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OSPOA MONTHLY TROOPER NEWS OCTOBER 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
La Grande Area Command Welcomes with History
La Grande Area Command’s lobby display of historic OSP memorabilia.
by Dawn Plechl
When visitors enter the La Grande Area
ogy for police work, as well as a team that en-
police.
joy their calling.
stories about policing in the old days.
Trooper brothers Sergeant Jason Stone of
The family men told the boys many wild
Command lobby, they are met with a display
La Grande and recently retired senior trooper
of historic OSP memorabilia that is unique to
Jed Stone come from a law enforcement fam-
ging camp days when the loggers were
the La Grande office. A mannequin is outfit-
ily.
rowdy,” says Jed. “The town was full of bars,
ted in full uniform. Perched on one of the
“I used to ride in a patrol car with my dad
churches, [brothels], and mills. Fistfighting
original work desks, there is a cap from the
when I was four or five years old,” recalls Jed.
was just part of the job; there were even riots
1930s, an old-style riot helmet, and an orig-
“Our dad was a trooper. All their uncles were
at dances.”
inal-issue OSP yellow rain coat. An antique
cops. Our Uncle Ed talked our father into join-
Interestingly, Jed ended up arresting
fingerprinting kit is open for view featuring
ing the force.”
some of the same guys his dad did, which
the brushes and powders that were once the
even the criminals sometimes found amus-
tools of field fingerprinting. Despite this view
by talking his brother Jason, who had been
ing.
into the past, the La Grande Area Command
working as a pharmacy journeyman, into
is full of contemporary energy and technol-
leaving that profession and joining the state
counters, “but you can’t let your guard down.”
Jed even continued his uncle’s tradition
“Our dad worked in Coquille in the log-
“You can be friendly,” says Jed of the en-
See LA GRANDE Page 2
PAGE 2
OCTOBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
President’s Post
senior Trooper Darrin Phillips
In the wake of last week’s senseless
them a text. Just let them know that you
as we are in this situation.
shooting in Roseburg, everything else we
are thinking of them and want to help.
have been working on seems insignificant.
On another note, we have a ratified con-
around purchasing our building for the
As always, when my phone starts ringing
tract and should have a signed contract this
new office. We are currently housed with
and the caller ID comes up as an executive
week. As usual, we have had some bumps
our brothers from corrections at AOCE.
level manager, or two, I know it will be a
and bruises along the way. After ratifying
They have been fabulous, and just being in
long day.
the contract, we were informed by DAS that
the same building with another bargaining
I first want to commend all of the police
any incentives must be reported to the leg-
unit that is roughly the same size as us and
officers who responded to the unimagi-
islature before they can be implemented.
that coincidentally fights the same fights
nable. As you can imagine, inevitably those
That means that our additional holiday pay,
with the State opens my eyes to how the
responding had connections to people at
SWAT incentive, and longevity pay for our
State tries to divide and conquer us. To-
the college that day. Put yourself in their
most senior troopers will be delayed until
gether, I believe we will be stronger, and I
shoes, knowing what they were walking
mid-November.
hope this will prove to be a long-term rela-
into but not knowing if one of their loved
tionship for both bargaining units.
ones would be a victim. However, as al-
lature who would listen, it is apparent that
ways, the responders acted professionally
there is nothing I can do to expedite this
remind everyone to stay in touch with their
and with great bravery.
process. The silver lining is that DAS has
families and friends. These times can hold
I chose to delay my response to Rose-
agreed to pay our incentives retroactively
great joy but can also be extremely stress-
burg knowing that it would be a media zoo
to the ratification date. I know that the de-
ful and trying. As a friend, family member,
and everyone would be throwing every re-
partment is trying to get the accounting
or coworker, we owe it to each other to be
source to help. My conscious decision was
done by December 1, but we may not see
observant, and if someone in your life is
to be there when the resources started to
the change until January 1.
struggling, take time to reach out to them
dwindle. In these situations, after a week or
We did look at filing litigation on the
and offer what help you can. You don’t
two, troops have to return to work. It is in
subject, but the fact that we are going to
have to be a professional, just a friend who
this time between the incident and normal
get the money eventually would under-
wants to help.
life taking over that we need to remember
cut any paperwork that we could file. If it
to help and support our people.
means anything, the department’s bargain-
er.
