trooper news - Oregon State Police Officers Association

OSPOA MONTHLY TROOPER NEWS JANUARY 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
Official Publication of the Oregon State Police Officers’ Association
Trooper News
News, Information, Features, Opinions, and Letters Related to Law Enforcement
Officers Around the Nation Mourn the Loss of Their Own
Officers from around the nation attended the funeral procession for Wenjian Liu, who was shot to death along with his partner, Rafael
Ramos. The procession for Officer Ramos was honored in the same fashion one week earlier.
By Dawn Plechl
Photos courtesy of Officer Eric Hermann,
Tualatin PD
The tragic killings of New York City police
officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos last
month has left the law enforcement community grieving. Both officers were honored
by tens of thousands of officers, many from
throughout the United States and some from
Canada, who attended the funeral and lined
the streets in a somber and respectful display
of reverence for the slain officers.
“During my 21 years working for OSP and
20 years of being an Honor Guard member, I
have attended many officers’ funerals,” says
spect, but from the citizens on the street who
Senior Trooper Peggy Bishop, who traveled
were practically in tears seeing the turnout
to New York to attend Officer Liu’s funeral on
from all of the agencies across the nation. It
January 4 (Officer Ramos’s funeral was held
made me feel that what I do does make a dif-
on December 27 with similar attendance and
ference, especially in a time when the media
honor). “This one was different. It's amazing
seems to report the ‘negative’ of what is hap-
the bond you feel with other officers you have
pening during such a tragic incident. I'm glad
never met from across the nation. Although
the public was able to see the good in what
I had never met an officer from NYPD, after
we do as law enforcement officers--that we
meeting a large group inside NYPD's 106th
are human.”
Precinct, they felt like a neighboring agency
to mine. We stood next to 30,000 officers from
two-day stay in New York,” says Bishop,
all over the US. I guess what amazed me most
“friends that I know I will continue to stay in
was the ‘thank yous’ we received, not only
touch with. It's amazing the good that comes
from NYPD for coming so far to show our re-
See NYPD, Page 3
“I made a lot of friends during my short
PAGE 2
JANUARY 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
President’s Post
senior Trooper Darrin Phillips
All,
menting with is using our new VP, Mike
Now that the holiday season is over, I
when it comes to law and order.
Iwai, at the legislature to assist our lobby-
want to say I hope you were able to spend
I only bring up these points because
ist. Mike will be committing approximate-
some time with the ones you love. I know
we are again approaching another legis-
ly half of his time working on this session.
that many of you worked during the holi-
lative session. As always, we will be there
I hope that having more contact at the
day season, and I thank you for that.
with our lobbyist not only fighting for the
Capitol will help us build even more rela-
This year, as in years past, we had a
department’s budget, which equates to
tionships that will help us in the long run.
house full of relatives during the holidays.
boots on the ground, but also fighting to
Inevitably the conversation turned to poli-
put our stamp on current events such as
ing on contract negotiations. I have plenty
tics. It’s not always a pleasant conversa-
legalized marijuana and the grand jury
of ideas, most of which have come from all
tion due to the fact that my views don’t
process in police-involved shootings.
of you. We will work hard over the next
always line up with others. I do have to
OSPOA has always maintained a lob-
year to try and move our contract forward.
say that having performed the function of
byist of our own. For many years, I have
Please thank the bargaining team; it’s a big
OSPOA president for four years now, my
been trying to work with other associa-
task that takes lots of time and effort.
views have changed.
tions to further our causes. I was recently
The last thing I want to add is that
I see first hand how many of our poli-
invited by Daryl Turner, the president of
there is a rumor circulating among us that
ticians talk about being tough on crime
the Portland Police Association, to discuss
the State of Oregon may not honor our
and funding law enforcement and correc-
their lobbying process. Daryl is interested
current contract and compress our wages
tions. Unfortunately, however, there never
in bringing together all of the large met-
to our newly established wage scale in
seems to be a middle ground between
ropolitan police associations to consider
April 2015. That is completely untrue. The
the Democrats and the Republicans. One
lobbying concepts. I look forward to en-
contract has been fully implemented and
is definitely tough on crime but views us
tering into these discussions and hopeful-
the compression will take place.
as just another group of state employees
ly to bringing a unified front to the Oregon
who need to be paid only the bare mini-
legislature. I will keep you posted on our
mum. The other is more willing to protect
progress.
our wages and retirement but is much
By the end of January, we will be start-
Until next time, take care of each other.
