trooper news - Oregon State Police Officers Association

OSPOA MONTHLY TROOPER NEWS
JANUARY 2013
WWW.OSPOA.COM
Official Publication of the Oregon State Police Officers’ Association
Trooper News
News, Information, Features, Opinions, and Letters Related to Law Enforcement
Dedication and Perseverance: Senior Trooper Greg Walker
of the Oregon State Police
By Dawn Plechl
For Senior Trooper Greg Walker, becoming
a state police trooper was a natural choice.
Law enforcement runs in the Walker family,
and as a child he’d always admired the men in
his family who served, wanting to be just like
them. Two of Walker’s uncles served in the
Idaho State Police, one uncle works the Idaho
Dignitary Protection Unit (DPU) for the governor and other state dignitaries, and another
uncle is a Coos County deputy. Several of the
men of Walker’s generation in the family have
pursued careers in law enforcement. Walker’s
older brother works as an Idaho sheriff, and
they also have a cousin who is a trooper in
Twin Falls, Idaho.
Law enforcement has always been Walk-
er’s goal, but two weeks after graduating high
school, Walker joined the Navy. This was also
a family tradition--military service before entering the police force. He served four years,
spending two years on the USS Iowa and
about nine months on the USS John F. Kennedy.
During his tour of duty, one of the most
impactful experiences of his life occurred.
On April 19, 1989, three days after his 19th
birthday, Walker was serving as a firefighter on
the USS Iowa during a training exercise near
Puerto Rico. Walker had only been in the service a short time and was doing mess work in
the Commanders’ row, getting ready for lunch,
when three guns were shot, one misfiring in
the turret and exploding. Walker rushed to
the turret and helped fight the fire. FortySenior Trooper Greg Walker of OSP, Ontario, and Thunder, his rookie canine partner.
See WALKER, Page 4
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JANUARY 2013
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OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
President’s Post
senior Trooper Darrin Phillips
It is after much thought I have de-
beings. We are not impervious to the
cided to comment on the tragic events of
pressures of life.
last weekend. I received a telephone call
from Superintendent Evans on January 5
done or really what happened that night.
around 11:30 p.m. Whenever my cellu-
What I would like to do is to make sure
lar phone rings late in the evening and I
that everyone in the department has op-
see the caller ID come up with one of the
tions and that we can convince them to
Majors’ or the Superintendent’s name,
reach out and utilize them.
my heart rate increases a bit. They never
seem to call me with good news at that
I found the office and the troops as I ex-
time of day.
pected. They were conducting business,
I was informed that Sergeant Scott
stopping cars, conducting investigations,
my wallet during our round. I will always
Punch had apparently died of a self-inflict-
and moving forward. Our detectives were
remember him as a man convicted in his
ed gunshot wound. I was not prepared
engaged in the investigation surrounding
beliefs and willing to take on the chal-
for that news. I debated driving to Gold
this horrible event, and Lieutenant Smart
lenge of the job. I will miss having him as
Beach that night and decided to wait until
was working through the paperwork
a brother and a state trooper.
the first of the week, after the fallout had
mess that inevitably follows.
settled some.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to
passed through Gold Beach in their ca-
Anyone who knows me, and has
your friends and colleagues that work in
reers, and it didn’t matter if you liked Scott
worked with me since I came to the Asso-
Gold Beach. You might think you are bur-
or not, he was committed to turning out
ciation, knows that this is one of my typi-
dening them by calling or emailing, but
good recruits and great troopers. Scott,
cal topics of discussion. The trend in law
your words might be what they need to
you will be missed. Please rest in peace
enforcement has steadily leaned toward
get through a tough time. We must recog-
and know that we will all help your family
suicide, but as an OSP trooper, most of us
nize and understand that events such as
in any way that we can.
feel that this trend has not touched us. I
this create lasting issues for all of us. Don’t
am here to say that since I took office as
hesitate to talk about the event and, just
er.
president of the Association, I know of
as importantly, don’t hesitate to listen.
three very close calls that could have eas-
I was fortunate enough to serve as
ily ended in tragedy the same as it did
camp staff at Scott Punch’s recruit school.
the first weekend of January 2013 in Gold
He promptly lured me onto the golf
Beach. We are police officers and human
course and took all of the money I had in
I don’t know what could have been
I traveled to Gold Beach on January 7.
I have spoken to many troopers who
Until next time, take care of each oth-
Darrin
Pension Protection Act of 2006: Federal Tax Deduction for Retired
Public Safety Officer Health Care Premiums
As of 2012, the Pension Protection Act of
ment of your health care premiums.
To be
gov/EBSA/pensionreform.html. If you down-
2006 was still in effect. Section 845 pertains
certain this law is still applicable, or if you have
load the act, Section 845 deals with public
to retired law enforcement officers and some
any questions, you should check with your tax
safety officers.
other retired public service positions. The im-
preparer.
portant section 845 allows for up to a $3000
deduction off your federal income tax for pay-
act, and technical explanation at www.dol.
