South Carolina
TROOPER Volume 24, Number 1 Fall 2011
www.sctroopers.org
Troopers Recognized for Corporal D. Kevin Cusack Outstanding Service March 13, 1965 - March 27, 2010 1 South Carolina Trooper
SCTA Board of Directors
David M. Latimer III Executive Director
C.R. Cooper President
B. G. Dewitt Vice President
W.C. West Secretary
davidlatimer@sctroopers.org
president@sctroopers.org
vp@sctroopers.org
secretary@sctroopers.org
D.J. Bron, Jr. Treasurer treasurer@sctroopers.org
Gerald D. Rothell Troop One
J.C. Ashley Troop Two
T.E. Nance Troop Three
J.A. Cartier Troop Four
M.W. Thompson Troop Five
troop1@sctroopers.org
troop2@sctroopers.org
troop3@sctroopers.org
troop4@sctroopers.org
troop5@sctroopers.org
D. A. McMurry Troop 6
R. H. Rowe, Jr. Troop 7
M.D. Tomson Headquarters
H. R. Deese (RET) Retirees Representative
troop6@sctroopers.org
troop7@sctroopers.org
hq@sctroopers.org
retirees@sctroopers.org
CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM
If you are moving, or have moved, please let us know! Simply fill out the information below and mail it to: SCTA Office, 4961 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 or you may fill out an online address change at www.sctroopers.org. RANK: ____________ TROOP:______ POST:______ NAME:__________________________________________ ADDRESS:________________________________________ CITY/STATEZIP:___________________________________
2 South Carolina Trooper
MESSAGE TO OUR ADVERTISERS: As this publication is financed by monies received from advertisements, we express our sincere appreciation for your support. We strive to make this a high quality publication that will provide the best possible exposure for our advertisers. We encourage our members and all our readers to patronize those businesses who make this publication possible. YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE: Comments, criticisms, or suggestions for the magazine are always welcome! This is your magazine, and we need your ideas for articles in upcoming issues. Send news about your county and troop events, stories, awards, etc. Good quality photos are accepted. Please direct your correspondence to SCTA Office, ATTN: Editor, 4961 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 or via e-mail to sctaeditor@sc.rr.com. ABOUT THE PUBLISHER: The SCTA is proud to publish the South Carolina Trooper magazine. Graphics by Rachel E. Cambre. Printing by R.L. Bryan. For advertising questions, please call (800) 633-2236, ext. 11.
V O L U M E 2 4 , N U M B E R 1 ● FA L L 2 0 1 1
CONTENTS
F E AT U R E S : 12
Remembering Kevin Cusack
13
An Extended Family For Fallen Officers’ Children C.O.P.S. Kids Summer Camp By Brooke McKay
14
Beyond Words By Jason Cartier
16
Status of Proposed Changes to IRS Regulations Involving Public Employee Pensions tty Richard E. Mulvaney By Atty
18
Southeastern Troopers Gather for Specialized Training: SCHP-NCSHP-VSP-GSP By J. Eric Skidmore, Chaplain, SCHP
20
SCHP/NCSHP Peer Support Program Adopted by Georgia State Patrol
22
SCTAAwards $10,000 in Scholarships in 2010 and 2011
24
SCTA Welcomes New Board Members
26
Facing Your Mortality After a DeadlyForce Incident By Charles Remsberg
D E PA R T M E N T S 4
Letters to the Editor
8
Legal Assistance
5
Executive Director
10
In Memoriam
6
Chaplain
28
Troopers on the Move
7
Line of Duty Deaths
35
Store Items
South Carolina Troopers Association 4961 Broad River Road ● Columbia, SC 29212 www.sctroopers.org ● office@sctroopers.org 3 South Carolina Trooper
Dear SCTA..... Letters to the Editor Dear SCTA, On behalf of the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), I would like to thank you for all of your support over the recent months concerning the loss of our coworker, and more importantly, our friend, Corporal Kevin Cusack. During a time when the public’s faith in law enforcement has tapered off, it is so refreshing to see the outpouring of support and assistance that you have provided. This support has had such a positive snowball effect on the troopers, and it reiterates to them that they truly are a supported group of law enforcement officers. March 27, 2010, will be a day that will always be remembered by the SCHP and more importantly, the troopers from Troop Four. For this was the day when a coworker, friend, supervisor and true public servant ended his watch. Since that day, stories of Kevin’s life have been abundant, and will forever be a topic of discussion among the troopers who knew him, and worked with him. Because of your support and assistance, the permanent memorial that you helped erect on August 9, 2010, that stands on SC-49 from SC-55 to SC-274, will continue to rekindle remembrance well beyond the current troopers, but also for future troopers and the thousands of citizens that travel that stretch of road each and every day. As troopers, we are often faced with the obligation of having to investigate fatal collisions. Our troopers are very well trained and versed in assisting the families of those killed in automobile collisions but, no matter how much training we receive, there would never be enough training to help us pull through such a tragic incident when it happens to one of your own. This is why I so graciously thank you, because it was the support and the assistance of individuals just like you who have not only helped us heal, but provided us with permanent memories so that this hero will never be forgotten. Respectfully, Captain Marc S. Wright Troop 4 Commander Dear SCTA, Thank you very much for your kind letter dated March 30, 2010. I know that Kevin had a special love for the Troopers Association, and enjoyed stopping in there on many occasions. He also made sure our family received many items from your store, and that I did not forget my yearly membership as well. We noted the Association as a memorial option, as we felt this was something he would have wanted. The events of the last two weeks seem like a horrible dream for most of us, but we are able to find peace and comfort in our thoughts of the joy we know he now has in Heaven. We are grateful for every kind word, or pleasant moment that any of you spent with him. I also appreciate the condolences and assistance offered thus far by Director Latimer. He has shown true compassion to me and my family. The information you requested in your letter is enclosed, and if there is something else that is needed, please let me know. Again, thank you for your time and assistance with this matter and most importantly, thank you for all you did for him. Sincerely, Sheila Cusack Floyd
4 South Carolina Trooper
Dear SCTA, Thank you for the generous contribution of $2,000 to the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy for South Carolina Fallen Trooper Memorial Fund. We appreciate your support of this important project. Sincerely, Rev. Dr. J. Eric Skidmore Greetings, South Carolina Troopers Association, I want to personally thank your organization for granting me this scholarship, which means a great deal to me and my family. I recently lost my grandmother to cancer, and I know how much she wanted me to receive this scholarship and finish school-this was her dream as well as mine. Because of your thoughtfulness, this scholarship is going to help me achieve my dream of graduating from Clemson University in the Fall of 2011. Again, thank you and God Bless you all! Sincerely, Kendall Millhouse Dear SCTA, The South Carolina Highway Patrol and Make-A-Wish would like to thank you for making a child’s dream come true. Thank you for your support! Sincerely, Captain Jo Nell Troop 5 Commander Dear SCTA, Thanks to the SCTA for the scholarship during these hard economic times. Thanks, Brittany N. Harvey Dear SCTA, I am honored to be one of the five recipients for the Trooper’s Association scholarship and it will help with my college career more that you will ever know. Sincerely, Mallori Lawson Dear SCTA: Thank you for choosing me to receive a scholarship award. I am very grateful for the SCTA’s generosity. Sincerely, Melinda Taylor
Message from the Executive Director
David M. Latimer III
“I can assure you that the SCTA and its Board of Directors will be working very hard to ensure that our members concerns will be heard. ”
I hope that you, like me, are excited to see the SCTA Trooper Magazine back in circulation. I would like to first and foremost thank Rachel Cambre for her hard work and dedication in getting our Trooper Magazine put together. Certainly 2011 has been an eventful year and I think that most of us are looking forward to a fresh start in 2012. As a result from the fallout of our economic conditions, I believe that 2012 will bring some significant and perhaps long-lasting changes to the way in which the Highway Patrol will look moving forward. As all of you know, it has been a very long time since any raises have been made to trooper pay and I think that the toughest part is still to come. Not only will the budget be tight, but there will more than likely be changes to our retirement system. That being said, I can assure you that the SCTA and its Board of Directors will be working very hard to ensure that our members concerns will be heard. As we enter into the final part of 2011, it bears repeating that our troopers, like all of our members of the armed services, make a significant sacrifice during the holiday season to ensure that our citizens have the freedom and safety to enjoy time with family and friends. These sacrifices are just part of what makes the Highway Patrol such a unique and tremendous organization and every one of our troopers should be proud of the role they play in making South Carolina a great place to live and work. ▲▲▲
It’s Time to Renew Your Membership! In order to prevent a lapse in your SCTA membership benefits, including legal representation (Active Members) or life insurance (all members), be sure to update/ renew your membership for 2012. We encourage you to take advantage of payroll deduction by visiting us online at http://sctroopers.org/membership_registration.html p // p g/ p_ g . You may also pay via cash, check, credit card or PayPal. If you have any questions regarding your membership, please e-mail the SCTA Office at offi ffice@sctroopers.org @ p g or call 800.633.2236, ext. 10. 5 South Carolina Trooper
Message from the Chaplain Lighthouses and Toothpicks
Richard I. Coleman (RET) SCTA Chaplain
“I realized that
toys, decorations, promotions, positions, and even jobs are all pretty trivial when compared to family and friends.”
When I was sixteen years old, I bought my first chain saw and started the “practice” of cutting trees. (I’ve been practicing ever since!) I have been very fortunate through the years that the trees landed where they were supposed to and I haven’t been seriously injured. Mishaps from time to time make us humble; I was humbled at my parents’ house. The tree was a very large pine. I roped it near the top and connected it to my pickup. When it came crashing down, it was not far off of its intended mark, but it was enough to obliterate my mother’s four foot tall decorative lighthouse. My heart sank when I realized that only toothpicks would be able to be salvaged from the splintered mess. The only thing on my mind was the loss of this decorative structure and what I would need to do to replace it. As I started the tree clean-up, my friend that was helping me told me he wasn’t feeling well and thought he would go home. I encouraged him to rest and then join us for lunch but he insisted on leaving. As he turned to go, I turned to resume my work. Something caused me to turn back around and look in his direction. To my amazement, he was prostrate on the ground with his face in the grass. His entire body was twitching and jerking and he was making no attempt to reposition his face so he could breathe. I rolled him over and cradled his head in my lap. He was gasping for breath and his eyes were rolled back. By the time the ambulance arrived, his breathing had returned to normal but he was unaware of his surroundings. As I look back on that day, I remember how the shattered lighthouse had captured all of my attention. The beautiful weather, the singing of the birds, the fact that I was in good health, were all overcome by the loss of such a small decoration. When my friend collapsed, a reality check came! I realized that toys, decorations, promotions, positions, and even jobs are all pretty trivial when compared to family and friends. Why do so many sacrifice so much to attain things that have minimal significance? Jesus said, “Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?... But first seek his kingdom and his righteousness, and these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6: 25, 33 (NIV) My friend has recovered and I enjoyed a day at his house cutting trees. My sister gave my Mom a six foot tall lighthouse with a strobe light for Christmas. I realize a little more the importance of keeping my life focused on relationships. When asked about important life issues, Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22: 37-39 (NIV) Keep your eyes open for The Lighthouse!
