Comments

mike swearingen wrote on Jun 23, 2008 7:40 PM:

" This Trooper is a close friend of mine, and I can not think of a better more honest or upstanding man of integirty to have protecting the citizens of Alaska. For all of you critics I would challenge you to spend a week doing our job, and then tell us what you think. "




john wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:26 AM:

" Hey, this is the new century, we dont eat donuts, we eat bagels. "




Great point Not wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:41 AM:

" Dude Wrote = Moron "




Terry wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:36 AM:

" For all of those who are questioning whether or not the Trooper is guilty or not of some regulation pertaining to his driving, you can rest easy, the Troopers will do an investigation and come up with the true cause of the accident. It will not be covered up. "




Deep Thought wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:49 AM:

" What an in-depth, well thought out reply about driving with a doughnut in your hand was. Did this come to you after hours of thought and contemplation? How long did you have to wait at PCC to get computer privileges, or was the municipal library open? Was the computer you used stolen, or did you purchase it legally? Don’t worry about answering, these are rhetorical questions. I'm just happy you are able to read. Who say convicts can’t be rehabilitated, good for you. "




Dude wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:35 AM:

" Holding a donut while driving can be deadly! "




Bad Attitude wrote on Jun 15, 2008 8:17 PM:

" To Wondering:

WOW, with that attitude, I'm sure you were a model employee yourself. You probably got let go. Sounds like you still have some bent up hostility. Words of advise...LET IT GO. "




Wondering wrote on Jun 15, 2008 10:19 AM:

" Oh Please!!! To know before you speak.
I used to work for a cop shop and have seen TOO MANY cops being bad on and off duty, and every time a citizen notices and calls it in, theres a lieutenant covering and throwing a statute book around. DAMAGE CONTROL. A few bad apples at a cop shop, priesthood, legislature, power utility,
school, or whatever entity of authority can give the whole group a black eye.
The answer is to police yourselves but that isn't likely. I've seen how anybody having anything to do with internal security is ostracized. "




THESE SELFLESS FEW wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:27 AM:

" I THANK GOD FOR THESE SELFLESS PEOPLE!YOU ARE A COURAGOUS,RARE AND PRECIOUS SOUL WHO WOULD LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE FOR ANYONE,A STRANGER,GOOD OR BAD!WITH NO KNOWLEDGE MOST OF THE TIME OF WHAT THEY ARE WALKING INTO,THEY SERVE AND PROTECT TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITIES AND THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE!YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS WITH ALL WHO SERVE! YOU HAVE THE MANDATE OF HEAVEN! "




Know Before You Speak wrote on Jun 14, 2008 2:56 AM:

" (5.) Considering all the emergency responses that go on in this state and the valley in a years time, you would think that we would see more collisions with emergency vehicles. As far as I am concerned the Troopers/EMS/Fire are doing an excellent job! "




Know Before You Speak wrote on Jun 14, 2008 2:55 AM:

" (4.) Also the same laws and regulation that mandate you adhere to the rules of the road, is also the same law that gives trooper vehicles, and every other police vehicle the right to disregard those law. Also remember that anytime an emergency vehicle operation is started that it is, in and of itself, inherently dangerous. The chances that an accident will occur greatly enhances, even with the best of drivers. "




Know Before You Speak wrote on Jun 14, 2008 2:55 AM:

" (3.) So next time you see a police vehicle “breaking” the law. Remember first, you don’t really know why they are speeding past your home with no lights and siren activated, and are only assuming. What is the saying about people who assume? What happens if they are going to a burglary in progress, and have the lights and siren off so they don’t warn the bad guys of their impending approach. "




Know Before You Speak wrote on Jun 14, 2008 2:54 AM:

" (2.) Subsection (b) basically says that a vehicle being operated as a “police vehicle” may not have the visual signal activated. Notice that they only give this to “police vehicle”. Also pay special attention to 13 AAC 02.210, subsection (d) where it says that a siren “may” be used. It only says “shall” when it is to be used to “reasonably” warn other traffic. "




