September 2022

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Within the Department of Public Safety a historic promotion has been made.

On Wednesday, August 31, the State of Alaska announced Captain Maurice “Mo” Hughes was promoted to Colonel of the Alaska State Troopers. Colonel Hughes, a veteran of the Coast Guard, has served Alaskans as a State Trooper for 32 years. 

A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Colonel Hughes is a certified police instructor in Alaska and holds an advanced police certificate. 

Since 2016, he has served the Kenai Peninsula and southeast Alaska as the AST Commander of Detachment E. During his state service, he has supervised Western Alaska State Troopers, worked in the recruitment unit, and managed Court Service Officers in the Anchorage area. Additionally, Colonel Hughes has been a firearms instructor, a K9 handler and a member of the Tracking Team.

“I’ve kind of traveled around during my time in the Coast Guard, ended up wanting to come to Alaska,” Hughes said. “Got here, never wanted to leave, so I’ve been here since then.”

This is a historic promotion for the Alaska Division of Public Safety, making Maurice Hughes the first African American Colonel in the department. “I think it speaks volumes to the department,” Hughes said. “I think it speaks volumes to the diversity within the department and I’m proud to be here.”

Being the first African American Alaska State Trooper Colonel, it’s an honor and I am humbled at the appointment,” added Hughes.

In a statement, Hughes called it “the honor of a lifetime to serve Alaskans”. Hughes stated he is looking forward to addressing important issues.  He continued saying “I’m working with (the command staff) from a different perspective now, but I’d like to get in, see how things are going, see what I can help with.”

The department changes went into effect on September 1, 2022.

GREENVILLE, S.C. —

First responder agencies from across the Upstate joined together to honor a South Carolina trooper who was hit by a car during a traffic stop last month.

The "Light 'Em Up" event honored South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Devin Kugler.

Kugler has been at Greenville Memorial Hospital since mid-October, after being hit by a car during a traffic stop.

Kugler's recovery continues, but his extended family of first responders wants him to know that he's cared for.

"It's really, really great to see our local communities step in and really do something together," said Sgt. Joel Hovis.

Stylialos Katsamperis, an owner of Big Clock in Berea, is paying it forward, donating 5% of his restaurant's sales to Kugler's family through the end of November.

"I knew him personally," Katsamperis said. "He's a great guy, and also I always want to help as much as we can and show our support for this community."

That support is helping his wife Mandie, who is expecting their sixth child, to get through this tough time.

"The community and your selfless contributions have left to let us navigate through this stressful scenario with the most amount of peace I have ever felt," she said. In addition, she shared that he started rehabilitation Tuesday after seven surgeries; a positive step forward in his long road to recovery.

According to AAA Wisconsin, there were nearly 2,400 crashes involving emergency vehicles in Wisconsin between 2017 and 2021.

While enforcing the speed limit or helping a motorist, Trooper Knowlton says drivers should move over or slow down for emergency vehicles. It's the law here in Wisconsin.

"When people tell you they slowed down to 60-65 when the speed limit is 70, that's not really slowing down. Slow down, give me 4 or 5 seconds to try to make my job as safe as possible," said Trooper Knowlton.

On Monday, many of the drivers gave the trooper space during a traffic stop or when helping a driver, but that's not always the case.

According to AAA Wisconsin, there were nearly 2,400 crashes involving emergency vehicles in Wisconsin between 2017 and 2021. Roughly 735 people were hurt and five have been killed. Trooper Knowlton was also hit while in his vehicle on the side of the road back in 2017.

I had a good idea I was going to get hit, they struck my Explorer going 60 miles per hour," said Trooper Knowlton.

In addition to the "Move Over" law, to make work zones safer for emergency responders and construction crews, in 2021, Wisconsin Act 115, a state law went into effect that bans cell phone use in an emergency response area, doubles fines for certain violations that lead to injury in an emergency response area, and protects workers in construction, maintenance, and utility work areas. Trooper Knowlton says behind every uniform is a person wanting to get home to their family at the end of the day.

o learn more about Wisconsin Act 115, click here

Available Now ready to ship!

