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the Safety Signal
August 2011
Author says it is the stories that count
Oklahoma Highway Patrol - the first 75 years
Bob Burke made an impression on Col.
McCurtain County. “They were the law in our
Kerry Pettingill who heard him speak at a
county,” Burke said. “They were honest, hardLeadership Oklahoma class years ago. That
working men that the whole county looked up
impression quickly surfaced recently when talks
to.”
about a Dept. of Public
Burke’s admiration of
Safety 75th anniversary
troopers continued during
book began to take
his college days at the
place.
University of Oklahoma in
“I love
the late 1960s. As a
Oklahoma history, and
journalism student and
Bob is the author of
newsman at KOMA and
several books on the
KTOK Radio in Oklahoma
matter,” said Pettingill.
City, he often promoted
He said Burke
traffic safety by
has written well over
interviewing troopers,
100 books that are
especially on holiday
related to Oklahoma or
weekends. His
Oklahomans to include
OPERATION
a autobiography on
SAFEGUARD on KOMA
former CIA Director
won a special award from
James Woolsey who
the Oklahoma Association
was born in Tulsa. Yet
of Broadcasters.
it’s Burke’s knowledge
Burke’s friendship with
Attorney and award-winning author Bob troopers allowed him to ride
and years of
Burke will write the Dept. of Public
involvement with, and
with them during on-duty
Safety’s 75th anniversary book.
support of, the highway
hours. Merlin Johns, who
patrol that Pettingill
welcomes and is
(Continued)
counting on.
manned the
“I was impressed with his passion and
county unit in
If you would like to
knowledge of the patrol, and he was the first
Cleveland
submit information or
person I thought of when Cpt. Chris West and I
County, took
a story idea to be
started talking about putting together next year’s Burke under his
published please send
anniversary book,” Pettingill said.
wing and even
your information to
Burke has deep roots with the Oklahoma invited him to his
Public Information
Highway Patrol that began in high school in his
home where
Officer Deanna
hometown of Broken Bow. His childhood
Merlin’s wife,
Beckham Hargus,
heroes were two troopers, Bob Pogue and Hubert Carol, fed the
editor, via e-mail to
Hibbins, who were the only troopers assigned to young
[email protected]
or call 405-425-7708.
-1-
Book (Con’d.)
newscaster fried chicken and all the fixins. That
led to a lifelong friendship. Burke occasionally
rode with other troopers. He even used the
Spanish he was learning in classes at OU to help
troopers in stops involving drivers who spoke
only Spanish.
In 1969, Burke was rescued by then-chief
of the highway patrol Bill Mayberry and 17 OHP
units, filled with troopers in full riot gear, when
he was stranded in the administration building
during a riot at Langston University. Burke had
gone to the campus to cover the story of the
college’s president who had been fired by the
Board of Regents. When his KTOK cruiser’s
tires were slashed, and students tossed rocks
through the building windows, Burke called for
help. In a short time, Mayberry and a string of
OHP units a half-mile long came through the
gates of the college. Burke was unharmed and
the Mayberry gave Burke a ride back to
Oklahoma City.
Burke also developed a strong friendship
with Ace McCowan when that legendary trooper
was stationed in McCurtain County.
For 31 years, Burke, a member of the
Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma
Journalism Hall of Fame, has been a workers’
compensation lawyer, representing many
troopers injured in the line of duty. As a
historian, he has written 106 historical nonfiction
books, all about Oklahoma. His biographies of
great Oklahomans such as Wiley Post, David
Boren, Will Rogers, George Nigh, and Ralph
Ellison have won many awards. Two of his
biographies were nominated for the Pulitzer
Prize. Burke has written more historical
nonfiction books than anyone in history.
Now, Burke’s project is to write the 75th
anniversary history of OHP.
“I am thrilled to share with the world the
incredible story of the men and women who have
protected our great state for three quarters of a
century,” Burke said. “I can’t wait to hear the
hundreds of stories that troopers, old and new,
contribute to the lore of this special group of
people.”
