The Maryland T r o o p e rmsa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5300/sc5339/000113/002000/...The Maryland T r o o p e r Volume 9 Number 6 Colonel Thomas E. “Tim” Hutchins, Superintendent

Colonel Thomas E . “Tim”

Hutchins

Superintendent

The Maryland T r o o p e r Volume 9 Number 6 Colonel Thomas E. “Tim” Hutchins, Superintendent Nov/Dec 2003

HUTCHINS APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENT Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.appointed Thomas E. “Tim”Hutchins as the Superintendent ofthe Maryland State Police onDecember 10, 2003. Colonel Hutchins is not new to theMaryland State Police.He is the third superintendent whohas served as a trooper andprogressed through the ranks. From 1973 to 1994, he served withthe Maryland State Police, retiringwith the rank of Captain as theCommander of the Training Division. During his tenure, hewas responsible for restructuring several police agencies. Additionally, one of his tasks was developing a strategic planfor the training of uniformed and civilian employees. Colonel Hutchins worked statewide in the Field OperationsBureau. While assigned there, he was instrumental indeveloping the Special Tactical Assault Team Element toconfront the rising number of high threat situations. ColonelHutchins was also assigned to the Special Operations Bureauand assisted the Maryland Port Authority Police, functioningas their Chief of Operations. Later, he was detailed torestructure the Maryland Department of General ServicesPolice and commanded that Department. Colonel Hutchins’assignments in the Administrative Services Bureau includedworking in the Staff Inspection Unit, the Telecommunica-tions Division and in his last assignment as Commander ofthe Training Division. In 1994, Colonel Hutchins was elected to the MarylandHouse of Delegates. He represented 125,000 citizens ofCharles County, Maryland and, from 2000 until hisdeparture, served as the ranking Republican member of theJudiciary Committee. During his political career, he worked with representativesat all levels of government, both nationally andinternationally. From 1994 to 1999, he participated in the

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SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

Effective December 10, 2003, GovernorRobert L. Ehrlich, Jr., appointed me asSuperintendent of the Maryland State Police.I am honored to accept this challengingopportunity to return to the Maryland StatePolice, where I spent more than two decadesas a trooper. I am excited to have the chance to againwork with the dedicated men and women ofthe Maryland State Police. You are amongthe finest law enforcement professionalsfound anywhere in our nation. The Maryland State Police is a greatDepartment not because of our reputation ortradition. We are a great Departmentbecause of you, the men and women behindthe badge and you who work in civiliansupport. You are our most precious assetand I pledge never to forget that as I lead youin the days ahead. My immediate goal as Superintendent is toensure the continuity of law enforcementoperations. This must be a smooth transitionand one that does not impact negatively onour ability to serve and protect our citizens. Under my leadership, the Maryland StatePolice will continue to move forward. I donot anticipate making major operationalchanges in the immediate future. I will makeassessments throughout the coming monthsand changes will be made where appropriate. My priority is to ensure we are doing all wecan to protect the people of Maryland andprovide outstanding law enforcement.

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Page 2 Maryland Trooper Nov/Dec 2003

CIVILIANS HONORED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE AND PROMOTIONS Colonel Edward T. Norris honored civilian employees with service and promotion certificates on November 7,2003, at a special ceremony at Headquarters. The following individuals were honored for their commitment tothe Maryland State Police and the State of Maryland:

40 Year Service AwardFrederick J. KirckhoffForensic Sciences Division

35 Year Service AwardPhilip M. DraperCommercial VehicleEnforcement Section

Gilbert V. EikerAutomotive SafetyEnforcement Section

David L. GoodwinWestminster Barracks

Robert C. HoneycuttCommercial VehicleEnforcement Section

Franklin R. MilburnInformation TechnologyDevelopment Division

H. Frank RaynePersonnel Section

Patrick E. StetinaNorth East Barracks

Michael W. StrohmAutomotive SafetyEnforcement Section

Joseph E. TeipeMotor Vehicle Section

Norman L. WrightCumberland Barracks

30 Year Service AwardJohn B. BanzhoffForensic Sciences Division

Stephen BunkerAviation Division

James W. DaucherElectronic Systems Division

Leslie J. FortsonAdministration Bureau

Thelma A. GuzmanForensic Sciences Division

Arlene S. HammondHagerstown Barracks

Donald E. HoffmanLegal Affairs Section

Deborah G. JeffriesRockville Barracks

Raymond M. KellarAutomotive SafetyEnforcement Section

Robert D. TimmonsAutomotive SafetyEnforcement Section

John J. TobinForensic Sciences Division

Stephen F. VailMotor Vehicle Section

John T. WillsInformation TechnologyDevelopment Division

Judy K. WoofterAnnapolis Barracks

25 Year Service AwardHarry L. BradleyOffice of the State FireMarshal

Melody L. BrooksWaterloo Barracks

Jean M. BusickCentreville Barracks

David W. CantrellFacilities ManagementSection

Edwyn V. CorleyForestville Barracks

Philip N. FisterWaterloo Barracks

Sheila L. FitzgeraldCollege Park Barracks

Carol L. GraceAutomotive Safety

Enforcement Section

Emily E. GravesCentral Records Division

Robin M. Guy Leonardtown Barracks

Philip E. HoffmanAviation Division

David B. HouseManagement and FinanceDivision

Dana M. HudsonBerlin Barracks

Marlene F. JenkinsManagement and FinanceDivision

Mary A. SandersMedical Unit

Denise V. SchererCentral Records Division

Linda C. SmithOffice of the State FireMarshal

Lina WileyBel Air Barracks

20 Year Service AwardJonathan L. BeamQuartermaster Section

Carol S. BillianSpecial Operations Section

Kimberly R. CreamerFrederick Barracks

Robert L. KileMotor Vehicle Section

Roxanne MeekinsInformation TechnologyBureau

Joan A. NeisserAutomotive SafetyEnforcement Section

Ingeborg R. RitchieOffice of the State FireMarshal

Gerald C. RobeyAviation Division

Kathleen A. SentelleHagerstown Barracks

Cynthia A. SpindlerOffice of the State FireMarshal

David M. WoodLeonardtown Barracks

15 Year Service AwardMelissa A. AlthoffCentreville Barracks

Richard G. BernhardtElectronic Systems Division

Mark H. BowenLegal Affairs Section

Angela P. CannadyForestville Barracks

James K. ClelandAviation Division

George A. DingleAviation Division

Wayne T. FrisbyWestminster Barracks

Regana R. FontaineBerlin Barracks

Angela T. GrossForensic Sciences Division

Sandra J. HartsockForensic Sciences Division

Christopher A. HoweMotor Vehicle Section

(contd. on next page)

Thank you for your

dedication and service

to the citizens of the

State of Maryland.


SERVICE ANDPROMOTIONS (contd.) Richard J. JacobsCommercial VehicleEnforcement Section

