trooper news - Oregon State Police Officers Association

OSPOA MONTHLY TROOPER NEWS
JULY 2014
WWW.OSPOA.COM
Official Publication of the Oregon State Police Officers’ Association
Trooper News
News, Information, Features, Opinions, and Letters Related to Law Enforcement
Detectives of the Klamath Falls Area Command Enjoy Teamwork
Left to right: Detective Donnie Miller, recently retired Detective Stephanie Gourley, Detective Dennis
Yaws, and Criminal Sergeant Bob Fenner
By Dawn Plechl
By all accounts, the Klamath Falls Area
a good fit for everyone. People often transfer
Command offers a great work experience.
out. It’s not uncommon for the troopers to
Fenner moved to Klamath Falls when he was
The office members enjoy camaraderie and
like the placement, but for their wives to find
14 years old. His father, who was in the Na-
the troops tend to work seamlessly with oth-
they are not happy at such a distance from
tional Guard, was stationed at Kingsley Field.
er divisions. According to the detectives of
modern conveniences--family staple Costco,
this command, there is very little if any pos-
restaurants, and shopping centers are all at
Fenner of Klamath Falls. “Luckily, though,
sessiveness or territoriality displayed among
least an hour and fifteen minutes away in
blue clear skies are much more common
area agencies, an issue that can sometimes
Medford. Also, distance from extended fam-
here than [in the Willamette Valley].”
complicate the job in other regions of the
ily can be an added hardship.
state.
versity, Fenner became a cadet at age 21. It
“Everyone just gets the job done,” says
Fenner, though, has found Klamath Falls
Originally from Tuscon, Arizona, Sergeant
“The weather was a big adjustment,” says
After graduating from Portland State Uni-
to be a great fit for himself and his family.
was tough to try to get hired with the OSP at
Criminal Sergeant Bob Fenner. “There’s a
“I feel fortunate because great oppor-
that time in 1997. There were 20 forty-per-
great homey feel here.”
tunities have come to me here: MRT, work-
son classes that year.
ing dope, patrol, crash reconstruction,” says
Fenner. “I’ve enjoyed all of it.”
in Klamath Falls, and he found that being
Klamath Falls can be a tough assignment
to fill because it is so remote that it’s just not
Even his original assignment was patrol
See KLAMATH, Page 5
PAGE 2
JULY 2014
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
President’s Post
senior Trooper Darrin Phillips
This month I would like to roll out our
newest venture.
ing and supporting our brothers and sisters.
I have come to realize
During one of these situations, after
that we need to develop a way for troop-
several hours of discussion, I made the deci-
ers to support troopers. I have dealt with
sion to send a troop home and to follow up
the department’s CIRT folks on many occa-
with him the next day. There was no talk of
sions. They are all very dedicated and seri-
suicide, but I knew this troop was very emo-
ous about supporting the members of the
tional and upset. Many hours later, in the
Oregon State Police, and they do a great job.
wee hours of the morning, my phone rang.
With that being said, I don’t want to
As you can imagine, my phone does not ring
tread on what they are doing. What I see is
at 3 a.m. with good news. A fear instantly
the need for a peer support group. An early
ran through me, and I was certain that I had
warning system if you will. We all know the
made the wrong decision.
person we would call if we were in a bad
place. It should not be a surprise to find out
out others to talk with and the third party
asked Dessa DeForest (Portland) and Peg-
that many of us would call the same person.
was merely keeping me in the loop. I decid-
gy Bishop (Salem) to help spearhead this
My goal is to identify who those people are,
ed then and there that I would get educated
project. They will be helping me push this
train them, and give them the tools to help
and trained, and would find a network of
program forward. If you have suggestions,
all of you.
support that could be utilized to help all of
please feel free to pass them on.
us when dealing with troops in crisis.
that will help with the training. My goal
In most cases that I deal with, the people
on is a partnership in continuing the educa-
would be to get everyone enough training
close to us know when we are struggling
tion of our troops. I contacted all of the ma-
so they know when they are in over their
with things. We just need to educate and
jor colleges and universities in the state and
head and to establish a network of profes-
convince our peers to reach out when they
didn’t get much help. What did come about
sionals that can support us when we need it.
see the strain of life getting to be too much
was a contact I found at Northwest Christian
to handle.
University (NWCU). NWCU is located on the
ation (several times) where I was forced to
In my experience, most of our troops
campus of University of Oregon. They have
decide if one of our members was danger-
won’t reach out to CIRT for support when it
been in existence for over 100 years, and
ous to himself/herself while in crisis. I am
does not involve department-related inci-
they would love to work with our people.
not uncomfortable with these decisions
dents such as shootings or use of force. So
since it’s one we make all the time when pa-
we need to fill that gap.
They have already connected with DPSST
trolling this fine state. The difference is the
people we are dealing with. We are evaluat-
in this program, please let me know. I have
We have identified several organizations
I have personally been put in the situ-
It turned out that the troop had sought
The second project I have been working
I am starting a pilot project with NWCU.
