DARTMOUTH, Mass— It was a "wow" moment for Massachusetts State Police at a Family Fun Day event held by Hope Evangelical Community Church over the weekend. A 9-year-old girl, inspired to become a police officer because of the heroic actions of an officer who saved her life at birth, was reunited with the man for the first time since that terrifying day.

When Amiyah was born, the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck, a complication that, although not extremely uncommon, can potentially cause strangulation or other birth injuries. New Bedford Police Officer Nate Monteiro delivered the baby and quickly unwrapped the umbilical cord, potentially saving her life.

Since that day, 9 years ago, Officer Monteiro has joined the Massachusetts State Police as a member of the Recruitment and Diversity unit.

When Amiyah told officers of her story at the Family Fun Day, they called now Trooper Monteiro at home. He arrived at the event to meet the little girl he had kept safe as he brought her into the world all those years ago.

There, the two reunited for the first time. Trooper Monteiro and Amiyah hugged and she got the chance to thank the man who inspired her to follow her own dreams in becoming a police officer one day.

"There was, after all, nine years of catching up to do," Massachusetts State Police said.

FHP- Ready and on Hurricane watch in Tampa Florida.. stay up to date on hurricane information @ https://www.flhsmv.gov

West Virginia State Police cadets are sworn in on Monday during a ceremony at the State Police Academy.

Monday, August 29th 2022

INSTITUTE, W.Va. — State Police Superintendent Col. Jan Cahill says an increase in locality pay this year is one of the reasons why they’re seeing an uptick in recruitment.

“We’ve had three pay raises over the last five years, but the last one was historic,” Cahill told MetroNews.

State lawmakers approved a $10,000 pay raise for troopers earlier this year. Cahill said the raise, which kicked in July 1, has lead to the largest cadet class in nearly 30 years.

The 71st Cadet Class was sworn in during a ceremony Monday morning at the State Police Academy in Institute. There are 63 new members, the most since 1994.

“It’s our second largest class we’ve hired in our 103 year history, so as you can imagine we’re extremely excited about this,” Cahill said.

Cahill called it “a hybrid/blended class” that is a mixture of 38 certified officers and 25 non-certified officers. The certified officers will start conducting rotations across the state as part of their training.

“If an officer is from Princeton, he’s going to go to Wheeling or Martinsburg and work all over the state,” Cahill said. “We feel like that makes a more well-rounded trooper.”

The non-certified officers will start rotations after graduation. All 63 new members will graduate on the same day.

Cahill said he believes expanding testing opportunities to other parts of the state have also generated interest in becoming a trooper.

“We go to Charles Town, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Beckley, Elkins. Way back many years ago if you wanted to test, you came here to Institute, but we go all over the state and even hire people from out-of-state,” he said.

State police training is expected to last 20 weeks.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2022

TRENTON, NJ – A New Jersey State Trooper took home the gold…and the gold…and the gold…and the gold at this year’s annual police and fire championships.

“Earlier today, Colonel Patrick J. Callahan presented a letter of congratulations to Trooper Alan Laws, who recently won four gold medals at the 2022 United States Police & Fire Championships in San Diego, California,” the NJSP said in a statement today.

Trooper Laws won gold in the men’s 400 meter run, men’s 400 meter hurdles, 4×100 meter relay, and 4×400 meter relay.

The Colonel congratulated Trooper Laws for his achievement, his leadership, and representing the State Police with honor.

Aug. 27, 2022

Not much surprises Melville “Roy” Anderson, but a gathering of family, friends, and neighbors, as well as representatives from the Massachusetts State Police and the military, caught him off guard Saturday. They cheered his 100th birthday at a surprise party at the Red Rose.

“I’m overwhelmed with the turnout,” he said. “My entire street, all my neighbors are here. I can’t believe all these people came here.” Originally from Chicopee, he has lived in East Longmeadow since the 1960s.

His four children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren were on hand to celebrate.