Know Before You Write wrote on Jun 14, 2008 2:53 AM:

" (1.) For all of you “know it alls” please pay special attention to 13 AAC 02.215 (AAC=Alaska Administrate Code) regarding emergency vehicle operations. Pay special attention to subsection (a) and (b). Subsection (a) basically says a driver operating a motor vehicle as an emergency vehicle may (there’s that may again) “disregard” a traffic statute, regulation, or ordinance when in the performance of their official business. FYI, for all those who don’t think so, a trooper responding to a call for service is considered “official business”. "




You Dont Know Shauna wrote on Jun 13, 2008 11:14 AM:

" Michelle,
I know this person, Shauna. She has had a history with being drunk in public, drug abuse, and violence. She has had her children taken away from her because of abuse. This person is a drain on law enforcement resources, I know that within the last 6 months she has had the troopers, wasilla police, and palmer police, and kenai police called on her at least 10 times. I am not her friend anymore because it is just too dangerous to be so, she is a scary person. Why isnt she arrested? "




Michelle W wrote on Jun 12, 2008 7:07 PM:

" I would like to start off by saying no were does it say Shanna was drunk.(under the influence of alcohol when officers arrived) does not mean she was falling down drunk walking in the road, Did anyone ever stop to think why she was walking..perhaps she may have had a couple of beers 2 hours prior to the accident..perhaps Shanna had already had trooper contact that evening and was told to leave from where she was.Who knows but Shanna, It is a shame the young trooper was hurt, and Im sure it scared the 17yo.. blame does not solve anything "




response to wing pilot wrote on Jun 12, 2008 1:48 PM:

" actually i know more about it then probably anyone here... well if of course one of you are the cop's actual friend or just in the general vicinity at the time... then you may know more about it than i do..
and like i said before accidents happen its something we can't really avoid. What's done is done, sure people are hurt and with that in mind no one INNOCENT was hurt the woman could have stayed home the police officer could have slowed down a tiny bit its terrible people were hurt but fantastic noone was killed "




response to unknown wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:06 AM:

" The fact the trooper was on his first along night rotation has nothing to do with safe driving techniques. If this was a high speed pursuit I could understand...problem is that it wasn't. His lack of judgement is what concerns me most here...if he can't drive a car, well, you see where I'm going. "




Wondering wrote on Jun 12, 2008 8:23 AM:

" To a comment to: I never wrote that kids were "playing in the road". I said there were a lot of kids who ride their bikes on this road. In the middle of the day when this squad car went flying by with no red lights or siren going, there were also men in the yard who saw this. Pittman Rd has a lot of bicycle traffic and they should feel save on its curves, too. Cops and their friends get very defensive when they are expected to follow the same rules as we are. "




Nostalgia wrote on Jun 12, 2008 7:20 AM:

" The curve on Trunk Rd where the Trooper went over had no less than three cars last year do the same thing. This should tell DOT that hey, maybe that curve is dangerous. Duh. On another note, its obvious the Trooper was unfamiliar with that curve. Maybe get a list of dangerous roads and brief our Troopers so they have a better idea of the road they are flying down. "




Wing pilot wrote on Jun 12, 2008 4:59 AM:

" For those of you who seem to revel in condemning the trooper for crashing, read the article again, which states that AST had not released details of the crash and that it was still under investigation. Until you know EXACTLY what happened, you have no room to even speculate! "




A comment to Unknown wrote on Jun 11, 2008 8:40 PM:

" I agree with you, the trooper was doing his duty, the drunk was not doing anything but causing trouble. The 17 year old was in a bad spo. It could have been a lot worse. Maybe everyone should get off of the tired old "it's the troops fault" and look at the real problem. What was 32 year old Shauna Hoover doing drunk in the middle of the hwy at 2 am? And why isnt she facing any charges for all this trouble she caused? "




unknown wrote on Jun 11, 2008 2:02 PM:

" listen. the police officer was on his first time being alone on night patrol, the kid walking on the highway was 30 something and drunk might i add and the police officer was trying to get her out of the road before anyone else could hit her or let her cause a SERIOUS car accident that could have caused death, but as it turned out he crashed trying NOT to cause an accident, and the woamn got hit buy the 17 year old who was in fact NOT drunk either... so who's really to blame? accidents happen "




john wrote on Jun 11, 2008 11:06 AM:

" When was the last time a walmart employee got suspended from work for being a car wreck, which is what is going to happen to this guy im sure. "




Christopher Fuller HoonahAK wrote on Jun 11, 2008 9:24 AM:

" I know this man. Alaska is fortunate to have him as a trooper. I am proud to call him my friend. He is the text book definition for integrity, character, dedication, and humbleness; a fine young gentleman. However, don't take my word on this. I would encourage you to meet this man and then try to write something negative about him. "




Valley wrote on Jun 11, 2008 9:22 AM:

" this is an example why implied immunity is not in the best concerns of the community, it raises to many doubts and suspicions, Right or wrong a accident happened and *#@# happens.
For those on kids and the roads, sure blame the parents however there is this thing called the speed limit it applies to all, even employees of the State and Borough when they are "not" repsonding to a call. However when responding they are still responsible for the safety of those around them "




Dear John wrote on Jun 11, 2008 9:02 AM:

" Yes the trooper has to take a chemical test after an event like this. Whether it be a shooting, or a vehicle collison/crash,etc. they are required to provide a test to verify that they weren't under the influence of any substances and yes his head would roll if he was. Please remember that the Frontiersman, ADN, KTUU any of them are not the comprehensive police report and just because they don't say that he was tested, doesn't mean it didn't happen. "




Dear Justice - wrote on Jun 11, 2008 9:00 AM:

" Nice insight - I had never thought of the fact that we as the public pay cops salaries and they should act accordingly. Did it ever occur to you that I pay YOUR salary - and you pay MINE. Whether you're an accountant, a bagger at a grocery store, a mechanic or a street paver, we ALL pay each others salaries! Try a new cliche' that one is a LITTLE bit tired out! Ironically, in AK you DON'T pay the trooper's salaries, so your statement is actually inaccurate and unfactual, do homework.It lends credibility. "




WTF wrote on Jun 11, 2008 7:48 AM:

" I agree with what someone stated earlier. Have the drunk idiot who was in the middle of the highway walking around like some moron and endangering everyone pay for the call out and the damages to the vehicle. If she wasnt out there then this would never have happened. Hold her accountable, why was she never arrested??? She must have known one of the trooper??? Nah, the state of AK just dosnt take this stuff serious, they let these problems grow, I give this bum a week and she'll be running around drunk on main street. "




To answer wrote on Jun 11, 2008 7:47 AM:

" John's question, a more complete report stated the officer declined pain medication until after taking a toxicology test. You can bet they will be investigating this thoroughly. He'll either be an exemplary officer from now on or he'll be gone shortly. "




Get over it wrote on Jun 11, 2008 2:00 AM:

" Drug and alcohol tests would be covered under policy of the AST, and isn’t mandated by Alaska law. The only time you are required under Alaska law to provide a blood/urine sample is when you cause serious injury, or death to ANOTHER person. If he had been drinking, I am sure that would have been big news. Wishful thinking on all you anti-law enforcement types. The damage is covered under insurance, and the officer/trooper is not liable. Again, you don’t pay state taxes. If think so, you need to take a civics class. "




Slow Poke wrote on Jun 11, 2008 12:35 AM:

" And whats up with everyone thinking they pay the Troopers salaries. You dont pay state taxes. Non the less the Police and Troopers are citizens of the community as well so that would mean they pay there own wages as well right? If you we do pay for our police we surely dont pay them nearly enough for what they have to endure "




Slow Poke wrote on Jun 11, 2008 12:33 AM:

" For those who think the Trooper should be sited should probably read the laws of the State of Alaska . Emergency responders are exempt from following traffic laws while in performance of thier official duties. I am more than positive that the Trooper wil be held accountable for crashing. How about a few of you sacrifice some of your time and join the force like this Trooper did and then you will see what its like. "