If you have not reached out to friends
ing team had no idea that this delay would
and coworkers yet, please take this time to
occur, and I believe that they did every-
send an email, make a phone call, or send
thing that they could but were as helpless
After talking to everyone at the legis-
Finally, we continue to develop a plan
As we move into the holidays, I want to
Until next month, take care of each oth-
Darrin
LA GRANDE, Continued from Page 1
The brothers grew up in Enterprise, and
pant drug use, and high crime rates gener-
pick up the body.”
their father was the chief of police in Enter-
ally. The Beaver Creek Correctional Facility
prise for 20 years.
had a special treatment program for sex of-
the citizens tend to be armed.
Before joining the OSP, Sergeant Jason
fenders that meant there was a higher than
Stone wrestled, boxed, studied Spanish, and
average number of sex offenders ending up
“Criminals are taking their lives in their hands
pursued pharmacy, but he found that all of
in the community at that time as well. Stone
out here.”
these experiences help in his current law en-
and his wife decided it was time to get their
forcement career. The pharmacy background
kids to a healthier community, so they ended
Command, according to Sergeant Stone, is an
is particularly helpful in regard to drug issues,
up in the east.
OSP drug team. Right now, they are stretched
and he is sometimes called on to testify be-
thin with one full-time drug officer.
cause of this expertise.
like the Old West,” says Stone. “Disputes over
cattle--a guy was shot off his horse.”
“We rely heavily on other agencies and they
Coos Bay, an area with high unemployment,
rely on us.”
high rates of spousal and child abuse, ram-
comes back, you can just come out here and
Sergeant Stone spent his early career in
“In La Grande, the crimes can be a little
Once a citizen told Stone, “If [the criminal]
As in other more rural and remote areas,
“Automatics are on the dash,” says Stone.
What is needed at the La Grande Area
“You have to cover each other,” says Stone.
Most of the police work in the area inSee LA GRANDE Page 3
PAGE 3
OCTOBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
LA GRANDE, Continued from Page 2
volves DUIIs, reckless driving, and sex abuse
adequate
cases. However, community members are
age
very supportive of the police and are not
good-sized freez-
reluctant to testify, as they can be in more
er for perishable
urban communities. Citizens don’t tend to
evidence
mind serving on juries or grand juries either.
as the carcasses
Stone views the character of many of the La
of poached ani-
Grande residents as a result of pioneer times.
mals and drug
“Individuals are self-sufficient, friendly,
evidence
polite, forthright, and want to be left alone,”
psilocybin mush-
says Stone.
rooms.
Previously,
To help in serving this community, in Feb-
stor-
room
and
such
like
ruary 2014, the La Grande Area Command
troopers had to
relocated to its current, contemporary loca-
do paperwork together
tion. The building was supposed to be 5,000
at one big table. The table
square feet but it is 11,000 square feet. OSP
was multipurpose; troopers used it to work
agreed to a longer lease (twice as long) in ex-
at, eat lunch at, etc.
change for the extra square footage.
and water before eating,” recalls Stone.
Many aspects of the current office make it
Old-school fingerprinting kit on display in the lobby of the
La Grande Area Command.
“[The table} had to be washed with bleach
work friendly. It is an energy-efficient build-
ing with automatic lights in all the rooms. In
which to work and a fully equipped lunch
the old office, the break room and conference
room designated for eating and taking
rooms were together and were packed to the
breaks.
ceiling with storage boxes. La Grande troops
used to have to meet in the basement of the
Command is clean and stark. It is wired for
sheriff’s office and needed to schedule that
audio and video.
time in advance.
dio of all interviews [and interrogations], but
“Having our own conference room really
Now troopers have their own cubicles in
The interview room in the La Grande Area
“It is good practice to have video or au-
enhances our workplace,” says Stone.
it’s required for Mea-
The office also used to have to rent a stor-
sure 11 crimes,” says
age unit behind an apartment complex for
Stone. Questioning
their overflow and to contain an evidence
before an actual ar-
freezer. Now the office has a large and very
rest is referred to as
Sharon Garritson, evidence technician.
an “interview;” and questioning after an arrest is called an “interrogation.” The detailed
questioning provides valuable information
for cases.