Go to www.statetroopers.org to order your 2023 calendar for $10.

When purchasing the 2023 Cruiser Calendar you will be supporting the American Association of State Trooper Foundation. 100% of  the proceeds go directly towards the AAST Foundation which provides college scholarships to dependents of AAST members across the county. To date AAST has awarded over 3 million scholarships to more than 4,000 students.

Order yours today!

These calendars can be purchased on our website www.statetroopers.org or directly by contacting our office at (850) 385-7904 x 201

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), announced the start of the annual “Stuff the Charger” food drive – a statewide effort to support Floridians who could use a little extra help this holiday season. Today through November 30, the department is collecting non-perishable food donations for food banks across the state.

“Each year, I am humbled by the amount of generosity and kindness shown by all who support our annual ‘Stuff the Charger’ food drive,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “Last year, FLHSMV collected more than 10,000 pounds of non-perishable food items and delivered them to food banks across Florida to help those in need in our communities. We are proud to continue this tradition to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our fellow Floridians.”

“Help your fellow Floridian enjoy a meal this holiday season. Make a difference in your community by donating to our annual ‘Stuff the Charger’ food drive,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Hurricane Ian devastated southwest Florida, and with your help, we can provide those in need with critical food donations.”

The department is partnering with a network of local organizations whose mission is to deliver much-needed food and educate the community in the fight against hunger. The department’s goal is to conduct a successful food drive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Florida’s families.

The following items are needed:

Canned Goods: canned meats, vegetables, fruits, and soup

Dried Goods: stuffing, boxed potatoes, rice, cornbread mix, grits, cereal, and oatmeal

Other Goods: nuts, peanut butter, evaporated milk, bottled water, and broth

Individuals wishing to donate food can take their contributions to any local FHP Station, or contact a FHP Public Affairs Officer in their area for more information. FHP will be hosting events and accepting non-perishable food donations at each troop headquarters across the state including FLHSMV General Headquarters in Tallahassee.

October 28, 2022

Lincoln, NEB

As the NSAA high school football playoffs get underway for all classes, Nebraska State Troopers are closing out another season of sharing safety messages under the Friday night lights.

“Friday Night Lights” is part of NSP’s community service effort, which includes troopers throughout the entire state. Troopers give public safety presentations in many venues throughout the year, including school programs and community events. Those efforts are made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Troopers utilize demonstration tools such as the NSP Persuader, Seat Belt Convincer, and Rollover Simulator in safety programs. Troopers also discuss the dangers of distracted driving, impaired driving, and other general safety topics.

To request a public safety demonstration, contact your local Nebraska State Patrol Troop Area Headquarters. Contact information can be found on the NSP website.

October 26, 2022

A reunion of Texas Rangers and state troopers brought the past and present together on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office gun range in Cleveland. This year marks the ninth year that this illustrious group of law personnel has gathered for the reunion, which has affectionately become known as the Ol’ Farts Fish Fry and Retiree Shoot.

Organized in recent years by Texas Ranger Brandon Bess, assigned to Liberty County and the Texas Rangers’ unsolved crimes investigation program, retired Pct. 6 Constable Royce Wheeler (who now manages the range for the sheriff’s office, and a host of other volunteers, the annual reunion was founded in 2013 by Capt. Dan North and Lt. Kevin Pullen of the Texas Rangers, and Constable Wheeler. Since that time, the reunion has been held every year except for 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s important to get everyone together. The brotherhood we share in law enforcement is unlike any other profession, in my opinion,” said Bess. “When you work with someone for 5-6 days a week, they become an extension of your family. When you retire, you don’t get to see them any more. We know the retired guys miss it. When they come to the reunion, they get to visit with the new highway patrol troopers and Rangers, and their old friends. It’s important for them to know they are still a big part of our family.”

