Traffic Stop Uncovers Major Credit Card & Fraudulent ID Scam Before Start of Holiday Season

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
Monique Bond
November 28, 2011 312 814-8367

www.isp.state.il.us
TDD:
1-800-255-3323


ISP TRAFFIC STOP UNCOVERS MAJOR CREDIT CARD AND FRAUDULENT ID SCAM BEFORE
START OF HOLIDAY SEASON

Fraudulent ID Cards, Credit Cards, Cash, Gift Cards Confiscated

SPRINGFIELD, IL – An Illinois State Police (ISP) District 9 Trooper foiled
a fraudulent credit card and identification operation during a routine
traffic stop. The District 9 Trooper stopped a rented gray Dodge Caravan
for no front license plate and improper lane usage in the passing lane on
I-55 near Springfield. A check of the driver's license revealed the female
driver, Michelle Ayala, 37, had two felony warrants for deceptive
practices. Two passengers were also identified as Philip Bush, 5,1 and
Felicia Mullon, 38.

The Trooper discovered a significant amount of fraudulent credit, debit,
and gift cards inside the vehicle from reputable retail establishments.
Blank driver's licenses and identification cards from multiple states were
also found with machines used to produce fraudulent identification cards,
holograms, driver's licenses, and credit cards. A search also revealed
approximately $12,362 USC on the driver and two passengers.

"The holiday season is big business for criminals, counterfeiters, and
identity thieves who are busy plying their trade with scams and fraudulent
activity across state lines," said ISP Director Hiram Grau. "This traffic
stop prevented a ring of counterfeiters from exploiting and compromising
the identity and personal information from hundreds of potential victims,"
he stressed.

Ayala, Bush, and Mullon were arrested and charged with possession of
altering credit cards (Class 3 felony), possession of stolen goods (Class 4
felony), possession of fraudulent credit cards (Class 3 felony), and
possession of a machine to make counterfeit credit cards (Class 3 felony).
Illinois State Police Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service were
contacted for further investigation.

All three suspects refused to cooperate and were subsequently turned over
to the custody of the Sangamon County Jail without bond. A court date is
pending


###



One Driving Fatality is One Too Many and Illinois State Police are
Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities to a Reality



(See attached file: MULLON_1.JPG) (See attached file: AYALA_1.JPG)(See
attached file: BUSH_1.JPG)

Media Release - November OREP Results

(See attached file: FY12 OREP Post News 11 28.pdf)

M/Sgt. William White #3962
Illinois State Police
District 11 Collinsville
Office (618) 346-3627
Cell (618) 401-7044

Illinois State Police - Press Release

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Date:  November 22, 2011	Trooper Mike Link
Time:  3:51 p.m.	618.346.3524 - Office
	618.973.3050 - Cell
	mike.link@isp.state.il.us

Illinois State Police Seize Cannabis and Cash

Two Separate Traffic Stops Lead to Seizures of 118 pounds of Cannabis and $21,604 Cash.

MADISON COUNTY, IL – Illinois State Police, District 11, announced results from two recent traffic stops that led to the seizure of 118 pounds of cannabis and over $20,000.  District 11 Troopers stopped a red Chevrolet SUV on November 19, 2011 on I-55/70 near Collinsville, IL and located 118 pounds of cannabis.  Two days later, a black Dodge minivan was stopped on I-55/70 near Maryville, IL and $21,604 cash was discovered.

On November 19, an ISP Trooper stopped the red Chevrolet SUV for improper lane usage and obstructed view.  Further investigation led to the Trooper suspecting possible criminal activity.  As a precaution, an ISP K-9 was alerted and arrived on scene.  The K-9 positively alerted to the presence of an illegal substance, and upon further investigation, eight duffle bags containing 118 pounds of cannabis was located inside the Chevrolet.  Arrested for cannabis trafficking was Richard L. Nolan, 66 of Avon, Indiana.
 
Separately, on November 21, an ISP Trooper stopped the black Dodge minivan for following too closely.  Further investigation led to the Trooper suspecting possible criminal activity.  An ISP K-9 was on scene and conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle.  The ISP K-9 positively alerted to the presence of an illegal substance, and upon further investigation, several small bundles of cash were found throughout the vehicle.  Seized from the vehicle was $21,604 cash.