Darrin
The other thing that we are experi-
much less in line with most of our beliefs
Inaugural Law Enforcement Appreciation Day,
January 9, 2015
It has been a difficult time for law enforcement in the press. In re-
sponse to the ongoing negative scrutiny of police, many agencies, including Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), FBI National Academy Associates, United States Air Force Security Forces, and Wives Behind the
Badge, joined together to proclaim January 9, 2015, the first annual Law
Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Hundreds of communities planned local events, from handmade
cards by local school children for their police departments to large community rallies. Some towns officially proclaimed January 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
It is a small token of appreciation, but it is a meaningful move toward
awareness of the important service of our law enforcement officers.
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JANUARY 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
NYPD, Continued from Page 1
Officer Liu’s body is accompanied for the procession while officers salute.
from such a tragic incident.”
Vaughn Bechtol from Lake Oswego
years to come. The most touching mo-
PD is part of the Lake Oswego honor
ment was after the funeral procession.
guard and is a K-9 officer with the de-
People came out of their homes in the
partment. He also attended Officer Liu’s
neighborhood and were meeting of-
funeral and befriended Senior Trooper
ficers, thanking them, taking pictures,
Bishop while there.
talking, and getting to know them--
some of them even invited us inside to
“I went to NYC to support our broth-
ers and sisters in blue in their time of
have a cup of coffee.”
grief,” says Bechtol. “Words can’t de-
scribe the amazing feeling I had to stand
experience and added that the local of-
shoulder to shoulder with officers from
ficers themselves were movingly gener-
around the world. While standing there
ous: “From the time we touched down
paying our respects, I looked across the
in New York until the day we left, the
street and saw numerous people from
NYPD was there every day asking if we
the neighborhood waving American
needed anything. We traveled there for
flags and crying along with us. In a time
them, yet they were asking if we needed
of tensions between public and police,
anything.”
it was truly touching to see the public
out supporting their law enforcement.”
and officers can come together with
such kindness and generosity even in
“New Yorkers get a bad wrap for be-
ing rude, but I didn’t experience that at
all,” Bechtol continued. “I made connecK-9 officers and their dogs wait to pay their respects.
I hope I’ll stay in touch with for many
tions with officers and the public that
Senior Trooper Bishop had the same
It is inspiring to know that citizens
the worst of times.
See NYPD, Page 5,
for more images from the day
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JANUARY 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
VICE PRESIDENT’S POST
Mike Iwai
I hope you and your families had a great
accounts for about 7 percent of deaths.”
three separate training sessions. Each ses-
Christmas and a happy New Year. As we
Undeniably, police officers are exposed
sion is a stand-alone curriculum; however,
start anew in 2015, I’d like to highlight an
to a tremendous amount of stress and
it is recommended that a member seeking
area that I believe is extremely important to
trauma over the course of their careers.
to mentor others attend all three. The lead
our membership: peer mentoring.
Dispatchers are also exposed to routine
trainer through Responder Life is Trey Doty.
Why is peer mentoring an important
increased stressors, and in my opinion, we
Additionally, Darrin Phillips, Josh Nagle,
topic? The Badge for Life website reported
do not take care of our people. Let me ex-
and I met with members of the Central Or-
that in 2012 there were 126 police suicides
plain. egon Police Chaplaincy (COPC) to see how
,while there were 128 in the line of duty
During a department critical incident,
we could model their success in other areas
deaths during the same year (per the Offi-
we deploy our Critical Incident Response
of the state. Their relationship with Central
cer Down Memorial Page). The statistics are
Team (CIRT), comprised of specially trained
Oregon law enforcement is outstanding.
disturbing. More than 90 percent of police
troopers and other professionals, to deal
COPC also offers peer mentor training that
officer suicides were male, and those ages
with the situation. CIRT does an outstand-
we could explore.