There is also a Livescan electronic finger-
printing machine nearby, connected to the
integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), the national system used
by police departments and United States federal agencies such as the CIA and the FBI. This
system is essential to accurate identification,
as many suspects try to pass themselves off
as other people. Sometimes a suspect looks
OSP brothers, recently retired Senior Trooper
Jed Stone and Sergeant Jason Stone
See LA GRANDE, Page 6
PAGE 4
OCTOBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
VICE PRESIDENT’S POST
Mike Iwai
In late September, I attended a training
for the most part, will not affirm a ruling for
petitioners’ (officers) conduct was justified
seminar titled “Fitness for Duty.” The fol-
termination on the basis of being placed on
under New Hampshire law and no crimi-
lowing three prominent speakers from the
a “Brady list” without clear proof of an offi-
nal charges were warranted. Subsequent
Portland area discussed topics related to law
cer’s underlying dishonesty. What does this
to these findings, the chief wrote a letter
enforcement: Will Aitchison (labor attorney),
mean? Employers need to prove the under-
to the county district attorney requesting
Dr. David Corey (psychologist), and Dr. Su-
lying act of dishonesty before terminating
the removal of the three officers from their
zanne Best (psychologist). Although most of
an employee.
equivalent “Brady list”—the county district
the day was spent on health, sick leave, and
Regarding Brady, employed officers
attorney declined.
fitness issues, there was an interesting topi-
have been unsuccessful in filing suit against
The officers filed a lawsuit in Superior
cal discussion led by Will Aitchison regarding
the district attorney’s office until recently.
Court against the county district attorney,
the “Brady Rule.”
In Duchesne v. Hillsborough County (New
which included the following: (1) A declara-
Essentially, in Brady v. Maryland (1963),
Hampshire), three off-duty officers were in-
tory judgment that the county attorney
the court recognized that a prosecutor has
volved in a bar brawl. As expected, a criminal
violated RSA 105:13-b (2013) by refusing
to release exculpatory evidence to the de-
and internal investigation was conducted.
to remove their names from the equivalent
fendant to ensure his or her right to a fair
Following the investigation, the police chief
“Brady list”; (2) An injunction to prohibit the
trial (due process). Moreover, in Giglio v.
found the three officers in violation of sev-
county attorney from designating the inci-
United States (1972), the Supreme Court
eral departmental policies and excessive use
dent as an equivalent “Brady issue”; and (3)
extended the obligation to include informa-
of force. The chief then notified the county
A writ of mandamus to compel the county
tion concerning the credibility of govern-
district attorney, who put the three officers
attorney to remove their names from the
ment witnesses. There were two other signif-
on an equivalent “Brady list.” The three of-
equivalent “Brady list.”
icant federal cases that further support the
ficers filed a grievance and the arbitrator
The trial court denied the officers’ re-
prosecution’s burden to disclose material
found that the city of Manchester lacked
quests, but the Supreme Court of New
evidence regarding government witnesses
“just cause” to take disciplinary action. Ad-
Hampshire reversed and remanded the trial
(Agurs and Bagley).
ditionally, the officers were compensated for
court’s decision—the county attorney was
In Oregon, the decision for an officer to
lost earnings and the information regarding
ordered to take the officers’ names off the
be placed on a “Brady list” ultimately rests
the incident was removed from their person-
equivalent “Brady list.”
with the area district attorney, and there
nel files.
lacks an appeal process. Therefore, it is es-
sential that employers be mindful with find-
ney general of New Hampshire conducted
ings they make during internal investiga-
an independent investigation of the inci-
tions due to Brady implications. Arbitrators,
dent. The final report concluded that the
As this process was transpiring, the attor-
Be well,
Mike
DMV Contact Number Changes for Call Security
Please note that there is a new contact telephone number for any officer or staff member needing to contact DMV for any reason.
