trooper news - Oregon State Police Officers Association

OSPOA MONTHLY TROOPER NEWS
MAY 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
Albany Area Command Office Selected as OSP DUII Agency
of the Year at DUII Training Conference
Troopers of the OSP Albany Command office with Lieutenant Mazour and Sergeant Iwai flanked by
Troy Costales, ODOT Safety Division Administrator, and Oregon State Representative Jim Thompson.
Oregon State Police troopers of the Albany
deterring impaired driving in Oregon during
Agency of the Year award for the Oregon State
Area Command office received the DUII En-
2012. A municipal, a county, and a state police
Police (OSP) is the OSP Albany Area Command
forcement Agency of the Year award in honor
agency were selected from nominations for
office. Under the direction of Lieutenant Dave
of their outstanding efforts to keep impaired
law enforcement agencies that have shown
Mazour, the office's two sergeants and 10
drivers off the road, making our roadways saf-
notable improvements in impaired driving
troopers arrested 218 impaired drivers dur-
er places to travel.
enforcement while taking a proactive, lead-
ing 2012, a 39 percent increase from 2011 and
During the 2013 annual DUII Multi-Dis-
ership role in their communities. The Oregon
an 83 percent increase from 2010. During the
ciplinary Impaired Driving Training Confer-
State Police office or work site selected must
year, two troopers at the OSP Albany office
ence held April 26 - 27 in Bend, the Oregon
also have demonstrated a willingness to ag-
received training for Drug Recognition Expert
DUII Multi-Disciplinary Training Task Force
gressively train and encourage its officers to
(DRE) certification. The office's three DREs ac-
presented its annual awards of excellence to
enforce DUII and drug-impaired driving laws
counted for 27 DRE evaluations. Impaired driv-
various organizations, groups, and individu-
with a proactive approach to deterring DUII.
als who made significant contributions to
Selected to receive the 2012 DUII Enforcement
See ALBANY, Page 10
PAGE 2
MAY 2013
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
President’s Post
senior Trooper Darrin Phillips
This month I want to comment on some
but immediately jumped in as worksite rep
events that I witnessed recently. As all of
after the shooting occurred. I knew that
you know, I respond to all shootings that
Jed had done the right things when the
occur throughout the year if they involve
involved sergeant recounted to me how
a member. Last Friday night, I responded
Jed removed the sergeant from a decision-
to the Bend Area Command office to assist
making/leadership role and placed him into
with our first shooting involving one of our
the role of an officer who had just been in-
newest members who happens to be a ser-
volved in a critical incident. It is not easy to
geant.
convince a trooper to relinquish control of
a scene, even harder when dealing with a
The first thing that struck me was how
genuinely happy the particular sergeant
sergeant. Great job, Jed!
was to be represented during this ordeal,
as were all of the troops that were directly
office and watched troopers, involved and
involved. I knew that there was a strong
non-involved, filter in and out, I really got
desire within the sergeants’ group to get
the feeling that they were there for each
this exact type of coverage to help them
other. I was also very happy to see the two
through critical incidents, but it was clear
troopers who were directly involved in the
that the involvement of the Association
shooting but did not fire their weapons
gave everyone a great deal of confidence
were treated exactly like the officer who
that they would be taken care of.
had fired his weapon. Everyone immedi-
One of the other things that I observed
ately realized that they were every bit as in-
and was impressed with was the quality of
volved and needed the same consideration.
our worksite reps and how they handled
A critical incident is a critical incident; ev-
this situation. Jed Rzegocki was not only
eryone needs to be looked after.
involved in the initial pursuit of the suspect
As I sat back at the Bend Area Command
sponse from the Department. As always,
Major Hampton was present and doing everything he could to make sure the troops
got what they needed. Anyone who has
ever worked with Major Hampton knows
that he is all about taking care of his people,
and he did.
Thank God that the good guys won.
Good job, everyone.
Until next time, take care of each other.