6 South Carolina Trooper
The South Carolina Troopers Association dedicates this page to our fellow State Troopers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of South Carolina. May their memories live on forever.
2010 D.K. Cusack (Lancaster)
1974 B.W. Strickland (Lexington)
2009 J.S. Nash (ACE Team)
1973 F.H. Anthony (Greenville)
2008 J.D. Haynes (Orangeburg)
1972 R.O. Caffey (Orangeburg)
2005 J.W. Parker (Sumter)
1970 J.A. Traylor (Sumter)
2002 K.J. Johnson (Berkeley)
1970 A.A. Thomason (Sumter)
2002 M.J. Rao (ACE Team)
1969 R.V. Woods (Beaufort)
2000 E.F. Nicholson (Greenville)
1966 M.C. Steele (Chesterfield)
2000 D.T. Bailey (Greenville)
1961 J.R. Riddle (Clarendon)
1998 J. Ham Jr. (Darlington)
1959 H.C. Yonce (Greenwood)
1997 F.L. Lingard (Orangeburg)
1958 H.B. Ray (Orangeburg)
1996 R.S. Hewitt (Florence)
1956 A.R. Carter (Williamsburg)
1995 M.A. Chappell (Clarendon)
1950 A.T. Sealy (Greenville)
1994 R.L. Hester (Anderson)
1942 N. Nettles (Spartanburg)
1992 M.H. Coates (ACE Team)
1941 J.P. Monroe (Florence)
1992 H.M. Godbold (Kershaw)
1941 G.G. Broome (Jasper)
1991 D.H. O’Brien (Beaufort)
1940 H.M. Smith (Chesterfield)
1991 M.L. Titus (Bamberg)
1939 W. Bell (Lancaster)
1989 H.M. Coker Jr. (Fairfield)
1938 L.L. Rhodes (Darlington)
1988 G.T. Radford (Dillon)
1937 K.E. McNeill (Darlington)
1987 R.P. Perry Jr. (Williamsburg)
1935 E. Hennecy (Florence)
1985 B.K. Smalls (Jasper)
1934 E.D. Milam (Greenville)
1983 J.R. Clinton (Chester)
1934 H.M. Reeves (Richland)
1981 D.L. Alverson (Orangeburg)
1933 J.D. Cunningham (Spartanburg)
1979 R.A. Mobley (Florence)
1932 W.P. Lancaster (Lee)
1979 W.E. Peeples (Colleton)
7 South Carolina Trooper
A Shooting or an Accident… Nobody likes to think about it! But, it can happen to any State Trooper at any time. There’s a shooting or a serious accident….someone is hurt…you’re involved.
As an SCTA member, you are not alone! The SCTA is here to protect your rights.
If it happens to you: • •
Don’t panic! Calm down and compose yourself. Don’t rush into making a statement.
If you are asked to make a statement, call O’Leary Associates
1-866-521-1078 O’Leary Associates will provide you with an attorney prior to making a statement—either on the scene or wherever needed. Wait until you talk to the SCTA Attorney before making any statements, oral or written. The SCTA is serious about protecting you!
8 South Carolina Trooper
With the SCTA’s Legal Assistance Benefit… “Do I need Board approval?” NO! “Do I need the general membership’s approval?” NO! “Will personalities be involved in my request” NO!
Under the Legal Assistance Benefit of the SCTA, only three simple questions are asked: 1. Are you an SCTA member in good standing? 2. Were you an SCTA member on the day of the incident? 3. Was the incident within the scope of your official duties as a State Trooper?
As an SCTA member, you have available to you 24-hour, on the scene coverage.
The SCTA is here for you when it counts!
For Legal Assistance, Contact O’Leary Associates
866.521.1078 or 803.779.5556 9 South Carolina Trooper
IN MEMORIAM Guy R. Ackerman, who passed away January 1, 2010. F. Kenneth Lancaster, Sr., who passed away February 28, 2010. Joel K. Gamble, who passed March 5, 2010. Kenneth P. Gibson, who passed away March 20, 2010. Elaine B. Kimbrell, who passed away March 19, 2010. D. Kevin Cusack, who passed away March 27, 2010. Vivian I. Steele, who passed away April 15, 2010. Keith C. Deaton, who passed away May 12, 2010. Pamela N. Lucero, who passed away May 22, 2010. Joel D. Smith, who passed away June 20, 2010. E.V. Mitchell, who passed away June 26, 2010. James C. Arrington, who passed away July 8, 2010. Ann S. Gibson, who passed away July 31, 2010. Ben Frank Hayes, who passed away September 21, 2010. Clarence J. Keefe, who passed away November 23, 2010. Harold W. Perry, who passed away December 28, 2010. Billy Wayne West, who passed away February 4, 2011. Robert J. McCrary, who passed away February 15, 2011. Joseph E. “Jake” Robinson, Jr., who passed away February 26, 2011. Oscar L. Derrick, who passed away March 1, 2011. William Steve Wallace, who passed away May 2, 2011. Joseph T. Lloyd, who passed away May 26, 2011. David B. Wardlaw, Sr., who passed away June 2, 2011. Jacqueline P. Vaughan, who passed away June 6, 2011. Emily M. Millhouse, who passed away July 5, 2011. Nell B. Meek, who passed away July 27, 2011.
10 South Carolina Trooper
SCTA Membership Has Its Benefits! •
Legal Representation for Active Troopers (for incidents which occur within the line of duty)
•
All members in good standing have Basic Life Insurance. There is also an Accidental Death Benefit which is paid when a member dies from accidental bodily injury. (*call orr ee-mail m for specific information)
•
Emergency Relief Fund-available av vai aila ila labl ble to ble bl o aany n ny member in good standing who, ho, o, tthrough h ouughh nno hr o fa faul fault ultt of their own, requires financial nci cial ci al aassistance. s istaanc ss nce. ce.
•
Annual Scholarships are ree aawarded wa ded wa ward d ttoo memb m me members emb mbeer ers rs in good standing as well well we l aass th their heeiir de ddependents. peenden ndden e tss. Scholarship applications onss aare re aavailable vaail ilab aabble blee tthe hhee 22nd nd nd Monday in January.
•
Basic Carolina AAA Motor Moot otorr C Club lu ub bMe Membership Memb Memb Me mbe beerrsh s ip ip for Active Troopers w wh who ho ar ho aare re SCTA SC CTA Am members. em mbe b rss.
•
National Troopers rs Coalition Coaallitio Co itio it i n Memb M Me Membership em mb ber e sh hip p for Active Troopers. T The hhee N NTC TC rrepresents TC ep pre rese ese sent sent ntss St S State tatte Troopers nationwide. V Visit issit tthe their h ir he ir w website ebsi ebsi eb site ite aatt www.ntctroopers.com.
•
Subscription to South h Carolina Caro Ca roli ro l naa Trooper li Trooop oper er er magazine.
•
The SCTA monitors and pursues ursue ues le ue ues legislation eggiisl slat atio ionn io that will enhance public safety and the he wo w working ork rkin kin ing conditions of our members. The NTC performs errfo f rrm ms the same task on the national level.
•
20% discount on merchandise at the SCTA Store for SCTA members. Shop online at www.store.sctroopers.org
•
Member-only discounts to various theme parks and recreation areas including Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford); Carowinds; several Myrtle Beach venues including Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Waves and NASCAR Speedpark; Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens (Columbia); ( Disney Theme Parks, Sea World, and and Bu B Busch Gardens. Unless specific information iss required req qui uirr (listed below), you may call the SCTA SC S CTA TA Offi Offi f ce, 800.633.2236, ext. 10 or send an n ee-mail -m -mai mai a l to to office@sctroopers.org to request in information nform format fo attio ion on aan and n prices. • For For D Fo Disney isn sney eyy T Theme hem he em Park discounts, visit their we w website: ebs bsit site: e: w www.officialticketcenter.us. ww. w.of offi fffi fici ici caa • US U USERNAME: ER RN NA AME E: SC SCST SCSTA CSST T PASSWORD: trooper • For For Ca Fo C Carowinds arowi roowind nd ds ddiscount tickets, go to w ww www.carowinds.com ww.ca aro rowi rowi w ndds and click on the “t “tickets” tiiccke kets ts” ts ” li llink. nk.. Th nk Then hen e click on “Corporate Pa P Partners” artne rttnneerss” and a d enter an ente en t r tthe code sct11. te • Fo Forr sp special pec ecia ecia ial al va vacation acati ca ati tio io deals and savings at An Anheuser-Busch nhe heuser usser er-B -B Bus usc sch ch Adventure Parks, go to www. ww www.adventureclubonline.com ww. w.ad adve v nttur ve ure and click on “ “Tickets” Tick Ti ick c et ets” s” ” ffor or printable coupons. • Sh SShow ow yyou your ouur SSCTA Membership card or SC SCHP CHP P bbadge addg at Hollywild Animal Park ((www.hollywild.com) ww ww. w.ho holl hol lly l and receive a 15% ddiscount di is . • SCTA Membership Card, identifying you as an SCTA member as well as an SCTA member decal, exclusively for SCTA members, to display on your vehicle.