“Over the past few months District 11 Troopers have seized a significant amount of cannabis from drug traffickers,” stated District 11 Commander, Captain Brad Parsons.  “I’m extremely proud of the work these Troopers are doing to keep illegal drugs off the streets,” he continued.

Nolan is being held on $100,000 bond at Madison County Jail.  The driver of the Dodge minivan was released and the investigation is ongoing.

THE PUBLIC IS REMINDED THAT ALL ARRESTED PERSONS ARE MERELY ACCUSED OF THE CHARGES AGAINST
THEM AND ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW



# # #
One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities a Reality

Illinois State Police - Press Release

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Date:  November 22, 2011	Trooper Mike Link
Time:  7:27 a.m.	618.346.3524 - Office
	618.973.3050 - Cell
	mike.link@isp.state.il.us

Illinois State Police to Conduct Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols

COLLINSVILLE, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 11 Commander, Captain B. Parsons announced that District 11 Troopers will conduct Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) in Madison County during the month of December.
OREP allows the ISP to target an area with saturation patrols that focus on traffic violations and related compliance with safety belt and child safety seat laws.  Safety belt enforcement zones will also be set up to ensure the driver and passengers are buckled up.  Beginning January 1, 2012, Illinois law will require all vehicle passengers (front and back) to be buckled up!
Safety belts are one of the most effective safety devices in vehicles today, estimated to save over 16,000 lives each year.  Over half of vehicle occupants killed in a traffic crash were not properly buckled up.  The objective of this program is to increase compliance of occupant restraint laws through education, child seat inspections, and enforcement.  Greater awareness, acceptance, and use of occupant protection equipment will save many lives.  This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

# # #


One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities a Reality

www.isp.state.il.us  /  TDD: 1-800-255-3323        

Illinois State Police - Press Release

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Date:  November 22, 2011	Trooper Mike Link
Time:  7:23 a.m.	618.346.3524 - Office
	618.973.3050 - Cell
	mike.link@isp.state.il.us

Illinois State Police to Conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement Patrols

COLLINSVILLE, IL – Captain B. Parsons, District 11 Commander, announced today that the Illinois State Police (ISP) will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Madison County during the month of December.  The ACE patrols allow the ISP to target an area with saturation patrols that focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol and other drugs.  
Across the country, an average of one alcohol-related traffic death occurs every 48 minutes.   Alcohol and drug impairment remain significant factors in over 40 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois.  Each year in Illinois, hundreds of lives are lost in alcohol-related crashes.  Don’t risk losing your license, your car, and your freedom.  If you drive impaired, law enforcement will arrest you.  This project is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

# # #

One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities a Reality

www.isp.state.il.us  /  TDD: 1-800-255-3323        

Thanksgiving Media Release

Sandy Voytas
Illinois State Police, District 11
1100 Eastport Plaza
Collinsville, IL  62234
Phone: 618-346-3613
Fax: 618-346-3525

Illinois State Police - Press Release

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Date:  November 17, 2011	Trooper Mike Link
Time:  10:25 a.m.	618.346.3524 - Office
	618.973.3050 - Cell
	mike.link@isp.state.il.us

Illinois State Police Announce Possible Travel Delays Due to Upcoming Protest

Law Enforcement Officials Urge Motorists and Protestors to Take Necessary Safety Precautions and Plan Alternate Routes

COLLINSVILLE, IL – Illinois State Police, District 11, is urging the motoring public to be watchful while commuting between the Metro East and St. Louis as plans for a protest are scheduled to take place Thursday (November 17) afternoon.

Protestors are expected to express their First Amendment Rights and the protest could carry over onto the Martin Luther King (MLK) Bridge.  “We respect those wishing to express their First Amendment Rights, but it should be done without compromising the safety of other citizens.  Our officers have a responsibility to protect the property and lives of everyone,” said Captain Brad Parsons

The Illinois State Police is responsible for the state’s roads and interstates and officers will maintain zero tolerance for any obstructions on the roadways, pedestrians on ramps, or any other distractions that impede or disrupt vehicular traffic and safe driving.

ISP law enforcement officials stressed that appropriate enforcement action will be taken and protestors can face fines and civil liability resulting in damage, accidents or injuries.

