WVSP Trooper Killed In Ambush-type Situation

 6/2/23

MINGO COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) A West Virginia State Police trooper was fatally shot Friday afternoon in what appears to be an ambush-type situation in the Beech Creek area,

Officers responded to a complaint of a shooting in the Beech Creek area of Mingo County and were met with gunfire upon arrival, police said in a statement. West Virginia State Police trooper, later identified as Sgt. Cory Maynard, was shot during the counter, and was initially was taken to a hospital in Logan where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Maynard, 37, originally from Belfry, Kentucky, was a 15-year veteran. He became a member of the State Police in October 2007. As a young officer with the State Police in the Eastern Panhandle, Sgt. Maynard was recognized with a Lifesaving Award for his actions in the line of duty. He continued to exemplify the qualities of compassion, bravery, and service throughout his career. Maynard leaves behind his wife and two children, ages 9 and 13.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help his family.

If you would like to donate, you can do so by using this link.

May 17, 2023

BROKEN BOW, Okla. (KFOR) – An Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper pulled over after seeing a little kitten on the highway.

According to OHP, Trooper Joe Jefferson saw the kitten on the inside lanes of US 70, east of Broken Bow.

When Trooper Jefferson got to her, she was slightly dehydrated but doing okay. He then gave her over to the Hochatown Rescue Center.

Senior Trooper Spencer Adkinson with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division rescued a motorist from a sinking vehicle on Friday, May 12.

At around 7:05 a.m., Sr. Trooper Adkinson was investigating a traffic crash on U.S. 84 near the 201 mile marker in Houston County when another vehicle not involved in the crash approached the scene, left the roadway and entered into Bear Creek.

Immediately, Sr. Trooper Adkinson jumped into the creek and removed the driver from the vehicle, as the vehicle had already begun submerging. Deputy Sheriff Dusty Oswalt with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office also arrived on scene and assisted Sr. Trooper Adkinson with getting the driver safely onto the creek’s bank.

The driver was transported to Southeast Health Medical Center for treatment. Nothing further is available at this time.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division is asking individuals that may have also assisted in the rescue effort to please contact the Dothan Highway Patrol Post at 334-983-4587, POC ALEA Sgt. Tracey McCord.

May 13, 2023 

WILL COUNTY, Ill. (WTVO) — An Illinois State trooper returned home Saturday morning after two years due to serious injuries sustained in a “Scott’s Law” crash.

The crash happened back in February 2021, when Trooper Brian Frank’s squad car was rear-ended by a black Cadillac on I-55 in Will County, according to WFLD.

Frank was inside of his squad car when it was hit. He was left critically injured, having to be airlifted to a local hospital. His lights had been on at the time of the crash.

Frank had to undergo several brain surgeries and was left in the hospital for months. He was eventually moved to a rehabilitation center, where he spent almost the last two years recovering.

However, he has remained minimally conscious for the past 26 months.

“Our family and friends hold high hopes that going home will be the answer, and the place that he wakes up,” Lauren Frank, his wife, said.

“Scott’s Law,” also known as the Move Over Law, requires drivers to slow down and move over if they are approaching a vehicle on the side of the road with their hazard lights on.

Lauren has become an advocate for the law since husband’s crash, speaking to the Illinois General Assembly as they passed a bill that strengthens penalties against Scott’s Law violators.

May 13, 2023

Friends, family and coworkers gathered Tuesday for a hot dog lunch, across from the Navarro County Courthouse, to welcome home DPS Trooper Curtis Putz who was critically injured Jan. 31, when another car slid into his patrol vehicle while Putz was investigating another auto accident on Interstate Highway 45 in Navarro County during icy conditions.

Injured Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Curtis Putz of Navarro County returned home April 21, after being in Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Dallas for 81 days.

A Go Fund Me account has been created to benefit the Putz family:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/dps-officer-curtis-putz-and-family

May 12, 2023

HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM) — On Friday, May 12, 49 new cadets graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey.

