Funeral arrangements set for deputy killed in crash

Deputy Dustin Hamilton

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Funeral arrangements have been announced for a sheriff's deputy who died in a crash while heading home Friday evening.

It will continue Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral service at noon. He will be laid to rest in Greenoaks Memorial Park.Visitation for Dustin Hamilton, 24, of Central, will be held Tuesday at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Florida Boulevard from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Hamilton had been with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office just under two years.

According to Louisiana State Police, Hamilton was northbound on Joor Road when he lost control of his sheriff's unit around 7:15 p.m.

Troopers his car crossed the center line and was hit on the driver's side by a Ford Explorer. Hamilton died at the scene.

The driver of the SUV, Gloria Burrell, 26, of Zachary, was taken to Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge with serious injuries.

LSP reported it is unknown what caused Hamilton to lose control of his car. Impairment by either driver is not suspected to be a factor in the accident.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Off-Duty Washoe County Sheriff's Office Deputy Killed in Motorcycle Accident

Deputy David Hanks

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of one their own tonight.

According to Washoe County Public Information officer Bob Harmon, the man killed in a crash around 1:45 yesterday afternoon at the intersection of South Virginia and Holcomb Ranch Lane was David Hanks, a fifteen year veteran of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.  Hanks was off-duty at the time of the accident.

According to the Nevada Highway Patrol, 37 year old Hanks was ejected from his motorcycle when a 2012 Chevrolet van traveling northbound on South Virginia tried to make a left hand turn and struck Hanks motorcycle head-on. Hanks had been driving  in the Southbound lane. 

The driver of the van, 29-year-old Michael Johnson, was not harmed in the accident.

Banks was taken to Renown where he later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.

Harmon tells News 4 that, “We are working with the men and women of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to help them grieve and cope with this tragic loss.”

If you witnessed the crash or have any information that may help investigators please call trooper Kris Satterwhite with the Major Accident Investigation team at ksatterwhite@dps.state.nv.us regarding case number NHP-130902426.

Utah Wildlife officer dies in Wyoming crash

Sgt. Keith Fullenkamp

Utah’s outdoor recreation community was in mourning Wednesday after learning that Department of Wildlife Resources Sgt. Keith Fullenkamp had died in a Wyoming traffic accident.

Fullenkamp, of South Weber, was driving home from a hunting trip in Colorado about 1 p.m. Tuesday when he collided head-on with a semi-trailer rig on Wyoming Highway 789, about 15 miles north of the southcentral Wyoming town of Baggs.

Wyoming Highway Patrol Sgt. Stephen Townsend said the 37-year-old Fullenkamp’s 2003 Chevrolet pickup truck was northbound when the southbound semi, driven by 54-year-old Gerald Nakai of Craig, Colo., crossed the center line.

Fullenkamp attempted to avoid the big rig by driving onto the northbound shoulder, but the two vehicles still collided. The semi caught fire and became fully involved in flames after the crash, but Nakai escaped with non-life threatening injuries.

Fullenkamp was dead at the scene.

WHP troopers were still trying Wednesday to determine why Nakai, who was taken to Memorial Hospital in Craig, drifted into Fullenkamp’s lane, Townsend said.

It took four hours for troopers to clear the scene of the accident.

In a statement Wednesday, Utah DWR Director Gregory Sheehan said that Fullenkamp’s death was met with "profound sadness"by friends and colleagues.

Fullenkamp leaves behind a wife, Tanna, a Forestry, Fire and State Lands employee, and their 1-year-old son, Jake.

"Today will be counted among the darkest of our careers, but we must move forward in a way that honors Keith’s memory and his service to the people of Utah," Sheehan said. "For those of you who knew Keith, you know that he was a great friend to all.

"For now, our focus and priority must be in ensuring the Fullenkamp family receive the care, support, and resources to get them through the coming days and weeks," he added. "Life is fragile, precious and unpredictable. Go home to your families and hold them close."

