As a state trooper you never know what your day may bring, but Monday, Oct. 5, 2015, a call in to make a special delivery that brought smiles and joy to everyone involved. West Virginia State  Troopers gave stuffed animal bears to children fighting battles against  cancer at Women and Children’s Hospital. The bears were provided by  Bikers Against Child Abuse.

 "When you get a chance to give back and really be involved and meet  the kids that we get to serve, it's truly an honor," said Evan Osborn,  development director.

 Ellie Washington was one of the children that received a stuffed bear  from the troopers. Less than 2 years old, Ellie was diagnosed with  cancer  in her ear.

"One minute your child is perfectly healthy and then the next minute, your world is all about cancer. I mean, all we do is chemo, and making sure everything's clean and keeping everybody well. I mean, your world completely changes. She's worth every minute of it," says her mother, Jessica. With help from the Ronald McDonald House, she is able to receive treatment in New York.

"You come down here and try to be a blessing and you end up receiving the blessing. So wonderful to see these kids and see a smile on their face because you know they're going through some difficult times," says Lt. Michael Baylous.

The small act of kindness goes along with what the Ronald McDonald House aims to do. Building love, and bridging hearts, as a bright new future for them begins.

The third annual McTrooper 5K is Saturday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m. and begins at the Frontier Communications Building on MacCorkle Avenue in Kanawha City. All registration information can be found at Ronald McDonald House Charities.

~Courtesy of WCHS ABC 8 and W. Virginia State Police

 Maryland Trooper Andrew Lee's patrol car was struck while  attempting to stop an impaired  driver Sunday night.

 Dillon C. Haneke, 23, of Edgewater,  is accused of driving his car into the  side of the trooper’s car. Lee was  attempting to stop Haneke on the  suspicion of      impaired driving.

Multiple calls from concerned citizens reported a possible impaired driver, stating the driver was weaving through the lanes and driving very slow. Tpr. Lee spotted the reported vehicle and observed it weaving across lanes and driving about 10 mph. 

The trooper activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop the car, but Haneke refused to acknowledge. Lee then drove to the right side of the  vehicle, lowered his window and verbally ordered Haneke to stop, with his emergency lights still activated on his marked police car.

The trooper drove ahead of the weaving vehicle, at which timeHaneke struck the driver's side of the trooper's car. While still in contact with the trooper's car, Haneke's car struck the jersey wall and turned onto its side before the Bay Bridge. 

The patrol car did not overturn, but Tpr. Lee was trapped inside the car. Unharmed, he was able to make his way out. Thankfully, no other vehicles were involved. Lee was transported to the Anne Arundel Medical Center by another trooper as a precaution and after examination he was released.

Haneke was not injured. He was arrested and charged withdriving under the influence, assault and reckless endangerment after other troopers on the scene observed multiple signs of impairment. A male passenger in Haneke's car, who was also impaired, was taken to the Anne Arundel County Medical Center by ambulance. Haneke was taken to the Anne Arundel County Central Booking Center for his initial appearance before a court commissioner Sunday night.

Hats off to the New Orleans Saints! Ethan, the son of slain Louisiana State Police Senior Trooper Vincent, was invited to New Orleans' Sunday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Not only did he get to attend the game, but got the chance to hang out with Sean Payton, Drew Brees, Rob Ryan, Tony Romo and Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty. Courtesy of Fox Sports. Photos courtesy of Louisiana State Police.

 A fundraiser is being held in St. Albans later this month to help the  family of a Vermont trooper who died while trying out for a special  unit.

 Trooper Kyle Young died from exertional heat stroke while trying  out for the Vermont State Police Tactical Services Team in  September, according to authorities. Trooper Young left behind his  family, including two young daughters. Young's children will have  to grow up without him.

 Trooper Mike Mattuchio said he never got the pleasure to work alongside Trooper Young, but nevertheless Vermont State Police lost a brother. "We're a close knit family whether we know each other or not, so it touched home regardless," said Mattuchio.

Vermont State Police and the 14th Star Brewery are hosting a 5k run, and flag football tournament at the Collins Perley Sports Complex on October 24. To sign up for this event or to learn more, Click here.

Proceeds from registrations and beer sales will be given to the Young family. The flag football team that raises the most money will be able to make their own brew. That batch will go to the taproom and sales from it for go to Young's family. Police and the brewery hope to raise $10,000 dollars for the family.

Photos courtesy of Vermont State Police Facebook

Article Content courtesy of myChamplainValley.com

MSP - Massachusetts State Trooper was taken to the hospital with serious injuries after being
 stuck from behind by a tractor-trailer. He was released the next morning,  but requires follow-up care. The trooper was working a detail protecting a  road crew with his emergency lights activated.

