Spring 2016 - Association of Montana Troopers

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Spring 2016
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
THE ASSOCIATION OF
MONTANA TROOPERS
VOL. 27, NO. 1
www.montanatrooper.com
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In Memory of State Troopers Who Gave
Their Lives In the Line of Duty
Robert G. Steele, 1946
David A. Graham, 2007
Shot in the line of duty near Billings
Traffic crash near Kalispell
James H. Anderson, 1954
Evan F. Schneider, 2008
Traffic stop on Bozeman Hill
Traffic crash near Columbia Falls
Richard E. Hedstrom, 1973
Michael W. Haynes, 2009
Traffic stop near Kalispell
Traffic crash near Kalispell
Michael M. Ren, 1978
David J. DeLaittre, 2010
Shot in the line of duty near Eureka
Shot in the line of duty near Three Forks
MONTANA TROOPER
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Vol. 27, No. 1
Spring 2016
Features
Association of Montana Troopers
609 Hagan Road
Helena, MT 59602
17 Belgrade Girl Given Trip to Disney World
On the Cover
From Montana Hope Project
By Whitney Bermes of the Bozeman Chronicle
29 59th Montana Highway Patrol Academy
Graduation
31 Association of Montana Troopers Annual
Membership Meeting and Golf Tournament
By Trooper Jason Grover
33 DUI Task Force and MAPS Media Institute
Collaborate on PSA About Over-Serving Alcohol
By Michelle McConnaha of the Ravalli Republic
39 Cat Survives Hairy Ride On Interstate Before
Reconnecting With Big Timber Owner
By Jordon Niedermeier of the Billings Gazette
Charley Gregg, 5, of Belgrade, is recovering from
leukemia and recently the Montana Hope Project
granted her wish to visit Disney World. For more
information, please see our feature article. Photo
by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez of the Bozeman
Chronicle.
Departments
9
11
15
19
President
Attorney General
Colonel
In Uniform
37
43
49
56
On the Road
Final Patrol
Directory
Advertiser Index
Unless otherwise credited, editorial material
appearing in this magazine is the property of the
Association of Montana Troopers, 609 Hagan
Road, Helena, MT 59602. Copyright © 2015,
Association of Montana Troopers, all rights
reserved. Printed in the U.S. Please contact the
Association of Montana Troopers for permission
to reprint.
MONTANA TROOPER
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ASSOCIATION OF
MONTANA TROOPERS
What is the AMT?
The AMT is an independent association
which is not affiliated with any other association or union. It is funded by and run by
troopers.
The Association’s Articles of Incorporation were completed in February of 1941.
Membership in the corporation may be
held by an active or retired trooper of the
Montana Highway Patrol.
The Association of Montana Troopers is
not a charitable organization, nor is it organized or operated for charitable purposes.
What connection does the AMT have
with the Montana Department of
Justice Highway Patrol Division?
The AMT is an independent association
representing active and retired troopers. Its
views, opinions, policies and publications in
no way reflect the viewpoint of the Department of Justice or the Montana Highway
Patrol.
What publication does the AMT
produce?
Montana Trooper magazine is the only
official publication and fund raiser for the
Association. Anyone not affiliated with this
magazine should not be considered representing the Association.
Montana Trooper magazine assists association members in the following areas:
• To create an awareness of a trooper’s job
and of efforts to maintain the high ideals
and professional standards of our trooper
members.
• To provide a fraternal organization for
Montana troopers.
• To interact with other highway patrol and
state police agencies and associations on a
national level.
• To gain recognition and support from Montana legislators.
Why does the AMT use
telemarketing?
For a variety of reasons, but primarily
because it is the most cost effective way of reaching merchants and businesses in our very large
state. Trooper Publications has an outstanding
record in the business and conducts its telemarketing operations on behalf of the AMT in
a friendly, professional manner.
We thank you for advertising in Montana Trooper. By advertising in our magazine,
your commercial message will reach judges,
elected state, county and city officials, legislators, county attorneys, sheriffs, police officers, business owners and operators, and all
troopers, active and retired, as well as their
families throughout Montana.
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http://www.montanatrooper.com
Association of Montana Troopers
609 HAGAN ROAD, HELENA, MT 59602
OFFICERS
DIRECTORS
President
Dustin LeRette, Helena
District 1: Rocky Bailey, Corvallis; Lath Keith, Corvallis
Vice President
Lath Keith, Corvallis
District 3: Michael Zufelt, Helena; Cherie Lofton, Helena
Secretary
Scott Ayers, Billings
District 5: Ed Hilbert, Glendive; Matt Cartwright, Miles City
Treasurer
Keith Edgell, Billings
Past President
Brian Inman, Helena
District 2: Jason Grover, Lewistown
District 4: David Munson, Billings; Buck O’Neill, Billings
District 6: Jim Schneider, Kalispell
District 7: Mark Tome, White Sulphur Springs;
Ace Meskimen, Three Forks
District 8: Kurt Miller, Conrad
Headquarters Representative: Steve Lavin
Retirees Reps: Sam Harris, Conrad; Bob Clark, Ryegate;
Bert Obert, Helena; Brad Sangray, Cameron
MESSAGE TO OUR ADVERTISERS: As this publication is financed solely by the monies received
from advertisements, we express our appreciation to those businesses that purchase advertisements
in Montana Trooper. We strive to make this a high quality publication that will provide the best
possible advertising exposure for our advertisers. We encourage our members and all our readers
to patronize those businesses that make this publication possible.
YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE: The editor of the Montana Trooper welcomes your comments,
criticisms, or suggestions for the magazine. Your ideas for topics and/or types of articles which you
would like to see in future issues of the magazine will be appreciated and given every consideration. Please send your communications to: Scott Ayers, 1013 Babcock Blvd., Billings, MT 59105,
montanatrooper@q.com.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER: The Montana Trooper is published by Trooper Publications West, Inc. for
the Association of Montana Troopers. Unless otherwise copyrighted, advertising material is the
property of the Publisher and may not be reproduced without written consent. Advertising sales:
1013 Babcock Blvd., Billings, MT 59105. Telephone (406) 322-4273. The publisher does not assume
responsibility for the contents of this magazine or for statements of fact or opinion made by any
contributor.
Change of Address
If you are moving, please let us know four weeks in advance of change of address. Attach magazine label
and print your new address below, and mail to: Scott Ayers, 1013 Babcock Blvd., Billings, MT 59105,
montanatrooper@q.com.
RANK NAME (please print)
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP
ATTACH LABEL HERE
MONTANA TROOPER
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Montana Trooper
President’s Message
Brian Inman
President
AMT
Dear members,
Time certainly has a way of flying
by when your hair is on fire and the
wind is blowing. I can’t believe its 2016
already! The New Year brought us a
new face to take the lead and guide us
in our future goals and needs. I found
myself over the last year with too many
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irons in the fire. I decided to step down
as your president and take more time
at home raising my son. It has been my
honor, and I have thoroughly enjoyed
representing such a distinguished group
of people. I will still be around to provide
any advice and help where needed for
our new president. Our new president,
Dustin LeRette, is a great choice, and I
know he has the ability to keep our goals
on track and provide the support the
members look for.
The AMT Board of Directors added
two new board members to evenly
balance the amount of members being
represented in two districts. District III
welcomes Trooper Cherie Lofton, and
District VII welcomes Trooper Ace
Meskimen to those two new positions.
There have also been some other changes
to the board with promotions and retirements. Trooper Mark Tome replaced
Board member Cal Janes in District VII
after his retirement, Trooper Jim Schneider
replaced board member Steve Lavin in
District VI after his promotion to major,
and Trooper Jason Grover replaced board
member Scott Waddell in District II.
Welcome to all the new faces! Please
bring with you new ideas and perspectives
for our business.