-2-
eViews
Trp. Troy Gilmore
Subject: Trooper Troy Gilmore
From DPS Comment Page:
I would like to thank Trooper Troy Gilmore
for helping my wife and myself after our
accident on eastbound Interstate 44 this
afternoon. He was very professional and
courteous especially in the rainy conditions that he had to work in. He helped to
divert traffic away from our disabled
vehicle and provided a barrier during the
downpour protecting us from the flow of
traffic. He was great and is a wonderful
example of what officers strive to be,
helpful, protecting and courteous. Please
pass this on to his superior if you could. I
know he won’t win any medals for the
work he did today but for my wife it will
not go forgotten. Thanks.
Governor addresses Command One staff
Photo: Lori Swanson
After receiving a situation report in
Oklahoma Command 1 regarding the
wildfires in northeastern parts of
Oklahoma City, Gov. Mary Fallin
addressed the emergency personnel,
thanking them for their hard work and
service, and ensuring workers that they
would receive the resources and support
they needed to battle the ongoing wildfires.
At the briefing were Trp. Warren
Phillips (left), Fallin, Oklahoma City Fire
Chief G. Keith Bryant, Oklahoma
Department of Emergency Management
Director Albert Ashwood, Aaron Cooper,
governor’s office, and Oklahoma City Fire
Department Deputy Chief Cecil Clay.
Communications division personnel
also at the briefing were Lt. Tracy Treib
(seated) and Communications Officers
Lori Hedges with the OHP Command Post
Operations division.
.
-3-
Troop K news
By Jennifer Rupp
Troop Secretary
Jennifer Rupp, Troop K secretary,
sends photos of a special occasion they
celebrated at headquarters.
“We had a birthday party here at
Troop K,” said Rupp. “It was Captain
Royster’s 50th and Lt. James’s 40th.
We had it Friday August 5, at 1 p.m.
The captain’s actual birth date was
August 6, and the lieutenant’s was
August 7.
“People who attended from the
highway patrol were Major Maples, Lt.
Watson, Kirby Logan and Rick Fagan,
retired captain. Captain Royster’s wife
Susan, Lt. James’s wife Trisha, two
daughters Kamryn and Kelsea, sister
Dahrenda Mitchell, brother-in-law
Robert Mitchell and their two kids
McKae and Brendan were also there.”
Rupp and Communications
Officer Dawn Ware hosted the event.
“It was a surprise party, and they
were surprised,” Rupp said.
-4-
OLETS division receives
new computers
Frank Young has been teaching the Dept. of
Public Safety’s OLETS certification class for 22
years. A former communications officer, Young has
quite an undertaking to annually instruct hundreds of
dispatchers from approximately 350 law enforcement
agencies statewide. Imagine his elation when new
computers were delivered; computers that not only
helped advance his field of instruction, but also
provide a more efficient and expeditious process for
the dispatchers who are trained on them.
“With all new hardware and software, we
have been provided with better features, and we have
been given the capability for the software to
intuitively act with the operator,” said Young. “For
example, when entering a missing person into the
computer, certain fields are mandatory for particular
circumstances. The software recognizes that fact and
adjusts accordingly.”
Young said while using the old software, if
they ran a vehicle check and it came up “not on file,”
the process was more involved.
“We would then have to run the vehicle
identification number through a completely separate
program,” said Young. “And that was just to be able
to provide what type of vehicle it was to the
requesting officer. This new software allows you to
integrate and multiply those applications.”
He said one of the best things about the new
software is its ease of use, and he likened its
simplicity to basic familiarity to e-mail.
“These computers are very operator friendly.
The software falls more in line with using the e-mail
process, so it has been easier with which to train,”
said Young. “Practically everyone these days is
familiar with an in-box, sent-box, trash-box; much
like that of an e-mail program which makes
instructing these guys a smoother process.”
Young averages about three courses each
month, certifying new dispatchers who are required
to take the class within their first six months of
employment. The students are DPS employees as
well as representatives from sheriff’s offices and
police departments statewide.
Young said the new computers were
distributed to all law enforcement agencies in the
state who had the OLETS terminals.
-5-
Troop F news
by Cpt. Ronnie Hampton
Cpt. Ronald Hampton posts news and troop business for Troop F.
Cotton Allen is continuing with therapy at Mercy Rehab in Ardmore
We are beginning to plan our Troop F Christmas Party for early
December possibly looking at December 8 or 15. The Ardmore Masons
have agreed to host this once again providing the food and location. Please
keep those dates in mind because we want to extend an invite to you and
your families.