You can also find the act, summary of the
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JANUARY 2013
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OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
OSP Saddened by Death of OSP Gold Beach Sergeant Scott Punch
In early January, Oregon State Police
Working in conjunction with the District
"We mourn his passing and search for
(OSP) Superintendent Richard Evans notified
Attorney's Office, the incident is being jointly
answers in wake of this tragic incident," said
department employees that an OSP sergeant
investigated by Gold Beach Police Depart-
Evans.
and longtime Gold Beach resident had died
ment and Curry County Sheriff's Office with
at his home.
the help of OSP and State Medical Examiner's
officers, troopers, dispatchers, and command
According to Curry County District Attor-
Evans thanks all of the law enforcement
Office. An autopsy confirmed the cause of
staff that contributed during the multi-agen-
ney Everett Dial, on January 5, 2013, at ap-
death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
cy-wide response following the reported
proximately 11:00 p.m., Curry County 9-1-1
The deceased person was identified as
incident. The Department's Critical Incident
received a phone call reporting a shooting at
Scott Punch, age 45, who has been employed
Response Team (CIRT) was deployed to the
a Gold Beach residence on 11th Street. Gold
with OSP for 19 years and was assigned for
area to provide support and help with noti-
Beach police responded and confirmed there
the duration of his career at the Gold Beach
fications during this difficult time.
was a body of a deceased man inside the resi-
work site. In 2004, Punch was promoted to
dence. The man's wife went to the home of a
Sergeant and served as the work site supervi-
lease regarding this tragedy unless approved
neighborhood friend, who reported the inci-
sor for six troopers. He is survived by his wife,
by District Attorney Dial.
dent.
teenage son, and daughter.
No other information is expected for re-
Family Increases Reward Offer to $2500 - OSP Asks Public's Help in Investigation After Rock Tossed From I-5 Overpass Near Rice Hill Injures Driver
Oregon State Police (OSP) is asking again
for the public's help to identify the person(s)
responsible for the late November rockthrowing incident off an Interstate 5 freeway overpass, south of Rice Hill, in Douglas
County, that injured two people. The families
of two University of Oregon students have
increased their reward offer from $1,000 to
up to $2,500 for information provided to OSP
that leads to an arrest and conviction in the
investigation.
According to OSP Lieutenant Doug Ladd,
on November 26, 2012, at 10:40 p.m., a 1997
Subaru Legacy station wagon driven by Molly Grabill, age 20, from Poway, California, was
northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost
146. As the vehicle approached the Isadore
Road overpass, which has cyclone fencing
erected to prevent objects from falling onto
the freeway, a rock described as larger than
a baseball came down from the overpass,
smashing through the driver's side windshield, and hit Grabill in the face.
The car's passenger, Chris Brewer, age 19,
from Vista, California, grabbed the steering
wheel to control the vehicle. He was unable
to keep it under control as the vehicle traveled onto the shoulder and rolled on the
freeway, coming to rest facing the opposite
direction.
or vehicles near the mentioned location
Grabill was transported by ambulance to
around the time of this incident is asked to
Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend in
call OSP Detective Tom Willis at (541) 440-
Springfield for treatment of facial injuries.
3334, or the OSP Southern Command Center
Brewer was also transported, and he was
dispatch at (541) 440-3333.
treated and released for injuries sustained
in the traffic crash. Grabill was also released
from the hospital two days after the incident.
Both are University of Oregon students
and members of the school's track and field
team.
Anyone with information about persons
PAGE 4
JANUARY 2013
WALKER, continued from Page 1
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
order to keep
his dream of
seven people were killed, and many were
law enforce-
seriously injured. After the fire was con-
ment alive.
tained, Walker helped with the gruesome
Coin-
cleanup, collecting small pieces of flesh and
cidentally,
even body parts of his fellow seamen. His-
the year af-
toric news coverage and video footage of the
ter
ship’s accident is available at http://abcnews.
uncle retired
go.com/Archives/video/uss-iowa-gun-turret-
from the OSP,
explosion-9862973.
Walker
Walker’s
ap-
“It was pretty traumatic,” he says. “It basi-
plied and was
cally set up the basis for my personality be-
hired on with
cause I handled it how we’d trained.” That
the
training served him well during that terrible
State
time and would be the model for handling
in January of
other difficult situations both personally and
1999. “I went
professionally--stay calm and do your job.
to the same office
my uncle retired from,” says Walker, “like the
“It’s what they expect out of you in this
Oregon
Police
Senior Trooper Walker and Thunder greet children at St. Peter Catholic School.
job,” he says, “that you’ll react as you’ve been
changing of the guard.”
trained.”
“I remember Sergeant Drum called me,”
Out of the Navy, Walker was hired at Boi-
Walker recounted. “He said, ’I was wonder-
se Cascade when he and his wife at the time
ing if you still want a job.’ I said, ‘Yes, sir, I do.’
were expecting their first child. His dream of
At that point I would have come to the Or-
working in law enforcement had to be put
egon State Police anywhere, even out on the
aside for a period, as he worked at the mill
ocean. But I ended up in Burns.”
full time in order to support his young fam-
ily. Several years into his tenure at the mill,
troopers to be a great introduction to the
Walker took on an 20-hour-per-week posi-
kinds of skills he would need throughout his
tion with the reserves in
Walker found the small office of only four
career. “With residents in the area, it was important to use your mouth instead of your
badge. Communication was really important.” In 2001, Walker transferred to the Ontario office where he is currently stationed.