11 South Carolina Trooper
Remembering Kevin Cusack End of Watch March 27, 2010
Cpl. Jon Eddins, Cherokee County “I met Kevin Cusack in May 1990. When I reported to York County, Kevin was one of the first troopers that I met. He wore SCHP boots with his uniform, and I remember thinking how squared away he looked. Shortly after that, he and Melissa were at my house (or me & Kristy at theirs) morning, noon and night. Mostly at night...because once Kevin got his belly full, he’d get in my Lazy Boy recliner and would stretch out. He didn’t want to go home. Kevin loved the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the State of South Carolina. There are so many memories, but one favorite comes to mind. One day, we left Jack’s Barber Shop and were coming down Highway 55 to Clover. Kevin saw a small cardboard box in the road. He made me stop so he could pick it up so no one would have an accident trying to avoid it. He had played a joke on me the week before and told me then that he knew he had it coming back to him. I guess at this particular moment, he had forgotten about that, but I had not. He got out, grabbed the box, and I drove off...Left him standing in the middle of Highway 55 shaking his head. He said when he saw the tailgate of my truck go over the second hill, he had a flashback of his prank the week before and he knew he better start walking. I waited about 15 minutes, then headed back to get him. He was good-humored about it, and we laughed and went on. That was one of many fun times we had. That kind of brotherly love lasted 20 years. I sure do miss him, but know without a doubt, we’ll meet again. He made a big impact on my
12 South Carolina Trooper
life and I will never forget him. Kevin was a ‘what you see, is what you get,’ kind of person, and that’s what I loved most about him.” S/Tpr. Rob Frock “I met Kevin when I was younger before getting hired with the Highway Patrol. It wasn’t until I was transferred to York County that I really got to know him. The first day I started working locally, he called me and told me to meet him at T-Bonz on the lake. I later found out that this one was his favorite restaurants along with the local barbecue place. During supper, he talked to me about truth and loyalty. As we started to leave the restaurant, some people stopped us on the way out and asked us if we pulled them over, would we give them a ticket. I will never forget what Cusack told them. He looked at them and grinned his sneaky grin and told them he would treat them just like family. It wasn’t until later that I caught on to that joke. This night will forever be so treasured by me … a true friendship was started. Kevin was very proud to work as a South Carolina Highway Trooper. He was a wonderful mentor to me and so many others. There is no possible way I could ever put into words all that Kevin taught me or all that we shared. Since the terrible accident on that early
Kevin Cusack & Jon Eddins
Saturday morning, every time I get in my patrol car to go to work, I can feel his presence with me. He is still with us everyday, in his own special way. May all of us carry these wonderful memories with us and remember the values he held so highly. We could all learn a lot from Kevin. He is truly missed.” L/Cpl. Michael Hassen: “Shortly after I completed my training, Kevin was promoted to Corporal and I was put on his team. I would remain on his team for the next seven years. Kevin made me the trooper that I am today. Everything that I learned about the SCHP, I learned from Kevin. Kevin lived and died for the SCHP. The most important thing in his life was his relationship with Jesus Christ. He put Christ first in everything, then others and then himself. Whenever we were off, we were always doing something together. He would call me sometimes and say “Wanna get a haircut?” Then, whether I needed it or not, we would go see Mr. Jack at the barber shop in Rock Hill then end up in Gastonia eating barbecue. Kevin was forever the jokester. He had this unbelievable ability to make you laugh even when you were having the worst of days. On third shift on Sunday nights, Kevin would call dispatch and let them know that we were stepping out at church and to call him on his cell phone if they had any calls for service. He loved his church family and pastor, Dr. Elwood Seamster, or Dr. E, as Kevin called him. On March 27, 2010, around 0330 hours Kevin achieved his ultimate goal. Kevin, you will forever be my hero. God rest your soul, and I will see you again one fine day.”▲▲
An Extended Family For Fallen Officers’ Children C.O.P.S. Kids Summer Camp By Brooke McKay, C.O.P.S. Marketing Coordinator
Andromeda Haynes and her two children, James and Chandler, feel like they have become part of a really big family - the family of Concerns of Police Survivors- and it all
which may seem small to some, but it meant so much to him and really helped his self esteem,” said Andromeda. Concerns of Police Survivors’ mission is to “rebuild shattered lives” of the surviving family members and affected coworkers of law enforcement officers who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. In addition to C.O.P.S. Kids Summer Camp, C.O.P.S. hosts a wilderness experience for surviving teenagers and weekend retreats for adult children, parents, siblings, spouses, in-laws, and affected coworkers of fallen officers. “The impact of how C.O.P.S. can help your children emotionally and physically is amazing. C.O.P.S. is a wonderful, loving organization; one that will embrace you in your time of need. An extended family… that’s what it is,” concluded Andromeda. C.O.P.S. is a national, nonprofit organization with 51 chapters throughout the United States. C.O.P.S.’ membership is comprised of more than 15,000 surviving families; and, unfortunately, that
happened at C.O.P.S. Kids Summer Camp. The camp was held at the Salvation Army Lake Camp in East Troy, Wisconsin, July 26-August 1, 2010. C.O.P.S. Kids Summer Camp is for the surviving children ages 6-14 and their parent or legal guardian of America’s fallen law enforcement heroes killed in the line of duty. This year 229 campers attended camp; there were 135 surviving children and 94 surviving parents or guardians. Also helping make summer camp a success were 16 mentors (13 are sworn law enforcement officers, one surviving adult child, and two law enforcement wives), 13 mental health professionals, and seven others to help the camp run smoothly. This summer was the first time Andromeda and her children had attended C.O.P.S. Kids membership continues to grow as 140Camp. Her husband, Lance Corporal James 160 law enforcement officers are killed Haynes with the South Carolina Highway every year in the line of duty. Patrol, was killed in the line of duty on The majority of funding for the 2010 February 1, 2008. “Concerns of Police Survivors to me is what a real family C.O.P.S. Kids Summer Camp came is about, having these types of retreats from Law Enforcement United’s and camps brings together people who inaugural ride. Law Enforcement understand what you are going through. It United is a new organization allows us to relate to someone who truly of Federal, State, and Local law understands,” stated Andromeda. enforcement officers, as well as civilian Summer camp provides family interaction, Andromeda, James, and support members, who made a 250-mile camp activities, grief counseling, relaxation, Chandler Haynes at C.O.P.S. bicycle journey, dubbed the Road to Hope, and lots of old-fashioned fun. The Wisconsin Kids Camp 2010 from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Washington, Department of Natural Resources held sessions DC. LEU’s first contribution to C.O.P.S. was for for archery, canoeing, pellet guns, 22 rifles, fishing, and t-shirt making for the kids. The staff at the camp facility $110,000, which represents more than two-thirds of the provided high ropes and low ropes courses, swimming lessons, total cost for the camp. Visit www.nationalcops.org for more and a nature hike. “The kids enjoyed all the activities. My 8-year- information on the organization and the programs offered to old son got first place with the pellet guns and caught a fish… America’s surviving law enforcement families. ▲▲
13 South Carolina Trooper
Beyond Words By Jason A. Cartier That pretty much summarizes the initial feeling that overcomes you when you first step foot into the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. While it is a venue that every Law Enforcement Officer should see at some point during their career, our recent visit to this memorial was on terms that I pray everyday that we can avoid. On March 27, 2010, Corporal Kevin Cusack made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of South Carolina and, on May 13, 2011, Corporal Cusack’s name was revealed on the memorial wall where it joined almost 19,000 other names off police officers from across the country who also made the ultimate sacrifice. May 12, 2011 – May 17, 2011 was National Police Week in Washington,, DC. It marks a time when mothers,, fathers, brothers, sisters, and children who have lost loved ones in the line off duty can unite. Those who had loved ones pass in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s come back each year to support the families and friends who lost their loved ones more recently. This year, 316 new names were added to the wall, dating back from as early as October 22, 1791, when Cornelius Hogeboom of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in New York lost his life in the line of duty. Of the 316 new names added,
165 were from those who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2010, including Kevin. The unity and the brotherhood of the blue and gray pulled through as it always does in difficult times and the South Carolina Highway Patrol sent four Troopers to escort the Cusack family on their journey to see the evidence of heroism and valor that their father, brother, and son had given for this country. Captain Wright, First S Sergeant Guempel, Corporal Love, and C Corporal Cartier were chosen to ensure tthat the family was taken care of during tthis week. Troopers are reknown for playful ppicking on each other. After all, tthat what brothers do; but I learned firsthand that this trip was nothing like tthe “vacation” that so many of them jjokingly implied I would be going on. I can honestly say that I would prefer tto remain back in the County and work jjust to avoid the harsh reality that all of uus were exposed to. The 23rd annual candlelight vigil was hheld on the evening of May 13. The Honorable Janet Napolitano, Secretary H oof the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, provided special remarks S which were followed up by the keynote w aaddress from the Honorable Eric H. H Holder, Jr., Attorney General of the United States. Each of them spoke of the perils surrounding law enforcement and Richard & Casey, Kevin’s children, at the Candlelight Vigil
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reiterated the essential function that each of us play on a daily basis. The flickering of each candle seemed to go on forever as each of the fallen officer’s names were called one by one. May 15, 2011, marked the day of the 13th annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service which was held on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. As each name was called, the family of the fallen officer was escorted to the front of the stage to pin a rose on the Memorial Wreath. The Cusack family was escorted by Captain Wright; F/Sgt. Guempel and Corporal’s Love and Cartier were selected to be honorary honor guard members who lined the red carpet as the keynote speaker, the Honorable Janet Napolitano, entered to address the crowd of almost 20,000 police officers from as far away as Australia. Corporal Cusack’s devotion to the Highway Patrol was the epitome of what each and every Trooper should strive for on a daily basis. While I will be forever grateful for having the opportunity of accompanying the family to honor Kevin, it was also a journey that I wish none of us had to embark on. **Special Thanks to the Officers of the United States Capitol Police for their abundant assistance.**
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Status of Proposed Changes to IRS Regulations Involving Public Employee Pensions IRS Recognizes the Risk of Summary Changes to Negotiated and Statutory Retirement Plans Atty tty Richard E. Mulvaney General Counsel-NYSTPBA
At the Fall 2008 conference of the National Troopers Coalition, the first call to
arms occurred in reference to disturbing information about the Internal Revenue Service proposing changes to federal regulations involving its oversight of public employee pensions. Immediately following that conference, a course was set for yours truly to ring the alarm to any labor union who would listen. Unfortunately, many labor unions squawked at my public pronouncements that the sky was about to fall on our police pensions in a way that would fundamentally change the public pension structure throughout the United States. Before I go into the meat of my hysteria, it is important to walk my readers through the chronological order of events that led us to where we are right now. On August 27, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service issued a bulletin seeking input from interested parties in regards to proposed changes to IRS regulations that would apply stricter definitions to public pension systems that would ordinarily be applied to private pension systems. Historically, federal IRS regulations derived from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act [ERISA] applied to corporate or private pension systems in an effort to ensure that corporate raiders could not dismantle worker’s pensions in the wake of corporate takeovers. Some of the beneficial aspects of the ERISA laws are to provide employers and their employees with clear definitions of when an employee is vested in the pension plan, as well as the spelling out of funding requirements that must be undertaken by the employer to keep the pension plan solvent. Some adverse aspects of ERISA include reporting requirements to the IRS and the requirement that the pension plan must be “qualified” under the strict guidelines. If the pension plan loses its “qualified” status the plan also loses its tax deferred status, which results in a taxable account that will barely appreciate in value given the heavy tax burden. Since the inception of ERISA regulations, public 16 South Carolina Trooper