 The Ford Expedition cruiser was severely damaged, the rear end crushed  by the force of impact, from the tractor-trailer. When hit the SUV was pushed from the right lane across three lanes striking guardrail. The tractor-trailer was also suffered severe damage and both vehicles were towed from the site.

The offending driver is facing charges of failing to move over for an emergency vehicle and road crew.

THP – Tennessee Highway Patrol was on the scene with Knox County Sheriff’s Office investigating and unrelated crash when a drunken driver, operating a Chevy Impala, hit one of the  KCSO vehicles. The KCSO vehicle spun into the THP  cruiser. The  cruiser then struck two deputies standing by a guard rail. The Impala,  before coming to a stop facing the wrong direction, struck a third deputy.  Trooper Michael Harrell was inside his cruiser when hit. Thankfully,  there were no serious injuries. The driver is charged with DUI and multiple  other charges.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. Lance Schroyer was giving a woman at ride whom he found walking barefoot along the interstate when he came upon a vehicle that was severely damaged after crashing into the median.

The crash scene was hard to see and there were no lights available to warn of the impending danger for oncoming vehicles. Thankfully, drivers were able to swerve and not cause additional accidents.

The car’s front end, back end and both sides were crushed. The trooper blocked off traffic with his vehicle and told the woman in his vehicle to stay there as he went over to assess the situation. He thought the car may have been a case of a drunken driver who may have left the scene. However, as he approached the accident site, Schroyer heard a woman begging for help.

 “I just happened upon this,” Schroyer recalled later.

The woman was face down with her head pinned between the end of the dashboard and the passenger door. Her body spread across the inside of the vehicle. It appeared, she hadn’t been wearing a seat belt. Schroyer tried to talk to the woman, who sounded like she was choking. There was blood everywhere.

After calling for firefighters and paramedics, Schroyer got into the back seat of the car to try to keep her calm. With broken glass and wreckage strewn about and the woman pinned, Schroyer made a decision to move the woman for fear of the woman not living through the accident. He then moved the two-front seats backward and was able to get close enough to move her. “You never really want to move somebody in that situation, but at the same time, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to save lives,” he said.

It looked like her head had hit the passenger’s side with so much force that the door had dislodged slightly. Lt. Schroyer was able to maneuver the door open and held her head trying to move her as little as possible to allow for better breathing. At one point, the woman was not responsive, and he feared the worst.

Another trooper arrived, and both were able to get her into an upright position. The troopers stayed with her and did as much as possible to keep the woman calm until paramedics arrived on the scene. She was taken to the hospital.

After returning to the office, Schroyer was called out to another traffic accident where two vehicles had crashed into one another. All four people involved were taken to the hospital, one in critical condition. He then went to the hospital to further his investigation into the accident. While there he checked on the woman whom he had helped earlier that evening. Lt. Schroyer was told that if not for him, she most likely would have succumbed to her injuries.

The woman’s husband was with her, and he was told she would be OK and that her vehicle accident was most likely caused by a medical condition.

“It was just kind of fate that I was there,” he said.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. Lance Schroyer was giving a woman at ride whom he found walking barefoot along the interstate when he came upon a vehicle that was severely damaged after crashing into the median.

The crash scene was hard to see and there were no lights available to warn of the impending danger for oncoming vehicles. Thankfully, drivers were able to swerve and not cause additional accidents.

The car’s front end, back end and both sides were crushed. The trooper blocked off traffic with his vehicle and told the woman in his vehicle to stay there as he went over to assess the situation. He thought the car may have been a case of a drunken driver who may have left the scene. However, as he approached the accident site, Schroyer heard a woman begging for help.

 “I just happened upon this,” Schroyer recalled later.

The woman was face down with her head pinned between the end of the dashboard and the passenger door. Her body spread across the inside of the vehicle. It appeared, she hadn’t been wearing a seat belt. Schroyer tried to talk to the woman, who sounded like she was choking. There was blood everywhere.

After calling for firefighters and paramedics, Schroyer got into the back seat of the car to try to keep her calm. With broken glass and wreckage strewn about and the woman pinned, Schroyer made a decision to move the woman for fear of the woman not living through the accident. He then moved the two-front seats backward and was able to get close enough to move her. “You never really want to move somebody in that situation, but at the same time, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to save lives,” he said.

