DEKALB COUNTY, Ind. — An Indiana State Police trooper was killed Friday while trying to slow a pursuit on Interstate 69 north of Fort Wayne.

Troopers were working at the scene of weather-related crashes on I-69 in DeKalb County around 4:30 p.m. when other officers became involved in a police pursuit on the interstate. 

As the chase neared Master Trooper James R. Bailey's location, he attempted to deploy stop sticks to help end the pursuit. At that time, police said, Bailey was struck by the suspect vehicle.

The 50-year-old trooper was treated at the scene for his injuries before he was taken to a Fort Wayne hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Bailey, a 15 1/2-year veteran of ISP who lived in Auburn, is survived by his wife and their son and daughter.

Trooper Bailey is survived by his wife, son, and daughter, ISP said. Family notifications have been made.

The Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation has established an official memorial fund to honor Master Trooper James Bailey. Donations can be made here.

Donations can also be made on Venmo at @indiana-fallen-heroes.

February 28th, 2023

As the women and men of the Delaware State Police continue to celebrate its Centennial Anniversary, the Division strives to honor the agency’s history through a variety of methods.

One of the ways the Division has acknowledged its lasting legacy is through the addition of several “throwback” retro patrol vehicles to the active fleet.

A total of eight varied, marked vehicle schemes will patrol the highways, neighborhoods, and business districts of the State for the remainder of the centennial year.  Six of the retro graphic designs depicted on these 2023 Chevrolet Tahoes are in the likeness of State Police vehicles from the 1930s to the 1980s.

In addition to these six designs, the Division has also deployed several Tahoes, which will display our centennial graphics, all commemorating this momentous occasion.

While these vehicles may harken back to decades of the past, make no mistake that they are equipped with all of the modern-day equipment that Troopers need to effectively uphold the laws of the First State and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.

FEBUARY 28, 2023

Gazing north, troopers on the midnight shift drank in a spectacular show of Northern Lights, sharing their views with photos on Twitter. One photo shows the Mackinac Bridge arching over the icebound Straits, and it has the reddish glow of a squad car’s emergency lights contrasting with the chartreuse-green of Northern Lights descending over it in fuzzy green. Another photo shows a brighter display of wavy green, seeming to hang from the heavens like curtains, and filling the horizon of lake ice crested by a thin dark line of the Upper Peninsula’s shoreline.

The Northern Lights is a phenomenon also called aurora borealis, a term coined in 1619 by Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei — after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek god of the north wind, Boreas, according to Mike Narlock, head of astronomy and exhibits at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills.

So, what lights up the sky? Narlock said the shows of Northern Lights that people see from the ground are caused by electrically charged particles from space entering the Earth's upper atmosphere at a very high speed, spewed by our solar system’s star — the Sun. The sun's emissions of high-speed particles are called solar flares.

“There’s also the aurora australis, which is the Southern Lights that people see if they’re closer to the South Pole,” Narlock said. The particles streaming from the sun enter the atmosphere but are guided and deflected by the earth’s magnetic field, which sculpts the eerie shapes of these light shows, he said.

Jan 27, 2023

ANTRIM COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- A northern Michigan food pantry got a few freezers to keep up with the high demand for meals being served weekly, but they didn't buy it. 

Michigan State Police learned that the Star Township Food Pantry in Antrim County needed a new freezer. 

So, they used money from the Michigan State Trooper Outreach Partnership to buy it for them. 

The food pantry helps improve local communities through donations. 

Troopers also volunteered at the food pantry on Thursday. 

“We want to give back and you know this is a great way to you know meet the community if we don’t get over to Antrim County or Otsego too often, its just a great way to connect with the community on a different level," said Sgt. Ashley Miller. 

Star Township Food Pantry said they service about 300 families a week. 

FEB 20, 2023

1,600 state troopers patrol road in North Carolina, and now everyone one of them has an AED or Automated External Defibrillator. 

Two NC State Troopers put their training to work when they found a man unresponsive in his vehicle.

“The adrenaline in the moment just takes over. You don’t really think about it,” Trooper John Eberle said.

Eberle and Trooper Caleb Kirby did not stop to think or hesitate to act when they saw 78-year-old Victor Pate looking lifeless in his truck on Interstate-40 near the Maple Avenue exit in Burlington on Feb. 3.