This class was the 166th class to graduate from the academy since its inception in 1960.

“The women and men of the 166th Cadet Class have completed one of the most intense and comprehensive basic training courses in the nation,” said Colonel Paris. “They are now prepared to join the ranks of the long gray line which has provided the most professional law enforcement services to the citizens of Pennsylvania since 1905.  As Governor Shapiro has said, Pennsylvanians deserve to be safe and feel safe, and that is exactly what these young Troopers will ensure happens.”

Five cadets also received special awards during a ceremony in Manheim on Friday:

Robert D. Bastian received the Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for exemplifying the qualities of leadership and the American Legion Award for all-around academic, physical, ethical, and moral qualifications.

Edward D. Svarchevsky received the John K. Schafer Memorial Award for the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests.

Cooper D. LeGuard received the Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for the highest level of academic achievement in the class.

Ryan J. Marcella received the Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for the highest proficiency in driver safety training.

Below is a list of all the graduates, including which troop they have been assigned to. They are to report to their assigned troops on Monday, May 22.

Troop A

Robert D. Bastian

Cassidy N. Honkus

Troop B

Trevor D. Hicks

Andrew C. Homyak

Troop C

Nathan S. Barron

Bayden M. Davenport

Collin R. DeLattre

Ryan S. Good

John R. Herold

John P. Matacic II

Mitchell L. Lapp

Shon M. Seibert-Reed

Ryan D. VanTine

Salvador Zepeda III

Troop E

Cooper D. LeGuard

Ryan J. Marcella

Justin M. Wehrli

Troop F

Cody A. Fisher

Brock W. Port

Robert F. Smith

Kody K. Taylor

Troop H

Kolten A. Conrad

Tanner L. Kresovich

Travis L. Lamereaux

John D. Lane

Justin R. McDonnell

Michael P. Posteraro Jr.

Aaron D. Rahn

Emilio N. Rizzo Jr.

Robert E. Valatka

Joshua M. Zukoski

Troop J

Austin J. Billet

Kyle E. Connelly

Daniel R. Kornfeind

Kyle R. Munro

Takoda C. Perez

Troop K

Maximilian J. Baptiste

Jason P. Eckman

Patrick S. Galvin

Jermaine J. Graham

Eduardo A. Lopez

Tyler R. Martin

Ryan M. Reeves

Scott A. Serpe

Edward D. Svarchevsky

Jared D. Widmer

Ryan A. Wolk

James J. Yezzo

May 5, 2023

RALEIGH – The State Highway Patrol proudly welcomed 36 new troopers today at a graduation ceremony held for the 158th Basic Highway Patrol School. The ceremony celebrates 14 weeks of extensive training to prepare the graduates for a worthwhile career in law enforcement.

The ceremony was held on the grounds of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Training Academy in Raleigh.  Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe, Jr. served as guest speaker and provided congratulatory remarks to the graduates. The oath of office was administered by Judge Fred Gore of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Lieutenant Colonel Daryl Conley, deputy commander of the State Highway Patrol, provided remarks to the newest sworn members of the State Highway Patrol.

“Today is an exciting accomplishment, one you should take great pride in realizing,” said Conley. “The most rewarding and satisfying days are ahead of you though, a real opportunity to help others and better your community through a career of service to our state.”

The new state troopers will report to their respective duty stations on Monday, May 22, to begin a demanding field training program.

The Virginia State Police Association is Requesting Contributions to the VSPA - Emergency Relief Fund Designated to Help VSP Trooper Daniel Scaletta’s Family and daughter, Aubrey, who was severely injured in a terrible accident during the afternoon of May 17, 2023.

Six year old Aubrey was playing with a ratchet strap while riding as a passenger in a pickup truck. One end of the strap went out the window and became wrapped around the drive shaft. As the strap turned around the drive shaft, Aubrey was almost pulled out of the window and the tightening strap severed her feet.