As a DWR sergeant, Fullenkamp supervised several conservation officers in the agency’s northern Utah region. He also was instrumental in organizing several community and youth events, including a waterfowl fair Sept. 7 at Farmington Bay.

remims@sltrib.com

Laguna Beach Motor Officer Killed in Traffic Collision

An investigation was underway Sunday into the death of a Laguna Beach Police officer who was killed in a traffic collision, authorities said.

Officer Jon Coutchie (Laguna Beach PD)

Officer Jon Coutchie, who was on duty at the time, was driving his motorcycle when it collided with a Chevrolet pickup truck around 11 p.m. Saturday on S. Pacific Coast Highway at Cleo St. in Laguna Beach.

The officer’s motorcycle collided with a truck

Witnesses rushed to assist the fallen officer.

“As soon as I saw him go down, I ran up to help the poor guy and he was already lifeless,” Ian Paul said.

Paul, who was walking in the area at the time, said he stayed with the officer as another pedestrian administered CPR.

“I tried to talk to the officer and there was no response,” Paul said.

Members of the Laguna Beach Police Department were said to be devastated by the news.

On Sunday morning officers could be seen crying and hugging as they placed flowers near the crash site.

Coutchie, 42, was born in Tucson, and raised in Orange County where he graduated from Laguna Hills High School in 1989.

Distraught officers leave flowers at the scene of the crash (KTLA)

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.

BSO deputy dies from I-95 crash injuries | News - Home

POMPANO BEACH -

A Broward Sheriff's deputy, who was critically injured after veering off I-95 and hitting a tree, has died from his injuries.

Deputy Daniel Rivera was pronounced dead at 10:20 p.m. Saturday at Broward Health North Hospital.

According to BSO deputies, Rivera's family is "grateful for the outpouring of support during this difficult time." The Broward Sheriff Office also asks "that you continue to pray for Rivera's family and his BSO family.”

Deputy Rivera started with the Broward Sheriff's Office in 2003.On September 11, 2013, Rivera was headed to the Pompano Beach substation when he crashed his patrol car into a palm tree south of Copans Road.

Delhi officer remembered as 'good, solid guy' | Cincinnati.com | cincinnati.com

Robert Buhrlage Jr.

Robert Buhrlage’s field training officer will miss the Delhi policeman’s laugh.

“I will always remember his laugh. It’s very sad to think we won’t hear it again,” Lt. Joe
Macaluso said. “You grow a special bond with any officer when you train them. You
always hope for them to be successful. Rob did a good job. He made a career out of
this for 13 years and it’s just very sad he died at such a young age.”

An investigation is underway after the 36-year-old Delhi Township police officer was found dead Sept. 19.

Buhrlage, a 13-year-veteran of the police department, was found unresponsive at his Delhi Township
home about 6:10 a.m., Sgt. Bob Schwaeble said.

“This is a tragic loss for the Buhrlage family, our police department and the Delhi community,” reads a
police statement issued. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Buhrlage family.”

A concerned relative went to check on Buhrlage after not hearing from him, Schwaeble said.

Foul play is not suspected. Buhrlage, who ran marathons, had no known medical conditions, police said,
but they believe his death will be linked to some kind of unknown medical ailment.

Police and the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office are investigating.

“It definitely was not suicide,” Schwaeble said Friday. “I don’t know if he had a seizure or whatever, but he
was home alone at the time.”

Buhrlage grew up in Delhi Township, graduated from Oak Hills High School in 1995 and from Kentucky
Wesleyan College in 1999 with a double major in criminal justice and art.

He participated in fundraisers and ran the Flying Pig Marathon to honor a friend’s 4-year-old son who died
from a head injury, Austin Doll.

Delhi Township resident Keith Maginn, one of Buhrlage’s longtime friends, said his thoughts and prayers
go out to the Buhrlage family.

“It’s still kind of a shock,” Maginn said. “I feel terrible for all of his family and friends.”