40-44 with 15 to 19 years of service were
ing job handling the incident, the present.
Currently, we have approximately 16
most at risk. Sixty-three percent were sin-
However, what about incidents that are not
members that attended the first training
gle.
deemed “department related” and what
session, and I am hoping more will step for-
What’s interesting and shocking to me
about the member or member’s family after
ward. Being a peer mentor is not a label, but
is the fact that monitoring police officer
the dust has settled and the incident is la-
it is caring for people with whom you have
suicides is a relatively new practice. Kevin
beled stable? What preventative care have
shared experiences. I can think of several
Davis wrote an article for Officer.com titled,
we extended to our troops and dispatchers
members that have listened, shared, and
“The Sad Incidence of Police Suicide.” He
and, above all, where is the follow-up? I am
counseled me over the years and have truly
quotes Dr. James T. Reese: “Stresses in po-
not blaming management, the association,
influenced my personal and professional
lice work occur because of the nature of
or anyone in particular, but I do see the
growth.
the work itself. Further, stress is a function
need for us to become more involved and
of police organizations, and the traditional
to change our current culture.
ested in Peer Mentor training, please con-
subculture and ‘politics’ of every police de-
tact me at [email protected].
partment, everywhere.” He then mentions
peer mentor workshop through Responder
and quotes a friend of his, Chaplain Bob
Life. The training was a pilot project with
Be well,
Denton: “Stresses within the department
the understanding that the curriculum
Mike
account for about 93 percent of police sui-
could change if needed. Through Respond-
cides, versus stress from the street, which
er Life, the peer mentor program consists of
Back in November, OSPOA sponsored a
For all OSPOA members, if you are inter-
OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers in Central Point Make Arrests in Elk/Deer Poaching Cases
In early September 2014, OSP Fish & Wild-
and the Cascade Ranch all offered reward
Unlawful Take of Elk, and Waste of Wildlife (3
life troopers from Central Point investigated
monies.
counts).
a report of a trophy bull elk killed off Lake
After receiving tips from callers, OSP
Creek Road; only the head was taken, with
troopers identified two men believed to be
was cited for Unlawful Take of Deer (2 counts),
the rest of the elk carcass left to waste.
responsible for taking the trophy bull elk and
Aiding in a Wildlife Crime, and Waste of Wild-
Additionally, troopers received reports of
four buck deer. The elk and deer antlers were
life.
several deer carcasses in the same area which
recovered, and both men were issued crimi-
also had only the heads removed. Rewards
nal citations to appear in the Jackson County
this case. Anyone with more information is
were offered from several sources, totaling
Circuit court.
asked to please call 541-618-7973.
over $15,000. The Oregon Hunters Associa-
tion, Humane Society of the United States,
cited for Unlawful Take of Deer (2 counts),
Austin Burkett, 19, from Eagle Point, was
Christian D. Cochran, 19, from Eagle Point,
Trooper Josh Nugent is the case officer for
PAGE 5
JANUARY 2015
NYPD, Continued from Page 3
Top left: Prayer candles for
Officer Liu
Top right: OSP Senior Trooper
Peggy Bishop, far right, waits with
other officers in the procession
crowd
Middle above: A sea of blue
Right: OSP Senior Trooper Peggy
Bishop (left) and Officer Eric
Hermann of Tualatin PD (center)
with officers from the NYPD antiterrorism task force; Officer Hermann also took all of the photos in
this article
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
WWW.OSPOA.COM
PAGE 6
JANUARY 2015
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
WWW.OSPOA.COM
The Problem of Evidence: How Does the OSP Store All That Stuff?