Aubrey’s Mother ask everyone to please pray good thoughts for her sweet baby, Aubrey. She was in a terrible accident and was air lifted to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for emergency surgery to repair her amputated feet. She was in surgery for 6 hours with a large team of surgeons working to repair her injuries. While Aubrey’s injuries may require more surgeries in the future, for now she is recovering in the pediatric ICU. They are keeping her asleep and comfortable through the weekend. Her sister was with her when she was injured so she will need extra love as well. My girls are strong and sassy and will make it through.

The injuries are horrible and painful for all involved. Aubrey, Aubrey’s sister and Aubrey's parents are having a real hard time coping with this painful tragedy. They need our love and they need our help financially. While Aubrey is in the hospital the Scaletta Family will have to stay near the hospital which is over an hour from their home. This is going to be a long process requiring long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation. The costs associated with Aubrey's treatment will be ongoing.

The Virginia State Police Association is asking our Members and the Citizens of Virginia to come together to help the Scaletta Family and Aubrey recover from this terrible accident and shocking injuries. Contributions, designated for Aubrey Scaletta, may be made through the Virginia State Police Association – Emergency Relief Fund (VSPA-ERF) by check written to:

VSPA-ERF

6942 Forest Hill Avenue

Richmond, VA 23225

Write in the Memo Section: "For Aubrey Scaletta"

or donate online at: https://www.vspa.org/donate/erf.html

100% of all contributions received by the VSPA-ERF designated for Aubrey Scaletta will be provided to the Scaletta Family to assist them in providing Aubrey the medical treatment necessary to recover from this terrible accident.

Questions about contributing may be directed to email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone number (804)320-6272.

Thank you for your continued support of the VSPA's efforts and for helping Trooper Daniel Scaletta’s daughter Aubrey!

(Contributions to this fund help the Association provide emergency relief to members of the Department of State Police and other law enforcement officers and their families who experience a personal crisis and have nowhere else to turn. Helping officers and families when they need it most. We’re asking you to consider becoming a Corporate or Citizen Supporter of the Virginia State Police Association Emergency Relief Fund. The money you give is tax deductible and will go to assist the Association in providing emergency relief to members of the Virginia State Police and other law enforcement officers and their families. The VSPA Emergency Relief Fund is a non-governmental, private non-profit corporation and is an arm of the Virginia State Police Association. Our Association is comprised of active and retired members of the Department of State Police. We are also an IRS 501 c 3 corporation which offers a tax deduction for those who support our efforts.)

MAY 15, 2023

National Police Week is an annual observance that honors law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It also serves as a time to reflect on the challenges facing police officers every day and how we can support them.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. 

National Police Week is an important time to reflect on the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers as shown in the statistics of 2022 when two hundred forty-six (246) officers died in the line of duty in the United States. 

In-person events are planned for this week, May 14th – 20th, 2023, in Washington, DC, to offer respect, honor, remembrance, and community support for National Police Week while allowing law enforcement, survivors, law enforcement families and citizens to gather and pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

In Wyoming, from 1877 to the present, there have been a total of sixty-one (61) officers who have died in the line of duty. In honor of these officers, the Wyoming Peace Officer Memorial ceremony will occur on Friday, May 19th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy. 

The Wyoming Highway Patrol would like to remember all law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice this week. We thank all law enforcement members for their dedication and service to the State of Wyoming.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy, along with a joint resolution of Congress, declared May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the Calendar week in which May 15^th falls as National Police Week. National Police Week focuses on remembering and honoring our nation’s federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers particularly those who have given their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

On Monday, May 15, 2023, a memorial service was held on the West Lawn of our U.S. Capitol paying tribute to all those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice this past year. Additionally, Law enforcement agencies around the country organize and hold memorials, vigils, and ceremonies to honor and pay tribute to those who have fallen. These tributes stand as a reminder of the inherent dangers all law enforcement officers face every day as they put on their uniforms and before leaving their homes, families, and friends and begin their job of protecting and serving their community.