For his entire career with the OSP (with
the exception of a brief temporary duty
with the Fish and Wildlife Division), Senior
Trooper Walker has been on patrol.
“Criminal interdiction is what I enjoy doing,” he explains. “I like getting guns, drugs,
stolen property. There’s a reward there, in
returning property, preventing injuries and
deaths through DUI arrests. The criminal
apprehension is it. I just like being a cop.”
When Walker was a kid, he loved cop
shows like “Starsky and Hutch” and “Baretta,”
especially the shootouts and brawls and excitement. However, once he became a police officer, he found that the job involved
Senior Trooper Greg Walker with his wife, Julie.
much more paperwork than was ever de-
picted on TV.
“It’s nothing like you thought it would be
when you’re a kid. You’re not Marshal Dillon,” he explained. “In fact, you’re more like
the psychologist and the disciplinarian. Also,
you have to be stern and fair. There’s more
real work involved in being a good cop than
a cop on TV.”
Walker always seeks to improve as a
trooper, to become a better, more effective
officer. After several years on patrol, Walker
began to feel like something was incomplete
and he realized that he could really take his
work to the next level if he joined the OSP
Drug Detection Canine program.
“I love working with animals, and I knew
I could be successful with the dogs,” he says.
“Using a drug dog is an augmentation of
what I already do, just like being a DRE (Drug
Recognition Expert).”
However, his goal of joining the canine
program was not destined to be achieved
without patience and persistence.
“Most
people wouldn’t be proud of this, but I interviewed four times for the canine team and
wasn’t picked until the fourth time,” Walker
says. “I’m determined. I knew that was where
I was supposed to be.”
Ontario wasn’t high on the list of loca-
tions for drug dogs to be placed, and since
See WALKER, Page 5
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OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
WALKER, continued from Page 4
Senior Trooper Walker preparing for a practice search.
ous challenges, including
have made it through the trek,” Walker says.
two life-threatening bouts
of cancer. In 2003, he en-
says. “ Being a cop has a lot of emotions con-
dured seven cycles of che-
nected to it for me. I want to be a success-
motherapy and was then
ful, productive police officer. I want to be the
given a clean bill of health.
guy who comes to work and does a great job.
However, in February 2010,
That’s my goal.”
he was diagnosed with a
reoccurrence of cancer in
Debban, as the inspiration for his approach
his rib cage near his aorta.
to life. Debban was a minor league baseball
Three ribs were cut six
coach in Payette, Idaho, and coached Har-
inches from his spine, and
mon Killebrew when Killebrew was in the
two of his vertebrae were
minors. Debban also served in the navy in
cut in half and replaced
World War II, losing three fingers of his right
“I would do this job for less money,” he
Walker points to his grandfather, Melvin
with medical cement and rods, as
hand, as well as his left hand and lower fore-
dogs are placed with officers and Trooper
part of his treatment. This grueling round of
arm, due to a life-saving amputation to stop
Walker wanted to stay close to his family
surgeries was preceded by several months
gangrene brought on by his injuries. He wore
roots in Ontario, he had to wait for Ontario
of chemo. By September, he had returned
a prosthetic hook after that.
to become the place where a dog would be
to the job, but during a round of preventive
“He was awesome,” Walker remembers.
placed by the OSP. Each time a position on
radiation, his intestines collapsed, requiring a
“He was my idol. He didn’t let his arm loss
the team opened up, Walker interviewed for
seven-day hospital stay.
hold him back. He taught me that no matter
Even after enduring all of this, Walker re-
it. He would not be deterred and he was will-
job he loves, and as soon as the
Walker. “That’s why I love patrol,” he explains.
doctor released him to work, he
“There’s always the opportunity for that one
returned to his full duties.
big thing to happen--apprehending a mur-
Walker’s four children are one
of the motivators that kept him
strong and positive and hopeful
during his surgeries, chemo, and
radiation.
“My oldest, Dana, is 20,
my son Christopher is 13, Lucia
is 5, and Vicky is 4. The young
ing to wait.
ones came after the doctor told
Walker’s four beautiful children.
me I could not have any more
In 2012, that waiting paid off and
kids after the first battle with cancer. Sur-
he was selected to join the canine team, and
prise!” he laughs. “I just couldn’t give up,” he
he was paired with a young dog, fresh out
adds on a serious note. ”I couldn’t let them
of training, a black lab named Thunder. The
know how bad I felt.”
trainers like to try to match dogs to their han-
dler’s personality. Thunder is a great match
inspiration to him as well. “She has done a
for Walker: happy-go-lucky, ready to go, high
lot in the relationship to keep the train roll-
energy, and eager to work.
ing when I was down and out. Unfortunately,
“It’s such a bond-builder to start from
life has to keep going for the kids and their
scratch with a dog,” Walker says. “It’s like rais-
lives.” Julie works for the Ontario Police De-
ing a young kid and seeing their baby steps.”
partment as a dispatcher, so she understands
This enjoyable, exciting time in Senior
his job very well.