pension systems were generally exempt from the burden of “qualifying” under the IRS provisions. The thought was that public pension systems were properly funded by the local or state government’s ability to tax. Thus federal oversight was not needed under the doctrine of state sovereignty to enter into binding agreements to self-fund and self-police to ensure the public trust. Fast forward to 2007. In February 2007, the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division of the IRS issued a notice of proposed changes to ERISA that would require public employee pension systems to “qualify” under ERISA. As part of this qualification, the public pension systems were required to establish minimum vesting standards in line with ERISA. Sounds pretty good so far but the devil was further in the details. The notice also established proposed changes to definitions when public employees, including Troopers, would qualify to receive their full pensions. Under the proposed new regulations, pension system participants (that means Troopers), must reach “normal retirement age” in order to qualify for full pension benefits. In other words, the IRS no longer recognized that a defined benefit pension that allows full pension benefits after a specified period of service would be a qualified pension plan. Rather, the new definitions required the pension plan to establish that public safety employees must reach age 50 before they receive full pension benefits since that age has been established as the “normal retirement age” in the field of law enforcement. Hence, if this IRS regulation change went into effect, the expectation of full pension benefits after 20 years of service is a thing of the past. By virtue of an agency regulation change, long fought pension benefits obtained by most law enforcement unions would be restructured without any negotiations between the principle parties. Even worse, many States could simply say they won’t be subject to IRS ERISA scrutiny or, could not qualify their pension systems and thereby withdraw from providing defined benefit pensions altogether. By invoking the doomsday option the state could simply blame the federal government as forcing the state’s hand to do something they have wanted to do for many years-that is-get out of the public pension business. I was asked to give a speech on Dec. 9, 2008, to representatives of over 350 labor organizations as part of the Public Employees Conference. My tone was intentionally radical to force this issue to the forefront and give it maximum attention. (Continued on page 17)
Unfortunately, I was undermined by certain representatives of New York City unions, in concert with the city pension administrators, by their pronouncements that the IRS regulations “really weren’t a big deal” since it didn’t apply to them. I must admit, after getting over the shock of apathy permeating out of the room, I started to second guess my position as to this subject’s relative importance amongst labor’s elite representatives. Was it me who had lost my objectivity in evaluating the importance of this issue? Or were those leaders siting in the room that day bamboozled by the supposed ‘friends’ of labor dispensing bogus talking points at the behest of a union-killing mayor? The ensuing days after the conference would vindicate my crying “fire” in the movie theatre. Literally two days after I extolled the horrors of impending pension doom, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg pronounced that he was seeking state legislation to change city police and fire pensions. Amongst the details of his new pension scheme was the requirement that police officers would not receive full retirement benefits until? You guessed it, age 50! So it seems that someone else was paying attention to the age 50 requirement under the IRS ERISA notice and not just NTC members or this loud-mouthed lawyer. But all is not lost. Yet… In May 2009, New York State Troopers PBA representatives met with U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) in Washington, DC to voice our grave concerns about the proposed regulation changes. As Chairman of the Finance Committee that oversees the IRS, he is in the best position to stop the regulation changes in its tracks. He was very receptive to our concerns and affirmed that he would not be in favor of such draconian regulations. In fact, other state police organizations within the NTC are meeting with their elected officials to keep the pressure on all officials in a position to influence the outcome of the proposed changes. On January 2, 2010, the IRS delayed any implementation of the proposed rule changes due to a slow response from state plan administrators to pre qualify their plans. Obviously, the slow response is the direct result of state plan administrators wearily whistling past the graveyard. I submit that gross irresponsibility of state legislatures in failing to properly fund their pension obligations has placed those funds in the untenable position that would forfeit their qualified status under the ERISA law and thus cause a complete breakdown of the funds as they would become taxable entities forcing the state governments to fully fund the pension plans by law. Realizing the pending doom, the IRS has delayed implementation until January 2013. Most recently, Dan Sisto, Legislative Director for the New York State Troopers PBA and I had a meeting in Washington D.C. with Mark Iwry, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury regarding our concerns. Mr. Iwry appeared to be one of the key decision makers in finalizing the regulations and was quite candid about the current state of the proposed changes.
Amongst the points detailed by Mr. Iwry were: • Cycle C - Notice seeking public response for the proposed regulations changes are now closed. • Cycle D -Notice seeking State Plan Sponsor response to the proposed regulations are now closed. • Cycle E -State Public Employment Retirement Plans early qualification period is now closed. The Treasury Department seeks to unify the definition of a government plan with IRS and ERISA laws. Although, Treasury specifically recognizes clear differences between government plans and private plans: • Government Plans are exempted from minimum funding requirements unlike private plans. Government Plans are not subject to minimum • participation requirements unlike private plans. • Government Plans get special treatment regarding contributions. • Government Plans have no minimum distribution • requirements unlike private plans. • Government Plans are not required to invoke vesting requirements unlike private plans. “Normal Retirement Age” is a defined term under ERISA that gives standard directions to all plan participants and administrators when a certain trade or profession is deemed to be suitable to receive full pension benefits. The IRS wants to incorporate standardization into the Police and Fire professions. But given the overwhelming lack of support from both unions and public plans for the standardization terms, the Treasury Department continues to evaluate the concerns about the artificial invocation of an age requirement for Police and Fire retirement plans. It should be noted that Mr. Iwry indicated that the IRS will not extend the interim period for invocation of the new regulations past January 31, 2013. He also stated, after hard questioning by Dan and me that the IRS will continue to recognize and most likely carve out statutorily imposed pension plans as well as pension plans derived out of collective bargaining. Hence, it appears that government plans may be required to submit status reports of the plan’s economic condition to the IRS, but the plans will not be subject to any arbitrary age qualifications. I will continue to update all members as to the status of the proposed regulation changes as we get closer to 2013. As such, we must continue to pressure our legislators to maintain the status quo. ▲ 1 INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE PROPOSED CHANGES TO TREAS. REG. SECT. 1.401(A)-1(B)(1)(I).
This article was reprinted from the Spring 2011 issue of National Trooper Magazine.
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Southeastern Troopers Gather for Specialized Training: SCHP-NCSHP-VSP-GSP By J. Eric Skidmore, Chaplain, SCHP
Troopers from the Carolinas and Virginia have gathered for the last ten years at a remote training site in the Southern Highlands of North Carolina in order to work on their own wellness and resiliency following traumatic incidents on the job. Also, members of the peer support teams of NCSHP, mid-1980’s, the PCIS provides three days of training and peer VSP and SCHP have gathered for advanced training in support where many Troopers catch a glimpse of some light order to improve their skills in assisting their brothers at the end of their tunnel. To learn more about the PCIS model, go to http://www.scleap.org/ and watch the PCIS Video. and sisters in law enforcement. Days 4-5 were set aside for the advanced training The Place of current Peer Support Perched on a hill Team members from overlooking Lake each of the four states. Chatuge, The Hinton Offerings for February Rural Life Center has 2011 included 14 become a place of annual hours of Advanced pilgrimage for Troopers Critical Incident Stress looking for a return to a Management training. sense of normalcy after An elective 8-hour critical incidents that course, “The Changing, have rented space in Face of Crisis and their hearts and minds Partnering state flags on display Disaster Mental Health for months, sometimes Intervention,” was also years. offered. Georgia Joins The Training Out In the Field For the first time in the ten years of partnership, The If you asked any of the Troopers about the importance Georgia State Patrol joined the Carolina and Virginia Troopers on the mountain for their annual Post Critical of this joint training, they will tell you, “it builds our Incident Seminar and Peer Team In-service. At the end of capacity to support each other across state lines following critical incidents.” the week, all indicated a desire to return in 2012. Examples include: Days 1-3 were given over to the traditional Post • Virginia Tech Shooting – NCSHP and SCHP Critical Incident Seminar (PCIS). Created by the FBI in the
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•
•
support VSP on campus after the worst mass murder in U.S. History Murder of GSP Trooper Chad LeCroy – VSP, NCSHP, SCHP Troopers assist GSP Critical Incident Support Team following the tragedy Line of Duty Death of SCHP Cpl. Kevin Cusack-NCSHP Troopers joined SCHP peer team during follow up with Cusack’s coworkers
Over the years, many Troopers have said, “my work with the Peer Support Program, helping other Troopers and helping other state and local officers has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.” May this inter-agency effort of mutual aid across state lines continue for many years yet to come. ▲▲▲ For more information about the PEER Support Program in these four states, please contact one of the following: North Carolina: Trooper Larry McKeithan lwmckeithan@ncshp.org Dr. Tom Griggs tgriggs@ncshp.org Georgia: Lt. Andy Carrier Mr. Martin Teem
acarrier@gsp.net mteem@gsp.net
Virginia Capt. Joe Walters Sgt. Ken Blank
joseph.walters@vsp.virginia.gov kennet h.blank@vsp.virginia.gov
South Carolina Sgt. Bryan McDougald Dr. Eric Skidmore
blmcdougald@schp.org ericskid@scleap.org
What the Partners Are Saying.. Carolina officers contributed unselfishly to the founding of the Georgia Critical Incident Support Team. When we had our two tragedies last December (2010), Carolina and Virginia officers helped us in many ways to support our people. To be able to continue to fellowship with and to learn from these Peers is of great benefit to us. - Georgia State Patrol There’s no fear in being a PEER, it can save your career. - South Carolina Highway Patrol I think its great to have inter-agency, joint training and support because all Peer members share the same ideas. Example: North Carolina/South Carolina Teams dealing with Troopers death. Both agencies were able to help GSP with their Troopers death. All Peer member are cross trained so we can go to other states and help each other out when they need support etc. - North Carolina State Highway Patrol This was my second year attending the multi state in-service and third time in a multi-state PCIS. The networking opportunity alone is worth far more than the cost. The relationships established have benefited me and my Department immeasurably. When crisis hits and your team is overwhelmed, there is nothing better than seeing a familiar face walk in, with their team members to lend a hand. Thanks to the hosts and planners of the Hayesville PCIS. I can not say enough about the experience or what I have gained from attending. - Virginia State Police
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SCHP/NCSHP Peer Support Program Adopted by Georgia State Patrol During the Spring of 2010, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol requested assistance from the SCHP Peer Team & SCLEAP in the training of 30 additional Troopers for their Peer Support Program (called Members Assistance Team). During the period between February and September, The Georgia State Patrol got information regarding the upcoming training. With the support of their Commander, Major Mark McDonough, GSP recruited and deployed 20 troopers from across their state to receive training and serve as the first members of the GSP statewide peer support team. On September 20-21, twenty GSP Troopers joined members of NCSHP and NC ALE Agents for a 3-day intensive training in Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress Management on the campus of the NCSHP Training Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina. SCHP and NCSHP peer teams have pledged their support to GSP as they get their own peer support team up and running. Chaplain Skidmore received word from Georgia only 8 days after their team had been trained that a local agency had requested the services of the new GSP Peer Support Team following an incident where an officer was shot and wounded and the suspect was later shot and killed. Their first deployment went well. NC and SC Peer Team members look forward to this emerging partnership with GSP.