Troopers, Officers, Sheriffs, and all members of peace officers are not the only ones who carry the heavy burden of their oaths. The families of these officers carry the burden without ever taking the oath of an officer. During this week of recognition, we include all those who support these officers with unwavering encouragement, love, and devotion. National Police Week acknowledges that law enforcement is a community and along with the officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice we remember the families who experience the loss and must continue without their loved ones.

We here at The American Association of State Troopers would like to take this time to Thank all of those who protect and serve our nation, states, cities, towns, and communities. We also pray that all Peace Officers can perform and navigate their duties and return home safely.

Thank you all for all you do and God speed.

May 03, 2023

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was dispatched to assist a female driver in a medical emergency last week, according to a Facebook post from the OSHP.

The unnamed driver called 911, because she was experiencing suspected anaphylactic shock. The dispatcher guided her to the nearest hospital and dispatched OSHP to the scene.

In the video you can see the driver is visually upset with labored breathing. She tells the patrol officer that she has never administered an EpiPen before.

The patrol officer is seen administering the life saving medication to the outer area of the victims thigh.

After the EpiPen was administered, we can see the officer walk the driver to the front doors of the hospital.

Click link below to watch video

https://fb.watch/kx-z6PgIte/

May 10, 2023

An Indiana State Police trooper got quite the surprise when he stumbled upon an injured bald eagle while on patrol on Tuesday.

According to ISP Sgt. Matt Ames, Master Trooper Mike Laney was patrolling on SR 63 when he came across the injured bird.

"Laney carefully placed the injured eagle into his patrol car and transported it to a local veterinarian," Ames posted on his social media accounts.

The post also included a photo of the injured bird wrapped in a blanket in the passenger seat of Laney's cruiser.

On Thursday, May 18, 2022, at 10:00 AM, KSP Post 12 will place a wreath at Officer Jason Cammack’s gravesites, Trooper James’s gravesites McNeely, and Officer David Childs to honor their service to the Commonwealth. At 10:00 AM, we will start at  Frankfort Cemetery for Officer Cammack, and Officer Childs, then move to Post 12, at the flag pole for Trooper McNeely.

Starting at 4:00 pm, KSP Post 12 will be placing a wreath at the gravesites of Trooper Harold Toll, Trooper Bobby McCoun, and Trooper Eric Chrisman to honor their service to the Commonwealth. We will first meet at the Lawrenceburg Cemetery to honor Trooper McCoun and then move to Sand Springs Baptist Church for Trooper Toll and Trooper Chrisman.

Trooper Harold J. Toll, age 34, was fatally injured on November 14, 1948, in an automobile accident en route to a call for assistance in Anderson County. He was assigned to Post 12 Frankfort. His death came only three months after being commissioned as an officer with the Kentucky State Police. Trooper Toll is buried at Sandspring Baptist Cemetery in Anderson County, Ky. In honor of his service and sacrifice, a five-mile stretch of the U.S. 271 bypass in Anderson County has been designated the Trooper Harold J. Toll Memorial Highway.

Trooper James W. McNeely, age 37, drowned while on a flood rescue mission in Franklin County. His death came one day after his sixteenth anniversary of joining the Kentucky State Police. Trooper McNeely and KSP Water Patrol Officer David C. Childs died when the boat in which they were riding was swept over the dam at Lock 4 in Frankfort. Trooper McNeely’s body was never found. The two canoeists for whom the officers were searching were later found safe. Trooper McNeely was assigned to Post 12 Frankfort. Trooper McNeely was survived by his wife and three children. His memorial is in Wingo, Ky. In honor of his service and sacrifice, a five-mile stretch of KY 339 in Graves County has been designated the Trooper James W. McNeely Memorial Highway.