This new telephone number will ensure that the caller is not talking with an inmate at either one of the DMV call centers. The new telephone number is 503-945-5229 and went into effect on October 7.
If you have any questions, please contact Karon Stanek.
503-945-5358 (OSCI)
503-945-5434 (CCCF)
PAGE 5
OCTOBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Finger Boiling: An Unexpected but Important Forensic Technique
By Kathy Egli
Latent Print Examiner
OSP Portland Forensic Laboratory
In my almost-40-year career in law enforcement, 20 of those years with OSP, I have
worked in the forensic aspect of law enforcement.
For at least 35 years, I have been ob-
been found floating in the rivers or Pacific
was for, they explained it was a process that
Ocean, these remains usually do not have any
had derived from a plane crash disaster in
identification on them, and even when they
which the victims were found in a body of wa-
do, we must verify their identity to be certain
ter. For some reason, someone at that incident
it is accurate.
decided to try boiling the fingers. The heat
When a body is partially or fully submerged
and steam caused the friction ridges and the
in water, whether it is fresh water or ocean wa-
minutiae to plump up and become visible-
ter, a toll is taken on the ability
-and suitable for recording, imaging, and, ul-
taining prints from deceased subjects for
timately, identification.
identification and/or criminal investigation. I
have served on three different disaster teams,
Well, I was amazed and shocked, of course,
but very interested! I had struggled for years
one of which was the Rocky Mountain Disas-
to obtain prints from the immersed bodies
ter Team of the International Association of
without success. I served a second tour of duty
Identification, where I assisted in the identifi-
at Katrina, where I was able to learn and prac-
cation of victims from a plane crash and two
tice this technique for 12 hours a day for the
head-on train crashes. I now serve on the
next two weeks. I was amazed by how well the
Northwest Regional Response Team that is
fingerprints turned out; the friction ridge de-
headed up by Dr. Gunson, the Oregon State
tail and minutiae were clear and legible every
Medical Examiner, and a federal disaster team
single time.
known as DMORT (Disaster Mortuary Orga-
nized Response Team).
When I got back to the OSP, I sought and
received approval to utilize this new method. I
When working with the deceased as
found that just as it had worked in Louisiana, it
part of a disaster team or in regular work situ-
Above: Simple teapot in the OSP lab used for this
forensic technique.
ations, most of the deceased do not present
a challenge to obtaining their fingerprints.
worked in Oregon too!
This is currently one of the processes that is
utilized to obtain fingerprints from immersed
to obtain legible friction ridge detail, which is
decomposed subjects within the OSP Forensic
what fingerprints are composed of. This prob-
Laboratories.
lem is compounded as the amount of time
that the body has been immersed increases.
Exposure to water flattens out the friction
ridge skin, which is usually three-dimensional,
and the phenomenon is exacerbated by decomposition taking place. When the friction
ridges are flattened, this also inhibits the ability to see the minutiae of the friction ridges
that are utilized not only for entry into the
Automated Biometric Identification System
(ABIS), but also in the identification process itself. The fingerprint powders and ridge builders, and even injecting the fingers, do not proAbove: Finger as it appeared due to
water submersion.
However, conventional means of obtaining
fingerprints fail when obtaining fingerprints
from immersed decomposed bodies. When
we encounter deceased subjects that have appeared on the beaches or river banks, or have
duce legible friction ridge detail. The solution
to this problem is a little unexpected.
While serving on DMORT following Hur-
ricane Katrina, I observed the FBI utilizing a
tea pot with boiling water. At first I thought,
“What are they doing? They can’t have tea in
here.” When I asked what the boiling water
Above: Finger as it appeared after the forensic
boiling technique.
PAGE 6
OCTOBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Tactical Emergency Casualty Course Prepares Officers for Tough Situations
On September 4, troopers benefitted from a Tacti-
cal Emergency Casualty Course (TECC) taught by Senior
Trooper Gavin McIlvenna of The Dalles Patrol Office and
the other OSP special operations trauma medics.