It looked like her head had hit the passenger’s side with so much force that the door had dislodged slightly. Lt. Schroyer was able to maneuver the door open and held her head trying to move her as little as possible to allow for better breathing. At one point, the woman was not responsive, and he feared the worst.

Another trooper arrived, and both were able to get her into an upright position. The troopers stayed with her and did as much as possible to keep the woman calm until paramedics arrived on the scene. She was taken to the hospital.

After returning to the office, Schroyer was called out to another traffic accident where two vehicles had crashed into one another. All four people involved were taken to the hospital, one in critical condition. He then went to the hospital to further his investigation into the accident. While there he checked on the woman whom he had helped earlier that evening. Lt. Schroyer was told that if not for him, she most likely would have succumbed to her injuries.

The woman’s husband was with her, and he was told she would be OK and that her vehicle accident was most likely caused by a medical condition.

“It was just kind of fate that I was there,” he said.

The Best Looking Trooper Cruisers 2016 Calendar is available for pre-order!

Congratulations to West Virginia State Police, winner of the 2015 Best Looking Cruiser Contest!

#1 West Virginia State Police

Cost of the 2016 Calendar $15 (including shipping / handling)

(Calendars will be ready to ship by 11/15/2015)

Click here to pre-order your calendar

A Massachusetts State Trooper was recognized Tuesday at the Statehouse for his actions during a dangerous daytime shooting incident on Brockton in March 2014.

Trooper Shaun P. Bellao was among 12 police officers from six departments honored by Gov. Charlie Baker. The dozen officers received Hanna Awards for exemplary acts of bravery while carrying out their duties in the last years. “The officers we honor today responded at a moment’s notice and put everything on the line in order to keep the public safe from danger,” said Gov. Baker, who presented the awards in the Massachusetts House Chamber.

“They are a testament to the level of excellence we expect from law enforcement and their actions show what all officers stand ready to do if the situation demands it.” The George L. Hanna Awards for Bravery are named in memory of State Trooper George L. Hanna, who was shot and killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop in Auburn February 26, 1983.

The Medal of Valor Trooper Bellao received is the second highest Hanna award and is awarded to officers who demonstrate actions above and beyond the call of duty, disregarding the potential for danger to themselves.

According to a State Police summary of the events, Thursday afternoon, March 20, 2014, Trooper Bellao was participating in a joint operation with members of the Brockton Police and two other State Troopers. The troopers heard two gunshots and observed two males, who were later identified as the shooting victims, running away. The troopers immediately drove toward the origin of the shots fired. As they approached the area, they heard two additional gunshots. Two other males were seen running up the street, one who had a silver handgun in his right hand. The troopers drove toward the two males, who continued to run. When the two suspects, one still clearly displaying the firearm, began to run in the opposite direction, the troopers immediately stopped, exited their vehicle and identified themselves. When the suspects did not stop, the troopers began to chase them.

As the suspects approached a backyard, they split up and one suspect was immediately apprehended while Trooper Bellao continued to chase the second, armed suspect, according to the summary. The suspect climbed over a chain-link fence and, as he landed, he swung the firearm around and pointed the handgun directly at Trooper Bellao who, continued to pursue the suspect. The suspect then ran into a fenced backyard and attempted to climb a fence when Trooper Bellao caught him. After a physical struggle, Trooper Bellao was able to wrestle the handgun from the suspect and place him into custody.

The area was immediately secured as a crime scene and the troopers were able to locate the two victims being shot at by the suspects. The semi-automatic handgun recovered at the scene was cocked with one round in the chamber and three additional rounds in the magazine. Following the shooting, then-Brockton Police Chief Robert Hayden voiced praise for the troopers and officers who responded to the scene. “They run toward trouble, not away from it,” Hayden said. “They did a fantastic job. It was like clockwork.”

`Courtesy ofThe Enterprise News,Boston,Massachusetts, Gatehouse Media Inc.

As he passed the trooper and the ominous flashing lights turned on, Greg Barnes pulled over, "Immediately I knew I was in the wrong.” After being handed a warning from the Indiana trooper, Barnes asked to take a selfie with Tpr. Cosgrove to send a message.

Click Here to Read Entire Story

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (WDRB) - It's a picture that has gone viral - a little girl posing with state troopers from Kentucky and Ohio while holding one of their hats in her hands.

The picture was taken by Sarah Yockey of Elizabethtown on Friday evening following the funeral of slain Kentucky State Police trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder.

Click here to read the entire story

Learn more about being an AAST member by reading the President's Message: Why Troopers Need You

Oregon State Trooper named 2017 Trooper of the Year

Nic Cederburg & John Bagnardi

Senior Trooper Nic Cederberg, a 7-year veteran of the Oregon State Police, was named the American Association of State Troopers 2017 Trooper of the Year for his heroic efforts to stop a murderer from taking more lives.