The troopers in Troop F are working very hard. Just in the past few
weeks they have assisted Johnston County Emergency Management with a
large fire. I received a very nice phone call from Betty Roan commenting
on how the troopers put themselves in harm’s way to clear residences and
assist the rural firefighters. On the same day we assisted Garvin County/
Pauls Valley PD with a barricaded subject who later took his own life. We
had two pursuits this week with both subjects apprehended; one after a
brief manhunt. Troop F troopers continue to lead the rural troops in DUI
arrests and seat belt enforcement. Five months of 2010 crash data was
examined for the highest collision areas in each county. Troopers made
those areas a top priority through visibility and enforcement. The 2011
crash data for those areas showed that the increased law enforcement
presence had completely eliminated collisions in those areas.
I have received a lot of return e-mails since we started this e-mail
group from many of you desiring to stay informed of current events, so I
hope you find the information informative. Anytime you need anything from
the troopers or supervisory staff at
Troop F feel free to call or e-mail
Take care and be safe.
-6-
Cpt. Ronnie Hampton reports that, “The Troop F ‘pistol
team’ got together recently.” They are Trp. Darren
Alexander (left), retiree Leon Brown, retiree Jack
Plunkett, retiree Louie Harmon, Trp. Doug George,
retiree John McBride and retiree Roger Lee.
Driver License Services news
Officials with the Dept. of Public Safety
and the Oklahoma State University Police
Department got together and came up with a
great idea. They designated two evenings to help
international students more efficiently test for
their driver licenses. The plan worked.
Cell photos: Margie Ralston
Oklahoma State University Police Dept. Officer
Adam Queen talks with international students before
they are tested at the exam station.
Driver License Examiner Margie Ralston
said the exam site had experienced situations in
the past with language barriers which would
hinder their progression of service to other
customers.
“Generally when it’s the first time these
students come in from out of the country, they
come to the exam station in groups,” said
Ralston. “It’s just easier to help them without a
room full of people because the language barrier
can make it extremely difficult at times. We get
slammed at this location. So when you’re
already busy to begin with, trying to help
someone who is having difficulty
communicating can complicate the situation. We
organized this to help minimize the long lines we
experience at this time of year, and it was
successful.”
She said Officer Adam Queen came to
them with the idea.
“He suggested we open after hours to
accommodate these particular students, and we
thought it was a good suggestion,” said Ralston.
On August 18, Queen secured a bus to
transport about 30 students to the exam site
location.
“On our end, we called the DPS
computer people and made sure they didn’t shut
us down so we could issue the licenses after
hours,” said Ralston. “In the pictures it looks
like we were having a good time. It’s the first
time we had ever done this, and we think we’re
going to do it one more time. It was a wellcoordinated event.”
The students came from Thailand,
Portugal, Russia, India, Mexico, Iraq and
Garbon. The session lasted from 5 p.m. to 7
p.m.
Across the state, another driver license
exam station extended their hours.
On Thursday, July 21, the Broken Arrow
exam site stayed open from 4:45 p.m. which is
their regular closing time, until 8 p.m.
“We started early getting the word out to
the public and it provided a big help to our
commercial driving schools and our public
schools who offer driver education to take
-7-
License (Con’d.)
Driver
License
Examiner
Larry
Hillyard
(top left,
clockwise)
and
Examiner
Kim Roberts
conduct
Photos: Carol Jones
tests at the
Broken Arrow Exam Station. Clerk Krista
Lower (above middle) assists customers.
advantage of the extended hours,” said Carol
Jones, senior examiner. “We were able to
process 25 additional customers and seven drive
tests. The feedback from the public was wellreceived and appreciated.”
Further south, a new location was opened
-8-
to help with testing. A former fire station in
Ardmore, located off Veterans Boulevard is the
new exam station.
.
“We can handle the larger volumes of
individuals that are coming to see our drivers
license examiners and our driver compliance
officers,” said Karen Gentry, director of Driver
License Services.
Gentry said the new building is much
larger than the old one — which means a more
comfortable waiting area for drivers. Cutting
down on the sometimes two- to three-hour wait.
“To provide a much larger area for the
public for them to be able to wait inside,” Gentry
said. “This is a much more customer friendly
facility here.”
Supervisor Steve Bunyard said the new
building allows examiners to have their own
desks, which speeds up the process. “In the past
at the old location they had to wait outside, the
examiner had to get up and find the person they
License (Con’d.)
