January 4, 2023
Oregon State Police shared photos last week after a trooper responded to reports of an eagle with an injured wing.
It happened last Thursday near Halsey, north of Eugene.
OSP said the eagle had been hopping down the road. When a trooper arrived, it hopped into the trees.
The trooper was able to capture it and take it to a local wildlife rehabilitation center in the backseat of a patrol car.
Lts. Chris and Gina Noble of the Salvation Army recently recognized the outstanding efforts of the California Highway Patrol. Public Information Officer Aaron Maurer, other officers and staff, and the talented team of volunteers spent eight days and a total of 72 hours outside of Walmart collecting toys for kids in our community. They delivered the donated gifts to The Salvation Army for teens, Oasis Family Resource Center for kinders, High Desert Women’s Center for families in the safety shelter, and the Trona Fire Department for their event last weekend. The team even shopped at the end of each donation day with all monies that were collected in their buckets, which went to help fulfill the wish list of toys and gifts for the harder to shop for teenagers.
"We are most grateful for their dedicated service every day, and all the more at Christmastime," said Gina.
January 14, 2023
The tornado warning arrived in Alexander City, Alabama, at 1:25 pm CT. Fifty-six-year-old cattle farmer Greg Jones saw sun, clouds, sprinkles of rain. Little did he know that within moments, he would escape death. Little did he know that he would soon help save the life of an Alabama state trooper.
Greg Jones loves his 2008 white Dodge pickup truck. His father gifted him the truck in 2020 with only 71,000 miles on the odometer, the truck is a trusted friend. It was Thursday afternoon at about 1:45 when Greg drove down Elkahatchee Road in Alex City. The wind seemed to be picking up.
Greg Jones has never been afraid to get his hands dirty. He loves farming, and his cows, horses and pigs bring him joy. Greg’s sons Josh and Ryan are always nearby, ready to help. Just like they helped Greg on Elkahatchee Road.
Greg Jones slowed down as he approached Cedar Creek Road.
The sound from outside sounded different, eerie, in fact. An Alabama state trooper passed by and Greg looked in his rearview mirror. State Trooper Jake Smith flashed his blue lights and pulled a U-turn, as he heard the sound, too.
It happened so quickly. The huge tree smashed on top of the roof of Trooper Smith’s cruiser, smashing him down into his seat. Shattered glass everywhere. Within seconds, it was Greg Jones’ turn.
Four trees, five trees, perhaps more. Greg Jones the country boy cried out as the sharp pain in his back burned like a hot iron. His beloved Dodge pick-up truck was a loss. His life nearly was, too.
Through the glass shards, Greg Jones crawled out of his truck through the back window-he could barely stand, as the pain was unbearable. But when Greg Jones glanced to his right and saw a state trooper's car smashed like an accordion? The cattle farmer knew exactly what to do.
“I tried to pull the cruiser’s door open, but it was stuck,” Greg said Friday from his UAB Hospital bed. “I prayed and took a deep breath, placing my feet on the police cruiser. I pulled as hard as I could, but I was in so much pain. Finally, I pulled the trooper out of his car.”
It was moments later when Josh and Ryan Jones pulled up near the scene — they happened to be driving on Elkahatchee Road, too.
“It was a mess,” Josh said. “It took us 20 minutes to navigate through debris to reach my dad. Both dad and Trooper Smith were taken to Russell Medical Center in Alexander City."
Late Thursday night, Greg was transferred to UAB Hospital with a broken back — his 11th and 12th vertebrae were shot.
And now for the rest of the story.
Just prior to Greg’s departure to Birmingham, the cattle farmer looked up to see two people walk into his Alex City hospital room. Standing before him were Trooper Jake Smith and his wife Megan.
“Trooper Smith suffered some minor injuries, but he still wanted to check on me and thank me for helping him,” Greg said.
Greg Jones is going through some tests today in Birmingham before UAB doctors determine his future care. In the meantime, Greg wants us to know that he considers it a miracle that he and Trooper Smith are alive.
“I am a person of faith,” Greg said. “We both could have been killed, but the Lord was looking out for both of us. I have thanked the Lord many times since yesterday.”
Greg Jones is hoping for a bright 2023. He’s very sad that his trusty Dodge pickup truck is a total loss.
"You can consider me riderless,” Greg said. “I don’t have the money to buy a new truck, but I’ll try to do my best to save money.”
The cattle farmer is hoping his back can be repaired so he can get back to work. Until then, he’s thrilled that Trooper Smith is OK, and he’s thankful that two lives were spared on a Thursday afternoon.