A World War II veteran, Anderson served as a gunner’s mate third-class, onboard the USS Meredosia protecting convoys on the North Atlantic route and later in the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific.

At his party Saturday, Lt. Cmdr. Josh Thompson, commanding officer of the Navy Reserve Center in Plainfield, Connecticut, presented Anderson with a letter of appreciation and commendation from Adm. Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations.

“That really meant something to me that an admiral sent a note like that,” Anderson said.

In 1947, he was appointed to the State Police initially as an emergency hire to help fill wartime vacancies but he became a full-time trooper within several months.

Over the course of his career, Anderson served as an aide to Gov. Christian Herter, commanded Troop B in Northampton, and Troop A in Framingham. In 1970, he was promoted to major and retired from the force a year later. He subsequently went to work as an investigator for the New England Telephone Co.

Anderson said the force has changed over the years and he is proud of serving as a trooper.

“There have been many changes that I have to thank these modern troopers for, making the job what it is today. I’m proud of the outfit. They have maintained their standards and they have done a great job,” he said.

Members of the State Police Commissioned Officers Association presented Anderson with a plaque commemorating his service on the force. Major Brendhan Shugrue noted that the plaque is common now for retirees, but the association did not exist when Anderson retired. The association were able to catch up to him and make sure he was remembered properly.

Anderson always enjoyed his golf, his friend Edward Sheehan said. The two worked together at the telephone company and served on the company credit union Board of Directors.

“He could always hit the ball well,” Sheehan said. “Always down the middle.”

08/26/2022

​Harrisburg, PA – Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, announced that 64 cadets have graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. The class was the 164th to graduate from the academy in Hershey since it opened in 1960.

Colonel Evanchick told the cadets the rigorous training and education they received serve as the foundation of their careers.

"You will be scrutinized for every decision you make and sometimes for the decisions other law enforcement officers make," said Colonel Evanchick. "You need to be true to yourself, our Call of Honor, and do the right thing, even when doing the right thing may be the most difficult decision you will ever make."

Five cadets received special awards and recognition during today's ceremony at LCBC Manheim in Lancaster County:

Sean P. Gordon received the Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for exemplifying the qualities of leadership and the John K. Schafer Memorial Award for the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests;

Mitchell W. Obenrader received the American Legion Award for all-around academic, physical, ethical, and moral qualifications;

Nathan B. Burkhart received the Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for the highest level of academic achievement in the class;

Bryan J. Carlson received the Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for the highest proficiency in driver safety training;

Roberto Spezza Jr. received the Sergeant Charles B. Gesford High Pistol Award for the highest score on the department's pistol qualification course.

The new troopers will report to the following stations on Sept. 6:

Troop B, Uniontown
Jordon R. Macfarlane
Dillan H. Nudi
Stephanie L. Seitz 

Troop D. Butler
Patrick J. McClure
Jessica A. Mosura 

Troop D. New Castle
Nathan B. Burkhart
Michael A. Forstrom Jr.
Garret L. Young 

Troop E, Corry
Joshua A. Kirwin 

Troop E, Erie
Haylee N. Schick 

Troop E, Meadville
Mitchell W. Obenrader 

Troop F, Milton
Jacob T. Horan
Joseph M. Yedlosky 

Troop F, Montoursville
Bryan J. Carlson
Dylan M. Houser
Gary W. Kunkle
Matthew R. Patrick

Troop G, Bedford
Cory A. Storm 

Troop G. Lewistown
Quinn A. Hunter
Cole L. Morey

Troop H. Carlisle
Tyler C. Black 

Troop H, Chambersburg
Christopher M. Alleman 

Troop H, Gettysburg
Parker M. Hoyt
Brock A. McCulloch 

Troop H, Harrisburg
George W. Martin III 

Troop H. Lykens
Dallas J. Bulsak 

Troop H. Newport
Logan P. Knesh
John P. Shannon 

Troop J, Avondale
Joseph W. Certo
Ryan J. McLaughlin
Joshua H. Padua
Jarrett D. Tolby 