If any of you have a desire to participate
See PRESIDENT, Page 7
Former OSP Captain Jeff Lanz Resigns, Sentenced
The former head of the Oregon State Po-
torney's Office, Jeff Randall Lanz, age 39, was
Questions regarding this case and sen-
lice (OSP) Office of Professional Standards
sentenced to:
tencing should be directed to the Linn County
pled guilty on June 19, 2014, and was then
* 12 months bench probation
District Attorney's Office at 541- 967-3836.
sentenced in Linn County Circuit Court on
* 3 days in jail
one count of Official Misconduct in the First
Prior to the plea and sentencing, Lanz
Degree. He also submitted his resignation to
agreed to reimburse the Department of State
the department on June 18, ending his 15-
Police in the amount of $485.19 for repayment
year career with OSP.
in all six incidents. OSP has received repay-
ment.
According to the Linn County District At-
PAGE 3
JULY 2014
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
A Message from the Vice President
Senior Trooper Mark Banks
This month, I’d like to write about some
discipline interview. We have two notices
tive leaves are quite varied and, in the end,
of the ways your dues money is used to
that can be given for disciplinary interview.
so are the levels of discipline levied. I’ve
benefit the membership. The association
Members can be given a two-hour notice
seen quite a few people placed on admin-
often runs into a problem the department
with a possible discipline range from day-
istrative leave for six months to a year who
has had for years: we can’t publicly take
to-day counseling to a written reprimand.
return to work with minor discipline. The
credit for the work we are doing.
When a 24-hour notice is given, the de-
most important things Darrin and I can do
Darrin and I both are putting in over
partment can use information from the
for someone on administrative leave is to
30,000 miles a year traveling the state to
interview for discipline as serious as wage
meet with them and take their phone calls.
meet with members. We aren’t just re-
reductions or termination. We feel that it is
Usually that means several trips to meet
sponding to the larger events like mem-
important to have Darrin or me present for
with the member and/or their spouse. This
bers being placed on administrative leave.
every incident in which a member is inter-
kind of support is key to our work.
We also travel at the request of members
viewed under a 24-hour notice. Prior to my
for smaller issues like scheduling discrep-
part-time release, this just wasn’t possible.
sition is that we help a lot of people with
ancies between the membership and
We both also get a lot of requests for
workers’ compensation claims. The associ-
management at the local level. Things like
help with two-hour notice interviews. We
ation really doesn’t have standing in many
scheduling issues are usually fair game for
have worksite reps that haven’t been pres-
of these claims. However, we have fielded
conversation with the membership, but in-
ent for a discipline interview in their role as
so many questions about the process over
dividual personnel issues are not. We can’t
a rep. There are times the request for us to
the years that we have become a good
and shouldn’t address the membership
be present is made because the local rep
resource for the membership. Darrin and
about the facts surrounding every time we
is unavailable. Other times, we are asked
I both travel to meet with members per-
roll out to members in trouble.
to help with two-hour notices either be-
sonally so we can sit and talk about their
Something that surprised me in this po-
The SEC made it clear, when they voted
cause the worksite rep is the one being in-
specific claims and figure out the best way
to put me on a part-time release, that they
terviewed under the two-hour notice or is
for an individual to navigate a process that
wanted me to travel. They wanted another
being interviewed as a witness in the situa-
always seems to be an uphill battle.
executive board member available to the
tion.
membership. Darrin, with SEC support,
established a new policy regarding mem-
on administrative leave at any given time.
bers being given a 24-hour notice for a
The reasons for each of these administra-
We seem to have six to twelve people
Mark Banks
OSP Announces New Area Commander for the Portland Area Command Office
Effective July 1, 2014, the Oregon State
a patrol trooper for three months before be-
responsibility for patrolling state highways
Police (OSP) Portland Area Command office
ing reassigned as a Major Crimes Section de-
and portions of Interstate 5, Interstate 205,
has a new area commander appointed by Su-
tective. In October 2009, he was promoted to
and Interstate 84 within Multnomah, Clacka-
perintendent Richard Evans Jr.
Sergeant and supervised OSP Major Crimes
mas, and east Washington counties. A ser-
Lieutenant Jon Harrington, age 41, takes
Section detectives in seven counties.
geant and six Fish & Wildlife Division troop-
over as the Portland Area Commander fol-
The Portland Area Command office over-
ers have primary responsibility for ensuring
lowing the promotion of Lieutenant Jeff Her-
sees Patrol, Fish & Wildlife, and Criminal Di-
compliance with the laws and regulations
shman to director of the OSP Criminal Inves-
vision operations supporting public safety
that protect and enhance fish and wildlife
tigations Division. services in Multnomah, Clackamas, and
resources and habitats covering over 2,200
Lieutenant Harrington joined OSP in
Washington counties. The office has a total
square miles. Six detectives support local
2008 following a 12-year career with Lake Os-
staff of 35 sworn officers (Patrol, Criminal,
law enforcement in the three counties and
wego Police Department, where he worked
and Fish & Wildlife) and five non-sworn em-
Columbia County, while also conducting
as a patrol officer, detective, and member
ployees.
major criminal investigations and providing
of the Regional Organized Crimes Narcotics
Patrol sergeants and troopers work-
investigative services on state property and
Task Force. After lateral entry to OSP at the
ing out of the Portland office support law
at state institutions.