Two lives spared, thanks to teamwork and faith.
Two lives spared, after what is an unforgettable story that can now be told:
The Miracle On Elkahatchee Road.
January 12, 2023
Congratulations to Class 558, our newest Arizona State Troopers! Colonel Hunter addressed the 27 graduates, presented their badges and read them the Oath of Office during their graduation ceremony in Mesa.
Dec 28, 2022
Harrisburg, PA – Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, announced that 102 cadets have graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. The class was the 165th to graduate from the academy in Hershey since it opened in 1960.
Colonel Evanchick told the cadets they have been given the tools needed to succeed. He said it is now up to them to apply what they have learned.
“I ask you to never compromise yourself or your fellow troopers, and always maintain your honor and integrity,” said Evanchick. “I have full faith in your abilities and devotion to protect and serve the residents and visitors of this commonwealth.”
Six cadets received special awards and recognition during today’s ceremony at Bishop McDevitt High School in Dauphin County:
Cody J. Dugan received the Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for exemplifying the qualities of leadership;
Cole J. Zapf received the John K. Schafer Memorial Award for the highest combined score on a series of physical skills tests;
Casey L. Ward received the American Legion Award for all-around academic, physical, ethical, and moral qualifications;
Gage T. Fischer received the Daniel F. Dunn High Scholastic Award for the highest level of academic achievement in the class;
Kyle J. Morton received the Colonel Paul J. Chylak Memorial Driver Proficiency Award for the highest proficiency in driver safety training;
Ryan G. Reilly received the Sergeant Charles B. Gesford High Pistol Award for the highest score on the department’s pistol qualification course.
The new troopers will report to the following stations on Jan. 3:
Troop B, Belle Vernon
Cameron K. Allmendinger
Troop B, Uniontown
Tyler E. Barry
Jesse J. Gillespie
Jeremy R. Miller
Jordan L. Miller
Jenna Mulet
Alexander A. Nemec
Derek D. Richards
Troop B, Waynesburg
Bo H. Ricci
Mina L. Tomovich Thompson
Troop C, Clarion
Brandon E. Hoffman
Troop C, Clearfield
Joseph DiPietro IV
Alex T. Verne
Troop C, Lewis Run
Rex E. Martin Jr.
Kyle J. Morton
Joshua M. Perkins
Troop C, Marienville
Caleb A. Baxter
Dylan R. Cyphert
Troop C, Punxsutawney
Gary J. Evans
Troop C, Ridgway
Kaelie A. Fox
Brendan D. Laird
Joseph A. Tommelleo
Troop D. Kittanning
Anthony D. Bertoluzzi
Joseph J. Daransky
Andrew J. Dindinger
Troop D. New Castle
Vincent G. Buonpane
Troop E, Corry
George D. Dufala III
Elijah M. Kaufman
Troop F, Coudersport
Gage T. Fischer
Ryan S. Querry
Benjamin D. Sterling
Luke T. Stutsman
Troop F, Emporium
Hailee C. McCandless
Troop F, Lamar
Dylan N. Krivosky
Troop F, Mansfield
Alexander D. Rivers
Troop F, Milton
Timothy B. Hummel
Casey L. Ward
Troop F, Montoursville
Evan R. Llanso
Christopher S. Moore Jr.
Troop H. Carlisle
Christopher L. Cannino
Jason C. Cutshall
Micah P. Wise
Troop H, Chambersburg
Antoinette R. Cross
Daniel C. Miley
Catherine A. Miller
Spenser C. Myers
Kevin P. Rhodes
Troop H, Gettysburg
Daniel J. Keene
Ryan G. Reilly
Ethan D. Rhoads
Troop H, Harrisburg
David C. Jeffers
Trevor N. Royer
Kaitlyn J. Smith
Troop H. Lykens
Brandon B. Boyd
Cody J. Dugan
Troop H. Newport
Gage J. Boreman
Troop J, Avondale
Andrew J. Bernier
Chandler B. Melchior
Daquan A. Worley
Troop J, Embreeville
Cole J. Zapf
Troop J, Lancaster
Melissa S. Brett
Joshua I. Croyle
Ryan J. Kalinich
Blaize A. Raisner
Troop J, York
Matthew T. Anderson Jr.
Kirsten E. Deck
Ethan I. Healey
Jesse R. Huber
Frank C. Montecalvo III
Joseph C. Moore
Mark A. Stephens Jr.
Parker M. Wallace
Troop K. Media
Marie E. Haydak
David S. Milligan
Tyler W. Moyer
Jose A. Russi
Joseph A. Sivo
Troop K, Philadelphia
David S. Litovsky
Nicholas P. Nowak
Glenn W. Seymour Jr.
