trooper news - Oregon State Police Officers Association

OSPOA MONTHLY TROOPER NEWS SEPTEMBER 2015
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Official Publication of the Oregon State Police Officers’ Association
Trooper News
News, Information, Features, Opinions, and Letters Related to Law Enforcement
Baker City: Hazardous Winter Patrols and Small Town Appeal
Baker City Worksite on a windy afternoon.
By Dawn Plechl
Baker City Worksite is not for everyone.
While in college, Cyr learned about the Fish
Cyr. “We moved for the nice weather and the
Shifts can be quiet, with long miles to drive
& Wildlife Division of the Oregon State Police
seasons.”
in solitude waiting for something to happen
and was intrigued. He applied to the OSP, was
or trying to reach distant crash sites. It isn’t
accepted, and found himself in Coos Bay.
tween working the coast and working in
uncommon to drive for an hour without see-
Baker City is the level of activity.
ing a single car on certain stretches. During
tremely active and fun with a lot of young
the winter months, the opposite is true, with
troopers at the time.”
fish and wildlife] on the water and on the land
troopers sometimes being needed for a half
at the the coast,” says Cyr.
dozen crashes in a single day. The city itself is
Idaho State Police but was quickly called back
small and far from big city amenities, which
by the OSP, and he returned to Coos Bay for
be hectic, working at a site like Baker City can
can be tough on spouses who are not suited
four months. After marrying his wife, Linda,
be trying for some when it is too quiet. Also,
for small town life. But for those currently
who was a Portland native, Cyr transfered to
much like other smaller, more remote work-
assigned to Baker City Worksite, the general
Portland Fish & Wildlife, where he remained
sites, the troopers must cover much larger
feeling is one of great satisfaction to be there.
for two years. The couple eventually grew
areas in both patrol and fish and wildlife.
Baker City’s Sergeant Isaac Cyr has been
“I enjoyed Coos Bay,” says Cyr. “It was ex-
During the 2003 layoffs, Cyr moved to the
One obvious difference Cyr noticed be-
“There’s so much going on [in terms of
While the pace of work on the coast can
tired of the long rainy seasons in the west and
Troopers do have the chance to do horse-
a fish and wildlife trooper for his entire 15
decided to move to eastern Oregon.
back patrols, whitewater rafting patrols, ATV
year career. He was born and raised in New
“I really liked the climate in Montana, and
patrols, and jet boat patrols, much to the oc-
Hampshire and attended college in Montana.
Baker City is as close to that as possible, “ says
casional envy of their colleagues from other
See BAKER CITY Page 2
PAGE 2
SEPTEMBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
President’s Post
senior Trooper Darrin Phillips
All,
is that if someone is placed on admin-
been contacted by some troops who
istrative leave pending a personnel or
were unhappy that we accepted two 2
As of this article, we are counting the
criminal investigation, they will no longer
percent cost of living raises for the con-
votes from our contract ratification. I am
be locked in their house 40 hours a week.
tract. There is no doubt that we could
hopeful that we will have a contract by
The old language was crafted pre-cellular
have gotten two 2.5 percent COLAs, but
the end of this week and we will be able
phone, and the only way the department
that would have left dispatch right where
to announce to the field that this chapter
could assure that they could get in touch
they are now.
is closed.
with you was to order you to stay at home.
I believe that we made significant
I know that cell phones are relatively new,
that we put into play two years ago. We
headway on many issues during contract
so I am happy to announce that you can
did a market analysis of where each indi-
negotiations. Aside from the pay and
now utilize this new technology, and
vidual group fell in comparison with the
benefits that everyone is interested in,
when duty-stationed at home, you will be
rest of our comparables. Back then, the
we tentatively agreed to some major lan-
required to be within 45 minutes of your
troopers were way behind. That’s how we
guage changes, the first of which is new
worksite and available by phone.
compressed their pay scale down to five
language relating to discipline. Hopefully,
All kidding aside, I am thrilled with
years.
this language will push all low-level dis-
this change. It took a leap of faith by the
cipline investigations down to the lowest
department and it was the right thing
sergeants were at or above the market,
level possible--your office.