Troop J, Embreeville
James Frank V
Adam M. Stata

Troop J, York
Olivia P. Gard
Jacob T. Goranson
Matthew J. Johnson
Ross B. Venman 

Troop K. Media
Sean P. Gordon
Nicholas P. Peroni 

Troop K, Philadelphia
Brian Jaraba
Michael J. Kessler
Jeremy S. Knell 

Troop K, Skippack
Reginald H. Washington 

Troop L, Jonestown
Mohammed N. Ahmad
Nicholas S. Mowry
Jamie L. Restanio
Ryan S. Schuetrumpf 

Troop L, Schuylkill Haven
Marc D. Buchhalter
Jordan T. Jimenez
Connor J. Nettles
Niklaus K. Yeastedt 

Troop M, Bethlehem
Michael J. Limoli 

Troop N, Lehighton
Shannon A. Grundmann
Roberto Spezza Jr.
Paul J. Steinmetz
Theodore J. Wilson Jr. 

Troop N, Hazleton
Stefan L. M. Lawson 

Troop N, Stroudsburg
Michael J. Besten Jr.
Alan M. Jadush
Paul D. Nye
Andy G. Singh 

Troop P, Towanda
Damon C. Barhight
Anthony J. Pisano 

The following story was written and contributed especially for American Association of State Troopers, by Rennifer Jazmin. Rennifer, is a blogger who, reached out and expressed a sincere interest in AAST and the troopers we serve nationwide. AAST will, periodically, be positing stories written by Rennifer as she has offered her writing talents to highlight stories of interest to be published by AAST. Thank you, Rennifer, for recognizing AAST as well as the importance of our members.

The Great Resignation had hit many sectors hard in the US, including the police force. From patrol officers to 911 operators, these officer shortages have put a strain on the existing staff, making it all the more difficult to investigate criminal cases and attend to emergencies. To combat the staff deficit, many police groups are actively recruiting more officers in almost every department.

While all police candidates are required to undergo a training program at a residential police training academy, it’s possible for trainees to undertake additional courses during their program. Additional classes can possibly supplement their work as police officers, helping them move into more specialized roles. These specific jobs not only pay well, but may also be a better fit within your ideal career trajectory. If you’re interested in a possible promotion, here are some positions you should look into:

Fire inspector

If you’re interested in a role that involves investigation, being a fire inspector can give you access to sites affected by fire. You need to look for potential accelerants, the cause of the fire, as well as if arson was involved. Being knowledgeable in fire safety regulations is a must, as notes on proper storage or whether the building followed fire codes and safety requirements may be grounds for legal action. Fires can be a source of crime or insurance fraud, so it’s essential to be attentive to detail, and have strong problem-solving abilities to ensure each case is properly investigated.

Computer forensics investigators

With the rise of computers in the last few decades, a new realm of crime has likewise emerged with these technologies. It’s essential for the police to hire specialists in this line of work and ensure proper law enforcement. Among the many criminal justice careers, computer forensics investigators would need a strong working knowledge of computers, as the equipment they’ll be working with is often damaged in some way. Some other specialists may also be tapped for cases involving information technology and cybersecurity, so you would need to undergo specialized training to learn how to recover data. It’s important to follow any detailed procedures for securing the information so that it can be used during legal proceedings.

Background investigator

Unlike other investigators that may require field review, background investigators mainly focus on interviews and written information about people. These roles may not always be researching criminals. Rather, they may also check on current and prospective employees, community partners, vendors, and volunteers. The typical functions of background investigators involve analysis of employment history and involvement with the law, verification of education and experience requirements, and making recommendations for employers or partner agencies.