The fall of 2015 was an excellent
time to collect ideas and analyze our
goals and achievements to prepare ourselves to continue to make positive
changes for all the members. Our fall
board meeting was last October in
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Montana Trooper
continued
Anaconda. Members can view the
meeting minutes on our web page,
www.montanatrooper.com. Our next
Association board meeting will be in
May in Missoula. We have again decided
to combine our meeting time with the
Law Enforcement Memorial Week and
the opening ceremonies of the Special
Olympics Torch Run. Last year this
proved to be very productive and provided
a positive Highway Patrol presence at
the events.
As winter was upon us, I again was
given the opportunity to travel the state
with our current administration and
address the entire active membership
at the district meetings. As a leader of
the organization, I found it fulfilling to
see all of you and provide a consistent
and accurate message. It is easier to
represent you all if I know the needs
and personalities of the members. I hope
all of you found it to be just as important and successful. I would like to thank
you for supporting the board in regards
to our political agenda and needs. The
2017 legislative session is going to be
very important for us to maintain and
secure the accomplishments of our past.
This last year the Association also
changed its legal representation. We
would like to thank our past lawyer,
Mark Bryan of the Bryan Law Firm in
Bozeman, for his many years of representing us. Thank you for your time and
work! We moved our services to the
Taylor-Luther Group in Helena and look
forward to working with Mark Taylor
and Jessie Luther for our future needs.
We already have built great relationships
with them through our political endeavors.
We again had some outstanding
events this last year. The Essex Hope
Reunion, the AMT golf tournament,
and Montana Hope Project Fairmont
Christmas reunion all were great events
with great turn-outs. We would like to
thank all those that put so many hours
into organizing and running the events,
as well as those who took the time to
attend the events. With that in mind,
as you are organizing you calendar for
the next year, save the time and come
join the fun.
In closing, I would like to extend
my gratitude to all of you for allowing
me to lead such a proactive, successful,
and overall magnificent organization.
Let us not forget where we came from
and where we need to be going. There
have been excellent troopers retire this
last year and many new faces needing
guidance. Welcome the new members
and keep doing the good work.
Sincerely,
Brian Inman ❑
THANKS TROOPERS FOR YOUR COURAGE & LOYALTY
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Montana Trooper
From the Attorney General
Montana
Attorney General
Tim Fox
I’m often asked by reporters what
I like best about being your Attorney
General. And while my answer is one
not easily condensed into a 15-second
television soundbite or a single magazine page, it’s probably the same feeling
many of you share about your careers
as troopers: Having the chance to serve
other Montanans and make a difference
for the better in their lives is more
rewarding than I can readily express.
Now, after three years in office,
occasionally that first question is followed by others along the lines of, “What
accomplishment are you most proud of
so far?” or, “What’s the most important
issue DOJ has faced recently?” As I
reflect on the scope and impact of our
initiatives strictly related to MHP and
our accomplishments in the past year,
I’m reminded once again of the extraordinary commitment each of you have
to ensuring their success.
As all troopers know, there are no
quick or easy fixes for drunk and drugged
driving. This is something we take very
seriously and actively continued working in 2015 to prevent more lives from
being lost. Lawmakers from both sides
of the aisle joined with us once again
during the legislative session to find
common-sense solutions for safer communities and to address law enforcement priorities. Two of our key bills
from the 2015 session, which are now
law, doubled the statutory minimum
fines for DUIs, established a $300 administrative fee for people who refuse to
provide a breath sample, and generally
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revised our 24/7 Sobriety Program law
to maximize its impact.
Many of you will recall that the 24/7
Program had been challenged by a repeat
DUI offender as unconstitutional, and
my office vigorously defended the program in court. On July 30, the Montana
Supreme Court ruled unanimously to
uphold the 24/7 Sobriety Program. With
MHP’s help, we continued to expand
the program into more communities,
and now the majority of Montanans live
in counties using 24/7.
Without question, the 24/7 Sobriety
Program is one of our most effective
tools for combatting repeat DUIs, and
we have worked to add important new
language in the federal highway bill that
brings state 24/7 programs like Montana’s
to statutory parity with ignition interlock devices. This means, among other
things, that we will have more access
to funds for fighting impaired driving.
This is a victory for Montana, and I’m
grateful to Senator Steve Daines for his
help in our efforts to get this provision
into the highway bill.
I’m also proud that this fall, we
hosted the country’s first 24/7 Sobriety
Program National Summit in Big Sky.
Nearly 200 people from over 40 states
and two countries attended, including
nine Attorneys General. Kudos to MHP
staff, in particular Kristin Banchero and
Natalia Bowser, for their great work in
planning this very successful event.
In 2015, we also addressed the
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continued
problem of prescription drug abuse
through two new public awareness campaigns. In July, we partnered with the
Montana Medical Association and Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Montana to help
launch a new website, www.knowyourdosemt.com. This website will improve
doctor-patient communication on the
efficacy and proper use of these substances, help those currently abusing
prescription medications get the treatment they need, and encourage our
communities to actively combat prescription drug addiction.
We also kicked off our Resolve
Montana prescription drug abuse campaign, which aims to educate and empower
Montanans to decrease the number of
deaths and hospital admissions resulting from prescription drug overdoses.
Public service announcements are airing statewide, and our new website,
www.resolvemontana.org, offers tips on
starting the conversation in our schools,
and most importantly, in our homes.
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In a related effort to increase prescription drug take-back locations in
Montana, we also awarded 13 pharmacies grants through the Montana
Pharmacy Safe Medication Disposal initiative for the implementation or continuation of drop box programs. Now,
consumers will be able to conveniently
and safely dispose of their unwanted
prescription drugs, right where they
purchased them.
As 2015 draws to a close, I marvel
not only at MHP’s 80 years of service,
but at how you’ve adapted to the everchanging times in which we live. This
year alone, troopers investigated over
9,000 crashes, seized nearly 700 pounds
of marijuana, 90 pounds of cocaine, and
six pounds of meth. Felony drug arrests
were up this year and half of those arrests
were related to meth.
I thank you for your sincere dedication to keeping Montana safe. It’s
been my very great privilege to work
alongside you over these past three years,
and I look forward to what we’ll accomplish together in the months ahead.
Tim Fox is the 24th Attorney General
of Montana. He oversees the Department
of Justice, which includes the Montana
Highway Patrol.
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Montana Trooper
Colonel’s Message
Colonel
Tom Butler
Greetings members,
As always, I hope that this letter
finds you and your loved ones well.
It’s been a busy six months since my
last writing. We hosted two major conferences over the summer of 2015
including the Mountain Pacific Regional meeting of the International
Association of Chiefs of Police and the
first ever national 24/7 Summit. Both
of the conferences were well attended
and great successes. We played host
to 200 attendees at the 24/7 Summit
with people from fields ranging from
law enforcement to academia traveling from all over the country (including several international destinations)
MONTANA TROOPER
to learn more about this award-winning
program.
Despite the fact that the 24/7 Program and its successes are growing exponentially, I will never forget its
profoundly moving connection to the
Montana Highway Patrol as a result of
the tragic death of Trooper Mike Haynes,
who was killed by an intoxicated driver
in 2009. Taking our cue from South
Dakota’s success, the program was
adopted as a practical and effective
response to combat Montana’s culture
of drinking and driving and the senseless deaths that are so often the tragic
result. Since then, Montana has had
over 5,000 participants giving twice
daily breath tests and administered over
638,000 with a 99.5% pass rate of 0.00
BrAC.
We continue to vigilantly promote
the program in an effort to increase the
overall community well-being that results
when offenders are held accountable
and given the opportunity to correct
some of their problems at their roots.
Currently, 39 of Montana’s 56 counties
are participating in 24/7. This includes
those that are providing twice daily
testing, SCRAM or both. In addition to
those counties currently using the program, three counties are currently in
the start-up phase. Sergeant Lacie Wickum has been doing an excellent job supporting these counties across the state
and continues to coordinate training
and software updates.
