Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Star January - February 2015

the SNSO STAR From the desk of

January/February 2015 WWW.SHAWNEESHERIFF.ORG

Sheriff Herman T. Jones

Calendar Turn Makes a Difference At the turn of another calendar year we find new experiences and achievements. First, I want to recognize Philip Blume for his promotion and appointment to Undersheriff. Undersheriff Blume is the 50th lawman to hold this position throughout the history of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. Blume has been with the agency over 25 years and moved through the agency in various capacities from Patrol, Process, Narcotics, and Investigations. He is afforded a vast array of times gone by from his predecessors who have enhanced his ability to hold the position. I am honored to have Undersheriff Blume help lead Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office to continued success. With his leadership we will continually strive to be one of the finest law enforcement agencies in Kansas.

The Undersheriff along with several other SNSO personnel were honored recently for their respective promotions and years of service. On February 11, our agency ceremoniously recognized employee promotions that took place since my installment as Sheriff. Additionally, civilian employees and law enforcement officers were recognized for their years of service in five year increments. Although, there were those that did not reach a landmark year for this ceremony term, I do appreciate the many employees for their committed years of service. This agency celebration was placed on hiatus but now returns to full swing once again. We can look to having our next ceremony within the year. I congratulate all of our honorees.

There is great joy in working with so many that have dedicated their time and effort into the success of this agency. Notably, the dedication toward the agency has been greatly shared by family members. They too were celebrated for the many days and nights of sacrificed time without having their family member in the home. Growth and development is abundant with our employees. This was evident with the installation of new management leaders. So many times I have remarked that the youthful employees of today are our agency leaders of tomorrow.

Speaking of agency youthfulness, I am pleased to see new employees coming on board. Our staff has seen new faces in various areas of the Office; Communication, Services, and Operations. Even though we are pleased to have new coworkers join the agency our challenge continues to persist by filling vacancies. Staff members have been working diligently in the recruitment and testing phases of acquiring new employees. With vigor and perseverance from all I am confident we will succeed in attracting the qualified persons for the job. Remember every day we all serve as recruiters simply by our actions during day to day contacts.

Our Citizens Academy has commenced and attended by some of our finest and community-minded citizens. Every mutual encounter with them has been quite enjoyable and energetic. Recently I received positive feedback from their scheduled ride-alongs. Preliminary reports I have received are indicative of mutual rewarding experiences between the deputies and citizens. Thank you for those that have been fortunate to present or lecture in the academy. Your contact provides a greater insight into the law enforcement profession and can have a long lasting effect as to who we are as an agency.

Lastly, I often have the good fortune of witnessing SNSO successfully working for themselves and/ or our community. This past couple of months numerous personnel have been instrumental in raising funds for greater needs of our citizens; TARC – Winter Wonderland, Special Olympics – Chili and Dessert Contest and Polar Plunge, Project Topeka and tending to law enforcement families in need of care. Once again, SNSO SWAT members volunteered for the TARC’s Winter Wonderland Festival of Lights. Amazingly they raised more funds than any other volunteer group for a singleevening event this year. My gratitude is extended to Deputy Ashley Previty for her continued coordination of the SNSO Polar Plunge team . As well, many more of you are to be commended for your admirable work in the community. You demonstrate our commitment to working in partnership with the community by serving with honor, integrity and professionalism. Every day I witness the pride you share in serving the public, on and off duty. Thank you for waving the banner of SNSO as you are the Shining Stars.

“Your happiness ultimately comes from the way you work, not where you work.”

-Russell Simmons Keep up the great work. Be well and stay safe.

Inside this issue

Undersheriff

2

Chaplain

2

Investigations

6

Services

7

Communications

8

Operations

10

Undersheriff Phil Blume This is my first newsletter since my appointment to the position of Under Sheriff with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude to the many who have helped and supported me along the way. We should take note that we do not achieve success on our own. It takes the support of many individuals to assist and guide us. I truly was humbled during the reception by the number of people who attended the ceremony. First off it is wonderful when you have family that are able to attend, particularly family members who do not live in this area and had work commitments.

