnson, and Tippecanoe Counties attended the training.

Lafayette---Indiana State Troopers, Detective Jim Cody of the Criminal Investigations Division and Trooper Michael Krueger both assigned to the Lafayette Post, graduated from Photogrammetry Training School held in Indianapolis on June 19^th. Trooper Cody had previously graduated from Crash Reconstructionist School and this training will enhance his efforts in the field of crash reconstruction in serious or fatal crashes.

Photogrammetry is a computer based program that utilizes integrated digital photography with a specialized software program that allows the creation of scale diagrams of crash or crime scenes that are accurate to within 1/8^th of an inch. By comparison, a fatal crash scene may take several hours for investigators to collect evidence and measurements to prepare a scale diagram utilizing traditional historical methods. Now, with Photogrammetry, the same crash scene can be documented in a fraction of the time, sometimes less than 30 minutes. The officers receiving this training are assigned to areas along the I-69 corridor from the Indiana-Michigan state line to Indianapolis and I-65 from Chicago to Louisville. The goal in the use of this new technology is to cut the crash investigation time to allow the roadways to be cleared and opened quicker which equates to less delay time for the motoring public.

The stimulus for this training has been the Indiana Traffic Incident Management Effort or IN-TIME. IN-TIME is a host of Indiana agencies dedicated to safer and more expedient traffic flow. The goal of IN-TIME is to cut the time roadways are shut down due to the response and investigation of major and even minor traffic incidents. Through grants provided by the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Revenue Motor Carrier Services, the Indiana Toll Road, and the Federal Highway Administration, funds have been provided to train and equip 22 officers around the state. The week long training was conducted June 15-19 at the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division on the southwest side of Indianapolis.

Sixteen State Troopers were joined in the training by officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. A total of five sheriff’s departments were also represented: Clark County, Johnson County, Tippecanoe County, Boone County, and Delaware County.

Indianapolis---Indiana State Trooper Kyle West and Sergeant Cedric Merritt of the Indianapolis District recently completed photogrammetry training in Indianapolis. Trooper West and Sergeant Merritt are vehicle crash re-constructionists and this training will enhance their efforts in the reconstruction of serious or fatal crashes.

Photogrammetry is a computer based program that utilizes integrated digital photography with a specialized software program that creates scale diagrams of crash, or crime scenes that are accurate to within 1/8th of an inch. By comparison, a fatal crash scene may take several hours for investigators to collect evidence, and measurements, to prepare a scale diagram utilizing previous traditional methods.

Grants provided by the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Revenue Motor Carrier Services, the Indiana Toll Road, and the Federal Highway Administration, have been provided to train and equip 22 officers through out Indiana. The training was conducted June 15-19 at the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division in Indianapolis.

Sixteen troopers and officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and Sheriff’s Departments from Boone, Clark, Delaware, Johnson, and Tippecanoe Counties attended the training.

Indiana State Trooper Nick Campbell of the Redkey District recently completed photogrammetry training in Indianapolis. Trooper Campbell is a vehicle crash re-constructionist, and this training will enhance his efforts in the reconstruction of serious or fatal crashes.

Photogrammetry is a computer based program that utilizes integrated digital photography with a specialized software program that creates scale diagrams of crash, or crime scenes that are accurate to within 1/8^th of an inch. By comparison, a fatal crash scene may take several hours for investigators to collect evidence, and measurements, to prepare a scale diagram utilizing previous traditional methods.

Grants provided by the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Revenue Motor Carrier Services, the Indiana Toll Road, and the Federal Highway Administration, have been provided to train and equip 22 officers through out Indiana. The training was conducted June 15-19 at the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division in Indianapolis.

Sixteen troopers and officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and Sheriff’s Departments from Boone, Clark, Delaware, Johnson, and Tippecanoe Counties attended the training.

Indianapolis---Indiana State Trooper Tyler Utterback, who is assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, recently completed Photogrammetry training school held in Indianapolis June 15th through 19th. Sgt. Utterback has previously graduated from crash reconstruction school and this training will enhance his efforts in the field of crash reconstruction in serious or fatal crashes.

Photogrammetry is a computer based program that utilizes integrated digital photography with a specialized software program that allows the creation of scale diagrams of crash or crime scenes that are accurate to within 1/8th of an inch. By comparison, a fatal crash scene may take several hours for investigators to collect evidence and measurements to prepare a scale diagram utilizing traditional historical methods. Now, with Photogrammetry, the same crash scene can be documented in a fraction of the time, sometimes less than 30 minutes. The officers receiving this training are assigned to areas along the I-69 corridor from the Indiana-Michigan state line to Indianapolis and I-65 from Chicago to Louisville. The goal in the use of this new technology is to cut the crash investigation time to allow the roadways to be cleared and opened quicker which equates to less delay time for the motoring public.

PENDLETON---Indiana State Trooper Scott Keegan of the Pendleton Post graduated from Photogrammetry training school held in Indianapolis on June 19th.

Trooper Keegan had previously graduated from crash reconstructionists school and this training will enhance his efforts in the field of crash reconstruction in serious or fatal crashes.

By comparison, a fatal crash scene may take several hours for investigators to collect evidence and measurements to prepare a scale diagram utilizing traditional historical methods.

Now, with Photogrammetry, the same crash scene can be documented in a fraction of the time, sometimes less than 30 minutes.

The officers receiving this training are assigned to areas along the I-69 corridor from the Indiana-Michigan state line to Indianapolis and I-65 from Chicago to Louisville.

The goal in the use of this new technology is to cut the crash investigation time to allow the roadways to be cleared and opened quicker which equates to less delay time for the motoring public.