Over the last decade, the reunion in Cleveland has grown significantly. This year more than 300 retired and current state troopers and Rangers, along with law enforcement personnel from other agencies and honored guests, attended the event, making it the highest-attended gathering so far. Bess said attendance appears to grow every year as more retired personnel learn about the event through their peers in law enforcement.

During the luncheon, retired DPS Lt. Jim Fife was honored for his 55 years of service to the agency. The award was presented by Major Grover “Frank” Huff of Company A, who previously was assigned to Liberty County and still lives in the area, and Texas Rangers Chief Jason Taylor.

A retired trooper who set the standard for drug interdiction was among the guests at the luncheon. Ben Lamar “Butch” Bean, a native of Dayton, spent 28 years patrolling Texas highways before being elected as Chambers County Pct. 4 constable, a position he has held for the last 16 years.

Bean’s exceptional work in drug interdiction for Texas DPS earned him three director citations over the course of his career, a distinction that puts him in an elite group of law enforcement personnel.

“I don’t know if there are even five members of the department who have three director citations. It’s a very prestigious award from the DPS colonel for exceptional work, and Butch has three of them,” Bess said. “He made super good cases and is excellent in testifying in court cases. He is the guy that, when he was in court, the younger troopers would go watch him testify just to learn how to do it right.”

Bean’s largest drug interdiction case, at least the one he can remember most vividly, involved a tractor-trailer carrying thousands of pounds of marijuana. Drug cases have changed over the years as the drug of choice has migrated from marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines, to harder substances like fentanyl and opioids.

Bean comes from a law enforcement family. His father is the late Dayton Police Chief Buddy Bean and his brother, Gordon, is a Liberty County sheriff’s deputy. Gordon’s son, Kelby, also is a LCSO deputy. Bean’s sister was once a peace officer and another brother, who was killed in a car accident, was an undercover agent.

The food for the Ol’ Farts Fish Fry and Retiree Shoot was sponsored by Texas Department of Public Safety Foundation. Door prizes were sponsored by the American Association of State Troopers, Texas State Troopers Association, PPI Security and William Hall, a reserve deputy for Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. Desserts were provided by Liberty County District Attorney Jennifer Bergman Harkness.

Ammunition used for the range qualification was provided by DPS majors, regional directors and chiefs.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/florida-highway-patrol-saves-motorcyclist-with-cpr/ar-AA13wBiB

A Florida Highway Patrol officer saved the life of a motorcyclist who was found laying on the sidewalk after performing CPR on him. Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joseph Santos administered CPR to the motorcyclist who was laying on a sidewalk, according to a tweet from the law enforcement agency on Thursday. The motorcyclist began breathing shortly after the trooper began CPR, FOX 35 reported. The Florida Highway Patrol said in a tweet that the driver of the motorcycle has recovered and was released from a local hospital. 

The Florida Highway Patrol and the Georgia State Patrol supporting this week's football game In Jacksonville.

The University of Florida Gators are hosting the University of Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Stadium. Both agencies want you to cheer on your teams and have a great time! Also, remember to drive safely, designate a driver if you intend to drink, and be responsible in and around large crowds and traffic.
Arrive Alive!! And enjoy the game!

HELENA – The Montana Highway Patrol commissioned 10 new troopers today at a graduation ceremony held at the Civic Center in Helena.  Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Colonel Steve Lavin addressed the cadets prior to having their badges pinned and taking the oath of office.

The new troopers were among 344 applicants for the positions this hiring cycle.  They went through a rigorous training schedule over the past 23 weeks. Five of the 10 troopers are from Montana and the other five came from as far away as Texas and all worked in a variety of different careers prior to coming to the Montana Highway Patrol.  See full roster below.

“I’m confident that Montana’s newest troopers will do an incredible job on the front lines protecting Montanans from dangerous criminals and keeping our communities safe,” Attorney General Knudsen said.