Darrin
Lastly, I was proud to see a strong re-
OSP Troopers Intervene in a Kidnapping in Progress
on Interstate 5 Near Woodburn
A woman and her six-year-old child are
a women in the vehicle was trying to get out
No one was hurt during the ordeal.
alive and well today due to the efforts of the
while it was moving and that she had held
Charles Kicinski was lodged on the listed
OSP. On May 3rd, 2013, Oregon State Police
up a sign for other motorists to see that read,
charges in the Marion County Jail.
troopers arrested Charles M. Kicinski, age 38,
"Call 9-1-1."
of Winchester, Oregon, for Kidnapping in the
2nd Degree times two and Unlawful Posses-
ed vehicle--a 1997 Ford sport utility vehicle-
sion of a Firearm.
-on Interstate 5 at milepost 275. The troopers
took the suspect, Charles M. Kicinski, into
At approximately 5:30 p.m., troopers from
Troopers located and stopped the report-
the Salem Area Command responded to a
custody without incident.
call of a person throwing items out of a ve-
The victims were identified as the sus-
hicle that was northbound on Interstate 5
pect's wife, Gloria S. Kicinski, age 30, of Win-
near Woodburn. There were also reports that
chester, Oregon, and her minor child, age 6.
PAGE 3
MAY 2013
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Caffeine Break: Do You Know These Troopers?
Your Trooper News editor stopped for a cof-
brief coffee break. The first person to email
us! Email your answer to troopernews@ospoa.
fee at Starbucks in Keizer Station and had the
their correct names, left to right, will receive
com.
chance to meet these four troopers having a
a Starbucks card for one caffeinated treat on
US Marshal's Pacific NW Violent Offender Task Force, Including OSP,
Apprehends Ohio Home Invasion Fugitive
On March 30, 2013, at 4:52 a.m., the Madi-
of the suspects was identified as Zachary T.
on foot and a short foot chase ensued. Davis
Davis, age 24, of Columbus, Ohio.
was ultimately caught but resisted arrest. He
vestigated a home invasion robbery in which
On May 7, an Aggravated Burglary war-
was subdued by Task Force members and
the homeowner was assaulted with a bat and
rant was issued for Davis with a nationwide
was taken into custody. A small amount of
his ten-year-old daughter was thought to
pursuit radius, pending the probable filing of
methamphetamine, heroin, and prescription
have been kidnapped.
additional charges of Aggravated Robbery,
pills were found on Davis's person. Davis was
Madison County deputies learned that
Felonious Assault, and Kidnapping. It is fur-
lodged at Marion County Jail and is pending
three masked men, armed with two hand-
ther noted that various felony warrants were
extradition back to Ohio.
guns and a baseball bat, entered the resi-
also pending on Davis for the Ohio counties
dence and assaulted the homeowner, ul-
of Franklin and Delaware.
len items is asked to call Lieutenant Semler
timately sending him to the hospital. His
with the Madison County Sheriff's Office at
daughter was located unharmed at the resi-
County Sheriff's Office provided information
(614) 348-8072.
dence and the three masked men got away
that Davis was in Salem, Oregon, prompting
The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender
with several valuables.
a call to the US Marshal's Office for assistance
Task Force is comprised of members of nu-
son County Sheriff's Office, London, Ohio, in-
In April, a public service announcement
Subsequent investigation by the Madison
Anyone with information about the sto-
in the apprehension of Mr. Davis.
merous local law enforcement agencies, in-
was aired in Ohio, along with a new reward
cluding the Oregon State Police.
offer of $10,000 for anyone providing infor-
Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender
mation leading to the arrest and conviction
Task Force located Davis at the Motel 6 in
of person(s) responsible for this crime. One
Salem. Upon contact with officers, Davis fled
On May 9, members of the United States
PAGE 4
MAY 2013
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
A Message from the Vice President
Senior Trooper Mark Banks
Over the last couple of months, I have
troopers that approach me with questions
sergeants to discuss the process of bar-
been working with the sergeants’ bargain-
about how sergeants will merge into the
gaining them into our contract. There are
ing team to bargain the sergeants back
general membership contract.
