The South Dakota Highway Patrol were presented with Beef Bucks at the 2022 SD Law Enforcement Banquet in Sioux Falls on Nov. 9.

Beef Bucks are used at the discretion of the South Dakota Highway Patrol to distribute to law enforcement families in need this holiday season. This project has been done over the years as a way to thank these first responders for their services.

Beef Bucks, Inc. is a non-profit organization established for the purpose of beef promotion and consumer education. For more information on the Beef Bucks program, go to www.beefbucks.org.

Order Now!

When purchasing the 2023 Cruiser Calendar you will be supporting the American Association of State Trooper Foundation. 100% of  the proceeds go directly towards the AAST Foundation which provides college scholarships to dependents of AAST members across the county. To date AAST has awarded over 3 million scholarships to more than 4,000 students.

Order yours today!

These calendars can be purchased on our website www.statetroopers.org or directly by contacting our office at (850) 385-7904 x 201

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The California Highway Patrol's annual "CHiPs for Kids" Toy Drive benefitting children in need during the holiday season begins Monday, Nov. 21.

Troopers will collect unwrapped, brand-new toys at designated dropbox locations around San Diego County. The drive runs until Dec. 13.

You can drop toys off at the following locations:

CHP office El Cajon: 1722 East Main St., El Cajon 92021-5259

CHP office Oceanside: 435 La Tortuga Dr., Vista 92081-4321

CHP office San Diego: 5902 Kearny Villa Rd., San Diego 92123

Walmart

13425 Community Rd., Poway, CA 92064

170 Town Center Pkwy., Santee, CA 92071

2100 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054

705 College Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92057

3405 Marron Rd., Oceanside, CA 92057

CHP says contactless donations are an option as well; the public can buy gifts via an Amazon registry the patrol set up.

The gifts will be distributed at events across San Diego County from Dec. 14 to Dec. 16.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Toni Schuck – a Florida Highway Patrol trooper lauded as a hero after she crashed into a drunk driver barreling towards the finish line during a race on the Skyway Bridge – was honored with the “Back the Blue” award at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards on Friday.

The 26-year law enforcement veteran was the “last line of defense” before the finish line, where thousands of Armed Forces Skyway 10K Race runners gathered after crossing the bridge. She heard a radio transmission saying a driver – later identified as Kristen Kay Watts, 52, of Sarasota – slammed through the detour barricades and was heading her direction at about 100 mph.

“I was the last officer, I knew that, I knew it was me,” Schuck said at a news conference after the March 6 crash. “If it wasn’t me to get her to stop, then who?”

Schuck said she’s still dealing with the effects of the crash months later. She has been in physical therapy since March, which will continue “for the foreseeable future”.

In a video that aired during the ceremony, she said she’s carried her grandmother’s bible with her on the job, every day for her 26-year career, and believes it helped her survive the high-speed crash.

“I believe there had to be someone riding with me,” she said, tearing up. “I think I had a guardian angel.”

While accepting the award, Trooper Schuck described how March 6 started out like any morning shift. She was gearing up to go home when she was thrust into a terrifying situation, with just two minutes elapsing between the driver breaking through the barricades and crashing into Schuck’s patrol car.

“That’s what law enforcement gets. We get those split-second decisions,” Schuck said. “And then the audience that gets to review our videos have a lifetime to criticize us.”

“What they don’t see is that we’re human and we want to do a job,” she continued. “That job is to protect our community and that’s what I felt I did that day.”

She thanked Floridians and people across the country for the outpouring of support she received after the crash, especially from runners’ groups and other officers who were involved in crashes on the job.

Now that Trooper Schuck is back on the job, she hopes to inspire other women to pursue a career in law enforcement.

“If I can inspire one young woman … I’m hoping the next generation of law enforcement will include a lot more females,” she said. 

Since the crash, Schuck has thrown out the first pitch at the Rays’ opening day game. In Manatee County, March 22 was designated “Trooper Toni Schuck Day” in her honor.

A Michigan State Police K-9 located an 80-year-old hunter whose wife reported he was lost after she heard him shoot several shots while tracking a deer in northern Michigan.

Troopers for the MSP Houghton Lake Post were called around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday to a home on Nash Camp Road in Lovells Township, according to MSP in a Thursday press release.

A woman told the troopers her husband was tracking a deer and hadn't been seen for roughly three hours. She said it worried her when she heard him shoot several shots, which was a sign he was lost.

To help find the hunter, the troopers asked for a K-9 named Loki from the MSP Houghton Lake Post and the MSP Aviation Unit.

Loki and the troopers tracked the hunter about .66 miles north of his home and found him "very cold," according to MSP in the release. He was unharmed, but wet and cold due to falling into the river three times in his waders.

One of the troopers removed his dry fatigue shirt and gave it to the hunter along with his gloves and coat to keep him warm, according to MSP in the release.

The Lovells Township Fire and Rescue unit transported the hunter out of the woods using its canoe. He was then taken to Grayling Munson Hospital for further medical treatment and has been discharged from the hospital in good health.