I’ve talked a lot about the 24/7 program here but to broaden the scope of
the conversation, each of you affects
positive community change and honors
the memory of Mike every day through
the critically important work that you
do on the road. Every traffic stop that
encourages someone to slow down,
every impaired driver who is no longer
on the road, all of the things you do
make this one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the country.
Take care, stay safe, and always
remember to live life to the fullest in
the present moment. Our time is limited
and precious.
Respectfully yours,
Colonel Tom Butler
❑
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Montana Trooper
Belgrade Girl Given Trip to
Disney World From
Montana Hope Project
By Whitney Bermes of the
Bozeman Chronicle
Reprinted with permission.
here are a lot of things[
Charley Gregg is looking
forward to about her trip
to Disney World this week.
“What do you want to see?”
her father Travis Gregg asked her.
“Rapunzel! Jasmine!” the brighteyed girl said, naming some Disney princesses.
“What do you want to do in
Disney World?” Travis asked.
“Go on the rides!” Charley
responded excitedly.
Charley’s list, which includes
swimming and eating ice cream,
goes on and on. But for Travis and
his wife Kim, the thing the parents are looking forward to most
is having a normal vacation that
is all about the kids.
“No doctors’ appointments
and completely letting her be a
kid,” Kim said of Charley, who was diagnosed in October
2014 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of cancer
that affects bone marrow.
“We’re really looking forward to focusing on the kids,”
Travis said of Charley and their 2-year-old son Carter.
The trip to Disney World, where the family will stay at
the Give Kids the World Village, was given to the Greggs
for free by the Montana Hope Project, a nonprofit organization started by Montana Highway Patrol troopers that
gives wishes to critically ill children in the Treasure State.
The Greggs, who left for their adventure bright and
early Wednesday morning, will get six days in Florida
where they will visit Sea World and Universal Studios
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among other activities.
“It was very overwhelming
and humbling,” Kim said of receiving the trip.
While Kim and Travis knew
in April that they were recipients
of the trip, Charley learned about
the gift at her fifth birthday party
earlier this month at Tarantino’s
in Belgrade where troopers and
Hope Project personnel surprised
her.
While Charley seemed a bit
confused at the party, Kim said it
didn’t take her long to realize what
her family had coming.
“The day after the party, the
questions started pouring in,” Kim
said. “She got it...She counts her
sleeps on a calendar.”
Charley was diagnosed with
cancer last year after her parents
noticed she had cold and flu symptoms. Just days before she went
in to get checked, Charley was
also limping and looked pale.
After the diagnosis, Charley went to Billings and then
was flown to Denver where she stayed for treatment for 31
days.
On November 21 of last year, the family found out
Charley was in remission.
Spunky little Charley has spent months getting chemotherapy. She’s now in what Kim said is a maintenance phase
where she takes chemo drugs orally daily, by IV once a
month and spinally every three months.
Charley will complete her treatment next December.
Today, “she’s just a normal little 5-year-old girl,” Kim
said. “Overall, she’s doing really well.”
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continued
Charley Gregg, 5, of Belgrade, is recovering from leukemia and recently the Montana Hope Project granted her w ish to visit Disney World. Photo by
Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez of the Bozeman Chronicle.
While initially Charley couldn’t walk or sit, now she’s
running around and full of energy.
During her trip to Florida, in addition to no doctors’
appointments, Charley has been given the OK to take a
break from some of her heavier medications.
“I think that will be good for her,” Kim said.
The Greggs are the fourth Gallatin Valley family since
August that has received a gift from the Montana Hope
Project.
“It’s just wonderful,” said Joe Rehbein, the project’s
Bozeman area coordinator. “To be able to give them an
opportunity to relax for a week and just do something fun
is pretty extraordinary.”
Since beginning in 1984, the Montana Hope Project has
given out 415 gifts to Montana families. In addition, recipi18
ents are also invited to two free reunion weekends each
year, a summer reunion in Glacier National Park and a
winter reunion at Fairmont Hot Springs.
The Greggs said they are very thankful for the support
they’ve received from the community since Charley’s diagnosis. And this trip marks another reason for the Greggs to
be thankful, they said.
“We’re really appreciative of the trip. They’ve been
great to work with,” Kim said of the Hope Project.
Whitney Bermes can be reached at w bermes@daily ch ron icle.com or 582-2648. Follow her on Twitter at
@wabermes.
For more information about the Montana Hope project
and how you can contribute, please visit www.montanahope.org.
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Montana Trooper
IN UNIFORM
AWARDS
Janes and Lavin
At the fall 2015 board meeting on
October 20, board members Cal Janes
and Steve Lavin were each presented
by AMT President Brian Inman with
plaques of appreciation for their service
as board members. While Cal retired,
Steve was promoted, and each vacated
their respective board positions as a
result. Please accept our thanks to each
of you for your service to the Association and its members!
DISTRICT 2
Awards
At the District 2 meeting on November 16, 2015, the following awards were
presented by Colonel Butler:
Troop Arnold received a 5 year safe
driving award.
Cal Janes w ith AMT President Brian Inman.
Troop Lee received a 5 year safe
driving award.
AMT President Brian Inman and Steve Lavin.
On October 19, 2015, long-time
AMT attorney Mark Bryan of Bozeman
(2nd from left) was presented with a
plaque of appreciation by AMT Secretary Scott Ayers (left) and District 4
Representatives Buck O’Neill (2nd from
right) and David Munson (right).
Sergeant Havron received a 10 year
safe driving award.
Troop Sons received a 15 year safe
driving award.
MONTANA TROOPER
Troop Dejong received the Hedstrom
Award. On July 24, 2015, Trooper Joseph
DeJong was on scheduled annual leave.
At approximately 1150 hours, Joe received
a call from a detention officer friend of
his asking for help. The friend was worried that his elderly father may have
fallen by the pond and asked if Joe could
go check on the man. Without hesitation, Joe jumped in his pickup and drove
2 miles to the property. As Joe approached,
he found the man lying face down in
the pond. Joe waded waist deep into
the water to recover the victim. Joe
pulled the man to shore, dialed 911, laid
his phone on the ground next to the
man, and started CPR while talking to
dispatch. Joe performed CPR for an estimated 10-12 minutes until he was relieved
by fire and medical. Unfortunately, the
gentleman ultimately passed away.
DISTRICT 4
Awards
On December 2, 2015, Colonel
Butler presented a number of awards
at the District 4 meeting.
Trooper Mees was presented with
his 15 year service stars, and Trooper
Kirchheck was presented with his 20
year retirement award.
Trooper Warehime was presented
with a 5 year safe driving award, while
Sergeant O’Neill and Trooper Bullock
received 10 year safe driving awards.
Troopers Hensley, Mees, and Munson
all received 15 year safe driving awards,
while Trooper Kirchheck received a 20
year safe driving award. Trooper Coughlin
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continued
received the ultimate safe driving award
for no preventable crashes in 30 years.
Trooper Jeremy Lundblad received
the Hedstrom Award for his July 5,
2015, response to assist the Laurel Police
department with a medical call in which
CPR was in progress. Although their
efforts were unsuccessful, Trooper Lundblad received the award for his response
and efforts to save a life.
Trooper Joshua French received
the Hedstrom Award for his successful
life-saving efforts while administering
CPR to a 12 year old child who had
been ejected during a rollover crash on
June 17, 2015.
Troopers, sheriff’s deputies, MCS
officers, FWP wardens, a BLM ranger,
and a citizen were all awarded either
Colonel’s Coins or Meritorious Service
Awards for their coordinated response
to a dust storm, fire, and a large number
of crashes, one of which was a five vehicle fatal crash, in the Laurel, Park City,
and Columbus areas on March 28, 2015.