Many of
a lot of unanswered questions about how
into our contract. For the sworn members
these members I’ve seen in different plac-
all of this will pan out when the contract is
of our association, this could be one of the
es throughout our careers, and they have
signed. Questions are coming from both
biggest positive changes since the ser-
never publicly discussed the idea of pro-
sides--our current members as well as the
geants left the association.
motion. Some have even declared a strong
entering sergeants. Many of the questions
What our members need to know is that
desire not to promote.
have to do with subjects of bargaining and
we have assembled a bargaining team with
However, bringing sergeants back into
are not appropriate for me to address in
a strong background in the sworn divisions
the Association has changed attitudes
this publication. However, I am willing to
of the department. The team has a clear
about that position. The old attitude of
take any phone calls from the member-
idea of what they want to see in a contract
“Why would anyone want to take a sig-
ship as we go forward with this process. I
while being fair to the department, current
nificant pay cut for more responsibility?” is
expect to receive many calls in the coming
members of the Association, taxpayers, and
shifting. The new attitude I see developing
months, and I welcome them. My cellular
the employees they supervise. I feel that
is that anyone with enough time in to pro-
phone number is available at Dispatch or
management has approached the process
mote probably needs to start looking at ap-
on the OSPOA website.
with an equal attitude of fairness.
plying for sergeant vacancies as they open
because it’s going to be competitive.
One of the things I’ve found most in-
teresting about the sergeants coming
As I have traveled around the state,
back is the number of troopers and senior
I’ve made an effort to meet with available
Mark Banks
Former OSP Employee Pleads Guilty to Official
Misconduct in Clackamas County Circuit Court
Investigation Continues
into an OSP OfficerInvolved Shooting
An Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper re-
the department will thoroughly investigate
signed after he pleaded guilty to an Official
allegations of improper conduct by any em-
On May 3, 2013, at approximately 6:40
Misconduct Charge in Clackamas County Cir-
ployee and pursue prosecution when it in-
p.m., OSP troopers were involved in a pursuit
cuit Court.
volves criminal conduct.
in the Scappoose area. At the conclusion of
"All members of the Oregon State Police
the pursuit, an adult female suspect was re-
modified duty in March, pending an investi-
are given a high level of trust and are held to
portedly shot by an OSP officer. The involved
gation into misconduct.
a very high standard for personal and profes-
OSP officer was not injured.
Cortez pleaded guilty to one count of
sional conduct," Evans said. "We won't accept
The Columbia County Sherriff's Office,
first-degree official misconduct. He was sen-
any criminal conduct, and when supported
with the assistance of the Columbia County
tenced to seven days in jail, 12 months' pro-
by facts and evidence will pursue prosecu-
Major Crimes Team, is the lead in the investi-
bation, fines, and other conditions set by the
tion for such acts."
gation.
court.
Cortez had been with Oregon State Po-
should be referred to the Clackamas County
lice since 2007 and was assigned to the Port-
District Attorney's Office for Chief Deputy
land Area Command for his entire tenure
District Attorney Greg Horner.
Jose Cortez, age 37, was placed on paid,
with OSP.
His plea came after an investigation by
the Oregon State Police Office of Professional Standards, with the help of the Clackamas
County District Attorney's Office.
OSP Superintendent Richard Evans said
Any further questions regarding the case
Any questions can be referred to the Co-
lumbia County Sheriff’s Office.
PAGE 5
MAY 2013
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
OSP Arrest Klamath Falls Man on Charges
Related to Sex Abuse Investigation
Second Annual
Fallen Trooper
Memorial Run
Approaches!