“He climbed into the backseat. I climbed into the front seat. We started getting him out,” Eberle said. “You stop thinking about what else is going on, and the training takes over, and you’re able to do what you need to do.”

Every two years, troopers get a CPR course and demonstrations on how to use an AED.

“It’s really easy to be told what to do, but getting that hands on training to know you’re doing it right to build confidence is big,” Eberle said.

Confidence they say they need as they respond to more medical emergencies along roads.

“I’ve had multiple scenario’s where I’ve pulled up on a collision, and the person may seem to be somewhat impaired, but they’re actually suffering from a diabetic episode or possible Alzheimers,” Kirby said.

A grant helped put the devices in troopers’ cars. It’s funding most of our local police departments and sheriff’s offices don’t have.

FOX8 check in with law enforcement agencies across the Triad and learned only the Burlington Police Department and Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office have AEDs inside vehicles paid for with grant money.

The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office purchased two AEDs for each of the three districts they serve. Deputies take them out during each shift.

Until they can be part of every agency’s equipment, knowing life-saving procedures is key.

“The more people we can get out to at least understand what they’re doing with CPR, it’s going to be able to help save a lot of lives,” Eberle said.

A representative from the Red Cross tells FOX8 interest in CPR and AED devices has increased with many schools and athletic trainers adding them to be ready if a player or student falls into cardiac arrest.

The Red Cross does offer assistance for anyone looking to purchase an AED.

January 20, 2023

The State Highway Patrol proudly welcomed 36 new troopers today at a graduation ceremony held for the 157th Basic Highway Patrol School. The ceremony commemorates 27 weeks of extensive training to prepare the graduates for a rewarding career in law enforcement.

The ceremony was held at the Shepherd’s Church in Cary at 10:00 a.m. 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 Jeffrey K. Carpenter of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol, provided remarks to the newest sworn members of the State Highway Patrol.

“As new state troopers, we feel you are ready to fulfill this role and be ambassadors who represent the State Highway Patrol,” said Johnson. “My charge to you is to be a leader in your community by your actions, your character and your important role as a law enforcement officer.”

Jan. 15, 2023

We all know that firefighters rescue helpless cats from time to time, but that doesn’t mean other first responders don’t pitch in when nature calls. Case and point: one Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper recently had to swoop in to save a helpless owl.

In a recent video, viewers can see the trooper rescuing the Tennessee owl after he stumbled upon the animal on the side of the road on Sunday.

Trooper takes time to assist Tennessee owl

“Trp. Crouser had a roadside safety chat with a feathered friend today. Thankfully Mr. Owl agreed with the trooper that the road was no place for an owl. Mr. Owl was thankful for the trooper’s kindness and guidance as it will keep us all safe,” an official with the THP tweeted after the incident.

In the clip, viewers can see the Tennessee owl flying from the road to a nearby telephone pole.

See video

https://twitter.com/i/status/1614704421233098752

Feb.10, 2023

A State Police helicopter helped find a missing and possibly suicidal man Feb. 10 in Medford, officials said Thursday.

Medford police notified troopers that a “potentially suicidal person” was missing, State Police wrote on Facebook. A State Police Air Wing helicopter responded from Westover Air Base, official said.

Footage posted by State Police shows the moment the aerial crew located the man’s heat signature below a bridge.

“The flight crew located the missing man under Revere Beach Parkway (Route 16) at the edge of the water of the Malden River and directed ground units to his location,” State Police said.

Officers approached the “young adult” and walked him to a waiting ambulance, State Police said. He was taken to a nearby hospital, officials said.

“Thank you to our partners at Massachusetts State Police for their assistance on this call and great job by our officers who worked tirelessly to find this individual,” Medford police said. “Amazing teamwork that resulted in getting this person the help that they needed.”

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=892478198655247

The MSP Air Wing unit is the “most comprehensive public safety aviation unit in the New England region,” according to the agency. Crews are positioned on air bases around the state, and can respond to incidents rapidly. 

The unit is often used to help locate people who have been reported missing, monitor large public gatherings, and respond to disasters. Specialized tracking technology on the aircraft also lets the unit assist in locating stolen vehicles. 