Also noted in attendance were the previous three Under Sheriff’s. Terry Maple also Scott Holladay were extremely helpful to me in my decision and subsequent transition into this position. I want to thank Ted Heim for attending as well. Ted was one of my early instructors at Washburn University a “couple” of years ago. It is hard for me to fathom looking back as a naïve college student that so many years would pass and Mr. Heim would take time out of his day to attend the ceremony. It was greatly appreciated. It meant a lot to me to have had so many people there. People in this agency and in the community have an expectation of me and I want to succeed not for myself but for what this agency and community have meant to me. I would be remiss if I did not thank Sheriff Herman T. Jones for his support. I understand the great responsibility I have to the Sheriff, not only for his faith in me but also in representing him and this agency. Finally, I want to thank retired Detective Dan Jaramillo. Dan was instrumental in guiding me down the correct path in this career and I utilize the wisdom he bestowed upon me each day at work.

Ladies and gentlemen, we truly have an outstanding agency and it has taken a lot of hard work to get here and it takes even harder work to maintain excellence. Contrary to the negativity attributed to this profession, the general public still holds law enforcement as one of the most trusted professions. As human beings will we make mistakes and as an agency we will. The important thing is to admit to and learn from those mistakes and move forward. I am and will experience growing pains along the way as well and before long we will have a new major and captain and so on. For the women and men of this agency I will ask that you allow us some patience because we are pushing in some new directions, we are doing this in the belief that we are improving the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office for now and in the future. Again thanks to all of you that have reached out to me I am appreciative and grateful.

Chaplain’s Corner Chaplain John Hansen “A New Year” A New Year has begun. I always think of the New Year as a time to make a fresh start. New plans, new goals, new adventures - what will 2015 hold in store for you?

I Corinthians 2:9 " Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither

Sympathy

have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

As we step out into this new year, may we put our trust in God and see what He may do in and through us.

I pray that this will be a great year for all, both you and your family.

-your chaplain

John Suther-Grandfather David Seymour-Father Jennifer Newman-Grandmother Mike Kolbek-Uncle (Ret. Captain) Roger Lovelace

The employees listed below received years of service awards from Sheriff Jones at a ceremony February 12, 2015.

5 year

15 year

20 year

25 year

FIVE YEARS Matthew Akers

May 4, 2009

Jacquelyn Blanch

November 23, 2009

Joseph Forshee

May 4, 2009

Malary Pittz

July 13, 2009

Benjamin Scheid

May 4, 2009

Sean Swords

May 4, 2009 TEN YEARS

Jason Mills

April 26, 2004

Aaron Rivera

November 1, 2004

Years of Service Awards continued

FIFTEEN YEARS Caleb Acree

January 31, 2000

Glenn Hawks

March 8, 1999

Timothy Kampsen

March 8, 1999

Daniel Lotridge

March 1, 1999

Errin Mahan

March 12, 1999

Kiley Rice

December 14, 1999

James Ward

February 8, 1999

Michael Wright

April 5, 1999

TWENTY YEARS Robert Child

March 28, 1994

Scott Gilchrist

March 28, 1994

John Huball

December 5, 1994

Christopher Keys

December 5, 1994

Mike Kolbek

December 5, 1994

Samuel Leone

July 18, 1994

Brad Metz

August 1, 1994

Jim Mummey

December 5, 1994

John Ostenson

March 27, 1994

Gerald Simecka

March 28, 1994

TWENTY FIVE YEARS Philip Blume

September 28, 1989

Shane Hoobler

June 5, 1989

Darrin Johnson

January 2, 1990

The employees listed below received recognition for promotions from Sheriff Jones at a ceremony February 12, 2015.

Jacquelyn Blanch

Office Manager I

David Dostaler

Communications Specialist II

Nicholas Hill

Communications Specialist II

Melanie Mills-Bergers

Shift Supervisor

Dawn Frey

Shift Supervisor

Sara Roberts

Shift Supervisor

Jesse Foster

Corporal

Jace Beightel

Corporal

James Loghry

Corporal

Emily Adams

Detective

Justin Roberts

Detective

Brett Butell

Sergeant

Glenn Hawks

Sergeant

Investigations Captain Phil Higdon The last few months the Investigative Division has been extremely busy preparing for two high profile cases, the Corporal Harwood and Dustin McKinney homicides which are set for trial in the coming months. There is much work to be done but I can assure you that the entire Investigative Division is committed to these cases and are confident justice will prevail.

Recently a “CODE RED” was broadcast to the citizens residing in the southwest part of the county and the city. The notification was alerting the citizens of an increase in mail thefts. The Investigative Unit has received some leads to who may be involved in the thefts, but additional information is needed to bring the culprits to justice. I encourage anyone with information about the thefts to either notify the Sheriff’s Office or call Crime Stoppers at 234-0007.

