The RSPA News

Retired State Police Association of Illinois

www.rspaofil.org

Established May 15, 1974 April 2017 Issue

President’s Message:

The “theme”, although unplanned, of this newsletter seems to be Honoring the Origins of the ISP; from the designa-

tion of an official Illinois State Police day by the 100th General Assembly, to the recognition of some of our oldest

living ISP employees. A learning experience for me even though I have been a member of the RSPA board for 5

years, it wasn’t until I landed the President’s spot that I began to circulate enough to really meet a lot of our mem-

bers. I find that at each event I meet more older members who share great stories of their experiences as the State

Police. That. I believe, is the premise on which this group was founded. It seems to me that the purpose of this or-

ganization is to provide a continuing connection between our years in ISP and the rest of our time on this earth. Un-

fortunately, too many happy retirees are leaving the party lately and it makes me sad.

I can not stress enough, the importance of enjoying every day and not missing an opportunity to connect with old

friends. The day you chose to skip an event, because you will catch the next one, may be the day you lose the

chance to connect with a friend. I sincerely implore you members to consider taking a position with the RSPA. This is

not a stressful activity and it is imperative we continue providing a link between the past and the future. Please con-

sider the open positions! I believe you will find the experience very rewarding. If everyone stands back and expects

someone else to the job who does that leave? If lack of enthusiasm causes the RSPA to fall by the wayside we will

have lost our one great link. This is OUR organization and WE must care for it.

And now KUDOS for the members who have stepped up for YEARS and helped hold this group together. We can

not thank Russ and Vicki Brown enough for sponsoring the February Florida party for the past 12 years. I have at-

tended that picnic and can not speak highly enough about it! Then there are Bob and Jean Putnam holding down the

Arizona party. They get a great turnout in March at the American Legion! Unfortunately, each of these teams have

chosen to move on this year and we have had to find willing replacements to torture!

We want to thank Ret. Captain Kevin Shaughnessy for stepping up to the plate on the Arizona bash this year and

Ret. MSgt Tom Schnieder and wife Karen for jumping right in with both feet on the Florida party. Woo—Hoo!!! Come

on folks let’s follow their lead, hold this group together and see it into the next century—volunteer… recruit…

Happy Spring and I will see you all at our upcoming meetings! Enjoy! ~A

Ret. Captains Kevin Shaughnessy & Tony Hornyan

With Ret. Kendall Cty Coroner Ken Toftoy

Jean Putnam and a wonderful cake!

Arizona Picnic Florida Picnic

Springfield is requiring ALL RETIREES to have an updated retiree identification card. If your current identification card has

“RETIREE” in green, you are good to go. If your identification card has “RETIREE” IN BLACK; you need a new card. Jeanne

Tucker will help you with getting an updated identification card: she needs; a current digital image, I.D. #, Rank, Date of Retire-

ment, Address, and a Phone Number. Send all info to Jeanne at Jeanne_tucker@isp.state.il.us

If you show up to a 2017 qualification shoot with an old I. D. card; you will be allowed to shoot, but the Range Officer will hold

onto your sticker until you have the updated identification card.

THE RSPA HONORS THESE MEN AND WOMEN:

Deputy Superintendent Oren Lowder # 20 CC 9 06/30/1977

Lieutenant Donovan Evers # 104 CC 7 03/31/1977

Sergeant Clyde Groom # 114 CC 11 10/31/1975

Sergeant John Garnati # 118 CC 8 12/31/1982

Lieutenant Robert Mikelson # 125 CC 8 12/31/1981

Sergeant Doris McKinney # 133 CC 8 07/31/1977

Sergeant Robert Worden # 144 CC 9 07/31/1981

Major Glenn Fredrickson # 148 CC 10 12/31/1981

Sergeant Charles Wilbur # 157 CC 10 12/31/1976

Special Agent Charles Phelps # 165 CC 12 04/30/1983

Sergeant Charles Struble # 167 CC 12 12/31/1979

Major Charles Houghtby # 178 CC 14 12/31/1982

Lieutenant Robert Kearns # 179 CC 15 07/31/1981

Captain Anthony Hornyan # 182 CC 16 12/31/1982

Captain Milton Juenger # 184 CC 16 05/31/1982

Superintendent Ronald Miller # 190 CC 17 02/29/1984

Sergeant Arthur Wilson # 192 CC 19 07/31/1982

Captain William “Jack” Ryan # 195 CC 22 08/31/1987

Doris Fischer Admin 12/31/1991

(Sadly, during the editing of this 1st quarter newsletter Lt Thomas J. Drew # 163 crossed from the list above to Heaven One. He

passed on his birthday, February 25th. )

These ISP Employees are some of our earliest, listed with their I.D.#, Cadet Class #, and Date of Retirement .