The Air Wing unit responds to more than 1,900 mission requests a year, according to Metro Aviation. 

Jan 24

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) -The Ohio State Highway Patrol released new video of a black cat being rescued by a trooper and a good Samaritan from a busy highway near Toledo.

Trooper Katie Thomas saw the cat huddled against the concrete barrier I-475 in Lucas County, and at first the cat looked like it was going to let her pick it up.

After retrieving gloves from her cruiser for the safety of her hands, she approached the cat a second time and in a heart-stopping moment the cat makes a runs for it, but retreated to the wheel well of the cruiser.

Clawing the tire the cat is eventually removed and rescued.

The feline was taken to the Toledo Humane Society where they promptly named it “Trooper.”

In the happy ending you’re looking for, Trooper has already found its forever home.

By SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
The Western News |February 18, 2023 5:00 PM

The Montana Highway Patrol trooper who was grievously injured during an incident involving a four-time convicted felon in northern Lincoln County earlier this week has been identified and a fundraiser has been launched to support him and his family.

Trooper Lewis Johnson, who is stationed in Eureka, has been on the job with MHP for eight years. He was seriously injured on Thursday, Feb. 16, while trying to arrest 41-year-old Rexford resident Jason A. Miller after Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies sought him for absconding from parole following convictions for criminal possession of methamphetamine and two counts of theft.

"The Montana Highway Patrol family is united in the support of Trooper Lewis and his family. He remains in our prayers. We are thankful for the outpouring of support we've received from Montanans and the law enforcement community during this time," MHP Colonel Steve Lavin said.

According to the verified GoFundMe for Johnson's medical expenses, https://gf.me/v/c/5pn7/support-for-trooper-lewis-johnson-family, his injuries include a punctured lung, damaged liver, head injury, broken ribs, broken arm, broken leg and severe spinal trauma.

"It's nothing Lewis and his family can't handle together with our love and support," Nina Stefani wrote on GoFundMe. "Please help us fundraise so they can devote their time and energy where it belongs, his health.”

A message on the GoFundMe page reported Lewis remained stable, resting and surrounded by family on Saturday night. It also provided some good news.

According to a message from Kate Johnson, "Miracles happened today! He was extubated at 2 p.m. He was groggy but followed every order given and the tube was removed quickly with little discomfort. He was able to speak softly immediately. By 4 p.m. he was eating ice chips and sipping on water. At 6 p.m. the deputy who was on the pursuit incident with Lewis came to visit. Those two chatted for an hour and Lewis remembered every little detail of the event. He's in great spirits and gives a strong handshake to everyone who visits. Nothing much for sensation below his waistline, some tingles on the upper right leg."

As of Monday morning, more than $147,000 had been raised.

“Due to the unwavering support and overwhelming generosity of our friends, families, community and strangers from around the world we have shattered our original goal of $50,000!” wrote Stefani.

Lewis’ wife Kate is also a state trooper working out of Eureka.

Lewis, a native of Chester, Montana, graduated from the state Law Enforcement Academy in 2014 with Kate. He is a Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) volunteer and an avid outdoorsman with a love for hunting and fishing, according to the GoFundMe page.

The current goal is $150,000 for Johnson's medical expenses.

“Considering the long term care that will be required for Trooper Johnson’s recovery, we have increased the fundraising goals,” Stefani wrote. “It is our hope, that we can completely relieve the burden of finances on the Johnson family, so they can solely focus on recovery.

“Thank you to those who have prayed, sent notes of encouragement, donated money and shared Trooper Johnson’s story.”

South Carolina’s Department of Public Safety is hoping their new vision for South Carolina Highway Patrol Recruiting will help increase the number of applicants who want to join the Highway Patrol. SCDPS’s concept emphasizes and highlights the attributes and variety of careers offered with the Highway Patrol. The idea is to inspire and generate interest for Highway Patrol careers.

Heather Biance’s, the Public Affairs Director for the Department of Public Safety in South Carolina, objective is to bring a new approach will increase Trooper numbers and help any other States that are looking to stimulate interest in a career with the highway patrol or state police agencies.