“It is my honor to welcome these new troopers to the Montana Highway Patrol.  Their dedication and hard work has not gone unrecognized. They will serve the citizens of our state with service, integrity and respect,” Colonel Lavin said.

**Pictured left to right: Sgt. Zachary J. Freeman, Dietrich D. Lind, Logan W. Bartholomew, Trevor D. Ward, David M. Thomas, Jessica N. Lyles, Jordan D. Barfuss, Bogomil S. Mihaylov, Justin J. Hanson, Nathaniel C. Ashbey, Joshua M. Glover, and Trooper Lath S. Keith

October 21, 2022

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Christian Academy of Louisville honored one of their football players Friday afternoon during senior night.

Indiana State Police (ISP) was also present, remembering his dad.

ISP Trooper Scott Patrick was shot and killed in Gary, Indiana after being dispatched on a motorist assist Dec. 22, 2003.

Six months later, his wife Melissa gave birth to their son Isaac Scott Patrick.

Friday, ISP helped celebrate Isaac’s senior night with his classmates at CAL and to honor his father’s sacrifice and absence.

The family said they are awestruck by how ISP has rallied around their family.

"Just knowing that they've been there for my son means a lot to me," Melissa said. "As a mom, I don't think you could ask for anything more from your husband's coworkers and friends."

Isaac plays safety for CAL, which entered Friday’s game undefeated.

Oct 3, 2022

The Nebraska State Patrol unveils a redesigned pink patch for this year’s "Pink Patch Project."

October marks the return of the "Pink Patch Project" for many law enforcement agencies across the state.

The effort coincides with "Breast Cancer Awareness Month."

The project is a national effort in which many law enforcement officers wear a pink version of their agency’s shoulder patch.

This is the fifth year that NSP has taken part.

Throughout October, troopers have the option to replace the standard NSP patch with a pink patch.

NSP’s pink patch features the NSP emblem in pink and black.

Pink NSP patches are available for purchase by Patrol civilian employees and members of the public at local state patrol offices.

All proceeds from sales will benefit local organizations helping fight cancer. 

October 19. 2022

Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli, spoke during a New York State Police graduation ceremony. to honor the 218 newest New York State Troopers. These graduates completed 6 months of a combination of intense classwork, physical training, and dedication to become members of this well-respected law enforcement agency.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Empire Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The National Anthem was performed by Trooper Katrina Garrett, a member of the graduating class. The ceremony also included a video presentation of the training received by all members of the 211th Basic School Session.

The new Troopers will report for field duty on October 28, 2022. For the following 10 weeks, the new Troopers will be evaluated under a field-training program supervised by senior Field Training Officers.

Congratulations to all! Be well and stay safe as you embark on your new career.

The Massachusetts State Police Motor Unit, led by Unit Commander, Lt. Billy Cederquist, recently met for their mandatory monthly training. As one of MSP’s Specialized units they must maintain the highest level of proficiency and safety which means ongoing trainings. These monthly training are to ensure proficiency and safety when providing security and traffic operations for public gatherings, large events, escorting dignitaries, and all while continuing to perform their patrol functions and enforcing motor vehicle laws.

Lt. Cederquist, on Motor 1, provided a few fantastic pictures from their most recent training.

A new memorial stands at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy as a tribute to eight state troopers who lost their lives on duty.

The Wisconsin State Patrol officially dedicated the monument during a ceremony Sept. 9 at the State Patrol Academy at Fort McCoy. State leaders, family members, and former State Patrol officers attended the ceremony to pay their respects.

The memorial lists the names of eight troopers killed throughout the 83-year history of the State Patrol. All died while carrying out their duty to serve the people of Wisconsin. This is the first memorial dedicated solely in their honor.

“Law enforcement officers put our safety ahead of their own, which is truly remarkable. We are thankful every day for their sacrifices to keep our highways safe,” Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson said. “We know their contributions mattered. There are many who are alive and safe today because these fallen troopers were carrying out the vital mission of the State Patrol.”