INDIANAPOLIS---The Cops Cycling guys and gals will be on the circle in Indianapolis in front of WIBC for their annual fundraising/awareness for IN COPS. This stationary ride precedes the Cops Cycling 2009 tour around the state. Cyclists will be there Friday July 10th for 18 hrs (0600-2400) hrs raising money, selling t-shirts and greeting the public. We invite the survivors to stop by and visit. Lt. Gary Dudley started this fundraising event many years ago and we honor him by continuing this tradition with a great partner in WIBC Radio.

MILAN---The official announcement designating a portion of Interstate 74 near mile marker 138 as the “Trooper William Rayner Memorial Highway” was made on the Decatur County Courthouse steps on Monday, June 8 by State Representative Cleo Duncan.

“It is my honor to present this,” Duncan told the family of the slain officer as they gathered. She said it was an overdue honor, a long-awaited one that she was proud to be a part of. “I am humbled to be a part of remembering Trooper Rayner, who was a loyal public servant that made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Duncan, along with representatives Scott Reske and Vern Tincher, introduced Resolution No. 13 with State Senators Jean Leising and Johnny Nugent, sponsoring the resolution. It was adopted on January 27 of this year during the first regular session of the 116th General Assembly.

The marker has been erected as a permanent tribute to Rayner, who was killed December 18, 1966 during a routine traffic stop in Decatur County.

That night changed the lives of many people. Instead of making plans for Christmas, a young widow found herself making plans for her husband’s funeral. Rayner’s wife, Rheadawn, was left to raise three children, ages 5, 7 months. and one on the way, according to Ripley Publishing Co. files.

Rheadawn spoke at the event on Monday, saying her husband was a great man. Surrounded by family members, she said, “Even though we’ve had tragedy, we’ve got a great family.” She thanked everyone for coming, and in her typical gracious style did not dwell on the past, but instead focused on others who made the honor possible. She thanked Rep. Duncan and the two shared a hug.

As officers do every day, Trooper Rayner stopped a car that fateful night for running without taillights. What happened next would shock the law enforcement community. A gun battle ensued with Rayner being fatally wounded. They would later find out that the car was stolen, and the two inside were escapees from a Kentucky detention facility. Both had extensive criminal records.

Having graduated from Milan High School in 1954, Rayner had been an Indiana State Trooper for eight years, assigned to the Versailles Post. Those who had the privilege of working with him were devastated with the news. Hugh Chambers, now retired from the Indiana State Police, was close to Rayner and his family. He told The Versailles Republican he was in Terre Haute when he received the call. “I don’t remember that long drive back,” he noted, recalling how he started for home.

Retired Trooper Noel Houze Sr. said he “practically lived with them" (the Rayner family) while in training. He said his fellow trooper, Rayner, and mentor was a man of honor. Retired State Police Detective John Mann shared memories of that “cold night that changed everybody’s lives forever” describing Rayner as a “wonderful” trooper - “elite.”

Saying the death of Trooper Rayner was one of the hardest things they’ve ever dealt with, officers said guys like the fallen trooper made the Versailles Post the best in the State. They even shared some humor about him, saying his nick name was “Prince.” His widow agreed, saying, “He was my Prince.”
Trooper Rayner was the 19th Indiana State Trooper to be killed in the line of duty. Norman Huelson was the commander of the Versailles State Police Post at the time and described Rayner as a “devoted and outstanding police officer.”

The resolution reads in part: “Trooper William R. Rayner is an American hero who gave his life in service to our state and country and deserves special recognition.”

Fallen Indiana State Trooper Andrew P. Winzenread

Given Lasting Memorial

“Trooper Andrew P. Winzenread Memorial Highway.”

Pictured left to right

Cleo Duncan

Winzenread's widow Cindy Winzenread

their daughter Taylor Winzenread

his mother Sharon Winzenread

Sgt. Noel Houze

GREENSBURG---A large crowd gathered at the Decatur County Courthouse on Friday, in the midst of the downtown Greensburg Sesquicentennial celebration.

Their mission was not to take part in the festivities, however. Rather, they had convened to honor and remember the sacrifice made by Indiana State Police Tpr. Andrew P. Winzenread.

On April 25, 1997, Tpr. Winzenread was struck and killed by a semi-tractor trailer that had passed too closely on Interstate 74. According to ISP Sgt. Noel Houze, Winzenread went to assist a stranded motorist by himself. He could have called for help, Houze explained, but chose to go alone. Houze was Winzenread’s squad sergeant, who rode with him the day he was killed.

On Friday, State Rep. Cleo Duncan led the group inside the courthouse to commemorate Winzenread’s sacrifice with a memorial marker on Interstate 74, which renamed the stretch of road along mile marker 144 the “Trooper Andrew P. Winzenread Memorial Highway.” Winzenread’s daughter Taylor, his widow Cindy Winzenread and his mother Sharon Winzenread attended the ceremony.

At the ceremony, Duncan passed on the duties of reading the proclamation from the state government to Houze, because she was worried she wouldn’t be able to get through it without crying.

Sharon Winzenread explained that, through all of the support for her family, she has been overwhelmed.

“Andrew loved his job and loved people,” Cindy Winzenread said.

She noted that he is still touching lives, through things like the annual golf tournament that raises funds for the Andrew P. Winzenread Scholarship.

Following the tragedy of Winzenread’s death, Houze approached Duncan and asked if there was something that could be done. They worked together and Duncan developed the Slow Down/Move Over legislation that was created in 1999.

“Last year, all 50 states adopted Indiana’s law,” Duncan explained with a tear in her eye.

Houze, who has been with the ISP for 25 years, said there was something good that came out of the tragedy.

“We don’t know how many lives that might have been saved as a result of Andy’s sacrifice,” he said.

Winzenread’s death, Houze added, was something that has stuck with him throughout his career.

“This tragedy also changed the lives of those who knew Andy,” he said.