Postsecondary teachers

Postsecondary teaching is a great position for those looking to pass on their knowledge on law enforcement and criminal justice to the next generation of students. This role typically requires a master’s degree, as you need careful knowledge of both law and its practice to teach students about criminal law, investigation techniques, and defensive policing. Instead of working full-time immediately, you can opt to work as an adjunct, or part-time, professor at a university to ease the transition of workload.

Police work often involves urgent, high-risk situations that can get stressful. However, if you’d still want to work toward public safety, these careers provide plenty of opportunities to do your part. In addition, all of these jobs require skillsets that are transferable from regular police work, making them good jobs to move up into.

Specially written for American Association of State Troopers

By: Rennifer Jazmin

September 9, 2022

FORT MCCOY- A memorial paying homage to eight Wisconsin State Patrol Troopers who were killed in the line of duty now adorns the campus of Fort McCoy in western Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin State Patrol officially dedicated the monument during a ceremony Friday at the  Patrol Academy. State leaders, family members, and former State Patrol officers attended the ceremony to pay their respects.

“This memorial is a daily reminder of our fallen heroes, the ones many of us knew and still mourn,” State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “It will serve as a somber inspiration to our next generation; the future officers who train here at the academy every year, working towards their opportunity to wear the same badge.”

The names of the following Troopers are inscribed on the memorial.

Donald C. Pederson, who was killed while working traffic patrol in Green Lake County on August 26th, 1972

Gary Powless, who was killed while working traffic patrol in Monroe County on May 18th, 1980

Deborah McMenamin, who was killed while conducting a traffic stop in Eau Claire County on October 26th, 1989

William Schoenberger, who was killed while working traffic patrol in Eau Claire County on April 22nd, 1993

Jorge Dimas, who was killed while working traffic patrol in Polk County on June 14th, 2009

Trevor Casper, who was attempting to apprehend a suspect in Fond du Lac County on March 24th, 2015

Anthony Borostowski, who was killed while working traffic patrol in Sauk County on April 11th, 2017

Daniel Stainbrook, who contracted COVID-19 and died in the line of duty on November 15th, 2021

August 21, 2022

TEMPE, Ariz. - An Arizona Dept. of Public Safety trooper had to ram into a vehicle on Loop 101 early Sunday morning to stop a wrong-way driver, officials said.

The situation began after a vehicle was reported to be traveling eastbound down the westbound lanes of Interstate 10 near Broadway Road in Tempe at around 4 a.m. on Aug. 21.

A trooper then found that a red Cadillac was heading the wrong way down the northbound lanes of Loop 101, between Guadalupe and Baseline roads.

Officials said an undercover trooper crashed into the wrong-way vehicle in order to stop the driver.

Both the driver, identified as 22-year-old Isaias Luis Llanos, and the trooper were hospitalized with minor injuries. The trooper has since been released from the hospital.

According to court documents, Llanos' blood-alcohol level was .093.

Llanos was arrested and booked into jail. He is accused of DUI, aggravated DUI wrong-way driving, DUI drugs, aggravated assault and endangerment. The investigation is ongoing.

August 14, 2022

Hamilton NJ, NJ state troopers from Troop “C” Hamilton Station responded to an animal complaint for 3 puppies that wandered off into the woods and fell into an irrigation trench approximately 10 feet underground.

While we do not teach puppy saving techniques in the academy, the troopers created a makeshift catch pole using a mop handle and rope. After hours of effort, the troopers were only able to save two of the three puppies because one puppy got tired of waiting and decided to take a nap. The troopers returned the next day to save the third puppy who was now wide awake and waiting to be rescued.

We were then contacted by Sherri, who wanted to tell the troopers thank you for saving the puppies and that she adopted one and named him Trooper. Sounds like the perfect name to us!

Thanks for sharing the photo with us Sherri and good job by the Hamilton troopers!

Aug 20, 2022

Two California Highway Patrol officers saved a woman from a fiery crash early Wednesday on westbound Interstate 580 in unincorporated Alameda County just outside Livermore, CHP officials said.