“It is our duty to ensure that public safety issues are addressed and that the safety and security of every citizen is not compromised,” he stressed.

# # #

One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities a Reality

Illinois State Police Seize Large Sum of Currency

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT
November 16, 2011 Trooper Mike Link
618.346.3524 – Office
618.973.3050 - Cell
mike.link@isp.state.il.us






Illinois State Police Seize Large Sum of Currency

Traffic stop leads to the discovery of $300,000 cash.

MADISON COUNTY, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 11 stopped a
purple Dodge Durango on November 12, at 9:48 a.m. on Interstate 70 heading
westbound near Highland, Illinois.

The Chevrolet was stopped for improper lane usage, and further
investigation led to the Trooper suspecting possible criminal activity.
The Trooper asked for, and was given, consent to search the vehicle.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 30 rectangular bundles sealed
with electric tape. The bundles contained cash and were hidden inside two
boxes of new home audio equipment. The 30 bundles of U.S. currency were
later determined to contain a total of $300,000 cash.

"I don't know of anyone who has a legitimate reason for carrying around
$300,000 cash," said District 11 Commander, Captain Brad Parsons. "And if
you do have a legitimate reason for it, you're not going to say that the
money isn't yours and deny you knew it was in the vehicle with you," he
continued.

The driver of the vehicle signed a disclaimer form which disavowed any
knowledge of the money. The money was seized and the driver was questioned
and released.

"The Illinois State Police acknowledges the on-going law enforcement
partnership with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern
Illinois and the Drug Enforcement Administration in this investigation,"
said Captain Parsons.

The investigation is ongoing.


# # #

One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is
Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities a Reality

www.isp.state.il.us / TDD: 1-800-255-3323


(See attached file: CurrencySeizure111211.docx)(See attached file:
111211Cash.jpg)(See attached file: 111211BundleCash2.jpg)(See attached
file: 111211BundleCash1.jpg)

Illinois State Police - Press Release

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Date:  November 16, 2011	Trooper Mike Link
Time:  11:20 a.m.	618.346.3524 - Office
	618.973.3050 - Cell
	mike.link@isp.state.il.us

Illinois State Police Seize Large Sum of Currency

Traffic stop leads to the discovery of $300,000 cash.

MADISON COUNTY, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 11 stopped a purple Dodge Durango on November 12, 2011 at 9:48 a.m. on Interstate 70 heading westbound near Highland, Illinois.  

The Chevrolet was stopped for improper lane usage and further investigation led to the Trooper suspecting possible criminal activity.  The Trooper asked for, and was given, consent to search the vehicle.  

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 30 rectangular bundles sealed with electric tape.  The bundles contained cash and were hidden inside two boxes of new home audio equipment.  The 30 bundles of U.S. currency were later determined to contain a total of $300,000 cash.  

“I don’t know of anyone who has a legitimate reason for carrying around $300,000 cash,” said District 11 Commander, Captain Brad Parsons.  “And if you do have a legitimate reason for it, you’re not going to say that the money isn’t yours and deny you knew it was in the vehicle with you,” he continued.

The driver of the vehicle signed a disclaimer form which disavowed any knowledge of the money.  The money was seized and the driver was questioned and released.  

“The Illinois State Police acknowledges the on-going law enforcement partnership with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois and the Drug Enforcement Administration in this investigation,” said Captain Parsons.

The investigation is ongoing.

 

# # #

One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities a Reality

www.isp.state.il.us  /  TDD: 1-800-255-3323        

Illinois State Police - Press Release

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Date:  November 16, 2011	Trooper Mike Link
Time:  8:19 a.m.	618.346.3524 - Office
	618.973.3050 - Cell
	mike.link@isp.state.il.us

Illinois State Police Advises Drivers to Prepare for Inclement Weather During the Winter Months