Post Critical Incident Seminar A Three-Day Training for Law Enforcement Professionals Used By FBI Since 1985
Sponsored By The South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program 2501 Heyward Street Columbia, South Carolina 29205 Office: 803-252-2664 Fax: 803-252-2841 www.scleap.org
Call For Dates of Next PCIS
Do you have photos, news, or other items you would like to submit for possible publication in the next issue of South Carolina Trooper magazine? We would love to hear from you! E-mail your submissions to sctaeditor@sc.rr.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
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ATTENTION SCTA MEMBERS: South Carolina Trooper is YOUR magazine! If you have news, stories, photographs, awards/achievements, etc. that you would like to share with your fellow SCTA members, please e-mail them to sctaeditor@sc.rr.com or send to SCTA Ofϔice-ATTN: Editor; 4961 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. Show us the lighter side of your job!
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SCTA Awards $10,000 in Scholarships In 2010 and 2011, the South Carolina Troopers Association awarded $10,000 in scholarships to deserving individuals. Scholarships are available to SCTA members in good standing, as well as their dependents. Congratulations to the following recipients, and best of luck to all of them in their scholastic endeavors!
2011 Recipients
Christine Connelly, daughter of CPT & Mrs. Doug Connelly (RET), is a freshman at Charleston Southern University. She is studying nursing, with the hopes of becoming a Neonatal nurse.
Brittany Harvey, daughter of L/CPL Terry Harvey is a sophomore at Clemson University majoring in Biology. She hopes to attend medical school and become a pediatrician.
Kendall Millhouse, grandson of L/CPL T.U. Millhouse, Jr. and the late Emily Millhouse, is a senior at Clemson University and is majoring in Sociology, with hopes of pursuing a Masters Degree upon graduation.
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Mallori Lawson, daughter of LT D. Russell Lawson, is a freshman at Clemson University and is majoring in Food Science-Dietetics and Nutrition .
Melinda Taylor, wife of MAJ Leroy Taylor, is pursuing her Juris Doctor from the Charlotte School of Law in Charlotte, North Carolina.
SCTA Awards $10,000 in Scholarships
(continued)
In 2Be sure to check the SCTA website, www.sctroopers.org www.sctroopers.org, in January 2012, for the 2012 Scholarship Application and eligibility criteria. 010 and 2011, the South Carolina Troopers Association awarded $10,000 in scholarships to deserving individuals. Scholarships are available to SCTA members in g
2010 Recipients
Jennifer Canfora, wife of TFC Vincent Canfora, is pursuing a PhD in Human Services with a Counseling emphasis at Capella University.
Courtney Gamble, daughter of CPT & Mrs. Jones Gamble, is a senior at the University of South Carolina and is pursuing a degree in psychology. She plans to become a licensed psychologist upon graduation.
Courtney Kelly, daughter of CPT & Mrs. Chrystal Kelly, attends the College of Charleston and is pursuing a degree in biology.
Emily Herring, daughter of CPL & Mrs. William D. Herring (RET), is pursuing a degree in Public Health at the University of South Carolina. Upon graduation, she plans to enroll in the USC School of Law.
Taylor Reed, daughter of F/SGT & Mrs. Erskine Reed, attends Winthrop University and is pursing a degree in Elementary Education.
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SCTA Welcomes New Board Members The SCTA welcomes the following new board members: President Chris Cooper, Vice President Brad Dewitt,Troop 2 Representative J. C. Ashley, Troop 3 Representative T. E. Nance, Troop 4 Representative Jason Cartier, Troop 5 Representative Mark W. Thompson, Troop 6 Representative Darek McMurry, Troop 7 Representative Rob H. Rowe, Jr., and Troop 8 Representative M. D. Tomson.
Clint Fairey (left) swears in President Chris Cooper
Chris Cooper swears in Mark Thompson, Troop Five Representative
Chris Cooper swears in J.C. Ashley, Troop Three Representative
Chris Cooper swears in Darek McMurry, Trooper Six Representative
Chris Cooper swears in M.D. Tomson, Troop 8 (HQ) Representative
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BK Floyd (right) swears in Jason Cartier, Troop Four Representative
Chris Cooper swears in Rob Rowe Jr., Troop Seven Representative
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Facing your mortality after a deadly-force incident One police ofϔicer’s 5 lessons learned from a harrowing “triple whammy” incident in Hillsboro (Ore.) By Charles Remsberg, PoliceOne Senior Correspondent Sponsored by Blauer
When Shawn Schumacher’s
roommate came home one Thursday last November, Schumacher peppered him with a barrage of questions that just “weren’t normal,” the young man later told detectives from the Hillsboro (Ore.) PD. “Did you see the secret police outside?” Schumacher demanded to know. “Did you see the little green gargoyles on the wall?” Schumacher asked. “Did you survive it?!” Schumacher exclaimed. Too, too weird, the roommate concluded. He hurried to his room, locked the door, and shoved his dresser in front of it. He was scared for his safety, he said later, because he knew Schumacher had at least one gun in the house — a .50-cal. Desert Eagle, so powerful that it “rocked him back” when he fired it. The next morning, Schumacher seemed “relaxed but jittery.” His eyes were “extremely dilated and he was very alert.” The roommate asked if he was going to work. “I don’t have to work anymore,” replied Schumacher, a meat cutter. “Why, did you win the lottery or something?” Schumacher said, “Just wait and see...” Shots Fired The next day at nearly 1330 hours, Officer Kurt Van Meter, 34, an 11-year street veteran and force-and-tactics instructor, was patrolling westbound on the main drag through Hillsboro’s busy downtown commercial district when he heard a sergeant come on the air and blurt that he’d heard six shots fired in the general vicinity of their department’s West Precinct headquarters, just a few blocks east of Van Meter’s 10-20.
Van Meter whipped his car around and sped toward the gunfire. He was heading, he soon discovered, right into a triple whammy: an ongoing active shooting, a hazardous highspeed pursuit, and, ultimately, a fatal officer-involved gunfight. “Any one of those alone could be considered a critical incident,” he recently told PoliceOne. He believes that the harrowing experience — including its aftermath — drove home invaluable “lessons learned” that he feels are important to share with officers and agencies everywhere.
gunfire and called out the initial “shots fired” report that activated Van Meter. Officer Daniel Mace, who happened to be driving near the intersection of the crashes, heard the shots too and took off after the Honda. Mace barked a description of the vehicle and the route of the chase into his radio. But unknown to him at that moment his messages were not generally heard. In the sudden excitement, he’d neglected to switch back to the department’s open channel from the limited car-to-car channel he was talking on when the shootings erupted. As he responded to the sergeant’s call, Van Meter saw a speeding Honda flash past an intersection, followed by Mace’s unit rolling Code 3. “The driver had his arm out the window firing at Mace, so the situation was pretty clear,” Van Meter says, even though he wasn’t receiving what Mace was urgently describing. “Every fiber of my being wanted to be there for him.” Hauling ass, he joined the pursuit, along with Venable, who raced from the police station to catch up. “The suspect was shooting back at us, and my pulse rate was through the roof,” Van Meter says. “I started combat-breathing in an attempt to relax. I wanted to be extra calm on the radio to help keep other officers well-grounded, not sounding like alQaeda having a seizure.” High-Speed Chase As the chase ripped at 70-80 mph against lights and through “the busiest part of Hillsboro,” a Portland suburb with a population of some 90,000 people, “two overwhelming thoughts seized my mind,” Van Meter recalls. He remembered that his son’s eighth birthday was just two days away. (CONTINUED˃˃)
“You need someone you can reach out to 24/7 who understands what you’re going g throug gh”
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As investigators were able to reconstruct events, the ordeal began when 28-year-old Shawn Schumacher, shirtless and barefoot despite the chilly weather and driving a northbound green 1997 Honda Civic, rammed into a pickup truck in heavy traffic two blocks south of the police station. He backed up with a squeal of tires and smashed into two other cars. Then he angrily and randomly started pumping .50-cal. rounds from his Desert Eagle semi-auto into vehicles around him. A middle-aged HVAC repairman, riding as a passenger in a Mazda hatchback traveling in the opposite direction, was hit in the head and killed. Still shooting, Schumacher tore off, weaving crazily through traffic. Sgt. Matt Shannon, chatting with Detective Becca Venable in the precinct station parking lot, heard the
And he flashed back to four years earlier when he’d been T-boned by a mini-van while clearing an intersection on a hot call (that time, injuries kept him off-duty for nine months). Now there was the added risk that the suspect’s continuing wild shooting would hit one or more of his pursuers, or civilian drivers and pedestrians he erratically fired at along the way as he sideswiped and bounced off of other traffic. Van Meter scooted low in his seat, trying to keep his eyes on things through his steering wheel and broadcast a running commentary as speeds zoomed close to 100 mph. “He was flying,” Van Meter says. “Some of the holes in traffic we were weaving through were absolutely insane. But we felt we had to stop this guy.” The perilous chase ended outside Hillsboro’s jurisdiction, about 8 minutes after it began — “8 minutes of pretty scary shit,” as Van Meter puts it. In the small community of Cornelius, three miles west of Hillsboro, Schumacher, “driving recklessly and passing vehicles dangerously,” collided with a Ford van he was attempting to overtake on the right in a sea of heavy traffic. His Honda veered into a curb. The impact knocked the left front wheel off its axle, and knocked Schumacher unconscious. The pileup happened to occur at the intersection where the Cornelius Police Department is located. And a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Daniel Charter, just happened to be stopped at that intersection in his patrol car. “Cornelius and the Sheriff’s Office don’t share our communications channel,” Van Meter says, “so the deputy had no clue what was really happening. He rolled up within about a foot of the Honda’s bumper, thinking he was going to do an everyday crash report.” Two Cornelius officers exiting the PD, Bill Russell and Craig Wellhouser, ran toward the scene as well. Almost simultaneously the pursuing Hillsboro units skidded up. Deafeningly loud rock music was blaring from the suspect vehicle. Tombstone, Oregon Suddenly, Schumacher came to life.