Detective Adams and Kasl recently met with asset protection officers who work for retailers in the city and county. The meeting was well attended and the information shared was of great value not only to law enforcement but to the businesses as well.

Lastly, congratulations to Lieutenant Leone on his 20 years of service, Detective Mummey on his 20 years of service and Sergeant Hawks on his 15 years of service. What a great accomplishment all 3 of you have served the citizens of Shawnee County with Professionalism, Honor, and Integrity.

Please be safe, Captain Higdon

Saturday February 7th was the 2015 Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics. The Sheriff’s Office was represented by Lezlie Vargas, Terri Neill and her son Kaden, Deputy Previty, Special Olympic Athlete Beau Renyer , and Peter Becker. Together, they raised $2157.00 for Special Olympics.

Services Captain Michael Kolbek Winter time greetings from the Services Division….

Despite the cool weather we have been having and the inclination to want to hibernate our employees continue to do good things for Shawnee County and the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office.

The Fugitive Warrants Unit, and authored by Cpl. Louderback, have begun an internal program aimed toward focusing their efforts on certain categories of warrants for service. The team’s results in the service of these warrants are measured at the end of each period and appropriate recognition of their efforts is given. That’s not to say that other types of warrants service are not attempted, it just places focus on certain categories. For example for the period February 1-7, 2015 the theme was “Groundhog Day,” whereby the teams focused their efforts on civil warrants. Much like the 1993 comedic movie entitled “Groundhog Day,” we did not wait for the “groundhog” to come out his hole but instead chose to more actively seek out these oftentimes repeat offenders who fail to show for a court date. The winners of the “Groundhog Day” initiative were Deputies Burghart and Ward with a resounding total of 22 civil warrants served during this timeframe.

Welcome aboard to Office Assistant II’s Barbara Lewis (Warrants), and Joyce McConnell (Process) who recently began employment here in the Services Division. They are both acclimating well to the fast pace of operations in their respective assignments.

Recently the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office recognized agency employee longevity and recent promotions, an event long past due. It got me to thinking…I know, I know, scary isn’t it. It’s easy to think that time is moving slowly sometimes until you take the opportunity to put some things into perspective. I received my 20 year certificate as did several others that began their employment here about the same time as I did. Each of us has enjoyed many successes over the years both personally and professionally. One has already moved on into retirement that began the day that I did…..but he was much older than the rest of us. I believe that I even at times seem to “wish my life away” by hoping that retirement would hurry up and get here. None of us are spring chickens anymore so do we really want the time to fly by that quickly? It seems like yesterday that Mike Ramirez, Larry Baer, and Tim Byers were running around Detectives cracking cases, Jack Metz was also there but later went on to be one of my FTO’s. Dick Warrington and Ken Smith were in CSST (Crime Scene Search Team. Yes, that’s what it used to be called I think), Mike Hamlin, and John Kern who dispatched in the subbasement of the Courthouse. Extra shout out to John Kerns who exemplified the relationship a cop has with a dispatcher when things go bad and you hear that voice on the other end of the radio and know everything’s going to be okay. Then there was the brass upstairs, guys I never would have thought about even being able to talk to, Captains Lee, Lovelace, and Bryant.

Wow, how cool is it that I’m a Captain now. Does this make you feel old Captain Lee? Sgt. Bob Miller, who we all affectionately referred to as “Top” was that grumpy old guy at the front desk who you had to go through to get a car if you needed one. What a righteous fellow who is still at times referred to around here after all these years. Some of you are gone from this earth but your legacies live on. Congrats to Sgt. Keys, Sgt. Good, Det. Mummy, and Deputy Huball, we made twenty.

Stay safe and stay warm, Capt. Kolbek

Sheriff Jones received some tips from “future” Deputy Bergers.

SRO Deputy Wright taught 9th grade girls at Rossville High School some basic self defense.

Communications Captain Lance Royer Shawnee County is in final phase of the new P25 digital public safety radio system project. On February 16-17, 2015, Radio Services converted the Shawnee County Department of Corrections communications to the P25 radio system. SNDOC was the last agency scheduled to join the new system. A project landmark occurred on February 2, 2015, when the old analog radio system was turned off. Although P25 system tweaking is still in progress, this multi-million dollar project, which has been planned, installed, and implemented over the past five years, is nearly complete.