William J. Jones Leonardtown Barracks

Sasikala KambhampatiForensic Sciences Division

Shirley L. LongEducation and TrainingSection

Jacqueline F. PennyPersonnel Services Unit

Teresa L. PetersonMotor Vehicle Section

Thomas R. PrzybylaFacilities ManagementSection

Sharon L. RutzebeckTechnology ManagementDivision

Jacqueline SilverForestville Barracks

Rebecca J. WimmerWestminster Barracks

10 Year Service AwardLisa A. BusickEaston Barracks

Sherry D. CampbellCentral Records Division

Earl E. FinzelMotor Vehicle Section

Cynthia A. GrafTechnical InvestigationDivision

Larry G. HedrickCommercial VehicleEnforcement Section

Valerie A. HicksAnalytical Section

Vonzella C. JohnsonForensic Sciences Division

Kimberlynn A. McFaddenCentral Records Division

Berta Melamed-TsimermanForensic Sciences Division

Nicki K. PatelManagement and FinanceDivision

Edward S. SakowskiCommercial VehicleEnforcement Section

Edward A. StevensMotor Vehicle Section

Promotional AwardLavon’de AlstonPolice CommunicationsOperator II

John B. BanzhoffMSP Breath TestMaintenance Specialist

Joan E. BermanAdministrative Aide

Lorie BlevinsAdministrative Aide

Frances L. CampbellManagement Associate

Sherry D. CampbellOffice Supervisor

Debra R. CoganEmployee Selection SpecialistII

Clare J. ConleyAdministrative Aide

Gary L. CrouchMSP Breath TestMaintenance Specialist

Ellen F. DavisManagement Associate

Gary D. Davis, Jr.Administrator II

Latoya D. DobsonOffice Services Clerk

Glenn E. ErnstMSP Civilian Helicopter PilotII

Edward R. FernandezTransportation Inspector II

Mildred R. FernandezAdministrative Aide

Timothy P. FluhartyTransportation Inspector II

James F. Forsythe, Jr.Radio Technician II

Patrick R. FranzMaintenance Chief I, Non-Licensed

Kelley E. GalyenForensic Chemist Supervisor

Jennifer M. GaunttForensic Chemist II

Luis A. GoicocheaMSP Breath TestMaintenance Specialist

Thelma A. GuzmanAdministrative Aide

Royce A. Hedrick, Jr.Transportation Inspector II

Lisa R. HutchinsPolice CommunicationsOperator II

Paul E. JacksonTransportation Inspector II

John E. JohnsonOccupational Safety/HealthCompliance Officer III

Joyce E. KlinckData Entry Operator Lead

Francis J. KonzalComputer Network SpecialistSupervisor

Katherine H. KosiorekOffice Supervisor

Sharon A. KreitzerAdministrative Specialist III

Deborah A LandakerAdministrative Aide

Jody E. LewisAdministrator I

Carol A. MoorePolice CommunicationsSystem Technician II

Catherine F. NadwodnyOffice Secretary III

Robert J. Nilles, Sr.Plumber

Dianita R. OfferOffice Services Clerk

Mary L. OgleCommunications SupervisorLaw Enforcement

Charee D. PounceySupply Officer III

Thomas J. Reppe, Jr.Radio Technician II

Kyle R. RobinsonComputer Network SpecialistII

Barbara J. RoyleAdministrative Aide

Catherine A. SavageForensic Chemist II

Joyce D. SeidenzahlManagement Associate

Kelly M. SparwasserAdministrative Officer II

Carol A. StevensAdministrative Aide

A. Marie TaylorPersonnel Specialist III

Kristine A. ThomasCommunications SupervisorLaw Enforcement

Robert D. TimmonsAdministrative Officer I

Alyson TurnerAdministrative Officer I

Richard M. TylerRadio Technician IV

Mary K. WebsterCrime Scene Technician II

Dale E. WilliamsMSP Breath TestMaintenance Specialist

Ida J. WilliamsProgram Manager II

January 24, 2004Sandy Point State Park

Annapolis, MarylandRegistration 11 a.m.

Plunge at 2 p.m.

February 21, 2004Deep Creek Lake McHenry, Maryland

Registration 12 noonDunk at 2 p.m.


MSP MAKES BIG SPLASH FOR SPECIALOLYMPICS MARYLAND Rangers were on the alert for hundreds of bearsrumored to be headed for Point Lookout State Parkon Saturday, December 6, 2003 for a bizarre, butvery successful annual ritual to benefit SpecialOlympics Maryland. Maryland State Police Operations Bureau Chief,Lieutenant Colonel Steve Chaney; Major AndrewMcAndrew, MSP Region III Commander; andCaptain Mike Spaulding, MSP LeonardtownBarracks Commander joined with St. Mary’s CountySheriff David Zylak, members of the Charles CountySheriff’s Office, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office andhundreds of other chill seekers for the 5th AnnualMaryland State Police St. Mary’s Splash. Each splasher brought at least $50 in pledges toregistration. In return, they received a high qualitycommemorative sweatshirt, a free OutbackSteakhouse lunch, free Seattle’s Best coffee fromSaucy Salamander Catering, a color photo of theirdaring day and eligibility for other great prizes. Dressed in swimwear or a unique costume,preferably with a holiday theme, and wearing sometypes of shoes or surf mocs, 180 splashers took avery quick dip in the chilly waters of the Potomac at2 p.m. Prizes were awarded for the most money raised. Winners included Cpl. Rhett Calloway, CharlesCounty Sheriff’s Office, $4,086; Raynold Miller,State Highway Administration, $2,075; and TomBayne, Special Olympics Maryland-St. Mary’sCounty, $1,355. Over $30,000 was raised at this year’s event. Themoney goes directly to support year-round sportstraining and competition for the 10,000 athletes ofSpecial Olympics, Maryland. These athletes arechildren and adults with learning disabilities whotrain and compete with the same, and sometimesmore, spirit and enthusiasm of professional athletes. The St. Mary’s Splash is sponsored by OutbackSteakhouse, 98.3 Star FM/WKIK FM, GMP CableTV, Harley Davidson of Maryland, the Pennysaver,Toyota, Saucy Salamander, SMECO, BAE Systems,Seattle’s Best Coffee and the Hampton InnLexington Park. The event is organized by acommittee of representatives from the St. Mary’sCounty Sheriff’s Office, Charles County Sheriff’sOffice, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, State Forestand Park Service Police, Natural Resources Police,Anne Arundel County Police, U.S. Coast Guard,State Highway Administration, Department ofDefense Police at Patuxent River and the MarylandState Police.

JOIN US FOR MORE FUN!!!

Sheryl Kohl (center), Rt. 40 Business Association Presidentand board member John Silbernagel present a $6,000 checkto (from L to R) TFC Francis H. Vass, Captain RaymondClasing, First Sergeant Boyd N. Trantham and Cpl. EarnestFord of the Bel Air Barracks for the M.S.P.A.L. Center.

