The Maine State Police welcomed 11 new troopers to the force following a graduation ceremony Friday, April 12, at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. The new troopers completed eight weeks of state police training and will patrol with a veteran trooper for the next few weeks.
4/19/19
More than five months after the deadly Camp Fire in Paradise, personnel with the California Highway Patrol are giving their firsthand stories. California Highway Patrol Officer Joe Ortiz says while evacuating residents, the flames became so intense he didn’t know if he would make it out. A total of 86 people died in the wildfire, but thousands were saved thanks to the actions of the California Highway Patrol who risked their lives to evacuate the town. Officers say they were given little notice before entering the area to help get people out. They said once they entered the fire zone it turned pitch black from the smoke and conditions became extremely difficult to work through. Dispatchers say they got the call to evacuate the entire town for the first time ever and immediately started putting out calls. One trooper says he was ordered to direct traffic near his home and saw the fire destroy it. The Camp Fire in Butte County is the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
To watch video, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSAHEhtlA-0
4/19/19
A customer at an Indiana McDonald's pays it forward for one of Indiana's finest. State police say the driver of a red Chevrolet Suburban in front of a trooper in the drive-thru line paid for his lunch. The driver also left a note thanking the trooper for his service. It ended with "P.S. stay safe, God bless." The trooper said he appreciates the kind gesture and support.
4/15/19
One state trooper on duty Thursday in southern Minnesota got a first-hand taste of the high winds accompanying the blast of April winter weather that has hit the state this week. A tweet said the trooper was directing traffic around a jackknifed semi on Highway 86 and Interstate 90 in Jackson County Thursday morning when he was knocked to the ground by a strong gust of wind. The trooper was not injured, but the state patrol said it provided a reminder of the conditions caused by the storm. The incident was captured on video.
To watch video, go to: https://twitter.com/i/status/1116443502689255424
4/15/19
According to a tweet from the Colorado State Police Public Affairs office, a state trooper was injured on Highway 160, mile marker 61, when their vehicle was hit by another car. The accident occurred in near Mancos in Montezuma County, which is currently experiencing a blast of winter weather. The driver of the vehicle involved in the wreck was also injured. Both were transported to Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango. According to Wunderground, snow showers in Montezuma County near Mancos will continue into the night. As you’re driving on snowy roads around the state, exercise caution for the safety of yourself and those around you. Only drive if your car is winter ready and if essential. The Colorado Department of Transportation has warned people about getting on the roads. During a snowstorm in March, a state trooper was killed during duty in winter conditions.
4/11/19
On Tuesday April 9, 2019, The Florida Highway Patrol’s Troop B had a very special guest visit the Gainesville Station. Evan Procko, a resident of Branford, Florida is 15 years old and is battling Muscular Dystrophy. FHP Troopers along with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Gainesville Police Department showed Evan the ropes of a career in law enforcement. Florida Highway Patrol Captain Barry Tierney started off by showing Evan the FHP MRAP, explaining how it was used in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in recovery efforts. K-9 Trooper Corey Burk and Felony Officer Darin Morgan then put on a demonstration with K-9, Rogue. Gainesville Police Officer Al Moore showed Evan his Harley Davidson Police Motorcycle and Alachua County Deputy Mike Privette presented Evan with an Alachua County Sheriffs Office Medal of Valor pin for the bravery he has shown in his battle against his illness. Captain Tierney then bestowed the ultimate honor, swearing in Evan as an Honorary Florida Highway Patrol Trooper and presenting him with his Jr. Trooper badge and a certificate from Colonel Gene Spaulding. Once the day’s events concluded, Evan and his Dad traveled to his weekly treatment at Shands Hospital. Now as a Jr. Trooper!
4/12/19
The Nevada Highway Patrol has unveiled the new look for its vehicle fleet. In social media posts, the NHP revealed that one of the new silver State Trooper SUVs is now on the road in Las Vegas. But eventually, you'll start to see the new vehicles on the highways statewide. Of course, until all the blue NHP vehicles are retired, you will continue to see those vehicles as well.
4/11/19
The driver claiming to be assisted by Maine State Police Detective, Ben Campbell, on Interstate 95 in Hampden just minutes before Campbell's tragic death is going viral, after posting on Facebook. The alleged driver thanked 31-year-old Detective Campbell in the post. It states, “I vow for as long as I live, I will never forget your smile. I will never forget your kindness. I will never forget your sacrifice. I owe you a debt I don't think I can repay.” Maine State Police said the tragedy happened on Interstate 95 in Hampden, Wednesday, April 3rd. Maine State Police's Colonel, John Cote, said Campbell was on his way to training when he pulled over to help the driver who spun out on the Interstate. Campbell called another trooper for help lighting the scene. As Campbell waited, a loaded logging truck approached the scene. Police said two wheels came off the truck- one rolled into the median, the other struck Detective Campbell. Campbell was taken to a Bangor Hospital where he died.