Trooper Walker’s life comes after many seri-
what happens, you’ve gotta get out there!”
mained eager to return to the
Walker’s wife, Julie, was a great help and
“Without my family, I probably would not
Every day is an adventure on the job for
derer, a big drug seizure. It could be anything. I always look forward to tomorrow.”
PAGE 6
JANUARY 2013
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OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
A Message from the Vice President
Senior Trooper Mark Banks
Now that the Trooper News has been in
ticles for print. I think she has done a great
content of one of my articles. I encourage
print for several months, I’ve received some
job with those stories.
letters to the editor that contain concerns
positive and negative feedback about the
However, I don’t think the burden of fill-
or just information you would like to share
publication. The most common positive
ing the Trooper News with original stories
with the membership. I contacted the au-
thing I hear from our members is that they
or content should fall completely on the
thor of that letter and thanked him for the
and their spouses like having the publica-
editor. There has been a long-standing of-
contribution. He wanted to address some-
tion sent to their mailboxes. The other
fer to pay members to write stories, for the
thing that I wrote, and he did so without
thing I seem to get a lot of positive feed-
Trooper News. I’ve talked with Dawn about
making the complaint a personal attack. I
back on is the new format and look of the
having members send in stories and she
think you’ll find that Darrin and I both are
Trooper News.
supports including articles from the mem-
open to criticism, especially when it’s fo-
The one criticism I have heard from
bership.
cused on the issue of concern.
several members about the Trooper News
is that the majority of the content consists
members want to write about. The articles
like to see it display more of the culture
of articles from OSP news releases. I like
do not have to be law enforcement or OS-
of the membership, it’s going to take the
seeing these stories in the Trooper News
POA specific. I had one member who likes
membership contributing to the product.
because it’s a way for OSPOA to promote
to hike, ask if we would print an article
awareness about the daily efforts of our
about trails he hikes with his family. I’m
members. I also agree with these members
very open to including an article like that,
that it would be nice to have some content
especially if it includes pictures.
outside of OSP press releases. Dawn has
Those of you who read last month’s
gone out to the field and met with mem-
Trooper News noticed that a letter to the
bers of the department to create some ar-
editor was published that criticized the
We are open to the content of what our
Oregon PERS Retirees, Inc. (OPRI)
Some OSP retirees are not aware of Ore-
ans recognized the lifesaving
gon PERS Retirees, Inc. (OPRI) and the work
effort of OSP Trooper Adam
they do on behalf of PERS retirees. OPRI is
Kowing in preventing a sui-
looking out for the interests of current and
cidal man from jumping off
future PERS retirees in the Legislature and
a Newport-area bridge last
the courts.
summer, with the presentation
Membership is $10 per year, or a life-
of the department's Harold
time membership for $75. The more PERS
R. Berg Lifesaving Award. The
retirees they represent, the more powerful
award was presented to Troop-
they are when speaking on our behalf.
er Kowing at the OSP McMin-
Check out the OPRI website at www.
nville Area Command office
opri.org and see if this is an organization
where he recently transferred
you want to support.
from the Newport Area Com-
This is your newsletter, so if you would
Mark Banks
Oregon State Police (OSP)
Superintendent Richard Ev-
mand office.
Trooper Kowing also received the Oregon Peace Officers Association (OPOA) Medal
of Valor related to this incident. The OPOA Medal of Valor may be awarded to individuals
who, while serving in an official capacity with their law enforcement agency, distinguish
themselves by reacting to a situation in a positive and professional manner, thereby
reducing the risk of loss of life or injury to citizens.
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OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Four Arrested Following Traffic Stop Related to Meth Investigation
by Union County Drug Task Force
Four people were arrested following a
post 248 after receiving information that a
traffic stop near La Grande related to a joint
passenger was wanted on an outstanding fel-
lawful Possession of a Controlled Substance -
investigation by Union County Sheriff's Of-
ony warrant. The vehicle was driven by Aman-
Methamphetamine. Creveling was arrested
fice, Union County Drug Task Force, and Or-
da Tallent, age 30. Passengers were identified
on an Adult Parole & Probation Detention
egon State Police (OSP). Subsequent to the
as Valeria Sheline, age 21; Clint Creveling, age
warrant. Christensen was arrested for Unlaw-
traffic stop and investigation, officers seized
22; and Matthew Christensen, age 32. All four
ful Possession of a Firearm. Tallent, Sheline,
approximately a quarter-pound of meth-
occupants are from La Grande.
and Creveling were also cited of Possession
amphetamine, weapons, a small amount of
Subsequent investigation led to the
of Less than an Ounce of Marijuana. They
marijuana, and other evidence.
seizure of nearly four ounces of metham-
were all taken to the Union County Jail where
only Creveling remains lodged.