Yesterday, Trooper Deshawn Brown, our Troop B Community Liaison, visited the Boys and Girls Club of Westfield to read a book to a class of preschool students. He was joined by Trooper Chad Tata of our Employee Assistance unit and his partner, crisis response dog Luna.

Before they entered the classroom, the Troopers were informed by a teacher that a girl in the class, Lorelei, had been bitten by a neighborhood dog two months ago and as a result of that traumatic event was very fearful of all animals, especially dogs. The Troopers assured the teacher that they would make sure Lorelei felt safe and comfortable throughout their visit.

After Trooper Brown read a story to the children and handed out some MSP stickers, the class learned about Luna’s role with the State Police. Trooper Brown then asked if anyone had any questions.

Lorelei raised her hand and asked if she could pet Luna. She then stood up and slowly walked toward Luna, hand-in-hand with her teacher for extra assurance. Lorelei courageously put her hand on Luna’s back and began to pet her (pictured) in what we hope is a good step in her healing process.

Troopers Brown and Tata and K9 Luna are very grateful for the hospitality of the Boys and Girls Club, and thank the teachers, students, and of course Lorelei, for their friendship.” -Massachusetts State Police.

Every year the Association reaches out to its members to ask for their help in supporting its Scholarship Foundation. As you see in the letter below, last year’s donations made it possible for the Foundation to fund over $80,000 in scholarships to its members dependents. If you would like to be a part of helping us fund these well deserved scholarships next year, please call the office at (800) 765-5456, send in a donation using the address below or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a call back number.

Thank you in advance for your support, and have a

Happy Thanksgiving! 

HOOKSETT, N.H. — New Hampshire State Police collected toys Saturday for Toys for Tots.

Troopers collected toys at Bass Pro Shops in Hooksett from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Two officers greeted customers and received donations that will go to the Marine Corps Reserve Foundation in Londonderry.

Sgt. Megan Walsh said it made for a busy day but was all worth it to give back.

"It's really wonderful at these events to see how many members of the community are willing to come out and help and take from their own pocket to give to those in need," Walsh said. "It's really refreshing and it's very nice to be a part of."

She said she hopes every child gets a toy this year.

Order Now!

When purchasing the 2023 Cruiser Calendar you will be supporting the American Association of State Trooper Foundation. 100% of  the proceeds go directly towards the AAST Foundation which provides college scholarships to dependents of AAST members across the county. To date AAST has awarded over 3 million scholarships to more than 4,000 students.

Order yours today!

These calendars can be purchased on our website www.statetroopers.org or directly by contacting our office at (850) 385-7904 x 201

November 10, 2022

A total of 59 troopers graduated from the 142nd Trooper Recruit School Thursday morning. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer acted as keynote speaker and Col. Joe Gasper, director of Michigan State Police (MSP), administered the Oath of Office to 59 individuals who will begin their assignments at MSP posts across the state next week.

"The Michigan State Police is one of the nation's premier law enforcement agencies, and I am so proud of the 59 Michiganders in the 142nd Trooper Recruit School for joining their ranks," Whitmer said. "As a former prosecutor, public safety will always be a core issue for me, and I will work with anyone to bring down crime and build up our communities. I am so grateful to the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make every day to keep us safe. Together, let's keep families safe as they go to work, drop their kids off at school, or run errands in their neighborhood."

The 142nd Trooper Recruit School started last June with 85 prospective troopers. Recruits received training in patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, cultural diversity and implicit bias, decision making, leadership, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing, firearms, water safety, defensive tactics and precision driving. 

Trooper Matthew Patercsak was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits and spoke on behalf of the graduating class at their ceremony; Trooper Kevin Brown received the Outstanding Performance, Physical Fitness and Marksmanship awards; Trooper Shiloh LaButte who received the Team Building Award; and Trooper Gavin Lamarche who received the Academic Achievement Award.

"We welcome our 59 newest troopers with the confidence that they will continue our tradition of service," Gasper said. "The standard we subscribe to as members of the Michigan State Police is to treat all those you encounter with dignity and respect, always. These newest troopers represent not only the future of the MSP, but the future of policing, and I'm confident the work they will do day-in and day-out will help to raise the standards of our industry."

About 1,192 troopers, including the 59 newest members, are assigned statewide with a total of 1,888 enlisted members.

A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aircraft and Highway Memorial sign was dedicated in honor of Trooper Chad Walker on Tuesday, Nov. 8.2022

Walker died in the line of duty in 2021. Walker’s family, DPS Director Steven McCraw, fellow Troopers, area law enforcement, and state and local officials attended the ceremony at the Groesbeck Convention Center in Groesbeck.

Walker, 38, died on March 31, 2021, a few days after he was shot while stopping to assist a driver on FM-2838 near U.S. 84 in Limestone County. Walker, who joined DPS in 2015, was stationed in Groesbeck at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife and four children.