Here is the full Facebook post written by the driver who claimed to be helped by Detective Campbell on Wednesday, April 3rd.
“Dear Detective Ben Campbell.
Today, I lost control of my car and did a 180 on I-95 South. I was shaken up, but otherwise fine. I called 911 and requested help in getting turned around on the busy highway.
You stopped to help me. You took my ID as per the standard. You came back to return it. You wore one of the warmest smiles I've ever seen. A smile that, without words, could give the world a moment of peace were it to look upon. I honestly felt safer in that moment as you stood by my drivers side window.
That changed. In a split second, I saw your smile turn to the briefest shade of concern as a logging semi came over the hill, before a tire came into my peripheral vision.
I blacked out. My first and only thought upon waking up was "I've died, haven't I?" I couldn't see anything but bright white light. Then my ears began ringing. I was able to open my eyes. My glasses partly crushed as I lifted my head before they fell off. My airbag had deployed. You weren't beside me anymore...
I stumbled out of my car, moving to the other side of the guard rail to avoid anything else hitting me.
That's when I saw you. Two tires had fallen off the truck. One struck my car, the other struck you.
Out of breath and still dizzy, I came to your side, pleeding for you to wake up. You responded with a sound so haunting, I don't dare describe it out of respect.
My mind raced. It had been years since I had any formal CPR training, and I was afraid that if I touched you without knowing just how bad you might be hurt, I'd just make it worse. I began waving and jumping up and down at oncoming traffic, desperately trying to get others to stop and help.
I leaned over you as another trooper and the driver of the semi came to help.
I looked into your eyes
You looked back
And then... You were gone...
The news reports you died in the hospital, but I knew in that moment, it was over...
I should have died twice today. I survived a high-speed spinout. When death came for me a second time, you were there. You traded your life for mine in the line of duty.
I vow for as long as I live, I will never forget your smile. I will never forget your kindness. I will never forget your sacrifice.
I owe you a debt I don't think I can repay.
Rest in peace. May your soul find tranquility.
4/10/19
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham picked a veteran officer with the New Mexico State Police to lead the 650-officer force on Friday, saying he will work to boost recruitment of more women and be tasked with ensuring a professional work environment. The announcement of Tim Johnson as the state police chief comes more than three months after the governor took office. Lujan Grisham and Johnson said there would be no tolerance under their leadership for inappropriate behavior. "We want a standard of professionalism, and you will be held accountable to that standard," Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, said at a news conference. The governor said Johnson brings a diverse background of experience following a nearly 20-year state police career in which he has investigated DWIs, homicides, and white collar crime. He most recently was responsible for overseeing criminal investigations. Johnson outlined his plan for improving recruitment overall, but especially among women. A prong of the plan will include telling recruits early in the application process the city where they would be based if they graduate from the academy. State police officials for years have told recruits while they are completing training where they will be assigned, and Johnson indicated that has likely led to some making an early decision not to pursue that career. Lujan Grisham noted this approach can be especially tough for mothers and all parents who must make plans for their children's schooling. She said women make up 7% of New Mexico State Police officers compared to 13% nationwide.
4/9/19
A Virginia state trooper’s heroic act saved a life lastTuesday night. Trooper A.T. Stuart was at the Richmond City Justice Center when he noticed a Richmond police officer turn pale. Stuart realized the officer was exposed to a narcotic during a drug arrest, due to the officer’s breathing difficulties. Stuart administered his department-issued NARCAN, which saved the officer’s life. The officer was checked out of the hospital and has returned home.
4/9/19
The Michigan State Police just got a little larger today as the 135th Trooper Recruit School graduated this afternoon. 101 recruits were sworn in as state police troopers during a ceremony at the Lansing Center. MSP Director Col. Joe Gasper, who administered the Oath of Office said, “As you leave here today, I encourage you to seek to be what I call the ‘quiet professional.’ Listen first and show kindness, treating everyone with dignity and respect.” The new class of state police troopers will take posts across Michigan. “I wish each of you a long, safe and rewarding career with the Michigan State Police,” said Gov Gretchen Whitmer who delivered the keynote address. Including these new troopers, there are 1,285 troopers assigned statewide.
4/8/19
Sergeant Steve Licon was struck and killed by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on I-15, between Lake Street and Nichols Road, in Lake Elsinore at 4:30 pm. He had stopped the vehicle on the right shoulder and was in the process of taking enforcement action when a reckless driver drove onto the shoulder at a high rate of speed. T he driver struck Sergeant Licon, pinning him and his motorcycling against the car he had stopped. Sergeant Licon was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Sergeant Licon had served with the California Highway Patrol for 27 years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and step-daughter.