On December 25, 2016, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a male suspect met his estranged wife, Kate Armand, at his mother's residence in King City, OR to exchange their eleven month old daughter for visitation. After carrying their daughter into his mother's house, the suspect returned to Kate's vehicle and shot her eight times, killing her as she attempted to escape.

Trooper Cederberg was taking a Christmas evening break with his family at his residence. He monitored the ATL on the suspect’s movements and having grown up in the area he knew the suspect would have to go one of two directions to avoid police detection. As Trooper Cederberg patrolled towards King City he found the suspect’s car backed into a driveway. Trooper Cederberg was in an unmarked patrol car, the suspect drove off and a pursuit ensued. During the chase the suspect shot at Trooper Cederberg’s vehicle repeatedly. While under fire, Trooper Cederberg continuously radioed position update to other responding officers in an effort to expedite their response.

The suspect eventually turned down a dead end road. Trooper Cederberg stopped his patrol car short of the end of the road to set up for the suspect’s return. He watched as the suspect did a U-turn and accelerated toward him, and although responding officers were still several minutes away, Trooper Cederberg knew the suspect needed to be stopped. It was clear the suspect intended to ram Trooper Cederberg’s patrol car so the trooper began firing to stop the threat. After ramming Trooper Cederberg’s patrol car the suspect immediately started shooting at the trooper through his passenger window, striking Trooper Cederberg in the right hip knocking him to the ground. The gunshot rendered Trooper Cederberg’s legs useless and it is believed that this is the bullet that is still currently lodged against his spine. Although wounded in the exchange, the suspect got out of his car and moved around the back of his vehicle looking for the trooper. Unable to get up, Trooper Cederberg was able to reload and return fire as the gunfight continued.

The trooper attempted a second reload as suspect charged him firing indiscriminately, his last shot fired a few feet from Trooper Cederberg. The trooper continued to move and fight on the ground; he was struck a total of eleven more times. Five rounds were absorbed by his ballistic vest, but seven rounds struck his body.

The suspect disengaged from the gunfight when he heard the sound of approaching sirens and ran into a nearby wooded area to set up an ambush. The suspect’s ambush was unsuccessful, he died at the scene after a brief but intense exchange of gunfire with other officers.

Officers began treating Trooper Cederberg’s injuries immediately, he was taken to the hospital where he endured numerous surgeries and a lengthy stay in the ICU. His injuries include a collapsed lung, two broken arms, and a bullet lodged against his spine. The bullet near his spine is too dangerous to remove and could be a part of him for the rest of his life.

Trooper Cederberg is still recovering and requiring intense medical treatment. He continues his fight to get better and return to a normal life. Trooper Cederberg has kept an amazing and optimistic attitude. He’s told his friends and family, “I was just doing my job”, his actions helped stop a crazed murderer from injuring or killing more innocent people.

Cederberg was presented the award on July 12, 2017, at a meeting of the Superintendent’s executive staff in Salem, Oregon. Capt. John Bagnardi, Florida Highway Patrol, chairman of the Trooper of the Year committee, Lt. Colonel Dave Witt (ret) who began with the Oregon State Police in the 1950’s and Jason Bledsoe, Oregon State Police, AAST Oregon State Director all attended on behalf of AAST for the presentation of the award to Trooper Cederberg.

Update on Trooper Cederberg’s progress can be found on the following go fund me page,
https://www.gofundme.com/oregon-state-trooper-wounded-1225.

The American Association of State Troopers recognized Trooper Harrell’s heroic actions by naming him the 2020 Trooper of the Year for continuing to pursue a suspect after being shot twice in the face, and his commitment to keeping the citizens of Wilson County, North Carolina safe.