A dangerous sexual predator was appre-
der 12 years of age when the alleged crimes
hended by Oregon State Police (OSP) Crimi-
began.
nal Investigation Division detectives this
month. Detectives arrested a Klamath Falls
search warrant was served at his residence.
man on charges related to a sexual abuse in-
Detectives found at least 12 separate visual
vestigation.
recordings of children involved in sexually
According to Sergeant Robert Fenner, on
explicit conduct. Additional digital media
May 9, 2013, OSP detectives arrested Ronny
was seized and more charges are expected
Alan Rykbost, age 50, from Klamath Falls, and
after the images and recordings are ana-
and come on out for the second annual Fallen Trooper
Memorial Run on June 2,
2013, at Champoeg State Park.
There are courses of 10k and
5k for adults who wish to run
or walk, a 2K course for children, and a 20K course for the
CrossFit Team Challenge.
More information about
registration, fees, and course
maps can be obtained at http://
www.eclecticedgeracing.com/
Fallen_Trooper_Memorial.
html. All proceeds go to the
construction of the Oregon
State Police Fallen Trooper
Memorial.
lodged him at the Klamath County Jail on the
lyzed.
following charges:
Sexual Abuse 1, Unlawful Sexual Pen-
* 12 counts Sexual Abuse 1
etration 1, and Sodomy 1 are all Measure 11
* 12 counts of Unlawful Sexual Penetration 1
crimes. Under Oregon's "Jessica's Law," adults
* 12 counts of Sodomy 1
convicted of Sodomy 1 or Unlawful Sexual
* 12 counts Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse
Penetration 1 are subject to a mandatory
1
minimum 25 year prison sentence.
Put on your running shoes
Rykbost is alleged to have committed the
After Rykbost was taken into custody, a
Anyone with information related to this
crimes of Sexual Abuse 1, Unlawful Sexual
case is encouraged to contact OSP detec-
Penetration 1 and Sodomy 1 between 2000
tives by calling OSP's Southern Command
and 2007. The victim was related to Rykbost
Center at (541) 883-5711 or OSP's Klamath
at the time of the alleged crimes and was un-
Falls Area Command at (541) 883-5713.
OSP Artist’s Corner
Lunch Time Tablecloth K-9 Vehicle
Artist: Senior Trooper Greg Walker
PAGE 6
MAY 2013
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
WWW.OSPOA.COM
PAGE 7
MAY 2013
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OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Driver Attempts to Elude State Troopers on I-84 near Pendleton,
Crashes and Is Caught on Foot
On May 8, 2013, a trooper from the Pend-
leton Area Command attempted to stop a
white 1999 Oldsmobile Alero on Interstate
84 at milepost 206 for passing other vehicles
on the right shoulder and speeding at 115
mph. The driver of the vehicle, Zechariah I.
Ayers, age 27, from Pendleton, failed to stop
and proceeded to attempt to elude troopers for 36 minutes and over 50 miles until he
crashed his vehicle on private property off of
US Highway 37 at milepost 8.5. Subsequently,
his vehicle caught fire and Ayers fled on foot.
A passenger in the vehicle remained with the
vehicle and cooperated with troopers. Ayers
was soon caught by troopers on foot, arrested, and lodged in jail. Ayers was charged
with Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, Felony Attempt to Elude-Vehicle, Mis-
pull the burning vehicle out of the brush and
demeanor Attempt to Elude-foot, Failure to
into a gravel lot where it burned, preventing
Perform Duties of a Driver, Property Damage,
the fire from spreading to the brush.
and Criminal Mischief II. The property owner,
troopers, and deputies were able to quickly
Umatilla County Sheriff’s deputies and the
residents at Cold Springs Ranch.
