CONTENTS VOL. 30, NO. 2, SUMMER 2012

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1 Kansas State Troopers Association Executive Board President Mitch Mellick Vice President Vacant Secretary Dale Patrick Treasurer Merl Ney Sergeant-At-Arms Lee Jantz Board of Directors Troop A Curt Gabbert Troop B Vacant Troop C Mario Rios Troop D Doug Carr Troop E Steven Sites Troop F David Golden Troop G Mark Christesen Troop H John Keene Troop I Keith Scott Troop J Jeff Patrick Troop K Crystal Sturgeon Troop MC David Bales Retirees Representative Don Dody Executive Vice President Steve Kearney Editor Mary Napier editor@kstroopers.com Advertising Office CONTENTS VOL. 30, NO. 2, SUMMER 2012 Features KHP Memories: John DeLong - Part 6&7 of Profile of an Active Trooper Trooper Othello Thomas...14 KHP 75th Anniversary Cars Hit the Road...16 Recruit Class #50 Graduates, Attendees Celebrate 75th Anniversary...18 From Nuns to Guns - A Brief History of the KHP Training Academy Campus...24 Citizens, Trooper Honored by KHP...27 Guns 'n' Hoses Charity Hockey Game...28 LE Memorial Services Held in Topeka...30 National Telecommunicator's Week...33 Governor's Easter Egg Hunt...34 History of Forensic Mapping...36 New KSTA Website Launched...39 Departments President's Message...4 Colonel s Corner...6 Executive VP's Message...8 Chaplain s Message...10 Snapshots from Troopers...40 On the Cover Master Trooper Craig Davis' Patrol issued 75th Anniversary Crown Victoria and his personally owned, 1986 Dodge Diplomat, which is a fully documented retired KHP car. Photo by J.L Riedel, Lieutenant, K-372 The Kansas Trooper Published quarterly by the Kansas State Troopers Association 1200 SW 10th Avenue Topeka, KS Fax: New Troopers...41 Promotions...44 Retirements...44 Business Directory...45 Advertisers Index...47 The Kansas Trooper All rights reserved. Photocopying, reproduction, or quotation strictly prohibited without the written consent from the editor or Editorial Board. Unsolicited material and/or correspondence cannot be acknowledged or returned, and becomes the property of the Kansas Trooper. Kansas Trooper ı 3

2 KHP 75 th Anniversary Cars Hit the Road Photo courtesy of KHP

3 Cars bring back traditional blue and gray, with cherry beacon light on top In honor of the KHP 75 th anniversary, the Kansas Highway Patrol issued 14 anniversary cars to road troopers across the state. These Ford Crown Victorias have two distinct features of KHP patrol cars past, giving them a retro feel a blue and gray color scheme, and the red cherry beacon on top. We are an agency who is proud of our traditions, and proud of the rich history that has paved the way for those of us on the Kansas Highway Patrol now, said Captain Scott Harrington, Commander of KHP s Fleet Operations. The blue and gray signifies a profound period in our history, and with it being our 75 th anniversary year, there could not be a more perfect time to commemorate such a significant milestone. Two of the blue and gray cars were issued per field troop, to cover the state of Kansas. Troopers issued these cars continue their normal road patrol duties, in addition to attending community events. Another special aspect of these vehicles is that they are some of the last Ford Crown Victorias ever manufactured. The Crown Vic has been a staple in the law enforcement world, and with Ford ceasing production of the Crown Victoria, agencies across the U.S. will be looking at various models of cars to incorporate into their fleets. Retired Troopers Remember Their Blue and Gray Cars Retired Master Trooper Ed Vesey X His first blue and gray patrol car was a 1977 Plymouth Fury. His last blue and gray patrol car was a 1990 Ford Crown Vic. while standing with one of the anniversary cars Retired Master Trooper Dennis Rogers X-52 - His first blue and gray patrol car was a 1974 Dodge. His last blue and gray patrol car was a 1992 Ford Crown Vic. Photo by J.L Riedel Lieutenant, K-372 A 2011 Ford Crown Victoria issued to Master Trooper Craig Davis was one of 14 anniversary cars sent out across the state. Retired Master Trooper Mike Backus X-73 - His first blue and gray patrol car was a 1976 Plymouth Fury. His last blue and gray patrol car was a 1992 Ford Crown Vic. Photos by Curt Gabbert, Master Trooper, K-214 Kansas Trooper ı 17