Motorists driving past mile marker 144 on I-74 will now notice the blue plaque indicating it is the “Tpr. Andrew P. Winzenread Memorial Highway,” commemorating Winzenread’s sacrifice.

“Trooper Winzenread’s actions displayed his willingness to go the extra mile and to help people wherever he had the opportunity,” she said.

“He was a shining example of all the good qualities exhibited by Indiana State Troopers, and he truly lived by the guiding values of the Indiana State Police — integrity, service and professionalism.”

Courtesy Greensburg Daily News

I just returned from the 2009 annual board meeting of the American Association of State Troopers held in Las Vegas. While this year’s agenda was relatively small with no real drastic changes, there was one proposed change to the by-laws that did pass. While retired troopers are eligible to join AAST, effective January 1, 2010 a retired trooper must join the association within one year of retirement. This proposal was introduced by AAST Executive Director, Ken Howes. The reason for this proposal was strictly from a financial standpoint. The current membership of the association as of March 31, 2009 is made up of over 65% retirees. Many retirees join primarily for the insurance benefits which includes a life insurance benefit of $7500 and an additional $7500 if the death is accidental. With our membership consisting primarily of “older” members, this results in higher costs to maintain the benefit. Our current insurance contract is in place until October, 2011 after which we will have to negotiate a new contract. As the age demographic increases, this means our costs for maintaining this benefit will increase. The only way to maintain an affordable policy is to lower the average age of our membership. We all need to go out and recruit younger (active) state troopers to join and, unfortunately, we need to put a mechanism in place to keep those who have been retired for many years and are getting much older from joining.

As the Indiana Director I thought it was my duty to make all of you aware of this so if you have considered joining AAST, and if you retired prior to January 1, 2009, you must join before January 1, 2010. If you are an ISP retiree and are a current member of AAST, you need to make sure to keep your membership current. If you allow your membership to lapse, you will not be able to re-join.

I encourage all of you to visit the American Association of State Troopers website at www.statetroopers.org. Applications for membership can be downloaded from the site and all you have to do is fill it out and attach a copy of your ISP retirement identification along with a check for $30 to become a member. Membership runs from the date you join for one year. In other words, if you join July 1, 2009 your membership is good through June 30, 2010.

If any of you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact me at nhouze@comcast.net or phone me at home at (812) 654-3863 or on my cell at (812) 569-5264.

Indiana Conservation Officer K9 “Tank” passed away on June 18, 2009 due to a serious medical condition.

Tank and his handler, Indiana Conservation Officer Justin Blake, were involved in numerous investigations involving wild game detection, evidence recovery, and man tracking.

They also attended many public appearances at schools, churches, conservation clubs, 4-H and Scout groups, informing the public of the duties of an Indiana Conservation Officer and the role a K9 plays in assisting in investigations.

Tank was a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and was 4 years old at the time of his death. He will be truly missed.

From: Janice Marie Starnes [mailto:jan_star29@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 8:06 PM
Subject: Sgt. Dan R. Starnes

Hello everyone, Sgt. Dan R. Starnes, my husband, and father of Dustin and Ryan Starnes, was shot in the line of duty on June 14, 2001, along with our son Ryan, who was slightly injured. Dan died from his injuries on July 10, 2001. The offender, tom pruitt received a sentence of death. An execution date has been set for September 8, 2009. The Attorney Generals Office notifed me yesterday afternoon. Also, note below the information I received from the Morgan Co Prosecutor.

Although the execution date has been set again, many more appeals are forthcoming.The defense is in the process of filing for a stay of execution

The Indiana Supreme Court denied Tommy Ray Pruitt's petition for rehearing and, as is customary at the conclusion of state post-conviction review, set a date for Pruitt's execution. Pruitt stands convicted of and sentenced to death for the 2001 Morgan County murder of Deputy Sheriff Dan Starnes. Details of this case can be found here. The Indiana Supreme Court had previously affirmed the denial of post-conviction relief on March 31, 2009. Today, the court issued a brief opinion addressing one aspect of Pruitt's claim of ineffective assistance of counsel that had been overlooked in the original opinion and otherwise denied the petition for rehearing. That opinion is available here. DAG Jim Martin represented the State in this appeal.

Additionally, by separate order, the court set September 8, 2009, as the date for the execution of Pruitt's sentence. However, Pruitt still has federal habeas corpus review available to him and, if Pruitt so requests, a federal court is expected to stay this order in due course.

Pruitt may also seek review by the U.S. Supreme Court and has 90 days within which to do so.

Thank you all for your continued support.
Janice Starnes

INDIANAPOLIS---A state trooper at the center of a controversy regarding his Facebook profile has resigned.

Police said Wednesday that ISP Superintendent Paul Whitesell accepted the resignation of Trooper Christopher Petow.

The trooper chose to resign prior to Whitesell entering a final finding and order on an internal investigation, an ISP release stated.

Pestow was investigated on four violations of conduct unbecoming an officer, one violation of department policy and one violation of improper use of department equipment.

He had been assigned to administrative duties since the violations came to light.

Those violations were brought forward by a 13 Investigates report that showed photos Pestow posted on his Facebook page, including one of an IMPD officer holding a gun to his head in a joking manner.

There were also questions about Pestow updating his status on Facebook while on duty.

Since mid January hundreds of Indiana 5^th graders have been anxiously awaiting the announcement of the winners of the 2009 David Deuter Memorial Essay Contest. These 5^th graders composed an original essay, in approximately 100 words, on the subject "What Being a Good Citizen Means to Me".

