Retirement: Lt. Stephen R. Burns

Lt. Stephen R. Burns will officially retire from the Washington State Patrol on September 15, 2014, concluding 25 years of dedicated service to the agency and the citizens of our state.

Stephen was born in Seattle, Washington and graduated from Cascade High School in Everett. Stephen earned his Associate Degree in arts and science from Edmonds Community College in June of 1998. In March 2005, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in business administration from City University of Seattle.

Stephen began his employment with the Washington State Patrol on October 13, 1989, as a trooper cadet assigned to vehicle inspections in Bellevue. 

He graduated with the 70th Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned as a trooper on June 20, 1990, assigned to Seattle.

Stephen was promoted to RCW Sergeant on June 15, 1998, assigned to Bellevue.

On March 12, 2004, he was promoted to RCW Lieutenant assigned to Burlington.

Stephen transferred to Marysville on September 21, 2004.

On November 16, 2005, Stephen was assigned to Bellevue as D2 commander. On September 26, 2011, he moved to the Homeland Security Division as commander of the Washington State Fusion Center.

Stephen’s last actual day of work was Aug. 28, 2014. We wish him well in his new role as Chief of the Medina, WA Police Department.

WSDOT Memorial Foundation honors Chief Batiste and WSP Memorial Foundation

Since many of you have friends and relatives working for or retired from the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT), this article may be of interest to you.  As many of you know, I retired from the State Patrol in 1997 and went to work for DOT where I retired as an Assistant Secretary in 2011.  During the middle to late 2000s a “perfect storm” of sorts developed at DOT with another fallen worker, a small fallen worker monument being erected, the remodel of the Transportation building, and a growing awareness of worker safety nationwide.

During the building remodel, the plaque containing all of the names of the fallen DOT workers was stored in my office.  From time to time I looked at the plaque and was amazed by the number of fallen workers at DOT.  On average, there was nearly one fallen worker per year for the last 60 years!  I began to wonder what support, if any, the survivors of the fallen workers received.  Unfortunately, the answer was not too much.  At the time of the incident, typically the hat was passed and the DOT employees were quite generous with their donations.  Then people moved on and the survivors were usually forgotten.

With those thoughts in mind, I proposed to the Secretary of Transportation that the DOT begin a Memorial Foundation (not unlike the WSP Memorial Foundation).  With her approval, I applied the research techniques I had learned while working in the WSP Research & Development Section (i.e., “copying the work of one person is plagiarism; copying the work of many people is research”).  With the help of the WSP Memorial President Dan Eikum and the General Manager, Sharon Phillips, I adapted (copied) the WSP Memorial Foundation bylaws for the DOT Memorial Foundation.  Retired WSP Captain Rick Phillips helped with the incorporation paperwork.

The WSDOT Memorial Foundation was established on January 15, 2010.  The first board members were Bill Ford, Chris Christopher, Dave Dye, and Paula Hammond.  The first 40 charter members included every senior manager at DOT.  Secretary Hammond was the first person to sign up for payroll deduction.  

Less than a year later, DOT had another worker fall.  Since that time, the Memorial Foundation has assisted over 40 people including several survivors of fallen highway workers.  In addition, the Foundation has provided financial support for college to two children of a highway worker who was killed in 2000.  This makes the second year support has been provided to them.  The Foundation continues to purchase GET certificates for future other surviving children of fallen highway workers.

Recently, the DOT Memorial Foundation recognized WSP Chief John Batiste for his ongoing support of the Foundation.  On August 6, 2014, the Foundation President Bill Ford presented him with a Memorial Foundation “challenge coin” as a token of their appreciation.  Foundation Vice President Greg Selstead and Foundation Treasurer Chris Christopher were also on hand to thank Chief Batiste.

The list of DOT fallen workers, donation information (online & payroll deduction forms), list of Board members, and Gift Shop for logo wear is available at the WSDOT Memorial Foundation website.  Additional information about the Memorial Foundation may be found at www.WSDOTMF.org or by contacting Bill Ford at Bill@WSDOTMF.org.