to do. I know that it won’t have an effect
but dispatchers were approximately 25
Also in the language is a new “com-
on most of you, but rest assured, this is
percent behind their comparables. By ac-
mand debrief” piece that should allow a
a huge step forward. The one thing to
cepting a slightly smaller COLA for every-
trooper and his/her sergeant to sit down
remember is that, even though you may
one, we were able to bring the one group
very soon after a pursuit or use of force
be placed on administrative leave pend-
that was still substantially behind close to
and discuss what went right and what
ing an investigation, you are very likely to
where they should be.
went wrong, rather than waiting months
return to work. The vast majority of these
to review the incident with your super-
cases end with some low-level discipline
both sides.
visor. All of this will take some time to
and the employee re-entering the work-
understand and work with, but I believe
force.
er.
it will make the system run better and,
Along with the language changes,
hopefully, faster.
we were able to cut a deal to compress
the dispatch pay scale. I know that I have
Another piece that was put into place
What we are quick to forget is the plan
This time we knew that troopers and
All said, I believe it was a great win for
Until next time, take care of each oth-
Darrin
BAKER CITY, Continued from Page 1
worksites. To keep proficient at these skills,
Mercado served as a Navy reservist for 2 1/2
pack school training is regularly offered to
years and as a U.S. Marine for 11 years while
for his entire career, and his children grew up
prepare troopers for horse pack patrols, and
stationed in California. He served at the Ma-
there. He and his wife, Tammy, enjoy the qui-
jet boat school for troopers is offered annu-
rine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego for two
et lifestyle. Mercado has two adult daughters,
ally by the Oregon State Marine Board in Gold
years, was assigned to Camp Pendleton for
Ashley and Kayla, and two adult stepsons,
Beach. Most of the officers have also been
nine years, and served three tours overseas
Will and Lane. He and his wife also have an
to the drift boat school to gain experience
with two WESTPAC deployments. Though he
eight-year-old daughter, Jessica. Mercado
in manning rafts and other nonmotorized
enjoyed his time in the service, he had small
also has three grandchildren.
boats.
daughters at the time and left the Navy in or-
“Living out here, you’re used to being
One of the seasoned patrol officers at
der to apply to both the California Highway
away from everything,” says Mercado. “I love
the Baker City Worksite is Senior Trooper Ed-
Patrol and the OSP. He joined the OSP in 1998
it here. I don’t think I could live anywhere
die Mercado. Originally from Dallas, Texas,
and has been a trooper for 17 years.
else. When I get to about Troutdale, I start to
Mercado has been stationed in Baker City
See BAKER CITY Page 3
PAGE 3
SEPTEMBER 2015
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
WWW.OSPOA.COM
BAKER CITY, Continued from Page 2
Trooper Levi Macy and Senior Trooper Eddie Mercado, both of Patrol
Division, visit with colleagues during a lunch break.
Sergeant Isaac Cyr and a taxidermy cougar.
Office Specialist Kris Davis keeps the office running smoothly.
feel claustrophic,” he jokes; it is a common
says Mercado. These conditions lead to very
theme with troopers in the east.
active winter seasons, responding to seri-
On the job, Senior Trooper Mercado
ous accidents often in hard-to-reach areas.
notes what other eastern Oregon troopers
Mercado recalled a specific black ice relat-
have observed--the marked difference in
ed accident last season that involved four
what you commonly encounter during traf-
crashes with seven semis and a total of 24
fic stops out east.
vehicles. The highway was shut down for 18
“When you stop kids out here, they have
hours, and 12 to 17 troopers were at the site
shotguns,” he says. “There are cows on the
dealing with it during that period. This kind
highway. Kids are driving four-wheelers.”
of situation is, unfortunately, a possibility
These are common features of Baker City
each winter season in this area with its long
policing.
stretches of remote two-lane highways. The
situation is further complicated by the fact
The extreme weather is also an impact-
ful feature of Baker City.
that snow can happen in any season except
“We have bad winters--very icy with
summer, and tourism brings drivers to the
below-zero temperatures and heavy snow,”
area who are inexperienced in driving on
Patrol Trooper Tim Schuette.
See BAKER CITY Page 6
PAGE 4
SEPTEMBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
VICE PRESIDENT’S POST
Mike Iwai
The vice president’s post this month is the
OSPOA 2015-2017 CONTRACT SUMMARY:
Increase to 6.67 hours of holiday leave accrual per month (80 hours per year).
Article 6.1.1-VP Release
The change to this article allows the association at its discretion to utilize the president
and the vice president on a full-time basis.