Meritorious Service
FWP Warden Brad Balis.
MCS Officer Gene Peigneux.
Trooper Chase.
MCS Officer Kevin Adkins.
Trooper French.
MCS Officer Matt Caudill.
Deputy Kelly Carrington.
Colonel’s Coin
Deputy Randy Smith
Deputy Sergeant Ben Mahoney .
20
Trooper Hagenbuch.
Rick Kessner.
Trooper Warehime.
Trooper Wolfe.
Sergeant Ay ers.
Sergeant Baum.
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Montana Trooper
Retirement
Trooper Bullock.
Trooper Kirchheck – 20 y ears.
Trooper Kirchheck 20 y ear retirement.
Safe Driving
Trooper Hensley .
Trooper Mees – 15 y ears.
Sergeant O'Neill – 10 y ears.
Trooper Lundblad.
Trooper Munson – 15 y ears.
Trooper Bullock – 10 y ears.
Trooper Robbins.
Hedstrom Award
Trooper Warehime – 5 y ears.
Service Stars
Trooper Coughlin – 30 y ears.
Trooper French.
Trooper Mees – 15 y ear service stars.
DISTRICT 6
Awards
In November of 2015, the following awards were presented by Colonel
Butler at the District 6 meeting:
Trooper Lundblad.
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Trooper Hensley – 15 y ears.
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Trooper Ren received his 15 year
service stars.
Trooper Thoreson received the Hedstrom Award.
gating a crash on Interstate 90. A few
minutes later, a tractor-trailer lost control and struck the same vehicle, ejecting the driver into the median. Trooper
Palmer located the driver and pulled
her to safety just seconds before another
vehicle would have run over both of
them. Trooper Palmer acted with heroism
and bravery during this incident, putting
his own life in jeopardy to save this
mother of three children.
While not ultimately selected,
Trooper Derek Werner was also nominated for this award for his professionalism and work ethic. Derek has
saved numerous lives through his DUI
enforcement efforts. In 2014, he arrested
112 people for DUI violations and had
already arrested 60 DUIs to the date of
his nomination in 2015. He was the
leading DUI enforcement trooper for
the state of Montana and performs his
work with humility and honest dedication. He shuns recognition while performing his duties and is an example
to all troopers of professionalism, work
ethic, and humility.
Sgt. Christensen received a 10 year
safe driving award.
Sgt. Christensen received his 20
year service stars.
GOVERNOR’S AWARD
Attorney General Tim Fox an nounced on September 4, 2015, that
Trooper Wade Palmer was the individual recipient of the Governor’s Award
for Excellence in Performance for the
Department of Justice. On December
28, 2014, Trooper Palmer was investi22
On Thursday, December 17, 2015,
Trooper David Morris was presented
with the Award of Merit by the Yellowstone County DUI Task Force for his
outstanding work in DUI enforcement,
as well as alcohol related and drug
offenses. Way to go David!
Upon graduation from the MLEA’s
Basic #156 Academy, Trooper Katherine
Trewick received the Hal Vogelsang
Award, which is given to the officer in
each class who displays the highest
degree of fidelity as determined by the
Academy staff. The recipient has demonstrated exceptional qualities of honor,
pride, integrity, duty, loyalty, and service
to not only the class but the staff and
entire profession. The award is given
in honor of Hal Vogelsang, who served
as an FBI special agent for more than
36 years and as a training officer at the
Montana Law Enforcement Academy
for more than 25 years.
Allan Bentz, a retired Billings Police
Department officer and current owner
of Hoss’ Rod Shop at 2140 Harnish Blvd.
in Billings, recently donated his labor
and materials to re-paint the pealing
hood of the Association pickup. Mr.
Bentz can be contacted at his shop, by
calling 406-670-4404, or emailing
bentzbmt@bresnan.net. Thanks Allan!
In the first week of September in
2015, Senator Steve Daines visited the
District 7 office in Bozeman and participated in a couple of ride-alongs with
Troopers Bertie Lau and Adam Kloster.
He was kind enough to autograph photographs, and we now have them posted
in our office. Thank you Senator Daines!
Trooper Kloster.
MONTANA TROOPER
019-024 In Uniform 4c 2016-01-18 12:20 PM Page 23
Montana Trooper
Not to be out done, Trooper Steven
Nard (Detachment 512-Wolf Point)
handed out candy to trick or treaters
on Halloween.
Trooper Lau.
Sergeant Spencer, Trooper Villa,
and civilian members of headquarters
staff participated in the First Annual
Trick or Treat with a Trooper event in
Helena on October 30, 2015. Spencer
and Villa were on hand to show kids
the patrol cars and hand out reflective
safety lights and junior trooper badges,
while civilian staff handed out candy,
stickers, and pencils. We had a great
turn out!
On Tuesday, September 29, 2015,
at Hong Kong City in Belgrade, Bozeman
Wish Coordinator Joe Rehbein presented Sheena Cameron with her wish
to visit Disney World. This was Joe’s
first wish presentation, and he was
joined by Bozeman area Troopers Zachary
Grosfield, Ace Meskimen, Jeff Sargent,
and Matt Nilan.
This photo may possibly explain
why Sergeant Pat McCarthy can’t always
hear dispatch. He’s too busy rocking
out to AC/DC or KORN on Bozeman’s
104.7.
On September 23, 2015, at the
Mighty Mo 107 FM, Helena area law
enforcement officers were presented
with a banner signed by local residents
expressing their appreciation for the
successful three day manhunt for an
armed fugitive wanted for homicide
and kidnaping in Great Falls.
Trooper Villa.
Sergeant Spencer.
Trooper Nard.
MONTANA TROOPER
MHP Sergeants Scott Bennett (left)
and Phil Freed (right) spent the last
week of September in 2015 at a Less
Lethal Weapons instructors class at the
Utah State Corrections Training Facility south of Salt Lake City. In this photo,
the two sergeants are about to enter an
enclosed area where CS (military tear
gas) will be deployed via a flash-bang
explosive. They were required to remove
their gas masks while enveloped in the
CS fog in order to experience the full
effects. In addition to the CS that week,
the two sergeants were exposed to
oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray)
twice and a new product that combines
concealment smoke with a potent
pepper irritant. It was a very painful
week! Sergeants Bennett and Freed are
grenadiers for the Patrol’s Special Events
Support Unit.
Onaliese Graham
felt the need to
inspect her favorite
Trooper Steven
Nard’s handgun
magazines before
night qualifications
in September of
2015.
Students at North
Middle School in
Great Falls sent
these thank you
notes to District
2 troopers in
October of 2015.
more
➤
23
019-024 In Uniform 4c 2016-01-12 2:55 PM Page 24
Montana Trooper
continued
PROMOTIONS
Captains
On July 15, 2015, Colonel Butler
announced the promotion of Captain
Chad Dever (District 2 Commander,
Great Falls) and Captain Jim Hunter
(District 8 Commander, Havre). A
promotional ceremony was held on
Monday, July 27, 2015.
Sergeants
Pictured from left to right at an October 19, 2015,
promotional ceremony: Sgt. Justin Braun (MLEA/
MHP Academy), Sgt. Lacie Wickum (24/7 Program
Coordinator). Sgt. Larry Adorni (Sidney ), Attorney General Tim Fox, Governor Steve Bullock,
Colonel Tom Butler, Sgt. Neil Duram (Libby ),
and Sgt. Tim Proctor (Executive Protection).
TSRO
On November 6, 2015, Trooper Doug
Samuelson was announced as the successful bidder for the vacant Traffic Safety
Resource Officer (TSRO) position.
RETIREMENTS
In December of 2015, Detachment
113 Commander Sgt. Ken Breidenbach
(MHP 123 and 242) retired, with a
farewell dinner held on December 19
in Stevensville.
•••
Troopers from District 1, Missoula,
presented Trooper Christopher Hamilton
with a District 1 plaque of appreciation
for his service from 1990-2015.