Portland Area Command office, he worked as
enforcement partners and have primary
PAGE 4
JULY 2014
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Bet Becomes a Moment of Appreciation for OSP Dispatcher Kit Flanagan-Clark
By Dawn Plechl
tario Command Office?” she wondered. “Am
ers. People in the north were using north
I have come to understand that joking
I getting subpoenaed?”
repeater, locals were on the local repeater,
with co-workers is an important part of the
As she opened the envelope, a Dutch
and those in the south were using south re-
workday for those of the OSP. Humor creates
Bros. coffee card fell out. A letter inside said,
peater. They were talking over each other
the chance to lighten up a job that can be
“Here’s a Dutch Bros. Card for $12--$4.50 for
and couldn’t hear each other, but Kit could
by turns both stressful and dull, and can also
the bet, $3.75 for hard work, $3.75 for the
determine who was speaking when by the
create playful bonding among colleagues.
wait from Ontario!”
voice and by which repeater was being used.
Sometimes it can also have an unexpected
Kit was surprised and delighted.
It was a very hectic, stressful shift.
positive result.
It was only the second time in her 20-year
career that a trooper had surprised her in this
Recently, dispatcher and trainer Kit Fla-
nagan-Clark, out of the Southern Command
way. The gesture made her day
Center Dispatch, had the experience of good-
and really made her smile.
natured joking turning into a moment of
kindness and appreciation from a colleague.
gether,” admits Kit, “but Detective
Mark Duncan will always have a
Kit had received a call from a gentleman
special place in my heart.”
caller wasn’t sure about his location; all he
could tell her was that he was near a Brown-
erate, and amusing.
lee Reservoir sign. Kit made a call to Lieuten-
ant Mark Duncan, out of the Ontario patrol
Flanagan-Clark, “and this light-
office, to try to find the mile markers and the
ened the mood for everyone in
motorist. Lieutenant Duncan was confident
the dispatch room!”
about the exact location and the mile mark-
ers, so he kiddingly said, “I’ll bet you a coffee
much to her that she is saving the
on it.”
card as a memento and won’t be
using it.
The incident was fun, consid“Dispatch often isn’t fun,” says
Kit said the gesture meant so
just agreed to a sucker bet,” says Kit, “because
he knows the area so well.”
tion on letterhead,” Kit says. “It’s
However, she later heard another dis-
a personal gesture, as corny as it
patcher talking to Mark on CAD (Computer
may sound. I do have a stack of
Aided Dispatch), trying to find the car in
commendations, but those two
question.
times with personal gestures from
troopers mean the most.”
“Mark was running up I-84 and passed the
wore me out. Scott called and said, ‘You did
“We’ve had our moments to-
whose car had broken down on I-84. The
“When I hung up the phone, I thought I’d
“By the end of the day,” Kit says, “they
“It’s better than a commenda-
Twenty-year veteran dispatcher Kit Flanagan-Clark
proudly displays her letter and coffee card won on a
friendly bet with Lieutenant Mark Duncan.
two mile markers where he thought it should
it be,” says Kit. “Turned out to be six miles west
a gesture was, sadly, Sergeant Scott
of where he thought it would be.”
Punch, who passed away in January
2013.
a great job.’ I said, ‘Yeah, flowers, chocolate,
messages to other dispatchers about owing
whatever.”
Kit a coffee, but she was skeptical.
but I didn’t think I could get through it,” says
would be the end of it.
Lieutenant Duncan started sending back
“‘Oh, right, like I’m ever gonna see that!’
The other trooper who made such
“I wanted to tell the story at his funeral,
She thought, of course, that
Flanagan-Clark.
was what I was thinking,” Kit laughs.
The story is just a simple anecdote of
went to Costco and bought a huge bag of
Saying “I’ll bet you...” had become more a
However, over the weekend, Scott Punch
thoughtfulness.
M&Ms and left them on her desk to find.
teasing comment from troopers, or so Flana-
gan-Clark thought.
everyone on duty and everyone running traf-
ing.
About a week later, Kit returned from a
fic,” Kit explains. “The trooper has to tell me
break to find an envelope on OSP stationery
which repeater they are on in order for us to
ference.
from the Ontario Command Area.
hear back and forth. “
Gold Beach has four different repeat-
“Why am I getting something from On-
“Gold Beach was at saturation one night--
“He was a good guy,” she says, rememberSometimes small gestures make a big dif-
PAGE 5
JULY 2014
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
KLAMATH, continued from Page 1
placed in your home town can make for
interesting experiences. For example, during a foot pursuit early in his career, Fenner
caught and cuffed his suspect only to find
that it was a friend from high school.
“It’s just part of the job,” he says good-na-
turedly.
