An upcoming fundraiser in Ionia is set to help pay for medical expenses for a Michigan State Police trooper battling a brain tumor.

A yard sale, bake sale and car wash to support MSP Trooper Dane Van Ells is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Ionia Fairgrounds, 317 S. Dexter St., in Ionia.

George’s Concession will provide fair-type food and a raffle is scheduled to take place, said organizer Sarah Shattuck.

Those interested in donating “good used condition” items for the yard sale and returnables can contact Shattuck’s husband — Trooper Scott Shattuck — at 616-914-2028. There are plans to have a pick-up and drop-off location for returnables on Sept. 12.

“Everything that we make from the bake sale, the yard sale and the car wash will go directly to Dane... Hopefully that’s a good turnout for him,” Sarah Shattuck said.

Van Ells, of Pewamo, is a 2016 graduate of Pewamo-Westphalia High School. He graduated from the 135th Trooper Recruit School in 2019 and was assigned to the MSP Lakeview Post.

In November 2019, Van Ells was diagnosed with a brain tumor. A GoFundMe page was launched to support Van Ells and a fundraiser took place in January at P-W High School, with both receiving positive support, Shattuck said.

Since January, Van Ells has been receiving chemotherapy treatment at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.

“There’s been some but very little progress,” Shattuck said.

Van Ells was given one to three years to live by the University of Michigan, Shattuck said.

Van Ells’ family located a doctor in Houston — Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski — who has had success in treating his type of cancer. The treatment, however, is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration — meaning Van Ells’ medical insurance won’t cover testing or medications.

“All this money has to come out of pocket,” Shattuck said.

After Van Ells’ family learned his prognosis and spoke with families in and out of state that had someone receive treatment from Burzynski, his medical records were forwarded to Texas, Shattuck said.

“They felt this was the next road they needed to take,” Shattuck said.

Van Ells departed for Texas on Saturday, Aug. 8, after attending the funeral of fellow MSP Trooper Caleb Starr, who died on July 31 after injuries suffered in a July 10 crash.

Van Ells and Starr graduated from the same Trooper Recruit School and were each assigned to the MSP Lakeview Post.

Van Ells and his mother arrived in Texas Sunday, Shattuck said. The medical costs are expected to be roughly $20,000 per month out of pocket, she said.

“We’re doing some additional fundraising to try and bring in whatever we can get to offset those costs,” Shattuck said.

Those wishing to help Van Ells can donate to his GoFundMe page. Those who want to follow Van Ells’ journey can follow the Facebook page: Dane’s Walk By Faith.

Biggby Coffee, 2331 S. State Road, in Ionia is offering vouchers that allow $1 of purchases to go toward Van Ells.

Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-trooper-vanells

KSP Raises Over $16K for Special Olympics

The first Kentucky State Police (KSP) “Cover the Cruiser” event is in the books and raised $16,206.16 to support Special Olympics of Kentucky (SOKY).

KSP posts across the state parked their cruises at designated locations and encouraged the public to cover their cruisers with custom SOKY stickers. A minimum donation of $1 was requested to place a sticker on the cruiser, but Kentuckians donated more than the minimum.

The 'Cover the Cruiser’ campaign was developed when the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run was canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Each year, The Torch Run escorts the Special Olympics Flame of hope to kick off the Kentucky State Summer Games in Richmond. State Troopers, in conjunction with national law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S., participate to raise awareness and funding for Special Olympics programs.

KSP Spokesman Sergeant Josh Lawson gave credit to the troopers who hosted the local 'Cover the Cruiser' events. "Even in the midst of a global pandemic our troopers stepped up and took ownership of this new program, adding it to their long list of community outreach activities," said Lawson. "Whether it was during torrential downpours or sweltering heat they did what was needed, as they always do, to demonstrate their service to the citizens of Kentucky."

SOKY President Trish Mazzoni said the new campaign was a tremendous success. “We are deeply grateful to the Kentucky State Police, all of the Troopers who took part, our host locations and to everyone who donated," said Mazzoni. "Thank you to KSP and to all of the law enforcement community that continues to be so deeply committed to the support of Special Olympics Kentucky Athletes.”

The fundraiser developed into a friendly competition among Kentucky State Police posts*. For this inaugural event, the London Post took top honors with a total of $2,577.94 raised. Trooper Scottie Pennington organized the post fundraiser and battled heavy rain on the date of his event. ”To say that I am humbled by the support and generosity of our Laurel County Citizens is an understatement. Special Olympics of Kentucky holds a special place in my heart and it was an honor to assist them in this way."

Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization has been serving the needs of our athletes and their families since 1970 and welcomes 11,300 athletes in Kentucky.

Photo Description: Trooper Scottie Pennington, KSP London Post accepting a donation from a young girl at the London Walmart.

Special Olympics Kentucky

Source: KSP Facebook see original post here: https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyStatePolice

8/10/2020

 Sometimes, you just happen to be in the right place at the right time.

Back on June 23, New York State Trooper Joshua Neal was driving along I-88 in Fenton when he noticed a motorcycle next to him. After losing sight of it around a curve, Tpr. Neal saw a cloud of dust, and the bike crashed on the shoulder.

Neal immediately knew something was wrong and pulled his car over. 15-20 yards away he saw Joe Casiuk badly wounded and losing blood fast. By quickly applying a tourniquet and calling for help, but largely because of how close behind he was, Neal is believed to have save Casiuk's life.

"If he wan't there, at the time that he was with how quickly he responded, I would have been dead," Casiuk told 12 News Tuesday.

Trooper Neal said he was simply doing his job, but the experience as reaffirmed his livelong passion to be a police officer. Casiuk said after recovering for four weeks in the hospital, he has a renewed sense of life and an understanding of what's important to him.

Despite losing roughly a third of all of the blood in his body, Casiuk only fractured his clavicle in addition to his leg injury.

8/5/2020

 A family in Warren County took to Facebook to thank a state trooper who helped search for their missing dogs.

Wednesday morning, the Duncan family let their dogs, Stella and Jack, outside to play, but when it was time to come in, they dogs were nowhere to be found.

The dogs owner, Bri Duncan, hopped in the car and began searching the side of the Interstate-165 for her dogs.

Kentucky State Trooper Mike Hatler spotted Duncan searching and decided to help her search.

Soon after, he showed up in her neighborhood continuing the search.

The sweet furry friends were both found safe and are at home with their family.

Hatler says, he once had a precious pet dalmatian go missing and he knew the fear Duncan was going through.

The Facebook post also thanked all law enforcement officers for their protection and service for even the little things they do in the community.

Watch video at: https://www.wnky.com/family-thankful-to-kentucky-state-trooper-who-helped-search-for-missing-dogs/

7/31/2020

A North Carolina state trooper is being called an “angel” after rescuing a woman and her family when they were stranded in the middle of a highway after they blew a tire.

Monica Hines, along with her boyfriend and children, were heading to Duke Neurology when the back tire gave out, according to WRAL.com. The woman called AAA but was told she and her family would have to “get out and wait on the side of the road,” she wrote on Facebook.

"There was nothing close to us that we could walk to," she continued.

When North Carolna State Trooper Colby Pridgen saw the family, he wanted to help in more way than one. Pridgen used his own money to purchase four new tires for the vehicle, plus a tank full of gas.

"God sent us an angel," Hines wrote in the Facebook post.

Pridgen, who also paid for lunch at a nearby McDonald’s, said he believes in paying kindness forward: “Someone helped me out earlier that day, and I just felt like it was meant to be when I ran into this family,” he told the outlet. “I couldn't let them ride all the way back to Jacksonville with their kids on tires like that.”

7/29/2020

Congratulations! To the Georgia State Patrol for being voted the “2020 America’s Best-Looking Cruiser”.

This is not Georgia State Patrol’s first - time win, as they have been awarded this recognition on previous calendars.

The contest received a total of 331,645 votes. Thank you to everyone who participated to make this year’s contest a success.

The 2020 top 13 finalists are listed below:

1st          Georgia State Patrol

2^nd          Kentucky State Police

3rd         Nevada Highway State Patrol

4^th           Ohio State Highway Patrol

5^th           Nebraska State Patrol

6^th           California Highway Patrol

7^th           Mississippi Highway Patrol

8^th           Tennessee Highway Patrol

9^th           Michigan State Police

10^th         Iowa State Patrol

11^th         Missouri State Highway Patrol

12^th         South Dakota Highway Patrol

13^th         Minnesota State Patrol

The 2021 Calendars will be available to purchase at www.statetroopers.org The sale will begin mid-September 2020.

Watch for the announcement on the AAST Facebook page.

Net proceeds of the calendar sales will benefit the American Association of State Troopers Foundation that provides educational scholarship to dependents of AAST members.

We would like to thank our corporate calendar partners:

     AT&T First Net       Tremco Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems        Sig Sauer       Federal Signal

Today is the LAST day to cast your vote!