4/8/19
Detective Ben Campbell was struck and killed by a vehicle tire while assisting at the scene of a disabled vehicle on I-95 south of Coldbrook Road in Hampden at 7:30 am. He came across a vehicle that had slid off the interstate due to inclement weather and stopped to provide assistance. As he was standing outside of his department vehicle two wheels of a passing logging truck separated from the vehicle. One of the wheels struck Detective Campbell. Detective Campbell was transported to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor where he succumbed to his injuries. Detective Campbell had served with the Maine State Police for nine years and was assigned to the Polygraph Unit. He is survived by his wife and 6-month-old son.
4/4/19
April 1st is Illinois State Trooper Day. Illinois State Police say the day is meant to honor the men and women of the ISP, especially the three troopers, Christopher Lambert, Brooke Jones-Story, and Gerald Ellis, who lost their lives this year. The three troopers were killed by drivers not obeying Illinois Scott's Law. The law requires drivers to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the shoulder of the road. After seeing the recent tragedies, 12-year-old Lucy Kuelper decided to use social media to push the law. Lucy's father, John Kuelper, has been an Illinois State Trooper for 17 years. She decided to create the "Move Over Project" to help keep her dad safe on the job. "I thought that it would be helpful to spread the word," Kuelper said. "The page says 'you should move over so no one else gets hurt,' and I just hope every day my dad, or everyone's dad, mom or brother, just comes home safe." The page shares photos of trooper's families while using the hashtag "Move Over For". "We're putting real faces, real families, real pets out there," Lucy's father John Kuelper said. "Saying, that all these people need to come home. It's making an impact and hopefully, it will make a difference." Lucy created the page on Friday, March 29th, and it now has more than 11,000 likes. "I just thought I could help in any way possible," she said." I just took the picture, and I didn't think it was going to go this far." "I'm proud of Lucy for taking this initiative and continuing to spread this message," John said. "Accidents seem to be happening on a more frequent basis. People just have to pay attention, they've got to slow down, they've got to move over. Obey the laws." Lucy said one of her favorite part of the page is reading and sharing the stories of other trooper families. "Some of them are happy stories, but the sad ones just really get to me," Lucy said. "But, I'm glad their stories have been let out." Lucy said she never thought her page would go viral, but she says it already has reached over one million people. The page has received posts from as far as Texas. She says she is happy it has more than 11,000 likes, but hopes this means 11,000 people will move over. "I think if it saved even one life or one person, I think that would be great," she said. The page caused so much attention, Lucy was awarded the State of Illinois Commission Volunteer of the Week.
4/3/19
The West Virginia State Police force will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Sunday. To honor the department’s century of service, Gov. Jim Justice spoke at a special ceremony at the state Culture Center Friday afternoon to honor members of the force and the 41 members who died in the line of duty. Families of the fallen troopers sat in the first two rows, and Justice spoke directly to them and thanked them for their family’s sacrifice. “I ask that every way in the world that the good Lord above makes life one step better, and let’s you know beyond a shadow of a doubt, nor are they forgotten,” Justice said to them. “They aren’t anything but appreciated.” West Virginia’s State Police is reportedly the fourth oldest such police force in the country. Randall Reid-Smith, the commissioner for the state’s Department of Arts, Culture and History, hosted Friday’s event. He said that he and his staff started planning for the 100th anniversary as soon as the 90th year anniversary had ended. Outside in the lobby of the Culture Center, state curation officials created a special display to honor the department’s long history. The majority of the pieces on display are on loan from the State Police Museum in Institute. The exhibit will be on display in the State Theatre gallery through October. In honor of the anniversary, Blenko Glass created 100 copies of a special blown glass piece. The piece is a forest green replica of the hat that troopers wear every day. First Lady Cathy Justice said the piece could be used as a bowl or could just be used for decorative purposes. Justice noted his close connection to the State Police. He said the troopers who are assigned to his security detail are professional, and he doesn’t want to take them for granted. “So often they are underappreciated and underpaid,” Justice said. “We need to correct all of that, because what is the very first thing we call when we’re afraid or we’re in trouble?” Jan Cahill, superintendent of the State Police, attended the event and thanked the family members of his troopers for their support. Our organization started back in 1919,” Cahill said. “We started with a lot of young men who had just served their country in World War I. Just prior to their enlistment in the State Police force, they were told, ‘Oh, by the way, when you show up your first day bring in your own forest green uniform.’” Back then, troopers road around the state on horseback. Troopers still wear forest green uniforms to this day, but Cahill said the State Police force has grown by leaps and bounds since then. “Today’s West Virginia State Police Training Academy provides training to more than 5,000 policemen and women throughout the state,” Cahill said. “The nationally accredited forensic lab provides analysis for 800 different agencies and departments across the state, free of charge. It’s a modern State Police.”
4/2/19