The Missouri Highway Patrol's 27 newest troopers were reminded Friday their new lives will be much different from their old ones.  "In the past 26 weeks, recruits, you have undergone grueling training, endured exhausting hours and endured vast amounts of information," Attorney General Josh Hawley noted.  "You have endured, and now you have the honor of being part of this prestigious company.  "But today represents an end to something more, recruits — it represents an end to your life as a private citizen."  As servants of the public, Hawley added, "the men and women of our state will depend on you, look to you, trust you to uphold one of the most precious inheritances we have as Americans — the rule of law."  Superintendent Sandra Karsten, who joined the patrol in 1985 as part of the 57th Recruit Class, told the graduates of the 104th class: "Today, you're making a promise not only to represent yourself, but every trooper in the entire Missouri State Highway Patrol.  "You are representing the people of the state of Missouri.  "In and out of uniform, know that you've worked hard to wear it and that you hold the public trust and that you're held to a higher standard."  The attorney general explained the difference: "A career is pursued for the good of the person who performs it.  A vocation is work that benefits the good of all (and) is a calling, a summons to serve — to use one's talents and skills and effort to make better the lives of those with whom you live, and to make better the place that you call home."  In his nearly seven-minute keynote address, Hawley referred several times to the importance of the rule of law as the basis of American society — and reminded the new troopers they will play an important role in keeping the rule of law working.  "Your calling is to ensure that fear and terror do not rule the day, but that peace and security, afforded by our laws, is available to people indiscriminately.  Your calling is to protect the weak, the vulnerable, the oppressed among us."  But, while upholding the law, Hawley reminded the new troopers life won't always be easy.  "(Your calling) includes those who use the liberties granted by your protection, to treat you with scorn, to treat you with contempt — even hatred sometimes," the attorney general said.  "It's no secret that we live in a moment in our nation's history when the rule of law and those who uphold it have become targets, subject to intense scrutiny, subject to intense back lash, even derision.  And I'm afraid to say, you will most likely not be exempt from this trend."  Cadet Commander Evan Macomber, of Lebanon, reminded his classmates "we are defined by the public's perception" of previous Highway Patrol troopers they've met, and the bar has been set high for the new class as they head into their new jobs.  Brant Masek, of Fulton, was the only Mid-Missourian in the class.  He's being assigned to work in Franklin County, which is part of Troop C.  None of the 27 new troopers were assigned to Jefferson City-based Troop F.  Karsten reminded the graduates to rely on all the points of their training, including: "Never stop learning, never stop training (and) never stop planning for the what-if situations you may encounter."  She urged the new troopers to remember the basics, such as watching the hands of the people they deal with in traffic stops and other situations, "never assume anything, never turn your back on traffic — and always be ladies and gentlemen who enforce the law."  And, she said: "Remember what makes a trooper is not the Glock or the Taser on your gun belt.  It's not the uniform or the campaign hat — but a cause worthy of sacrifice.  Our mission of service and protection gives each of us something worth sacrificing for."