Article 19.1.2 Holiday/Comp Cash Out
This language allows an increase of sellback from 48 to 64 hours of sellback per biennium.
Letter of Agreement – 6.1.4
Removes LOA with regard to vice president being half time.
Article 20.1 Vacation
Adds an additional step for employees
with more than 25 years. From 16 hours to 18
hours of vacation accrual per month.
Article 10.4 Working Files
The working file will be purged no longer
than one year subsequent to the completion
of the employee’s evaluation. Disputes will
be subject to Article 12.
Article 10.4.1 Working Files
Any negative comments placed in a working file must have either the employee’s initials or an email confirmation.
Article 11.6.1.1 Trial Service Employee
Change “duty stationed at home” to “on
paid admin leave.”
Article 14.8 Rest/Meal Periods
The change to this article allows the employee to combine meal break and rest period.
Article 16.1 F&W Itinerary
Changes to this article allow fish and wildlife troopers to utilize hours over a two-week
period rather than a single week. The trooper
will be limited to no more than six consecutive workdays and is subject to supervisory
approval.
Article 16.3 Itinerary Practice
Changes to the article allow fish and wildlife troopers with more than one trooper assigned to an area to agree among them who
gets which set of days off. If the employees
cannot come to an agreement the supervisor
will assign the days off.
In all itinerary practices we have adopted
language that if the itinerant is “operationally
neutral,” it will be approved.
Article 17.1.4 Sick Leave
Sick leave adjacent to a mandatory overtime
assignment will be considered hours worked.
Article 19.1 Holiday Leave
Article 22.4 Military Leave
Allows the use of military leave for travel
in conjunction with military obligation. In no
event will an employee receive more than the
number of days allowed by the law.
Subject to supervisory approval, employees may be allowed to adjust their shifts to
accommodate military duty.
Article 22.8 New Article on Admin Leave
Employees placed on admin leave for
a use of force or while under investigation
shall be available by phone during their normal working hours and be within 45 minutes
drive time from their worksites.
Article 22.8.2
Employees placed on admin leave in the
use of deadly physical force will have no geographic restriction placed on them.
Article 23.7.1 Forensics Training Out of
State
Forensics members who travel out of
state for training or conferences while off
duty will earn straight time comp.
Article 23.8 Tuition Reimbursement
The employer will fund $7,500 per year
for the purpose of tuition reimbursement.
Unused funds will be carried from the first
year of the biennium over to the second year
of the biennium. Approved on a first come ,
first served basis.
Tuition reimbursement is for 50 percent of
tuition and books on a first come first served
basis so long as it is not a religion-based class
and does not cause a discredit to the department.
In addition to reimbursement mentioned
above, the department shall reimburse 50
percent of the cost of Spanish language
classes.
Article 25.1 Compensation
Troopers/Sergeants, effective 12/1/2015,
will receive a 2 percent COLA. 12/1/16 an additional 2 percent COLA.
TC1 and TC2 will receive a 5 percent increase in wage on 12/1/15 (in lieu of the
above mentioned COLAs).
4/1/2017 TC1’s and TC2’s pay scale will be
compressed from 10 steps to seven steps,
dropping the lowest six steps from the current salary range and adding threee to the
top. Each employee will move to his or her
new step by years of department service.
Fleet Services members’ wage scale will
be frozen at the current level due to a DAS reclassification study; however they will receive
both COLAs on the above listed dates. Any
newly hired employees in this classification
will be placed on the new DAS-determined
pay scale.
Forensics Services members will receive
the same COLAs as listed above.
All members other than Fleet Services
with 20 years of OSP service will receive a 2.5
percent wage increase upon ratification of
this contract (including Forensics, Dispatch,
and sworn represented personnel)
Article 25.5 Plain Clothes
Forensics Division members will receive
an $800 clothing allowance per biennium.
Sworn employees authorized to perform
duties in plain clothes will receive a $1,200
clothing allowance.
Article 25.6.9 SWAT Incentive Pay
Employees assigned to SWAT (negotiator, medic, tactical) will receive 2.5 percent of
their regular base pay for all hours worked.
Management reserves the right to assign and
remove employees to and from the team.
Such assignments and removals are not subject to just cause and the grievance process.