Most importantly - they are still with us, and many are RSPA Members.

100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2017 and 2018 HB0769 by Rep. John M. Cabello SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: 5 ILCS 490/147 new Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act.

Provides that April 1st of each year is designated as Illinois State Trooper Day, a day to honor the dedicated men and women of the Illinois State Police.

Provides that Illinois State Trooper Day shall be observed throughout the State by the citizens of Illinois with civic remembrances of

the sacrifices made on their behalf by Illinois' finest, the Illinois State Troopers, especially the ultimate sacrifice given by those State

Police Officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Effective immediately. LRB100 08211 RJF 18308 b

Some ISP News & History for Today

***SEND US YOUR NEWS ITEMS***

Tell us what you have been up to, or pass on an interest-

ing tidbit about another retiree! Tell us what you like,

or don’t like about this newsletter.

REMEMBER - THIS IS YOUR NEWSLETTER

ATTENTION ACTIVE & RETIRED ISP ARMED FORCES VETERANS “COME JOIN US”!

Are You A U.S. Veteran? And Currently An Active Or Retired ISP Officer? Are You Currently A Member Of An American Legion Post? Consider Joining Your Very Own - Illinois State Police American Legion Post #1922

For Further Information On Membership: Contact Delmar Buske 217/556-9555 Or Limey Nargelenas 217/553-6664

President : Armida Baccega

2575 Lake Shore Dr. S., Goreville, IL 62939

708.751-9128 Email:Medsie545@Yahoo.com

1st Vice President: Michael J. Burke

8751 S. 52nd Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453

708.423-5892 Email: mb2bfishin@sbcglobal.net

2nd Vice President: Delmar Buske

904 N. Van Buren Street, Litchfield, IL 62056-1555

217.556-9555 Email: delmarbuske@yahoo.com

Secretary: Judy L. Mills

1357 1000th Street, Lincoln, IL 62656

217.652-2948 Email: mustanglady548@gmail.com

Treasurer: Richard Martinez

11024 Princess Ave., Chicago Ridge, IL 60415

708.710-5632 Email: Martinezrichard@Live.com

SECRETARY NEEDED!!!!

The RSPA is currently seeking someone to

take over for Judy Mills to finish her current

term which ends January 31, 2018. Judy has

some family issues and needs to step back.

Have you given thought to being more involved

with the RSPA? Are you Social? Do you like to

write? Do you enjoy keeping in touch with

friends? Are you enjoying this newsletter???

Then we have a position for you— Secretary…

As Secretary your minimum job requirements

would be collecting information and compiling

it for the Newsletter 4 times a year. You would

attend as many Luncheons as possible and

relate the proceedings to the membership. The

job is limited only by your desire to do the

work. Whatever vision you have for the office is

appreciated.

Interested? Contact Armida:

Medsie545@Yahoo.com

UPDATED NEWSLETTER DEADLINES

February 28, 2017 May 31, 2017 August 31, 2017 Nov 30, 2017

We will always remember Honorary Lifetime President Bill Hamilton!

PAUL RUSSELL BROWN # 1154

Married to Vicki (our webmaster) for 21 years

Currently resides in: Cape Coral, Florida

Hosts the annual RSPA Florida picnic in February

Started with ISP: February 1967

Cadet Class: 37

Retired: January 1993

Rank at Retirement: Captain

Position: District Commander - District 16

Name some of the positions you have held throughout your

career:

Patrol Officer in District 07 and District 09.

Vehicle Investigation Officer – District 09

Sergeant / Master Sergeant – District 20

Operations Lieutenant and Administrative Lieutenant – District 20

Bureau Chief – Vehicle Investigation Bureau

District Commander – District 16

Is there a fond memory (memories) of your career?