Other Operation Slow DownPilgrim Statistics

Speed Citations 4,779Warnings 2,846

Seat Belt Citations 609Warnings 236


OPERATION SLOW DOWN PILGRIM YIELDSSIGNIFICANT RESULTS Whether headed for Ocean City, Deep Creek Lake,the Chesapeake Bay or Plymouth Rock, motoristssaw plenty of Maryland State Police enforcementactivity throughout the Thanksgiving holiday. Troopers statewide launched Operation SlowDown Pilgrim, a high profile enforcement effortaimed at keeping Maryland highways safe during theThanksgiving holiday period. Troopers aimed theirenforcement at speeders, aggressive drivers, drunkdrivers and those who failed to use safety belts orchild safety seats. Criminal enforcement was also atop priority. More than 140 people were arrested for variouscriminal violations. Four people were arrested fortransporting loaded handguns and 51 for possessingillegal narcotics. Troopers investigated three fatalcrashes.

MARYLAND STATE POLICE ACTIVITIESLEAGUE HELPS HARFORD COUNTY KIDSby Corporal Earnest Ford, Bel Air Barracks Four years after its inception, the EdgewoodMaryland State Police Activities League (MSPAL)is supporting Harford County’s children byproviding a safe after-school program. MarylandState Police personnel donate their time, money, andadditional personal resources to ensure the needs ofthe children. Recently, the Route 40 Business Association,Incorporated presented a $6,000 check to MSPALfor the operations of the center. The association iscomprised of businesses who have an interest inHarford County’s communities and the MSPALCenter. This year, the MSPAL also received theGovernor’s Award for Outstanding Proactive CrimePrevention in Maryland because of the untiringefforts of dedicated MSP personnel. In 1999, Maryland State Police entered into apartnership with the Harford County Department ofParks and Recreation to create the nation’s firststate police operated police athletic league center. The MSPAL focuses primarily on the growing needsof young people living in disadvantagedcommunities. They have a higher rate of poorschool performance, juvenile arrest, physical abuse,neglect, teen pregnancy, inadequate supervision,substandard living conditions and drug and alcoholabuse. The non-profit organization is an extension ofschool with structured activities. In providing a safeand wholesome environment, state troopers,recreational personnel and volunteers from thecommunity strive to create positive relationshipsbetween at-risk youth and adult role models. Theirgoals and objectives include: • reduction or elimination of substance,

alcohol or physical abuse;• discipline, respect and teamwork; • emphasis on caring for property and

equipment; • respecting and following rules; • building self-esteem; and • increased school performance.

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE(continued) I have several key values. They include:

Loyalty - to your nation, state, governor andsuperintendent;

Duty - meaning do the job you have taken anoath to do;

Respect - I demand equal respect of everyone inthe Department and respect for the people we

serve;Selfless service - I expect commanders to go

without if it means they can provide theirtroopers with more or better resources to do

their jobs;Honor - We must be honorable in all we do;

Integrity - This means I am of my word and I amabove reproach; and

Personal courage - I expect each of us to be aperson of courage, regardless of the

circumstances. As members of the Maryland State Police, weprovide a service - a very important and manytimes lifesaving service. I believe constituentservice is everything. We can never forget that. Whether it is flying an injured child from a crash,or expediting the movement of traffic aroundthat crash, or writing a citation to the aggressivedriver who caused the crash, we are providingaround-the-clock constituent services to ourcitizens. Courtesy in the performance of those services isparamount. We must deal with people fairly andjustly. We will use the appropriate force when itis justified, but I expect you to be professionalswho are known for courteous service,compassionate care and ever-vigilantenforcement. I am both proud and humbled to be given theopportunity to return to the Department I loveand serve as your Superintendent. I am ready toserve side-by-side with you in the days ahead aswe work to keep Maryland safe.


HUTCHINS (continued)Partnership for Peace Program under theDepartments of State and Defense working with thegovernment of Estonia, in military affairs, lawenforcement and economic development. Duringthis time, Colonel Hutchins was involved withGeorge Washington University and the White Housein the George C. Marshall Legacy Symposium. In his capacity as a legislator, Colonel Hutchinswas able to serve as a constant reminder to hiscolleagues of the strategic role that the Reservecomponents have in our national policy objectives. The Colonel lobbied for funding, tuition assistanceand support by employers for those who have takenon the added responsibility of serving their countryas citizen soldiers. Prior to his appointment as Maryland State PoliceSuperintendent, Colonel Hutchins served as theMaryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs. He has alsoserved for more than 37 years in the Armed Forcesof the United States–on active duty for two and ahalf years with the United States Army and for 35years in the Maryland National Guard. Currently, heis the Command Sergeant Major of the AviationBrigade 29th Infantry Division (Light). He hasserved in numerous countries around the world–VietNam, Panama, West Germany, Estonia, Cuba andthe United Kingdom–both in war and in peace.