       
COLLINSVILLE, IL – As the winter driving season approaches, the Illinois State Police is advising motorists to take the necessary precautions before getting behind the wheel.  Vehicle safety is equally important to driving safely while on the roadways during inclement weather.
Extreme weather can have a devastating impact on driving conditions, especially when ice and snow are involved.  Freezing rain, icy roads and white-out snow conditions can result in road hazardous for drivers of all ages. Illinois State Police officials urge motorists to drive with caution, and to allow extra travel time to get to final destinations.
"Every year the Metro-East faces weather conditions that have a significant impact on transportation and safety.  Whether it’s a semi-truck or a motor vehicle, every safety precaution should be taken to ensure that crashes are avoided and roads are safe,” said District 11 Commander Brad Parsons. "Reducing your speed, allowing for extra travel time, increasing following distances between vehicles, and avoiding unnecessary lane changes are just a few simple precautions drivers can take to make commutes safer,” he added.
Commander Parsons also stressed that when crashes occur during extreme winter weather conditions, unless medical attention is required, the exchanging of insurance and driver information are advised to keep motorists safe and the roads clear.  Motorists can file crash reports at the nearest State Police District within seven business days from when the crash occurred.
        Listed below are a few safety tips drivers should keep in mind during the winter months:

• Plan ahead and check the forecast - Determine if the trip is necessary during inclement weather.
• Don’t crowd the plow – remember, a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.
• Watch out for black ice – roads that appear clear may be treacherous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas – all are prone to black ice.
• Always keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent the vehicle’s fuel line from freezing.
• Dress warmly for the weather—dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in anticipation of unexpected winter weather emergencies.
• Make sure someone is aware of your travel route.
• Always carry an emergency car care kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first aid kit.
• Always carry a cell phone and charger.
• Always wear a safety belt.  

Motorists can check on interstate road conditions by contacting IDOT at 1-800-452-IDOT (4368) or on the Internet at: www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

# # #

One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities to a Reality
www.isp.state.il.us  /  TDD: 1-800-255-3323        

Illinois State Police - Press Release

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Date:  November 15, 2011	Trooper Mike Link
Time:  2:38 p.m.	618.346.3524 - Office
	618.973.3050 - Cell
	mike.link@isp.state.il.us

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ANNOUNCES UPCOMING ROADSIDE SAFETY CHECKS.

       
COLLINSVILLE, IL – Captain B. Parsons, District 11 Commander, announced today that the Illinois State Police may conduct Roadside Safety Checks (R.S.C) in the Metro-East area, St. Clair, Madison, Monroe, Bond, and Clinton counties, during the month of December.  
A roadside safety check is an effective tool for generating voluntary compliance by the motoring public.  The potential to come across these checks encourages motorists to arrange designated drivers, keep their consumption of alcohol within the allowable limits, or not drive a motor vehicle after drinking.  Safety checks are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road.
Across the country, an average of one alcohol-related traffic death occurs every 45 minutes.   Alcohol and drug impairment are significant factors in over 40 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois.  Each year in Illinois, hundreds of lives are lost in alcohol-related crashes.  Don’t risk losing your license, your car, and your freedom.  If you drive impaired, law enforcement will arrest you.  
Officers working the R.S.C. will also be watchful for drivers who are operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages.
This Roadside Safety Check is funded through a grant from the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  The grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

# # #
One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities to a Reality
www.isp.state.il.us  /  TDD: 1-800-255-3323        

News release

For immediate release.

(See attached file: 100 Club Valor Award.doc)

Bridget DePriest
Illinois State Police
Public Information
801 South Seventh Street, Suite 1001-A
PO Box 19461
Springfield, IL 62794-9461
217/557-3753
Fax: 217/524-0222

ISP District 11 Crash Release- Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash 11-11-03069

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director

Date: 11/12/11
Time: 9:55 p.m.
Location: Illinois Route 159 - .5 mile south of LL Road
County: Monroe
Crash Number: 11-11-03069

Unit 1
Vehicle Description: 1997 Lincoln Town Car
Driver Name: Helen L. Stellhorn
Gender: Female
Age: 83
City/State of Residence : Red Bud, IL.
Seatbelt use: Unknown
Injuries: Critical
Taken To: Barnes Hospital- via ARCH Helicopter

Passenger 1
Unit #: 1
Name: Paul A. Ehlers
Gender: Male
Age: 82
City/State of Residence: Red Bud, IL.
Seatbelt use: Yes
Injuries: FATAL
Taken To: Red Bud Regional Hospital

Narrative:

Unit 1 was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 159, .5 miles south of LL
Road. Driver of Unit #1 lost control for an unknown reason, and left the
roadway to the left (East). Unit #1struck and embankment and went
airborne. Unit #1 came to rest on its wheels next to a branch of Black
Creek. The driver of Unit #1, Helen L. Stellhorn, was flown to Barnes
Hospital via ARCH Helicopter, and is in critical condition. The front seat
passenger inside Unit 1, Paul A. Ehlers, was pronounced deceased at the
scene at 10:27 p.m. by Monroe County Coroner Howard Cowell.

