Two Parents made a quick dash to the store for makeup to complete their children’s Halloween costumes, but did not come back home. Donald and Crystal Howard died in a horrible car crash and left behind their four children. Thankfully, the children had a “Guardian Trooper” for the night.

 According to the GoFundMe Page set up by Trooper Nathan Bradley, here is the  account of what happened:

 This past Halloween (Oct. 31, 2015,), I overheard an operator going over the details of  a wreck with a trooper that was a couple of counties away. "Single vehicle wreck with  possible fatalities" she regrettably informed. After a drive that would feel like an  eternity, I could see a display of blue, red and amber lights in the distance. I exited my  patrol car and felt the stillness in the air - the emergency personnel weren't scurrying  and a crowd of witnesses were covering their mouths off to the side. I approached the  horrific scene to validate what I had already suspected.  They had matching addresses,  which was less than a mile away.
 A county deputy, the deputy coroner and I made our way to the house that was backed into the woods. You could hear dogs barking behind the wooden door as we knocked with desperation. The door hesitantly opened and there behind the locked screen door stood four children in full costume - a 13-year-old Freddy Krueger, 10-year-old daughter of a Dracula, 8-year-old wizard and a 6-year-old that appeared to be a firefighting ninja turtle. We were lost with words. The deputy then asked the eldest boy if anybody was home, hoping for a 'Yes' but the boy would unknowingly disappoint us. "My parents went to the store to get more face paint. They told us not to open the door for anybody, but they should be back soon."
We were able to reach the children’s paternal grandmother. She informed me that she lived in south Florida, but would be on her way. 

I ran over to the children and asked if any of them would like to go eat with me. Again, they mentioned their parents would be arriving soon. It was important to me that I would not lie to them. I acknowledge their statement and threw out that their grandmother would be meeting with us later that evening. They piled into the unit and buckled up. I activated the emergency equipment in a poor attempt to occupy their minds. The eldest son told me that he thought my campaign cover and two trooper ball caps were cool. I thanked him for his compliment and told him he could wear them, if he chooses. When I asked where they liked to eat, I was bombarded with four separate suggestions. 

I was amazed at the maturity level of the "children." I asked how they get to be so smart. They gave credit to their parents, whom homeschooled each of them. The eldest stated his mother was the teacher, but his father was the principal. We both chuckled.

Their Grandmother arrived just before dawn. We discussed the mechanics of the crash, her role as their guardian and options available when it comes to funeral arrangements. We both agreed that it would be best for the children to finish sleeping and to be told of their parent's fate the next day. We hoped that they would then relate the tragedy to Nov. 1, rather than Halloween. After the children woke up, we walked them to the truck so that they could head home. The 13-year-old would remind us of the task ahead by saying "Hopefully mom and dad will be home by now." I wanted to remain in these children lives, so I took one of my trooper ball caps and on the bill, I wrote a note telling the eldest to never change. I also wrote down my number so that he could contact me if he needed support.

I was contacted by the 13-year-old this morning; I was glad he felt comfortable reaching out to me. He told me that it is going to cost his grandparents $7,000 to transport his parents to Florida and the remaining funeral costs. This is important to me because I have bonded so closely with this family. We weighed out other options and I strongly disagree with the parents being left in Georgia, while the family remains in Florida. These children must be able to visit their parents' graves during their adolescent years and well into their adult years.

As of now the GoFundMe Page has exceeded it's goal of $7,000 (click here for more).

A California Highway Patrol Officer made a traffic stop and had to return fire after one of the vehicle’s occupants began shooting at him.

Eureka Police Chief Andrew Mills stated that after the officer made the stop a man got out of the car and began firing a handgun, striking the officer in the leg. The officer returned fire and fatally wounded the suspect.