Shawnee County’s New World System MSP project took a turn toward a new operating platform for CAD and mobiles in December 2014 and January 2015. In December, Shawnee County decided to begin adapting to an updated product, New World Enterprise, which operates on a .net platform. Consequently, “go live” will be delayed for at least a few months. Possible conversion of MSP CAD and mobile information into the new .net platform is being determined. Other components of the New World Integrated Management Systems MSP project, unaffected by the move to .net, continue to move forward.

Construction of a new Communications backup center at 3420 S.W. Van Buren is progressing, along with remodeling and updating for other county offices targeted for that location. The building undergoing renovation served many years past as the home of KBI and as a Yellow Freight building. Our new backup center now has painted walls and carpeting, and electrical and data outlets are installed. As yet there is no date set for completing the project.

On January 16, 2015, Shift Supervisor Melanie Mills-Bergers graduated from the KU Public Management Center’s Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA). ELA is a program developed to help prepare participants for leadership roles in their agencies. Fifty students from agencies in Northeast Kansas and the Kansas City area attended 10 day-long classes every two weeks throughout the fall and early winter. They studied numerous topics focused on the public service environment, such as Effective Workplace Communication, Dynamics of Conflict, Creating Ethical Organizations, budgeting, and many others. Upon completion of her course, Melanie and her classmates were recognized at a graduation ceremony at the Oread Hotel in Lawrence. Congratulations on your achievement, Melanie!

Lt. John Ostenson continues mining the community for potential Communications applicants. He was a guest speaker on February 13, 2015, for the Criminal Justice Department at Washburn University, informing students of the many and varied functions of our Communications Division. He previously spoke at Washburn Rural High School, educating students about the nature of emergency services communications, training requirements, the importance of “people skills,” and other related topics. He plans to visit Seaman High School on March 4, 2015, for multiple presentations to groups of students.

Lt. Ostenson, SS Dawn Frey, and I are continuing our collaboration with Washburn Technical Institute to develop a public safety communications course which would culminate in certification. Early discussion has included possible curriculum topics, student and instructor potential, and requirements needed for governmental funding. We have been working with Dr. Clark Coco, the Dean of Washburn Tech, Dr. Gillian Gabelmann, Associate Dean for Technical Education, and other staff members.

On Monday, February 16, 2015, Lt. Ostenson worked with WIBW Channel 13 to arrange a taping and interview in Communications.

CSII David Dostaler volunteered to speak with WIBW on the chosen topic, the challenges faced daily by 911 dispatchers, as did Lt. Ostenson. All went well, and the segments were shown and re-shown on WIBW news broadcasts on both Monday and Tuesday. Thank you, David and Lt. Ostenson, for your positive representation of our division.

Lt. Ostenson has been working on the Shawnee County Sheriff’s summer internship program. He has identified several potential interns and is processing their applications.

Communications welcomed a new employee, CSI Tonya Heslet, on February 9, 2015.

Congratulations to CSI Eli Kennedy, who successfully completed his probation on January 21, 2015.

SS Michelle Barnes resigned from Communications, effective December 5, 2014 and returned as an intermittent CSI on January 26, 2015. Welcome back Michelle!

CSI Julie Sewell submitted her resignation from Communications, effective March 6, 2015. Because of a scheduled vacation, her last work day was February 19, 2015. We wish her all the best in her future. We will miss her.

Continued on next page

Communications continued December 2014 Fastest Fingers:

January 2015Fastest Fingers:

On February 11, 2015, several employees of Overall: CSI Erin McKeon Overall: CSII Trista Roberts the SCECC were recognized by our agency for First Shift: SS Melanie Mills-Bergers First Shift: CSI Erin Heaven their promotions over the past few years. Second Shift: SS Sara Roberts Second Shift: SS Sara Roberts Those honored were Shift Supervisor Melanie Third Shift: CSI Heather Gerhardt Third Shift: CSI Heather Gerhardt Mills-Bergers, promoted on August 11, 2012; Shift Supervisors Dawn Frey and Sara Roberts, In December, the SCECC answered 24,735 calls, 45% of them in less than two both promoted on October 20, 2012; seconds. In January, the SCECC answered 25,151 calls, 46% of those in less than Communications Specialist II David Dostaler, two seconds. promoted on October 30, 2013, and Communications Specialist II Nick Hill, promoted on September 6, 2014. Lt. Ostenson was also recognized for his 20 years of service with the Sheriff’s Office.