* The public is reminded that criminal defendants are presumed innocent
until the government is able to prove its charges in court beyond a
reasonable doubt.

###

Illinois State Police - Press Release

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Date:  November 11, 2011	Trooper Mike Link
Time:  1:51 p.m.	618.346.3524 - Office
	618.973.3050 - Cell
	mike.link@isp.state.il.us

Illinois State Police Seize Drugs Worth Almost $360,000

Traffic stop for speeding leads to the discovery of 72 pounds of cannabis.

MADISON COUNTY, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 11 stopped a white 2012 Chevrolet Malibu on November 10, 2011 at 8:56 a.m. on Interstate 70 heading eastbound near Highland, Illinois.  

An ISP Trooper stopped the Chevrolet for speeding and during the conversation with the driver the Trooper observed suspicious behavior.  As a precaution, an ISP K-9 was called and arrived on scene.  The K-9 positively alerted to the presence of an illegal substance and upon further investigation, three black duffle bags containing 72 pounds of cannabis were located in the trunk of the car.  The estimated value of the cannabis is $359,000.

The driver, 27 year old Thomas Arthur Debakker Jr., of Aptos, California was arrested for cannabis trafficking and is currently being held at Madison County jail on $200,000 bond.  

“This is the third time in three months that a Trooper has made a significant drug arrest due to a simple traffic violation,” said Captain Brad Parsons.  “These three traffic stops alone have led to the seizure of 815 pounds of cannabis worth almost four million dollars,” he continued.

On August 29 and again on September 24 ISP Troopers stopped vehicles for traffic violations and discovered a total of 743 pounds of cannabis worth $3.4 million.  

# # #

One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities a Reality

www.isp.state.il.us  /  TDD: 1-800-255-3323        

Fw: K-2 Spice release

For immediate release.

(See attached file: K2 Spice Release.doc)

Illinois State Police - Press Release

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Date:  November 9, 2011	Trooper Mike Link
Time:  11:54 a.m.	618.346.3524 - Office
	618.973.3050 - Cell
	mike.link@isp.state.il.us

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE TO CONDUCT OCCUPANT RESTRAINT ENFORCEMENT PATROLS
 

COLLINSVILLE, IL - Illinois State Police (ISP) District 11 Commander, Captain B. Parsons, announced that District 11 Troopers will conduct Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) in Madison and St. Clair counties during the month of November.

OREP allows the ISP to target an area with saturation patrols that focus on traffic violations and related compliance with safety belt and child safety seat laws.  Safety belt enforcement zones will also be set up to ensure the driver and passengers are buckled up.  Beginning January 1, 2012, Illinois law will require all vehicle passengers (front and back) to be buckled up!  

Safety belts are one of the most effective safety devices in vehicles today, estimated to save over 16,000 lives each year.  Over half of vehicle occupants killed in a traffic crash were not properly buckled up.  The objective of this program is to increase compliance of occupant restraint laws through education, child seat inspections, and enforcement.  Greater awareness, acceptance, and use of occupant protection equipment will save many lives.  This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.  

# # #

One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities to a Reality

www.isp.state.il.us  /  TDD: 1-800-255-3323        

Illinois State Police - Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Date:  November 9, 2011	Trooper Mike Link
Time:  11:37 a.m.	618.346.3524 - Office
	618.973.3050 - Cell
	mike.link@isp.state.il.us

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ANNOUNCE SPECIAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

COLLINSVILLE, IL – Illinois State Police District 11 Commander, Captain B. Parsons, announced today that officers will conduct special Traffic Enforcement Patrols (sTEP) in Madison and St. Clair counties for the month of November.

District 11 Troopers will concentrate on speeding, failure to use occupant restraints, and other driving offenses as part of their enforcement efforts.  The sTEP program involves a combination of increased enforcement and public information designed to raise public awareness and compliance to all traffic laws.  Speeding is a contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes nationwide.  In Illinois, speed-related crashes account for 37 percent of all traffic fatalities.  