24
On Wednesday, December 16, 2015,
Trooper Justin Kirchheck (center) was
presented with his retirement badge
by Captain Keith Edgell (left) and Major
Steve Lavin (right).
Trooper Chris Hamilton retired on
August 28, 2015.
On September 21, Chris Hamilton’s
retirement party was held celebrating
his 25 years of service to the state of
Montana as a MHP trooper. True to
form, he wanted a very small get-together for his retirement party. He said
that he was “not a real party guy.”
As you can see in the photo, Chris
is starting to “let his hair down” and
starting to enjoy his new life in retirement. He did not want a big party, being
so humble, but the entire Detachment
113 (along with Trooper Novak from
Det. 111) were in attendance to enjoy
some cake and ice cream while reminiscing on his years of service. Some
very funny stories, lots of laughs, and
camaraderie was shared by all. Chris
really enjoyed the time with his partners, but he said that he really wasn’t
sorry he retired. (He was reportedly
missing his nap time.)
The money raised paid for the purchase of his uniform badge. He was
really choked
up by the generosity of his
teammates.
He will be
missed.
•••
Trooper Joel Knutsen (MHP 175)
retired on October 30, 2015, having
served since May 9, 1994. Pictured are
Colonel Butler (left) presenting Trooper
Knutsen (right) with his retirement
award at a December retirement party.
SERVICE STARS
Mike Flood (left) received his 15 y ear letter and
service stars on July 14, 2015, at the District 2
office in Great Falls from Sergeant Josef Kinsey
(right).
•••
Trooper Cal Janes (MHP 244) retired
in October of 2015, and a retirement
party was held on October 17 at the
Red Lion Colonial Inn in Helena.
Trooper Jeramy Rice (left) received his 10 y ear
serv ice stars from Colonel Butler (right) in
September of 2015.
❑
•••
MONTANA TROOPER
029-030 59th Academy Graduates 4c 2016-01-12 3:03 PM Page 29
Montana Trooper
59th Montana Highway Patrol
Academy Graduaton
August 21, 2015
First row (left to right): Sgt. Philip D. Freed (MLEA Trainer), Katherine A. Trew ick, Ty ler S. Sw artz, Grigori F. Neils, Michelle D. BuchananFrost, and Sgt. Conner Sm ith. Second row (left to right): Brianna M. Fox, Jam es J. Beck, John M. Metcalfe, Dy lan J. Nordell, Trav is A. Dillon,
and Brandon A. Kelm .
Montana Highway Patrol 59th Academy
March 30 – April 3, 2015
MLEA Basic #156 Academy – MHP Attendees
April 6 – June 26, 2015
Montana Highway Patrol 59th Academy
June 29 – August 21, 2015
Final Standing – with Initial Station Assignments
BADGE
335
205
262
206
202
254
245
219
340
239
MONTANA TROOPER
TROOPER
Dylan J. Nordell
Tyler S. Swartz
Katherine A. Trewick
John M. Metcalfe
Brianna M. Fox
Brandon A. Kelm
Grigori F. Neils
Michelle Buchanan-Frost
James J. Beck
Travis A. Dillon
ID #
2038
2039
2040
2041
2042
2043
2044
2045
2046
2047
ASSIGNMENT
Roundup (Detachment 222)
Sidney (Detachment 514)
Eureka (Detachment 621)
Culbertson (Detachment 514)
Chester (Detachment 811)
Miles City (Detachment 513)
Subsequently resigned
Billings (Detachment 424)
Butte (Detachment 311)
Harlowton (Detachment 222)
more
➤
29
029-030 59th Academy Graduates 4c 2016-01-12 3:03 PM Page 30
Montana Trooper
continued
James J. Beck
Michelle D. Buchanan-Frost
Travis A. Dillon
Brianna M. Fox
Brandon A. Kelm
John M. Metcalfe
Grigori F. Neils
Dy lan J. Nordell
Ty ler S. Sw artz
Katherine A Trew ick
30
❑
MONTANA TROOPER
031-032 Golf Tournament 4c 2016-01-12 3:04 PM Page 31
Montana Trooper
Association of Montana Troopers
Annual Membership Meeting
and Golf Tournament
from the tournament with fond memories of the conversations I had with the participants. I can definitely say those
n August 8 and 9, 2015, the Association of Montana[ who walked before us are a special group of people.
Troopers held their annual golf tournament in LewisThis year brought several sponsorships to help pay for
town, Montana.
hole prizes. The Montana Public Employees Association,
The tournament is not designed to be a fundraiser but Taylor-Luther Group PLLC, Central Montana Community
rather is designed to be a relaxing event for current and Health Center, and Hanser's Automotive & Wrecker Comretired troopers, friends, families, and others involved with pany each donated $300 toward prizes. Fergus Federal Credit
the day-to-day operation of making the roads safe in Montana. Union, Stockman Bank, Bank of the Rockies, and Little Big
My goal as the tournament organizer is for everyone to enjoy Men Pizza each donated $50 toward prizes. The donations
their time and to have each participant leave with at least were well received, bringing a large number of prizes to the
one prize. The prize is a token of thanks to the dedication event. The sponsors were very gracious with their donaand willingness to all those willing to stand up and protect tions, and that is appreciated. They are a reflection of the
more ➤
the people of the state of Montana. Every year, I walk away
By Trooper Jason Grover
O
The play ers at the end of day tw o of the golf tournam ent.
MONTANA TROOPER
31
031-032 Golf Tournament 4c 2016-01-18 12:25 PM Page 32
Montana Trooper
continued
The quilt m ade for benefit of the Montana Hope Project by Stephanie
Grov er.
strong community bonds the Association strives to maintain within our communities across the state of Montana.
The first day of the tournament consisted of an Association membership meeting with team selections, then 18
holes of golf at Judith Shadows. This year the meeting was
held at 618 Coffee. 618 Coffee is a local Lewistown area gathering place that many small towns have across the state.
These places offer many conversations from politics to fishing
stories. We appreciate the hospitality Dawn extended to us
while at 618 Coffee. A special thanks to retired Sergeant Jack
Shields, who paid for everyone's coffee during the meeting.
We had eight teams of four participants during the first
day of golf at Judith Shadows. The golf tournament is a
scramble, best ball tournament. Each member of the team
has to use at least two of their drives off the tee box during
the day’s play.
Team one members were Association Attorney Jessie
Luther with retired Sergeant Kelly Mantooth, retired Sergeant
Dick Boettcher, and retired Sergeant Larry Strickland.
Team two members were Tammy Waddell with Trooper
Scott Waddell, Trooper Mike Jensen, and Trooper Steve
Downs.
Team three members were Trooper Brian Inman, Renee
Parsley, Dave Manix, and Ron Vandiest.
Team four members were Kaden Sangray, retired Captain
Brad Sangray, retired Sergeant Jack Shields and Sergeant
Glen Barcus.
Team five members were Retired Trooper Sam Harris,
Marnie Harris, Trooper Mike Zufelt, and Camie Zufelt.
Team six members were Trooper Joe DeJong, Easton
Dejong, MLEA representative Tom Bivins and MJ Bivins.
Team Seven members were Trooper Joe Hensley, Trooper
Bill Bullock, Sergeant Bob Bender, and Kelsey Bender.
Team Eight members were Trooper Jason Grover, Bridger
Grover, Steve Foy, and Steve Olson.
Saturday Evening we held an Association dinner at
Brooks Market. The meal was prime rib and chicken. Thanks
to Debbie at Brooks Market for providing a great meal and
32
a location to socialize. Following dinner, gifts and a few
awards are given out. Some helpful gifts, like sand trap
survival tools, are always graciously valued for following
days use. There has always been a little comic relief at the
dinner, but I will not name names.
We try to have a quilt raffle every year at the dinner.