During his career, he’s served on the nar-
cotics teamand spent five years on the Mobile Response Team (MRT). He trained as a
crash reconstructionist around 2005, starting
out as a crash tech, which requires a fourweek training. Techs and reconstructionists
respond to fatal crashes or vehicular incidents that result in criminal charges, serious
injuries, etc. Reconstructionists must pass
Klamath Falls Area Command maintains a positive attitude even under ominous skies.
the ACTAR (Accreditation Commission for
Traffic Accident Reconstruction) test, which is
takes half of the county calls. This makes for
cots on display, courtesy of of one of their
very tough.
a very busy case load for detectives in the
own detectives--Dennis Yaws. Yaws has been
office, and they work closely with Bend and
hunting in a variety of countries, and he is an
ter analysis of evidence,” says Fenner. Fenner
Central Point.
accomplished taxidermist. The office and his
estimates he’s been to about 50 fatal crashes,
To get away from the demands of the job,
home are both decorated with these incredi-
some of them very gruesome. “Fatal high-
Detective Fenner and his family turn to the
bly preserved specimens. Several of them, in-
way crashes with kids involved are especially
outdoors. Fenner’s hobbies include moun-
cluding a bear and a wild boar, stood watch
tough,” he admits. tain and road biking, hunting (particularly
as the detectives chatted with me.
Even with his varied experience, Fenner
deer and antelope in Wyoming), and fishing.
says he still enjoys the chance to work patrol.
His family also goes on an annual rafting trip
love to rib each other, and Yaws shared that
There are many interdiction cases in the area
in La Grande.
the favored topic of ribbing the other detec-
due to marijuana mules pushing east to take
The Fenners’ daughters are also getting
tives often choose is Yaws’ former profession.
advantage of what they think will be a more
older and are involved in soccer and volley-
He was once the manager of four Wendy’s
naive and ill-prepared police force in the
ball, each of which requires lots of long-dis-
franchises. Yaws said he enjoyed the work,
more rural areas. Patrol officers show them
tance travel.
but burger and fast food jokes tend to follow
the reality of their strong training and police
him.
work in discovering these operations.
terviewer with Klamath Lake Child Abuse
“It’s a higher level of training to do a bet-
Fenner’s wife, Samantha, is a forensic in-
As anyone in the OSP knows, troopers
However, in his life as a detective, Yaws,
Fenner is also working a counterfeit case
Response and Evaluation Services (CARES).
like so many of his colleagues in the OSP, has
that started as a patrol stop that revealed a
Due to her vocation, the two can talk openly
been involved in many very serious cases.
large amount of money in a woman’s purse.
about the difficult aspects of their jobs with
One of the most memorable began in 2010
Some of the money was still in sheets. This
each other, offering support and insight.
when a community member came to the of-
was a situation in which an informant proved-
fice to say he suspected his uncle, who had
to be a valuable tool, giving just enough in-
ly traumatic stuff,” says Fenner.
recently died, was involved in the murder
formation to allow officers to find the coun-
Fenner is a Criminal Sergeant and super-
of Joyce Cross, a 19-year-old woman who
terfeiters on the road.
vises three officers. Their cases are primarily
was brutally raped and beaten to death in
Another important part of this office’s
related to child, domestic, and sex abuse, as
the Klamath Falls area in 1971. The case had
detective work is following up on the many
well as any other major crimes that occur in
been cold for decades.
Department of Human Services abuse alle-
the area.
“You get used to talking about complete-
Yaws decided to look again at the evi-
dence, requesting the case file and any physi-
gations that are reported. Detectives in the
Klamath area split the cases outside the city
The Klamath Falls work area occupied
cal evidence that still existed. Almost miracu-
with the sheriff’s office, so the Klamath OSP
by the detectives has many taxidermy mas-
See KLAMATH, Page 6
PAGE 6
JULY 2014
KLAMATH, continued from Page 5
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
was not possible with 1971 tech-
lously, the lab was able to gain DNA evidence
nology.
from the 39-year-old clothing Joyce Cross
cide shortly after the warrant was
had been wearing the night of her murder.
served.
One person who was of interest in the
A detailed account of Yaws’
case in the 1970s, Lavon Owens, was still in
and his colleagues’ solving of this
town and still of interest, but he refused to
cold case can be found at The
cooperate.
Oregonian’s OregonLive website
A story straight out of a TV crime show
in an article by Noelle Crombie
unfolded. Detective Yaws and fellow detec-
titled “Cold Case, Dark Secret: Who
tive, Stephanie Gourley, hatched a plan that
killed Joyce Cross of Klamath Falls
resulted in their retrieving Owens’ DNA sam-
in 1971?” http://www.oregonlive.
ple from a bag of peanuts at a local basketball
com/news/index.ssf/2010/05/
game. That sample was a match, providing
cold_case_dark_secret_who_kill.
Yaws with a warrant to take an official swab
html.
from Owens at his home. That sample was
Detective
also a clear match with the case evidence,
trained under Detective Gourley.
tying Owens to Joyce’s death in a way that
He then became her recruit again
Owens committed sui-
Yaws
originally
when he joined the
Criminal Division.
“He’s still my
recruit,”
Gourley
jokes.
At the time of
my visit to Klamath
Another of Detective Yaws’ trophies watches over the office.
Falls in March 2014,
Detective Gourley was still on
Detective Gourley is an avid hunter of deer,
active duty, but she has since
antelope, and elk in her off time, and she is
retired
a skilled marksman; she has been a firearms
(in June) from the
OSP.
instructor and range mistress with OSP.