Adams both spoke to those gathered to
celebrate.
And finally in news from the
Driver License Services division, while
driving back to Oklahoma City from
the new site in Ardmore in early
August, Gentry and Administrative
Officer Virgil Bonham encountered a
motorist in need.
“On August 2, around 3 p.m. in
the Arbuckle Mountain area south of
the Davis exit, a one-ton truck without
Examiner Coy Jones (left) and
Examiner Sharla Barger and
Supervisor Steve Bunyard assist
customers. Photo: Carol Jones
needed to help,” Bunyard said.
A number system and
bathrooms are two of the new
luxuries the department did not have
at their old office.
Gentry described the moving
Examiner Coy Jones and Driver Compliance Hearing
process as a win-win situation,
Officer Jackie Sikes help with refreshments. Photo: Carol
benefiting the pubic, DPS and the
Jones
city of Ardmore.
“The city stepped forward
a truck bed passed our vehicle and pulled in front
and provided the space to our agency; remodeled of us,” said Bonham. “We observed smoke and
it to fit the needs of our agency,” Gentry said.
fire coming from the [back] of the truck.
She said the department feels the
Stretched out across the bed [of the truck] was
experience for Ardmore citizens will be a more
what appeared to be a bumper tied down on top
pleasant one.
of a piece of cardboard.
“We feel this site will make a more
“We motioned for the driver to pull
positive impression on new residents to the state over.”
of Oklahoma and the Department of Public
Bonham quickly approached the vehicle.
Safety,” Gentry said. She said nothing in the
The cardboard had been ignited by the tail pipe
actual driving test or process will change.
and the fire was directly over the plastic fuel
At the open house, Ardmore Mayor Keith tank. Some of the rubber hoses were melted and
King and DPS Assistant Commissioner Ricky
smoking. The elderly, handicapped driver - his
-9-
License (Con’d.)
Gentry attends reception
“I was invited to a reception for the
ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Ichiro
Fujiaski at the Capitol hosted by Gov. Mary
Fallin and Secretary of State Glen Coffee,”
writes Karen Gentry, director of Driver License
Services. “[Below is] a photo of [me], the
Ambassador, Secretary of State Glen Coffee and
Lloyd T. Hardin, Jr. Honorary Consul General of
Japan.”
The event was held in early August.
A driver is assisted by Administrative
Officer Virgil Bonham and Karen Gentry,
director of Driver License Services when
his car becomes engulfed in flames. Photo:
Virgil Bonham
prosthetic leg and was on a cane - slowly exited
the vehicle and was not aware of the situation.
Bonham located a fire extinguisher and
began putting out the fire. It had also spread
from the truck to the grass along the roadside.
“Using *55, I made the highway patrol
aware of the situation,” said Bonham. He used
the fire extinguisher on the vehicle while other
motorists stopped and assisted with putting out
the grass fire using another extinguisher.
Gentry attributed Bonham for controlling
the situation.
“[Virgil’s quick actions] not only made a
difference in this situation, but averted a
potential tragedy for the driver,” said Gentry.
- 10 -
Legendary, sentimental ring found
As troopers do, Trp. Jason McAlister was
recently swapping stories with Cpt. Pete
Norwood about working the road when he told
Norwood about a particularly interesting traffic
contact he made.
“McAlister said he stopped the driver of
a truck and noticed a large 1973 Big 8 Championship ring the driver was wearing,” said
Norwood.
The trooper was suspicious and questioned the driver who claimed he had found the
ring about 10 years ago. McAlister asked to see
the ring because he thought it was a little strange
the driver was wearing it on his wedding ring
finger. The truck driver said many police officers had seen the ring, heard the story and then let
him go.
“Jason conducted some research and
found that the ring belonged to John Barresi, a
member of the 1974 OU national championship
team,” said Norwood.
But Barresi passed away in 2009.
“I know his son Ben Barresi who played
at OU from 2004 to 2008,” said Norwood who
himself played at OU from 1989-1992. “He is
the son of Janet Barresi, Oklahoma’s state
superintendent of education.”
Janet Barresi was on vacation at the time,
so McAlister delivered the ring to her sons, Ben
and Joe. They confirmed that the ring was stolen
10 years ago, and they thought they would never
see it again.