Invitations were sent to all Indiana elementary schools challenging their 5^th graders to enter their school’s essay contest. One winner was selected from each of Indiana’s participating counties. In 2009, 89 of the 92 counties had schools participating in the contest. Local troopers presented a certificate to the county winners at their school's end of year programs

The statewide awards ceremony was held in the North Atrium of the Indiana State House on Friday, June 12^th. The statewide winner received a $1,000 US Savings Bond, while the four runners-up received $750 in US Savings Bonds. The remaining 84 county winners all received a $500 US Savings Bond. All winners received engraved plaques, Governor’s "You Make A Difference" Certificates, and other gifts compliments of the Indiana Troopers Association.

St. Joseph County---Monday evening officers with the Indiana State Police, the Elkhart County ICE Unit and the Metro Special Operations Section, raided a suspected drug house in South Bend. Troopers with the state police Emergency Response Team served the search warrant at 1113 East Donaldson shortly after 8:00 p.m.

The two-month drug investigation that began in Elkhart County ended in South Bend with two arrests and several thousands of dollars in cash and vehicles being seized. The initial investigation, which was headed by the Elkhart County ICE Unit, eventually evolved into a cooperative effort between state police, ICE, and the Metro Special Operations Section. Officers recovered powered cocaine and seized more than $200,000 in cash and two vehicles from the residence. Undercover officers with the state police commented that money was found stashed all over the home from shirt pockets to boxes. Two young children, ages three and five, and their mother were present at the time of the raid. All three were released from the scene.

The investigation that took officers from Elkhart to the East Donaldson Street home and Candelario Leon, 30, ended with his arrest at his residence. Leon will face charges of dealing cocaine, possession of cocaine and maintaining a common nuisance in St. Joseph County. He is currently incarcerated in the Elkhart County Jail where he will also face charges of conspiracy, racketeering and dealing, which stem from the initial investigation. Sergio Garcia, 25, of South Bend was also arrested at the scene. Garcia is being charged with possession of cocaine and visiting a common nuisance in St. Joseph County. He is currently being held in the St. Joseph County jail.

Trooper Ty Lightle injured in high speed chase

ISP still on the hunt for three suspects

WEST TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA---A trio of suspects is still at large after leading Indiana State Troopers on a high speed chase Friday night with speeds hitting 100 m.p.h.

It started in Vermillion County when a farmer spotted several men stealing anhydrous ammonia, a key ingredient in making methamphetamine.

Troopers chased the car for 19 minutes before the suspect's car crashed into a gate in West Terre Haute intended to keep motorized traffic out of the River Bottoms area.

"The pursuit lasted for quite awhile for a pursuit," Trooper BJ Patterson said. "Fortunately, there was not a lot of traffic on the road, because speeds did reach 100 miles an hour."

Trooper Ty Lightle had minor injuries after his car crashed into the suspect's car and the fence.

He was treated and released from Terre Haute Regional Hospital Friday.

Troopers say the three men inside the vehicle ran off and are still at large.

They believe at least one of them is from the West Terre Haute area.

WEST TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA---Three unidentified men are on the loose in the Wabash Valley as an Indiana State Police officer is taken to Regional Hospital.

A high speed chase, topping speeds of 100 miles per hour ended Friday night in West Terre Haute on the corner of Cherry Grove and 6th Street.

Indiana State Police said it all began after Vermillion County dispatch received information that anhydrous ammonia had been stolen out of Vermillion County barn in Dana, Ind. Officers said anhydrous ammonia is a key ingredient for making meth.

ISP began to pursue the car on a high speed chase. It ended in a crash injuring the officer. He was taken to Regional Hospital with minor injuries.

Officers and crews work to clean up the wreck and neutralize the anhydrous ammonia.

Officers encourage people to call Crime Stoppers at 238-STOP if anyone has any information on the three men.

Hendry Park Elementary School fifth-grader Hannah McElroy, left, received the Indiana State Troopers Association’s David Deuter Award from Trooper Kody Buell of Angola for her essay on good citizenship during a student assembly Friday afternoon. The award includes a $500 savings bond.

INDIANAPOLIS---Indiana State Police say they have issued one million tickets over two years on Indiana highways using the E-ticket system. Officers said they can issue a ticket in a matter of minutes, which makes the roads a lot safer.

"It really has helped us out a lot," said Trooper Adam Buell. "It's a great system. It allows us to conduct a traffic stop a lot quicker," Trooper Buell said.

They use the device to scan the barcode on the back of a driver's license, which eliminates the time and paperwork of writing down the information.

"A traffic stop was a lot longer. It required you to write a hand-written ticket that had five carbon copies," said Trooper Buell.

In District 52, which includes Boone, Marion, Johnson and Shelby counties, troopers have averaged 62,000 E-tickets a year.

24-Hour News was there when Trooper Buell issued his 685th E-ticket. He pulled over Amy Radford of Indianapolis for a seatbelt violation.

"It's quick," Radford said of the E-ticket system. "I just got in the car to go to work and I forgot to put (the seatbelt) on, but I don't like wearing it."

"If somebody doesn't have their driver's license or their registration information with them, it does make us have to sit here and type everything out," said Trooper Buell.

The E-ticket system not only scans a driver's license, but a vehicle's registration as well. The information is then put in the officer's computer and sent downtown for processing.

The saying is “Bald is beautiful” and in Aubrey’s case, it definitely is. I would be lucky to be ½ as beautiful as she is – she’s absolutely radiant! Over the weekend she lost almost all of her hair, but her bravery as she faces this new change continues to amaze us all. Over the course of the last 5 months we’ve been stripped of many of the things we might possibly put pride in and we’ve realized all that we actually have. 3 incredible children – all uniquely special, a great and loving family, and one of the most incredible support systems - I honestly don’t think it could get any better than this (in our situation). Thank you God – we feel truly blessed!