4 Recruit Class #50 Graduates, Attendees Celebrate 75th Anniversary By Andrea Nolte KHP Publications Writer Photos courtesy of KHP Promptly at 8:00 a.m. on the morning of June 9, 2012, KHP Recruit Class #50 marched up the hill behind the Training Academy to raise the flag for the day. This marked the beginning of the graduation day activities and celebration of the Patrol s 75 th anniversary. The entire day was a family affair, and not just for the 16 new troopers. Command staff, coaches, and retirees had spouses and children with them. Troopers raise the flag for the day. There were other features to the day that there haven t been in years past. A law enforcement car display brought more than 10 historic law enforcement vehicles to the Academy. The old training academy was open for viewing. Recruits entered the auditorium differently, and the ceremony was personalized by adding a video of each new trooper discussing their experience thus far. It truly had a family feel and was a special day for all in attendance. Graduation began at 1:00 pm as Trooper Sean Hankins, a coach for Class #50, led a cadence as the recruits marched into the auditorium and onto stage. This was the first time Class #50 marched into the auditorium and up onto the stage. 18 ı Kansas Trooper

5 in many, many years for the class to enter this way. The KHP Honor Guard was on hand to post the colors, and everyone in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Kylie Dinkel, daughter of Master Trooper Dennis Dinkel (also a coach for Class #50), sang the National Anthem. Trooper Todd Hokanson provided the Invocation, thanking the Lord for this day that had finally come, that 16 in the class were able to make it, as well as for the coaches and trainers, and all that was done to instill the mission to serve, to protect, and to be courteous. He asked to keep angels surrounding the class, and said thanks for those who served before and for 75 years of the Highway Patrol. Captain Dennis Gassman, commander of the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy, welcomed special guests and introduced the Command Staff, Governor Sam Brownback (the keynote speaker), and coaches and academy staff to the crowd. Class #50 began on January 4, It s gratifying to see this day come, and it s really very indicative of this profession to see all the law enforcement officers from agencies around the state come here today to see this, Gassman said. It is a good day in the law enforcement profession to have a day like this. Governor Sam Brownback served as the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremonies. He recognized the spouses and rest of the family members for their support. It takes a team in this together, Brownback said. It s an occupation you choose for a lifetime. To those of you here today who ve dedicated yourselves to a career in law enforcement. Thanks for that. We live in a state that s 200 miles by 400 miles, with nearly three million people, and you all rush to the safety of the rest of us, Brownback said. He talked about law enforcement s thin blue line, and how and why it works for law enforcement agencies. You have provided protection and order for a large state for 75 years, and you will for a lot more to come. Thank you, and God Bless you for doing it! he said. Class President Trooper Jason Zeigler speaks during the event. Class #50's plaque Class President Trooper Jason Zeigler defined the class core values: Integrity To do the right thing, all the time, even when no one s looking. Honesty Be honest all of the time to everyone with no exceptions. AccouNTABILITy Responsibility for your actions-good or bad. Loyalty Faithful to yourself, family, and organization. Service We all volunteered for this duty never forget who or why we chose to serve. Courage Putting your fear aside to do what needs to be done. Professionalism Uphold 75 years of tradition. Keep a clean and neat appearance, and treat everyone with respect. Self-Motivation Get up and do your job, even when you don t want to. Knowledge Knowing there s always more to learn. Class President, Trooper Jason Zeigler, responded to the Governor s speech. Our core values have been instilled since the first day of training, and have become a way of life. We all had values when we came to the Academy, and Captain Gassman, Lieutenant Vajgrt, the coaches, and the training staff ensured we had the many values to hold throughout this career. What you see before you are 16 of the best trained troopers the state of Kansas has to offer. Each one is eager to serve and protect, while maintaining the highest of core values, Zeigler said. Zeigler then presented Class #50 s plaque to Colonel Ernest E. Garcia. New troopers, think about the past few months. This has been a period of fortune and opportunity one that represents the reward of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It s a privilege to be here with you today at the end of this road, Garcia said. Garcia shared three observations to help Kansas Trooper ı 19