McIlvenna has a background as an EMR instructor,
SWAT Medic Team Leader, and trainer in the military,
sharing the high qualifications these medics require. The troopers pictured here are practicing evaluating
a downed officer, providing immediate medical aid, and
moving the wounded officer to cover.
LA GRANDE, Continued from Page 3
very similar to the person they are pretend-
ments, including a crash-proof wall on the
ing to be, and the AFIS reveals the true iden-
front of the building that has bulletproof
Stone. Sex offenders also come to the office
tity of these individuals.
glass on the service window and steel rein-
to register, so the precautions keep the office
The building features other improve-
forcement throughout.
more secure.
“Angry people do show up,” says Sergeant
Left: Jolyn Scott keeps the office running smoothly.
Above: Detective Greg Rutherford.
See LA GRANDE, Page 11
PAGE 7
OCTOBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
AAST: Recruit Troopers Eligible for One Year Free Membership
by Senior Trooper Jason Bledsoe
AAST Oregon State Director
membership comes with the same benefits
personally affected by them and suffered an
that are extended to existing members. After
extreme property loss. Following this, AAST
503-957-0603 (cell)
the first year, the recruits are given the oppor-
stepped in with an immediate brotherhood
tunity to continue their membership by pay-
assistance check for the three of them, and
ing the regular dues of $35 a year or to simply
also organized a nationwide brotherhood
decline and end their membership.
assistance process that pulled in donations
This program has been in effect for a
from troopers all across the country, for our
number of months and, already, the nation-
guys here in Oregon.
wide membership is seeing large gains. This
helps existing members in a number of ways.
welcome our new recruits to the association.
It helps spread the word to nonmembers of
Many are just landing at their patrol offices
the great benefits offered by AAST, such as
after graduating at the beginning of October.
For those AAST members out there, please
the dependent scholarship program. Also, in
If you are a new recruit or a tenured member
An exciting change is underway for the
times of need the reach of the association’s
of the department who has not joined AAST,
American Association of State Troopers
brotherhood assistance abilities spread that
and you would like more information, please
membership! In the last year, the AAST board
much further. For example, we all know of the
contact me at [email protected] or
of directors voted to extend a complimen-
devastating wildfires that swept Oregon over
give me a call at 503-957-0603.
tary membership to new graduates of state
the summer. Most of us know, too, that two
police academies across the country. The
of our troopers and a retired member were
Oregon State Police to Graduate 44 Recruit Troopers from Academy
On October 2, 44 of the newest OSP re-
Central Point Area Command - 1 Patrol
Tillamook Worksite - 1 Fish & Wildlife
cruit troopers graduated from the OSP Acad-
Coos Bay Area Command - 4 Patrol
Welcome, new recruits!
emy at the Oregon Public Safety Academy
Gold Beach Worksite - 2 Patrol
(OPSA) in Salem.
Grants Pass Area Command -
The day represents the culmination of 26
4 Patrol
weeks of intensive police training undertaken
Hermiston Worksite - 1 Patrol
by the recruits and is the basis on which they
Klamath Falls Area Command -
will begin their law enforcement careers.
On February 14, all 44 recruits began
an intensive four-week pre-academy train-
6 Patrol
La Grande Area Command 1 Patrol
ing before earning their OSP badge. All but
Lakeview Worksite - 1 Patrol
twelve of these recruits had lateraled to the
Newport Area Command - 1 Fish &
department from other agencies. The re-
Wildlife
cruits attended the Department of Public
North Plains Worksite - 1 Patrol
Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Acad-
Oakridge Worksite - 1 Patrol
emy at OPSA as a part of Basic Police Class
Ontario Area Command - 2 Patrol
350 (BP350), earning top honors from DPSST
Pendleton Patrol - 1 Patrol
throughout. After completing the Basic Po-
Portland Area Command - 5 Patrol
lice Academy, all 44 recruits returned for the
Salem Area Command - 5 Patrol
six-week OSP Post-Academy.
Springfield Area Command -
The recruits will be assigned to the state
3 Patrol
in the following divisions and geographic lo-
St. Helens Worksite - 1 Patrol
cations:
The Dalles Area Command - 3 Patrol
Left to right: Trooper Charles Rohlf and
Recruit Desarae Damschen just prior
to graduation, and Senior Trooper Walt
Anderson, all assigned to La Grande Area
Command Patrol Office.