Pendleton Area troopers were assisted by
OSP Accepting Applications for Lateral and Entry Level Recruit Troopers
Oregon State Police (OSP) will be accept-
Applicants are urged to prepare before-
tionnaire, and any required attachments.
ing applications to hire another group for
hand for the application process and Entry
lateral and entry level recruit trooper posi-
Level Testing. Historically, half of all appli-
portunity employer and strongly encourag-
tions starting April 29, 2013, using the State
cants fail the physical fitness portion of the
es women and minorities to apply. If you are
of Oregon's E-Recruit electronic application
entry level testing process. To help prepare
interested in a challenging career to make
system. The recruitment is necessary as OSP
for the testing process, applicants can see
Oregon a safe place to live while providing
continues moving forward with hiring to fill
their age group and gender physical fitness
you with a lifetime of memories, then con-
vacant positions during the next year be-
standards as well as watch associated videos
sider applying with the Oregon State Police.
cause many long-time troopers have retired
demonstrating proper testing performance
Information about our agency, the different
over the last few years.
on the 'Trooper Testing Information' link lo-
opportunities that are available, how our
Persons interested in applying should
cated at www.osptrooper.com. Additionally,
hiring process works, and updates to our
start the process now by going to the Ore-
applicants can review sample questions to
hiring process can be found at www.osp-
gon State Police recruiting website at www.
help prepare for the written portion of the
trooper.com.
osptrooper.com. The website helps inter-
testing phase.
ested applicants learn about the application
can be directed to the OSP Recruitment Unit
process and what it takes to successfully
entry level opportunity they have been
apply, and clearly understand our qualifica-
looking for can create an account now by
tions and what it will take to get prepared
building a profile following the instructions
for required Entry Level Testing scheduled
detailed on the website. The complete appli-
June 8 - 9 at the Oregon Public Safety Acad-
cation for employment is comprised of the
emy in Salem.
E-Recruit profile, the supplemental ques-
Those who believe this is the lateral or
The Oregon State Police is an equal op-
Questions about the application process
at (503) 378-4175.
PAGE 8
MAY 2013
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Trooper Events and Announcements
Ronald J. Johnson
April 28, 1943 – May 4, 2013
Three OSP Retirees Injured But
Recovering from Traffic Crash
Ronald Jerome Johnson, age 70, passed
away May 4, 2013, peacefully at home.
ford, Mike Hurley, and Terry’s son, Eric, were
death of Richard W. "Dick" Tenderella. Dick
Ron was born in 1943 in Park River, North
returning from a golf outing at Eagle Crest
died peacefully on April 11, 2013, at Maui
Dakota. When Ron was 15 years old, his fam-
on April 20, 2013, when their vehicle was in-
Memorial Hospital in Wailuku, Hawaii. Dick
ily relocated to Vancouver, Washington. After
volved in a traffic crash.
was 67 years old. Sandie Rossi, Dick's long-
graduating high school, Ron worked for the
Terry Bekkedahl and Gus Bradford were
time companion, and his brother, Larry Ten-
City of Vancouver and volunteered as a Clark
hospitalized at Sacred Heart Medical Center
derella, were with him at the hospital when
County Deputy Sheriff. He married and had
at Riverbend in Springfield, Oregon. Both
he died.
son David while in Vancouver. In 1974, Ron and
suffered serious injuries. Terry suffered ex-
his family moved to Ontario, Oregon, where he
tensive injuries to the right side of his face
on February 19 to have an aortic aneurysm
became an Oregon state trooper. Son Randy
and his right eye. Gus suffered chest injuries,
repaired. Two additional aneurysms were
was born in 1979. After retiring from the State
plus left eye and cheek injuries. Mike Hurley
discovered resulting in open heart surgery
Police, Ron worked for Green Giant.
received a broken thumb and minor injuries.
on February 22. His post-operative progress
Ron is survived by sons Randy and David,
OSP Retirees Terry Bekkedahl, Gus Brad-
Dick Tenderella
Died April 11, 2013
We are deeply saddened to report the
Dick had been admitted to the hospital
Terry’s son, Eric, was not injured.
was marked by periods of consciousness
grandchildren Ethan and Madison, brothers
Gus and Terry are very grateful for all the
and hope for recovery, coupled with insur-
Tom and Robert, and sister Lori. At his request,
prayers and support they have received from
mountable setbacks including cardiac arrest,
no funeral services will be held. A celebration
their many friends. Both of them are over-
strokes, pneumonia and finally, incurable in-
of his life will be held at a future date.
whelmed by the events and are in need of
fection.
rest and recuperation. It is requested that
you hold all phone calls and visits until they
mated and his ashes spread over the ocean
have had the necessary time to recover from
in Oregon and Hawaii.
their very serious injuries.