       6/27/17

Celebrating his commitment to maintaining the New Jersey State Police as one of the nation’s premier law enforcement agencies, Governor Chris Christie on June 23 commended New Jersey’s 148 newest state troopers during graduation ceremonies at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt.  The 157th New Jersey State Police Class is the seventh new class trained since 2010.  “These men and women will join the finest law enforcement agency in the country – the New Jersey State Police -- and continue the proud tradition that exemplifies leadership and service in protecting and safeguarding the residents of our state on the roads, in their communities, and in their homes,” said Governor Christie.  “Having completed their rigorous training, they are now prepared to join the more than 2,600-trooper force that serves our state, conducting not only general policing duties and highway and traffic enforcement, but playing major roles in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from major emergencies and disasters and performing counter-terrorism duties.”  Governor Christie has repeatedly supported the State Police and its mission, consistently allocating funding for new trooper training in his annual spending plans.  The current fiscal year budget and proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget anticipate the recruitment and training of the 158th trooper class as well as money for recruiting the 159th class for 2019.  Those classes are expected to increase the state trooper level to its highest since the beginning of this Administration.  In addition, the FY 2018 budget provides for new forensic positions in response to the pretrial detention constitutional amendment for bail reform.  The 157th New Jersey State Police Class graduated 145 men and three women troopers.  Of this graduating class, more than 77 percent have a Bachelor's Degree or higher, 47 percent played college sports, and 18 percent have prior law enforcement experience.  Also, among the class are 13 firefighters, 10 former military, nine Emergency Medical Technicians, eight personal trainers, seven teachers and six Eagle Scouts.  The class completed 24 weeks of strenuous physical and academic training consisting of classroom lessons and practical training scenarios.  The recruits participated in extensive training and role-playing exercises focused on motor vehicle stops, domestic violence situations, and cultural diversity.  In the area of cultural diversity, the trooper recruits received detailed instruction from community and cultural organizations.  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.  Therefore, recruits are away from their families during significant life events. During this academy class, five recruits got engaged, one recruit got married, and four children were born.  The probationary troopers have been assigned to stations throughout the state, and over the next few months, the new troopers will begin their careers under the watchful eye of their Trooper-Coaches and supervisors.  "I commend the graduates of the 157th New Jersey State Police Class on joining an elite police force that is second to none across the nation,” said Attorney General Christopher Porrino.  “It takes special courage and dedication to earn your badge as a state trooper.  I wish you all long, safe and rewarding careers in this honorable profession."  "Today, we welcome 148 men and women into the State Police family after completing one of the most intensive and difficult law enforcement training academies in the country," said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  "The investigative techniques and tactics that the troopers of the 157th Class learned over the last six months will remain with them throughout their careers and beyond, as will the bond between classmates.

6/26/17

State Police issued nearly 22,000 tickets during the June “Speed Week” campaign.  The special traffic enforcement period to crack down on speeding and aggressive drivers was held June 7 through the 13th.  Troopers ticketed over 9,400 drivers for speeding, arrested 268 people for DWI and wrote 695 tickets for distracted driving.  They also investigated 315 personal injury accidents, which resulted in 412 injuries.  “Reckless driving can lead to tragedy and potential life altering consequences for drivers and passengers on New York’s roadways,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said.  “I applaud the State Police and their partners in law enforcement for keeping dangerous drivers accountable and for their continued commitment to making our streets safer.”

6/23/17

State Police said they were among eight state police and highway patrol agencies that spend Friday, June 9 - Sunday, June 11 enforcing Operation Border to Border along 791 miles of U.S. Route 15 and 124 miles of U.S. Route 17 in an effort to prevent traffic crashes along the heavily-traveled corridor.  State Police said the coordinated traffic safety enforcement initiative resulted in 3,017 total summonses and arrests among the seven states.  There were also zero fatal traffic crashes along either highway corridor during the enforcement effort.  State troopers from Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia worked together by conducting saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, commercial vehicle inspections and other enforcement initiatives to reduce traffic crashes and combat criminal behavior along the non-interstate highways.  Virginia State Police said 835 of those summonses and arrests came from our state in the counties of Loudoun, Prince William, Warren, Culpeper, Madison, Orange, Louisa, Fluvanna, Buckingham, Prince Edward, Charlotte and Halifax.  “Once again, the Virginia State Police was proud to partner with fellow state police and highway patrol agencies with the common goal of saving lives along the Route 15 and Route 17 corridors,” said 1st Sgt. A.D. Blankenship, Area Commander of the Virginia State Police in Loudoun County.  “Taking 25 drunken drivers off the highway, slowing down almost 1,300 speeders and buckling up more than 470 children and adults translates into countless lives saved.  And, that’s what this initiative is all about – getting the public to recognize the importance of driving to save lives through such proactive actions as buckling up, driving free of distractions, complying with posted speed limits and never driving impaired by alcohol or drugs.”  Funds generated from summonses issued by Virginia State Police go directly to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which benefits public school construction, technology funding and teacher retirement.

