Missouri Highway Patrol troopers surprise Thayer High School graduate with memorable gesture

MHP attend HS Graduation

A high school graduation in the Ozarks included many special guests. Friends and family of graduates at Thayer High School packed the gym Saturday night for the graduation of the 2018 class of Bobcats. One senior had a few extra friends in the stands. 18 Troopers from Troop G, surprised Hayden Dewayne Graham at the graduation. Hayden's late father, Dewayne Graham Jr., was shot and killed in an ambush 13 years ago outside of his Carter County home. Hayden was just four years old at the time. Sgt. Jeff Kinder says was an honor for him and his fellow troopers. "it meant a lot," said Sgt. Kinder. "You know, back in 2005 when Dewayne was killed, he was four-years-old. He's missed a lot of life's milestones with his dad. Such as Christmases, birthdays. You know a lot of that kind of stuff. Even though his dad wasn't physically able to be here today, we felt like we could stand up and be here for him." Troopers contacted Hayden's mother Tami Dubois a few weeks ago and asked if they could attend the ceremony to surprise Hayden and honor their brother in blue, Dewayne. "Sgt. Reese called me a couple of weeks ago and told me that they would like to come down and show up for Hayden's graduation and I thought that was pretty cool," she explains. "He stood for what we believe in, so we felt like it was our honor to stand up for him and be here for this milestone for his son," says Kinder. On Saturday night, just over 13 years later, Dewayne's son, Hayden Dewayne Graham, walked across the stage with mom, Dewayne's father, and 18 of his brothers in blue watching. "I was just real surprised. I had no idea that they would be there to support me for this," says Hayden Graham. It was a simple gesture that meant the world to him. "I was just proud that they still care and they're still with me and supporting me and here to congratulate me," he says. "I think he would be very proud and he would be thankful that his brothers were here to support Hayden," says Dubois. Everyone knew Graham was right there by son's side. "Dewayne was here," says Kinder. Only a few people knew of the gesture.

5/17/18

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North Carolina Highway Patrol seizes nearly 4 million in drugs in traffic stop

NCSHP Meth and Heroin bust

A North Carolina woman is facing felony drug charges after State Highway Patrol troopers say they discovered more than 100 pounds of heroin and methamphetamine in her rented truck. A news release from the patrol says a Penske truck driven by Ashley N. Tramonte, 27, of Marion, N.C., was stopped at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday on Interstate 70 in Guernsey County, which is in southeast Ohio. Troopers stopped the truck because it was following another vehicle too closely. The patrol says a drug-sniffing dog was brought in and indicated there were drugs in the truck. About 110 pounds of heroin and methamphetamine, valued at $3.7 million, was found by troopers, the release says.

5/15/18

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Virginia State Police welcomes 52 new troopers to their ranks

VSP My 2018 graduation

The 127th generation of Virginia State Troopers were welcomed into the ranks Friday, May 11, with 52 new troopers presented with their diplomas during commencement exercises at the State Police Training Academy in North Chesterfield County. The new troopers have received more than 1,300 hours of classroom and field instruction in more than 100 different subjects, including defensive tactics, crime scene investigation, ethics and leadership, survival Spanish, police professionalism, firearms, judicial procedures, officer survival, cultural diversity and crisis management. The troopers began their 29 weeks of academic, physical and practical training at the Academy Oct. 25, 2017. The graduates are from every corner of the Commonwealth, as well as Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Upon graduation, the new troopers will report to their individual duty assignments across Virginia beginning May 14, for their final phase of training. Each trooper will spend an additional six weeks paired up with a Field Training Officer learning his or her new patrol area.

5/15/18

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Dodge Announces Police Pursuit Version of 2018 Durango

Dodge Pursuit Vehicle

Dodge Announces Police Pursuit Version of 2018 Durango

Dodge is expanding its police vehicle line-up, adding a new Pursuit version of its Dodge Durango.

“Unofficial testing results at the Michigan State Police 2018 model year vehicle evaluation event created such a stir among law enforcement agencies that we simply had to find a way to build this vehicle,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA North America. “The Dodge Durango is already known as the Charger of SUVs, so it is only natural that the new Durango Pursuit complements the Charger Pursuit in police fleets across the country.”

The 2018 Dodge Durango Pursuit is powered by the legendary 5.7L HEMI® V-8, coupled with a full-time, active all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This is the same powertrain combination most commonly deployed in the Dodge Charger Pursuit, the top-selling police sedan in the U.S. market. The Durango Pursuit also offers a two-speed transfer case for true low-range off-road capability and incorporates larger, heavy-duty anti-lock brakes that deliver a 60-0 mile per hour (mph) stopping distance of 134 feet.

Other notable standard features of the 2018 Dodge Durango Pursuit include:

5.7L V-8 HEMI® with Fuel Saver Technology delivers best-in-class horsepower (360) and torque (390 lb.-ft.)
Eight-speed automatic transmission delivers quick shifts and improved fuel economy
Rear-wheel-drive-based drivetrain is the foundation for Durango’s outstanding on-road driving performance. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) further enhances driver confidence by leveraging the SUV’s 50/50 weight distribution
Segment’s longest wheelbase (119.8 inches) provides added stability and improved handling
Best-in-class 7,200 lb. towing capability
8.1-inches of ground clearance
ParkView® rear backup camera with ParkSense® alert
Eight-way power adjusting driver seat controls
Air conditioning with air filtration
Under-vehicle mount for spare tire, maximizing interior cargo space and accessibility
Class-exclusive, K-9 friendly Tri-Zone interior temperature control
Trailer sway control
Spot lamp wiring prep package
220-amp alternator
800 cold cranking amp (CCA) battery
Heavy-duty oil cooler and water pump
Power locking fuel filler door

The new 2018 Dodge Durango Pursuit V8 AWD is available for order for a limited time. For more information, law enforcement agencies should call (800) 999-3533.

5/11/18

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West Virginia State trooper honored with FBI award

WV Trooper Honored by FBI

The FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association presented the 2018 Outstanding Service in Law Enforcement Award to West Virginia State Trooper Corporal Baron W. Claypool for his service to the community. The ceremony took place at the Bridgeport Conference Center. Cpl. Claypool was praised for his work on the recently re-opened cold case regarding the murder of 7-year-old C.R. Diaz. His work, in collaboration with other state troopers and the Harrison County Sherriff's Department, led to the arrest of 53-year-old William Clyde Jeffries. In addition to his tireless commitment to the force, Cpl. Claypool is dedicated to his community and his faith.

5/9/18

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