The funds from the quilt are given to the Montana Hope
Project. Retired Sergeant Andy Sangray’s wife, Jeanne, donated several quilts in past tournaments. Andy passed away
unexpectedly a few months after our 2014 tournament. I
was fortunate enough to golf with Andy in past tournaments. Andy had a big heart and contributed immensely to
our tournaments. Blessed be his memory, and thank you
Jeanne for your dedication to the Association and the Montana
Hope Project.
This year my wife Stephanie made a quilt from retired
uniforms. She spent hours on the quilt and did an awesome
job. Murph at MHP headquarters supply gathered nonserviceable uniforms for this purpose. Murph is a fine
example of what it takes to keep the Montana Highway
Patrol running smoothly every day. We are always looking
for talented people to provide quilts for this purpose.
Day two of the tournament was at Pine Meadows. Both
Pine Meadows and Judith Shadows offer challenging holes.
For me, each course offers at least one hole on which I can
feel good about my skill set. Then of course I have to go
back, with different results the second time. I started to feel
my age as my son out drove me on occasion. I am still working on my response for him. I recall comments my father
told to me like, “Mess with the bull, you’re going to get the
horn,” or “There is no substitute for an old man’s ability to
get even.”
The victory hat for this year’s tournament went to team
eight, with a total two day score of nine under par. MDOT
employee Steve Foy and Fergus High School teacher and
football coach Steve Olson were representatives sent by the
Central Montana Community Health Center. They definitely carried me on their team.
The remaining results order for the two day tournament were:
Second place, team five; third place, team two; fourth
place, team one; tied for fifth, teams four and six, seventh
place, team seven; and eighth place, team three.
Thanks for all the people who attended. Association
President Brian Inman was very supportive and helped
make the tournament a success.
August 6 and August 7 are the scheduled dates for the
tournament in 2016. The tournament will again be held in
Lewistown. The final time and location schedule will be
sent out by email and mailers in the spring of 2016. I would
encourage anyone interested in attending or interested in
becoming an event sponsor to contact the Association of
Montana Troopers by logging on to our association web site
at www.montanatrooper.com. Anyone can forward their
❑
contact information to me on that web site.
MONTANA TROOPER
033-036 Over Serving bw 2016-01-18 12:44 PM Page 33
(Black plate)
Montana Trooper
DUI Task Force and
MAPS Media Institute
Collaborate on PSA
About Over-Serving Alcohol
By Michelle McConnaha of the Ravalli Republic
Reprinted w ith permission.
atelyn Lester is the “poster child” for preventing over-[
service of alcohol at bars and restaurants. Seventeen
surgeries and a medical tab that exceeds $1 million
prove it.
Five years after the automobile collision that almost
took her life, Lester is playing an important role in a public-awareness campaign aimed at warning bartenders and
party hosts to avoid serving people more alcohol than they
can handle. The campaign is headed up by the Ravalli County
DUI Task Force, which is working with the MAPS Media
Institute to film a television spot in Hamilton that includes
a reenactment of Lester’s accident.
Task force coordinator Glenda Wiles said she has wanted
for several years to address the problem of over-serving
alcohol. Lester’s accident, caused by a drunk driver who
was served too much alcohol at a bar in Florence, presented
an opportunity to do so.
“This is a particularly good local issue because she lives
here, the accident occurred in Florence and she nearly died
from the crash,” Wiles said. “Katelyn is the perfect poster
child for going out and letting people know it happened to
her. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Rocky Bailey was
the trooper who handled the accident, and he, too, is in our
public service announcement.”
Lester, who is a member of the DUI task force, watched
the production process and shared the narrative of her
accident.
“In June 2010, I was hit head-on by a drunk driver, and
I was trapped in my vehicle about an hour,” Lester said. “I
was life-flighted to St. Pat’s. Once they established the extent
of my injuries, they flew me to Harborview in Seattle.”
Injuries included a torn aorta, bilateral femur break,
broken jaw, broken eye-socket, large laceration down her
face, broken ribs, bleeding from spleen, liver and kidneys,
and a broken arm.
K
MONTANA TROOPER
Ravalli County DUI Task Force Coordinator Glenda Wiles and member
Kately n Lester w atch the MAPS production crew recreate the scene of
Lester’s near lethal DUI accident that happened in Florence ov er fiv e
y ears ago as a result of ov er serv ice. Photo by Michelle McConnaha of
the Ravalli Republic.
“I was rushed in for emergency heart surgery and was
in an induced coma for two weeks,” Lester said. “I was in
Seattle for a month, then transferred here to a nursing home
where I re-learned to walk and regained my strength. Had
I not been wearing my seat belt I would not have survived.
Lester has had 17 surgeries so far. More will probably
be necessary, she said.
“My medical bills have exceeded one million dollars,”
she said. “A Florence bar is where the man who hit me had
been drinking and I have a civil judgment against them,
but they have not paid a dime to me.”
Lester said she was two weeks from starting a job at
a pre-release facility as a security officer when the accident occurred. She got her final interview call when she
was in the intensive care unit and wasn’t able to accept
the job.
“I went to school to be a cop. That was all I ever wanted
more
➤
33
033-036 Over Serving bw 2016-01-12 3:06 PM Page 34
(Black plate)
Montana Trooper
continued
Trooper Bailey and a fireman being filmed for Ravalli County DUI Task
Force ov er-serv ing PSA.
to do,” she said. “I will never be able to do anything like
that because of my injuries. Since the accident I worked
two years at 9-1-1 dispatch, but the stress of that – my heart
surgeon said ‘no more.’”
The accident “disabled me for life,” Lester said.
“You never think it’s going to happen to you. It can
happen to everyone,” she said. “That’s what I tell kids when
I talk to them. I did everything right. I went to school, and
I went to college. I did everything I was supposed to do to
see my dreams come true, and somebody else ruined that
for me.”
Bailey, the Highway Patrol trooper, was one of the first
responders on the scene and served as the investigating
officer for the crash.
“I’m really glad the DUI task force is focusing on this
topic,” he said. “One of the biggest contributors to DUI
crashes is over-service at both private parties and professional establishments. The crash that we are highlighting
here was a result of over-service.”
People need to regulate themselves and make sure others
aren’t served too much alcohol, Bailey said.
“When they see over-service taking place, they need to
34
step up and stop it and make sure that people that have
been over-served have sober rides,” he said.
Bailey recreated his role from that night five years ago
when he responded to Lester’s accident.
“Missoula, 2-6-1, I’m on the scene,” he said on the radio
as he pulled his patrol car to the accident and rushed to
help during the filming.
The director cued the ambulance, with lights flashing
and sirens blaring, to drive towards the camera and sound
crew. The scene was recreated in the back of the MAPS
center on Madison Avenue in Hamilton.
MAPS CEO Peter Rosten said his team “pulled out all
stops” for the DUI task force’s public service announcement. Cinematographer Matt Wheat was there with his professional digital camera.
“That’s a $75,000 camera being used. Rest assured we
don’t buy those,” Rosten said. “We thought we’d go a little
bit overboard. Matt is donating his time. Next week we’ll
just have our cameras for production, but for Glenda we’re
doing it big.”
Christian Ackerman teaches filmmaking at MAPS and
was on the production crew, along with student Nick West.
“Nick is a student, teaching assistant and volunteer,”
Ackerman said. “He is getting the opportunity to strut his
stuff after being trained at MAPS. Some people think we
are just playing in film class, but the students are learning
and training so they are ready to do stuff like this on a real
production.”
Ackerman said the public service announcement will
raise awareness of the problems that can arise when someone is served too much alcohol and then gets behind the
wheel.
“This is a true story,” Ackerman said. “I think people
need to be aware of over-serving and stop to think before
they walk out of a bar, or even if you’re at a restaurant and
have had a few drinks, to really think about what you’re
doing before you leave.”