Troop L, Jonestown
McKenzy A. Keener
Mark A. Mlynek
Troop L, Reading
Michael J. Bozym
David R. Piestrak
Ethan P. Shane
Troop L, Schuylkill Haven
Cole W. Weil
Troop M, Bethlehem
Raheem O. Ford
Andres F. Orozco-Castillo
Michael J. Stasko Jr.
Tydus J. Winstead
Troop M, Dublin
David M. Rybicki
Julian T. Stires
Troop M, Fogelsville
Anthony M. Chidiac
Caleb D. Stoeckmann
Michael Torres
Troop N, Stroudsburg
Richard A. Grippi
Dylan M. Walck
Troop P, Towanda
Austin J. Altemus
Santino J. Alunni
Colton B. Babcock
Alexander K. Gregoire
Logan J. Knapp
January 2023
The Arizona Department of Public Safety has found its next director following the retirement of Col. Heston Silbert earlier this month.
Tempe Police Chief Jeff Glover has been named Director of Department of Public Safety
Chief Glover began his career with the Tempe Police Department in October of 1999. After serving the department in a variety of capacities, on October 12, 2020, he was appointed as Chief of Police of the Tempe Police Department.
Glover holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Northern Arizona University, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration through the University of Phoenix.
Glover is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Command School.
Chief Glover will begin his new position in mid-February, but an exact date hasn’t been announced.
Jan 15, 2023
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia State Police troopers, with help from local animal protection officers, rescued a dog from Interstate 495 in Fairfax County and got him back home safely.
According to police, on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 14, troopers were made aware that a dog had gotten loose in the southern area of the Beltway in Fairfax near Alexandria. With the help of an alert driver, the troopers were able to find the dog and get him into one of their cruisers.
After rescuing the dog from the Beltway, the troopers waited for Fairfax County Animal Protection officers to arrive and get him back home safely.
Maine’s governor has promoted a long-time member of the Maine State Police to serve as its new leader.
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said Wednesday that William Ross will serve as the new colonel of the police agency. Ross is currently the operations major for Maine State Police and has worked in law enforcement for more than 20 years.
Ross joined the Maine State Police as a trooper in 2002 and later received a series of promotions to his current post. His position of operations major requires him to oversee eight patrol troops and three major crime units.
Ross will succeed former Colonel John Cote who retired in September. Ross must be confirmed by the Maine State Senate to ascend to the new role.
PHOENIX - An Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper was injured on Sunday after crashing with a wrong-way vehicle to stop it on Loop 202 near 44th Street.
At about 11 p.m., the trooper got in the way of the wrong-way driver and rammed the vehicle with his patrol car to stop it, according to DPS spokesperson Bart Graves. The trooper had minor injuries and was taken to a hospital as a precaution.
The wrong-way driver also had minor Injuries reported.
The unidentified trooper was released from the hospital as of Monday and was recovering at home.
Richard Andrew Grippi was just 3 months old when his mother dressed him in a replica state police trooper uniform for his first photo shoot.
It was, Shannon Grippi thought at the time, a cute photo to join pictures of three generations of men in the Grippi family who served in the Pennsylvania State Police dating back to 1938.
Twenty-three years later, Shannon Grippi, 51, of Dunmore, looks back to that day and wonders if destiny was at play. She and other family members watched her now-grown son graduate from the state police academy on Friday.
The accomplishment makes him the fourth generation in the Grippi family to join the ranks of the state police. Officials believe that's a first for the 117-year-old law enforcement agency, although they could not confirm that through human resources records.
Richie, as he's known by family, is a 2018 graduate of Dunmore High School. He enlisted in the state police in June after graduating from Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
He is among 102 cadets who graduated Friday in Harrisburg.
He's continuing the legacy of his father, Richard F. Grippi, 53, Dunmore, who served from 1994 to 2019; grandfather, Richard J. Grippi, 78, Scranton, who served from 1971 to 1999, and great-grandfather, Peter Grippi, who served from 1938 to 1965. Another relative, Frank Grippi, his father's uncle, also served in the state police from 1968 to 1990.Another relative, Frank Grippi, his father's uncle, also served in the state police from 1968 to 1990.Another relative, Frank Grippi, his father's uncle, also served in the state police from 1968 to 1990.
The ceremony was all the more special because his father and grandfather had the honor of presenting him with his badge.
"It was a very emotional, very proud moment to be able to do that with my dad," Richard F. Grippi said.