A unassuming, affable
person, Gourley was a cap-
longtime dream when she became a detec-
tain in the Marines, stationed
tive in the Criminal Division, but she finds the
in San Diego. After later join-
way detectives are portrayed on television to
ing the DEA, Gourley met
be a little humorous.
her future husband, Bill, who
was with the OSP. After the
sometimes watch them with her, but it’s so
two were married, Gourley
fake,” smiles Gourley. “Detectives get their
then also joined the OSP. She
results back from the lab in five minutes and
started with the OSP in Port-
things like that. Except for the interactions
land in 1988 as a recruit, but
between the detectives. That joking and
she didn’t care for Portland.
bonding are realistic.”
Her family was in Rogue Val-
Joking and bonding are part of what
ley and Klamath Falls, and
make the Klamath location a great place to
that was where Gourley
get serious, important work done while still
preferred to be, considering
maintaining good mental health.
herself a country girl, so she
and her husband were very
happy to end up in Klamath
Office mascot Buford T. Bear
Falls.
Gourley, like many detectives, fulfilled a
“My mother loves shows like NCIS, so I’ll
PAGE 7
JULY 2014
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
PRESIDENT, continued from Page 2
and the US military. They are able to access all of your training records when you apply (free of charge) and offer college credits for
your life experience. They have traditional classes and online classes
to offer, and you can earn a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.
If the relationship develops the way I think it will, we will attempt
WWW.OSPOA.COM
The Dalles Wrestling Program
offers a hearty thanks for
financial support from OSPOA,
which wouldn’t be possible without
all of you members.
to offer scholarships not only to members’ children but also to the
members as well. NWCU is in the process of researching the possibility of matching funds and reduced tuition for our members. I am in
the process of identifying community members and businesses that
would like to contribute to our trooper education fund.
I have already identified six members to see what NWCU can do
for them. They have varied backgrounds and tenure. Some are close
to a degree and some have never attended college. Some have military experience and some have never served. I believe we will have
a great experience with NWCU, and, hopefully through them, we can
offer an avenue to a college degree to members who want one.
Once our six experimental cases are evaluated and offered assis-
tance, I will publish the results, so hopefully all of you can evaluate
where you stand and gain an understanding of what NWCU might be
able to do for you.
Until next month, take care of each other.
Darrin
Fallen Trooper Memorial
Bike Ride Canceled
Unfortunately, the OSP Fallen Trooper
Memorial bicycle ride planned for August 2
has been canceled. The decision was based
on low registration numbers, high cost of
insurance, and sponsors being uncomfortable with financial support of an event with
so little recognition of their company because of the limited number of participants.
With just over two weeks left until reg-
istration would have closed, there was no
expectation of a great influx of registrations, so the decision was made to forego
the event this year.
Do You Remember?
Paper Man, DFRs, PUC Pick-up Orders, and PPH
By Dan Beugli
PAPER MAN: Each office had an assigned
paper man. Their primary assignment
was daily court work, serving subpoenas,
warrants, DFRs (see below) and Pick-up
orders. They were usually troopers in the
twilight of their career.
DFRs: DMV would send a Drop From Rolls
list to each office when an individual’s operator’s license became suspended and
we would go to the house and seize the
ODL, as it was the property of the State
of Oregon.
PUC PICK-UP ORDERS: Similar to DFRs,
the Public Utility Commission’s office
would send out orders for Suspended
PUC plates, and we would go and take
them right off the truck.
PPH: Our annual evaluations would include PPH, Pinches Per Hour. It would list
all office members in order of what your
average PPH was, and you were then
graded on where you were in the office.
As Sergeant Phil Esterhaus first said on
Hill Street Blues (1981 to 1987): “Hey, let’s
be careful out there.”
Dan Beugli was hired as a cadet in 1977 and
was in the February 1978 recruit class. He
retired in 2011. Any suggestions, questions,
comments, or critiques are welcome. He
can be reached at personal email: be.ugli@
yahoo.com
PAGE 8
JULY 2014
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
Trooper Events and Announcements
Joe Pogan
June 19, 1925, to June 20, 2014
We are sad to report that Joe Pogan
1979. He worked 24 years in Tillamook and
died after suffering both a broken hip and a
the last four in Coos Bay. He and his wife
heart attack within a short span of time. He
Marilyn had twin sons; Jerry lives in Truckee,
was 89 years old. CA, and Joe in Aloha, OR.
Born in 1925, Joe served in the Coast
Cards or letters may be sent to Marilyn
Guard from 1943 to 1946. He became a
Pogan, 5450 SW Erickson Ave, Apt. B312,
State Police Officer in 1951 and retired in
Beaverton, OR 97005.