In most cases, conviction is all about the evidence, and
such a lot of evidence there is. From socks worn by a perpetrator to baggies of oxycodone, collected evidence must be
stored--uncontaminated, secure, and easy to locate. This is the
job of the OSP’s evidence technicians.
There are 16 Oregon State Police evidence technicians
located throughout the state, acquiring, maintaining, and
disposing of property and evidence according to State and
Federal laws and agency guidelines. Evidence technicians
maintain the security of the evidence lockers and are trained
in storage techniques to protect evidence from deterioration,
loss, and contamination. Detailed records of transactions involving items of evidence are maintained in order to preserve
the chain of custody. A computerized inventory system is employed to maintain the detailed records necessary for the presentation of evidence in court. After cases are complete, technicians work closely with district attorneys, judges and other
authorizing agents to dispose of the evidence appropriately.
Cold case evidence is kept indefinitely, which is what
makes it possible to solve decades-old cases. A fascinating
fact is that people periodically make dying declarations related to their past crimes, and the stored evidence can then be
accessed and analyzed to confirm the truth of the confession.
Sometimes police work is just like the movies.
Above: Shelf upon shelf of boxes and
envelopes containing the myriad
items collected for use in investigations and court cases
Left: Evidence technician Gary
Bryson of the Bend Area Command
demonstrates the ease with which
entire rows of heavy shelving can be
moved across the floor through a
built in mechanism in the shelving
and the floor. The evidence room
in Bend features some new and improved technologies such as this.
PAGE 7
JANUARY 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Trooper Events and Announcements
Curtis H. Ruecker
December 26, 1925
to December 22, 2014
Robert "Bob" E. VanOsdol
April 25, 1924
to December 30, 2014
OSPOA mourns the loss of Curtis
Ruecker. Curtis was born in Salem in 1925.
of Bob VanOsdol. Bob joined OSP in 1954
In July 1947, he joined the OSP, and dur-
and spent his entire career stationed at As-
ing his career he was stationed at Astoria,
toria. He retired in 1981 as a senior trooper.
Albany, Salem, Coquille, Milwaukie, and
After OSP, he worked security for the Port of
District I Headquarters. He served the ma-
Astoria and was a gillnet fisherman.
jority of his career in the Fish & Wildlife Di-
vision and was a lieutenant at the time of
to 1946 and was stationed in the Solomon
his retirement in 1984.
Islands and the southern Philippines.
He was married to his wife, Janice, for
We are saddened to announce the death
Bob served in the US Army from 1943
He is survived by his wife, Rita, his nine
66 years, had a passion for hunting and
children, fifteen grandchildren, and nine
fishing, and was an avid bridge player and
great grandchildren. Two of Bob’s children
golfer. He died peacefully in his sleep on
are also OSP retirees: Bonny Mattison and
December 22 and is survived by Janice, his
Brian VanOsdol.
children, their spouses, ten grandchildren,
two great-grandchildren, and many dear
January 10, at Peace Lutheran Church in
friends.
Astoria, and he was buried at Greenwood
Cemetery, also in Astoria.
Cards may be sent to Janice Ruecker,
Funeral services for Bob were held on
33744 Lake Front Drive, Warrenton, OR
97146.
Save the Date for the Annual SWAT Banquet
Promotions/Transfers
Trooper Evan Sether, Patrol,
Springfield, to Sergeant, Patrol
(DRE Program), GHQ/Albany
Anne Ward, Office Specialist 2, to
Public Service Representative 4,
CJIS
Jessica Burr, Office Specialist 1,
Central Records, to Office
Specialist 2, Gaming
Reassignments
Senior Trooper Derek Schott,
Patrol, Salem, to Patrol, Capitol
Mall
Trooper Zachariah McClendon,
Patrol, Grants Pass, to Patrol,
Roseburg
New Hires
Tricia Parker, Administrative
Specialist 1 (Evidence Techni
cian), Pendleton
Kimberly Sherman, Governmental
Auditor 2, Tribal Gaming
Sarah Farrier, Forensic Scientist
Entry, Portland Forensic Lab
Departures
May 30, 2015, at The Riverhouse in Bend
The banquet is open to current and former OSP SWAT Members
For information, contact Lieutenant Bill Fugate
541-706-1653 or [email protected]
Retired SWAT members, please email Mark Amos at [email protected]
if you would like to attend.