I was fortunate enough to work with some pretty good cops

over the course of my career, and I was able to learn a little

bit from all of them. Most days I enjoyed going to work just to

see what might happen. My memories of the job are fond, for

the most part. There were a few bad days, but not many.

Any advice for recent retirees?

Enjoy your retirement, and do the things that make you happy.

ARIZONA PICNIC, AMERICAN LEGION POST

TBA 2018

Post # 58, 16837 East Parkview Ave, Fountain Hills, AZ

E-Mail: kevinshaughnessy@comcast.net

Kevin: (708) 532-5716

FLORIDA PICNIC, CAPE CORAL YACHT CLUB

Wednesday, FEB 22 2018 at 11:00AM

5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral FL 33904

NORTHERN LUNCHEON / MEETING

Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 11:00 am

Hosted by: Michael Burke

Shriners Medinah Center - 550 Shriners Drive, Addison, IL

R.S.V.P. by May 9, 2017

E-Mail: mb2bfishin@sbcglobal.net Michael: (708) 423-5892

CENTRAL LUNCHEON / MEETING

Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 11:00 am

Hosted by: Delmar Buske

Island Bay Yacht Club - 76 Yacht Club Road, Springfield, IL

R.S.V.P. by July 6, 2017

E-Mail: delmarbuske@yahoo.com Delmar: (217) 556-9555

SPRINGFIELD AREA MONTHLY LUNCHEON

Second Thursday of each month at 11:00 am

Golden Corral Restaurant, 1038 Lejune Drive

(South 6th Street and Interstate 72)

NO reservation required; Open to all State Police retirees and

employees; Lunch is on your own.

Updates on the Health Issue of some Friends

Retired Captain Ken Kaupas: Now at Marion Joy Rehabilitation Center this afternoon. He has made tremendous improvements! He is his old self, mentally and

in the amount he talks! He is weak from the amount of time he has spent in the hospitals. He is determined to walk out of the hos-

pital!! He is in Room 1109 and enjoys visitors.

Retired Captain Frank Gomilla: underwent open heart / bypass surgery on December 26, 2016.

Retired Captain Jim Collier: underwent Open Heart Surgery on March 11, 2017. Jim is home now, and he'll be starting some

rehab therapy in a couple of months. Please email your well wishes to Jim at home: JPC1703@Yahoo.com

!!!!LOST FOLKS!!!

PLEASE ask them to Email or Call either/or

Rich: martinezrichard@live.com

Armida: Medsie545@Yahoo.com

Herman Davila - Unknown Address

Daniel Plough # 1909 - LKA Pawnee, IL

Donovan Evers # 104 - LKA Wake Forest, NC

Terry Granell # 3287 - LKA Geneseo, IL

Anthony Gutierrez # 3220 - LKA Chatham, IL

Jody McLearin - LKA Tower Hill, IL

Van Dillow # 736 - LKA Tamms, IL

Jim Boaden #1695 - LKA Rochester, IL

Charles Bowman #1698 - LKA Sterling, IL

TROOPER LEO BURAKOWSKI # 926 EOW: 09/24/1958 September 24, 2016 marked the 58th anniversary of the fatal crash that killed Trooper Leo Burakowski.

While patrolling the Tollway, his squad car left the roadway and struck a guard rail. Trooper Burakowski was

thrown from the wreckage, and sustained fatal injuries.

Trooper Burakowski had served with the Illinois State Police for one year in District 15. Trooper Burakowski

was also a WW II Veteran, and served with the U. S. Air Force as a Military Policeman.

2017 FLOATING MEETING—SOUTHERN AREA

Wednesday October 4, 2017 at 11:00AM

Ryan’s Buffet Effingham, IL

Contact: Armida—Medsie545@Yahoo.com

DECEMBER Vicky Galati

Deborah Simental

JANUARY Maria Kimm Perez

Jim Winters

Bob Evans

FEBRUARY G. Scott Compton

Illinois State Police Pipes and Drums - Volunteer! This invitation is open to all Illinois State Police employees and retirees. To get started, contact Kevin Park at 217-524-6902 or email Pipes_Drums@isp.state.il.us.