Employees of the SCECC were saddened to hear of the death of Bill Singer on January 9, 2015. Mr. Singer was our director from 1996-2008, when we were then known as the Consolidated Emergency Communications Center (CECC). After being named the director of the CECC, he coordinated the consolidation of Topeka and Shawnee County emergency communications operations, including the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Topeka Police Department, Topeka Fire Department, and the seven Shawnee County rural fire agencies, most of which had been previously dispatched by the individual agencies. During his tenure, Mr. Singer was also Director of Shawnee County Information Technology and Shawnee County Emergency Management. Mr. Singer was a retired Colonel from the U.S. Marine Corps. Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.

On a lighter note, two Communications Division “chefs” won this year’s SNSO Chili and Dessert Contest on January 14, 2015. SS Sara Roberts won the chili cook-off for her recipe, “Mama’s Special Chili”, and CSI Jacque Stewart won the dessert section for her “Frozen S‘Mores” dessert. Afterwards, both treated their fortunate shift to their cooking expertise! The contest, organized by SNSO Community Services, raised almost $200.00 for Special Olympics Polar Plunge.

Lt. Ostenson’s youngest child, Abigael, won the state title in the annual Elk’s free throw competition on February 7, 2015, in Wichita. Abigael will now represent Kansas in March at the regional competition in Denver, Colorado. The region consists of Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. Good luck to Abigael and congratulations to Abi and the Ostenson family!

The agency Chili/Dessert contest was January 14, 2015 Melanie Mills-Bergers (center) receiving her ELA certificate on January 16, 2015, with Laura Howard, Director, KU Public Manager

SS Sara Roberts won the Chili contest.

CSI Jacque Stewart was the Dessert winner

SCECC honorees at the SNSO promotion and recognition ceremony on February 11, 2015: CSII David Dostaler, CSII Nick Hill, SS Melanie Mills-Bergers, SS Sara Roberts, and SS Dawn Frey

Operations Captain Shane Hoobler Operations continues to work in partnership with our community to make Shawnee County a better place to live. The following is just an example of some of our recent accomplishments.



On 02/16/2015, Deputies were dispatched to a residence in Montara for a medical call involving a possible overdose victim.

The responding Officers, Deputies Matt Akers, Tyler Vaughn and Colton Johnson could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the house. Once inside the residence, officers could smell a very strong odor of marijuana. The officers made contact with three individuals inside the residence and saw what they believed to be illegal drugs and paraphernalia inside the residence.

The Officers made an application for a search warrant for the residence based on their observations and initial investigation.

SNSO narcotic officers were contacted and responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. The three suspects were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Jail on the following charges: Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Threat.



On 2/9/2015 Deputies assisted Geary and Wabaunsee County Deputies capture two suspects wanted for battery and carjacking out of Geary County. Geary County Deputies had been in pursuit of the suspects from Junction City. The suspects had made it to Shawnee County when Deputies Julian, Vaughn, Swords, Blanchard, Cpl Foster and TPD Cpl J. Judd were able to deploy spike strips and terminate the pursuit of the stolen vehicle and affect the subsequent apprehension of the two suspects.



On 2/8/2015 Deputies responded to a possible attempted suicide that turned in to shots being fired by the suspect. Deputies Culver, M. Johnson, Marr, Steinlage, Cpl Beightel and Sgt Luttjohann responded to the scene and secured the area. SWAT was called out and negotiators were able to get the suspect to surrender peacefully without further incident. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge KHP Troopers T. Blakelsey, J. Cripe, R. Nolte, R. Ramirez, J. Vanderweide and B. Whelpley for their, much appreciated, assistance with this highly dangerous call.



Cpl Mahan has been working diligently behind the scenes to ensure the agency is in compliance OSHA regulations in terms of highway safety. Cpl Mahan researched USDOT regulations and found that certain sized cones and signage is required to ensure compliance.

Signs and cones will be issued to each shift to ensure their availability 24/7. The photograph is representative of his efforts to put us in compliance.

School Resource Officers participated in SAFE (Seatbelts Are For Everyone) in February at the area high schools enforcing seatbelt laws.

A special thanks to the Good Life Kids from Tecumseh United Methodist Church for delivering s 'more kits for all the deputies!