Compliments - Sgt. Kent Hitchings

Tim Coley:

I am a grand dad.  While on a bit of a discovery adventure with my grand son, we stopped into the academy in Shelton.

Sgt. Kent Hitchings

There we met Sgt. Hitchings.  He took the time to show us around the place. 

Most impressive.  It is an unheard story by most Washingtonians. 

Hitchings is exactly what I want as a state trooper.  In a word:  he is squared away. 

He has the facts and was anticipating our every question.  He made it a pleasant and informative visit.  

As a favor for his time I offered to write his supervisor.  It was my idea.  I believe he was a bit reluctant to give me your name.

As his supervisor I wanted to tell you what a great representative he is.  

Outfits like the Washington State Patrol don't just happen, it takes leadership, money and most of all teamwork.  

Thanks.  Great job from top to bottom.  

From now on when I see a trooper.....I will think of Kent H. Hitchings.

Please tell him thanks for his time.
Jim Martine
James Fleharty. (the grand son)

Comments from Academy Commander Capt. Marc Lamoreaux:

Makes me proud to be a trooper and a member of the WSP.   It shows how taking a little bit of time to accommodate an on-the-spot request for a brief Academy informational tour can make an impact on the citizens we serve.  Reinforces that all contacts with our citizens are opportunities to sell the WSP mission.   

Compliments: Troopers Jordan Rippee and David Howard



To the attention of Captain Otis,

July 10th, 2014 was an exciting and special day for us.  It was my sons 12th birthday and the first day of his All-Star little league baseball tournament.  I was driving my son and my 3 year old daughter to the game and meeting my husband there.

Trooper Jordan Rippee

We were heading eastbound on I-90 when the traffic suddenly stopped in front of us. We stopped in time but the motor home behind us didn't. We were rear-ended at such a high rate of speed that it felt like our car had exploded.  Luckily we (had) a large vehicle that withstood the impact well. I was in shock but except for some bumps and bruises we were ok.
 

Trooper David Howard

When the shock wore off I was devastated because the look on my sons face was heartbreaking. He was really upset that this had happened on his birthday. It took a turn for the better when the WSP showed up. After my son was examined by the paramedics for a bump on his head and it was determined that he could still play in his game, WSP's Jordan Rippee offered to give us a ride to the game. He was calm and friendly and it really helped a terrible and frightening situation to be not so bad. Pulling up to the field in the patrol car was exciting and distracting for my son.  His whole team was there and ran up to greet him.

The other WSP (ed: David Howard) that assisted at the scene was also incredibly calm and friendly and I appreciated it so much. An accident on the freeway was one of my worst fears, but everyone was so nice and friendly that it was not nearly as traumatic for myself or my kids as it could've been.  I wanted to commend the WSP Jordan Rippee and the other WSP (Howard) that attended to us that day for being professional yet also kind and calming. It's a relief to know that these individuals are out there when you need them.

Thank you,

Jennifer & Clint Brown
Hunter Brown
& Madison Brown 

From D4 Commander Captain Jeff Otis:

Jordan and David,

Excellent work during this collision.  You completed your duties in the professional and compassionate manner that I expect of all District 4 personnel and your actions left a very favorable impression with the Brown family.  Keep up the great work!

Operation Seahawk - Top Secret

It was among the most secret of operations ever to involve the Washington State Patrol. Only those with a documented need-to-know could be made aware. A premature leak could undo weeks of preparation.

Timing was critical. Any hitches, particularly with Friday traffic, could derail these important plans.   Finally, at just the right time, our troopers (cleverly disguised as husband and wife) were inserted into the target location. There, they quietly rendezvoused with another first responder for an operation that could potentially affect thousands of people.

Troopers John & Heather Axtman

Or at least the evening of thousands of people. 

Troopers John and Heather Axtman were at CenturyLink Field, along with Oso Fire Chief Willy Harper, to help raise the 12th Man Flag prior to the Seahawks' pre-season game against the San Diego Chargers.