Promotions
Sergeant Jonathan Harrington, Criminal, Portland, to Lieutenant, Patrol,
Portland
Mindy McCartt, Executive Support Specialist 2, General Headquarters, Superintendent’s Office, to Executive Assistant, GHQ, Superintendent’s Office
Reassignments
John Tildon Morris
May 21, 1946, to June 10, 2014
John T. Morris passed away peacefully
ton-Freewater; his children Debbie (Craig)
on June 10, 2014, at St. Mary’s Hospital
Morris of Spokane, WA; Lisa (Jeff ) Vann of
with his wife, Diane, at his side. Funeral ser-
Seattle, WA; John (Linda) Morris of College
vices were held on June 21 at the Munselle-
Place, WA; Sisters Colleen Rogers of Nampa,
Rhodes Funeral Home in Milton-Freewater,
ID; Pam Knifong of Gresham, OR, and six
OR. Concluding services and interment
grandchildren--Brittany, Hannah, Taylor,
were conducted in the Milton-Freewater
Audrey, Blake and Ellie.
Cemetery.
The family is grateful to Dr. Robert
John Morris was born in Walla Walla, WA,
Quackenbush, The Cancer Treatment Cen-
on May 21, 1946. His parents were Albert
ter, and St. Mary’s Hospital. In lieu of flow-
and Phyllis Morris of Milton-Freewater. John
ers, donations can be made to The Cancer
graduated from McLoughlin Union High
Treatment Center Special Needs.
School and completed two years at Eastern
Oregon University. He joined the Oregon
(Details from obituary posted on Munselle-
State Police in 1969 and retired as lieuten-
Rhodes Funeral Home website)
ant in 1996. He was employed with Mountain Oil and Byrnes Oil from 1997 to 2014.
He is survived by his wife, Diane, of Mil-
Upcoming Events
Delayed: Dedication of the Oregon State Police Fallen Trooper Memorial
Salem, Oregon
This event has been postponed until further notice.
August 2, 2014 Memorial Softball Tournament
Bend, Oregon
Contact Senior Trooper James P. Duncan at 503-378-4931 for more information.
CANCELED: August 2, 2014 First Annual Memorial Ride
Salem, Oregon
Contact Senior Trooper Craig Ball of the Salem Area Command at kmncb@q.com.
September 9 and December 9, 2014 Florence Area
HR218 Qualifications, 1 p.m.
Siuslaw Rod & Gun Club
Contact Fred Ross at yofredor@msn.com for more information.
Senior Trooper David Chambers, Patrol,
Klamath Falls, to Detective, Criminal/
Major Crimes, Klamath Falls
Senior Trooper Jeremy Gunter, Criminal,
Pendleton, to Patrol, Pendleton
New Hires
Erin Day, Administrative Specialist 1, Sex
Offender Registration Unit
Matthew Rodriguez, Compliance Specialist 2, Office of State Fire Marshal
Patricia Diaz, Forensic Scientist, Portland
Forensic Laboratory
Heidi Tincher, Forensic Scientist Entry,
Central Point
Retirements
Patricia Reighard, Compliance Specialist
1, State Fire Marshal
Terry Coons, Forensic Scientist 1, Portland Forensics Laboratory
Rex Ryan, Governmental Auditor 2, Bend
Departures
Nancy Ragsdale, Office Specialist II,
Central Point
Charlotte Gabriel, Accounting Tech III,
GHQ
Samantha Rider, Office Specialist II,
Portland
Cynthia Comstock, PEM B, Computer
Services
Alan McMahen, Program Analyst 1, Office
of State Fire Marshal
Deborah Rodriguez, Telecommunicator
2, SCC
Jeff Lanz, Captain, GHQ
PAGE 9
JULY 2014
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
OSP Announces New Area Commander for the Coos
Bay Area Command Office
Effective July 1, 2014, the Oregon State
The Coos Bay Area Command office over-
and western Douglas counties. One detective
Police (OSP) Coos Bay Area Command office
sees Patrol, Fish & Wildlife, and Criminal Divi-
supports local law enforcement in the three
will have a new area commander appointed
sion operations at two offices (Coos Bay and
counties with major criminal investigations
by Superintendent Richard Evans Jr.
Gold Beach) supporting public safety servic-
and on interagency teams, while also provid-
Lieutenant Steve Mitchell, age 40, takes
es in Coos, Curry, and western Douglas coun-
ing criminal investigative services on state
over as Coos Bay Area Commander follow-
ties. The two offices have a combined total
property and at state institutions.
ing the transfer of Lieutenant Steve Smartt
staff of 21 sworn officers and two non-sworn
to the OSP La Grande Area Command office.
employees.
Beach office have primary responsibility for
Lieutenant Mitchell started his career in 1997
Patrol troopers working out of the Coos
patrolling approximately 100 miles of state
and worked as a patrol trooper and sergeant
Bay office have primary responsibility for
highways. Fish & Wildlife Division troop-
at OSP offices in Klamath Falls, Roseburg,
patrolling approximately 242 miles of state
ers have primary responsibility for ensuring
and Central Point. In 2010, he transferred to
highways in Coos and western Douglas coun-
compliance with the laws and regulations
the OSP Office of Professional Standards for
ties. Fish & Wildlife Division troopers have pri-
that protect and enhance fish and wildlife
about a year before being promoted to lieu-
mary responsibility for ensuring compliance
resources and habitats within nearly 2,000
tenant at the Oregon State University office,
with the laws and regulations that protect
square miles of Curry County.
where he worked for three years before trans-
and enhance fish and wildlife resources and
ferring to the Coos Bay office.
habitats within 1,800 square miles of Coos
Caption Contest Round
Three: Senior Trooper
Patrick Irish
Patrick & Shamila Irish’s two girls, age 4
and 8, decided to make their daddy more
beautiful. Can you think of an amusing caption for this photo? If so, join the Oregon
State Police Officers’ Association closed
group page on FB and enter your caption as a
comment under this photo.