Article 29.2 Insurance
The insurance split will remain 95 percent
paid by the employer and 5 percent by the
employee. If the employee chooses to enroll
in a medical plan that is at least 10 percent
lower in cost than the highest cost medical
plan available, the employer will pay 99 percent of the cost and the employee will pay 1
percent.
PAGE 5
SEPTEMBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Fallen Trooper Memorial Update
By Sergeant Cary Boyd
Newport Patrol
eryone time to make arrangements to be
eventually combine the memorial with a
at the ceremony.
kiosk telling visitors of our history and dedi-
On August 30, board members of the
As many of you know, the Oregon State
cation to Oregon. Finally, the current location
OSP Fallen Trooper Memorial Foundation
Police Headquarters will be moving from
is where we have been “selling” our vision to
went to artist Jason Jones’s studio to review
the Public Service Building in May and June,
our donors, and the board feels a strong re-
the stones and progress of the memorial. As
2016. The OSP Fallen Trooper Memorial Foun-
sponsibility to fulfill the promises made with
you will see from the photos, the stones are
dation has received many inquiries about the
regard to the memorial project.
complete except for a few touch-up items.
location of the memorial. The board has re-
Those items include finishing the plaques,
viewed the current location of the memorial
dation will continue after the memorial is
placing the plaques, adding finish polish
(Capitol Mall Park) versus the new GHQ site
complete. We will continue to have the an-
on the column, and completing the last bit
with current OSP members, family members,
nual auction (Fall), letter campaign (Winter),
of edging on the stones. The board feels we
and donors. The decision was made to keep
and run (Spring). Those funds will be used for
are in a comfortable spot to go ahead with
the memorial at its proposed location for
maintenance of the memorial and education
the construction phase of the memorial. We
several reasons. First, many family members
for troopers to hopefully reduce in-the-line-
have been working with the Department of
wanted to have a memorial where visitors
of-duty deaths. Our next auction is scheduled
Administrative Services and the Oregon Park
would see the memorial and have exposure
for October 17 at the Milwaukie Elks Lodge.
Department on contracts and last minute
to the sacrifice our fallen have given to the
Please email us at ospfallenmemorial@gmail.
items needed to start construction. We will
citizens of Oregon. The Capitol Mall receives
com for tickets, or purchase on our website at
be meeting with White Oak shortly to obtain
millions of visitors a year and our fallen will
https://www.ospmemorial.org
a timeline. Once the project is complete, we
not be forgotten. Second, our memorial is
will set a dedication date that provides ev
meant to be an educational place for citizens,
dedication and commitment to the memorial
family, and police offi-
project. Without the support of all of you we
cers, and we hope to
would not be where we are today. Thank you!
The OSP Fallen Trooper Memorial Foun-
We would like to thank you all for your
PAGE 6
SEPTEMBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
It’s Time for the 4th Annual Eastern Oregon Blue Ball!
February 6, 2016
Social Hour at 6:00 p.m.
Dinner at 7:30 p.m.
Dress Code: Men, please wear a tie (jacket optional)
Women, please wear an evening dress or feel free to go all out!
Gentlemen, dress up for your lady and give her a night to remember!
Location: Wildhorse Resort & Casino / Wildhorse Blvd, Pendleton, OR 800 654-9453
Enjoy EOBB group rate discounted lodging at the Wildhorse Casino (Booking I.D. # 9359)
Cost: $40.00 per ticket (advance purchase required) which provides dinner, music/dancing, lots of great door prizes, and a no
host bar. Pay by cash, check or via PayPal by request through email ([email protected])
Tickets Available From:
Greg Retherford - La Grande
Emily Moody - La Grande
Sandra Stone - La Grande
Mike Mayer - Pendleton
541 263-0324 541 786-0127 541 786-1605 541 969-6667
Kim Shaul - La Grande Jennifer Routt - La Grande
Karl Farber - Pendleton Placido Lopez - Hermiston
541 786-1187
816 560-6568
541 969-2310
541 720-4010
BAKER CITY, Continued from Page 3
snow and ice. Baker City serves the most
cepted to the OSP in August, 2008. While in
an hour for backup,” says Macy. “In winter
highway miles in the state, which is saying a
college, he also met his wife, Karla. Karla pur-
time, there could be six crashes per day, but
lot.
sued a master’s degree in education at East-
you can also spend long periods of time with
During summer months, troopers might
ern Oregon University and was offered a job
empty roads.”
end up on calls related to the events that oc-
in early childhood special education, so Macy
Even pulling over motorists can be a
cur in the region, such as Cycle Oregon and
transferred to Baker City.
challenge for troopers at this worksite. “Icy
Hells Canyon cycling events, the many local
“It’s a beautiful area,” says Macy, “and it’s
shoulders when you pull someone over can
flea markets, and tourists visiting Oregon Trail
familiar because we have extended family
create a crash for yourself right there,” says
attractions.
here.”