On January 2, 2013, at approximately 4:42
phetamine, a handgun, a small amount of
p.m., an OSP trooper stopped a Volkswagen
marijuana and prescription pills, and other
Bug westbound on Interstate 84 near mile-
evidence.
Tallent and Sheline were arrested for Un-
Two Uninjured After Plane Loses Control on
Snow-Covered Chiloquin Airport Runway
Two people were uninjured when their
plane received minor damage attempting a
touch-and-go landing on the snow-covered
Chiloquin Airport runway.
According to Trooper Aaron Boyce, on
January 1, 2013, at approximately 3:15 p.m., a
Cessna 182 attempted a touch-and-go landing at Chiloquin Airport on the runway which
was closed due to about 18 inches of piled
up snow. As the airplane's wheels touched
ground, the airplane dug into the snow and
the 31-year-old pilot, Brett Hopper, couldn't
pull it back up as he lost control. The wings
and nose of the plane hit the ground, damaging the propeller and wings.
No one was injured.
PAGE 8
JANUARY 2013
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
WWW.OSPOA.COM
The Second Annual Eastern Oregon Blue Ball: A Great Time Had By All
For the second year, Trooper Dave
Aydelotte of the Baker Command and
Trooper Greg Retherford of the La Grande
office put on a semiformal law enforcement
ball, called the Eastern Oregon Blue Ball
(EOBB). This December 1, 2012, event was
open to law enforcement, DHS child protective workers, District Attorney offices, and
selected others with close law enforcement
ties. The money made from ticket sales goes
to expenses and door prizes.
Conceived as a way to give the women
in law enforcement officers’ lives an opportunity to dress up and have a good time in a
safe and friendly atmosphere, the EOBB is a
great time. In 2011, 136 were in attendance
from around eastern Oregon. This year had
165 people in attendance at the Elks Club in
Baker City. A catered meal was served, and many
guests received door prizes, including firearms and electronics. The DJ kept the night
lively after dinner, and guests danced until
1:00 a.m. Limbo in fancy dresses was a favored activity for the ladies!
Mark your calendar now for the next
EOBB, in January 2014 at the Wild Horse Casino in Pendleton, Oregon.
Above: Trooper Andrew McClay of OSP, John Day, and
Ashley McClay
Lower right: Calvin Davis of
Pendleton Lab & Kathy Kittel of
Springfield Lab
Below: Detective Greg Retherford of OSP, La Grande, and his
wife, Heather.
PAGE 9
JANUARY 2013
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OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Good Times at the Eastern Oregon Blue Ball!
Above: Senior Trooper Jeff Spencer and Angie McVey
Above right: Nika Larsen of Pendleton Lab
Right: Senior Trooper Ed Mercado of OSP, Baker City, and his wife, Tammy
Below: Nika Larsen of Pendleton Lab and Senior Trooper Brandi Zeckman of OSP, Pendleton
More EOBB pictures can be found on Page 14.
PAGE 10
JANUARY 2013
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OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Three Arrested in Grants Pass on Methamphetamine Charges
mation developed during
the day, led RADE and GPDPS detectives to another
apartment, where they
seized over one pound
of methamphetamine, a
safe containing another
pound of methamphetamine, and four firearms.
An OSP drug detection
canine assisted detectives
during this seizure.
The investigation is
continuing with additional
arrests anticipated.
The interagency RADE
Three people were arrested by the in-
Manzanita Avenue. Two males identified
team is comprised of personnel from the
teragency Rogue Area Drug Enforcement
as John Gabriel Martinez, age 28, and Taro
Grants Pass Department of Public Safety,
(RADE) team, with assistance of Grants Pass
Manuita, age 36, both from Sacramento,
Oregon State Police, Josephine County Dis-
Department of Public Safety (GPDPS), fol-
California, were arrested for Unlawful Pos-
trict Attorney's Office, and Josephine County
lowing a several-month-long investigation
session, Distribution, and Manufacture of a
Community Corrections.
into a significant methamphetamine distri-
Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine.
bution organization in Josephine County.
Additional charges may be pending for both
picious drug activity is encouraged to call
The three men were lodged in the Josephine
men. An adult female was released and not
the RADE tip line at (541) 955-6970.
County Jail.
arrested.
According to Oregon State Police (OSP)
Sergeant Jim Johnson, on the morning of
January 2, 2013, RADE and GPDPS detectives established surveillance on a Grants
Pass-area residence after receiving information that an out-of-state shipment of
methamphetamine was in the process of
being distributed in the area. Detectives
saw a subject identified as Chris Sage, age
48, from Grants Pass, leave an apartment
carrying a canvas tarp concealing firearms.
GPDPS stopped Sage, who resisted arrest
before being taken into custody on two
Fail to Appear felony warrants. Subsequent
search of a car driven by Sage led officers
to seize a stolen AR-15 rifle, a shotgun, over
one pound of marijuana, and approximately
4 ounces of methamphetamine.