“Trooper Walker is a hero,” stated DPS representatives, “He's a hero to his family, his friends, his community, and his DPS family. His selfless sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a highway dedication will take place at a later date. 

November 13, 2022

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On Sunday, K9 teams from across the state came to Jacksonville to see who really was “Top Dog.”

K9s United hosted its inaugural Law Enforcement K-9 Competition from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Bishop Kenny High School Athletic Complex.

The competition showcased the remarkable skills of the police dogs and simulated situations they encounter in the field, including a timed obstacle course, vehicle bailouts, car window jumps, tunnel crawls, wall jumps and an apprehension obstacle.

Participating Florida K-9 teams included the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol’s Jacksonville, Orlando and Ocoee departments.

The three “Top Dog” winners crowned in the following categories were:

Obstacle course: Konner Achors and K-9 Ace, Florida Highway Patrol

Fastest: Geoffrey Pubillones and K-9 Rico, Florida Highway Patrol

Hardest Hitting: Ashton Boyster and K-9 Kenzo, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

All proceeds from the event will go towards K9s United to help provide First Coast K-9 teams with the vital training, lifesaving equipment and crucial legislation they need to serve on the front lines.

NOVEMBER 6, 2022

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - This morning, Louisiana State Police conducted the historical graduation of Cadet Class 101, the first LSP Cadet Class to be exclusively comprised of prior law enforcement officers from around the state. The Louisiana State Police Training Academy hosted the graduation ceremony where 23 individuals completed their dedicated journey to become Louisiana State Troopers.

On July 31, 2022, 28 cadets from across the state began an accelerated 14-week advanced training program to expand upon their foundation of basic law enforcement certifications. Throughout the academy, cadets received training in various subjects including crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, impaired driving detection, fair and impartial policing, legal aspects and constitutional updates, advanced firearms, and leadership skills in addition to a rigorous physical training regimen. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow troopers, 23 of those cadets achieved their goal this morning and received the distinguished badge of the Louisiana State Police. Having successfully completed the LSP Training Academy, the newly graduated Troopers will deploy across the state, where they will participate in a 10-14 week field-training program while supervised by a veteran Louisiana State Trooper.

Troop A – Baton Rouge

Grant Auzenne

Tenekia Kemp

Troop B – Kenner

Cory Castin

Amber Chopin-Smith

C.J. Seruntine

Troop C – Gray

Aric Mackay

Henry Perez

Austin Travis

Troop D – Lake Charles

Jesse Jordan

Matthew Verheyden

Troop E – Alexandria  

Silas Axsom

James Glenn II

Terry Johnson

Dwayne Rice Jr.

Troop F – Monroe

Arthur Bradshaw

Chason Carroll

Troop G – Bossier City

Trent Perritt

Eddie Thomas Jr.

John Wynn

Troop I – Lafayette

Dustin Lavergne

Tyler Scott

Troop L – Mandeville

James Harper

Todd Henry Jr.

Order Now!

When purchasing the 2023 Cruiser Calendar you will be supporting the American Association of State Trooper Foundation. 100% of  the proceeds go directly towards the AAST Foundation which provides college scholarships to dependents of AAST members across the county. To date AAST has awarded over 3 million scholarships to more than 4,000 students.

Order yours today!

These calendars can be purchased on our website www.statetroopers.org or directly by contacting our office at (850) 385-7904 x 201

September 2022

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Within the Department of Public Safety a historic promotion has been made.

On Wednesday, August 31, the State of Alaska announced Captain Maurice “Mo” Hughes was promoted to Colonel of the Alaska State Troopers. Colonel Hughes, a veteran of the Coast Guard, has served Alaskans as a State Trooper for 32 years. 

A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Colonel Hughes is a certified police instructor in Alaska and holds an advanced police certificate. 

Since 2016, he has served the Kenai Peninsula and southeast Alaska as the AST Commander of Detachment E. During his state service, he has supervised Western Alaska State Troopers, worked in the recruitment unit, and managed Court Service Officers in the Anchorage area. Additionally, Colonel Hughes has been a firearms instructor, a K9 handler and a member of the Tracking Team.

“I’ve kind of traveled around during my time in the Coast Guard, ended up wanting to come to Alaska,” Hughes said. “Got here, never wanted to leave, so I’ve been here since then.”

This is a historic promotion for the Alaska Division of Public Safety, making Maurice Hughes the first African American Colonel in the department. “I think it speaks volumes to the department,” Hughes said. “I think it speaks volumes to the diversity within the department and I’m proud to be here.”

Being the first African American Alaska State Trooper Colonel, it’s an honor and I am humbled at the appointment,” added Hughes.

In a statement, Hughes called it “the honor of a lifetime to serve Alaskans”. Hughes stated he is looking forward to addressing important issues.  He continued saying “I’m working with (the command staff) from a different perspective now, but I’d like to get in, see how things are going, see what I can help with.”

The department changes went into effect on September 1, 2022.