Barresi later said she was elated to be
able to wear her husband’s ring when she attended the recent funeral of former OU football
player Leroy Selmon. “I was very proud to wear
it,” she said.
“I can’t say enough about the pride I
experienced knowing the ring was delivered
back to John Barresi’s family by one of our
own,” said Norwood. “I know what that ring
means, and I know McAlister’s effort made that
family very happy; Ben especially.”
- 11 -
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Barresi
photo
Secretary of Education Janet Barresi thanks Trp.
Jason McAlister for his work in returning her
husband’s stolen championship ring.
Public Affairs division news
For the last seven summers
while most of us were sipping fruity
drinks and basking in the sun on our
tropical vacations, Lori Swanson,
administrative programs officer, spent
hers serving as counselor at a very
special camp that caters to some very
special children.
But she didn’t mind. Not only does she
love volunteering and looks forward to
it each year, she’s good at it too.
During Camp Cavett at Cross
Point Camp in Kingston, Oklahoma,
Swanson witnessed some very funny,
touching and miraculous scenes. Here
Photos: Lori Swanson
she describes a few of her most memorable
moments.
Jacob Osborne (above), who is the
grandson of Dept. of Public Safety employee
Kathy Osborne of the Legal division, was on his
second visit to the camp this year.
“Jacob is a character,” said Swanson. “He’s
a hit with everyone at the camp.”
Osborne was called upon to assist Camp
staff by performing the song, “God Bless the
USA” as a fellow camper was brought to the front
of the room. Minutes later as Osborne sang, Jordan
(top) was surprised by her Dad who returned from
Iraq. “It was one of the great moments of Camp,”
said Swanson. “There was not a dry eye in the
house!”
Three of the campers, Kristen (above left),
Brittany and Erin had good reason to embrace.
“Brittany was getting ready to leave Camp
Cavett on Friday, July 15,” said Swanson. “After
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Camp (Con’d.)
she finished dialysis that Friday, Brittany got the
call; a call she had been waiting for. She was
one of three patients who could possibly be a
match for a new kidney. Yes, a new kidney!
One of the camp dialysis nurses Melanie, and her
husband Rob, was going to rush her to
Oklahoma City for testing. We stood there with
tears in our eyes, praying for Brittany as they left
for OKC. We were so excited we didn’t know
what to do. It was such an awesome feeling to
know that Brittany could be starting a new
chapter in her life.
“Thankfully Brittany was a match. She
received a kidney [that] Saturday morning. She
did so well that she went home on the following
Tuesday.”
Swanson would hear from Brittany soon
thereafter.
“Wow! Just heard from her today, and
she said she is doing great!” said Swanson.
They removed Brittany’s port on August
30.
Pins and certificates
Photos: Wanda Blair
Employees are congratulated by Assistant Commissioner Ricky
Adams (back row left) and Commissioner Mike Thompson
(back row middle) for their years of service to the state of
Oklahoma. Reaching a milestone of 10 years were both Examiner Randy Nall (left) and Examiner Ann Hamaker, celebrating
five years each were examiners Jennifer Martin, Donald “B”
Wright and Kris Biddle.
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A vacation’s all I ever wanted ...
After much-deserved summer vacations,
several employees have submitted photos to
share their adventures.
Gennie Meazell, Wrecker Services,
enjoyed a summer vacation with her daughter
Rhonda Stotts and two granddaughters Anna and
Lissie.
“We went to
San Antonio for a
vacation in May,”
said Meazell. “We
stayed at the Holiday
Gennie Meazell (above left), granddaughters
Lissie and Annie and daughter Rhonda Stotts
on their summer excursion to San Antonio.
They posed with their buddies Bugs and
Daffy while at Six Flags.
Inn Sea World and you could see the park from
our hotel. We spent one day at Six Flags Fiesta
riding all the rides and eating funnel cakes and
dip ‘n dots ice-cream.
“We spent another day at Sea World, and
it was awesome. When we first got there we fed
the dolphins, and then we saw the sea lion show;
Azul the whale, alligator alley and then of course
Shamu. We also went to the river walk and
enjoyed the River Center Mall, The Alamo,
Dinosaur Quest and Ripleys Believe It or Not
Museum. We all
thought the
Ripleys wax
museum was
great.”