The public service announcement was scheduled to air
on television starting the middle of November, 2015.
❑
MONTANA TROOPER
037-038 On the Road bw 2016-01-12 3:07 PM Page 37
(Black plate)
Montana Trooper
On the Road
In July of 2015, a Subaru cut off a
commercial vehicle in a construction
zone near milepost 465 on Interstate 90
causing a crash and completely disabling
both vehicles, with substantial damage
to the guardrail. The passing lanes on
both sides of the interstate were blocked
for an extended period of time. Trooper
Darvin Mees was the primary investigator, and Troopers Hensley, Robbins,
and Boespflug, along with Sergeant Baum,
assisted. The driver of the Subaru lied
about who was driving, but as the investigation continued, it became clear. Marijuana was discovered in the Subaru, but
it was determined the driver was not
impaired at the time of the crash.
Trooper Dan Arnold investigated a
rollover crash on December 14, 2015,
on Interstate 15 near milepost 270.
Remarkably, the restrained driver escaped
major injuries and only received some
bumps, bruises, and a hurt shoulder.
Trooper Arnold plans on nominating the
driver for a Saved by the Belt award.
✮✮✮
Sergeant Eric Gilbert met Regina
Hazen while engaged in a motorist assist,
and she sent Sergeant Gilbert this photo
of a bald eagle with a Montana Highway
Patrol trooper at work in the background.
MONTANA TROOPER
✮✮✮
✮✮✮
❑
37
039-042 Mufasa bw 2016-01-18 12:34 PM Page 39
(Black plate)
Montana Trooper
Cat Survives Hairy Ride On
Interstate Before Reconnecting
With Big Timber Owner
hiked more than 90 miles without opposable thumbs before landing on his feet
in police custody Friday.
Jessie Connolly last saw her 10ufasa relaxes in a kennel at[ year-old pet at about 7 a.m. Friday as
Billings Animal Rescue Kare she left her ranch northeast of Big
before being reunited with Timber on her way to her office in town.
his owner. Mufasa was found by a Mon- Connolly said “Muf” has a cool demeanor
tana Highway Patrol trooper riding on and an adventurous streak. She assumed
a flatbed truck on Interstate 90 near the worst when he went missing, but
Billings.
after four days and a strange trip, Muf
One life down and eight to go. is back in her arms.
Mufasa the overweight tomcat hitchSometime Friday morning the tom
By Jordon Niedermeier of the
Billings Gazette
Reprinted w ith permission.
M
MONTANA TROOPER
managed to make the six-mile trip from
the ranch to a Big Timber gas station,
where he climbed aboard a pickup’s
flatbed.
The pickup got on I-90, and Mufasa
went unnoticed until the driver of a
passing car reported the unusual
passenger.
Montana Highway Patrol Trooper
Alexander Velasquez received the call
at about 10:11 a.m. Velasquez said the
caller reported the cat was struggling
more ➤
39
039-042 Mufasa bw 2016-01-12 3:10 PM Page 40
(Black plate)
Montana Trooper
continued
Photo by Casey Page of the Billings Gazette.
to hold on, so he responded quickly to
track down the pickup, making the stop
in Columbus.
“I was kind of joking (with the driver) and asked if he picked up any hitchhikers lately,” Velasquez said.
After he pointed out the furry pas-
40
senger, Velasquez took Mufasa into
his custody. He decided to take the cat
to Billings and started searching for a
shelter.
“I tried one or two of them there.
They said, honestly they were just going
to euthanize because they didn’t have
any room for it,” Velasquez said.
"I’m kind of a big animal person,
and I wouldn’t want my pet to be put
down because it got lost. I couldn’t
bring myself to let that happen"
Eventually he contacted Billings
Animal Rescue Kare, and after hearing
Mufasa’s story, the shelter made room
for the traveling cat. BARK posted
Mufasa’s story on Facebook, and it was
shared on various pages, including Big
Timber Buzz.
Connolly is Sweet Grass County
Justice of the Peace and is well known
for keeping several cats, sheep, goats
and a blue heeler on her farm.
“I heard through one of the gals at
the Sheriff’s Office that there was this
911 call. And they all joked they should
call Jessie because I have all these animals,” Connolly said.
The post on Big Timber Buzz got
her in contact with the people at BARK,
and she set up a reunion Tuesday.
Connolly said this isn’t the first
time Muf got himself into a hairy situation. He’s been bitten by a rattlesnake
and soaked by a high-pressure water
hose. He’s a garage cat. This was his
first experience traveling.
“Muf will be paying for his stay,”
Connolly said while hugging Mufasa
in the BARK office. “You don’t get to
come to the Hilton and stay for free.”
The shelter at 4017 First Ave. S.,
doesn’t accept fees for their short-term
guests, so Connolly cut a check to make
a grateful donation.
Jordon Niedermeier is a general assignment reporter for the Billings Gazette and can be reached at:
jniedermeier@billingsgazette.com.
❑
MONTANA TROOPER
043-048 Final Patrol bw 2016-01-12 3:14 PM Page 43
(Black plate)
Montana Trooper
Final Patrol
RODNEY JOHNSON
We will greatly miss our father, brother
and friend, Rod Johnson, who passed
away July 16, 2015, in Helena, closely
attended by his brother, Chuck, and sister,
Janet.
Rod and his brother, Ron, were born
May 18, 1932, in Wallace, Idaho, to “Pat”
(Gertrude Naomi Stuart) and Dick Johnson. He and his brother were raised in
and around Montana. They were the
closest of friends, as well as brothers, each other’s closest
companions through thick and thin.
Rod served in the Air Force while Ron went to the
Navy at age 17, their first separation, leaving behind their
young siblings, Janet, Joan (twins again!), and Chuck Spencer.
Four years later, they were back in Montana, each finding
their spouses and beginning their family lives.
Rod met Shirley Forsness of Wolf Point at the University of Montana. They married in 1957 and commenced to
build their lives and family together. They had Kirk, Kent,
and Kristine over the next few years, and Rod began his
career in the Montana Highway Patrol. Incidentally, his
twin, Ron, applied and was accepted in the same class,
graduating together in 1963. Rod and Ron greatly enjoyed
their Patrol years together, made lifelong friends, and had
wonderful stories to tell.
Rod retired from the Patrol in Great Falls in 1973 and
became Superintendent of Public School Transportation,
where he enjoyed a second career with the school district
in Great Falls.
Rod and Shirley’s family life was filled with camping
trips, fishing, skiing, and family get-togethers. Later, he
and Shirley took up kayaking, sailing, and traveling, often
with family, which brought them both great joy.
MONTANA TROOPER
His greatest sadness was the loss of his wife, Shirley,
in January, 2011. He is survived by his children Kent (Seattle)
and Kristine (Halifax, Nova Scotia), and was predeceased
by Kirk in 2012. His brothers Ron (Wolf Point) and Chuck
(Helena), and sister Janet (Helena) will miss his never-ending humor. He has been loved by many: his children and
daughter-in-law Cindy; his grandchildren by Kent and
Cindy, Anique and Matt Johnson; and Kris’ children, Elias,
Esmé, Solveig, Isak, and Joseph (Hirsch).
All whose lives have been touched by Rod know his
greatest gifts of humor, compassion and faithfulness. We
celebrated his life at New Hope Lutheran Church, 3125 Fifth
Ave. S., in Great Falls on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at 1 p.m.
EARNEST METZENBERG
Earnest Harold Metzenberg was born at
Ekalaka, MT, on November 20, 1926, to
George and Daisy (Wheat) Metzenberg.
Ernie was born again, saved by the grace
of God, in May, 1959. God called him
home on July 25, 2015. He attended country schools and Carter County High School.
He lived at Ekalaka, on the ranch owned
by his father, for 17 1/2 years when he
entered the U.S. Army in January, 1945.