More information as the date approaches
Upcoming Events
MARCH 10, 2015 Florence Area HR-218 Qualifications, 1 p.m.
Siuslaw Rod & Gun Club
For additional information, contact Fred Ross at [email protected]
MAY 30, 2015 Annual OSP SWAT Banquet for current and former OSP SWAT members
The Riverhouse in Bend
Further details forthcoming.
Contact Lieutenant Bill Fugate at 541-706-1653 or [email protected]
Lynn Hume, Office Specialist 2,
GHQ
Heather Riggs, Administrative
Specialist 2, GHQ
PAGE 8
JANUARY 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
American Association of State Troopers: Troopers Spread Cheer
Throughout the Nation
by Senior Trooper Jason Bledsoe
AAST Oregon State Director
503-957-0603 (cell)
www.statetroopers.org
The holidays are a time of giving, and where troopers
are concerned, it’s about more than just giving gifts; it’s
about giving time to help the less fortunate.
Shop with a Cop has been an OSP tradition for de-
cades, and this holiday tradition is also common with
troopers in other states. I wanted to share with you a few
Missouri State Highway Patrol
photos of troopers in other states who are involved in
Christmas community events in unique ways. Allow me
to take you on a quick trip from coast to coast to show
you what your brother snd sister troopers are up to during the holidays.
Colorado troopers make special deliveries of gifts
to needy children, and in the middle of the country, Missouri and Kansas troopers join efforts to collect toys for
hospitalized children in the annual Trooper Michael L.
Newton Toy Drive, named for a Missouri trooper killed on
duty in 2003. Troopers in several other states also visit
hospitalized children each year, delivering gifts and putting smiles on the faces of ill children.
Troopers with the Michigan State Police take part
each year in the Stuff a Blue Goose event, collecting toys
for families in need. (The MSP patrol car is nicknamed the
“Blue Goose.”) Virginia troopers also collect toys and deliver them to needy kids.
Virginia State Police
See AAST, Page 9
PAGE 9
JANUARY 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
AAST, Continued from Page 8
Having a child of my own--as do most of you--I can think of nothing more fulfilling and rewarding than helping children and their families during the holidays.
Each year as I see photos of troopers around the country volunteering their time to
spread Christmas cheer, I am reminded that this family of troopers serves its communities in very important and tangible ways when children might not otherwise
have an enjoyable Christmastime.
Thanks to all of you who make Shop with a Cop a reality each year. Hundreds of
children have benefited from your kindness and generosity.
On behalf of AAST, I wish each of you a happy, safe, and prosperous 2015. If
AAST can be of service to you in the coming year, please let me know.
Above: Colorado State Patrol
Right: Michigan State Police
Douglas County Major Crimes Team Activation
on Highway 101 South of Reedsport
The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is
A short time later, an off-duty investiga-
vices. OSP Arson detectives are assisting with
continuing the investigation into an incident
tor from the Oregon Department of Justice
the investigation into the fire.
on Highway 101 south of Reedsport near
stopped to assist and also contacted the
Winchester Bay.
subject in the Subaru. Moments later, an of-
and OSP are investigating the incident, with
On December 23, at approximately 9
ficer from the Reedsport Police Department
OSP designated the lead investigative agen-
a.m., a green 2003 Subaru 4-door station
and two Douglas County Sheriffs’ Deputies
cy. This investigation is being conducted pur-
wagon was southbound on Highway 101 and
arrived and contacted the subject. At some
suant to Senate Bill 111 protocols already in
passed a school bus without passengers. The
point during the contact, the Reedsport po-
place. The Douglas County District Attorney's
Subaru is believed to have been the subject
lice officer fired at the operator of the Subaru,
Office is overseeing the investigation and has
of multiple driving complaints to area dis-
striking and critically injuring him. The man
requested that all media inquires be directed
patch centers around the same time. Within
was transported by ambulance to Lower
to them.