Last night as I rocked Aubrey before bed, I realized she had gone to sleep in my lap (she usually asks to be put in bed before she falls asleep, but last night she was especially tired). I decided to take advantage of it and rock her a little longer - Caleb had the other kids quiet and happy. My lips kissed her warm, soft head as my tears rolled across it, now perfectly smooth. I couldn’t believe how quickly the transformation had happened. “Hair today gone tomorrow” practically. Friday : full head of hair – Monday : all gone but a few stray pieces. Unbelievable, heartbreaking, overwhelming, but somehow joyful and exciting!? Our little princess has proven to us over and over that she has the strength of 10 armies.

Friday night, the first night of her major hair-loss, Aubrey left a bag of her hair beside her pillow and the “hair fairy” visited her just as she has every night since. Tonight will be the last night of the “hair fairy”, well, because Aubrey is out of hair, but she has enjoyed the experience and loves the surprises that the fairy has left her.

Today I showed Aubrey the wig that my sister and other relatives had made for her and her expression when she saw it was priceless…she loves “her hair” to say the least and it fits perfect! She feels comfortable without it, but loves the feeling when she is wearing it – when she put it on for the first time she looked at me enthusiastically and said, “Mommy look, now I can have hair!” -tearjerker!

I, personally, am still wrapped up in Aubrey’s excitement with her new milestone (most of the time), but Caleb has taken the “hair thing” pretty tough. He has definitely had a few “moments” the last few days…it’s without a doubt difficult to watch a 3 year old girl experience…especially your very own daughter.

Thanks once again to all of you that read this faithfully…it means so much to us.

Ruth Bader Ginsberg granted a temporary stay of the Fiat/Chrysler deal in favor of the ISP and other state pension funds yesterday.

Fort Wayne---As a rookie in 1979, Michael Barman’s childhood dream of becoming an Indiana State Trooper became a reality, with one of his first incidents serving as a grim reminder of his duties.

Barman and his wife Becky were driving home after visiting family in Marion when he saw cars pulled over and a young boy lying on the ground of Interstate 69. Barman, not far enough in training to have a police car, turned his own vehicle around in the median and came back to the scene.

He arrived to find a 4-year-old boy who was hit by a car after he followed his father across the highway.

“He didn’t make it,” Barman said, “but that was the very first incident as a police officer that I had to deal with someone that young, and it gave me general perspective of the life and career I was getting into.”

Today, Master Trooper Barman, 59, is celebrating his 30th year as an Indiana State Police Officer at the Fort Wayne post and continues serving and protecting the public as a Traffic Trooper.

“I enjoy working the road,” Barman said. “I enjoy being out there with the public, I enjoy the visibility, I enjoy the hands-on atmosphere.”

Barman began his stint with the Indiana State Police on April 15, 1979, at the age of 29 when he graduated from the 36th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. He was assigned to the Fort Wayne post and has been here ever since.

“A lot has changed from 30 years ago,” Barman said. “A lot of the procedures have changed, and a lot of laws have, too. The Indiana State Police have taken a lot into professionalism and integrity and how you present yourself to the public. How you present yourself is very important.”

Barman has not always prided himself on professionalism and integrity like he does today.

Before joining the Fort Wayne post, he failed out of Ball State University before joining the Army during the Vietnam War.

“I had a lot of maturing and a lot of growing up to do, so I joined the military,” Barman said.

During his two years in the military, Barman was stationed in Korea and became a supply sergeant.

“I enjoyed what I did in the military. The funny thing is, I didn’t like being in uniform and having short hair. Look at me now,” Barman said.

He returned to Indiana after his military service and graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in education and later earned his master’s in special education.

“I’ve had two goals in my life,” Barman said. “One was to work with mentally handicapped children, and the second was law enforcement, in particular the Indiana State Police.”

Barman worked with people with psychological problems for three years before joining the Fort Wayne post.

“Mentally handicapped children and dealing with young kids will always have a part of me,” he said. “The State Police is right there with it.”

Master Trooper Barman will retire on July 31, 2010, and his experience will be missed.

“We lose 30 years of experience and knowledge,” Public Information Officer Sergeant Ron Galaviz said. “That’s hard to replace. Mike is a solid trooper, and he prides himself on being out on the road. We will all miss him.”

Barman plans to continue working in law enforcement as a security guard at Ivy Tech Community College, riding his two Harley Davidson Motorcycles, and spending time with his wife, Becky, and his son, Justin.

Louisa Carter was Jackson County’s winner. She attends St. Ambrose Catholic School in Seymour. Trooper Andrew Forgey presented the certificate.

Justine Cory was Jennings County’s winner. She attends Scipio Elementary School in Scipio Indiana. Senior Trooper Gary Thalls presented the certificate.

The statewide awards ceremony will be held in the North Atrium of the Indiana State House on Friday, June 12^th. The statewide winner will receive a $1,000 US Savings Bond, while the four runners-up will receive $750 in US Savings Bonds. The remaining 84 county winners will all receive a $500 US Savings Bond. All winners will receive engraved plaques, Governor’s "You Make A Difference" Certificates, and other gifts compliments of the Indiana Troopers Association.

2009 marks the 13th year the ITA has provided the 5^th Grade Essay Contest, distributing thousands of dollars in US Savings Bonds and other gifts to reward students for their efforts in promoting good citizenship across Indiana.

ANGOLA, INDIANA---It’s unlikely that many people have wedded their passion and their job as successfully as Ralph Taylor.

Taylor, who spent 30 years as an Indiana Department of Natural Resources conservation officer, passed away May 11. Upon retirement, Taylor held the rank of lieutenant with the DNR’s Division of Law Enforcement, heading up District 2 that covers northeast Indiana.

Taylor’s wife Cheryl said it was sometimes hard to make people understand just how much her husband loved the outdoors.

“He lived and breathed the outdoors,” Cheryl said. “He understood how nature worked, the ebbs and flows and the seasons. He was always happiest when he was out there and he could bring that and capture that for everybody.”