Additional information can be found at: http://www.isp.state.il.us/

LOOK WHO RETIRED

NOVEMBER

Harold Moore, Info Systems Analyst

DECEMBER

Captain G. Scott Compton # 4383, D 09

Captain Brian Windle # 4259, D – 02

MSgt Joe Stangl # 4464, D-Chgo

Tpr Mark Mechler # 4447

S A Brian Clay # 4597

SMT Erick Coleman # 4211, D-05

Sgt Francisco Contreras # 4325, RBG

MSgt John Dittmer # 4491, D—06

Lt Kenneth Dunn # 4387, DFI

MSgt Shad Edwards # 4388, D—10

MSgt Scott Issacs # 4289, D—13

SMT Mark Mechler # 4447, D—11

SMT Paul Hentze # 4499, D—18

MTpr Robert Neuman # 5309, D—15

Sr Insp Eric Oller # 4358, D I I

Sgt David Parker # 4647, RBG-Peo

Sgt Craig Rios # 4302, D—09

Sgt John Rugen # 4456, D—17

SMT Randall Shelton # 4531, Revenue

MSgt John Thompson # 4731, D—10

Sgt Leslie Vancil # 4671, Z—07

SMT Jay Wittenborn # 4672, D—13

And many Code Employees

Who was the first African American Motor Officer

for the State Police?

SMT THURLOW HASKELL # 2542

Name the in-car computer used by Troopers prior to

the Panasonic laptop?

HAMMERHEAD by WALKABOUT

Name the organization that provided Academy meals

at the Fairgrounds?

CLAIRE’S KITCHEN

Name the very first State Police Sketch Artist.

SPECIAL AGENT HAROLD ANDREWS # 550

(No responses were received to the above questions)

Cape Coral 2017

< Mike and Maureen

mailto:Pipes_Drums@isp.state.il.ushttp://www.isp.state.il.us/aboutisp/pipes.cfmhttp://www.isp.state.il.us/aboutisp/pipes.cfm

NOTE: Any opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views or

policies of the RSPA..

A Look Into the History of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation, by Carl J. Weitzel (Part One in a series) From an interview with Ms. Kathleen O’Bryen This first article is taken from an interview with Kathleen O’Bryen, (ISP February 1974 – December 2002). Although she retired from the Division of Internal Investi-gation, KO, as she has been affectionately known since grade school, spent the bulk of her career in the Division of Administration Policy Section.

“That beautiful motorcycle leather coat was just wadded up in a box in storage at Hillier’s (Moving and Storage).” Kathleen O’Bryen, ISP retiree, stalwart Heritage Foundation volunteer, and Board secretary for 14 years, recalled one of the many priceless finds as a small band of historical mercenaries did what they could to discover, identify, salvage, protect, and eventually display the artifacts that told the story of an agency that had churned through 50 years of its own history without much thought of looking back. Images of the Past As O’Bryen recalls, since the 1970s, an even smaller group, including Joe Ginter, Ivan Burnett, and Bob “Flip” Henry had been trying -- with intermittent success -- to get the ISP interested in simply maintaining its historical photos. Boxes of prints were stored in the Armory basement, elsewhere in the Armory near shower facilities, and off-site in rented storage space. Though it may cause folks today to laugh and shake their heads, even back then the reply was often, “No time!” “No funding!” “How about a museum?” Finally, in the ‘80s, the concept of a museum started to take hold. A delegation from Springfield including O’Bryen flew to Chicago to meet with representatives of the American PoliceCenter and Museum. Opened by the Chicago Patrolmen’s Association in 1974, founder Joseph Pecoraro was eager to share ideas with the visitors from ISP. One concept that came up quickly was the im-portance of independence from the actual Department – for no other reason than to avoid the pains of rising and falling fiscal for-tunes tied to uncertain state budgets. O’Bryen remembers Pecoraro as a classic promoter and a bit of a character. Later exchanges with those who ran the military museum at Camp Lincoln in Springfield yielded similar advice -- independence was critical. Thus, the concept of a foundation was born. But, Foundation or not, museums take money – and plenty of it. So, where to start? Artifacts Start Arriving O’Bryen and then Sergeant Erich Westphall met with a relative of former Trooper Lory Price, who told them details of Price’s Janu-ary 1927 murder in Marion by the infamous Charlie Birger Gang. Price’s wife, Ethel, a local school teacher who was pregnant at the time, was also murdered by the gang. The relative shared some artifacts that became part of the ISPHF collection. In the early 1990s, talk of a “new Armory” had lots of folks excited. The historic, though deteriorating State Armory, constructed in 1936 to replace the fire-gutted State Arsenal, had not been properly converted to its present use as office space, and was not being adequately maintained. Nagging questions about air quality, leaks, water issues, and power challenges were abundant. Architec-tural plans for the new building included display cases for historical artifacts. But, just as some advisors had forewarned, a state fiscal backslide sidelined the new headquarters, and with it, a permanent, public storage and display option for a steadily increas-ing collection of keepsakes. A door opens With the approach of the Department’s 75th anniversary, talk soon turned to the need to properly mark the occasion. The Agency’s administration was definitely in support of doing so, but needed a partner in the project. Maybe this group of folks so interested in the Department’s history could make one thing happen by doing another… A raffle was put together to establish seed money for the 75th Anniversary Committee. That raffle provided the funding to pur-chase apparel and other items that were sold to finance the major components of the big event. About $50,000 was left over after the 75th anniversary events, and this made possible the purchase of the 1951 Ford patrol car. Restored earlier by Fred Leeds, it was owned by Henry Cooley’s Widow. TO BE CONTINUED….