PAGE 8
OCTOBER 2015
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSP Sergeant and OSPOA Vice President Mike Iwai Nationally
Recognized For Impaired Driving Enforcement Efforts
Our own OSPOA Vice Presi-
grants, which were the DRE Over-
dent, Sergeant Mike Iwai, was re-
time and DRE Training.
cently recognized nationally for his
Sergeant Iwai was chairman of
dedication and expertise as a drug
the Oregon DRE Advisory Commit-
recognition expert (DRE). A DRE of-
tee and the chairman of the Inter-
ficer is specially trained to identify
national Association of Chiefs of
people whose driving is impaired
Police (IACP) DRE Section. For the
by drugs other than, or in addition
IACP DRE Section, he had previ-
to, alcohol.
ously held the third, second, and
Sergeant Iwai received the Out-
first vice-chair positions. He is also
standing Hero--Individual award
an appointed member to the IACP
at the National Mothers Against
Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) and
Drunk Driving (MADD) 35th An-
serves on the curriculum subcomLeft to right: MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church
mittee.
and Oregon State Police Sergeant Mike Iwai.
ginia.
Sergeant Iwai has been with the OreRoadside Impairment Driving Enforcement
From 2008 to 2014, Sergeant Iwai was the
gon State Police for over 18 years and served
(ARIDE), Drugs that Impair Driving (DID), and
Oregon Drug Evaluation and Classification
seven years in the US Army. In 2014, he transDrug Impairment Training for Educational
(DECP) Program coordinator. Over that periferred to the patrol division. The current
Professionals (DITEP).
od, he managed a DRE Program that had over
DECP coordinator is Sergeant Evan Sether.
Furthermore, Sergeant Iwai was assigned
180 DREs statewide, which included 36 DRE
Congratulations, Vice President Iwai!
as the agency standardized field sobriety
instructors. In addition, he was responsible
testing coordinator for several years and
for other programs that fall under the conmanaged two DRE-related highway safety
trol of the Oregon DECP, such as Advanced
niversary Conference in Arlington, Vir-
Oregon State Police Detective and US Army Major Swears in a
Fellow Double-Duty Serviceman’s Son
Detective Blain Allen, of the Arson/Explosives
Section out of Central Point, shared this picture
of Major Brett Keller of the US Army, who is also
a detective with the OSP in the Arson/Explosives
Section in Central Point, swearing in Sergeant
Chad Melahn for another six years of service in
the US Army. Sergeant Melahn is the son of Master Sergeant Kirk Melahn of the US Army, who is
also a senior trooper with the OSP out of Grants
Pass. The swearing in took place in September.
PAGE 9
OCTOBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Information from Douglas County Press Conference Regarding
Umpqua Community College Shooting
The following information comes from an
Oregon State Police news release dated October 7, 2015.
Narrative via District Attorney Rick
Wesenberg:
I have reviewed the facts of the case. I
have determined the deadly physical force
used by the officers against the shooter was
justified. I would like to provide the following
details pertaining to the investigation:
At 10:38 a.m., Douglas County Emergency
Communication received the first 911 call
that an active shooter was at Umpqua Community College. According to witness statements and 911 calls, the shooter had entered
the classroom moments before and began
shooting students. Detective Sergeant Joe
Kaney and Detective Todd Spingath from
Roseburg Police Department heard the dispatched call and responded from approximately five miles away. Two troopers from
the Roseburg OSP office also responded,
and all four officers arrived on the campus at
10:44 a.m. Upon the arrival of the police officers, they heard a volley of shots. The police
officers witnessed the shooter in the doorway.
Sergeant Kaney and Detective Spingath
were in plain clothes; they were not wearing
their bulletproof vests as they exited their
vehicle. The police officers ran toward the
sound of gunfire and attempted to gain a
better vantage point of the shooter. Sergeant
Kaney and Detective Spingath knew there
were at least 35 students in one of the classrooms and knew if they shot, they risked the
chance of shooting innocent people.
