Trooper Chris White, of Troop F, will tell you quickly that his determination to be better and do more are the driving forces behind his bodybuilding efforts. He’s shown here getting ready for an upcoming competition, and we think he’s gonna take all the awards! Being a State Trooper and bodybuilding have several things in common. First, they both take dedication to do the best that you can do. They both require you to have a will to push yourself to do more than you thought possible. The other commonality they share is the desire to be the best that you can be. We’re proud of Chris and wish him great success in his upcoming competition! Chris, your determination got you through a tough Trooper School, and now that same determination has led you to competing in bodybuilding. We’re supporting you all the way!

How I sometimes wonder, how brave he must be,
He lays his life on the line to protect you and me.

I wish sometimes I could just understand,
Why people don’t reach out more, or lend a hand.

I could never imagine to face what he does everyday,
A child abused and crying to not be taken away.

A drug dealer on the streets again,
Knowing he sold drugs to his friend.

A drunk hits the side of another car while running a light,
The drunk was fine, but that family saw their last night.

There’s a shoot out, his partner and friend is down, after many years,
He just says, “You’ll be OK!” Knowing he sees the truth in his tears.

Then his day finally comes to an end,
And he goes home to family and friends.

How was your day, they always want to know,
He just always smiles, and says same ole, same ole.

He knows they really care and want to know,
But, it’s not a place many people could go.

He knows the job has to be done,
He fights the fight that must be won.

He takes pride in what he chose to do,
To serve and protect me and you.

So, next time you get mad or feel he earns his pay,
Ask yourself, “Could I be as brave as him for a day?”

Author Unknown

That’s right!  In just a few short weeks, our Mississippi State Troopers Association annual convention is gonna be in full swing.  Here’s our Mardi Gras themed convention schedule.  On Thursday, June 14, MSTA officers and board members will check into the Marriott Courtyard in Gulfport.  Our board dinner will be at 6:30 pm and Trapanni’s in Bay St. Louis. On Friday, June 15, there will be a complimentary breakfast and all day water park access.  You’ll have to get your tickets at the MSTA store for Gulf Island Water Park after you check in. At 11:00 am that day, golf registration and a few practice swings at the driving range.  We’ll have a 1:00 pm shot gun start, so don’t be late!  Golf will be at the Preserve Golf Club in Vancleave. Hotel check in time will be at 3:00 pm. We’ll have a 6:00 pm MSTA membership meeting that will be open to all MSTA members. Then at 7:00 pm, MARDI GRAS, Trooper style, begins!  Boss Hog is cooking again this year and we’ll have lots and lots of surprises around the pool for you. On Saturday, June 16, another complimentary breakfast and water park passes. MSTA registration and store hours are from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm.  Horseshoe and volley ball tournaments begin at 9:00 am, and you might want to practice up before you come here to compete! From 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, we’ll have free snow cones for y’all.  And then at 7:00 pm, the MSTA dinner and banquet. We can’t wait for you to hear our very special entertainment that’s lined up for everybody!  Finally, on Sunday, June 17, check out is at noon.  See you at convention for the Krewe De Les Troopers and Laissez les bons temps rouler! 

Please join us to help raise money for retired Trooper Buddy Blackwell!  As most of you know, he is recovering from brain cancer surgery and radiation treatment.  Buddy has been there for most all of us at one time or another when we needed help, let’s be there for Buddy!

Ken Magee has been a Hinds County deputy sheriff for years.  Just this past January, newly elected Hinds County Sheriff Tyrone Lewis appointed Magee the deputy chief for enforcement.  Now just a few months later, former Hinds County deputy Ken Magee has a new role.  He is the assistant administrator for the Department of Public Safety.  Colonel Donnell Berry says that additional information about Magee will be forthcoming.  On behalf of the MSTA Board of Directors and Mississippi Troopers, welcome to Ken Magee.  Congratulations on your new post, and we look forward to working with you!

As most of you know, recently retired Mississippi State Trooper Buddy Blackwell was diagnosed with brain cancer. He has undergone surgery and radiation, and is doing very well. Buddy taught so many troopers the fundamentals of effective driving techniques and put together a Charger School. Believe me, if anybody could teach you to get everything you can out a vehicle, it was Buddy. He could give you a ride around the skid pad that would shame anything at Disney! After riding with him on several occasions at the skid pad, it took about three weeks for my knuckles to unclench. Join us for a fundraiser to help raise money for Buddy to help with his medical expenses. As the flyer says, “He’s put his life on the line for us… over the years to keep us safe, now it’s our turn to help, Buddy!” The Buddy Blackwell Fundraiser is May 5th in Meadville, Mississippi from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. – mark your calendar!  His tenacity and humor helped pull many of us through tough times, let’s be there for Buddy now.  Contact phone numbers are on the flyer.  There’s also a registration form that you can download here.  Ret. Trooper Buddy Blackwell Fun Day Registration Form

CONGRATULATIONS! Troopers Jason Terrell and Bubba Holifield take 5th place in the 2012 North American Sniper Competition. We’re proud of y’all, and keep up the good work SWAT guys! More on the SWAT team in the upcoming Trooper Magazine – they’ll be our feature!

First father-son Mississippi Troopers on the highway patrol. The father is Bernard H. “Hack” Brewer, and he was in Trooper School 5 from June 13, 1948-August 2, 1948. He retired in 1979, and died May 30, 2003; RIP. The son is Franklin Dwain “Frank” Brewer who attended Trooper School 23 from March 17, 1968-May 24, 1968. He retired in 1986. We are PROUD of the Troopers that have gone before us as they set a high standard of conduct honoring our motto: Courtesy, Service and Safety. THANK YOU former Troopers for paving the way.

The annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day has been set.  Join all sworn law enforcement officers and retired law enforcement officers on Thursday, April 19. MSTA members please call Roger Blackmon for further details.  This is the annual event sponsored by the late Pat Taylor at his ranch in Foxworth.  Hope to see you there!

The MHP Honor Guard has the distinction of presenting the colors at ceremonial events and performing duties at the funerals of fallen Troopers. The leader of the Honor Guard is none other than Criss Turnipseed. In these photos, he was getting ready for an Honor Guard detail when a small child was approaching and asking him for an autograph. Bashful Turnipseed seems to shy away from the camera too. If you’ve never seen the MHP Honor Guard in action, then you’ve missed a great treat. Their synchronization and attention to meticulous details is unparalleled. Watch them coming up at the Trooper Memorial ceremony in a few months.