He served in Okinawa and as a criminal investigator in
Japan. He got his G.E.D while in the Army. His diploma
is signed by John W. Bonner, Governor of Montana. After
his discharge in August, 1946, he returned to Miles city,
where his parents were living.
Ernie worked for Nugent’s Allied Van Lines and for
McDonald’s North American Van Lines, where he was
known as “Smiley”, before being recalled to active duty
with the Army. After his discharge in August of 1951, he
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went to work for the Miles City Police Department for five
years before joining the Montana Highway Patrol. Ernie
was stationed in Broadus, Baker, Miles City, and Glendive
while with the Highway Patrol. After 7 years of service, he
was promoted to sergeant of the Miles City area. After 13
years of service, he was promoted to captain of the eastern 15 counties, stationed in Glendive. He retired in 1984,
after having served 27 years on the Highway Patrol.
Ernie was married to Gladys Strom on March 6, 1948.
To this union, three daughters and a son were born. After
her death, he married Vada Yates Thompson on November 5, 1982. During his retirement, they traveled in their
motor home and did volunteer work on churches and
church camps throughout Montana for eleven years. He
taught adult Sunday school and was active in First Baptist
Church. He loved the Lord and told people he didn’t know
about tomorrow, but he knew who held his hand.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father
Cyril Cridland, brothers Robert and Ben; a sister Jewell,
and his first wife, Gladys.
Survivors include his loving wife Vada; his daughters
Roberta (Hassell) Painter of Billings; Jacquelyn (Denny)
Palmer of Sidney; Kellye Metzenberg (Mike Rhodes) of
Miles City; son Mike (Diane) Metzenberg of Miles City;
step sons Jeff and Tim Thompson of Forsyth; grandchildren Joli (Al) Schroader, Michael (Angie) Metzenberg; Darcy
(Brant) Kassner, RaeLeigh Palmer, Jenna Thompson, Nate
and Tara Dunning, Morgan (Rory) Haughian and Tyler
Rhodes; Great-grandchildren, Emileigh Brandt; Jia Li
Schroader; Daniel, Riley and Garrett Metzenberg; Brittany
Hirsch; Myhia Metzenberg; Piper and Paityn Kassner; Kale
Dunning and Reese Venn. Sisters Donna Mittelsteadt of
Laurel and Kay Oehm of Omaha, and stepbrother Clarence
Cridland, sister-in-law Peg Metzenberg and his numerous
beloved nephews and nieces.
Family received friends on Thursday, August 6, 2015,
from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
in Miles City. Funeral services were held on Friday, August
7, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City.
Interment followed in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s
Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post
1579. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City was
in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent
to the family by visiting: w w w.stevensonandsons.com.
MELVIN MOONEY
Our loving father, Melvin Mooney, 90,
left this earth to begin his heavenly journey, on Sept. 13, 2015.
Melvin arrived on April 20, 1925, the
youngest of three sons to James and Grace
Mooney in Butte. He was very proud of
his very Irish roots, with his ancestors
arriving from Waterford, Ireland.
He attended St. Joseph's Grade School
and Butte High School. After graduating,
he entered the Navy to defend his country during WWII.
While serving in the Navy, he received a commendation
for his actions under fire in the Philippines. When the war
ended, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Frances Myers. Melvin and
Frances were blessed with four daughters; Nancy, Susan,
Paula, and Melanie.
Melvin began his career with the Montana Highway
Patrol in 1950 and proudly served until he retired as captain stationed in Butte in 1982. He rightfully earned the
nickname "Captain Mel". One of his greatest achievements
was launching the "Bear in the Air" traffic control program
for the Montana Highway Patrol. Another notable achievement was teaching accident investigation and driver safety
at MSU to new recruits in the Montana Law Enforcement
Academy. After retiring from the Highway Patrol, he was
elected as Justice of the Peace and proudly served in that
role for 20 years until he retired at the "ripe young age" of
78. Melvin retired with his long time fellow JP and friend,
Maryann Bartholomew.
Melvin was a member of St. Ann's Parish and shared
his beautiful Irish tenor voice as a member of St. Ann's
choir for over 50 years.
Among Mel's favorite pastimes were spending time at
the family cabin, and many of those times were with his
special friend, Betty Knoepke. He enjoyed boating, waterskiing, snow skiing, and motorcycle riding, all of which he
worked hard at to become an expert. He was a long-time
ski patrolman at various local ski areas. He proudly carried
a private pilot's license and enjoyed flying with a local
flying club and flying for the Highway Patrol. His favorite
pastime was spending time with his very large, close family.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, James
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and Grace Mooney; his wife, Frances; and brothers, Jim
and Joe. He was also preceded by his son-in-law, Creighton
Barry.
He is survived by his four daughters and their families; Nancy Barry, Susan (Ron) Chatriand, Paula (Dan) Riley
and Melanie (Greg) Peters. He is survived by his grandchildren, Stacie (Mark) Peterson, Shawn (Darcy) Barry,
Heather (RJ) Snyder, Megan (Brock) Bolin, Tyler (Erin
Seyfreid) Chatriand, Jessica (Justin) Brown, Jacquelyn (Ben)
Hupp, Matt (Natalie) Riley, Brendan (Tracey) Riley, Shannon
Riley (Brad Legge), Mollie (Chad) Benjamin, Keelie (Colt)
Anderson, Shelbie (Nick) Haynes, and Justin, Jared and
Boomer Peters. Great-grandchildren include Tygan, Maci,
Jane, Josie, Nate, Cameron, Tanner, Addie, Finn, June,
Kellen, Axel, Cage, Krew, Brax, Berklie, Hallie, Jamison,
and Mayson.
He will always be remembered for his ability to recall
a joke or story for every situation, for his optimistic love
of life, his respect for the law, and his integrity while serving in his roles in law enforcement. Additionally, no matter
where he ate, it was the "best darn cheeseburger" he ever
had in his life.
He taught us how to live life to the fullest, and he led
by his example as a gentleman and by his respect and tolerance for others.
There was a vigil at 7 p.m. Sunday evening, Sept. 20,
2015, at St. Ann’s Church. Mass of the Resurrection was
at 11 a.m. Sept. 21, 2015, at St. Ann Church with visitation
beginning at 10 a.m. Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery
immediately following the service. A reception followed
at the Butte Country Club.
The family requests that memorials be made to the
donor's choice.
You may express condolences at www.mtstandard.com.
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W. JAMES STOTTS
On July 9, 2015, Jim left his earthly being and joined his
parents Morgan and Alleene Stotts, sister Marschell, and
brother Michael.
Jim was born in Whitefish on Dec. 3, 1939, and was
raised in the Kalispell area, attending local schools and
graduating from Flathead County High School in 1958.
He joined the Navy and served for five years, getting
his training as an electrician.
In 1969, Jim entered the Montana Highway Patrol Academy and worked as an officer in many cities throughout
Montana. He continued through the ranks of the MHP and
retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1994. He then moved to
Henderson, Nevada, where he could be close to his grandchildren and family.
His hobby in woodworking continued, and he made
much of the furniture in his home and many items for
family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Adeline Stotts;
two children, Kimberly Kamrowski of Henderson, and
Keith Stotts and wife Stephanie, and children Morgan and
Ashlee of Las Vegas.
Jim devoted much to playing baseball with Morgan from
an early age and attending many camps, practices and traveling for games and, finally, enjoying Morgan’s games with University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Ashlee was always his “angel”
as he watched her grow with dancing, recitals, cheerleading,
and, finally, he was her greatest supporter in attending college.
Jim is also survived by his brother, Morgan “Dick”
Stotts, and wife, Lorraine, of Kalispell, as well as many
nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cremation has taken place, and there were no services
at Jim’s request. Remembrances may be made to the Montana Hope Project at w w w.montanahope.org.
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MONTANA TROOPER