Sergeant Kaney and Detective Spingath
observed the shooter in the door frame of
the entrance to Snyder Hall and they witnessed the muzzle flash. The shooter shot
several round toward Sergeant Kaney and
Detective Spingath. Seconds later, both Sergeant Kaney and Detective Spingath felt they
had a good target. They fired a total of three
rounds at the shooter. Two rounds went into
Medal of Valor for the same 2005 shooting.
the entrance wall of Snyder Hall near where
I am very proud of how Sergeant Joe
the shooter was standing, and one round
Kaney and Detective Todd Spingath, as well
struck the shooter on the right side. Once the
as all public safety organizations, responded
shooter was wounded, he entered the class-
and conducted themselves during this or-
room again, went to the front of the class-
deal. I, like many other people in this com-
room, and shot and killed himself.
munity, consider them to be heroes--they
I want everyone to know the selfless acts
knew that they could be injured or killed dur-
these officers made in responding to the
ing this confrontation as they ran toward the
scene. The officers had little regard for their
sound of gunfire.
personal safety and saved many people that
day with their heroic acts. Sergeant Kaney
tell you they do not want to heralded as he-
and Detective Spingath used their training
roes - they feel they are only first responders
and discipline to determine the best time
who got there first and did a job they were
to take a shot at the shooter, and once the
trained and entrusted to do.
suspect engaged the police officers he did
Finally, Sergeant Kaney and Detective
not shoot another student. These men saved
Spingath ask that the focus of your attention
lives this day.
be on the victims and families of this tragedy
I have spoken with both officers and I can
- not on them. They ask for privacy and the
Narrative via Roseburg Police Chief
opportunity to settle back into their routine
Jim Burge:
of providing public safety service to this com-
munity.
Before I share profile information about
Sergeant Kaney and Detective Spingath, I
would like to express my gratitude to all the
The following individuals were victims of
public safety personnel who responded to
the UCC shooting:
the shooting at UCC. Without the response
of the dedicated first responders, the mag-
* Lucero Alcaraz of Roseburg -
nitude of this event would have been multiplied. As police officers we know that we
19 years old
* Quinn Glen Cooper of Roseburg -
could be required to put our lives on the line
at any time to help protect those in need. The
18 years old
* Kim Saltmarsh Dietz of Roseburg -
shooting at UCC showed what amazing character your police officers have and how they
59 years old
* Lucas Eibel of Roseburg -
are willing to risk their lives for our community.
18 years old
* Jason Dale Johnson of Winston -
Detective Sergeant Joe Kaney is a former
Marine and has been employed with the
33 years old
* Lawrence Levine of Glide -
Roseburg Police Department for 23 years.
67 years old
Sergeant Kaney has received a Medal of Hon-
or and Purple Heart, for a previous shooting
* Sarena Dawn Moore of Myrtle Creek -
where he was shot in 2005, from the Oregon
Peace Officer Association.
Detective Todd Spingath is a United States
Air Force veteran and has been employed
with the Roseburg Police Department for 16
years. Detective Spingath is a recipient of the
Mr. Levine is the teacher.
44 years old
* Treven Taylor Anspach of Sutherlin 20 years old
* Rebecka Ann Carnes of Myrtle Creek 18 years old
PAGE 10
OCTOBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Trooper Events and Announcements
Reassignments
Detective Brendan Quirke, Criminal,
Drug Enforcement, Grants Pass,
to Criminal/Major Crimes, Central Point
Trooper Eve Thornton, Patrol, Central
Point, to Criminal/Major Crimes,
Central Point
Sergeant Tyler Lee, Patrol, Grants Pass,
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.
to Lieutenant, Patrol, Coos Bay
Crimes, Salem
Trooper Kristina Manley, Patrol,
Capitol Mall, to Detective, Criminal,
Major Crimes, Salem
Detective Sarah Kelly, Lottery, Salem,
to Criminal, Major Crimes, Salem
Lieutenant Vonn Schleicher, Patrol,
Albany, to Patrol, Springfield
Danelle Hiebenthal, Office Specialist 2,
CJIS, to Public Service Rep 4, CJIS
Former OSP Fish & Wildlife Trooper
Allen Jacobs died on September 18 after a
long battle with cancer. He was 90 years old
and had retired in 1979.