6 KHP TIMELINE In the Spring 2007 issue of the Kansas Trooper magazine, we printed a timeline of the history of the KHP for its 70 th Anniversary. This timeline features the history from the 70 th anniversary to the 75 th anniversary Celebrations were held throughout 2007 as the Patrol celebrated its 70 th anniversary. The Patrol began hosting Collegiate Law for college students who were enrolled in Criminal Justice programs at Kansas community colleges. The course was eventually opened to students enrolled in programs at state colleges, as well. In 2011, the Patrol began inviting back some of the Collegiate Law students to serve as mentors for the Cadet Law high school students. Mobile data units deployed in the east region Tahoes were introduced to KHP fleet. Troop S took on the responsibility of Explosive Ordinance Detection. CVIEW (Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Windows) implemented for more readily-accessible information during CMV inspections The Patrol s in-car cameras were upgraded to include three color cameras, providing front, internal cabin, and rear-facing views, with both internal and external microphones. Officers received new sidearms through a trade agreement between Glock and the Patrol. New Glock Model 21 Slim Frame.45 caliber pistols replaced the previous sidearms the Patrol had. The new sidearms were traded for the old, so the new pistols came with no cost to the state. lead a successful career and personal life. The first Change is a good thing. The second observation was the importance of public service, to which he said, Find something you love something that will leave you believing your time has been well spent. And lastly, you need to exercise integrity each and every day. You can be smart, aggressive, articulate, and persuasive, but if you are not honest, your reputation has suffered. And once lost, a good reputation cannot be regained. Garcia encouraged, When you leave here today, please do not forget when you first walked through those doors and do not forget what you thought you could accomplish Trooper Todd Hokanson is pinned by his the public servant, the Kansas State son, Seth, during the graduation ceremony. Trooper, you believed you could be. The class rose, raised their right hand, and took their oath of office. Each new trooper and a family member or friend made their way to the stage to receive their badges. As each of the 16 newest Kansas Highway Patrol troopers made their way through the receiving line, one of the new parts of graduation, a video clip of each one of them played. Some Trooper Lindsey Murphy is pinned by her father, Captain Mike Murphy, who joined the Patrol in were about the meaning of becoming a trooper, some spoke of the best part of their 23 weeks in the academy, and others mentioned funny stories. The class received a standing ovation upon completion of their pinning. Trooper Jason Zeigler said in his video, The history and traditions it means everything to me. It s a once in a lifetime thing, to be part of Class #50 on the 75 th Anniversary. It s like a dream come true for me. Lieutenant Colonel Alan Stoecklein recognized the partners the Patrol s personnel work with who were in attendance. Every day we work alongside great people, our local, state, and federal law enforcement organizations. 20 ı Kansas Trooper