As the investigation progressed during
the day, officers stopped another vehicle
occupied by three people on 7th Street near
Additional followup, based upon infor-
Anyone with information regarding sus-
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JANUARY 2013
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OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
OSP Drug Enforcement Section Assists
Hines PD & Harney County SO with Meth
Lab Found During Traffic Stop
OSP Investigating
Reported Stabbing
Assault of Truck Driver
on Interstate 84
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing
the investigation into the assault of a commercial truck driver while he was stopped in
the viewpoint parking area along the westbound lanes of Interstate 84 east of Corbett
in the Columbia River Gorge. The victim reportedly received minor, non-life-threatening
injuries when he was stabbed by one of two
suspects who approached him. Anyone with
information regarding this investigation is
asked to call OSP Northern Command Center
dispatch at (800) 452-7888.
On January 4, 2013, at approximately 12:23
a.m., Edwin Jones, age 39, from Plymouth, Nebraska, pulled into the viewpoint parking area
along Interstate 84 near milepost 23. Jones
said he got out of his truck and was standing next to it when two men from a sport
Hazmat team ready to dismantle a meth lab.
utility vehicle approached him and asked for
money and cigarettes. When he said he didn't
Two people were arrested following a
Subsequent to the traffic stop, police
have any to give them, one of the two men,
traffic stop by Hines Police Department and
officers arrested Smith for DUII-Drugs and
described as a white adult male, pulled a
Harney County Sheriff's Office on Highway
found a boxed small, dismantled metham-
knife and assaulted the victim, causing minor
20 on the west end of Burns, after a traffic
phetamine lab in the truck. Local police con-
wounds to his hand, lower arm, and stomach.
complaint led to the discovery of a small,
tacted OSP Drug Enforcement Section, and
Jones was involved in a brief struggle with
dismantled methamphetamine lab inside a
a team of detectives were dispatched from
the suspects before they left westbound in a
commercial truck. At both agencies' request,
Salem, Portland, and Bend to assist with the
dark-colored sport utility vehicle, similar to a
the Oregon State Police (OSP) Drug Enforce-
investigation.
Ford Explorer. The vehicle was also described
ment Section sent members from the state-
as "lowered".
wide Clandestine Lab Response Team to
cured lot. A search warrant was obtained and
assist with the investigation and coordinate
executed on the vehicle during which OSP
Mt. Hood Medical Center, where he received
removal of lab items.
detectives seized the evidence and a small
several stitches for his wounds before being
According to OSP Sergeant Dan Con-
amount of methamphetamine. The disman-
released. He requests no media contact.
ner, on January 5, 2012, at approximately
tled lab was turned over to a hazmat team
The two suspects are described as one
12 noon, Hines Police Department and Har-
contacted by DEQ for disposal.
skinny white male in his mid-20s, 5'10", with
ney County Sheriff's Office stopped a 2002
light facial chin hair and wearing a black bean-
Freightliner truck pulling a flatbed trailer
County Jail on the following charges:
ie, grayish-black hoodie sweatshirt, and dark
westbound on Highway 20 near milepost
Smith
cargo pants. The other was an Hispanic or In-
129, following a reckless driving and hit-and-
• DUII - DRUGS
dian male of unknown age, 5'10", heavy build,
run complaint. The truck was occupied by
• Unlawful Possession and Manufacture of
and with no clothing description.
two people identified as driver Steven Allen
a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine
Smith, age 46, and passenger Bridget Renee
Golding
OSP was assisted at the scene by Multnomah
Golding, age 39, both from Jacksonville, Ar-
• Unlawful Possession and Manufacture of
County Sheriff's Office.
kansas.
a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine
The truck and trailer were towed to a se-
Both suspects were lodged in the Harney
Jones was transported by ambulance to
Trooper Kim Long is the lead investigator.
PAGE 12
JANUARY 2013
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Trooper Events and Announcements
In Memory of James
“Jim” Edward Williams
June 16, 1933 - December 4, 2012
Joyce Clayton in Intensive Care
with Head Injury
Joyce Clayton, wife of OSP retiree Fred
TV News Story on the Fallen
Trooper Memorial
KOIN Channel 6 out of Portland did a very
James “Jim” Edward Williams, a native Or-
Clayton, received a very serious head injury
nice article on the Fallen Trooper Memorial.
egonian, was born in Canby, Oregon. He was
and is in Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Port-
You can view the story and video at http://
raised in Portland, Oregon, graduated from
land. Fred returned home on December 27
www.koinlocal6.com/mediacenter/local.
Franklin High School in 1950, and lived in Sa-
to find Joyce in the field with serious head
aspx?videoid=3875227.
lem since 1956.
injuries; Fred said she had gone after two
horses that had gotten out.
Ceremony, August 1, 2013, in the afternoon
policeman in 1957 and served as a highway
Joyce was transported to Emanuel
and evening.
patrolman for 10 years. Following several pro-
Hospital where she was given a CT scan,
motions, he was promoted to the rank of Cap-
underwent surgery, and was placed in a
tain with the title of Communications Division
drug-induced coma by the neurosurgeon.
Commander.
She remains in ICU, but is no longer in an
He retired in 1984 as a Major in the State
induced coma, and is off most medications.