Officers responded at 2:47 a.m. to I-580 just east of North Livermore Avenue to what they initially thought was a multi-vehicle crash.

But officers later learned that a woman driving a Toyota Camry crashed into a concrete wall. The Toyota came to rest in the fast lane of the highway, according to the CHP.

The woman got out and was standing next to her car when a Nissan crashed into the Toyota and the woman, CHP officials said. The woman fell to the ground and the Toyota caught fire, according to the CHP.

Officers arrived and saw the woman injured and unconscious between two cars and near the burning Toyota, CHP officials said.

Two CHP officers grabbed the woman's arms and pulled her away from the burning car. One officer with the help of an off-duty physician's assistant gave CPR to the woman, according to the CHP.

Firefighters and paramedics arrived and took the woman to Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley with injuries suspected to be critical. The driver of the Nissan suffered minor injuries, CHP officials said.

"These officers lived up to their sworn oaths as public protectors," said CHP Dublin area commander Capt. Chris Sherry in a statement Friday. "Had it not been for their quick thinking and actions, the woman could have been injured further, possibly dying; they are true heroes."

SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

by NJSP

MILLSTONE, NJ – On August 27, several troopers from the Outreach Unit, Mounted Unit, and K-9 Unit participated in the 6th Annual Play-HOOK-e event at Lake Julianna in Millstone, N.J.

Play-HOOK-e is a day that offers free fishing, food, games and more for active and retired military service members and their families as well as for children with disabilities and their families.

This year, the event drew more than 500 participants from in and around Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Attendees were presented with a welcome bag and a loaner rod/reel/bait. Children were also given toys and t-shirts.

During the opening ceremony, the Corporal Philip A. Reynolds Detachment Marine Corps League, Freehold, NJ set the patriotic tone by providing a color guard and music. Also in attendance were members of the 514th Air Mobility Wing out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

The State Police Aviation Unit provided a helicopter flyover to honor our nation’s military and to salute the children who were on hand for the day.

RALEIGH — The State Highway Patrol swore in 21 new troopers at a ceremony held for the 156th Basic Highway Patrol School. The ceremony ended 25 weeks of demanding courses aimed at preparing these new troopers for a meaningful career of service to the state of North Carolina.

The ceremony was held on the grounds of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Training Academy in Raleigh. The oath of office was administered by Associate Justice Phil Berger, Jr. of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Colonel Freddy L. Johnson, Jr., the 28^th Commander of the State Highway Patrol, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony providing words of encouragement for a career filled with challenges and rewards.

“The challenges you have overcome on this campus are just a few you will face along this journey, but they are building blocks that lay the foundation for a promising career,” said Col. Johnson. “And when you find yourself facing challenges in the future remember your time here and what it took to carry on and overcome in times of adversity.”

These new state troopers will report to their respective duty stations on August 31st, to begin a demanding field training program.

Justin Dale Seago has been assigned to Richmond County and will be stationed in Rockingham.

Body cam footage shows a heroic act by NY State Trooper Francis W. Rush of the New York State Police.

Trooper Rush is based in the Wappinger barracks.

State Police said, “On Aug. 17, 2022, without hesitation, Trooper Rush entered a pond off Westgate Drive in Fishkill and rescued the driver of a car that was submerged in 15-feet of water.”

In the video, you can hear how deep the swam in the pond, not knowing if the person would pull him under in fear which happens during water rescues.

Trooper Rush swam to the unconscious victim and pulled him to shore.

The victim coughed up water and regained consciousness.

The driver was treated and survived the incident.

It was determined he accidentally drove into the pond after suffering a medical emergency.

The State Police said “Job well done by Trooper Rush.”

September 8, 2022

Thursday, Sept. 8, golfers have the unique opportunity to tee off with their fellow law enforcement officers.

Michigan State Troopers are hitting the green in their inaugural golf outing.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the State Trooper Outreach Partnership, or S.T.O.P.

This program is aimed at improving local communities through youth mentorships and volunteer work.