“He jumped out of the Honda with the silver .50-caliber desert Eagle in one hand and a black .45-caliber Desert Eagle in the other,” says Van Meter. “He walked up to Deputy Charter, who was still in his car, and fired two shots at him at point-blank range. By some miracle, he missed. One round went just past Charter’s chest and lodged in the seat. The second hit the roll bar on the passenger side. “He started walking down the middle of the street like Tombstone, shooting both guns. One round grazed the top of Wellhouser’s head. I remember seeing the suspect point one gun toward me. Things got really cloudy. “I came up to shoot him and just as I was about to squeeze the trigger, a blurry patch of grey flashed in front of me. Thank God my brain picked up on that in time. It was Dan Charter’s uniform.” Van Meter held his fire, but Charter and the two Cornelius officers had an unobstructed target. “They all opened fire at once,” says Van Meter, who was less than ten feet away. “With nine rounds, they hit him eight times. He went down, twitching, and didn’t get up. A chunk of his head had been blown out.” Amazingly, aside from the one mortally wounded victim, there were no casualties reported from Schumacher’s marathon fusillade. Van Meter estimates he may have fired up to 100 rounds. His motive for the violent spree has not been established. Detectives searching his residence found a makeshift lab and other evidence that he was a user of mescaline, a powerful hallucinogen extracted from peyote cactus and usually associated with “spiritual quests.” It’s believed he may have experienced excited delirium, which is frequently associated with illegal drug abuse. He was wearing only a pair of camouflage shorts and driving with his windows down despite inclement weather, suggesting that his body may have been over-heated, a physical phenomenon typical of EDPs. Van Meter’s Five Tips Reflecting back on the encounter and its emotional impact, Van Meter offers these suggestions for other LEOs and departments:
1. As an agency or a single fellow officer, show compassion. Quickly after the shooting, Hillsboro PD, headed by Chief Lila Ashenbrenner, rented a hotel room for officers who’d been involved in the chase and its deadly climax. “They had pizza for us and grief counselors — guys who’d been through traumatic incidents. That was huge,” Van Meter says. One of his fellow trainers, Officer Jeff Branson, “showed up and just stood beside me, not even talking really. It was so comforting just to have someone there that I respected.” Later the department hosted a candid, multi-agency debriefing for all involved officers and mandated a confidential visit with a police psychologist for those from Hillsboro. “The department said we had to see the shrink but we didn’t have to talk to her once we got there,” Van Meter explains. “To be released from any obligation to talk made you want to talk, to be heard about what you were feeling and not be judged.” 2. Counsel with others who’ve “been there.” Van Meter’s first phone calls were to his father and an uncle, both of whom survived shootings during careers in law enforcement. They talked about potential emotional and physical reactions, “not what I would feel necessarily but what they experienced after their incidents.” Both mentioned bad dreams, among other things. When Van Meter subsequently had nightmares of his own, including one in which he was relentlessly fired upon by four fellow officers during a call for service, he was better able to accept them as part of a normal brain/body readjustment from his adrenalin-fueled, lifethreatening ordeal. “You need someone you can reach out to 24/7 who understands what you’re going through,” he says. “One night a diaper commercial that showed babies peacefully sleeping came on TV and I just lost it. I’m a tough country kid, a bull rider! The first rule of rodeo is ‘If it hurts, hide it.’ But I couldn’t stop bawling. My two little boys are my life, and that ad touched some raw nerve. CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
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TROOPERS ON THE MOVE PROMOTIONS F/SGT John J. Kesler, Troop 3 HQ, promoted, to Lieutenant effective 9/17/10.
CPL Billy W. Tyler, Troop 5 HQ, promoted to Sergeant effective 07/17/11.
F/SGT Richard L. Ray, Patrol HQ-Resource Management, promoted to Lieutenant effective 9/17/10.
L/CPL David G. Jones, Troop 1, Post C, promotion effective 8/22/10.
SGT Donald L. Banister Troop 3, Post C, promoted to First Sergeant effective 9/17/10. SGT Thomas E. Moore Troop 7, Post A, promoted to First Sergeant effective 9/17/10.
L/CPL Quest D. Hallman Troop 1, Post C, promoted to Corporal effective 9/17/10. L/CPL Charles B. Horne, Troop 4, Post A, promoted to Corporal effective 9/17/10.
SGT Thomas B. Joye, Troop 5 HQ, promoted to Lieutenant effective 12/17/10.
L/CPL Frederick L. Bradshaw, Patrol HQ, ACE-Motor Region 1, promoted to Corporal effective 12/17/10.
SGT Cherry McLeod, Patrol HQ-Dept. of Education-promoted to Lieutenant effective 12/17/10.
L/CPL James M. Brantley, Troop 6, Post B-Colleton/Dorchester, promoted to Corporal effective 12/17/10.
SGT Dennis Boniecki, Troop 6, Post C-Beaufort/Jasper, promoted to First Sergeant effective 07/17/11.
L/CPL James H. Burris, Troop 7, Post B-Calhoun/Orangeburg, promoted to Corporal effective 12/17/10.
SGT Kenneth D. Stone, Troop 3, Post D-Spartanburg, promoted to First Sergeant effective 07/17/11.
L/CPL Christopher F. Costa, Troop 5, Post D-Horry, promoted to Corporal effective 12/17/10.
SGT Robert W. Castles, Troop 5, Post B-Dillon/Florence/Marion, promoted to First Sergeant effective 07/17/11.
L/CPL Michael Z. Hassen, Troop 4, Post B-York, promoted to Corporal effective 12/17/10.
SGT Mendel C. Rivers, Troop 8-CEF, promoted to First Sergeant effective 07/17/11.
L/CPL James R. LaChance, Troop 7, Post B-Orangeburg, promoted to Corporal and transferred to Post C-Aiken effective 12/17/10.
SGT Bobby J. Albert, Troop 4, Post A-Cherokee/Union, promoted to First Sergeant effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL Christian P. Logdon, Patrol HQ, ACE HQ, promoted to Sergeant effective 12/17/10.
SGT Shawna N. Gadsden, Troop 6, Post A-Berkeley/Charleston, promoted to First Sergeant effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL David C. Martin, Troop 6, Post B-Colleton/Dorchester, promoted to Corporal effective 12/17/10.
SGT Jeffrey N. Melton, Troop 3, Post A-Anderson, promoted to First Sergeant effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL Rudolph Osteen, Troop 1, promoted to Corporal and transferred from Post B-Kershaw/Lee to Post D-Richland effective 12/17/10.
CPL Robert L. Hardee Troop 6, Post B, promoted to Sergeant effective 9/17/10.
L/CPL Travis J. Riddle, Patrol HQ-Patrol Supply, promoted to Corporal effective 12/17/10.
CPL Dennis Boniecki, Troop 6, Post C-Beaufort/Jasper, promoted to Sergeant effective 12/17/10. CPL Alfred B. Warren, Patrol HQ 8-Patrol Training, promoted to Sergeant effective 12/17/10.
L/CPL Gerald D. Rothell, Troop 1, Post C-Lexington, promoted to Corporal effective 12/17/10. L/CPL Jay A. Staehr, Troop 4, Post D-Chesterfield/Lancaster, promoted to Corporal effective 12/17/10.
CPL Thomas E. Stone, Troop 2 HQ, promoted to Sergeant effective 3/2/11. CPL David J. Babbit, Troop 8, TCC-Blythewood, promoted to Sergeant, effective 07/17/11. CPL James R. LaChance, Troop 7, Post C-Aiken, promoted to Sergeant effective 08/17/11. CPL Bryan L. McDougald, Troop 8-CRO, promoted to Sergeant effective 07/17/11. CPL Everick Patterson, Troop 8-Training, promoted to Sergeant effective 07/17/11.
28 South Carolina Trooper
L/CPL Joshua S. Black, Troop 3, Post A-Anderson, promoted to Corporal effective 3/2/11. L/CPL Jason Cartier, Troop 4, Post D-York, promoted to Corporal effective 3/2/11. L/CPL Mark R. Danback, Troop 1, Post A-Kershaw/Lee, promoted to Corporal effective 3/2/11. L/CPL Charles E. Davis, Troop 7, Post B-Calhoun/Orangeburg, promoted to Corporal effective 3/2/11.
TROOPERS ON THE MOVE PROMOTIONS (continued) L/CPL Craig L. Herring, Troop 1, Post D-Richland, promoted to Sergeant effective 3/2/11. L/CPL Thomas S. Summers, Troop 6, Post C-Beaufort/Jasper, promoted to Corporal effective 3/2/11. L/CPL Joseph W. Tate, Troop 4, Post C-Chester/Fairfield, promoted to Corporal effective 3/2/11. L/CPL Therese P. Alford, Troop 1, Post B-Kershaw/Lee, promoted to Sergeant effective 08/17/11.
S/TPR Robert A. Frock, Troop 4-DUI Team, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11. S/TPR Ilean J. Granata, Troop 4, Post D-Chesterfield/Lancaster, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11. S/TPR Justin R. Harris, Troop 3, Post C-Greenville, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11. S/TPR Matthew C. Johnson, Troop 3, Post C-Greenville, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11. S/TPR Lee L. Kershner, Troop 1, Post D-Richland, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11.
L/CPL Robert Beres, Troop 8-CRO, promoted to Corporal effective 08/17/11. L/CPL Jeremy L. McCloud, Troop 4, Post C-Chester/Fairfield, promoted to Corporal effective 08/17/11. L/CPL John M. Spencer, II, Troop 8-Training, promoted to Corporal effective 08/2/11. S/TPR Kevin N. Brown, Troop 3, Post B, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 10/17/10. S/TPR Robert J. Mangum, Troop 3, Post D, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 10/17/10. S/TPR Madison Anderson, Troop 8, ACE SIT Team, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 3/17/11. S/TPR Bradley M. Bastian, Troop 3, Post D-Spartanburg, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 3/17/11. S/TPR George A. Folk, Troop 7, Post A-Allendale/Bamberg/Hampton, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 3/17/11. S/TPR Tony L. Gardner, Troop 5, Post B-Dillon/Florence/Marion, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 3/17/11. S/TPR Brian S. Quinn, Troop 4, Post A-Cherokee/Union, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 3/17/11. S/TPR Charles C. Sanders, Troop 5, Post D-Horry, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 3/17/11. S/TPR John K. Tyner, Troop 6, Post B, Colleton/Dorchester, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 3/17/11. S/TPR Travis T. Blackwelder, Patrol HQ-ACE Team, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 5/17/11. S/TPR James M. Demay, Troop 1, Post D-Richland, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11. S/TPR David P. Dodson, Troop 7, Post C-Aiken, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11. S/TPR James V. Freeman, Troop 3, Post B-Oconee/Pickens, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11.