On January 14, 2019, Trooper Harrell had just finished a traffic stop when he noticed a vehicle improperly towing another vehicle. Trooper Harrell caught up with the vehicles and activated his blue lights and siren, the vehicles turned onto a state road before slowly pulling onto the shoulder. Trooper Harrell made contact and explained the reason for the stop to the driver of the vehicle being towed and the driver of the front vehicle, he also noticed a passenger in the front vehicle. Neither of the drivers had a driver’s license or any other form of identification. As Trooper Harrell was talking to the driver of the front vehicle he accelerated and drove off from the stop. Trooper Harrell returned to his patrol car and informed communications that he was in a chase. After travelling down the road, a short distance, the driver pulled over again, as Trooper Harrell was preparing to exit his patrol car the driver leaned out of the vehicle and opened fire on Trooper Harrell striking him twice in the face (once in the forehead and once in the cheek). Trooper Harrell immediately returned fire and the violator drove off again as the passenger jumped out of the vehicle and laid on the ground. Although he was shot and bleeding profusely from his face, Trooper Harrell continued the chase giving updates and descriptions to the Raleigh Communications. The suspect stopped to exit and disconnect the vehicle being towed where Trooper Harrell stopped a safe distance behind and engaged in gunfire with the suspect before he drove off again. The suspect drove a short distance more before making a U-Turn and colliding with Trooper Harrell’s cruiser head on disabling the patrol car.

Trooper Harrell continued to engage the suspect in gunfire before the suspect was able to drive away and then continue his flee attempt on foot.

It is because of Trooper Harrell’s perseverance and communication that the involved persons were located and arrested the night of the incident and no further persons were injured.

A presentation ceremony is will take place later this year.

AAST would like to acknowledge and congratulate the other trooper nominations for the 2020 AAST Trooper of the Year.

Trooper James O. Ray, of the Arkansas State Police has been recognized nationally for his extremely selfless act of bravery that saved a motorist on the highway.

The American Association of State Troopers recognized Trooper James O. Ray’s heroic actions by naming him the 2021 Trooper of the Year for his pursuit of a fleeing suspect preventing a catastrophic collision between the suspect and an innocent motorist.

On December 4, 2020, at 10:37 a.m., Trooper James Ray was assisting Officer Matt Young with the Arkansas Highway Police with a vehicle that was parked on the shoulder of Interstate 40 near the town of Ozark. Officer Young had stopped with the vehicle to check on the welfare of the driver and had learned that the driver's license was suspended. The side windows on the vehicle were spray painted black preventing Officer Young from seeing through anything other than the driver's window. Knowing that Trooper James Ray was in the area, Officer Young called him to assist with the unusual encounter. When Trooper Ray arrived and he Officer Young began to contact the subject again, the subject placed his vehicle in drive and sped away from the scene traveling westbound on Interstate 40.

During the ensuing pursuit, the suspect fled at speeds over 100 mph and passed several vehicles on the shoulder as he drove very erratically. When given the opportunity to safely end the pursuit, Trooper Ray performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) on the fleeing suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle was forced into a clockwise rotation in the westbound lanes. Unfortunately, the suspect was able to regain control of his vehicle and began driving eastbound in the westbound lanes, posing an extreme danger to other motorists who were now meeting the fleeing suspect head-on. The suspect traveled a short distance before he crossed the median and began traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes, again driving head-on into the unsuspecting eastbound traffic traveling at interstate speeds.

Trooper Ray, realizing he was running out of options to stop an extremely dangerous driver, drove west in the westbound lanes to get ahead of the fleeing driver who was westbound in the eastbound lanes.

Trooper Ray was able to get ahead of the fleeing driver and crossed the median into the eastbound lanes, now facing the direction he knew the suspect vehicle was coming from. With quick thinking, Trp. Ray stopped eastbound traffic, and began slowly driving eastbound as the suspect vehicle approached him traveling westbound. Trp. Ray knew that the next unit to be in a position on the eastbound side of the interstate was miles behind him.

Trooper Ray aimed his vehicle at the oncoming suspect and waited. He timed it perfectly, and at just the right moment, when the vehicle was passing in front of him, Trooper Ray accelerated quickly and crashed his vehicle into the front left corner of the suspect vehicle. This action forced the suspect vehicle into the median and disabled both vehicles. Trooper Ray was able to safely place the suspect into custody, and miraculously, neither he nor the suspect had any major injuries. Trooper Ray briefly had the wind knocked out of him and was very sore the next few days.

AAST would like to acknowledge and congratulate the other worthy nominees for the 2021 AAST Trooper of the Year.

The award will be presented to Trooper Ray, June 29, 2021 in Arkansas.
We would like to thank SIG-SAUER our sponsor for the Trooper of the Year event along with our other marquee sponsors; AT&T FirstNET, TREMCO Police Products, MARK43 and Searcy-Denny-Scarola-Barnhart & Shipley P.A.

Men and women, girls and boys, people of all ages came to the booth to deliver their messages of support.The Patrol acknowledges so many acts of kindness to our personnel over the last few weeks, and we say a humble thank you for your kindness, acknowledgment, and support.The kind words left on the notes were not taken for granted, and left such a positive impact that each and every note was saved.

Click here to read to entire story