Across the
Dept. of Public
Safety complex in
the Training Center is
Patrick Shadrick who also
shares his adventure.
Although he does not have
kids of his own, he has two
nephews with whom he is
very close. “They are my best buddies,” said
Shadrick who recently joined them for a summer
hiatus in Madison, Wisconsin where one of his
nephews is a resident.
“We spent most of our time on a pontoon
boat eating, drinking, fishing and looking up at
the stars at night,” Shadrick said.
At one point during the trip, Shadrick
said he and his nephews managed to stay on the
boat 20 consecutive hours doing what they love
most; visiting.
Director of the Identity Verification Unit,
Brenda Mays also spent vacation time with
family.
“This summer Pat [Mays, highway patrol
captain assigned to Executive Security] and I got
to share an adventure with my parents Don and
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Vacation (Con’d.)
Training Center’s Patrick Shadrick (above left) in what is
most likely a spirited conversation with his nephew Danny
Green on a pontoon boat on a lake in Madison, Wisconsin.
And it appears he continued to make his point (above
right), looking behind him for his audience.
Bernice Hefner, and our niece and nephew
McKinze and Treston Hefner,” said Brenda
Mays, director Identity Verification Unit. “Our
adventure included Washington, D.C.,
Philadelphia and New York City. My dad had
experienced his first trip to D.C. with Pat back in
December 2010 when our son Sr. Airman Ben
Mays returned from a deployment in the Middle
East. My dad decided that my mom needed the
D.C. experience too and so began ‘Okie’s
Descending on the East Coast 2011.’
“We spent Memorial Day in D.C. which
is such a humbling experience and a wonderful
opportunity to remember all those who have
sacrificed so much to ensure we all enjoy the
privileges and security this great nation offers. It
was awesome to see so many people out in
support of our military! We then traveled on to
Philadelphia where we saw the Liberty Bell and
enjoyed Philly cheesesteaks at both Pat’s King of
Steaks and Geno’s Steaks. (Pat’s was the best!)
“Next stop on our whirlwind trip was
Cpt. Pat Mays (above left), commander of Executive Security and Brenda Mays, director of Identity
Verification are at the top the Empire State Building for summer vacation. Joining them were Brenda’s
family members niece McKinze Hefner (second from left), dad and mom, Don and Bernice Hefner, son
Benjamin Mays and nephew Treston Hefner as they gathered in front of the Washington Monument.
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Vacation (Con’d.)
New York City where we had a
personal tour guide thanks to
the New York State Police. We toured Ground
Zero, the Empire State Building, Times Square
and so much more. My heart was touched when
we visited New York City’s Elite Fire Station #1
which is the specialized rescue unit of the
NYFD. This is the station that lost so many
during 9/11. Remember the picture of the
crushed fire truck? Some members of this unit
were in
Oklahoma
to help
Janice Marsh (far left),
Records Management,
and daughter Sonya
Bell enjoy a trip to the
nation’s Capitol.
after the bombing [of the Murrah building].
These guys were so kind and gracious and even
offered to make us lunch.
“Last stop before heading home, was
Pat’s hometown of Mountainside, New Jersey
(yes, he’s a Yankee). This trip was a great way
to commemorate my parent’s 50th wedding
anniversary, and it created treasured memories
for all of us.”
Janice Marsh of the Records
Management division said she and daughter
Sonya took the vacation of a lifetime to
Washington, D.C. in
late June.
“What an exciting
trip of fun and
relaxation, touring our
nation’s Capitol and all
the other historical
Dylan Robins and
younger brother Randel
Beaver enjoy life on the
beach.
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Vacation (Con’d.)
Candice Ramsey, hearing
officer, and her son
Dylan (far left)
congratulate Ramsey’s
nephew following his
graduation at Ft.
Leonardwood.
Photo: Peggy Farish
sites,” said Marsh who visited the Washington
Monument, the Smithsonian, the Art Museum
Kennedy Center, the Pentagon, the Watergate
Landmark and “the beautiful White House.”
Marsh said, “the weather was beautiful
and the food was delicious, and I had to return to
some 102-plus degree weather. But this is my
home.”
While in D.C., Marsh attended a special
service.
“Wednesday night I attended Bible study
at a historic black church built in 1821,” said
Marsh. “It was also the place where they had
Rosa Parks’ funeral.”