Arrangements for memorial services in
Terry remains hospitalized, most likely
Oregon are pending consideration by his
until sometime next week. He has under-
family. A celebration of Dick's life is being
gone reconstructive surgery on his cheek
considered by Sandie in Hawaii.
and eye socket.
Condolences can be sent to:
Larry Tenderella, 475 SE 35th Street, C-16,
Noel J. Schar
August 29, 1938 – April 20, 2013
Noel Schar died peacefully at 1:30 a.m. on
April 20, 2013, after struggling for more than a
decade with severe health problems.
Noel is survived by his wife of 25 years,
Nora (Polk) Schar, daughter Kristi (Lyle) Canida, son Scott Schar, grandson Travis Canida,
granddaughter Ashley Canida, stepdaughter
Lynette (Larry) Serna, and many others who
loved him.
Noel was born in 1938 and grew up on
a small family farm near Silverton, Oregon.
There, he developed an unshakable love for
the unity of family.
Noel was so much more than the things he
did to make a living, but his loyalty to his commitments can be seen in his life's work. He was
an Oregon state trooper for thirty years working out of the Milwaukie and Portland Offices.
He was proud to be a state trooper. After
See SCHAR, Page 9
Gus has been released from the hospital
Per Dick's request, his body will be cre-
to continue his recovery at home.
Newport, OR 97365, and Sandie Rossi, P.O.
Box 571, Kapaau, HI 96755
Cards may be sent to:
Gus Bradford
c/o Jim Tyrrell
1482 Skipanon Drive
Corvallis, OR 97330
Terry Bekkedahl
PO Box 1480
Veneta, OR 97487
PAGE 9
MAY 2013
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OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Trooper Events and Announcements
SCHAR, continued from Page 8
retiring from the State Police, he continued in
uniform as a Court Officer for the US District
Retirements
David Randall, Sergeant, Roseburg
Greg Tullius, Senior Trooper, Lottery
John Garlick, ISS8, LEDS
A memorial service celebrating Noel's life
was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Silverton, Oregon, April 26, 2013.
Excerpt from the obituary published in
Statesman Journal.
Inspector Craig Flierl, Office of Profes-
sional Standards, to Lieutenant, Training, Gaming & Employee Services
New Hires
Court, Oregon District.
Promotions
Robert Rector, Principal Executive Man-
ager F, Communications Administra-
tor, Southern Command Center
Lynn Hume, Office Specialist 2, Fish & Wildlife, General Headquarters
Andrew Mendenhall, Administrative Specialist 1, SOR, General Headquarters
Reassignments
Sergeant Jeff Lewis, Policy Develop-
ment & Research, to Training & Policy, Gaming & Employee
Services Departures
Sergeant Ty Duby, Criminal, Baker City, to Patrol, Baker City
Lieutenant Josh Brooks, Fish & Wildlife, NW Region, to Patrol, Salem
Sergeant John Keeler, Patrol, Coos Bay,
to Fish & Wildlife, Coos Bay
Upcoming Events
June 1, 2013 Chris Kaber and John Mogle Retirement Dinner, 5:00 p.m.
Mikes Field House--Steens Sports Park, 4500 Foothills Blvd., Klamath Falls.
Tickets are $15 adults/ $7.50 children (12 & under).
RSVP by May 20 to Laurie Angrimson, SP Klamath Falls, (541) 883-5713 ext. 222
June 2, 2013 2nd Annual Fallen Trooper Memorial Run
Champoeg State Park
More information at http://www.eclecticedgeracing.com/Fallen_Trooper_Memorial.html.
June 11; September 10; December 10, 2013
Siuslaw Rod & Gun Club
Contact Fred Ross at yofredor@msn.com
Florence Area HR-218 Qualifications, 1:00 p.m.