7 KHP TIMELINE Deployment of new Colt AR 15 carbine service rifles. The carbines replaced the Mini 14 service rifles, which were utilized since the 1980s. All officers receiving the AR 15s underwent an extensive training course in Salina. Troopers, families, friends, and other attendees enjoyed the graduation ceremony of Class #50, while also reflecting on the 75th Anniversary of the KHP. Without you all, we could not fulfill our mission. Stoecklein recognized the Patrol s 50 th Anniversary class, Class #23, who all have 25 years of service this year. He also recognized the retired KHP personnel in attendance for their years of dedicated service to the state of Kansas. Last, but certainly not least, Stoecklein recognized Training Academy Lt. Joe Vajgrt, who was one of Stoecklein s coaches when he joined the Patrol in With 34 years of service on, Vajgrt is the most senior trooper on the Patrol. Stoecklein told the class they will now be carrying the torch and are left to uphold the traditions set forth by those who came before. Not everyone can wear this uniform. Many try, and many do not make it. You have demonstrated to us thus far, that you are the type of person who deserves to be a trooper, Stoecklein said. Stoecklein then took the time to describe the memorial honoring the Patrol s 10 fallen officers on the 3 rd floor of General Headquarters in Topeka. Many mornings since I began working at General Headquarters a year and a half ago, I get there before everyone else. Many mornings I sit down on the bench and drink my first cup of coffee with those people. I reflect on what this job really means and the sacrifices we all make to do it, he said. I say a short prayer and ask the good Lord above to help me and the command staff make decisions to honor those 10 as we guide this agency into the future. They deserve that respect because they gave more than any of us to wear this uniform they gave their lives. I ask you to remember them each day you go to work, to honor them by following those During the family program, new troopers get to share their experiences with loved ones. core values you recited at the beginning of the ceremony. When I think about my career [which has spanned three decades], and think about all of Troop N established. The Patrol received a $4.7 million grant for the establishment of the Domestic Highway Enforcement Team (DHET) to combat crime and illegal activity on Kansas highways. V6 Dodge Chargers were added to the Patrol s fleet for use by administrative officers. Previously, the Patrol had only purchased V8s. The V6 model came at a savings to the agency, with slightly better fuel mileage. The V6 Dodge Charger was closer in performance to the Ford Crown Victorias. With a grant from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM), the Patrol purchased a Video Downlink system to equip on the Bell 407 helicopter. Aircraft uses the system while helping other agencies, and during major events, such as the NASCAR races, to provide ground units the same view as seen from the aircraft. A fuel restriction was implemented, uniform orders suspended, and state fair personnel were limited to help the Patrol cut costs as Kansas joined the rest of the nation in a recession For the first time since 2008, a recruit class went through the Academy. They were hired due to existing monies from retirements and grant funding from the transition into the DHET team. Class #49 began the Academy in March, and graduated in July. A primary seat belt law was effective June 10, 2010, allowing officers to pull people over for not wearing a seat belt. Kansas Trooper ı 21

