The 49th Annual Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Awards Luncheon, hosted by AAA Oklahoma, Concerned Oklahomans for the Highway Patrol Society (COHPS), and the Oklahoma State Troopers Association, took place Sept. 13 at the Edmond Conference Center. OHP and civilian recipients were honored.
DPS Commissioner Rusty Rhoades said of the event, “It is an honor to work with these dedicated men and women, both uniformed and civilian, who are committed to public safety and the functions of this agency. Their outstanding service in their respective positions is noticed and appreciated.”
Trp. Mike Shanholtzer #720 was honored as the 2017 Trooper of the Year for an incident near Wynnewood in March, 2017. Shanholtzer responded to a collision in which a motorcyclist and was critically injured. EMS personnel were delayed in their arrival due to a railroad crossing, so Shanholtzer cared for the victim until paramedics arrived. Medical personnel believe that his demeanor, quick action and presence of mind undoubtedly saved the motorcyclist’s life.
OHP Chief Michael Harrell presented a Special Recognition Award to seven OHP Troopers who responded to Houston, Texas, following Hurricane Harvey.
Six Troopers were presented with individual Chief’s Awards for acts of exemplary service during 2017.
Other award categories included two Commissioner’s Awards for civilians and two Communications Officer of the Year Awards, as well as the following:
- ·Career Achievement Award
- ·Administrative Professional of the Year
- Paul W. Matthews Community Service Award
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A list of 2017 award winners, with current troop/division assignment, is listed below.
Trooper of the Year: Trp. Mike Shanholtzer #720, Troop F
Communications Officers of the Year: Francine Singleton, Troop A; Jennifer Hilliard, Troop A
Chief’s Awards (individual): Trp. Cole Patterson #599, Troop O (Aircraft); Trp. Matthew Ledbetter #388, Traffic Homicide; Lt. Michael Yelton #141, Troop YB (Turner Turnpike); Trp. Donald Kraft #920, Troop J; Trp. Timothy Baker #260, Traffic Homicide; Trp. Tommy Richardson #675, Troop E.
Chief’s Special Recognition Award (group, all from Troop W): Lt. Michael Roe #77, Trp. Brian “B.J.” Gage #207, Trp. Daniel Proctor #827, Trp. Amy Cobalt #874, Trp. Jamie Futral #899, Trp. Scott Lee #923, Trp. Shaun Vann #937.
Administrative Professional of the Year: Stafona Nichols, DPS Finance Division
Career Achievement Award: Tessa Rinke, DPS Human Resources Division
Commissioner’s Awards: Sandra Boies, Troop S (honored for 2017 work in DPS Human Resources Division); Melodie Luke-Coleman, DPS Size and Weights Permits Division.
Paul W. Matthews Award for Community Service: Trp. Jennifer Fisher #434, Troop ES (Executive Security)
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