To vote, “Like” the captions you think are
best on the FB page. Captions can also be
emailed to troopernews@ospoa.com.
The winner will receive a $25 gift card.
Patrol troopers working out of the Gold
Dedication of the Fallen Trooper
Memorial Postponed
The Oregon State Police Fallen
and who defend Oregon’s laws and
Trooper Memorial Board of Directors
the rights of its citizens. Thirty-three
regretfully reports that the Memorial
Oregon State Police officers have
Wall project dedication ceremony will
paid the ultimate sacrifice to main-
be delayed a few months. The board
tain those standards. That is why the
is extremely disheartened with the
Board remains committed to building
prospect of not dedicating the me-
a quality and lasting monument to
morial on August 1. The consultant
our fallen Oregon State Police broth-
assured the board that the work com-
ers and sisters.
pleted thus far on the wall is of high
quality and even remarkable. This
ing an event at his studio for all me-
news is very encouraging and con-
morial supporters on August 1, 2014.
firms the efforts of the board, your
The event will showcase the memo-
financial support, our volunteers, and
rial and give supporters a chance to
everyone who has contributed to the
see the actual progress of the wall.
project.
The primary reason for the de-
memorial, please contact OSP Ser-
lay is to ensure the integrity, quality
geant Cari Boyd, acting president
and craftsmanship of the memorial.
of the OSP Fallen Trooper Memorial
It will be a lasting tribute to the Or-
project, at ospfallenmemorial@gmail.
egon State Police officers who chose
com.
a life of loyalty, honor, and courage
Sculptor Jason Jones will be host-
If you have questions about the
PAGE 10
JULY 2014
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
OSP Announces New Area Commander
for the La Grande Area Command Office
Report from Cow Camp
By Gary Hayden
from the Retiree E-News
Effective July 1, 2014, the Oregon State
of Union County. Detectives support lo-
The 22nd annual Cow Camp Gathering oc-
Police (OSP) La Grande Area Command of-
cal law enforcement with major criminal
curred as usual in mid-June along the banks of
fice will have a new area commander ap-
investigations and on interagency teams.
Jack Creek. This was the 10th year at that loca-
pointed by Superintendent Richard Evans
They also provide primary criminal inves-
tion with 33 attendees present. Cloudy and cool
Jr.
tigative services on state property and at
weather prevailed the first 36 hours, but sun-
shine and 70-plus degree weather filled out the
over as La Grande Area Commander fol-
Patrol troopers working out of the
remaining time of the five day event. This writer
lowing the retirement of Lieutenant Gor-
Baker City office have primary responsibil-
was unsuccessful, as usual, in keeping the re-
don Larson. Lieutenant Smartt transferred
ity for patrolling approximately 267 miles
tired wildlife officers on a truthful path as they
from the Coos Bay Area Command office
of state and interstate highways. Fish &
assembled around the campfire.
where he worked his way through the
Wildlife Division troopers have primary re-
However, the conversations were both en-
ranks from trooper to lieutenant, a posi-
sponsibility for ensuring compliance with
lightening and hilarious. Fortunately, the ladies
tion he held since his promotion in Octo-
the laws and regulations that protect and
added a degree of honesty and sophistication
ber 2003. Smartt started his OSP career in
enhance fish and wildlife resources and
that was much needed. They also provided great
1990, working three years as a Criminalist
habitats within over 3,000 square miles
food--fuel to keep the stories going. Two annual
in the OSP Forensic Services Division be-
of Baker County. Detectives support lo-
awards were presented during the trip. The re-
fore transferring into the Patrol Services
cal law enforcement with major criminal
sultant and democratic unanimous vote award-
Division in 1993. Prior to promoting into
investigations and on interagency teams.
ed Roy Hyder the Golden Bullsplitter Trophy. Roy
supervisory positions, he worked at the
They also provide primary criminal inves-
contested the vote but was unable to reverse it.
Coos Bay office as a patrol trooper and
tigative services on state property and at
Apparently, his bullsplitting talents are so great
Drug Enforcement Section detective.
state institutions.
that those present could find no one to exceed
his high standards.
oversees Patrol, Fish & Wildlife, and Crimi-
terprise office have primary responsibility
The spiffy Bull Horn award--usually given to
nal Division operations at three offices
for patrolling approximately 120 miles of
a older troop--was instead awarded to young
supporting public safety services in three
state highways. Fish & Wildlife Division
Mark Prodzinski, who ungraciously accepted it,
northeast Oregon counties: Union, Baker,
troopers have primary responsibility for
shocking all of us by suggesting that the vote
and Wallowa counties. The three offices
ensuring compliance with the laws and
was rigged. This, after Tom Ashmore (last year’s
have a combined total staff of 37 sworn of-
regulations that protect and enhance fish
winner) had spent hours polishing it to a high
ficers and five non-sworn employees.
and wildlife resources and habitats within
luster.