Maginn said he’s known Buhrlage since they were kids – Buhrlage was two years his senior and in the
same grade as Maginn’s older brother.

They grew up in the neighborhood near Delshire Elementary School, and spent the majority of their youth
playing sports together.

RTV6 - BREAKING: Indianapolis police officer shot in head and chest, suspect killed - Local Story

Officer Rod Bradway

INDIANAPOLIS - An Indianapolis police officer died after being shot in the head and chest early Friday while trying to help a woman.

Officer Rod Bradway was responding to a domestic disturbance call at the Eagle Pointe Apartments in the 6700 block of Eagle Pointe Drive North when he was shot.

Lt. Chris Bailey said Bradway heard a woman screaming for help inside an apartment, and he was shot after forcing his way in to help her. The suspected shooter was shot and killed, police said.

"He did what we were taught to do," IMPD Chief Rick Hite said.

Hite said Bradway, a 5-year veteran of the force, was highly decorated and was a past recipient of the Medal of Bravery. He had also served as a member of the Wayne Township Fire Department.

Hite said he talked to Bradway's parents, who stressed how proud their son was to be an officer.

"(They) said he was so proud to wear the uniform, how it made him feel bigger than life, how he loved to come to work and do his job," Hite said.

"Blessed are the peacemakers in our community who wear the blue, and thank God for people like Rod in this police department," Hite added.

Director of Public Safety Troy Riggs called Bradway's killing "an attack against what is right in our city."

Bill Owensby, the head of the local Fraternal Order of Police, called Bradway a "true hero" and called out for the city's support.

"This city does very, very well in supporting our officers in times of need, and this is one of our greatest times of need," Owensby said.

Read more: Messages of love, support pour in for IMPD on social media

Officer David Moore was the last Indianapolis officer to be killed in the line of duty. That was in 2011.

Moore's father, Spencer Moore, came to Wishard Hospital Friday morning to support Bradway's family.

"The next few days are going to be horrendous for them," Moore said.

Bradway, 41, leaves behind a wife and two kids, in addition to his parents, a brother and his IMPD family.

Images: Indianapolis officer fatally shot | Story:  Bradway, wife aided in tornado recovery

"He's one of those kind of people who will be remembered forever and a day," Hite said.

An ambulance was also called for a woman at the apartment where the shooting took place, and Child Protective Services was also called in.

Press | Newsroom | Ben Cardin - United States Senator for Maryland

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD)

WASHINGTON – By a vote of 15 to 3, the Senate Judiciary Committee today passed theNational Blue Alert Act, S. 357, which would create a nationwide alert system to apprehend violent criminals who have injured or killed police officers. Senator Ben Cardin(D-Md.), author of the bill, and cosponsor Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), called the vote an important pledge of support for America’s law enforcement officers. Similar to the successful Amber Alert system, the program would allow for seamless dissemination of critical information about relevant suspects to law enforcement agencies, the public and the media. The measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

“The brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the public safety deserve every resource available to catch the most dangerous of suspects. I am proud that Maryland has been a leader in the use of the Blue Alert System because it works,”said Senator Cardin. “We should no longer delay putting in place a national alert system that will ensure the speedy apprehension of violent criminals who have injured or killed law enforcement officers. I thank Chairman Leahy for making it a priority to protect those who make sacrifices to protect all of us.”

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT)

“The terrible tragedy at the Navy Yard in Washington was a good reminder to all of us of the importance of coordination among police officers and other agencies,” said Senator Leahy. “Because of good communication, law enforcement acted quickly to respond. We should support every state in their efforts to promote the safety of the public and law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day. The National Blue Alert Act will do just that.” 

On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 53 hours. In 2012, 127 federal, state and local officers killed in the line of duty.  Thousands of other law enforcement officers were assaulted while performing their duties – some of whom now live with serious injuries.

The National Blue Alert Act of 2013 (S. 357) has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Concerns of Police Survivors, and the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department.