The CHP officer held the other three passengers of the vehicle at gunpoint until backup officers arrived. He was then taken to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

American Association of State Trooper’s Virginia State Director Jim Clare, Jr. (retired) and First Vice President Jeff Lane presented West Virginia State Police with the award of National Best Looking Cruiser Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015. The ceremony took place at the State Police’s Academy and there to receive the award were Captain Michael Corsaro, Major Bill Scott and Captain Reggie Patterson, all of West Virginia’s State Police. 

 The national 2015 Best-Looking Cruiser Contest winners are decided by followers of AAST’s Facebook page. Out of 48 submissions from different state  agencies, West Virginia won this year’s title with Ohio (last year’s winner) not far behind. The top 13 cruisers are featured in a 2016 wall calendar.

 “Looking at the contest daily, seeing some of the ‘likes’ and the comments, I suspect a vast majority of those folks were probably here in West Virginia  supporting their home state and that says a lot about West Virginia,” said Jeff Lane said before the ceremony began.  He went on to explain, “The contest is meant  to support the foundation, which supports troopers in times of need. Scholarships are also available for children of state troopers in the United States.”

(Pictured from L to R: Captain Michael Corsaro, Jim Clare, Jr., Major Bill Scott, Jeff Lane, Captain Reggie Patterson)

“It really means a lot to us,” said Lt. Michael Baylous. “This is just a simple contest. We have a population of about 1.7 million and although many  states have  larger  populations, the pride in West Virginia shows.” Lt. Baylous stated that it felt good to know that West Virginians supports their troopers.

 Behind that “beautiful blue and gold color scheme," is a Ford Interceptor with a twin turbo charged engine,” Baylous said. Lane stated that while the cruiser is  unique, it also adds to a state trooper’s identity.

The American Association of State Troopers is nationally recognizing Trooper Ray Seaburg of the Washington State Patrol as its 2025 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Seaburg exhibited bravery and courage while serving the citizens of the state of Washington. His courageous actions prevented any further threat to the public without concern for his own safety.

On February 16, 2024, Trooper Seaburg exemplified outstanding bravery and dedication to public safety during a high-risk incident. Trooper Seaburg had proactively been patrolling for criminal activity when he encountered a pickup truck driving aggressively. Trooper Seaburg attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle fled, prompting Trooper Seaburg to activate his emergency lights and diligently continue in the direction of the vehicle. The vehicle exited the freeway and subsequently collided with another vehicle on a city street. As Trooper Seaburg came upon this scene, the male driver fled the scene on foot and Trooper Seaburg initiated a foot pursuit.

Demonstrating exceptional courage, Trooper Seaburg engaged in a foot pursuit followed by a physical altercation with the suspect. The struggle lasted for over a minute, during which Trooper Seaburg was shot multiple times by the suspect. Amidst the struggle, Trooper Seaburg attempted to draw his firearm to neutralize the threat but was unable to fire due to a weapons malfunction, which occurred during the ground fight. The confrontation ended when the suspect, instead of fleeing, used the opportunity to fire additional shots at Trooper Seaburg while he was injured on the ground.

Trooper Seaburg was shot nine times in the struggle, including a shot that severed his femoral artery, which required an emergency tourniquet to save his life. He was rushed to the hospital for life-saving treatment and remained hospitalized until his release on March 5. His injuries required extensive long-term care and rehabilitation before he could resume his duties as a Washington State Trooper.

The swift response of the officers on the scene ensured his survival through rapid medical treatment and securing the scene. Their quick transition to investigative efforts led to locating the suspect within a few hours. Trooper Seaburg’s actions and resilience in the face of extreme danger demonstrate remarkable heroism and earned him this nomination and award. Trooper Seaburg’s heroic actions reflect the highest ideals of courage and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Washington State Patrol.

AAST would like to acknowledge and congratulate the other very worthy nominees for the 2025 AAST Trooper of the Year.

A presentation ceremony will take place later this year. 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, Henry USA, Homes for Heroes, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley law firm, Panasonic Connect, TREMCO Police Products, AXON, Federal Signal Corp, Walmart & Motorola.