The Seahawks had come to WSP a few weeks earlier, asking to honor representatives of our agency for all the hard work at Oso. They also asked for complete secrecy leading up to the Aug. 15 event. Anticipation is part of what makes the flag-raising a spectacular show. A surprise "reveal" serves the dual purpose of drawing extra attention to the honorees and firing up the crowd just before kickoff.

District 7 Commander Capt. Jeff Sass tapped the Axtmans, who agreed to represent all WSP personnel who responded after the slide. The Senior Managers Organization offered to cover the cost of their tickets, so Heather and John could stay and watch the game.

The final score of 41-14 makes pretty clear that the crowd, and the team, had an enjoyable evening. The Seahawks were always destined to win, but what else besides the emotional raising of the flag could explain such a lopsided score?

Here's a short interview of Chief Harper and the Axtmans by legendary Seattle sportscaster Tony Ventrella: 12th Flag Interview

# # #

Compliments: CVEOs Bill Hudson and Steven Stiles

Commendation Letter / Officers Bill Hudson and Steven Stiles

To whom it may concern:

A few days ago my son and I were stranded on the side of Highway 97 after one of our tires burst. We were in a rented car and had no cell phone coverage. After waiting for over an hour and a half, they arrived, parked behind us, and asked if we needed help.

CVEO1 Bill Hudson

CVEO1 Steven Stiles

My son had been trying to convince me to let him change the tire and put on the spare (he's 16). Since he'd never done it before, I dissuaded him from trying. When my son told the officers he really wanted to change the tire himself, they coached him through the procedure with humor and kindness.

Once we were on our way to Hertz at Yakima airport, we stopped to look for directions. Seeing that we were lost, they offered to have us follow them to the airport.

I'd like to commend and thank them both for their help and support, which was invaluable.

With best wishes,

Estella Arias

Retirement: Sgt. Steven G. Morehead

Steven G. Morehead retired from the Washington State Patrol on July 25, 2014, after more than 28 years of dedicated service to the agency and to the citizens we all serve.

Sgt. Steven G. Morehead

Steven was born in Swindon, England and graduated from Monroe High School in Monroe, Washington.

Steven began his employment with the Washington State Patrol on August 15, 1985, as a Trooper Cadet assigned to Bellevue Communications.

He was commissioned on July 10, 1986, assigned to Seattle.

On February 12, 1990, Steven transferred to District 6, Chelan.

Steven transferred to Wenatchee on November 1, 2006.

He promoted to RCW Sergeant on November 1, 2007, assigned to Ritzville.

On September 17, 2012, he transferred to Wenatchee.

Steven transferred to the Commercial Vehicle Division in Wenatchee on August 16, 2013 where he remained until his retirement.

Reprint: New Entrant Safety Audits in Washington State Gather Critical Safety Data

By Captain Michael Dahl
Reprinted with permission from Guardian Magazine, published by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

Captain Michael Dahl

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has been in existence since 1921. At that time, the legislature declared the need to have dedicated professionals patrolling the ever-growing number of roadways and towns in Washington. Six officers were hired to patrol on their Indian Motorcycles, statewide.

 The Motor Vehicle Inspection Division and Weight Division, created in 1943, are responsible for checking trucks for size, weight and license violations. Both divisions were previously managed by the Department of Highways. Not long after, the WSP began to hire weigh masters to work stationary and portable scales. Today, we are known as the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau (CVEB). We have grown to include 260 officers and have support staff located statewide. Each CVEB member is dedicated every day to fulfilling the Bureau’s responsibility for promoting and educating the safe travel of commercial vehicles on the state’s highways, enhancing safe transportation of school children and protecting the state’s infrastructure.



Pictured left to right: CVEO 2 Dave Wyatt; CVEO 2 Ryan Hernandez; CVEO 2 Tony Cooling; CVEO 2 Andilee

Jordan; CVEO 3 Linda Powell; CVEO 2 Jonas Mast; CVEO 2 Douglas Milliken; and CVEO 2 David Huisman

All of us in the commercial vehicle enforcement arena know very well that this responsibility can be very daunting at times. While the industry grapples with technology, federal, state and local rules, as well as hiring challenges, this must be balanced with the need for the enforcement side to continue keeping the roadways safe and the infrastructure protected.