The House of Representatives passed identical legislation in May 2013 by a vote of 406 to 2. During the 112th Congress, similar legislation passed the House of Representatives 394-1 and also was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Introduced by Senator Cardin in February, the National Blue Alert Act of 2013 currently has 17 cosponsors including Senator Leahy and Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

In June 2010, Maryland State Trooper Wesley Brown was murdered outside a restaurant in Forestville, MD. Shortly after, Gov. Martin O’Malley signed an executive order creating the Maryland Blue Alert System.  In 2008, Florida was the first state to implement a Blue Alert System and since then a total of 18 states have created similar alerts programs (Ala., Calif., Colo., Del., Fla., Ga., Ky., Md., Miss., Mont., Ohio, Okla., SC, Tenn., Tex., Utah, Va., Wash.)

OBPD Officer Mike Stockwell Remembered

Officer Mike Stockwell

ORANGE BEACH, Alabama -

Mike Stockwell was born and raised in south Baldwin county. Tuesday night they didn't just lose a police officer, they lost a friend.

Black ribbons and a steady stream of condolence calls, "This is Chief Wilkins," as news spreads officer Mike Stockwell has been killed.

"A lot of people here are shook up." Police chief Billy Wilkins was there shortly after the call came in around nine o'clock. A two car collision, Stockwell's SUV upside down in the northbound lane of Foley Beach Express. A smaller car with front end damage still sitting in the intersection of county road 12.

"It's not just a co-worker that some of these people, some of our officers have known for five or ten years. Some of our officers have literally known him since they were in high school and longer than that," says Wilkins.

In the light of day the scene is no less tragic and while police officers and investigators use these clues to figure out exactly what happened the city of Orange Beach is in mourning,

"Our hearts are heavy with our situations that are at hand," says city administrator Ken Grimes. Ironically it was "employee appreciation day" in Orange Beach. What was suppose to be a celebration took on a new meaning.

"It's just hard," says mayor Tony Kennon. "They are so under appreciated till we lose one and then we realize what we lost. Mike's in good hands. I don't worry about Mike. I worry about his family and those folks left on this earth grieving his loss."

The loss is being felt by so many. "This is so sad to see us lose someone," says Allen McElroy. "He was a very fine officer."

Funeral arrangements were released late this afternoon. It will be Friday at St. Marks Lutheran church in Elberta

Visitation will begin at 11 o'clock with services starting at 2.

Burial will follow at Pine Rest Memorial Park, in Foley.

Details emerge on circumstances that led to fatal standoff

Officer Jamie Buenting

Updated at 2:40 p.m.: The man accused of shooting and killing a Rockwell City police officer this morning had previously spent time in several Iowa correctional facilities and was sought by police for allegedly assaulting his mother.

Corey A. Trott is accused of firing a single gunshot that hit Jamie Buenting, 37 , a member of the Rockwell City Police Department. Buenting was one of several officers with a regional Special Emergency Response Team who responded to a 911 call that was placed at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

This morning’s shooting marks the second time this week that Trott’s alleged actions shocked the small northern Iowa community, Calhoun County Attorney Tina Meth-Farrington said. Law enforcement had been looking for Trott since Sunday night, when he allegedly assaulted his mother, who is 64.

Corey Trott

Trott’s mother was taken to the Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City after the reported assault, Meth-Farrington said.

Law enforcement officers had been watching the house at 502 Pleasant St. after Trott reportedly fled the scene. Officers also were trying to locate Trott to arrest him for assault causing serious injury, Meth-Farrington said.

“The fact that he fled the scene on Sunday night created concern for a lot of people in the community,” Meth-Farrington said. Law enforcement officials “were quite shocked when they got the call that said he had come back home.”

Officers went to the house on Pleasant Street to arrest Trott Thursday night after a neighbor saw lights on there, Meth-Farrington said. In addition to the murder charge, Trott has been charged with his mother’s assault, she said.