Patrol troopers working out of the La
over 3,100 square miles of Wallowa Coun-
The folks attending came from as far away
Grande office have primary responsibil-
ty. Detectives from the La Grande Area
as western Montana and the southern Oregon
ity for patrolling approximately 168 miles
Command office support local law en-
coast. Glen "Tall Timber" McDonald and his
of state and interstate highways. Fish &
forcement with major criminal investiga-
minions supplied more than enough campfire
Wildlife Division troopers have primary re-
tions and on interagency teams, and they
wood. On a more sober note, Vic Groshens was
sponsibility for ensuring compliance with
also provide primary criminal investigative
reprimanded by some tree-huggers for tram-
the laws and regulations that protect and
services on state property and at state in-
pling some grass with his RV. He defended
enhance fish and wildlife resources and
stitutions.
himself by calling them "earth muffins” and they
habitats within over 2,000 square miles
departed, taking their granola bars and sandals
with them.
Davey Carver, 84, attended again this year,
giving us all a goal to shoot for. Everyone said
they had a great time and wished more fish and
wildlife officers would attend.
Hope to see you next year!
Lieutenant Steve Smartt, age 52, takes
The La Grande Area Command office
state institutions.
Patrol troopers working out of the En-
Fish & Wildlife Division Newsletters
Oregon State Police (OSP), Fish & Wildlife Division Field Review newsletters for March
2014 and April/May 2014 (combined) are available for download. June’s newsletter is also
likely available by the time of this printing.
April/May 2014 is available at http://www.oregon.gov/osp/FW/Documents/
April_May%202014.pdf and March 2014 is available at http://www.oregon.gov/osp/FW/
Documents/March%202014.pdf.
PAGE 11
JULY 2014
WWW.OSPOA.COM
OSPOA TROOPER NEWS
A note from the Editor
The Trooper News Wants
to Publish Your Articles,
Letters, and Photos
Dawn Plechl
Summer is in full sizzle with temperatures at or over
100 all over the state, summer thunderstorms, and fires
Clark for sharing her story, and to dispatcher Tina Free-
This newspaper is your means of communicating with other OSPOA members
statewide. Articles, letters, and photographs that are appropriate are accepted
from members and nonmembers alike. It
is desired that articles be limited to approximately 500 words except by agreement with the editor. You can also contact
the editor about developing an idea you
might have that you would prefer assistance in writing.
An honorarium is offered upon publication.
man for pointing me in the right direction. There are so
threatening property and nature’s beauty. Still, the Oregon State Police have jobs to do, regardless of the conditions, and we, as citizens, are thankful for all of your good
care in our state.
This issue of the Trooper News features detectives
from the Klamath Falls Area Command, and I owe them
a big thank you for making me so welcome. They are
a fun bunch, though the taxidermy projects throughout
the office were a little disturbing for this city girl!
Thank you to dispatcher extraordinaire Kit Flanagan-
many others in the OSP family who are sending pictures
Editor, Trooper News
troopernews@ospoa.com
503-881-0283
and story ideas my way, and I am very grateful to you all.
Submit articles to:
Keep cool out there and enjoy that blue sky in the Wil-
lamette Valley. Goodness knows it won’t last!
Advertise in the Trooper News
If your business is interested in advertising in the Trooper News, please contact OSPOA offices at 503-393-6535 or troopernews@ospoa.com. Print
versions of the TN are mailed to all OSP troopers and to many retired troopers and their families. An online version of the newsletter appears each month
on the OSPOA website at http://www.ospoa.com/publications and is also emailed to all OSPOA members.
Contact OSPOA
President
Darrin Phillips
phillips@ospoa.com
Vice President
Mark Banks
banks@ospoa.com
Office Manager
Amy Lindseth
amy@ospoa.com
Treasurer
James Reeher
reeher@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
Dennis Yaws
yaws@ospoa.com
Sergeants’ Rep
Mike Iwai
iwai@ospoa.com
Devon Sommers
sommers@ospoa.com
Non-Sworn Rep
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO 344
SALEM, OR
OREGON STATE POLICE
OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION
3905 River Road N, Suite B
Keizer, OR 97303-4890
ed
Our promise:
To protect and serve those who protect and serve.
That’s why we’ve partnered with OSPOA to provide access to auto and
home insurance designed exclusively for you and your fellow troopers.
For 100 years, California Casualty has delivered trusted, personalized
insurance for select professionals who protect, strengthen and enhance
the quality of life in American communities.
It’s California Casualty’s policy to do more for the people who give more,
starting with you.
Firearms Coverage | Free ID Defense | Fallen Officer Survivor Benefit*
For a quick, no-obligation quote,
Auto and Home Insurance
®
CA Lic#0041343 *Coverages described are subject to availability and eligibility. ©2013 California Casualty
call 1-866-601-5097
or visit www.CalCas.com/OSPOA