Kentucky State Police Water Patrol Officer* David Thomas Childs, age 39, perished along with Trooper James McNeely on April 8, 1972. The officers were searching for two Louisville teens reported missing on a canoe trip when a swift current in the rain-swollen Kentucky River swept their boat over the Lock 4 dam in Frankfort, Ky. The missing youths were found later unhurt. His body was recovered from the Ohio River near Tell City, Ind. He is buried in the Frankfort Cemetery. In honor of his service and sacrifice, KY 1784, Coffee Tree Road has been designated “Officer David T. Childs Memorial Highway”. In 1968, responsibility for the enforcement of boating safety laws was transferred from the Kentucky Dept. of Public Safety’s Boating Division to the Division of State Police. In November of 1972, responsibility for boating safety was transferred to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Trooper Bobby A. McCoun Jr., age 23, died Sept. 1, 1975, as the result of an accidental shooting at the Pikeville jail in Pike County. Trooper McCoun was assigned to Post 9 Pikeville and served with the Kentucky State Police for two years. He is buried at the Lawrenceburg Cemetery in Anderson County, Ky. In honor of his service and sacrifice, a five-mile stretch of US 127 in Anderson County has been designated the Trooper Bobby A. McCoun Memorial Highway.

Officer Jason Cammack, the first KVE Officer killed in the line of duty, died on Easter Sunday, April 23, 2000. Officer Cammack was on routine patrol on I-64 eastbound near the Midway exit in Woodford County when he crossed the median and accelerated into the westbound lane in an apparent attempt to stop a speeding vehicle. Officer Cammack lost control of his vehicle, struck a rock embankment, and died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. In honor of his service and sacrifice, US 60 in Franklin County, from US 460 to the Woodford line is known as the “Officer Jason Cammack Memorial Highway.”

Trooper Eric K. Chrisman, age 23, was fatally injured on June 23, 2015, in a vehicle collision while en route to a reckless driving complaint on US 62 in Livingston County. Upon receiving his commission as a Trooper, he was assigned to Post 1, Mayfield, where his death came only six months into his career. Trooper Chrisman is buried at Sand Spring Baptist Cemetery in Anderson County. In honor of his service and sacrifice, KY 326 in Anderson County has been designated the “Trooper Eric K. Chrisman Memorial Highway” in November of 2016.

May 9, 2023

A memorial was held Monday at Arkansas State Police headquarters to honor law enforcement who died in the line of service. The memorial celebrated several officers who died throughout Arkansas history and was attended by several families.

The event began with a full-color guard formation followed by remarks from Republican Party of Arkansas chairman Cody Hiland. He quoted Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Regan, and read from the Jim Reeves song: “The World is Not My Home.”

“What these people have done, the example they have given to us will never be forgotten,” Hiland said. “Increased devotion for the cause for which they gave their lives, their fellow man, and freedom we enjoy today.”

Hiland talked about American exceptionalism and peace through strength.

During the ceremony, one red rose was placed in a vase for every officer who died in the line of duty.

The only officer to be added this year is Senior Corporal Michael Springer who died in February 2022 of COVID-19. He had served with Arkansas State Police for over 30 years.

His widow Rhonda Springer said, “He was a servant, he served his god, his family, the State Police, and the Navy.”

She also said he was “a man of little words” who would have been very humbled by his inclusion in the Hall of Honors.

MAY 2, 2023

A pair of escaped horses that wandered onto a Massachusetts highway were safely captured by the animals' owner and a lasso-wielding trooper.

The Massachusetts State Police said in a Facebook post that the two horses were spotted on Route 88 in Westport on Monday morning.

roopers were summoned to the scene and arrived to find the owner of the animals had managed to safely recapture one of the horses.

"Trooper Alex Boswell, who apparently watches a lot of western movies, was able to get a rope onto the second horse, and he and the owner walked the horses back home, their morning adventure now complete," the post said.