a mile or two of being passed, the bus driver
Umpqua Hospital in Reedsport.
pulled over to assist the Subaru, which was
Officers at the scene reported hearing
egon Department of Transportation, Reed-
stopped in the southbound lane of travel and
small explosions as the vehicle burned, and
sport Police Department, Douglas County
on fire. As the bus driver approached with a
they summoned the OSP Explosives Unit for
Sheriff's Office, and the Douglas County Dis-
fire extinguisher, he saw a man armed with
assistance. Explosive technicians believe the
trict Attorney's Office.
a handgun. The bus driver backed away from
small explosions were likely aerosol cans and
the Subaru and summoned help.
possibly ammunition - not incendiary de-
The Douglas County Major Crimes Team
Also assisting at the scene were the Or-
PAGE 10
JANUARY 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
RADE Team Search Warrant in Grants Pass Nets Large Drug Seizure
On December 12, the
Rogue Area Drug Enforce-
adults present who were cited
ment Team (RADE), Oregon
and released on various felony
State Police, ATF, and DEA
charges. The Oregon Depart-
assisted in the service of a
ment of Human Services re-
search warrant in the 600
sponded to assist and removed
block of Robmar Lane in
an eight-year-old child from the
Grants Pass.
residence.
The search revealed ap-
proximately 28 pounds of
regarding suspicious drug activi-
There were two other
Anyone with information
psilocybin mushrooms, 100
ty is encouraged to call the RADE
pounds of processed mari-
tip line at 541-955-6970.
juana, a large scale Butane
Substance - Psilocybin Mushrooms, Posses-
The inter-agency RADE
Honey Oil (BHO) conversion lab, LSD, US
sion of a Controlled Substance - Psilocybin
team is comprised of personnel from Grants
Currency, four firearms, and several other
Mushrooms, Manufacture of a Controlled
Pass Department of Public Safety, Oregon
items of contraband. The suspect, identified
Substance - Marijuana, Delivery of a Con-
State Police, Josephine County District Attor-
as Anthony Stills, 38, of Grants Pass, was ar-
trolled Substance - Marijuana, Possession of
ney's Office, and Josephine County Commu-
rested and lodged on felony charges for
a Controlled Substance - Marijuana, Felon in
nity Corrections.
Manufacture of a Controlled Substance - Psi-
Possession of a Firearm (four counts), Posses-
locybin Mushrooms, Delivery of a Controlled
sion of a Controlled Substance - LSD.
Klamath Falls Troopers Ask For Public's Help Solving Deer Poaching Cases
Oregon State Police Fish &
mains were dropped near a mailbox in rural
Wildlife troopers are asking for
Klamath County. Hand said deer season has
the public’s help with the in-
been closed in these areas for over a month.
vestigation into the recent ille-
gal killing of several deer in the
been rather mild with little snow in the high-
Klamath and Lake Counties.
er elevations, leaving forest roads open and
During late December 16
accessible to vehicle traffic. This gives poach-
or early December 17, a three-
ers better access to rutting and wintering
point buck was killed illegally
deer. In a typical year, snow makes most of
on Balsam Drive just outside
these roads inaccessible.
of Klamath Falls. According to
The Oregon Hunters Association offers re-
Sergeant Randall Hand, the
wards of up to $250 for information into deer
buck was simply shot and left
poaching cases. TIP Rewards can be higher in
to waste.
cases where multiple animals were killed. In-
Troopers report several
formation can be left anonymously through
deer have been shot recently
the TIP hotline at 1-800-452-7888. Informa-
and only their heads removed
tion on deer cases in the Klamath and Lake
in rural areas of Klamath and
county area can also be given directly to Ser-
Lake Counties. In another case,
geant Randall Hand at 541- 851-4911.
a small buck deer was illegally
Sergeant Hand with a three-point buck killed on or about
December 17, 2014, just outside of Klamath Falls.