JANUARYNational Crime Stoppers Month1 New Year’s Day Holiday14 Maryland General Assembly Begins19 Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday Holiday24 Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics

FEBRUARYBlack History Month1 Super Bowl XXXVIII8-14 National Child Passenger Safety Awareness

Week21 Deep Creek Dunk for Special Olympics22-24 Special Olympics Winter Games

Congratulations to John J. Tobin, Forensic

Sciences Division Director, for his first

place victory at the Great Floridian

Triathlon National Ultra Championship

held on October 25, 2003 in Kissimmee.

Tobin holds the title of National Champion

in the 55-59 age bracket.

The Prothero children, with the help of one of Santa’s elves(AKA Major Pat Guidash), pulled the winning raffle ticketfor a new BMW motorcycle donated by BMW of NorthAmerica. Baltimore County Police Sergeant Bruce Protherowas killed in February 2000. (MSP PHOTO BY AMY HAGER)


TATTLE TALES OR LIFE SAVERS? Parents of teen drivers stopped for traffic violationsby Maryland State Police will now be hearing aboutthe stop immediately, not a year or so later when itshows up in the form of increased insurance rates. Whenever a juvenile is stopped for a motor vehicleinfraction, seatbelt violation, violation of his/herprovisional license, or is “at fault” in a motor vehiclecollision, troopers will request the juvenile’s parents’names and contact information. Troopers will theninform the juvenile driver that his/her parent orguardian will be notified. This is a unique effort to keep teen drivers aliveand help make them safe drivers. Parents of teendrivers will be effective partners with us in ourefforts to address the fact that the leading cause ofdeath among 16 to 20-year-olds is motor vehiclecrashes. It is hoped that by involving parents in ourenforcement and education efforts they will provideadditional supervision and instruction for theirchildren that will help us make our roads safer. Troopers will immediately inform the duty officerat the barracks that they have cited a juvenile. Theduty officer will attempt to contact the parents orguardians and inform them of the infraction for 24hours. If they are unsuccessful, the barrackscommander will send a letter. In addition to these steps, barracks commanderswill track, on a monthly basis, all motor vehiclecollisions involving juveniles. This will aid inlocating trouble spots for enforcement and efforts toreach out to teens to educate then as to the dangerand ramifications of inappropriate driving. Ninetyyouths under the age of 18 died on Maryland roadsand thousands more were injured in 2001 and 2002.

COPS HOSTS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY Santa Claus managed to take time from his busyschedule on Sunday, December 7, 2003 to join theMaryland Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors(COPS) for their holiday celebration for the childrenof police officers killed in the line of duty. After a buffet luncheon, the children enjoyed amagic show, face painting and musicalentertainment. The biggest attractions were SantaClaus and the Grinch. Admission to the party was anon-perishable food item. The food was donated toa nearby homeless shelter. The Maryland Chapter of Concerns of PoliceSurvivors (COPS) is an organization dedicated tohelping families of police officers who made theultimate sacrifice.

12-HOUR SHIFT WORK PILOT PROGRAMIMPLEMENTED Seven Maryland State Police barracks haveimplemented the 12-hour shift work pilot programfor all uniformed patrol personnel ranked sergeantsand below and first sergeants serving as dutyofficers. The program has five objectives: (1) to provide alonger work day coupled with fewer workdays peryear; (2) to provide an outlet for rest by reducing aninherent accumulation of fatigue; (3) to reduceovertime and sick leave usage; (4) to enhanceemployee job satisfaction and productivity; and (5)to reduce commute mileage on patrol vehicles as aresult of fewer work days resulting in a cost savings. For the next six months, the program will bemonitored to determine achievement of objectives.

TFC Charles D. Leas, Special Operations Division (L) andTrooper David S. Whipp, Prince Frederick Barracks, carrythe Maryland State Police Flag with them while serving inIraq.

Sgt. (Ret.) Patrick Byrne proudlydisplays the NYPD helmet he wonrecently.