Police Reserves. He then worked as a detec-
The longterm prognosis is not yet deter-
tive for the Criminal Division, Legislative Se-
mined. On January 5, 2013, when Fred
curity, and later as security at the governor’s
arrived at Joyce’s bedside, he spoke to her
residence. He retired again in September 2007
and she took his hand and squeezed it. She
after having devoted 50 years of service to his
was off the breathing apparatus for a few
state.
hours and managed well. If that continues,
Jim married Virginia L. (Rumelhart) Sher-
they will pull the machine and then the tra-
wood in 1952, and together they raised their
cheal tube. Her progress has been slow but
three children in Salem: Marsha L. Williams,
steady, and her family is hopeful.
Jim was proud to become an Oregon State
Marilyn L. Ciszkowski, and Steven P. Williams.
Jim married Kathleen D. (Cummings,
In Memory of Terry Erickson
Hawkins) in 1983. She has two sons from a
previous marriage, Alan S. Hawkins and Darrell
G. Hawkins. Together, they have nine grandchildren and eight great-grandsons.
Memorial contributions may be made in
Jim’s memory to Oregon State Police Fallen
Troopers Memorial, 4676 Commercial St. SE
PMB #516, Salem, Oregon 97302-1902.
Save the date for the Memorial Dedication
Mike Hakala in ICU with Head
Injury
On January 2, 2013,
OSP retiree Mike
Hakala entered Legacy Emanuel Hospital ICU
Trauma with injuries that have left him fighting for his life. His wife, Leanna, advises that
currently he is being kept alive by tubes. He
slipped and fell while crossing a street, hit his
head, was knocked out, and his heart stopped.
He was brought back to life by an EMT who
happened to be passing by and gave Mike
CPR until an ambulance arrived. CPR continued until reaching Adventist Hospital, where
OSP retiree Terry Erickson had a massive
they took a CAT scan and found blood around
stroke at home on December 31, 2012, and
the front of his brain. At this point, they rushed
died in the hospital on January 3, 2013. Terry
him to Legacy Emanuel for care. He has a frac-
retired January 1, 1998, after serving most of
tured skull and eight broken ribs. His heart
his career in Prineville as a Fish and Wildlife
is apparently working well, but he is having
trooper.
problems with the lungs.
Services for Terry were held on January
Mike and his family are need of everyone’s
12, 2013, at Clatskanie High School.
prayers. According to Senior Trooper DeDe
Hansell, Mike had some movement on Janu-
Donations may be made to the Clatskanie
Veteran’s Memorial, c/o Wauna Federal Credit
ary 7, 2013, but he is still sedated.
Union, PO Box 67, Clatskanie, OR 97016.
Cards may be sent to: Sandi Erickson &
visit if they are wanting to do so. Mike is in
Family, P.O. Box 1516, Clatskanie, Oregon
Room 2405 at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in
97016-1516.
Portland.
The family is fine with people coming to
PAGE 13
JANUARY 2013
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Trooper Events and Announcements
A Message from Major Travis
In Memory of Bill Labhart
Hampton Regarding
Sergeant Scott Punch
We were very sad to hear that Bill Lab-
hart passed away December 19, 2012, in Sa-
lem. His daughter, Laurie Jaffee, contacted
the passing of Sergeant Scott Punch,
retired OSP trooper Roger Herendeen to let
Gold Beach Patrol, who, sadly, took his
him know. Bill and Roger both went to work
own life late on the evening of January
in July 1947. Bill was stationed at Heppner,
5, 2013. While we mourn Scott’s pass-
and Roger was at Fossil. They spent many,
ing and search for answers in the wake
many days together over the years. Roger
of this tragic event, I find comfort in the
spoke with Bill by phone a month before
compassion and professionalism dis-
his death and knew that Bill wasn’t well.
played by my fellow department mem-
Services will be held February 1 at 11:00
bers from the Coos Bay Area Command,
a.m. at Willamette National Cemetery. Wil-
SW Region, and the carload that made
liam “Bill” Labhart was 88 years old. He re-
the trip south from GHQ to offer support.
tired in December 1979 at LaGrande.
It is with a heavy heart I announce
As can be expected at a time like this,
Promotions
Matthew Oeder, Support Services Supervi-
sor 3 to Principal Executive Manager B, ID Services Section
Mariah Rawlins, Office Specialist 2, to
Administrative Specialist 1, State Fire Marshal
Reassignments
Trooper John Vogel, Fish & Wildlife, Astoria to Fish & Wildlife, Tillamook
Trooper Geoff Smith, Fish & Wildlife,
Tillamook to Fish & Wildlife, Burns
Senior Trooper Thaddeus Routson, Patrol, The Dalles to Fish & Wildlife, The Dalles
Senior Trooper Andy Vanderwerf, Fish & Wildlife, The Dalles, to Patrol, The Dalles
the loss has created a great deal of emotional distress that will no doubt extend
well beyond the tightknit Gold Beach
community. In addition to this grim obRetirements
Donna Disch, Program Analyst 3, OSFM, Salem
Phyllis J. Hogan, Administrative Specialist 2, SOR, Salem
Griffith F. Holland, Detective, Dignitary Protection, Salem
M. Gayle Johnson, Compliance Specialist 2, OSFM, Salem
Jarrett D. Parker, Senior Trooper, CID, Salem
ligation of an agency-wide notification,
I wanted to take a quick opportunity
to thank all the troopers, dispatchers,
and command staff that contributed to
agency efforts during that evening, including all the Critical Incident Response
Departures
Ronald Emmons, Questioned Documents Examiner, Questioned Documents
Section, Portland
Trinity Hayden, Office Specialist 2, Klamath Falls
Christina Kelley, Questioned Documents Examiner, Questioned Documents
Section, Portland
Thomas White, Lab Tech 2, Portland Lab
Team members that have been deployed
for support and personal notifications. I
would encourage all to use the valuable
CIRT resources if they can be of any assistance during this difficult time.