Safety Belt Enforcement Zones may also be used during the sTEP program.  Troopers will enforce the primary safety belt law to ensure drivers and all of their passengers are buckled up.  Every hour someone dies in America simply because they are not wearing their safety belt.  Statistics show that half of all people killed in traffic crashes are not properly buckled up.  You can save your life by driving safely and simply buckling up.  This project is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

# # #

One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities to a Reality

www.isp.state.il.us  /  TDD: 1-800-255-3323

Illinois State Police Chaplain Honored at Sunday Mass

(Embedded image moved to file: pic09649.jpg)



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: ISP
Communications Office
November 7, 2011
217-782-6637

www.isp.state.il.us

TDD: 1-800-255-3323

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE CHAPLAIN HONORED AT SUNDAY MASS

Officers Attend Sunday Service & Show Support for Devoted Chaplain


Schaumburg, IL – Illinois State Police officers from various parts of the
Northern Region of Illinois attended Sunday service at Saint Marcelline's
Catholic Church in Schaumburg in honor of Reverend Harold Stanger. Father
Harold Stanger is a Catholic Priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago and has
been serving as an ISP Chaplain for over a decade.

"We all know him as 'Father Hal' and he has played an integral role in
bringing spiritual support to the men and women of the Illinois State
Police and their families through tragedy and despair," said Commander
Terry Lemming, Illinois State Police Region I Commander. "He is one of
many ISP Chaplains who have committed their lives to serving the community
and the Illinois State Police family with comfort, devotion, and guidance,"
he added.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers, families, friends, and ISP retirees
attended the mass in celebration of Father Hal to honor the well respected
and often sought-out Chaplain who also shares a great sense of humor for
law enforcement. "As you can see, we are joined by the Illinois State
Police for mass this morning, but I assure you they're not here for me;
perhaps they' re here for some of you," said Father Stanger as he began
the mass celebration. "All kidding aside, these men and women are all off
duty, so rest assured there are others patrolling the interstates and
keeping our roads safe today," he stressed.

Father Hal has provided guidance and leadership to many ISP officers during
extremely difficult times. His strength and positive reinforcement was
crucial during an incident which nearly took the life of an ISP Trooper
struck on the Dan Ryan expressway. His prayers have been invaluable to
Troopers diagnosed with life threatening illnesses, and his words have
consoled the families of Troopers who have experienced tragedies in their
own personal lives.

The Illinois State Police Chaplain Program is a volunteer program with a
statewide network of clergy of various faiths who volunteer their time and
talents to help the Department, its employees, and their families with
confidential, supportive, and religious needs. Volunteers are not
entitled to any type of compensation or other employment benefits.


(See attached file: group photo chaplain stanger.jpg)(See attached file:
commander lemming
chaplain stanger.jpg)
(See attached file: communion chplain stanger.jpg)(See attached file:
starlena wilson
chaplain stanger.jpg)

Illinois State Police - Press Release

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Date:  November 4, 2011	Trooper Mike Link
Time:  7:12 a.m.	618.346.3524 - Office
	618.973.3050 - Cell
	mike.link@isp.state.il.us

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE DISTRICT 11 ANNOUNCES MONTHLY ACTIVITY FOR OCTOBER

COLLINSVILLE, IL – Illinois State Police District 11 Commander, Captain B. Parsons, has announced District 11 enforcement figures and activity for October 2011.

Illinois State Police District 11 Troopers issued 1,849 citations, 844 written warnings, and made 110 criminal arrests during the month of October.  Speeding accounted for 675 citations and 340 citations were issued for occupant restraint violations.

Troopers investigated 290 traffic crashes, assisted 535 motorists, and conducted 374 commercial vehicle inspections, 66 of which were placed out-of-service.  There were 32 arrests made for driving under the influence and 94 other citations issued for alcohol related violations.

According to the National Safety Council the major contributing factors to motor-vehicle deaths in the United States are lack of occupant protection, alcohol, speeding, young drivers, distractions, and large trucks.  

In an effort to reduce fatalities, the Illinois State Police uses enforcement activities and educational programs to fight these major contributing factors.

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One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities a Reality