His father and mother said they never sought to influence his choice of profession. The photo came about on a whim, Shannon said, after she saw a stuffed bear dressed in the uniform at a friend's home.
"I saw it and said, 'Can we borrow it?'" she said.
They stripped the stuffed animal, then took their son, clad in the outfit, to the local Sears department store for the photo.
Richie Grippi will report to the Stroudsburg barracks on Jan. 3. His family is confident he will serve with honor and pride.
"To see my son go through it and be a fourth-generation Grippi state trooper is definitely, definitely an honor," the father said.
New Jersey troopers found a missing man deep in the woods suffering from hypothermia just days before Christmas.
Thomas McHugh, 58, went to Stokes Forrest on a Utility Terrain Vehicle and got stuck on a tree stump.
He was missing for 30 hours and his daughter contacted police who began the desperate search.
"They immediately started looking because it was freezing," daughter Melissa McHugh said.
On Dec. 17, authorities followed his footprints in the snow and found he had become separated from his walking stick and his right boot.
They found him a short distance later, lying face up with labored breathing and a body temperature of 71 degrees.
The troopers took off their jackets to cover the man and put their ballistics vests under him to keep him off the frozen ground. Then they took turns rubbing him in an attempt to transfer body heat.
"It's like a sternum rub to get blood flowing, kind of generate heat by rubbing the chest, the chest is the most vital part of the body where you need to generate the most heat," Trooper Robert Hoffman said.
McHugh had apparently walked away from his stuck vehicle to try to find help but got lost.
"He got disoriented and then he said he sat down and he doesn't remember anything after that, he must have passed out," Melissa McHugh said.
The troopers walked two and half miles through the woods to locate the victim. At that time there was snow on the ground so following the trail was easier.
Six state troopers were able to carry McHugh half a mile in the cold, dark woods to an awaiting emergency vehicle that took him to the hospital.
He has now fully recovered thanks to the state troopers who say they were trained to save lives.
"We don't get a lot of times to have this type of ending, but you know what, it does feel good," said Det. Darren Crane.
Fri, 12/16/2022
COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Highway Patrol held a graduation ceremony today for 37 troopers from its Highway Patrol Basic Classes 120 and 121. The two graduating classes include five prior-certified officers and 32 who are new to the law enforcement profession. The graduation of these two classes brings the total number of troopers in South Carolina to 754 (including today’s graduates and 32 troopers currently in training).* Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette addressed the graduates as the keynote speaker for the ceremony.
“Today, we honor this group of 37 law enforcement professionals as they join our agency in its critical mission of saving lives on South Carolina’s highways,” said Robert G. Woods, IV, Director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. “These fine men and women are more than prepared to continue that mission and I am proud to welcome them to the ranks.”
Troopers are assigned to areas based upon population, calls for service, and the number of licensed drivers/registered vehicles in an area. To see where the troopers from Basic 120 and 121 are assigned, review the information in the link that includes their Troop assignments and photos: https://scdps.sc.gov/schp/classes.
“We are here to celebrate your well-deserved accomplishments, for all of your hard work and dedication,” said Colonel Christopher Williamson, Commander of the SC Highway Patrol. “But before you rest this evening, I have one more request of you — I ask that you reflect on what it means to be a state trooper and why you chose to commit to this profession. Use your meaning and drive in service of others and I promise, you will make a difference.”
Special awards from Basic 120 and 121 classes include:
Major Israel Brooks, Jr. Physical Fitness Award: Presented to the trooper who excelled on the physical training test and each day during the early morning exercises.
Basic 120: John P. Burnette
Basic 121: Andrew T. Allen
Captain Cecil Dilworth Marksmanship Award: Presented to the trooper who demonstrated the best marksmanship during firearms training.
Basic 120: Gabriel J. Buck
Basic 121: Brandon J. Townsend
Colonel P.F. Thompson Outstanding Achievement Award: For the trooper who displays the character and dedication symbolic of former Highway Patrol Colonel P.F. Thompson, the longest serving Patrol commander.
Basic 120: William G. Mixon
Basic 121: Andrew T. Allen
December 16, 2022
NASHVILLE --- On December 16, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State troopers. Governor Bill Lee served as the keynote speaker, and Commissioner Jeff Long swore in the new troopers as they delivered their oaths of office at a graduation ceremony at First Baptist Church of Donelson. Lateral trooper cadet class 1122 graduated 11 troopers, all of whom were prior law enforcement officers and certified in Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Class 1122 completed 10 weeks of specialized training, designed to build upon their previous law enforcement training and experience. Trooper Cadet Class 1222 graduated 29 troopers and completed 16 weeks of specialized training. After graduation, the new troopers will receive field training with troopers who are classified as Field Training Officers.