6/22/17

Missouri Highway Patrol troopers will soon be patrolling interstates in St. Louis as part of a 90-day pilot program to free up city police officers to focus on violent crime.  Between 20 and 30 troopers will be assigned to the special detail, which will focus on the stretches of Interstates 55 and 70 that fall within the city limits, said Missouri Highway Patrol Cpl. Juston Wheetley.  About eight troopers will be on each shift.  The troopers also will be available to back up city police officers if they’re ever in need of assistance, but their primary focus will be traffic enforcement, Wheetley said.  “There’s a lot of violent crime in that area, and we will be aggressively enforcing all traffic and hazardous movement to free up city officers to focus on the violent crime in those areas,” he said.  “We’re really looking forward to partnering with the city and assisting them in any role that we can.”  Troopers were originally scheduled to begin patrolling the interstates this week, but the plan was postponed as leaders continue to “work out some details,” Wheetley said.  Troopers are now set to begin patrolling in the city in early July, he said.

6/20/17

A California highway patrol officer came to the rescue of a baby deer stuck in a freeway drain during a thunderstorm.  California Highway Patrol Sgt. Randy Fisher says he was driving on Interstate 80 near Truckee Monday when he spotted the fawn sticking its little head out of rushing water.  Fisher says he freed the deer's left back leg from the drainage ditch, placed it on the side of the road and waited for its mother to show up.  When the mother did not show, Fisher wrapped the fawn in his sergeant's jacket, put it in his patrol car and drove it to a veterinary.  A veterinarian treated the deer for water in her lungs and hypothermia.  Fisher says the deer, named "Star," is doing well and will be taken to an animal sanctuary in Lake Tahoe.

6/21/17

Washington State Patrol announced (WSP) troopers will be conducting a “statewide focus of effort” to address left lane violators on multiple lane roadways between June 20th and 22nd.  According to a recent announcement, this is in response to numerous requests WSP has received about left lane “campers” throughout Washington.  RCW 46.61.100 requires all vehicles to keep right except when passing on multiple lane roadways.  Left lane “campers” refers to drivers who remain in the passing lane (left lane) for long periods of time without passing.  The WSP said in their announcement left lane camping can lead to road rage, aggressive driving, traffic congestion, and collisions.  Getting caught camping in the left lane can result in a $136 ticket.  Last year, the WSP reports they contacted 16,453 left lane violators.

6/20/17

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will once again be cracking down on intoxicated drivers this summer by using checkpoints and having more troopers on the road.  Lt. Brian Aller, commander of the state patrol’s Springfield Post, said his office is working on setting up OVI checkpoints over the summer and will also have troopers working overtime to stop dangerous drivers.  “We are trying to keep people who are impaired off the roadway so they don’t kill people who hurt somebody,” Aller said.  He said his office is committed to the safety of the roadways, and an intoxicated driver threatens everyone.  “We will have an influx of units who work traffic on overtime, and they look for impaired drivers and other criminal activity,” he said.  The Marysville post will be setting up OVI checkpoints soon, Lt. Molly Harris said.  She said she notices an increase in impaired driving during the summer months.  “I think if you think about your own cookouts and hanging out with friends most of those are usually held in the summer,” she said.  “Bon fires and different functions.”  She said in her area, Indian Lake is a popular attraction this time of year and can be good fun for all.  But it is important that everyone acts responsibly when its time to go home.  Checkpoints and increased patrols will hopefully remind drivers that putting their life and the lives of others at risk is not OK.  “We want to make sure we are visible and people know we are out here,” she said.  Wearing seat belts and being a cautious driver is also important safety tips that Ohioans should follow this summer, Harris said.