Macy. “Our job is very different from season
to season,” notes Trooper Levi Macy, also of
dler, Henry, in the small -town environment
is novice patrol officer Tim Schuette. He was
the Patrol Division. “Winter is almost entirely
with family nearby.
raised in John Day and so was very familiar
crashes. Summer is more about DUIs.” Unlike
In his off time, Macy relaxes by rebuilding
with life in a small, remote city. His father
their Ontario counterparts, Baker City troop-
older vehicles, such as the 1977 Ford pickup
worked 10 years in Patrol and 19 years in
ers rarely receive domestic dispute calls and
he recently completed. He just started work
Fish & Wildlife with the OSP, and as a boy Tim
other troubling city calls.
on a 1971 K5 Blazer.
thought he’d also become a cop. However,
“My goal is to restore it to better than
he had a brief change of heart as a young
coming a senior trooper--less than one year
original,” says Macy. “When I was 15, I built
adult, attending Linfield College and study-
away. He wanted to be a police officer when
my first truck from the frame up. I bought it in
ing sports medicine to become an athletic
he was a small boy but did not pursue that
pieces.”
trainer. The pull of police work was too strong
dream directly. After attending OSU, Macy re-
These leisure time pursuits are helpful for
it seemed, and Schuette eventually decided
ceived a commission in the Army and wanted
refueling after demanding times when troop-
to follow in his father’s state police footsteps
to fly helicopters, but he took a turn back to
ers really have to depend on themselves.
and to pursue joining the OSP. Though he
his original goal when he applied and was ac-
applied in 2010, the hiring freeze put three
Trooper Macy is on the countdown to be-
The couple is enjoying raising their tod-
“It’s so rural here that you will literally wait
Another member of the Baker City team
See BAKER CITY Page 9
PAGE 7
SEPTEMBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
2015 Memorial Softball Tournament
Team ATF, above, took first place in this year’s softball tournament. Team members are Caleb Enk, Nick Butler, Roy Butler, Jed Wilson,
Aaron Woods, Kenny Cooper, Chad Cooper, Mike McNall, Tony Schodowski, Nate Miller, Brad Sholer, and Pete McConnell.
by Senior Trooper Walt Anderson
the first game, 18-15, but lost Game Two, 14-
they were all riding their bikes and scooters
La Grande Area Command
7.
around the park; now they are telling us how
It was a very successful tournament with
to play--LOL.
This year’s anual OSP Memorial Softball
a lot of good competitive fun. The goal for
Tournament was held in Bend at Skyline Park
next year is to have eight teams in the tour-
the one-day tournament style, which makes
on August 1. ATF won first place, and it was
nament, inviting the Fire Marshall’s Office
it easier on the families.
their first championship since they started
and to see if the Crime Lab or GHQ can put a
playing in the tournament ten years ago.
team together.
of us, it is the only time we might see an old
I was hired in 1997 and have been to ev-
Recruit School classmate or somebody we
Bend in the second round of bracket, play
ery tournament since 1998, and now I have
used to work with in a previous office or as-
back through getting past Roseburg and
had the pleasure for the past three years of
signment.
Bend to meet ATF in the Championship
playing on the same team with my daughter
game. As ATF had not lost, Team NW had to
,Jess Anderson. I know other troopers at the
beat them twice in back-to-back games to
tournament had their kids playing on the
win the championship. Team NW beat ATF in
same team. It seems it was just yesterday
Team NW placed second after losing to
1st Place: ATF
MVP: Chad Cooper
All Stars: Jed
Wilson, Nick Butler
and Kenny Cooper
Charity: Law Enforcement Memorial
2nd Place: Team NW
All Stars: Trooper
Matt Schmidt, Steve
Schwartz, and Jess Anderson
Everyone I have talked with really likes
It is always nice to see everyone; for a lot
3rd Place: Bend
All Stars: Trooper Mike
Benson and Retired
Senior Trooper Terry
Miller
Salem All Stars:
Trooper Jim Andrews
Roseburg All Stars:
Detective Ray Dube
East All Stars: Brian
Sharp
Team ATF poses proudly with family members.