A memorial service was held on Septem-
ber 26 at the Parkside Mobile Home Park in
Eugene.
For additional information or condolences, contact Allen’s daughter, Caroline
Senior Trooper Ted Moisan, Patrol,
Portland, to Detective, Criminal, Major
Allen F. Jacobs
Passed Away September 18
Upcoming Events
New Hires
Brian McDonald, ISS4, IT Section
Mary Beth Allen, Human Resource
Analyst 3, Human Resources
Jennifer Albrecht, Office Specialist 2,
The Dalles
Alyssa Thompson, Telecommunicator 2,
NCC
Strano, at 541-844-5731.
Astoria Office
Has a New Location
Please note: The Astoria Patrol Office
is moving to 2320 S.E. Dolphin Av-
Promotion
Senior Trooper Levi Harris, Fish &
Wildlife, Coos Bay, to Sergeant, Fish
& Wildlife, Coos Bay
enue in Warrenton.
Save the Date 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
PAGE 11
OCTOBER 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Dan Beugli’s
Do You Remember?
LA GRANDE, Continued from Page 6
“We used to be near the DMV,” says Sergeant Stone with a smile. “Disgruntled people
were regularly coming to OSP to complain about the DMV and to confirm laws.”
With her desk the one visible through that bulletproof glass, Office Specialist Jolyn
DMV and Wants Checks: A while back,
Scott is the first person visitors from the community meet. She had no previous law
when you ran a 12-10 or 12-20, it would take
enforcement background but has found that she really enjoys being up close to police
about 10 minutes for the answer--every time,
work.
not just once in awhile. When the road troop
“[The team] has made me feel so welcome,” says Scott. “Everybody is so fun to work
ran the inquiry, the “desk man” would type the
with. I absolutely love my job. I enjoy making the paperwork piece work for [the troop-
information onto a ticker tape strip. Then the
ers].”
desk man would take it to the LEDS machine
“This is an absolutely fantastic office,” agrees Sergeant Stone about the positive
and run the tape through. The tape had small
work environment. “I can’t tell you the last time there was a grievance. Everyone is hard-
holes that the machine would read and con-
working. The people like each other and like what they do. It’s really a great office.”
vert into the inquiry response. The LEDS ma-
chine was usually in a different room from the
“Anything could happen [in the La Grande area],” adds Stone. “And I have troopers
who could handle it because [of the varied specializations of the troops].”
radio because it was so loud.
His philosophy is that if you trust your people to do their job, they will perform well.
“Give people support and what they need, then get out of their way,” says Stone
department first converted from the .357
Optional Weapon Choice: When the
revolver to the 9mm semi-automatic Glock,
with a smile.
troopers could purchase a Glock and carry it
before the department bought enough for
everyone. Also, until just recently, the Limited
Duration Employees (aka: retirees, geezers,
old-guys), had to carry the weapon they retired with. So firearms training included revolvers, 9mm, and .40 caliber shooters.
Rangemasters: In February 1979, a one-
week rangemaster training session was held
for 38 members. Prior to this time, the FBI
conducted the firearms training for all of OSP.
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 [email protected].
La Grande Area Command.
A note from the Editor
Dawn Plechl
This month has been a painful one for Or-
Walt Anderson, and Detective Blain Allen for
egon with the terrible losses in Roseburg. Our
contributing pictures to this issue. Thanks is due
thoughts and prayers are with the community
as well to forensic scientist Kathy Egli for her
there and with everyone who has been im-
fascinating contribution related to obtaining
pacted by this tragic crime. Thankfully, we have
fingerprints.
trained professionals ready and willing to enter
Happy Halloween to all OSPOA members
such dangerous situations, risking their own
and families. May you have treats and no tricks
lives in order to end violent confrontations.
this fall!
Thanks to the La Grande Area Command for
their hospitality in the spring. Thanks also to Senior Trooper Gavin McIlvenna, Senior Trooper
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
Bryan Fitch
[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