6/20/17

The Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw was joined by members of the Texas Public Safety Commission, including PSC Chairman Steven P. Mach, Friday as the department commissioned 122 men and women as the state’s newest Highway Patrol Troopers.  “It takes a special kind of person to be willing to sacrifice their safety in order to protect others from danger,” Chairman Mach says, “in joining DPS, you have declared to the world that you intend to live a life of purpose serving and protecting the people of the great State of Texas.  We are extremely fortunate for your dedication to duty and are proud of each and every one of you – our newest Texas State Troopers.”  The A-2017 class, which is the department’s 159th training class, included 15 women, 12 former peace officers, and 48 military veterans.  The oldest graduate is 49-years-old and the youngest is 21-years-old.  The class also included a Trooper whose father, a Highway Patrol Sergeant, died in the line of duty in 2015.  It was also the first known time two sisters graduated in the same class.  “These 122 graduates will join their fellow DPS Troopers as the a first line of defense against a wide variety of threats in the communities they serve,” says Director McCraw,“we are counting on you to help make your communities safer, and to uphold the tradition and standards of the Texas Highway Patrol.”  The new Troopers will report to duty stations across Texas in the coming weeks and spend the first six months in on-the-job training.  The Troopers began the 23-week training academy in January of 2017.  Instruction covered more than 100 subjects, including counterterrorism, traffic, and criminal law, arrest and control procedures, accident reconstruction, first aid and Spanish. They also received training in use of force, communication skills, firearms, driving, criminal interdiction, cultural diversity and physical fitness.

6/19/17

Sergeant William Bishop was struck and killed by a vehicle while investigating an accident on I-75, near mile marker 403, in Alachua County.  He was outside of his vehicle when a secondary accident occurred in the center lane at approximately 10:00 pm.  One of the vehicles involved in the secondary accident then struck Sergeant Bishop, pinning him underneath it.  Sergeant Bishop had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 30 years.  He is survived by his wife and son.

6/19/17

State Sen. Gayle Manning, a North Ridgeville Republican, honored Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Juan “Ray” Santiago of the Elyria Post during a recent visit to Columbus, according to a June 15 news release from her office.  Santiago was named the 2016 Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year, according to the release.  “I am pleased to honor Trooper Santiago for his commitment to our community and the state of Ohio,” Manning said.  “Ohians should take comfort in knowing that Ohio’s Highway Patrol has some of the best-trained and most dedicated public servants in the country.  “Thank you to Trooper Santiago and those who join him in an effort to keep our Ohio families safe.”  A resident of Lorain, Santiago joined the Highway Patrol in 2010, and was honored along with nine other District Troopers across the state, the release said.  Santiago’s wife, Mallory, joined him when he was honored by Manning.

6/19/17

Sergeant William Bishop was struck and killed by a vehicle while investigating an accident on I-75, near mile marker 403, in Alachua County.  He was outside of his vehicle when a secondary accident occurred in the center lane at approximately 10:00 pm.  One of the vehicles involved in the secondary accident then struck Sergeant Bishop, pinning him underneath it.  Sergeant Bishop had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 30 years.  He is survived by his wife and son.

6/19/17

The South Carolina Highway Patrol held graduation ceremonies for 39 troopers from its High Basic class 101 Wednesday.  South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson spoke to the graduates on behalf of Gov. McMaster and read a letter to the graduates from the governor.  "Leadership is not about the perks and privileges that come with it.  It is about service," Wilson told the graduates.  Basic 101 brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 798.  The SCHP Basic Training Program consists of 21 weeks of extensive law enforcement training in-residence.  After graduation troopers must complete a minimum of 400 hours in the field training.  "Your job is important because you do something that few people can't even imagine," said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith.  Troopers are assigned to areas based upon population, calls for service, and the number of licensed drivers in an area.  "Many long hours of training and sacrifice lead up to this exciting day," said SCHP Col. Michael Oliver.  At each graduation, the Patrol presents distinguished awards to outstanding troopers from the class.  The winners from the 2017 Basic Class 101 are:  Trooper Spencer Nieto of Goose Creek is the winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award.  TroNieto was diagnosed with cancer in his 16th week of training.  Throughout his treatments, he remained committed and graduated with honors.  Trooper Chad Richards was presented with the Marksmanship Award after he demonstrated the best marksmanship during fire training.  Lastly, Trooper Stephen Steagall of Gaffney was presented the Physical Fitness Award after he excelled on all physical training test during each exercise.  The South Carolina Highway Patrol strives to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina.