“Ralph told her ‘We’re getting up tomorrow and hunting squirrels, with a camera.’ So they went out at about 4:30 a.m. and she told him ‘I don’t see any squirrels.’ So he made a little call and all of a sudden the squirrels were all over. He did that for me on our first date. We were canoeing down the Pigeon River and there was a deer nearby and he called that deer in. He just resonated with nature and resonated with people.”

Taylor’s colleagues said there were few men better suited for a position. Scott Charters, of Jimmerson Lake served with Taylor as a conservation officer for 30 years.

“He enjoyed the outdoors and doing the work of a conservation officer,” Charters said. “He relished the public relations part of the job.”

“He enjoyed getting in front of all those ladies and teaching them about the outdoors. He especially relished teaching them fishing. That’s what he seemed to enjoy most, teaching people how to hunt, fish to be a part of the outdoors,” Charters said.

Cheryl said Taylor’s devotion to the program was born out of what he saw as a rise in women deciding what activities children would be doing.

“He was one of the first people to recognize that with more single mothers you’d have more mothers determining recreational activities for their kids. It became important to teach those women about the opportunities in the outdoors,” she said.

Taylor developed another program, the “Drive Alive” campaign after he retired from the DNR and became an Allen County deputy coroner, she said.

“He was a data guy, and when he worked for the coroner’s office he came up with information that showed a large number of deaths involving kids with drinking and drug issues. The program was developed as a response. It’s focus was on the parents, to give them the tools they needed.”

“I first got to know Ralph professionally in the early-’70s, and then we became very close friends,” Greenwalt said.

He soon became a part of a group of close knit friends who traveled across the country fishing.

“There was a core group that fished together every year and a group of guys who’d come up in the fall. We’d go up to Canada, the Great Lakes, the Ozarks,” he said.

When Greenwalt moved to Steuben County, he bought a property across from Taylor’s near Fox Lake, where Taylor had a small farm where he planted wild flowers and other plants.

“We really became very tight. We’d spend a lot of hours and a large amount of time working on that field.” Greenwalt said his friend was “larger than life. He was the consummate outdoors man.”

“The Farm,” as Taylor and his friends referred to it, was really an old cattle yard, said Phil Bloom, who currently is director of communications with the DNR. “He called it his place for his friends to have an opportunity to hunt and to enjoy nature.”

During the last years of his life Taylor definitely got into wildflowers, Greenwalt said. “He became a self-made expert on the subject.”

Taylor, Bloom said, had a unique ability to instill confidence in those he worked with

“In terms of him as a teacher/mentor, he had a unique ability for instilling confidence in a person, that they could do things they hadn’t done before.” This extended, he said, beyond nature. “If it was how to do drywall, how to weld metal, he gave you confidence you could do it.”

Bloom also praised his friend for his work on the Indiana Lakes Management Work Group, which Taylor first became involved with while at the DNR, and then as a representative of the Indiana Sportsman’s Round Table.

“He was a real leader in keeping the group focused on the big picture,” Bloom said.

Kokomo---A joint investigation conducted by Howard County Sheriff Deputies and Indiana State Police drug investigators Thursday resulted in the seizure of two pounds of marijuana and the arrest of a local man. Tyrone Brown, 52, of the 100 block of S. Faulkner Street, faces a class D felony charge of dealing in marijuana in excess of 30 grams. The investigation began Thursday morning after a local shipping company reported a suspicious package at their facility. Narcotics detection K-9 “Rudy” and his handler Deputy Mike Ogle examined the box. Rudy “indicated” on the suspicious package, and detectives obtained a search warrant to examine the package contents. “The package was found to contain a large amount of marijuana that was to be delivered to a local residence,” said Sheriff’s Detective Matt Roberson. Deputies and Indiana State Police conducted a controlled delivery of the marijuana, resulting in Brown’s arrest shortly before 5:30 p.m. “This investigation is continuing,” said Deputy Matt Roberson, who conducts narcotics investigations for the Sheriff’s Department. “Obviously you have somebody on the other end of this shipment that you want to identify.” Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Deputy Roberson at (765) 456-2020 ext. 224, or the Indiana State Police Peru Post at (800) 382-0689.

Seymour Troopers Finish Second in Putnamville Pistol Match

The Indiana State Police held the annual Putnamville Intra-Departmental Pistol Match at the Putnamville State Police Post on June 2, 2009.

The annual pistol match promotes exceptional marksmanship among department members and has been conducted for decades. Participants are comprised of top pistol shooters from each of the eighteen (18) state police districts and a team from headquarters personnel. Troopers compete individually and on a four person team made up of troopers from their district. The team representing the Seymour District came in 2^nd out of the 19 teams and three troopers from Seymour were recognized as one of the top 20 individual shooters.

First Sergeant Dave Travis, a 18 year member of the Indiana State Police (Finished 8th in Top 20)

Trooper Brent Lykins, a 3 year member of the Indiana State Police (Finished 11th in Top 20)

Trooper Jarrod Black, a 3 year member of the Indiana State Police (Finished 15th in Top 20)

Each trooper shoots the competition with their department issued Glock Model 17, 9 millimeter pistol.

The competition consisted of three stages of fire, all one handed shooting, from the 25 yard line. Each stage of fire consists of 10 rounds shot in a specified time. The allotted time decreases at each stage. The maximum possible score is 300 points with each round of ammunition being worth 10 points.

Each trooper shoots the course twice, and their accumulative score is totaled for the ranking of the top twenty shooters. Each team’s individual score is also totaled for the team score.

Awards are presented to the top team and the top individual shooter. The top 20 individual shooters are also recognized.

LOWELL ---The Indiana State Police Lowell District pistol team placed first out of 19 teams in the Indiana State Police annual pistol match Monday at the Putnamville District.