June 17 - 21, 2013 Cow Camp
Near Sisters, Oregon (same location as the last several years)
Contact Gary Hayden at garymaryh@gmail.com
June 23, 2013 Julie Wilcox Retirement Gathering, 2:00 p.m.
Crag Rat Hut, about five miles south of Hood River
RSVP or questions to Julie at wilcox@gorge.net
August 24, 2013 Superintendent’s Salute at Evergreen Air & Space Museum
McMinnville, Oregon. More information to come in the near future.
June 22, 2013 Celebration of Life for Donald Hale, 2:00 p.m.
7424 Jubil Lane SE, Salem, OR
Contact Julia Hale at juliah44@msn.com
August 1, 2013 Dedication Ceremony for the Fallen Trooper Memorial Ceremony, afternoon and evening
State Capitol Grounds, Salem, Oregon
August 17, 2013 Foundation Benefit Poker Tournament and Casino Night, 5:00 p.m. Check-in, 6:00 p.m. Tournament
Salem Convention Center, Salem, Oregon
Contact Erin at (503) 393-6535 or register at www.ospoa.com
PAGE 10
MAY 2013
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
OSP Albany Sergeant Michael Iwai Receives the Senior Trooper
Maria Mignano Dedication to Duty Award
Sergeant Iwai and DUII Multi-Disciplinary Training Task Force
Chair Robert Hayes.
The OSPOA congratulates Sergeant Michael Iwai, the recipient of this year’s Senior
Trooper Maria Mignano Dedication to Duty
Award. During the 2013 annual DUII MultiDisciplinary Impaired Driving Training Conference held April 26 - 27, 2013, in Bend, the
Oregon DUII Multi-Disciplinary Training Task
Force presented their annual awards of excellence to various organizations, groups, and
individuals who made a significant contribution to deterring impaired driving in Oregon
during 2012. One of the special award categories is named in honor of Oregon State
Police (OSP) Senior Trooper Maria Mignano
who was dedicated to removing impaired
drivers from our roadways and tragically lost
her life in the line of duty in 2001. The Senior
Trooper Maria Migna-
Test (SFST) instructor and became a DRE in-
no Dedication to Duty
structor in 2002, providing countless hours
Award is presented to
of DUII-related training. During the last 13
a sworn police officer
years, he has arrested over 700 DUII driv-
who exemplified the
ers and conducted or supervised more than
behavior, dedication,
250 drug recognition evaluations. In 2008,
and professionalism in
Sergeant Iwai became Oregon's fourth Drug
all aspects of impaired
Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP)
driving detection, ap-
State Coordinator. In addition to managing
prehension, and pros-
the DECP program, he ensures Oregon's DREs
ecution during the
have the latest information and issue aware-
individual's career.
ness, stays on top of DUII-related court cases,
This year's re-
is always available as a resource for prosecu-
cipient of the 2012
tors and law enforcement officers seeking
Senior Trooper Maria
advice and guidance, and has testified at the
Mignano
Oregon Legislature on DUII-related bills for
Dedication
to Duty Award is OSP
both drugs and alcohol.
Sergeant Michael Iwai
(pronounced E-why).
duties, Iwai is assigned as a Patrol Services Di-
OSP
Along with the State's DECP coordinator
Superin-
vision Sergeant at the Albany Area Command
tendent Richard Evans
office, which was announced as the OSP 2012
praised Sergeant Iwai for his commitment to
DUII Enforcement Agency of the Year award
being a proactive force to help prevent the
selection. He is involved in many other ac-
impact impaired drivers have on our com-
tivities including: * Chair of the Oregon DRE
munities. "Mike's drive is matched by few.