One of the most important and obvious ways to ensure commercial motor vehicles travelling over our roadways are doing so safely and within the established rules is to set the standard high for entry into the business. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration has this as a core principal, stating that we need to “raise the bar to enter the industry and operate on our roads.” This is where our new entrant safety audits come in.

A safety audit is an examination of a motor carrier's operations to provide educational and technical assistance on safety and operational requirements of the federal motor carrier safety regulations, as well as applicable hazardous material regulations. Safety audits are used to gather critical safety data needed to make an assessment of the carrier's safety performance and basic safety management controls.

What this means in Washington is that within 12 months of establishing a business, one of our safety auditors is going to have you come in and visit us. We have a team of seven commercial vehicle enforcement officer (CVEO) auditors who are led by a commercial vehicle enforcement supervisor. This team is dedicated exclusively to new entrant safety audits. We provide educational and technical assistance to new motor carriers and gather safety data needed to make an assessment of the new motor carrier’s safety performance and adequacy of its basic safety management controls.

Our mission, as stated above, cannot be overemphasized. It is a critical part of the many layers that make up commercial vehicle enforcement. Our dedication to ensuring the bar is high for entry into the industry in Washington State is a grand partnership between the WSP and our federal partners at FMCSA. We have included the trucking industry as well because we know they want good companies with good employees operating in Washington and across the nation. Let’s face it; the rules are usually created to respond to the bad operators doing it wrong, not the good operators doing it right.

Last year, at this time, our new audit safety audit program was woefully behind in their audits and with each passing month it continued to get worse. Our people were working hard, but it was clear that a new direction needed to be set at the top. The program had good people, but the direction was unclear and the work was difficult. Leadership needed to streamline the process and help our employees do their jobs.

We determined that having a CVEO 4 supervise the program was needed. That program is now headed by CVEO 4 Kevin Valentine who has done a masterful job of leading the necessary changes. In the last six months, the backlog of 1,900 new entrant safety audits has been reduced to 1,000, while continuing to meet the ongoing monthly challenges. This has been accomplished by standardizing the process, clearly defining the job for each of our auditors and conducting safety audit rodeos using overtime funds. The numbers will continue to steadily go down and we anticipate that soon, we will be handling only the incoming requests, month to month.

We now have a standard format for doing the audits which is easily understood by each officer. They have a database that includes all of the documents and needed information. We have one officer dedicated to scheduling the audits so others don’t have to spend valuable time chasing down carriers. And we have conducted multiple rodeos in different geographic areas in the state to ensure we reach as many as we can in the most efficient manner. Once the audits are loaded into the database, the supervisor is able to read and approve them more quickly than in the past. All these time savers have increased both the number of audits being conducted, as well as the quality. We are doing it more efficiently and more effectively.

Our partners at FMCSA have recognized the great work being done and have recommended we expand the program so we can continue to meet the growing needs. We anticipate hiring three more auditors, a supervisor and a secretary who will take over the scheduling and data collection. All in all, this is a good example of teamwork both within the agency and with our external stakeholders.

We are making certain the people moving up and down our roadways each day get off to a good start, and that only those meeting the “high bar” are allowed to join the commercial motor vehicle ranks. This is a win for the enforcement side and the industry side. Quality, dedicated professionals on both sides makes for great partnerships and, for us, this starts with a robust new entrant safety audit program.

Promotion: Dale P. Retzlaff

Dale P. Retzlaff was promoted to RCW Lieutenant on Sept. 1, 2013 and assigned to District 5 Vancouver.

Lt. Retzlaff's daughter Laryssa pins on his new badge
(Photo with permission.)

Dale was born in Cape May, NJ.  He graduated from Hazelwood West High School in Hazelwood, MO and served in the US Army for 4 years. He received his Associate of Arts Degree from Columbia Gorge Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration of Criminal Justice, a Master’s Degree in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University and his Doctorate in Executive Leadership from the University of Charleston.

Dale began his career with the Washington State Patrol on May 21, 1990, as a trooper cadet assigned to Commercial Vehicle Enforcement in Vancouver.