Kim Beaver and family went to the
opposite end of the east coast to Florida.
“We did take a great vacation,” said
Beaver who’s son Dylan chose a vacation with
his family rather than a senior class trip.
Some sceneray
photos from the
Wilkes-Barre
area in
Pennsylvania.
Legal division’s
Stephen Krise
took his family
their during the
summer to visit
relatives.
Photos: Stephen Krise
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Vacation (Con’d.)
“I was ready to shell out
money for him to go someplace
with his buddies, but he opted
for a family vacation instead. I
couldn’t believe it, but loved
it,” said Beaver whose son
Randel and husband Randy
rounded out the group.
Driver Compliance
Hearing Officer Candice
Ramsey used her vacation time
to see her nephew graduate
from Advanced Individual
Training at Ft. Leonardwood.
Peggy Farish, Legal
division, weighs in on
something a bit more grizzly.
She submits a photo of a rather
large critter.
“While visiting our
daughter and son-in-law this
summer in Idaho Falls, Idaho,
we ran into this guy near
Jackson Lake in Jackson,
Wyoming,” said Farish. “ ... it
is a little blurry — was shaking
a bit when taking the picture
with zoom on a point-and-shoot
camera. The bear was about 30
feet off of the roadway and
totally undisturbed by the
crowd who stopped to watch,
and a park ranger was present!
“I have gone to
Yellowstone and Teton National
Parks twice now in the last
Trp. Reggie Callins and
wife Christy enjoy a
week-long trip to
Mexico. It appears Callins
might have let the summer heat
get to him; he got up close and
personal with a rather large
shark (far left).
couple of years and encourage
anyone that can to put it on
their ‘must do, or bucket list’.”
In August, the family of
Stephen Krise, general counsel
for the agency, flew to WilkesBarre, Pennsylvania to visit
relatives and, “enjoy the cool
climate of the Pocono
Mountains,” said Krise.
And finally, Trp. Reggie
Callins and wife Christy
enjoyed a week-long vacation
in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. While
there, they “snorkled, swam
with the dolphins, ate lots of
good food, danced and saw the
sights,” said Callins.
A highlight on the trip
for the trooper was
“swimming” with a shark 7-feet
long; even kissed it. He
confessed to later having whatthe-heck-was-I-thinking
thoughts.
- 18 -
A small-town thank you with big appreciation
“By the time all the fires started, and
the way the community and rescue
units and troopers came together as
one, it was as though it was a wellplanned or rehearsed response. They
all came together and worked
together really well. We couldn’t have
asked for a better response; there was
literally no panic on anyone’s part.
The troopers just came up and asked
what they needed to do; we told them
and they did it. We were very
appreciative.
- Harrah Mayor Larry Fryar
RE: Wildfire in Harrah, Oklahoma
Dear OHP Staff:
The city of Harrah and the Harrah Fire Department would again like to take the
opportunity to thank you and your department for your efforts during the wildfires
that engulfed our community and to present you with the enclosed Governor’s
Commendation in which Gov. Mary Fallin commends the services you provide to
your community/county/state on a daily basis. Being a public servant can at times
be very demanding requiring selfless commitment. We all appreciate you and
commend you on the services you provide.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Larry Fryar
Mayor
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At large ...
“The summer of graduations started out
with my beautiful niece Taylor
Ramsey’s high school graduation,” said
Candy Ramsey. “She graduated on
May 19, 2011, from Moore High
School and is now a student at OCCC.”
Last year, Hollywood celebrity Tom Selleck was
inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers
during the annual Western Heritage Awards
ceremony at the National Cowboy and Western
Heritage Museum.
Selleck also received a Western Heritage Award
that year for his lifetime of work in western film.
Inductees must project the traditional Western
ideals of honesty, integrity and self-sufficiency.
“I have been a fan of his since I was a little girl,”
said Trp. Betsy Randolph. “I have always wanted
to meet him not just because he is handsome and a
movie star, but because I have read so many good
causes that he is involved in. For example, the Character Counts Coalition and the National
Fatherhood Initiative, and he is a spokesperson for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. He
is just an all-around great person, not to mention being easy on the eyes!”
Cpt. Paul Timmons grabbed his
cell phone camera and snapped a
photo, while asking the question,
“Who says Darrell Walker doesn’t
do anything?” Well, it looks like
he got proof.
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