As we begin a new year, let us not forget themembers of the Maryland State Police who areserving in the United States armed forces protectingour freedoms and fighting terrorism:

Corporal Mark E. BaileyTrooper Anthony C. BorrusoTrooper Edward A. BrooksPCS Angela P. CannadyTFC Jeffery B. Claycomb

Trans. Insp. I Keith A. ComerTFC Matthew W. DeValkTFC John G. FleetwoodTFC George A. Fockler

TFC Keith T. GreggsTrooper Gregg M. Harrington

Trans. Insp. II Royce A. HedrickTFC Steven O. Jones

Civ. Hel. Pilot Scott M. KapesTFC Georgios A. Karatzas

TFC Charles D. LeasTrooper Gary M. Masimore II

TFC Patrick H. McAllisterTFC Patrick M. Metzger

Auto. Serv. Spec. Terry A. MitchellTrooper Salvatore L. Pollara

TFC Kevin D. SherwoodTrooper Barbara R. ShingletonTrooper Warner W. Shingleton

TFC Ronald M. StevensCpl. Benjamin L. Townes

TFC Justin T. TrojanTFC Anthony D. Washington

Trooper David S. WhippPCO I Robert C. Willey

MSP MEMBERS RUN MARINE MARATHON On Sunday, October 26, 2003 the 28th running ofthe Marine Corps Marathon occurred inWashington, DC. The 26.2-mile course took runnerspast the Pentagon and our national monuments. Therace began with 16,456 runners--15,965 runnersfinished. Several of Maryland’s Finest participated in theMarine Marathon. Sergeant John Morton, 38 yearsold, from the Prince Frederick Barracks representedMSP. This was his third marathon. Sergeant Mortonfinished the race in 4 hours and 28 minutes. This washis personal best time. Deputy Fire Marshal DonaldBrenneman, 54 years old, represented the local FireMarshal’s Office. This was his sixth marathon.Brenneman finished the race in 4 hours and 11minutes. Brenneman is a retired TFC who devoted28 years to the department. Runners were able toreturn to duty a little sore, but injury free. The 2004 Marine Corps Marathon will be held onOctober 31, 2004. Prospective runners areencouraged to start training now.

RETIREE WINS SIGNED NYPD HELMET Sergeant (Ret.) Patrick J. Byrne simply wanted tosupport the Middleborough Volunteer FireDepartment when he bought his raffle ticket severalmonths ago. But when he received the call that hehad won first place, he was elated. He won a NYPDfireman’s helmet signed in gold by NASCARdrivers Rusty Wallace, Terry Labonte, MattKenseth, Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart, JimmyJohnson, Kurt Busch, Jeff Burton and many more.

WE APOLOGIZEIn the September/October 2003 issue we misidentifiedthe winner of the Superintendent’s Pistol Match-Retirees Category. The winner was Cpl. (Ret.) JohnHopf.


MARYLAND’S SEATBELT USAGE ISHIGHEST ON EAST COAST Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. announced recentlythat Maryland motorists are buckling up in recordnumbers, giving the State the highest seat beltcompliance rate on the East Coast and one of thehighest in the country. Eighty-eight percent ofMaryland motorists are now using their seat belts asthey travel, a full two percent increase over lastyear’s seatbelt usage rate representing the fact that75,000 additional Marylanders are buckling up. That is more people than can be seated in theBaltimore Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium. “Buckling your seat belt is the difference betweenlife and death,” said Governor Ehrlich. “While weare pleased to see progress being made in Maryland,we must continue our public education efforts andenforce Maryland’s seat belt laws to ensure that notone life is lost from failure to use a seat belt.” Maryland’s seat belt usage results were obtainedfrom observational surveys conducted at more than100 sites throughout the State. Passenger caroccupants were observed to buckle up 90 percent ofthe time, while pickup truck drivers and passengersbuckle up less frequently at nearly 78 percent of thetime for a combined use rate of 88 percent. Safetybelt use across the United States also reached an all-time high of 79 percent this year. In fatal crashesanalyzed over a nine-year period from 1994-2002,more than 47 percent of drivers and 54 percent ofpassengers killed in car crashes were not in seatbelts. Maryland’s increased seat belt usage rate also canbe attributed to a strong seat belt law, which allowsfor primary enforcement of seat belt violations,along with a comprehensive enforcement andeducational campaign launched after the passage ofthe law in 1997. Maryland is one of only 20 stateswith this type of seat belt law. A primaryenforcement law allows police officers to stop avehicle if the driver or a front seat passenger is notwearing a seat belt.