PAGE 8
SEPTEMBER 2015
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Above: Team Roseburg-- Senior Trooper/Detective Ray
Dube and his brother, Jamie Dube; Senior Trooper/Detective Brian Jewell and his brother, Chris Jewell; Trooper
Zach McClendon and his father, Tim McClendon; Senior
Trooper Jason Stedman; Trooper/Detective Dan Wells; Intern Braden Smith; Sergeant Ken Terry; and Sergeant Pat
Huskey.
WWW.OSPOA.COM
Above: Team East--Trooper Ryan Sharp
and his fiancé, Tia; Trooper Tom Juzeler and
his girlfriend, Lauran; Senior Trooper Dan
Chichester, his son Tyler Chichester, and
Dan’s relative Steve Luse; Recruit James
Eslinger; Trooper Zack Kowing; and Retired
Senior Trooper Bear Bryant.
Above: Third Place, Team Bend-Senior Trooper Tim Holbrook;
Senior Trooper Justin Lane; Senior
Trooper Brandi Zeckman; Trooper Derrek Ellena; Trooper Aaron
Roth; Trooper Scott Sogge; Senior
Trooper Travis Ring; Trooper Tony
Halladay; Trooper Mike Benson; Senior Trooper Mike Hollaran; retired
trooper Steve Lane; retired trooper
Terry Miller and his son, Kyle Miller.
Above: Second Place, Team NW--Lieutenant Tim Schwartz; Sergeant Luke Schwartz; Tim
Schwartz Sr.; Dan Schwartz; Toby Schwartz; Steve Schwartz; Senior Trooper Walt Anderson;
Jess Anderson; Senior Trooper Mike Reel; Trooper Dave Herman; Trooper Matt Schmidt; and
Kadeb Wilson.
PAGE 9
SEPTEMBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Trooper Events and Announcements
Robert Lee Bass
November 20, 1932 to
August 30, 2015
BAKER CITY, Continued from Page 6
Robert Lee Bass passed away at the age of
82, surrounded by his family.
Robert served in the US Navy and was
a Korean War veteran. He graduated from
Southern Oregon College. He served on the
OSP for 26½ years and worked for Capitol Investigation for 17 years.
He and his wife, Betty Cantrell, were married for 43 years. He is survived by his wife,
Betty; their six daughters, Darlynn Hanna
(Kelly), Cindy Slater, Joy Glocar (Dave), Candace Erb (Lyle), Kari Reese (David), Ronda
Lenox (Brock); 18 grandchildren; and 22 greatgrandchildren.
Cards may be sent to Betty Bass at 1125
McGee Street, Keizer, OR 97303.
Donald “Desi” Deserano
January 16, 1940 to
August 28, 2015
years between his application and his
Like many couples, the Schuettes
hiring with the OSP.
had to negotiate about their stationing
“I grew up around troopers and I
“wish list” with the OSP. Becky originally
thought Patrol would be a good basis
wanted to stay near Beaverton and a job
for a career,” says Schuette. “There’s a lot
she loved, but as they started to have
of variety in what you encounter.”
children, they both felt the pull to move
Unfortunately, in April of this year
to a smaller, more rural setting. Com-
Schuette came to work one day and
pared to John Day, where Schuette grew
found that his hand was tingling. Soon
up, Baker City is large and bustling. It
his hand went numb. An MRI revealed
was one of a few cities that were a good
that a bony protrusion was pinching on
compromise for him and his wife.
the nerves of his neck. Pending consulta-
“She said there needed to at least
tion with a neurosurgeon, Schuette was
be a Safeway wherever we ended up,”
been assigned to light duty, which he
recalls Schuette. “And the good news is
found very frustrating. Like most troop-
she likes it here. She’s made a lot of good
ers, he’d rather be where the action is.
friends quickly.”
“I had to listen to a pursuit into
Recalling his first day of duty,
the woods and I really wanted to go,”
Schuette describes how after a half day
Schuette remembers.
riding with the sergeant, he ended up
Regardless
Donald " Desi" Joseph Deserano, 75, of
Toledo, passed away after battling bladder
cancer for over four years. Desi was married to Marie and had two children, David
of Portland and Alisa of Salem.