"The Tennessee Highway Patrol plays an important role in keeping Tennesseans safe, and I commend the newest cadet class for answering this important call to service," said Governor Bill Lee. "We've made strong investments to place additional troopers on Tennessee roads, strengthen training and recruit highly qualified officers nationwide, and we'll continue to give law enforcement the resources needed to serve and protect Tennessee communities."
"The Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers' Creed says, ‘Many are called, but few are chosen'," said Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long. "Hundreds applied after the announcement of a new trooper cadet class. The 40 cadets graduating today are the chosen few. We are thrilled to welcome them into the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” said Commissioner Long.
“As Colonel, I make sure to remind each graduating class that the Tennessee Highway Patrol is in the business of providing a service,” said Colonel Matt Perry. “As you leave here today, and every day as you don your uniform, remember that service is at the heart and soul of a Tennessee State Trooper. Perform your duty with honor and treat this badge and uniform with respect. Joining any law enforcement agency makes you a part of something far bigger than yourself. As of today, you represent the Tennessee Highway Patrol while in and out of uniform. You are held to a higher standard – not only by the public but also by your peers and by your leaders. You no longer serve only yourself; you serve the citizens of the State of Tennessee and those that travel through our state. You have joined the best of the best, you are a Tennessee State Trooper,” said Colonel Perry.
Trooper Jacob Farris of class 1222 was named the top trooper cadet and was presented the Trooper Calvin Jenks Memorial Award for Excellence for achieving the overall highest average. The award honors the late Trooper Calvin Jenks, who was killed in the line of duty in January 2007.
AAST recently reached out to CEO and Founder Anthony Imperato about becoming a patronage of AAST. Anthony immediately responded with overwhelming support upon learning about AASTs’ mission and goals. Henry USA celebrated their 25th Anniversary in 2022 and awarded the AAST Foundation with a generous 25,000 contribution!
AAST Executive Director John Bagnardi and Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Florida Highway Patrol and AAST member, recently traveled to Henry USA’s Bayonne NJ facility for a check presentation. While there, both were treated to a VIP tour of the facility and invited to test fire some of the beautiful lever action rifles.
Executive Director John Bagnardi also presented Anthony Imperato with the AAST “Spirit of the Trooper” Award, not only for his support of AAST but for the unbelievable philanthropic spirit in which he has and continues to support so many different organizations. The following are just a few of the charities and organizations Anthony has contributed to.
American Association of State Troopers Foundation
National Rifle Association
The NRA Foundation
USO
Travis Mills Foundation
Journey Home Project
Medal of Honor Museum
Navy Seals Foundation
NSSF
Second Amendment Foundation
First Responders Children Foundation
Disabled American Veterans
Building Homes for Heroes
National Veterans Foundation
Concerns of Police Survivors
Shadow Warriors Project
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
VFW
Ethan’s Army – Child with Brian Tumor
Flex For Kalel – Child with Muscle Dystrophy
Support for Sami – Child with Congenital Heart Failures
Fireman for Joshua – Child with Heart Syndrome
Prayers for Preslie – Child with Leukemia
Shriners International
Beckett Burge – Child with Leukemia
Grayson Sutton – Child with Pulmonary Hypertension
Kellen Findley – Child with Cancer
Sweet Sadie – Child with Leukemia
Brayden – Child requiring Lung and Heart Transplants
St. Vincent’s House at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital
Numerous Wildlife and Hunting Causes
I encourage you to visit their website for more information about Henry USA and the wonderful product they make. www.henryusa.com
December 29, 2022
New York State Police have released a video of its troopers using a vehicle called the Rook to move cars, minivans, SUVs and trucks that were stuck in the snow following a deadly winter storm that slammed Buffalo over Christmas weekend.
Footage shows a sedan being pulled away from a snowy street before being lifted and placed down in a parking space.
In another segment, the vehicle pulls a Budget moving truck backward along a street and around a corner, despite being only a fraction of its size.
"The ROOK is the perfect machine to clear vehicles or obstructions from the roadway, so they can be cleared by plows!" New York State Police wrote on Facebook.
The Rook, which the Florida-based Ring Power Corporation makes, has a vehicle extraction tool "fabricated for powerful use in the immobilization or removal of a vehicle in tactical applications," the company says.
"The tool can be used to push or pull a parked vehicle, pick up the car completely and move to a safe location, or positioned to lift rear wheels of an occupied vehicle to render it immobile," it added.