This is the seventh year that we have held the Best-Looking Cruiser contest. In the seven years on the contest we have had photo submissions that highlighted different aspects of the state agencies alongside their cruiser; some have included K-9s, motorcycles, helicopters, and other fleet vehicles. While the contest is about the cruiser state agencies never disappoint with their choice of creative backgrounds that highlight different aspects of their state.

Thank you to all of the State Agencies that have participated throughout the years! Please VOTE for your favorite cruiser by clicking on "Vote Now" below.

We would also like to thank Tremco Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems, Sig Sauer, and Federal Signal for your continued sponsorship. 

Vote Now

7/20/2020

Delaware State Police Divisional Headquarters, Dover – The Delaware State Police proudly announces its new Superintendent, Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, appointed by Governor John Carney, today, July 9, 2020.

Lieutenant Colonel Zebley is a 28-year member of the Division and was appointed as a trooper in July of 1992. Upon completion of her academy training, she was assigned to Troop 6, Prices Corner. In September 1997 she was transferred to the academy as a Drill Instructor. She served that function until December 2001.  In April 2002 Zebley was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to Troop 1, Penny Hill.  She served as a patrol supervisor until October 2005 when she was transferred to the Public Information Office and later assumed the role of Director. In February 2007 she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to Headquarters as the Fiscal Officer for the Division. In April 2009 she was transferred to Troop 2 near Glasgow where she was in charge of patrol operations for the troop. In August 2009 Zebley was promoted to Captain and was transferred to Troop 1 as the Commander. In September 2010, she was promoted to Major and served on the Executive Staff as the Administrative Officer and the New Castle County Operations Officer.  In August 2019, Major Zebley was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, appointed by the Superintendent, Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.  She will take command of the Delaware State Police on Monday, July 13, 2020 serving as the agency’s 26th Superintendent.

In 1991, Lieutenant Colonel Zebley graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She also graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in 2000. She continued her education and earned a Master of Science Degree in 2003 from Wilmington University. Colonel Zebley is a 2008 graduate of the 235th  Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) National Academy. In addition, she has been a Wilmington University adjunct instructor and a program assistant for the Criminal Justice Program. She has organized the annual Women in Criminal Justice Leadership Conference since its inception in 2005.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as the 26th Superintendent of the Delaware State Police.  I thank Governor Carney and Acting Secretary Chandler for their faith in me to lead this division of professional and dedicated members.  I pledge to serve with the dignity and honor befitting the high standards of the agency,” Lieutenant Colonel Zebley said.  “The Delaware State Police remain steadfast in our mission of service to all citizens and will continue on our course of community collaboration and progressive policing.”

“Lieutenant Colonel Zebley has served the Delaware State Police and the citizens of the state of Delaware with distinction.” Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. said.  “She has served as a member of the Executive Staff for the last nine and one half years, and she will continue to build on the foundation and the rich history of the Delaware State Police as she guides the agency forward.”

 Presented By Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

7/10/2020

It’s that time of year again that everyone here at AAST looks forward to! It is time to cast your vote for the best-looking cruiser contest.

This is the seventh year that we have held the Best-Looking Cruiser contest. In the seven years on the contest we have had photo submissions that highlighted different aspects of the state agencies alongside their cruiser; some have included K-9s, motorcycles, helicopters, and other fleet vehicles. While the contest is about the cruiser state agencies never disappoint with their choice of creative backgrounds that highlight different aspects of their state.

Thank you to all of the State Agencies that have participated throughout the years! Please VOTE for your favorite cruiser by clicking on "Vote Now" below.

We would also like to thank Tremco Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems, Sig Sauer, and Federal Signal for your continued sponsorship. 

Vote Now

7/8/2020

For the first time ever, Maryland State Police trooper candidates took their oath in a graduation ceremony that was socially-distant, not open to families and live-streamed on social media, due to continuing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With just the Superintendent, bureau chiefs and Training Academy staff looking on from an appropriate distance away, the graduates of the Maryland State Police 151st Trooper Candidate Class raised their right hands and took an oath to serve and protect the people of Maryland as they officially became state troopers.  The ceremony was held in the cafeteria area of the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Center in Sykesville, where the Maryland State Police operate their Training Academy.

Following remarks by Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Woodrow Jones III, Training Academy commander, Captain Brian Smith, and president of the 151st Class, Trooper Jesse O’Donald, the new troopers received their badges.  A limited number of family members for each graduate were permitted into the room only as their trooper’s name was called and he or she received their badge.