The Wisconsin State Patrol, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, has served the state since its inception in 1939. Nearly 500 sworn officers and additional support staff are employed to fulfill the agency’s public safety goals.

“This memorial is a daily reminder of our fallen heroes, the ones many of us knew and still mourn,” State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “It will serve as a somber inspiration to our next generation; the future officers who train here at the academy every year, working towards their opportunity to wear the same badge.”

Troopers honored on the memorial include:

— Trooper Donald C. Pederson: On Aug. 26, 1972, Trooper Donald Pederson, 31, and a six-year veteran with the Wisconsin State Patrol, made the ultimate sacrifice when he lost his life in the line of duty while working traffic patrol in Green Lake County. Trooper Pederson sustained fatal injuries when he was ambushed and shot by a 16-year-old he had stopped and cited earlier in the evening.

— Trooper Gary G. Powless: On May 18, 1980, Trooper Gary Powless, 31, and a one-year veteran with the Wisconsin State Patrol, made the ultimate sacrifice when he lost his life in the line of duty while working traffic patrol in Monroe County. Trooper Powless sustained fatal injuries when the patrol vehicle he was operating was struck by a tractor trailer unit that had lost control due to an equipment failure.

— Trooper Deborah M. McMenamin: On Oct. 26, 1989, Trooper Deborah McMenamin, 31, and a four-year veteran of the Wisconsin State Patrol, made the ultimate sacrifice when she lost her life in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop in Eau Claire County. Trooper McMenamin sustained fatal injuries when she was struck by a passing vehicle while returning to her patrol vehicle after making contact with the driver of a vehicle she had stopped for a traffic violation.

— Trooper William Schoenberger: On April 22, 1993, Trooper William Schoenberger, 31, and an eight-year veteran with the Wisconsin State Patrol, made the ultimate sacrifice when he lost his life in the line of duty while working traffic patrol in Eau Claire County. Trooper Schoenberger sustained fatal injuries when his patrol vehicle was struck from behind by a passing tractor trailer as he was assisting at the scene of a vehicle fire.

— Trooper Jorge R. Dimas: On June 14, 2009, Trooper Jorge Dimas, 23, and an eleven-month veteran of the Wisconsin State Patrol, made the ultimate sacrifice when he lost his life due to injuries he sustained in the line of duty while working traffic patrol in Polk County. Trooper Dimas was seriously injured on May 9, 2009, when the patrol vehicle he was operating was struck by another vehicle as he was in the process of initiating a traffic stop.

— Trooper Trevor J. Casper: On March 24, 2015, Trooper Trevor Casper, 21, and an eight-month veteran of the Wisconsin State Patrol, made the ultimate sacrifice when he lost his life in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a suspect in Fond du Lac County. Trooper Casper was following a vehicle driven by a suspect from a bank robbery and murder that occurred earlier in the day. Before backup could arrive, the suspect opened fire on Trooper Casper. Though wounded, Trooper Casper was able to return fire and kill the suspect before succumbing to his fatal injuries.

— Trooper Anthony J. Borostowski: On April 11, 2017, Trooper Anthony Borostowski, 34, and a two and one-half-year veteran with the Wisconsin State Patrol, made the ultimate sacrifice when he lost his life in the line of duty while working traffic patrol in Sauk County. Trooper Borostowski sustained fatal injuries when the patrol vehicle he was operating left the roadway and struck a tree.

— On Nov. 15, 2021, Master Trooper Daniel Stainbrook, 42, and a 20-year veteran of the Wisconsin State Patrol, made the ultimate sacrifice when he lost his life due to illness sustained while in the line of duty. Master Trooper Stainbrook lost his battle with COVID-19 after contracting the illness while serving the citizens of Wisconsin.

The Fallen Heroes Memorial was made possible through a partnership with the Wisconsin Troopers Benevolent Foundation.