Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 4012 AMERICAN POLICE BEAT: JULY 2016 Spreading the word to the new guys about importance of Concerns of Police Survivors is crucial. The latest group to edu- cate recruits about the invaluable role COPS plays for law enforcement occured last month in Contra Costa County in California. Michael Stolzman and Susan Moody were invited by Contra Costa County Sgt. Ryan Sullivan to come out to the Contra Costa County LE Training Center to talk about C.O.P.S. to the 180th Basic Academy. Susan did an amazing job not only sharing her story but speaking of the importance of C.O.P.S to a class of 56 basic recruits. At the conclusion of Susan’s presentation the class leaders pulled the two of us up to the front of the classroom and presented us a check for $4,000 that was raised by their fundraising efforts. Michael and Susan have been invited to come back to speak with future academy classes. A check will always be welcome but to be able to continue to grow the awareness is priceless. For more information, contact Michael Stolzman at mfstolz@sbcglobal.net. Survivors group engages young guys Officers deserve more respect, support by Asa Hutchinson R ecently in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Angela Andrews sent in- vitations to a birthday party for her son, Toxey. The Mom invited twenty- one of Toxey’s friends to celebrate over a bonfire, hot dogs, cake and ice cream. This was a big day. Toxey was turning ten years old. On the day of the party, however, Toxey was crest- fallen when none of his friends arrived. According to his mother, the ten-year- old was overwhelmed and disappointed. He said, “I just wanted people to come.” Two days later, Toxey found that he had friends he had yet to even meet who were eager to celebrate his birthday. After learning of the unat- tended party through Face- book, five Arkansas State Troopers exhibited extraor- dinary initiative and compas- sion by throwing Toxey his very own birthday celebra- tion. With the permission of Toxey’s mother, five state troopers – Corporal David Forthman and Troopers Kyle Sheldon, Tim Callison, Brandon Cook and Terry Sawyer, surprised To x e y a t h i s home, bringing along presents, a birthday cake, and even a K-9 named Rhino. Together, the troopers ate cake, played basketball, and taught the ten-year-old how to acti- vate the lights and sirens in the troopers’ vehicles. Having experienced one of his best birthdays yet, Toxey said that he was so happy, he cried. He hopes that one day, he too will become an Arkansas State Trooper. The efforts of these five troopers to care for a mem- ber of the community when they had no official obliga- tion to do so exhibit leader- ship, caring and policing at its finest. The story of Toxey’s birth- day surprise has traveled all over the world, eliciting responses from people in Taiwan, France, Malaysia, Germany, Hong Kong, Po- land and Tanzania, as well as hundreds of responses from across the United States. One man from Sweden sent a letter to the Arkansas State Police Department say- ing, “I will definitely make a stop in Arkansas next time I am back in the USA — seems to be a nice and friendly state.” Recently, our state joined in observing National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day, recognizing thosewhoworktoprotectour citizens and commemorating the service and sacrifice of over 20,000 United States law en- forcement offi- cers who have been killed in the line of duty. Of these, 283 w e r e k i l l e d while serving in Arkansas. Whether police officers, state troopers, or correctional of- ficers, these brave men and women help keep us safe and they daily put themselves in harms way. Many times, their work goes unrecognized and un- derappreciated. Now, more than ever be- fore, it is the call of law en- forcement to not only protect their community but to go beyond what is required and show kindness in many different ways to the com- munity they serve. I am proud that Arkansas law enforcement officers demonstrate that leadership, respect and initiative every day, even to the point of celebrating the birthday of a ten-year-old boy from Hot Springs Village. Our officers do so much I am proud that Arkansas law enforcement officers demonstrate that leadership, respect and initiative every day, even to the point of celebrating the birthday of a ten-year-old boy from Hot Springs Village. more than their normal re- sponsibilities, and they dem- onstrate to the world what Arkansans are like. As governor, I thank those who work to preserve public safety and protect our citi- zens. I appreciate your ser- vice and your commitment to our communities and to our state. Because of your hard work and dedication, the world is able to see that superheroes do exist — right in the state of Arkansas. Asa Hutchinson is the gover- nor of Arkansas. Toxey celebrates his birthday with his new best buds from the Arkansas State Police.