Sergeant Hand said that this winter has
shot and butchered. The re-
PAGE 11
JANUARY 2015
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Dan Beugli’s Do You Remember?
Ray-o-vac flashlights: We used to be is-
which used numbers and letters, still using
sued metal Ray-o-vac flashlights with an op-
the first letter. For instance, 3W740, the plate
tion of a 3 “D” cell battery extender from the
on my parents’ first new car, would have ex-
1960s to the 1980s. If you looked wrong at
pired in November.
Your Business Can
Advertise in the
Trooper News
the flashlight, it would fall into three pieces
or the bulb would break. Sometimes we put
FBI firearms training instructors: Until the
an old bike inner tube around it to hold it to-
1980s, the FBI provided the firearms instruc-
gether, then hoped it wouldn’t break as eas-
tors for recruit school. In fact, if you look at
ily. Later, we were allowed to buy a personal
the top of the OSPOA web page, you can see
vertising in the Trooper News, please
Maglite, as long as we promised not to hit
them in their FBI baseball caps. Department
contact OSPOA offices at 503-393-
anyone with it.
members were allowed to teach at station
6535 or [email protected].
level but not at recruit school.
Print versions of the TN are mailed to
First letter on license plate designates ex-
If your business is interested in ad-
all OSP troopers and to many retired
piration month: It used to be that the first
Fingerprint match: Back in the day, before
troopers and their families. An online
letter of a vehicle’s license plate designated
AFIS, when you submitted latent finger-
version of the newsletter appears
the month the plate expired; for example, A
prints, you had to list your possible suspects.
each month on the OSPOA website
meant it expired in January, B in February,
Those suspects were the only people they
at
and so on. The 26 letters were divided in
checked the prints against.
tions and is also emailed to all OSPOA
half, with no ”I” and no “O” letters used, so
http://www.ospoa.com/publica-
members.
A to M represented January to December,
“The difference between stupidity and ge-
and N to Z repeated the same. When pass-
nius is that genius has its limits.” Albert Ein-
ing a car, a glance told you the expiration
stein
month, and the color of sticker told you the
year. The DMV changed their policy about
Dan Beugli was hired as a cadet in 1977 and
monthly inventory, so that started the cur-
was in the February 1978 recruit class. He
rent issue procedure. If you see an old style
retired in 2011. Any suggestions, questions,
Blue or Yellow plate (Prior to the “N” issue),
comments, or critiques are welcome. He can
check it out and impress your friend. It also
be reached at personal e-mail: be.ugli@yahoo.
worked on the 1950s and 1960s plates
com.
A note from the Editor
Dawn Plechl
We begin a new year of the Trooper News by marking
the terrible loss of two fine police officers in a senseless
killing, but also by noting the strong sense of support
and familial loyalty expressed by law enforcement officers all over the country.
On an entirely non-police-related note, I wanted to
share some personal news with our readers. Your humble editor of this Trooper News is also a poet, and I have
been honored as a finalist for the Oregon Book Award
in the category of poetry. You can learn more about the
award at Literary Arts and more about my book at www.
airliepress.org.
A big thank you is due to Senior Trooper Peggy Bish-
op and Officer Eric Hermann of the Tualatin PD for all
their help on the NYPD piece. Thank you both.
The Trooper News Wants
to Publish Your Articles,
Letters, and Photos
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 articles to:
Editor, Trooper News
[email protected]
503-881-0283
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO 344
SALEM, OR
OREGON STATE POLICE
OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION
3905 River Road N, Suite B
Keizer, OR 97303-4890
Contact OSPOA
President
Darrin Phillips
[email protected]
Vice President
Mike Iwai
[email protected]
Office Manager
Amy Lindseth
[email protected]
Treasurer
James Reeher
[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
Dennis Yaws
[email protected]
Sergeants’ Rep
Sterling Hall
hall@ospoa
Devon Sommers
[email protected]
Non-Sworn Rep