Please keep Scott’s family and your
New Hires
Brent Lutz, Procurement & Contract
Specialist 2, Procurement Section
Marilyn McClellen, Fingerprint Technician, ID Services Section
peers at the Coos Bay Area Command in
Upcoming Events
your thoughts and continue to look after
one another.
January 19, 2013 HR 218 Qualification at the Roseburg Rod & Gun Club, 10 a.m. - noon. Cost is $6.00. To sign up or for questions, contact Kerry Boak at (541) 530-2337.
August 1, 2013 Save the date (afternoon and evening) for the Dedication Ceremony for the Fallen Trooper Memorial.
January 2014 Eastern Oregon Blue Ball at the Wild Horse Casino in Pendleton, Oregon. Details to be announced as the date
is approached.
PAGE 14
JANUARY 2013
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
WWW.OSPOA.COM
Good times
at the annual Eastern
Oregon Blue Ball!
Above: Trooper Dave Aydelotte of OSP, Baker City,
mans the limbo pole as Tina Routt, wife of Senior
Trooper Dan Routt of OSP, La Grande, demonstrates
her limbo mastery. Women in back, left to right:
Shelley Lynch, Kim Zinn (wife of Senior Trooper Tim
Zinn of OSP, Baker City), Karla Macy (wife of Trooper
Levi Macy of OSP, Baker City)
Above: Announcer Greg Retherford of OSP,
La Grande, talks to a smiling guest and Senior Trooper Jesse Webb of OSP, La Grande,
who is sporting an interesting hat.
Right: Senior Trooper Dan Routt of OSP,
La Grande, proves that troopers can
limbo, too.
PAGE 15
JANUARY 2013
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
A no t e f r o m t h e E d i t o r
The Trooper News Wants to
Publish Your Articles, Letters,
and Photos
Dawn Plechl
This first 2013 issue of your Trooper News
offers hope as well as sadness. Our feature
story highlights one of the many brave and
This newspaper is your means of com-
municating with other OSPOA members
capable officers who serve the state of Or-
statewide. Articles, letters, and photographs
egon through the OSP, your own Senior
that are appropriate and in good taste are
Trooper Greg Walker. It was a privilege to get
accepted from members and nonmembers
a glimpse into his varied and challenging life,
alike. It is desired that articles be limited to
and I appreciate his willingness to share his
approximately 500 words except by agree-
story with all of us.
ment with the editor. Advice and publishing
Additionally, of course, we mourn the
guidelines can be obtained by contacting
tragic death of Sergeant Punch out of Gold
the editor.
Beach. OSPOA President Darrin Phillips as
well as Major Travis Hampton have mes-
ones at this time. Please find someone to
sages here about that awful event, as well
talk to if you are struggling in any way.
as encouragement to all of you to seek help
in processing this loss or in dealing with the
The Trooper News is an official
stresses that face you in your personal life.
publication of the Oregon State
You can find archived on the OSPOA
Police Officers’ Association.
website the October 2012 issue of the Troop-
is produced monthly for active
er News, which includes an article about
and retired OSPOA members.
clinical psychologist, Dr. Suzanne Best. She
Articles and letters appearing
is an expert in the field of trauma and has
herein do not necessarily reflect
extensive experience working with law en-
the views of the OSPOA, its of-
forcement professionals. The article outlines
ficers, or its editor.
It
You can also contact the editor about
developing an idea you might have that you
would prefer assistance in writing.
The receipt deadline for articles is the
25th of the month that precedes the month
in which the articles would be expected to
appear. Submit articles to:
Editor, Trooper News
[email protected]
503 881-0283
some suggestions for psychological self-care
that might be helpful to you or your loved
Contact OSPOA and Trooper News
President
Darrin Phillips
[email protected]
Mark Banks
[email protected]
Treasurer
Devon Sommer
[email protected]
Secretary
Jim Ragon
[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
Stephanie Gourley
[email protected]
Dawn Plechl
[email protected]
Erin Reyes-Smith
[email protected]
Vice President
Editor, Trooper News
Editor, Trooper Magazine
OREGON STATE POLICE
OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION
3905 River Road N, Suite B
Keizer, OR 97303-4890