At about 1:15 a.m. today, officers made contact with Trott, who was inside his house, said Michael Motsinger, special agent in charge with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.  At about 1:40 a.m., a single shot was fired from the house, he said.

The shot struck Buenting. He was taken to an area hospital, where he later died, Motsinger said. (Correction: A previously reported time of death was incorrect.) Buenting is survived by his wife and two young children.

After Buenting was shot, the regional law enforcement team called in Iowa State Patrol.

Iowa State Patrol negotiators made contact with Trott at 5:29 a.m., Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Scott Bright said. At 5:32 a.m, Trott emerged from the house and was taken into custody.  He has been charged with first-degree murder.

In 2008, Trott, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree harassment, according to online court records. The negotiated plea came after he was charged in 2007 with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, a felony.

Trott was fined in the case and put on probation, according to online court records. A four-year prison sentence on the two charges was suspended.   In 2009, Trott’s probation officer filed a complaint and Trott’s probation was revoked. Trott was sentenced to serve four years in prison.

Trott was released in January 2011, but racked up three disciplinary reports for fights with inmates, said Fred Scaletta, assistant director with the Iowa Department of Corrections. He was moved between three facilities, spending time at the Fort Dodge Correctional Institution, the Iowa Medical & Classification Center in Coralville and the Iowa State Penitentiary in Ft. Madison.

Trott’s criminal record stretched beyond Iowa; in 2007 he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of possession of more than one pound of marijuana after a May 2006 arrest in Seward County, Neb. He was sentenced to community service and three years of probation on the charge.

In 2004 Trott was sentenced to two days in jail after pleading guilty to a domestic assault charge in Calhoun County, Iowa.

Motsinger declined to say how many officers and responders arrived at the scene on Thursday night or what kind of gun was used in the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation. Motsinger also wouldn’t say whether Buenting was wearing protective gear or body armor.

Buenting began his law enforcement career in 1999. He had been a member of the Rockwell City Police Department for eight years, and had served on a regional Special Emergency Response Team.

Buenting was the 170^th Iowa law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty sent 1889, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety records.

Buenting, a skilled marksman, was also an instructor with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Johnston. According to the school’s website, Buenting spent 700 hours on the range attending numerous firearms courses and training sessions.

Buenting had been scheduled to teach a fire arms class on Saturday.

Article written by Register reporters Grant Rodgers and Katherine Klingseis.

MSP trooper shot at traffic stop, killed

SHERMAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - A Michigan State Police trooper was shot in the head during a traffic stop in Mason County and died Monday night.

Trooper Paul Butterfield died during emergency surgery at the hospital, MSP confirmed shortly before midnight. 

Butterfield worked at a Hart Post detachment and had been with MSP for 14 years since 1999. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was newly engaged.

Two people were arrested a few hours after the evening shooting, MSP Rockford Post Commander Lt. Chris McIntyre said in a Monday night press conference before it was confirmed that Butterfield had died.

Butterfield performed the traffic stop around 6:20 p.m. about a mile from the intersection of North Custer and East Beyer roads in Sherman Township. That is northeast of Ludington on the edge of Manistee National Forest. McIntyre said Butterfield, a "well-seasoned" trooper, had radioed dispatchers that he was performing a traffic stop, as is department protocol.

There was an exchange of gunfire and Butterfield was shot in the head.

About four minutes later, McIntyre said, a passerby came upon Butterfield on the side of the road and called police.

Butterfield was then airlifted to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City in critical condition, McIntyre said. He died there during emergency surgery.

Authorities responded in force. Within a few hours of the shooting, MSP developed information about the whereabouts of two suspects -- a male and a female -- based upon the information Butterfield had relayed to dispatchers before the stop.

The suspects, who were driving an allegedly stolen white sedan, were found around 8:25 p.m. about 20 minutes from where the shooting happened at the Dublin General Store gas station in Wellston in Manistee County.