S/TPR David B. Lilly, Troop 5, Post D-Horry, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11. S/TPR Mark L. Meadows, Troop 8-SIT Team, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11. S/TPR Raymond P. Skinner, Troop 1, Post C-Lexington, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11. S/TPR Adam S. Warren, Troop 3, Post A-Anderson, promoted to Lance Corporal effective 08/2/11. S/TPR Jason T. Briggs, Troop 5, Post B-Dillon/Florence/Marion was promoted to Lance Corporal effective 9/17/11. TFC Mark R. Amos, Troop 6, Post B, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 10/17/10. TFC Kenneth F. Small, Troop 5, Post C-Georgetown/Williamsburg promoted to Senior Trooper effective 11/17/10. TFC Danny L. Calvert, Troop 7, Post A-Allendale/Bamberg/Hampton, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 12/17/10. TFC Curtis L. Thomas, Troop 7, Post B-Orangeburg-Calhoun promoted to Senior Trooper effective 4/2/11 TFC Timothy F. Bush, Troop 3, Post C-Greenville, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 4/17/11. TFC John A. Cardona, Troop 4, Post D-Chesterfield/Lancaster, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 4/17/11. TFC Daniel E. Conklin, Troop 5, Post D-Horry, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 4/17/11. TFC Brandon J. Bolt, Troop 2, Post C-Edgefield/McCormick/Saluda, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 05/17/11. TFC Shane M. Williams, Troop 3- DUI Team, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 06/17/11. TFC Brian L. Allison, Troop 4, Post A-Cherokee/Union, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11. (continued on page 30)
29 South Carolina Trooper
PROMOTIONS (continued)
TRANSFERS (continued)
TFC Mitchell L. Altman, Troop 7, Post A-Allendale/Bamberg/Hampton, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11.
CPL Joyce A. Myrick, Patrol HQ transferred from MAIT-Coastal to Community Relations Office effective 12/7/10.
TFC Adam L. Antley, Troop 1, Post C-Lexington, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11.
CPL Jon V. Eddins, transferred within Troop 4 from Post A Cherokee/ Union to Post B-York effective 12/17/10.
TFC Rickey L. Ball, Troop 1, Post D-Richland, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL Joseph A. Alban transferred to Troop8-MAIT effective 2/2/10. L/CPL Bradford L. Buie transferred to Troop8-MAIT effective 2/2/10.
TFC Jackie S. Bennett, Troop 5, Post B-Dillon/Florence/Marion, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL Jonathan L. Craig transferred to Troop 8-MAIT effective 2/2/10.
TFC Brandon S. Brooks, Troop 6, Post B-Colleton/Dorchester, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL Michael E. Duncan, Trooper 3, Post 3 transferred to Troop 9-MAIT, effective 2/2/10.
TFC Christopher A. Brown, Troop 5, Post B-Dillon/Florence/Marion, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL Steven C. Garren transferred to Troop 8-MAIT effective 2/2/10. L/CPL Russell S. Joye transferred to Troop8-MAIT, effective 2/2/10.
TFC Kevin G. Ellis, Troop 3, Post D-Spartanburg, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11. TFC William M. Lee, Troop 5, Post B-Dillon/Florence, Marion, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL Jeremy T. Leach transferred to Troop8-MAIT effective 2/2/10. L/CPL William M. Nimmons transferred to Troop 8-MAIT effective 2/2/10. L/CPL Roger D. Thomason, Jr., transferred Troop 4 to Post B effective 7/2/10.
TFC Jonathan A. Revis, Troop 4, Post B-York, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/1l.
L/CPL Jeremy D. Sisler transferred to Troop 9-MAIT effective 2/2/10.
TFC David A. Skipper, Troop 5, Post D-Horry, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL James F. Sweatman, Jr. transferred to Troop 8-Low-State Interdiction Unit effective 2/2/10.
TFC Zachary H. Smith, Troop 5, Post D-Horry, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL Robert Warren, Troop 3, Post A transferred to Troop 10-Insurance Enforcement effective 3/2/10.
TFC Brandon O. Stokes, Troop 1, Post A-Sumter/Clarendon, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL John C. Lamb transferred to Troop 1, Post B effective 3/17/10.
TFC James L. Stokes, Troop 1, Post C-Lexington, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11. TFC Jamie M. Tyner, Troop 3, Post C-Greenville, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11. TFC Christopher D. Weldon, Troop 5, Post D-Horry, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11. TFC Franklin D. Wooten, Troop 3, Post A-Anderson, promoted to Senior Trooper effective 08/17/11.
TRANSFERS
L/CPL Tommy K. Teaster transferred to Troop 8-SIT Team Region II effective 9/17/10. L/CPL Michael D. Tomson transferred to Troop 8-SIT Team Region IV effective 9/17/10. L/CPL Kelly W. Anderson, transferred from Troop 2 to Patrol HQ-MAIT Foothills effective 12/17/10. L/CPL Jeremy S. Heaton, Troop 2, Post A-Laurens/Newberry, transferred within Troop 2 to Post B-Abbeville/Greenwood, effective 08/2/11. L/CPL Tyler J. Luther, Troop 8 transferred within Troop 8 to MAIT-Pee Dee effective 08/17/11.
LT Harry B. DuBose, Troop 5-HQ transferred to Troop 4-HQ, effective 08/17/11 SGT Roger K. Hughes, Patrol HQ-CRO, transferred to Troop 1, Post C-Lexington, effective 3/2/11. SGT Clinton H. Fairey, Troop 2, Post C-Edgefield/McCormick/Saluda, transferred within Troop 2 to Troop 2-HQ effective 08/17/11. SGT Thomas E. Stone, Troop 2 HQ, transferred within Troop 2 to Post C-Edgefield/McCormick/Saluda effective 08/17/11.
L/CPL Todd J. Proctor, Troop 8 transferred within Troop 8 to MAITCoastal effective 08/17/11 L/CPL Robert A. Frock, Troop 4, Post B-York, transferred within Troop 4 to Post C-Chester/Fairfield, effective 09/17/11. S/TPR John D. McGaha, transferred from Troop 8, MAIT to Troop 5, Post D (Horry) effective 4/2/11. S/TRP Kevin N. Brown transferred to Troop 8-SIT effective 1/17/10.
CPL James F. Brown transferred to Troop 2, Post C effective 9/17/10. S/TRP John D. McGaha transferred to Troop 8-MAIT effective 2/2/10. (continued on page 31)
30 South Carolina Trooper
TRANSFERS (continued)
SEPARATIONS (continued)
S/TRP John K. Tyner transferred to Troop 6, Post B effective 2/17/10.
CPL James M. Simmons, Troop 2, Post B-Abbeville/Greenwood, retired 6/30/11.
S/TRP Jeffrey A. Shumaker, transferred to Troop 6, Post C effective 9/17/10.
CPL William H. Walters, Troop 1, Post B-Kershaw/Lee, retired effective 07/26/11.
S/TRP James L. Booker transferred to Troop 8-MAIT-Coastal Region effective 9/17/10.
CPL James M. Brantley, Troop 6, Post B-Colleton/Dorchester, resigned 8/1/11. CPL William M. Hoskins, Troop 1, Post C-Lexington, retired effective 8/8/11.
S/TRP Travis T. Blackwelder transferred from Troop 7 to Patrol HQACE Interdiction Mid-State effective 11/17/10. S/TPR Brian T. Roberts, Troop 6, Post A-Berkeley/Charleston transferred to Post B-Colleton/Dorchester effective 2/17/11.
CPL Keith I. Stafford, Troop 3, Post D-Spartanburg, retired 09/23/11. L/CPL Kathy A. Hiles, Troop 9-CRO, resigned 1/1/10. L/CPL John L. Weeks, Jr., Troop 1, Post A, resigned 1/11/10.
TPR William C. Epps transferred to Troop8-MAIT effective 2/2/10. L/CPL Brian E. Moyer, Troop 2, Post C, resigned 1/18/10. TPR John R. Ford transferred to Troop 6, Post B effective 6/17/10. L/CPL Donnie L. Gilbert, Troop 3, Post D, resigned 1/24/10. TFC Vincent M. Canfora transferred to Troop 5, Post D effective 7/2/10. L/CPL William W. Mather, Troop 2, Post C, resigned 1/24/10. TFC William C. Harman, transferred from Troop 1, Post C Lexington to Troop 5, Post D-Horry effective 12/2/10. TFC Justin J. Trotter, Troop 2, Post C-Edgefield/McCormick transferred to Troop 6, Post Colleton/Dorchester effective 3/2/11.
L/CPL Jeffrey T. Cassidy, HQ-SIT, resigned 3/1/10. L/CPL James E. Moore, Jr., Troop 3, Post C, retired 3/1/10. L/CPL Erickson Concepcion, Troop 6, Post B, resigned 3/14/10.
SEPARATIONS:
CPT Neal S. Brown, Troop 3 HQ, retired 1/16/10. LT Robert H. Rabon, Troop 1 HQ, retired effective 2/28/11. LT Jeffrey M. Williams, Troop 4 HQ, retired 06/2/11. F/SGT Steven Mueller, Troop 4, Post A, resigned 3/16/10. F/SGT Eric K. Cox, Troop 2, Post B, retired 6/30/10. F/SGT George L. Williams, Troop 6, Post A-Berkeley/Charleston, retired effective 12/28/10.
L/CPL Michael W. Melton, Jr., Troop 2, Post B, resigned 3/21/10. L/CPL Paul A. Nelson, Troop 6, Post C, retired 4/1/10. L/CPL James A. McLaurin, Troop 7, Post C, resigned 5/18/10. L/CPL Stephen J. Pearrow, Troop 7, Post B, resigned 5/28/10 L/CPL Rufus D. Bowen, Troop 2, Post C, retired 6/30/10. L/CPL Joshua R. Edwards, Troop 5, Post A, resigned 7/2/10. L/CPL Michael A. Hodges, Troop 6, Post A, retired 7/16/10.
SGT Terry G. Causey, Troop 5, Post B, retired 7/31/10.
L/CPL Grover S. Brinson, Troop 8-MAIT, resigned 7/23/10.
SGT D. E. Branham, Jr., Patrol HQ-Central Evidence, resigned effective 1/3/11.
L/CPL Donald L. Stewart, Troop 6, Post A, resigned 8/06/10.
SGT Garry L. Stith, Troop 5, Post D-Horry, retired effective 07/16/11.
L/CPL Michael P. Barnhill, Troop 6, Post B, retired 8/16/10.
CPL Donald R. Lee, Troop 2, Post C, retired 1/21/10.
L/CPL Stephen D. Poole, Troop 4, Post A, retired 8/17/10.
CPL D. Kevin Cusack, Troop 4, Post B, deceased 3/27/10.
L/CPL Roger D. Thomason, Troop 4, Post B, resigned 9/24/10.
CPL Cephus H. Rogers, Jr., Troop 6, Post B, resigned 5/18/10. CPL Timothy D. Ayers, HQ-MAIT, retired 5/20/10.
L/CPL Dwayne D. Tornabene, Troop 6, Post A, retired 10/15/10. . L/CPL James G. Knox, Troop 4, Post C-Chester/Fairfield, resigned 1/1/11.