Desi was hired in 1964 and worked in
Salem for a few months before transferring
to Newport. He worked in Newport until he
retired in 1990.
There will not be a service, at Desi's request.
Cards may be sent to Marie Deserano at
1420 NW Deer Drive, Toledo, OR 97391.
of
the
light
duty,
facing a big snow and ice storm which
Schuette loves living and working in
caused a serious multicar pile up. As at
Baker City with his wife, Becky, and his
many worksites across the state, the
two daughters. “The closer I get to Port-
hard work comes to troopers right out
land, the higher my stress level rises,”
the gate, and that’s part of the job’s on-
jokes Schuette. “Baker City is my first and
going appeal--emergency response and
hopefully my last duty station. I love it.”
helping those in need.
Emil E. Brandaw
February 1931 to August 17, 2015
Former Superintendent Emil E. Brandaw
scheduled at a later date and will be for family
passed away on August 17. Superintendent
members only.
Brandaw served as the agency leader from
His family appreciates the agency sup-
1986 to 1990, after six years as deputy super-
port and consideration, and in lieu of cards or
intendent.
flowers, contributions directed to The Ameri-
can Cancer Society or Our Savior’s Lutheran
For those who did not know him, Super-
intendent Brandaw was a gentleman with
Ark Angels Schools would be appreciated.
impeccable moral character and compassion,
who constructed many of the core agency val-
Brandaw at 373 Cimarron Ct SE, Salem, OR
ues we hold dear today.
97305.
No memorial service was held, at the re-
quest of Mr. Brandaw. Funeral services will be
Words of comfort can be sent to Caroline
PAGE 10
SEPTEMBER 2015
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
WWW.OSPOA.COM
Trooper Events and Announcements
Retirements
John Keeler , Sergeant, Coos Bay
Below: The OSP helped with security for the first commercial bungee jump
from the old highway over the Crooked River Gorge. At the end of the green
cord is a jumper! Thanks to Senior Trooper Matthew Gordon out of Prineville for the picture.
New Hires
Karen Burke, Office Specialist 1,
Central Records
Enrique Guerrero-Lizarraga, NCC
Janice Neuschwanger, ISS7, IT Section
Tuan Bui, ISS6, IT Section
Reassignments/Transfers
Senior Trooper Erich Timko, Patrol, John Day, to
Criminal, John Day
Promotions
Detective Deanna Harris-Powers, Criminal,
Central Point,
to Sergeant, Criminal, Central Point
Departures
Elizabeth Fitzgerald OS2 GHQ
Susan Hall OS2 ID Services
Jacob Cully Recruit Trooper
Brandon Cook Recruit Trooper
Tami Bowman SOR AS2 GHQ
Robert Snyder Safety Specialist 2 GHQ
Travis Preston OS2 ID Services
Aaron Boyce Trooper, Klamath Falls
Upcoming Events
September 25, 2015
Lang Hinkle Retirement
Cake & Coffee 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn, next to the
Springfield OSP office
October 17, 2015
Fallen Trooper Memorial Auction
See website for details
February 6, 2016
4th Annual Eastern Oregon Blue Ball
Social hour 6:00 p.m.
& dinner 7:30 p.m.
See p. 7 announcement for details
Salem trooper helping motorists at an accident site at I-5 and Kuebler.
PAGE 11
SEPTEMBER 2015
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
OSP Patrol Vehicle Struck While At Scene
Of Crash - Wasco County
WWW.OSPOA.COM
Dan Beugli’s
Do You Remember?