6/16/17

The Kentucky State Police have issued a warning to remind parents not to leave a child alone in a hot car.  Police say law enforcement agencies answer calls every year about unattended children in vehicles.  KidsandCars.org reported that 39 children died in the U.S. during 2016 from vehicular heat stroke.  Kentucky State Police Lt. Michael Webb said vehicle heat stroke is often misunderstood, and a majority of parents are misinformed and would like to believe that they could never "forget" their child in a vehicle.  "The most dangerous mistake a parent can make is to think leaving a child alone in their car could never happen to them," Webb said.  "In these fast-paced times, it is easy for parents to get distracted and forget their child is in the car with them."  Webb said that the interior of a car heats up very quickly and temperatures inside can reach 125 degrees in minutes.  "A child's body heats up three to five times faster than that of an adult," Webb said.  "The temperature inside a car can rise 19 degrees in 10 minutes.  Together, this can be deadly in a very short period of time."  Kentucky passed "Bryan's Law" in 2000, which makes a person liable for a second-degree manslaughter or first-degree wanton endangerment for leaving a child younger than eight years old in a motor vehicle where circumstances pose a grave risk of death.  Police have also asked citizens to keep an eye out for children left in vehicles on hot days and to call 911 if they think the occupant is in danger.  

Police have offered the following safety tips:

• Never leave a child in an unattended car, even with the windows down.

• Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don't overlook sleeping babies.

• Always lock your car. If a child is missing, check the car first, including the trunk. Teach your children that vehicles are never to be used as a play

  area.

• Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat and when the child is put in the seat, place the animal in the front with the driver as a reminder.

• Place your purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car.

• Make ‘look before you leave’ a routine whenever you get out of the car.

6/15/17

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the appointment of Colonel Kevin Reeves as the Deputy Secretary of Public Safety Services and the Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police (LSP).   In March, Col. Reeves was appointed to the position on an interim basis.  “Since his appointment, Col. Reeves has done an exceptional job at the state police and he has won the praise of his colleagues and law enforcement across the state,” said Gov. Edwards.  “In preparing for hurricane season or responding to severe weather, Col. Reeves has accepted the challenge of leading this agency and serving the people of Louisiana.  I have been extremely impressed by his level of professionalism and the new ideas he has brought to the department.  I look forward to continuing to work with him on a more permanent basis, and I am grateful that he and his wife, Kristi, have accepted this position.”  “I am humbled by the Governor’s permanent appointment to serve as Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police and Deputy Secretary of Public Safety.  It is a tremendous responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of our state, and I shall never take it for granted,” said Colonel Kevin Reeves.  “However, this appointment is not about Kevin Reeves.  My priority is to support every DPS employee and provide the training, tools and technology to be successful.  As we move forward, accountability begins with me and extends to every employee in the department.  We know we have some challenges ahead, but we will face these challenges together and be stronger because of them.  The public demands nothing less.”  Major Reeves, a native of Baton Rouge, received his degree from Louisiana Tech University.  He began his career at the Louisiana State Police in 1990 as a trooper assigned to motorcycle patrols with Troop A in Baton Rouge.  His career in the state police brought him to Troop F in Monroe in 1993, where he served as a squad leader for the mobile field force and as a case agent and undercover agent on many narcotics investigations and operations for the Bureau of Investigations.  In 2008, he became the Troop Commander of Troop F before assuming the role of Command Inspector of Patrol Operations and Commander of Statewide Mobile Field Force Team in 2013.  Major Reeves is married to Kristi Hall Reeves and they have three children – Kaleb, Kyle and Klayton.

6/14/17