February 20th - Idaho State Police Day

Yesterday Idaho State Police celebrated 75 years of service with a ceremony at the State Capitol building.

I arrived ahead of the scheduled noon presentation so I could get some photos.  They had items on display such as photos, uniforms, police cars, and other police items.

I don’t make it down to our capitol building much but each time I visit I remember how beautiful it is!

The ceremony started with the color guard and the posting of the colors.  I never get tired of seeing this.

Coronal Powell spoke first providing a brief introduction.  Here is a quote from the media release.

"What started as a cavalry of men banded together to maintain peace in the mining and logging industries has evolved into a multifaceted, professional law enforcement agency responsible for not only general police investigative services and traffic patrol, but also, statewide criminal justice records management and forensic science services," stated Col. Ralph W. Powell, Director of the Idaho State Police.  "As we mark our 75th anniversary, it is a time for us to reflect on our rich history and traditions and remember the dedication and sacrifice of those who served before us." 

 

He then passed the microphone to Governor Otter.  The Governor gave his usual speech and then declared February 20, 2014 Idaho State Police Day.  Yeah!  We have our own day.

Coronel Powell took over again as Lt. Coronel Wills presented the Governor, Lt. Governor Little (pictured), and five retired ISP Coronels with commemorative star badges each with their ISP number on them.  Coronel Charbonneau passed away a few weeks ago and his son accepted the badge on his behalf.  I had the privilege of meeting Coronel Charbonneau, who was the acting coronel when I was hired at ISP eight years ago. 

There was a contest for local high school students to submit artwork for the 75^th Anniversary  High School Design Challenge.  Kuna High School student Hannah Schlangen won.  She was just so cute!  She was given a $100 Visa gift card and she rode to the ceremony in a patrol car.

It was a proud day for me to work for the Idaho State Police.

In other news...

Upstairs in the capitol building were protesters for “Add The Word.”  I was standing across from them on the second level during the ceremony so I snapped a photo.  Over the last few weeks several protesters have been blocking the Senate entrance.  It was a busy day at work two weeks ago when several of these protesters were charged with trespassing.  The protestors were not disruptive during the ceremony so I’m not sure who all knew of what was taking place upstairs.  Later in the day the news reported that some were arrested.