BOYS OF SUMMERby TFC Brian Smith, Frederick Barracks

For over two decades, the Maryland State PoliceSoftball Raiders have competed in local and nationalsoftball tournaments across the nation. Players fromprevious teams and up and coming new playersagain propelled the team to be competitive in everytournament entered. The team experienced bothhigh and low points during the 2003 season. The team kicked off the 2003 season with a trip toJacksonville, Florida during the last week of Apriland brought home a third place finish out of 21teams. TFC Chuck Hill, Steve Jurgens and BrianSmith were selected to the all-tournament team forexceptional play throughout the tournament. Nashville, Tennessee was the second stop for theteam during the first weekend in June, and again,another solid third place finish out of 26 teams forthe boys from Maryland. Captain Marty Knight andTFC Kevin Ringgold led the team and were namedto the all tournament team. During the third weekend in June, the teamcompeted in the 19th Annual Law EnforcementMemorial Tournament in Montgomery County,Maryland against 18 teams. Newly retired First Sergeant Bill Brooks organized members from teams past and current team members to bring homean impressive second place finish behind the NewJersey FOP/Team Mizuno. With two solid showings, the team was rankedsecond in the Law Enforcement Softball AssociationNational Point Standings heading into the 33rd

Annual National Championships in Dayton, Ohio inmid-July. This tournament is the showcase for lawenforcement softball and consistently draws between45 and 65 teams from across the nation. Localmedia and public officials support the tournamentand it is heavily attended by Dayton residents. Thedouble elimination format tournament forces a teamto be on top of its game from the beginning. Adecisive opening roundvictory over St. Louis, Missouri set up a secondround bout with the New Jersey State Police,another A+ team and one that MSP has battled withfor years. After trailing by as many as 12 runs, theMSP team battled back to tie only to lose a

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Major Don LewisCommander, AviationDivision

Captain Marty KnightCommander, CentrevilleBarracks

Captain Mike SpauldingCommander,Leonardtown Barracks

Lieutenant Ray WojcikCriminal InvestigationDivision

Lieutenant Don KnottRetired

First Sergeant Bill BrooksRetired

Cpl. Pete SpauldingSecurity Services

Cpl. Jim WobbletonGlen Burnie Barracks

Cpl. Jimmy RussellNorth East Barracks

Cpl. Rich PoffenbergerHagerstown Barracks

Cpl. Steve BowmanGlen Burnie Barracks

TFC Rob FischerCVES

TFC Kevin RinggoldGlen Burnie Barracks

TFC Chuck HillGolden Ring Barracks

TFC Steve JurgensNorth East Barracks

TFC Frank FornoffWestminster Barracks

TFC Mike EvansRetired

TFC Brian SmithFrederick Barracks

TFC Rob NorthFrederick Barracks

Trooper John EdelenForestville Barracks


BOYS OF SUMMER (continued)heartbreaking 23-22 defeat. The team then reeled off wins against the Cleveland and Columbus, Ohioteams and the Virginia Lawmen to set up ashowdown with the number one ranked team in thenation, Wayne/Oakland, Michigan. Again, the MSPteam played catch-up, but didn’t quit. The leadchanged hands several times only to find MSP onthe short end of a 19-18 defeat. Two one-run lossesleft the team devastated. The team made its routine appearance at the localAnne Arundel County tournament in mid-Augustcoming in as the defending champions, competingagainst 22 teams. Injuries and poor commitmentswere a factor and the team finished in fifth place. Playing against Suffolk County, New York, the teamagain experienced the highs and lows thatcompetition can bring. Trailing by six runs goinginto the top of the 7th, the team rallied to score 13runs with two outs and nobody on, only to see NewYork score eight runs in the bottom of the 7th to winby one. The team concluded the year with their annual tripto Orlando, Florida, during the first weekend ofOctober. Five days before the team left, notknowing if they would have enough people to play,the team came away with an impressive third placefinish. The tournament of 18 teams was probablythe most competitive tournament the team played inseveral years with the top eight teams capable ofwinning any tournament they played. MSP got alittle revenge in the first game by beating the NewJersey State Police in extra innings 25-19. Impressive wins over Miami, Florida; Warrick,Rhode Island; the Ohio Lawmen; and a last inningvictory over Delaware left the MSP as one of thetwo undefeated teams playing against Kentucky. MSP led most of the game until a big 4th inning forKentucky left the team unable to recover. The teamwas eliminated by this year’s national championsfrom New York Metro. Corporals Jimmy Russelland Pete Spaulding and TFC Rob “Ollie” Northwere chosen for the All Tournament Team for theirexceptional play throughout the tournament.

Team members included:


RETIREMENTS

Carr, Jerrell M., TFC, Prince Frederick Barracks,December 1, 2003, 6 years and 4 months of service

Diggs, Jay, Sergeant, Aviation Division, December1, 2003, 29 years and 11 months of service

Gilbert, John C., TFC, Waterloo Barracks,December 1, 2003, 4 years 11 months of service

Herron, Vernon R., Captain, Motor Vehicle Section,December 1, 2003, 27 years and 4 months of service

McCumbie, Sonis, Personnel Associate III,Personnel Services Unit, November 1, 2003, 29years of service

Rayne, Barbara J., Administrative Aide, TechnicalInvestigation Division, November 30, 2003, nearly30 years of service