There was an exchange of gunfire involving the suspects and officers from several agencies. The male suspect was shot and taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Both suspects were placed under arrest. Police released few details about them Monday night.

MSP didn't yet know Monday night why the suspect would have engaged in a gun battle with Butterfield.

Butterfield, who was in his 40s, loved his pets and was affectionately known as "Butter-Bean," 24 Hour News 8 learned. He "absolutely loved being a state trooper," one friend said.

McIntyre said this is a very trying time for everyone, especially the law enforcement community.

"I ask that you keep the trooper and his family in your prayers," McIntyre said.

“Tonight we lost a hero,” Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP, said in a statement. “The entire MSP family, as well as our greater law enforcement family, mourns alongside the Butterfields. Trooper Butterfield’s sacrifice will never be forgotten; may he rest in peace.”

Moving Toward a National Blue Alert System | At the Ready Magazine - A Magazine for First Responders

Back in May 2008, the state of Florida implemented an “Officer Down” alert system, and in August of that same year Texas implemented a “Blue Alert.” Similar to the “Amber Alert,” and following the same protocols, the programs in these states expedited information and asked for help in locating suspects who had either killed or gravely injured Law Enforcement Officers, and who were still on the run.

Since then, 17 states have implemented the program, with Connecticut coming online October 1st. There have been two attempts to make this a national alert program.

   Two years ago, the House of Representatives introduced a bill to make the Blue Alert System a national program. The bill, H.R. 365, was introduced in January of 2011 and passed in May 2012, but the Senate Bill, S. 657, never went to the floor for a vote. Tom Berry, founder of the National Blue Alert, is hopeful that this year the results will be different. <more>

Draper police officer killed, two others injured in Sunday morning shooting | Deseret News

UPDATE: 6:30pm 9/1/13, The shooting that killed a Draper police officer early Sunday was caused by one or both of the civilians who are hospitalized with critical injuries, police said.

Sgt. Derek Johnson  EOW 9/1/2013

Investigators do not believe any additional suspects were involved in the gunfire that killed Sgt. Derek Johnson, Draper City Police Chief Bryan Roberts said at a news conference Sunday afternoon.

DRAPER — A Draper police officer was shot and killed Sunday morning and two others injured in a shooting that remained under investigation.

Sgt. Derek Johnson of the Draper Police Department responded to a call about 6 a.m. and was shot during an encounter. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries, the Draper Police Department confirmed Sunday morning.

A man and woman were also injured in the encounter, but few details about what occurred in Draper were released.

Police said there are no suspects at large; there is no manhunt underway as a part of the investigation.

Kris Szelag, who lives on South Fort Street said she was awakened around 5:30 a.m. by a gunshot. A registered nurse, Szelag rushed outside to see if she could help. She saw an officer being pulled out of his car and emergency personnel begin CPR. One of her neighbors told her that he awoke to a SWAT team surrounding his barn.

"Adrenaline was pretty high," she said.

Medical personnel continued CPR for at least a half hour, she said, until a medical helicopter transported the officer to a hospital.

During the hunt officers carried assault weapons through the streets, she said.

Draper City Council member William Rappleye, who lives on Willow Springs Lane, said he was on the outer rim of a perimeter that police has set up. According to what he saw throughout the morning, police set up an inner perimeter as well, where they conducted a more active search.

"I'm really sad. Our police officers are some great people," Rappleye said.

Police established a police perimeter running from 300 East to 1300 East and Pioneer Street (12400 South) to 13800 South, blocking traffic and entry into the area. The outer barricade was lifted about 10:30 a.m., allowing some traffic to resume.

Police began searching the area with a canine team from Orem and a Department of Public Safety helicopter. Units from Utah Highway Patrol, South Jordan, Sandy, Midvale and the Orem team were assisting in the search.

A Department of Public Safety helicopter was circling the area assisting in the search.

Email: wevans@deseretnews.com

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