8 KHP TIMELINE Provisions of the Graduated Driver s License were effective January 1, The GDL was implemented by the Legislature to give new drivers more experience and minimize distractions behind the wheel. A ban on texting took effect July 1, 2010, to prohibit drivers from writing, reading, or sending communications while operating a vehicle. The State of Kansas implemented the S.M.A.R.T. (Smart Management and Reporting Tool) system. The system significantly impacted the way state agencies handled their finances and allowed for more accountability of funds. The Patrol s motorcycles were taken off the road. New Canon Rebel T1i digital cameras were issued to field personnel statewide. The MDU program was expanded to include all regions. Air cards made it possible to access the KHP digital network from anywhere. Kansas Law Enforcement Reporting (KLER) was deployed, allowing electronic submission of reports to state data repositories. Revised KDOT forms were also integrated with the new software. The Patrol moved systems from Groupwise to Outlook and implemented Microsoft Exchange Colonel Ernest E. Garcia appointed by Governor Sam Brownback. Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) replaced. the opportunities I ve had, things I ve gotten to do, changes I ve experienced, and the thousands of lives I ve touched, and who ve touched me I can t help but be a little jealous of you, Stoecklein said. The adventure you re about to start cannot be put into words. Believe me when I tell you, this is an exciting time for you. Make the best of it. If you do, I know you will experience the same sense of fulfillment I ve experienced in my career. Garcia then commemorated the Patrol s 75 th anniversary by giving part of the Patrol s history. Among the key things were the patrolmen officially being called troopers in 1946, and the campaign hat being one of the most visible parts of the uniform since the 1960s. He discussed the history of blue and gray cars in the Patrol, and mentioned how 14 Crown Victorias were issued in that paint scheme just this year. One of the things we have heard with these cars, specifically from members of the public, is that you always knew when one of those blue Trooper Alan Wagner has Lieutenant Joe Vajgrt autograph a milled down piece of Joe s old bar that each new trooper received on graduation day. and grays pulled up, there was no question as to who it was you knew it was the Highway Patrol, Garcia said. One motorist told us after receiving a ticket, well, at least if I had to get a ticket, it was one of these new blue and gray cars that stopped me. Garcia also discussed the Patrol s specialty units, and how the Patrol s functions have expanded. He told of safety advancements that have been made to keep people more safe on our roads. I think back to what it must ve been like 75 years ago, back in 1937, and if those original patrolmen would ever have imagined our agency would be where we are today. Did they think we d be patrolling utilizing the equipment we have? Would they see a force with more than 500 officers? Did they imagine we d be a go-to for so many other agencies in our state? he wondered. While I don t know what the first agency members imagined as the Kansas Highway Patrol s destiny, but I doubt they would have imagined we d be all that we are today. Garcia said, To me, this agency s biggest success lies in its history, its pride, and its traditions. And all of this plays into our ability to help people. History, pride, and traditions which all of our personnel those past, those present, and certainly those in our future learn about and incorporate as they work to serve the great state of Kansas. He continued, With an agency built on Service, Courtesy, and Protection, and so deeply rooted in where we came from, that is why we are relied upon, and that is why we take such pride in doing the work that each of us do every single day, said Garcia. Honor Guard returned to the stage as the Roll of Honor was read by Garcia, and each of the Patrol s 10 fallen troopers was saluted. Trooper John Lawson Jr. provided the Benediction for the class. Thank you for today and for the past 23 weeks. My fellow classmates and I could not have made it through these 23 weeks without faith and perseverance. Father, 22 ı Kansas Trooper

9 as we embark on the next adventure, let us remember always those who ve gone before us, who ve served with integrity and honor. Let us remember those who ve given their lives in the line of duty and honor their families every day that we go out on the road. Father, I pray for my classmates and myself for wisdom. Wisdom is the most powerful weapon we can carry with us. The wisdom to handle whatever situation may come. For whatever day we step out the door to go on duty, I pray each and every one of us can put on the armor of God and realize that we are not alone. And we thank you. We thank you for today. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. Following the ceremony, a cake and punch reception was held for everyone in attendance. The old training academy in the Schilling area of Salina was opened up for tours and trips down memory lane. Another part of the day was a law enforcement car display, which was set up at the Training Academy. Several retired law enforcement cars travelled from across the U.S. to be present for the crowd to view. Cars came from Florida, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, and elsewhere. There were KHP cars both past, and present on display as well. An old KHP motorcycle, which has not yet been restored, was on display, along with photographs of its history. Thanks to everyone who planned and participated in this historic event as we celebrated 75 years of tradition and history. KHP TIMELINE The State of Kansas offered a Retirement Incentive program to state employees. Law enforcement officers were exempt from being able to take the incentive so that public safety in Kansas would not suffer. 25 KHP civilian employees took the incentive, retiring between September and October. Speed limit increased to 75 mph on some Kansas highways in July Markings changed on Patrol cars. Ford Motor Company manufactured last Crown Victoria. A motorist assistance technician was added in the Salina area Class #50 began training at the Academy on January 4, In 2011, the Patrol received funds through the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (KCJCC) under the Federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) to hire a training class. The Governor s Grants Program provides the administrative oversight for the grant program. Class #50 graduated from the academy June 9, KHP held its 75 th anniversary celebration along with the graduation. The law enforcement car display brought in several retired law enforcement cars from across the U.S. Old KHP Training Academy Kansas Trooper ı 23