Minnesota State Trooper Pulls Two People From Burning House

A Minnesota State Patrol trooper who spotted flames while responding to another call reported a house fire in Minneapolis early Thursday, the Minneapolis Fire Department said.

Crews were called just before 1 a.m. to the home off 29th Avenue South near Riverside and East Franklin Avenues in the Seward neighborhood after the trooper reported the fire.

The flames were so large that traffic cameras detected the fire, and neighbors woke to the home being consumed.

Wagner had rescued two residents before firefighters arrived, says Assistant Chief Melanie Rucker, but one resident was still trapped inside.

Firefighters were able to pull the third resident from the home, who was given CPR and was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The other two residents were also hospitalized for smoke inhalation and are in stable condition, Rucker says.

David Wilkes was inside the home with his mom and dad. While Wilkes said it was he and a firefighter who rescued his parents, he said he appreciated the trooper rushing to the scene.

"I am so proud of that state trooper," said Wilkes. "He did that, he did a good job and I would love to meet him and give him a handshake and congratulations for doing his job."

Rucker says firefighters also rescued and revived a cat at the scene.

Wilkes says his mother is on life support, and he is hoping for a strong recovery.

"Our thoughts are with the residents injured in this fire and with the State Trooper who bravely entered the home before our crews arrived," Rucker said. "Their actions, and the rapid, coordinated efforts of our firefighters and medical teams, helped prevent an even more devastating outcome. We remain hopeful for the full recovery of everyone affected."

"The Minnesota State Patrol is proud of the quick actions of Trooper Gavin Wagner, who responded to this morning's fire in Minneapolis, entered the burning home and located a resident still inside," said State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic. "Because of Trooper Wagner's efforts, he was able to direct firefighters to the resident's location so they could complete the rescue."

Western Kentucky University to Honor Fallen State Trooper during football game

The Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers will honor fallen Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips during Thursday night’s game against Missouri State.

For the Oct. 8 blackout game, WKU players added Phillips’ badge number, 369, to their helmets.

Phillips was shot and killed during a traffic stop Sept. 29, just days before his 29th birthday.

Phillips dedicated his career to public service, serving as a firefighter, EMT, police officer and, most recently, a Kentucky state trooper.

He is survived by his wife, Jordan, and their three young sons.

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California Highway Patrol Rolls Out One Last Chevy Camaro Police Cruiser

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has announced that it’s rolling out one last Chevy Camaro for police service.

The CHP posted about its latest addition on social media, showing the newly prepared patrol car in the familiar black-and-white color scheme, with white door panels contrasting against the predominantly black body. A large Highway Patrol graphic and CHP star badge were added the doors, while the agency’s “Safety, Service, and Security” motto is displayed along the rear quarter panel.

Naturally, this Chevy Camaro police vehicle is fitted with a range of emergency equipment, including a low-profile red-and-blue light bar mounted on the roof, complemented by additional lights in the grille, rockers, and fenders. Multiple antennas are mounted on the car as well.

The car also retains several of the performance-focused factory bits, including five-spoke wheels with a black finish on top of a set of bright red brake calipers. This particular CHP Camaro is an SS 1LE model, which is powered by the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT1 gasoline engine. Output is rated at 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. The patrol vehicle is also reportedly equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

In its social media announcement, the CHP described the car as the “final CHP Camaro” and said it will roll out for service this week.

Michigan State Police graduates 10 Troopers from latest recruit school

Michigan communities will soon benefit from the addition of 10 state troopers who graduated Friday afternoon from the 151st Trooper Recruit School, a recruit school for licensed police officers.

During the ceremony in Lansing, Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP), administered the Oath of Office to 10 individuals who begin their assignments at MSP posts across the state next week.

“Congratulations to the graduates of the 151st Trooper Recruit School for their entrance into a proud tradition of excellence and public service,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“Every day, troopers help keep our roads, neighborhoods, schools, and communities safe. I’m immensely grateful to the sacrifices they make in the line of duty. Congratulations to today’s graduates. Let’s keep working together to bring down crime, invest in our communities, and build a Michigan where everyone can thrive.”

The 151st Trooper Recruit School began on Sunday, July 5, with 12 prospective troopers, at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. During an accelerated program designed to acknowledge their prior experience, 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.

Tpr. Jason Fritsma was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits and spoke on behalf of the graduating class at their ceremony. Also recognized was Tpr. Travis Hall who received the Team Building Award, Tpr. Seth Bjorne who received the Academic and Marksmanship awards, Tpr. Daniel Stacks who received the Outstanding Achievement Award, Tpr. Tyler Windahl who received the Physical Training Award and Tpr. Corey Pierce who received the Sgt. Matt Rogers Award for Driving Excellence.

"We are thrilled to welcome our 10 newest troopers to the MSP," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “They are well versed in public service, as all were in law enforcement prior joining the department. We know they will keep doing a great job making sure our communities are safe.”

Including the 10 graduates of the 151st Trooper Recruit School, there are approximately 1,200 troopers assigned statewide, and a total of 1,850 enlisted members in the MSP.