CPL Robert S. Blair, Troop 1, Post D, resigned 6/13/10.
L/CPL John D. McCall, Troop 4, Post A-Cherokee/Union, retired 1/3/11.
CPL Dwight Green, Troop 7, Post C-Aiken/Barnwell, resigned 1/31/11.
L/CPL Wilbert C. Wilks II, Troop 5, Post D-Horry, resigned 1/31/11.
CPL Joseph J. Cruz, Troop 7, Post A-Allendale/Bamberg/Hampton/ Barnwell, retired 3/31/11.
L/CPL William K. Faust, Troop 6, Post B-Colleton/Dorchester, retired 3/5/11
CPL Paul J. Brouthers, Troop 8-CRO, retired 05/31/11.
L/CPL Paul D. Rush, Troop 6, Post B-Colleton/Dorchester resigned 4/1/11.
31 South Carolina Trooper
SEPARATIONS (continued)
S/TPR Randy L. Quinn, Troop 4, Post A-Cherokee/Union, resigned 6/7/11.
L/CPL Robert A. Strickland, Troop 6, Post B-Colleton/Dorchester resigned 4/1/11 L/CPL Eric J. Burton, Troop 1, Post A-Sumter/Clarendon, resigned 4/8/11.
S/TPR Kevin L. Montgomery, Troop 4, Post C-Chester/Fairfield, retired effective 7/28/11
L/CPL Josef M. Robinson, Patrol HQ-Community Relations, resigned 4/12/11.
S/TPR Daniel R. Dodson, Troop 1, Post C-Lexington, resigned 8/15/11.
L/CPL Robert M. Flitter, Troop 1, Post D-Richland, resigned 4/29/11.
S/TPR Daniel E. Conklin, Troop 5, Post D-Horry, resigned 9/9/11.
L/CPL Shane A. Savage, Troop 3, Post A-Anderson, resigned 4/30/11.
S/TPR Vincent A. Canfora, Troop 5, Post D-Horry, resigned 9/5/11.
L/CPL Bobby J. Hucks, Troop 5, Post B-Dillon/Florence/Marion, retired 5/6/11.
TFC Matthew B. Watson, Troop 3, Post D, resigned 2/5/10.
L/CPL Christopher R. Logan, Troop 4, Post D-Chesterfield/Lancaster, retired 05/11/11.
TFC William A. Stratton, Troop 5, Post D, resigned 2/27/10. TFC Kyle F. Strickland, Troop 6, Post C, resigned 5/1/10.
L/CPL Rodney W. Rummage, Troop 5, Post A-Darlington/Marlboro, retired 5/23/11. L/CPL James E. Altman, Troop 5, Post C-Georgetown/Williamsburg, resigned 5/23/11.
TFC Steven G. Kesling, Troop 3, Post A, resigned 8/5/10. TFC Jason W. Willoughby, Troop 5, Post C, resigned 9/8/10. TFC Mark P. Davis, Troop 6, Post B, resigned 10/31/10.
L/CPL S D. Brookshire, Troop 2, Post B,, resigned 5/30/11. TFC Paul L. Linton, Troop 6, Post C-Beaufort/Jasper, resigned 12/21/10. L/CPL Trevor R. Clinton, Troop 8-CRO, retired 05/31/11. TFC Matthew W. Dean, Troop 3, Post D-Spartanburg, resigned 1/13/11. L/CPL Charles H. Breland, Troop 7, Post A-Allendale/Bamberg/ Hampton, resigned 06/17/11.
TFC David M. Nunley, Troop 1, Post A-Kershaw/Lee, resigned 1/25/11.
L/CPL Alexander X. Holloman, Troop 3, Post D-Spartanburg, retired 06/30/11.
TFC John E. Elkin, Troop 1, Post D-Richland, resigned 4/21/11.
L/CPL Edward E. Hartis, Troop 4, Post C-Chester/Fairfield, resigned 8/12/11.
TFC Courtney K. Towns, Troop 6, Post A-Berkeley/Charleston, resigned 6/2/11.
L/CPL Byron K. Carver, Troop 3, Post A-Anderson, retired 08/28/11.
TFC Justin G. Gambrell, Troop 3, Post C-Greenville, resigned 06/24/11.
S/TRP Roy G. Hopkins, Troop 5, Post C, resigned 5/16/10.
TPR Christopher W. Wolfe, Troop 7, Post B, resigned 1/23/10.
S/TRP Joseph A. Hamilton, Troop 3, Post A, resigned 6/16/10.
TPR Kevin J. Hull, Troop 1, Post D, resigned 6/8/10.
S/TPR William L. Carlson, Troop 1, Post D, resigned 7/9/10.
TPR Andrew K. Sager, Troop 6, Post C, resigned 7/10/10.
S/TPR Edward E. Fleming, Troop 1, Post A, resigned 7/9/10.
TPR Joseph S. Buchwald, Troop 1, Post D, resigned 9/12/10.
S/TRP Steve G. Worthy, Jr., Troop 6, Post C, resigned 9/1/10.
TPR Abner N. Rivera Conception, Troop 7, Post C, resigned 10/1/10.
S/TRP Thomas E. Hayes, Troop 3, Post C, resigned 9/16/10.
TPR James M. Reepe, Troop 2, Post B-Abbeville/Greenwood, resigned 07/12/11.
S/TPR April N. Brown, Troop 3, Post C, resigned 10/07/10.
TPR Ulysius A. Vance, Troop 6, Post A-Berkeley/Charleston, resigned 09/07/11.
S/TRP Jeremy J. Soukup, Troop 3, Post D, resigned 10/07/10
TCO Tressy D. Payne, Spartanburg TCC, resigned 8/27/10.
S/TPR Scott R. Grappone, Troop 6, Post A, resigned 10/16/10.
TCO Kenneth V. Tucker, HQ-Florence TCC, resigned 9/25/10.
S/TPR Jared L. Smith, Troop 1, Post D-Richland, resigned 12/16/10.
TCO Tiffany K. Carroll, Patrol HQ-Charleston TCC, resigned 10/23/10.
S/TPR Richard M. Salter, Troop 5, Post C, resigned 2/4/11.
TCO Supervisor Tammy W. Tyler, Patrol HQ-TCC, resigned 12/20/10.
S/TPR Troy J. Miles, Troop 5, Post B-Dillon/Florence/Marion, resigned 2/17/11.
TCO Tech. James C. Reeves, Patrol HQ resigned 4/15/11.
S/TPR Eric R. Hewitt, Troop 4, Post D-Chesterfield/Lancaster, resigned 3/10/11.
TCO Amanda D. Proctor, Greenwood, resigned 4/11/11.
S/TPR George D. Loyd, Troop 4, Post D-Chesterfield/Lancaster, retired 4/1/11.
TCO Catherine G. Horne, Troop 8-TCC-Greenwood, resigned 05/10/11.
S/TPR Richard P. Ondick, Troop 6, Post C-Beaufort/Jasper, resigned 4/20/11.
TCO Donna M. Murrell, Troop 8-TCC-Blythewood, resigned 05/15/11.
32 South Carolina Trooper
SEPARATIONS (continued) TCO Amanda N. Godbold, Troop 8-TCC-Blythewood, resigned 07/20/11. Grants Administrative Coordinator Pamela S. Lucero, Patrol Headquarters-Blythewood, deceased 5/22/10. Admin. Specialist Nancy S. Hall, Troop 4 Headquarters, retired 1/3/11. ▲▲▲
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33 South Carolina Trooper
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27) I needed somebody I could call right then who would listen and convince me I wasn’t going crazy.” He strongly recommends studying about body/brain reactions during and after massive stress before you are in a critical incident. “My dad’s motto for survival has always been ‘See it before it happens.’ The more you understand beforehand, the better you can deal with it.” 3. Revisit the event. After two weeks off, Van Meter was told to “ease back into the job” by riding his first shift back with a partner. He rode with Branson. “The first thing we did was retrace the path of the pursuit — a tremendous revelation.” There were whole sections of the route that he didn’t remember, and at the shootout scene distances as he recalled them “in my mind’s eye” were radically different than they proved to be in reality. “That’s the sort of discrepancy some attorney can tee off on later and to challenge your credibility,” Van Meter says. With the help of his training buddies, he also “revisited” the shootout itself one day, via a scenario reconstruction. “I felt such frustration because I hadn’t been able to shoot the suspect,” he explains. “He’d tried to kill me, and someone else gets to shoot him? I absolutely wanted to take him out myself! That may not be what society and the media want to hear, but it’s how I felt. I had a need to finish the job.” At an unpopulated 15-acre warehouse site they had access to, Van Meter and the other trainers conducted a mock pursuit. A fellow officer played the suspect, “shooting” back from a “fleeing” car, while Van Meter chased in another vehicle, driving “under the steering wheel” just as he had in the real occurrence. “My emotional brain was right back there again,’ he says. But this time when the suspect launched his final face-off, Van Meter put him down. “You’d be surprised at the psychological closure that gave me,” he says. 4. Pursue non-cop passions. “You need interests that get you away from police work and especially from the critical incident you’ve been through,” Van Meter says. For him, it’s a burgeoning side-career as a country singer and songwriter. “About the only thing I have left from my ex-wife is a guitar she bought me,” he says. He’d fooled around a bit with amateur jam sessions at a local bar, then several
months before the pursuit he started taking music more seriously, writing as well as picking. Since then, it’s been a welcome way to clear his mind and escape for awhile to a totally different world. One tune he wrote and sang, “Daddy’s Song,” has gotten radio air time; another, “I Work with Heroes,” is a tip of the hat to his profession, and he’s working on getting an album together. 5. Face your mortality. “Any critical incident is a lifechanging experience,” Van Meter says. “I don’t know that you ever get over it completely. It forces you to face the fact that you could die doing this job. “That’s a harsh reality. But once you really come to terms with that — and accept it — you gain a confidence that few civilians ever know,” Van Meter concludes. “I don’t want to run toward gunfire. I don’t want to shoot people. But if I have to, I know I will.” ▲▲▲
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Charles Remsberg co-founded the original Street Survival Seminar and the Street Survival Newsline, authored three of the best-selling law enforcement training textbooks, and helped produce numerous award-winning training videos. His nearly three decades of work earned him the pres gious O.W. Wilson Award for outstanding contribu ons to law enforcement and the American Police Hall of Fame Honor Award for dis nguished achievement in public service. Pre-order Charles Remsberg’s latest book,Blood Lessons, which takes you inside more than 20 unforge able confronta ons where officers’ lives are on the line. This column is sponsored by Blauer. Blauer has been a leader in protec ve uniforms and outerwear for law enforcement and fire/EMS professionals for sixty nine years and three genera ons of family members. Blauer is commi ed to law enforcement and to keeping officers safe.
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