Pandemic guidelines required the 33 members of the trooper candidate class to complete months of a normally residential police training academy in quarantine.  Since May 11th, graduates were mandated to remain at the Training Academy around the clock and on weekends, except for the last two. The training, already known as one of most intense and comprehensive state police training programs in the nation, became even more challenging in mid-March as the class first underwent eight weeks of distance learning, followed by 12-14 hour days of intense training. During six months of strict discipline and a demanding schedule, the trooper candidates received instruction in criminal and traffic laws, emergency care, emergency driving, physical training, and scenario-based training that included de-escalation and conflict resolution.

“Class 151 will be remembered for many reasons, including the first class in our history to be quarantined,” Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Woodrow Jones III, said.  “Most significantly, they will be remembered as 33 dedicated men and women willing to begin their new law enforcement career during a time when a true commitment to being a public servant who serves with empathy, integrity and a sincere desire to help others has never been more important.  I thank each of them for their perseverance during this training and look forward to the good things they will accomplish in the counties and communities across our state where they will serve.”

Among the members of the class, eight have prior military experience, two previously worked in law enforcement or corrections and eight were Maryland State Police cadets. Eighteen of the recruits have college degrees and another 15 are enrolled in the concurrent Associate of Arts program with Frederick Community College and have been obtaining their degrees as they attend the Academy.

Following a brief period of leave, the new troopers will report to barracks across Maryland to begin eight weeks of practical instruction with field training troopers.  Upon successful completion of that training, they will be permitted to patrol alone.

7/1/2020

On Friday, Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, announced that 99 cadets graduated from the State Police Academy in Hershey and have been assigned to troops across the commonwealth. The men and women represent the 159th graduating cadet class.

In accordance with statewide measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the graduation ceremony was closed to the public. Friends and family were afforded the opportunity to view the event via live streams on the Academy Facebook page, YouTube Live, and PAcast.

"The support of loved ones, even from afar, is crucial during the rigorous physical and mental training State Police cadets receive at the Academy, and it will remain vital throughout their careers as troopers," said Colonel Evanchick. "Although proud parents, siblings, spouses, and others could not attend in person, we are grateful for everything they have done to help these men and women reach the important milestone we are marking today."

6/29/2020.

Trooper Rescues Occupants from Sinking Vessel in Point Pleasant Canal

Sergeant Michael Krauchuk, of the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau, rescued three occupants from a sinking vessel in the Point Pleasant Canal.

On Sunday, June 14, at approximately 5:08 p.m., troopers from the Marine Services Bureau Point Pleasant Station were dispatched to the report of a 26-foot boat sinking in the Point Pleasant Canal in Point Pleasant Boro, Ocean County.

Trooper Daniel C. Harrell, of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, has been recognized nationally for his courage and commitment during a traffic stop that quickly turned life threatening.

The American Association of State Troopers recognized Trooper Harrell’s heroic actions by naming him the 2020 Trooper of the Year for continuing to pursue a suspect after being shot twice in the face, and his commitment to keeping the citizens of Wilson County, North Carolina safe.

On January 14, 2019, Trooper Harrell had just finished a traffic stop when he noticed a vehicle improperly towing another vehicle. Trooper Harrell caught up with the vehicles and activated his blue lights and siren, the vehicles turned onto a state road before slowly pulling onto the shoulder. Trooper Harrell made contact and explained the reason for the stop to the driver of the vehicle being towed and the driver of the front vehicle, he also noticed a passenger in the front vehicle. Neither of the drivers had a driver’s license or any other form of identification. As Trooper Harrell was talking to the driver of the front vehicle he accelerated and drove off from the stop. Trooper Harrell returned to his patrol car and informed communications that he was in a chase. After travelling down the road, a short distance, the driver pulled over again, as Trooper Harrell was preparing to exit his patrol car the driver leaned out of the vehicle and opened fire on Trooper Harrell striking him twice in the face (once in the forehead and once in the cheek). Trooper Harrell immediately returned fire and the violator drove off again as the passenger jumped out of the vehicle and laid on the ground. Although he was shot and bleeding profusely from his face, Trooper Harrell continued the chase giving updates and descriptions to the Raleigh Communications. The suspect stopped to exit and disconnect the vehicle being towed where Trooper Harrell stopped a safe distance behind and engaged in gunfire with the suspect before he drove off again. The suspect drove a short distance more before making a U-Turn and colliding with Trooper Harrell’s cruiser head on disabling the patrol car.

Trooper Harrell continued to engage the suspect in gunfire before the suspect was able to drive away and then continue his flee attempt on foot.

It is because of Trooper Harrell’s perseverance and communication that the involved persons were located and arrested the night of the incident and no further persons were injured.

A presentation ceremony is will take place later this year.

6/17/2020