RSPA and ISP Family Members

Who are gone, but Never Forgotten

We hold them all in our Prayers

FAMILY MEMBERS

02/02/2017 JoAnn Schoen, Mother of Terri Wysocki

01/31/2017 Norma Fountain, Mother in Law of Cindy Fountain

01/27/2017 Higinio Lopez, Father of Retired Trooper Raul Lopez

01/22/2017 Rita M Girten, Mother of Retirees S / A Phil Girten, Sergeant Joe Girten, and Forensic Tech Janet Girten

01/12/2017 Darrel Hinrichs, Husband of RSPA Assoc Member Rosemary Hinrichs

01/08/2017 Helen Lopez, Mother of Retired Trooper Raul Lopez

12/31/2016 Sara Hoffstot, Former Spouse of Master Sergeant Chris Hoffstot - Zone 06

12/31/2016 Delena Patrice Lewis, Sister of Guard II Lorie Lewis - Protective Services Unit

12/31/2016 William Bowling, Husband of Office Coordinator Deborah Bowling - Statewide Gaming Command

12/31/2016 Helen Luberda, Mother of Call Taker Judith Feig - District 11

12/24/2016 Michael Peters, Father of Trooper Zach Peters - District 21

12/19/2016 Ronald Ingram, Father of MSgt Brian Ingram—District 10

12/18/2016 Tom O’Connor, Father of Mary Kyes - DOO, Uncle of Matt Rentschler—ISP Legal Office

SGT Kenneth W. Dicken 1359 D-10 03/2017

SGT Marvin Bausman 725 D-01 03/12/2017

LT Thomas J. Drew 163 D-18 02/25/2017

Tech Michael Montalbano Radio D-21 02/24/2017

MSgt Brent Pinkston 3191 D-18 02/18/2017

CPT William J. Powers 1609 D-13 02/12/2017

MSgt Edward E Kallal 1659 CSS 02/11/2017

SGT William A Rosenow 1679 D-17 02/012017

SMT Merlin “Ken” Clausen 1210 D-15 01/11/2017

SMT Roger S Schmidt 1734 D-02 01/05/2017

SGT John A Barr 3033 Zone 7 01/02/2017

Deborah Lynn Walko Com/Springfield 12/16/2016

TPR James Kennedy 937 D-06 12/08/2016

LT Monica (Ice) Grinkey 2024 B of I 11/28/2016

MST Arthur Robert Webber 1109 D-19 11/15/2016

RSPA of Illinois

11024 Princess Ave

Chicago Ridge, IL 60415-2145

www.rspaofil.org

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

If You are receiving this Newsletter and You DID NOT ask to have it mailed to you… We NEED your current Email Address!

REMINDER— Please notify Richard Martinez whenever you have a change of address or phone number.