Sellers, Gerald L., TFC, Firearms RegistrationSection, November 1, 2003, 13 years and 4 monthsof service

Snyder, Roger, TFC, Criminal InvestigationDivision, November 1, 2003, 21 years and 11months of service

Vogt, William H., Sergeant, Electronic SystemsDivision, December 1, 2003, more than 33 years ofservice

Wisnom, Brian D., Sergeant, Easton Barracks,December 1, 2003, 13 years of service

Wooten, Sidney “Ray”, Corporal Paramedic,Aviation Division, November 1, 2003, 14 years and3 months of service

BIRTHS

Blades, Brooke Leigh, born October 21, 2003 toTFC Chasity D. Blades (Drug EnforcementCommand) and her husband, Cpl. Gary Blades ofthe Dorchester Sheriff’s Office

Harper, Alexis Marie and Victoria Lane, bornOctober 31, 2003 to Tpr. Drew Harper (EastonBarracks) and wife

Romano, Michael Anthony, born November 12,2003 to TFC Anthony J. Romano (Berlin Barracks)and wife, Lori

DEATHS

Booth, Marion D., October 23, 2003, mother ofTFC Wayne Johnson, Bel Air Barracks

Broseker, H., December 2, 2003, son of SupplyOfficer R. Wayne Broseker, Quartermaster Section

Corbett, Peggy, November 2, 2003, mother ofPersonnel Associate II Mary Ann Sanders, MedicalUnit

Crouch, Alice R., October 23, 2003, mother of Sgt.Ron Crouch, Easton Barracks

Darmafall, Paul, October 27, 2003, father of Sgt.Jody Ressin, Golden Ring Barracks

Diehl, Orpha L., December 4, 2003, mother ofTransportation Inspector James F. Diehl, CVES

Gaument, Colette, November 6, 2003, volunteer,Berlin Barracks, served the MSP for seven years

Gosnell, Jack, December 9, 2003, former Trooperand a Past President of the Maryland State PoliceAlumni Association

Graham, Richard J., Sr., November 30, 2003, fatherof Sgt. (Ret.) Richard J. Graham, Jr. and grandfatherof Sgt. Richard J. Graham III, Cumberland Barracks

(continued on next page)

The Maryland Trooper is published bimonthly by theMaryland State Police Media Communications Section,1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208-3899, 410-653-4239. Articles or suggestions can be forwarded tothe editor, or call us at our toll free number, 1-800-525-5555.

Robert L.Ehrlich, Jr.Governor

Michael S. SteeleLieutenant Governor

Colonel Thomas E. “Tim” Hutchins Superintendent

Major Gregory M. ShipleyCommander, Media Communications Section

Denise K. MasimoreEditor

Copyrighted. Articles may not be reproduced without permission of the Media C ommu nications Section

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DEATHS (continued)Hardy, Janet, October 26, 2003, daughter of TFCRichard Hardy, North East Barracks

Leyrer, William M., November 27, 2003, Clerk(Ret.), served the MSP from 1940 to 1970

Mabble, William, November 19, 2003, brother ofMaintenance Chief James Mabble, FacilitiesManagement Section

Mathew, Mary, November 18, 2003, mother ofRadio Technician III Jose Mathew, ElectronicServices Section

Patchell, Adelaide, November 14, 2003, mother-in-law of Administrative Officer Ralph A. McCardell,Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section

Plante, Richard L., September 15, 2003, brother ofTFC Russell A. Plante, Hagerstown Barracks

Maryland State PoliceMedia Communications Section1201 Reisterstown RoadPikesville, MD 21208-3899

Ritchie, Erma Cooper, November 19, 2003, mother-in-law of Sgt. Douglass Doak, OperationsBureau

Robey, Henry, November 12, 2003, uncle of SusanL. Kandel, Licensing Division and brother-in-law ofAnn Robey, Criminal Investigation Division

Schramm, Harold, November 11, 2003, grandfatherof TFC Brian Broadwater and TFC Eric Schramm,McHenry Barracks

Sowers, Susan Marie, November 5, 2003, mother ofPCO I Mary Conn, Bel Air Barracks

Stansbury, Charles, December 3, 2003, grandfatherof Cadet Timothy Swigert, CVES

Ward, Barbara Jean, November 16, 2003, mother-in-law of PCO II Philip Fister, Waterloo Barracks

Ziegler, Robert K., December 11, 2003, father ofRobert K. (Ken) Ziegler, Jr., Governor’s Office

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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Documents

The Maryland T r o o p e rmsa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5300/sc5339/000113/002000/...The Maryland T r o o p e r Volume 9 Number 6 Colonel Thomas E. “Tim” Hutchins, Superintendent