He graduated with the 71st Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned on January 25, 1991.  He was then called back to active duty in the United States Army.

On March 5, 1991, Dale returned from the Army and was assigned to District 5 Goldendale.
Dale received the Chief’s Award of Merit on September 17, 1991.

On May 17, 1996 Dale received the state’s Law Enforcement Medal of Honor.

In 1998, he was selected as WSP’s certified technical specialist of the year.

Dale was promoted to RCW Sergeant on February 20, 2001, assigned to Vancouver.

In February 2002, Dale returned to the Goldendale detachment where he served until his current promotion to Lieutenant.

Promotion: Kristopher J. Kern

Kristopher Kern was promoted to Crime Scene Response Team Manager, effective July 1, 2014, assigned to the Crime Laboratory in Seattle.

Kristopher J. Kern

Kristopher was born in St. Louis, MO, on January 11, 1978. He graduated from Canfield High School in Canfield, Ohio in June 1996. 

He received his Bachelor's Degree in biology from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.  He received his Master’s Degree in forensic science from National University in La Jolla, California.

Kristopher began his career with the Washington State Patrol on Oct. 4, 2010 as a Forensic Scientist 3, assigned to the Seattle Crime Laboratory

Kristopher would like to thank:

• -James Tarver, Crime Laboratory Division Commander, for his continued mentorship and guidance; 
•  -Larry Hebert, FLSB director for his continued support; 
• -Chief Batiste, for his support of the program and the creation of the position; 
• -His fellow crime scene responders that he has worked so closely with for the past several years; 
• -And finally, his wife Beth for her love and support throughout his entire career.

Promotion: Joann M. Buettner

Joann M. Buettner was promoted to RCW Lieutenant, assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Division, effective June 1, 2014.

Family friend Dick Kynett pins on
Lt. Buettner's new badge.
(Photo with permission.) 

Joann was born in St. Louis, MO and graduated from Oakville High School. Joann then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Maryville University in Missouri. She earned a Master's Degree in business and organizational security management, from Webster University in St. Louis. Joann also honorably served in the United States Marine Corps for five years.

Joann began her employment with the Washington State Patrol on July 7, 1998, as a trooper cadet assigned to the training division.

She graduated with the 82nd TBTC and was commissioned on March 1, 1999, assigned to Bellevue.

On February 2, 2004, Joann was temporarily assigned to the criminal justice training commission as an instructor and Tac Officer.

On January 1, 2007, Joann began her assignment as a regional training officer at the WSP Training Academy in Shelton. 

Joann promoted to RCW Sergeant, on July 16, 2007, assigned to Office of Professional Standards.

She transferred to Bellevue on September 16, 2008.

On February 16, 2013, she transferred to a non-line position with the impaired driving program/breath test program in Seattle

Joann would like to thank her family and the numerous leaders and mentors who have supported and influenced her throughout her career.

Compliments: Trooper Mike Murphy

Officer Murphy, #969, responded to an accident that involved my son Autrey Hardin on 6/20/14 at 1835 along SR-195 near milepost 1. I want to take this opportunity to thank him for his calm demeanor and patience in the face of chaos.

I am always trying to teach my children that police officers are the "good" guys and not mean people whose goal is to take you to jail. Thank you for reinforcing this positive image for him.

Thank you for spending the extra time explaining the circumstances to us. Officer Murphy was very kind and compassionate. He was the perfect example of what a person in power should be.

Thanks again!

Jay, Heidi and Autrey Hardin

Compliments: Trooper Morgan Mehaffey

Hello,

I would like to thank Officer M. Mehaffey in Spokane for his professionalism. He administered a speeding citation to me this morning (8-2-14) on I-90, and he spoke respectfully and nicely to me. 

With all the bad, negative police activity in Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint in the news lately, I was ready to face a jerk when he came to my window after being pulled over. Instead, I was spoken to matter-of-factly with respect. Mehaffey's attitude has restored my faith in our area's police force. 

Please forward this to his commanding officer, as well as him, as a thank you.

Thank you,
Sara Grimm
Coeur d'Alene