Dial-a-drunk & Ampoules: The breath test
once had dials that had to be manually adjusted as part of an inebriation pre-test, prior to
a breath sample. The officer would break the
top of a glass vial containing potassium dichromate in a solution of sulphuric acid, if you
can believe it. This was then inserted into the
machine and the breath sample went through
the solution to determine the blood alcohol
content (BAC). A defense attorney later came
On August 18 at approximately 8:06
stopped in the fast lane with its emergen-
up with the idea of retesting the ampoule for
p.m., troopers from The Dalles Area Com-
cy lights activated, preventing traffic from
correctness of BAC. So, we were required to
mand were at the scene of a crash that had
hitting the large pieces of concrete in the
save the ampoule and enter it into evidence,
occurred on I-84 near milepost 78.5 east-
roadway. McMillen struck the rear of the
contained in a piece of aluminum foil. As a
bound (just west of The Dalles).
patrol car at approximately 65 mph, causing
high-roller for DUIIs, I never had one retested,
This noninjury crash resulted in the west-
significant damage to both vehicles. McMil-
but I did make a couple of tampering with
bound fast lane becoming blocked after two
len was using his safety restraints and was
evidence cases when the drunk broke the am-
sections of the concrete center divider were
transported to a local hospital for evaluation
poule on purpose.
pushed into that lane. Additionally, both the
for minor injuries. He indicated he was not
eastbound fast lane and a portion of the
paying attention to the road ahead of him
“Morale clause”:
eastbound slow lane were blocked by ve-
because he was looking at the crash scene.
forbidden to cohabitate with their girl/boy
hicles and debris. Traffic was being directed
McMillen was issued citations for careless
friends if they were not married. Also, it was
through the crash scene in both directions
driving and failing to maintain a safe dis-
against department policy to date another
by troopers and emergency vehicles. During
tance from an emergency vehicle.
trooper. If troopers were dating, it was a big
this investigation, a westbound 1990 Nissan
secret, and if it became known, then someone
Sentra operated by Dustin McMillen, 31, of
the scene by the Wasco County Sheriff's Of-
Bingen, WA was operating in the fast lane
fice, Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, and the
approaching the lane closure at the crash
Oregon Department of Transportation.
The Oregon State Police was assisted at
Troopers were formerly
was getting transferred.
Bubble Gum Overhead Light: My first patrol
scene.
car had one light with two rotating lenses,
An OSP 2015 Dodge Charger was
one red and one blue. It was hard to operate. The switch was either On or Off. No front
A note from the Editor
Dawn Plechl
I was honored to talk to the troops at Baker City
in the spring and to share a little bit about those fine
people and their worksite here in the September
Trooper News.
Thanks to Baker City Worksite, Senior Trooper Walt
Anderson, and Detective Cari Boyd for their time and
effort in contributing to this issue.
Next month is October. Do any of you have Halloween-themed stories or pictures you’d like to contribute?
Enjoy the change in seasons. I think it will be welcomed by most of us.
lights, back lights, side lights, amber, arrows or
alternating lights, just On and Off.
Dan Beugli was hired as a cadet in 1977 and was
in the February 1978 recruit class. He retired in
2011. Any suggestions, questions, comments or
critiques are welcome. He can be reached at personal email: [email protected].
The Trooper News Wants
to Publish Your Articles,
Letters, and Photos
Advertise in the
Trooper News
If your business is interested in ad-
vertising in the Trooper News, please
contact Amy Lindseth at the OSPOA
OREGON STATE POLICE
OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION
3905 River Road N, Suite B
Keizer, OR 97303-4890
offices at 503-393-6535 or amy@
ospoa.com. Electronic versions of
the TN are emailed to all OSP troopers and to many retired troopers and
their families. An online version of the
newsletter appears each month on
the OSPOA website at http://www.
ospoa.com/publications.
This newspaper is your means of com-
municating with other OSPOA members
statewide.
Articles, letters, and photo-
graphs that are appropriate are accepted
from members and nonmembers alike. It
is desired that articles be limited to approximately 500 words except by agreement with the editor. You can also contact
the editor about developing an idea you
might have that you would prefer assistance in writing.
An honorarium is offered after publica-
tion.
Submit items to:
Editor, Trooper News
[email protected]
503-881-0283
Contact OSPOA
President
Darrin Phillips
[email protected]
Vice President
Mike Iwai
[email protected]
Office Manager
Amy Lindseth
[email protected]
Treasurer
Dessa DeForest
[email protected]
Secretary
Peter Arnautov
[email protected]
Region 1 Rep
Tom Hatch
[email protected]
Region 2 Rep
Ray Stallsworth
[email protected]
Region 3 Rep
Robert Gorman
[email protected]
Region 4 Rep
Tim Thomas
[email protected]
Region 5 Rep
Dennis Yaws
[email protected]
Sergeants’ Rep
Sterling Hall
hall@ospoa
Devon Sommer
[email protected]
Non-Sworn Rep