Advisory Committee * Vice President of the
His help to other law enforcement officers,
Oregon State Police Benevolent Association
expert guidance during training and involve-
* 1st Vice Chair of the International Associa-
ment with committees and groups, and the
tion of Chiefs of Police - DRE Section * OSP
work that he does on the road to remove im-
liaison to the Governor's Advisory Commit-
paired drivers helps Oregon be a safer place
tee on DUII. Sergeant Iwai, age 41, was a past
to live and visit," said Evans.
recipient of the DUII Multi-Disciplinary Train-
Since joining OSP in 1997, Sergeant Iwai's
ing Conference Task Force 2007 DUII Trainer
compassion became apparent early in his ca-
of the Year Award. In 2004, he also received
reer when he became the first certified Drug
special recognition from OSP when he was
Recognition Expert (DRE) in Polk County
presented with the Department's Harold R.
after attending one of the state's first DRE
Berg Lifesaving Award.
schools. He is a Standardized Field Sobriety
ALBANY continued from Page 1
ing enforcement is a priority for OSP, and the
Attorney's Office to coordinate DUII and
am thankful for the work by all our troopers,
troopers assigned at the Albany office partici-
related search warrant training. "The work
day and night, trying to keep our roads safe,"
pate in all high-visibility enforcement efforts,
of our troopers at the Albany office is reflec-
said OSP Superintendent Richard Evans. The
routinely conducting visible enforcement in
tive of our mission throughout the state to
previous winner in this category for two con-
areas known to have higher rates of motor
find impaired drivers on our roads before they
secutive years was the OSP Springfield Area
vehicle collisions. Additionally, these troop-
are involved in a tragic crash. The special rec-
Command office.
ers work closely with the Linn County District
ognition is appreciated and well-deserved. I
PAGE 11
MAY 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
While stopping in for my latte-at-Star-
bucks habit this month, I was so happy to run
into a few of our own Oregon state troop-
statewide.
ers taking a brief coffee break. Their picture
from members and nonmembers alike. It is
challenge to identify the troopers pictured.
desired that articles be limited to approxi-
I hope to cross paths with more of the OSP
mately 500 words except by agreement with
in this candid way and to feature photos
the editor. You can also contact the editor
throughout the upcoming summer months.
about developing an idea you might have
Please note the change in date for the
that you would prefer assistance in writing.
Benefit Poker Tournament and Casino Night
to Saturday, August 17, 2013. It should be
many of you there.
If there is something you’d like to see in
the monthly Trooper News, please contact
me. I also look forward to including Letters to
the Editor whenever you might feel inspired
to submit them.
The Trooper News is an official
publication of the Oregon State
Police Officers’ Association.
It
is produced monthly for active
and retired OSPOA members.
Submit articles to:
Editor, Trooper News
troopernews@ospoa.com
(503) 881-0283
a great event, and I look forward to seeing
Articles, letters, and photo-
graphs that are appropriate are accepted
is featured in this month’s TN along with a
This newspaper is your means of com-
municating with other OSPOA members
Articles and letters appearing
herein do not necessarily reflect
the views of the OSPOA, its officers, or its editor.
Advertise in the Trooper News
If your business is interested in advertis-
ing in the Trooper News, please contact OSPOA offices at (503) 393-6535. Printed versions go out to all OSP troopers by mail and
an online version of the newsletter appears
each month on the OSPOA website.
Contact OSPOA and Trooper News
President
Darrin Phillips
phillips@ospoa.com
Mark Banks
banks@ospoa.com
Treasurer
Devon Sommer
sommer@ospoa.com
Secretary
Jim Ragon
ragon@ospoa.com
Region 1 Rep
Tom Hatch
hatch@ospoa.com
Region 2 Rep
Ray Stallsworth
stallsworth@ospoa.com
Region 3 Rep
Robert Gorman
gorman@ospoa.com
Region 4 Rep
Tim Thomas
thomas@ospoa.com
Region 5 Rep
Stephanie Gourley
gourley@ospoa.com
Dawn Plechl
troopernews@ospoa.com
Erin Reyes-Smith
reyes@ospoa.com
Vice President
Editor, Trooper News
Editor, Trooper Magazine
OREGON STATE POLICE
OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION
3905 River Road N, Suite B
Keizer, OR 97303-4890
PRSRT STD
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