The Lowell District has placed first nine times out of the last 11 years. Four people from each district and headquarters participated.

Representing the Lowell District were:

• First Sgt. Tim Isenberg, 48, a 15-year veteran of the department. He is assigned to the Office of Professional Standards. He lives in Porter County with his family.

• Master Trooper Scott Balch, 42, an 18-year veteran of the department. He works Newton and Jasper counties and lives in Jasper County with his family.

• Senior Trooper Chad Maxwell, 39, a 12-year veteran of the department. He is assigned to the Operations Support Division. He lives in Jasper County with his family.

• Senior Trooper Doug Parker, 37, a 14-year veteran of the department. He works Pulaski and Starke counties and lives in Starke County with his family.

Awards were presented to the top team and top individual shooter. The Top 20 individual shooters also were recognized. Isenberg placed third overall, Balch placed 14th, Parker placed 16th and Maxwell placed 19th.

The competition started in 1946 and has been held almost every year since.

Greenfield---The Indiana State Police, Pendleton Post, responded to a call of a crash at 5:53 p.m. last night on U.S. 40 at 400 west in Hancock County. Upon arrival Indiana State Trooper Bryce Filson found one of the drivers involved in the crash, Derrick Vickers, unloading a Beretta 9 mm handgun in his vehicle. Trooper Filson stated Derrick Vickers, 26, Knightstown was driving his 2000 Chevrolet SUV west bound on U.S. 40 in Hancock County near 400 west when he rear-ended a Dodge Dakota pick up truck driven by Gerald Bishop of Indianapolis. Bishop was not injured. The impact sent Vickers vehicle rolling over twice and coming back upright off the north side of U.S. 40. Vickers three year old daughter Avie Vickers was in a child restraint seat in the rear of the vehicle and miraculously was not injured. Trooper Filson stated, “If it had been for the child being restrained in a car seat we would be talking about a fatal crash tonight.”

Trooper Filson transported Derrick Vickers to Hancock Memorial Hospital for a blood draw after Trooper Filson noticed the smell of alcohol emanating from Vickers. A subsequent blood draw revealed Vickers was over the legal limit. Vickers daughter, Avie Vickers, was transported to the hospital via ambulance for a check out and it was determined she was not injured. Trooper Filson stated that at approximately 10 p.m. Chastity Linville, 26, Knightstown, Avie Vickers mother, arrived at Hancock County hospital to pick up her daughter. Trooper Filson stated Linville arrived and was found to be intoxicated and she was arrested for public intoxication.

Pendleton District---The third annual fallen officer’s blood drive will be held not only in the Pendleton District, but throughout the state this month. On July 10, 2001, Sergeant Dan R. Starnes of the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department lost his life as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during a line of duty gun battle with a burglary suspect four weeks earlier. To keep his legacy alive his surviving spouse Janice organized the Sergeant Dan R. Starnes Memorial Blood Drive in Morgan County later that year and has organized a blood drive each year since then in Dan’s memory. In 2007 she decided to take the blood drive statewide and renamed it the Indiana Fallen Officers Blood Drive. Janice Starnes set a goal of collecting 1,500 units blood and that goal was shattered when over 5,000 units were collected. All 92 Indiana counties have agreed to participate this year.

The Pendleton District comprises Hamilton, Madison, and Hancock Counties. Listed below are dates, times, and locations for the blood drives within Pendleton District.

County	Date	Time	Location
Hamilton	June 8, 2009	10-2 p.m.	Fishers Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Drive, Fishers
Hamilton Hamilton	June 17, 2009 June 13, 2009	10-2 p.m. 10-2 p.m.	Carmel Police Department, Civic Square, Carmel Westfield Police Department 17535 Dartown Rd
Hancock	June 8, 2009	2-6 p.m.	Fortville Library, 625 East Broadway, Fortville
Madison Hancock Madison	June 17, 2009 June 18, 2009 June 11, 2009	10-3 p.m. 1-6 p.m. 4p-8p	Indiana State Police Post, 9022 S.R.67, Pendleton Greenfield Police Department, Main St., Greenfield Church of Brethren, 9064 W. Grandview, Pendleton

Pendleton Troopers Finish Third in Pistol Match

Pendleton – The Indiana State Police held the annual Putnamville Intra-Departmental Pistol Match at the Putnamville State Police Post on June 2, 2009.

The annual match, which has been conducted for several years, is comprised of top pistol shooters from each of the eighteen (18) state police districts and headquarters. Indiana State Troopers compete individually and in teams against each district. Each district is represented by four troopers that form a team for the competition. Members of the Pendleton District team finished 3^rd place out of 19 teams.

Each trooper shoots the competition with their Indiana State Police issued Glock Model 17, 9 millimeter caliber pistol on a twenty-five yard timed course using a bulls-eye target. The course is scored on possible total points of 300. Each round of ammunition is worth 10 points each.

Each trooper shoots the course twice, and their accumulative score is totaled for the ranking of the top twenty shooters. Each team’s individual score is also totaled for the team score.

Awards are presented to the top team and the top individual shooter. The top 20 individual shooters are also recognized. Trooper Kendrick Donald placed in the top 20 individual shooters

REDKEY TROOPERS FINISH 5th IN PISTOL MATCH

Indiana State Police held the annual Putnamville Intra-Departmental Pistol Match at the Putnamville District on June 2, 2009.

The annual match which has been conducted for decades is comprised of top pistol shooters from each of the eighteen (18) state police districts, and general headquarters that compete individually, and in teams against each district. Most generally, each district is represented by four (4) troopers that form a team for the competition. Members of the Redkey District team finished 5^th out of 19 teams.

Each trooper shoots the competition with their Indiana State Police issued Glock Model 17, 9 millimeter caliber pistol on a twenty-five yard timed course using a bulls-eye target. The course is scored on possible total points of 300, which each round of ammunition is worth 10 points each.

