North Carolina state troopers continue to show endless support for their colleague, paralyzed during a chase in Charlotte last month. Members of the Highway Patrol, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and medical staff lined the halls of Atrium Carolinas Medical Center on Thursday. They saluted Trooper Christopher Wooten as he left for Shepherd Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta and several members of the Highway Patrol’s Motor Unit escorted Wooten to the airport. Other SHP members joined the trooper and his family as they boarded the medically equipped plane required for the one-hour flight. When Wooten and his family arrived in Atlanta, members from the Georgia State Patrol’s Motor Unit were on site, waiting to escort the family to the hospital. On July 22, Wooten was injured when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of Tuckaseegee Road and Edgewood Road. “The overwhelming amount of support offered by our law enforcement partners, medical staff, other first responders and the public is unmatched and truly expresses the appreciation for Chris’ law enforcement service,” said Col. Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “I want to personally thank every person who has assisted the Wooten family thus far as I know they are extremely grateful.”

8/14/19

Officer Andre Moye was shot and killed after conducting a traffics top near the junction of I-215 and Eastridge Avenue in Riverside. As Officer Moye completed paperwork to impound the vehicle the driver retrieved a rifle from it and opened fire. Despite being mortally wounded, Officer Moye was able to radio for assistance. Officers from the California Highway Patrol, Riverside Police Department, and Riverside County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and engaged the subject in a prolonged shootout. Two other officers were wounded and the subject was killed.  The subject who shot him had previously served 10 years in prison for attempted murder.  Officer Moye had served with the California Highway Patrol for 3-1/2 years and was assigned to the Riverside Area Office.  He is survived by his wife, mother, father, and siblings.

8/13/19

Nebraska State Trooper Sam Mortensen was named the Officer of the Year by the Motor Vehicle Criminal Interdiction Association during its conference in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, August 5. Mortensen has been with the State Patrol for 17 years and serves in the Carrier Enforcement Division. In April 2018 during a traffic stop in Buffalo County, Mortensen was responsible for a 118-pound seizure of fentanyl, believed to be the largest seizure of fentanyl in United States history until a seizure by Customs and Border Protection agents eclipsed the mark earlier this year. Mortensen also participated in an October 2018 event at the White House that sought to raise awareness for opioid abuse. During the event, President Donald Trump personally recognized Mortensen. "Trooper Mortensen is a great reflection of the training and dedication that it takes to remove these drugs from our communities," said NSP Superintendent John Bolduc in a news release. The Motor Vehicle Criminal Interdiction Association presents the Bob Thomasson Officer of the Year award annually to a law enforcement member who has distinguished him or herself in the area of criminal interdiction.

8/9/19

A pilot in Washington state had to make an emergency landing on a roadway last Thursday — and a state trooper caught the stunning sight on dashcam video.  According to Fox News, video released by Washington State Patrol shows vehicles braking and swerving to make room for a small plane low to the street in Parkland, a city in Pierce County.  The trooper quickly turns around and heads the direction the plane is headed on Pacific Avenue.  The dashcam footage shows the plane make a shaky landing on the street, eventually stopping in a lane near an intersection.  The trooper makes his way over to the pilot, and the two work together to move the plane off the road, according to the video.  The small plane was flying from Yelm to Boeing Field in Seattle, but had to make an emergency landing when the plane's fuel system malfunctioned.  The state trooper said he'd never experienced anything like this during his 21 years with the Washington State Patrol.  Neither damage nor injuries were reported following the incident.

To watch the video, go to: https://twitter.com/i/status/1157003358974042112

8/7/19

A trooper with the department of public safety, Kenneth Burman, has received the DPS Purple Heart award for assisting a driver in Orange County. On October 4, 2016, Trooper Kenneth Burman was assisting a driver of a truck pulling a flatbed trailer that had become disabled and partially within the westbound lane of traffic on IH-10 in Orange County.  Trooper Burman positioned his patrol unit behind the disabled vehicle with the emergency lights activated.  Burman returned to his vehicle, and while in the front seat, his patrol unit was struck by a Ford pickup truck.  The impact caused Trooper Burman’s unit to strike the rear of the flatbed trailer.  Burman was transported to a local hospital via Air Rescue.  He sustained serious injuries and subsequently underwent multiple surgeries to treat his injuries.  After much physical therapy and rehabilitation he has returned to duty and is now stationed in Hardin County.

8/5/19

2019 Best Looking Cruiser Contest Results

Congratulations! To the Nebraska State Patrol for being voted the “2019 America’s Best-Looking Cruiser”.

This is the first year the Nebraska State Patrol has received the honor and will be the cruiser featured on the cover

of the “2020 America’s Best Looking Cruiser Calendar”.

The contest received a total of 394,572 votes. Thank you to everyone who participated to make this year’s contest a success.