Please click on the link view the recruitment video.   

https://www.facebook.com/scdps.pio/videos/564495158909370

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7AYBAZtmxI&t=1s

February 4, 2023

On February 3, 2023, at approximately 6:40 p.m., a Douglas Trooper was parked on Wyoming State Highway 59 at milepost 46.5 with emergency lights activated, assisting multiple motorists who had left the roadway due to weather and road conditions. 

A 53 ft. box trailer semi-truck was traveling northbound when the driver lost control of the commercial truck and collided with the back of the patrol vehicle.

The Trooper was inside the patrol vehicle at the time of the crash.

The commercial truck driver did not report any injuries at the time of the crash.

The Trooper was transported to Memorial Hospital of Converse County for non-life-threatening injuries he sustained in the crash.

The commercial truck driver was issued a citation for speeding too fast for road conditions.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to “MOVE OVER” for emergency vehicles. 

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) - A West Virginia State Police trooper has died.

Sgt. Nathan Samples died on Thursday following a battle with cancer, according to a Facebook post by West Virginia Troopers Association.

West Virginia Troopers Association on Thursday February 9, 2023

We are saddened by the loss of Sergeant Samples. Sir, your courage, determination and heroism for your WVSP family and all residents of our state leaves behind a legacy that will touch all of our lives.

We are truly fortunate that we got an opportunity to work with a passionate police officer like him.

We ask that you take a moment. Pray for peace and strength for his family and for his family in green. Sir, may you rest in peace and know that we will take it from here.

Samples spent more than 20 years serving for the West Virginia State Police.

DEC, 2022

Early in the morning, Trooper Tyler Harrington was just beginning his shift when he learned that an 82-year-old man had vanished during a winter storm.

In the latter part of December, an ice storm caused Bernard Perry, an Alzheimer’s patient, to become lost and stray from his Vassalboro, Maine, home.

Just after five in the morning, his distraught wife called 911 to report her husband missing.

At that point, Trooper Harrington jumped in to offer assistance. He said, “Fortunately, Mr. Perry lives only four miles from my place.

Despite the fact that the roadways were coated in snow and ice, Trooper Tyler Harrington stopped a plow driver and asked him if he had seen an elderly guy strolling nearby.

“I had the plow truck driver show me where the last place he had seen him as I followed him over. The plow truck driver pointed in the general area. I was able to shine my flashlight and see Mr. Perry off the roadway in the ditch,” he said.

The old man was unable to speak and was experiencing severe hypothermia and frostbite by the time the trooper reached him. The elderly man was roughly a quarter of a mile from his home and had been in the ditch for around 90 minutes.

He said, “I don’t know how much longer he would have had.” 

Trooper Harrington said: “He was unable to walk. I had asked him if he could hear me. He made a groaning noise which led me to believe that I was going to have to carry him to safety.”

Bernard received a blanket while the officer brought him to his car. He was then brought to a hospital to recover.

Trooper Harrington downplayed the importance of his that night’s bravery.

“Ultimately being at the right place, at the right time. Any one of us, any law enforcement, any civilian would have done the exact same thing I did,” he said.

It is a miracle that Trooper Harrington was able to find this individual in the nick of time; else, the outcome could have been extremely different.

Feb. 08, 2023

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI – A Michigan State Police trooper was honored for her work helping the migrant community in Southwest Michigan.

Trooper Conner Mabie helped organize free laundry, a summer youth program and a car seat safety check through the MSP Paw Paw Post’s Migrant Outreach Initiative, a news release said. She was honored Feb. 8, with the Colonel Etue Community Impact Award for her work with residents.

Mabie created 11 community events in 2022, with the help of other people at the post, the release said. She was able to schedule Spanish-speaking troopers and sergeants to attend some events.

One thing she organized was migrant farmer laundry days with a $500 donation that provided free detergent and laundry to more than 300 migrant families.

The summer youth program for migrant children started in June, with Mabie and two other troopers spending Wednesdays at a local school, interacting with children. They developed relationships with children in the program who may not normally see police in a positive way, the release said.

Mabie also visited the Telamon Keeler Migrant Head Start in Hartford, where she read to the preschoolers. She also did a car seat safety check for parents, where 11 car seats were correctly installed, the release said.