Each trooper shoots the course twice, and their accumulative score is totaled for the ranking of the top twenty shooters. Each team’s individual score is also totaled for the team score.

Awards are presented to the top team and the top individual shooter. The top 20 individual shooters are also recognized. Master Trooper Alexander placed 2^nd overall, and Sergeant Dujmovich placed 12^th overall.

Wanted to let you know that Fred fell last week and fractured his shoulder.
Was in Comm. North and is now in Rehab at

Late this afternoon I received a call from Representative Cleo Duncan informing me there was a conflict with one of Tpr. Rayner's sons for June 11. The date for the dedication ceremony for the I-74 memorial marker has been changed to next Monday, June 8 at 10:30 a.m. but will still take place at the Decatur County Courthouse.

The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is currently participating in Roadcheck 2009, June 2^nd-June 4^th. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) sponsors Roadcheck with participation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (Mexico). Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program directed toward commercial motor vehicles in the world with approximately 14 trucks or buses being inspected, on average, every minute in North America during a 72-hour period in early June.

Each year, approximately 10,000 CVSA-certified local, state, provincial and federal inspectors at 1,500 locations across North America perform the truck and bus inspections. Roadcheck is one of a series of activities that occur year round whereby CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement and educational initiatives targeted at various elements of motor carrier, vehicle, driver and cargo safety and security.

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division personnel from the Redkey District and officials from the Indiana State Department of Health conducted food safety inspections on commercial motor vehicle transporting perishable food stuffs. These inspections were conducted June 2^nd on I-69 at the northbound rest park in Delaware County. The following are the results of those inspections.

Putnamville---The Indiana State Police annual “bull’s eye pistol match” competition was held at the Putnamville range today. Teams of four troopers and one alternate representing the eighteen districts and General Headquarters shot at bull’s eye targets.

Awards are presented to the top team and the top individual shooter. The top 20 individual shooters are also recognized. Additional competition matches are held and separate awards are presented by the Indiana State Police Alliance and the Rogers Group from Bloomington Indiana.

5. Top Twenty Shooters (first to twentieth)- George Smith, Jarod Alexander, Tim Isenberg, Jim Hayes, Stoney Vann, Tom Mechling, Eric Williams, Dave Travis, Chip Sunier, Russ Workmeister, Brent Lykins, Tom Dujmovich, Donald Kendrick, Scott Balch, Jared Black, Doug Parker, Dan Zeigler, Eric Downey, Chad Maxwell, Jason Page.

Photo 006 is Wayne Flick, president of the Indiana State Police Alliance (left)

Putnamville---Recently, Trooper Christopher Harcourt completed training at the Deeley Harley Davidson Motorcycle Officers School in Ontario, Canada. The school is located on the campus of the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario. The school trains motorcycle officers from all over the United States and

Canada

. The rigorous two week motorcycle school enhances an officer’s basic motorcycle handling skills through advanced high and low speed maneuvering, highway operation and safety techniques unique to police motorcycle units. The students were required to complete eight separate phases in order to become a certified motorcycle officer.

Prior to completing the motorcycle school, Harcourt has worked road patrol duties at the Putnamville and Terre Haute State Police Post. A ten year veteran of the State Police, Harcourt is now assigned to the Operations Support Division as motorcycle patrol unit (MP). He will work from the Putnamville Post. Motor officers utilize 2009 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Motorcycle’s to patrol Indiana from March 1^st through November 30. Harcourt will patrol in a police car during the winter months and inclement weather. The motorcycle is equipped with dual head radar, emergency lighting with siren and a hands free radio system.

The Indiana State Police currently has 25 motorcycle patrol units working from various posts throughout Indiana.

If you would like to speak to Trooper Harcourt about a traffic concern in a specific area where a motor officer could assist, contact him at the Putnamville State Police Post at 1-800-225-8576.

ISPA Annual Meeting and Golf Outing:

This years outing will be held at:

Maple Creek Golf & Country Club
10501 E. 21st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46229
317-894-3343

June 8, 2009
11:00am

The cost for this years outing is $45and this will include Golf, Cart, Unlimited Range Balls prizes and a meal to be served at the course immediately after the golf is completed. Maple Creek Golf Course was Pete Dye's first Golf Course that he designed, and Mr. Dye has again been working with the Golf Course to redesign three of the holes. Through the years some of our members have asked us to move our outing out of the month of May so this years outing will be held on June 8th and tee off will be at11:00AM. We hope that hosting this event in June will allow more of our members to play in this event. A registration form will be mailed out to our members or you can contact the Alliance office for one of the forms. If you have any other questions please contact the Alliance office.

NAME	DOB	AGE
RAHOLIN, EDWARD J.	06/12/14	95
SUTHERLAND, CHARLES	12/01/14	95
NUTTY, GORDON M.	09/29/15	94
SHEETS, JAMES R.	12/16/16	93
ALLEN, GEORGE W.	02/10/18	91
BROWN, LEWIS W.	02/14/18	91
PETERS, RICHARD B.	08/20/18	91
BUSHORE, GERALD	12/19/18	91
COOK, JOHN A.	03/27/19	90
COX, RAYMOND E.	10/12/19	90
HUELSON, NORMAN	11/22/19	90
LEE, FRED E.	02/19/20	89
GUTH, STANLEY W.	04/28/20	89
PHERAL, JOHN L.	06/03/20	89
HAGEN, HAROLD M.	06/29/20	89
TAGUE, MARION H.	08/01/20	89
MOHR, CARROLL E.	10/12/20	89
HAAS, ROBERT F.	11/16/20	89
MERRILLEES, HAROLD C.	01/18/21	88
VOKOROKOS, JAMES C.	02/18/21	88

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