The 2019 top 13 finalists are listed below:

1st     Nebraska State Patrol

2^nd      Michigan State Police

3rd     New Hampshire State Police

4^th      Kentucky State Police

5^th      West Virginia State Police

6^th      Ohio State Highway Patrol

7^th      North Carolina State Highway Patrol

8^th      Tennessee Highway Patrol

9^th      Florida Highway Patrol

10^th    Missouri State Highway Patrol

11^th    Mississippi Highway Patrol

12^th    California Highway Patrol

13^th    Minnesota State Patrol

The 2020 Calendars will be available to purchase at www.statetroopers.org late in September 2019.  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 partners for this contest:

Federal Signal ● AT&T First Net ● Tremco Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems ● Dodge Charger Pursuit ● Panasonic

A Kentucky State Police trooper helped make one little boy’s dream come true. Gauge Foster, from Breathitt County, is 5-years-old and loves police. He wants to be one when he grows up. This summer, there was a roadblock below Gauge’s house and his dad took him to go see the police. Gauge’s parents say Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Day gave Gauge his own badge. Gauge was so happy he invited Trooper Day over. Trooper Day had plans and could not make it but that was not the last time the two would meet. Just a few weeks later on July 24, Trooper Day surprised Gauge by showing up and letting him sit in his cruiser. He even got to wear the trooper’s hat! Gauge’s parents say they want to thank Trooper Day and all of the local Kentucky State Police for this experience and giving their son people to look up to. 

7/31/19

A North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper who was severely injured in a motorcycle crash is paralyzed from the neck down, officials said. Trooper Chris Wooten was trying to pull over a driver who had blown through a red light west Charlotte intersection Wooten followed, but was hit by a pick-up truck who had a green light and didn't see him. NCSHP posted an update to their officials Facebook page Friday on Wooten's condition, saying he suffered a severe spinal injury that has left him paralyzed. "Unfortunately, after the performance of several medical procedures, which included surgery to fuse and decompress his C1-C5 vertebrae and stabilize the spinal column, it was determined that Chris suffered significant spinal cord trauma during the crash," NCSHP said. "At the moment, the surgeons are classifying the injury as a complete spinal cord injury at the top of the spine, which is resulting in paralysis from the neck down." The suspect who was fleeing Wooten, 36-year-old Dontay Kilgo, did not stop and left the scene. Kilgo was arrested a day later. He is charged assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer, felony flee to elude, reckless driving, failure to heed to blue lights, driving while license revoked, and possession of marijuana. Wooten, a 14-year veteran of the highway patrol, has been in the hospital in critical condition since the accident. He has undergone a number of surgeries and will begin rehabilitation in preparation to return home. "Ultimately, Chris and his family have a long road of recovery ahead, and they are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support." "May God continue to bless Chris, Sharon, their daughters, Kylee and Madison, and the entire Patrol family during this difficult time."

7/29/19

An eastern Iowa state trooper is being hailed as a hero after saving the life of a cyclist on the RAGBRAI route. It happened during Wednesday's ride to Centerville when a cyclist suffered a sudden heart attack. Luckily, Trooper Robert Conrad was nearby doing traffic control and saw what was happening. As he started to make his way toward the rider, he noticed several others trying to perform CPR. That's when Conrad deployed his defibrillator or AED. He shocked the rider once, but it didn't work. CPR continued. After a second shock, the man came to and is now recovering and doing well. Conrad said the AED he has is not issued by Iowa State Patrol, but he hangs on to it, just in case of situations like these. In fact, he ordered the special battery for it about a month ago. Conrad said it's great to be able to save a life rather than tell a family member someone has lost theirs.

7/29/19

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo congratulated 228 new State Troopers as they graduated Wednesday, July 24, from the 208th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy.  Their graduation comes after more than six months of intensive academic, physical, and tactical training.  "I commend these new Troopers for their commitment to public service and protecting the people of New York State," Governor Cuomo said.  "These men and women have worked and trained extremely hard, and with the graduation of this class, we will continue to make New York a safer place for those who live, work and travel here."  "There is no greater or more noble calling than protecting and serving the people of this state," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who spoke at today's graduation ceremony.  "I'm honored to recognize the more than 220 selfless men, women and veteran graduates who will work every day to keep New York safe.  Congratulations to the 208th graduating class, and thank you for your brave service and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others."  "Today we introduce a new generation of highly trained men and women who will serve and protect the citizens of New York State with honor and dignity," said New York State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett.  "The members of the 208th Basic School have endured months of vigorous classwork and training, and this graduation ceremony is a celebration of their sacrifice, perseverance and dedication.  I am honored to congratulate our new members and welcome them to the most prestigious and well-respected law enforcement agency in the nation.  I am confident that you will carry on the traditions of the long gray line with reverence and pride."

7/25/19

State Police Sgt. Charles Salaway spent 27 years keeping the Capital Region safe before he died of cancer connected to his work searching for victims at ground zero in New York City in the aftermath of 9/11. Now, two of his five children have followed in his footsteps and become members of the State Police. Carson and Taylor Salaway graduated Wednesday from the State Police Academy.

7/25/19

An Illinois trooper killed in the line of duty has been honored on a memorial wall in the Illinois State Police Memorial Park in Springfield. The State Journal-Register reports that friends, family members and colleagues of Trooper Brooke Jones-Story gathered Saturday to add her name. The 34-year-old was killed in March when a semitrailer struck her while she was conducting a traffic stop near Freeport. Attendees also included U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth. Separately, there are efforts underway to name a highway overpass in Jones-Story's honor. State lawmakers have approved a resolution to name the U.S. 20 overpass the "Trooper Brooke Jones-Story Memorial Overpass." Her husband, Robert Story, says he chose the overpass because it was in an area where his late wife often patrolled.

7/23/19

The Florida Highway Patrol has a challenge for would-be speeders. Well, a Challenger. The agency’s Troop G in Jacksonville has added the Dodge muscle car to its fleet. "As you can see, we take aggressive driving seriously! Please slow down, buckle up, reduce distractions. We are watching," the FHP advised in a tweet accompanying a photo of the new car. The model is a high performance Challenger R/T with a 375 hp 5.7-liter V8 that's been painted in the patrol’s signature black and tan colors and equipped with hidden emergency lights that preserve its sporty profile. The troop left the stylish, high performance rims and tires on it, rather than swapping them for a set of the steel wheels that the Chargers in the fleet use, and added a 360-degree camera system, police radio and laptop computer. Dodge doesn't offer an official police package for the Challenger, and two-door doesn’t have a cage for the small rear seating area, but Sgt. Dylan Bryan says baddies could end up getting a ride to the station in the passenger seat, as long as they're not potentially dangerous. Of course, there are a plenty of cars that can outrun it, including the 797 hp Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, but that's what backup is for.

7/22/19

A driver suspected of operating his vehicle while drunk early Monday struck two Massachusetts State Police cruisers that were along the side of a Brockton highway for a motor vehicle stop, police said. Police said Frandy Jose Ramirez Rodriguez, 26, of Brockton, was traveling north on Route 27 when his vehicle struck the back of one cruiser and pushed it into the rear of the second cruiser. The impact then pushed the second cruiser into a 2011 Subaru Forester that had been stopped by the troopers, police said. At the time of the crash, the Subaru that had been stopped was in the breakdown lane. Both fully marked cruisers, positioned to protect the Subaru, were in the right lane with their overhead blue emergency lights flashing, police said. The cruisers had two troopers, a field training officer and a new trooper from the MSP recruit class that graduated in June inside. All four troopers were taken by ambulances to Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. They were treated and released. Police said Rodriguez was under the influence of alcohol and operating after a previous license suspension. He was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of liquor, operating a motor vehicle after license suspension, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and failure to take care in starting, stopping, or turning.

To watch video, go to: https://turnto10.com/news/local/four-massachusetts-state-police-troopers-hurt-in-crash?jwsource=cl

7/19/19

For 24 weeks, they slept, ate and breathed life as a New Jersey State Trooper. On Friday, July 19, 117 men and women received their reward: their trooper badges as the newest New Jersey State Troopers. The graduation of the 159th New Jersey State Police Class, held at the RWJ Barnabas Health Arena in Toms River, included congratulatory remarks from Gov. Phil Murphy and other state leaders, and highlighted some of the work the 108 men and nine women did over the course of the 24 weeks. "For the 159th Class, today's ceremony is the culmination of six months of training from one of the most intensive and challenging law enforcement training academies in the country," Col. Patrick J. Callahan, head of the New Jersey State Police. "I am confident that the graduates are not only prepared for the challenges they will encounter as New Jersey State Troopers, but will serve as exemplary role models and lead by example in all our communities across the state." The New Jersey State Police Training Academy is one of the few residential academies in the nation. Recruits report to the academy before dawn on Monday morning, and they do not return home until dismissal on Friday evening. There is strenuous physical and academic training, consisting of classroom lessons and practical training scenarios. The recruits participated in role-playing exercises such as motor vehicle stops and domestic violence situations, and received detailed instruction from community and cultural organizations on the topic of diversity. Because it is a residential program, recruits are away from their families during significant life events. During this academy class, two recruits got engaged, one recruit got married, and three recruits had children. Of this graduating class, 81 percent have a bachelor's degree or higher, 10 percent are prior military, and 26 percent have prior law enforcement experience. Among the class, 11 are multilingual and 8 are Trooper Youth Week graduates. "Today, we commend the men and women who have answered the call to serve and protect our residents," Murphy said. "I am confident that this new generation of leaders will make our communities stronger and safer, exemplifying the ideals of the New Jersey State Police – Honor, Duty, and Fidelity." "We have great confidence in the ability and commitment of the graduates of the 159th Trooper class to protect and serve residents and live up the highest standards of the New Jersey State Police," Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver said. "We are also grateful that they have chosen to answer the call of public service and to be examples and role models for our communities. May they always lead with integrity, pride, and honor." "Today, these men and women join the ranks of the New Jersey State Police and become part of a proud tradition of honor, sacrifice and service," Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said. "They have learned much in 24 weeks, and they will learn much more as they take on the challenges of keeping the people of our state safe and secure, whether it be by patrolling our highways, investigating and arresting criminals, rescuing victims in peril, or other critical duties." The newly-graduated troopers have been assigned to stations throughout the state, and over the next few months, they will begin their careers under the watchful eye of their Trooper-Coaches and supervisors.

7/19/19