John wrote on Jun 11, 2008 12:14 AM:

" Was a drug/alcohol test administered to the trooper? Any private employee involved with a wreck in a company vehicle would be tested as a general course of action...I find it interesting there is no mention of of a test being administered. If the trooper is found to be guilty, he should be liable for any/all damanage as a result of the accident. "




Please wrote on Jun 10, 2008 11:25 PM:

" To Justice:

You don’t pay AST salary or any state agency for that matter. If you do, where does it come from? State taxes, you don’t pay state taxes (yet). Actually, the state gets their money through the sale of oil. How do you know he was reckless, where you there? He was responding to a call to help someone. If he was driving code, there are inherent risks with each “code” run you make. For someone who spouts common sense, you don’t have very much yourself. "




Justice wrote on Jun 10, 2008 8:06 PM:

" Reckless driving is reckless driving no matter who is behind the wheel.Luckily,the young trooper did not injure or kill innocent citizens or himself.He should be ticketed for his offense and be held financially responsible for the damage he caused.He should also take a defensive driving course before returning to patrol duty.Some would think this harsh but those entrusted to enforce the law should be held to the same standards of common sense and safety as the rest of us who pay their salaries. "




Proud wrote on Jun 10, 2008 6:27 PM:

" I for one am glad to have people who are willing to serve and protect all of us no matter who we are or what our history is. Law enforcement is obviously a dangerous job. I am proud of our Alaskan State Troopers and I will pray for this troopers recovery. May God continue to bless them all. "




One last thing... wrote on Jun 10, 2008 3:51 PM:

" People in the Valley would do VERY well to start criticizing ourselves when we watch our friends have ONE BEER with dinner and then drive. B/C one beer frequently ends up as two or three and we -collectively- sit by and say "as long as they think they are fine" -he's a good guy and would never hurt anyone. That's garbage and we would do much better to hold ourselves, our friends and neighbors accountable when we see them have a drink and head home. "




A comment to... wrote on Jun 10, 2008 3:49 PM:

" To continue an earlier thought - odds are - this Trooper probably needs to relax a little going to calls -it is a safety thing. Understand that cops can't catch a break - they respond slowly - people gripe about how long the cops take -they're "never around when ya need one" - if they get there quickly - they drive "at LEAST 50" (from an undoubtedly trained source) around blind corners endangering countless little Pittmanians. Too bad the focus on the person who drank and drove got lost here... one more thing... "




A comment to... wrote on Jun 10, 2008 3:45 PM:

" Dear Wondering... do you ever "wonder" why kids would play and ride bikes on a 90 corner on Trunk Road or any rd. in the first place? There may not be a worse place to ride a bike in the Valley-no shoulders no place for a child to play, nothing.I would think a reasonable citizen would be more concerned with why a kid was "in the way" in the middle of a street than why a cop was legally going over the speed limit (they are allowed -I'm not a cop) You ALWAYS notice the speeders? ok "




What wrote on Jun 10, 2008 2:11 PM:

" It was 2am in the morning, some drunk loser was on the highway. If there were kids on the the road at 2am in the morning then some parents have some answering to do. Regardless, these drunk losers like this person are what makes everyone in Alaska call us Valley trash. The Trooper was responding to what was a very dangerous situation. I think this person Mrs. Hoover should pay for the call out and damages to the vehicles. Why in the heck is this person not charged with something? Talk about pathetic. "




Jessica wrote on Jun 10, 2008 11:12 AM:

" Perhaps the troopers should look this idiot woman's arrest record up. If you check out Alaska Courtview you will see that this woman has been charged with a DUI in February and has canceled her arraignment twice. Seems she is a danger to drivers either behind the wheel or on foot. She needs to be held responsible for this matter. "




Wondering wrote on Jun 10, 2008 7:09 AM:

" How fast was that trooper going? I live on a 90 degree corner with a posted speed limit of 25 mph on Pittman
Rd and we had a squad car come flying around that corner doing at least 50mph yesterday in the middle of the day. No red lights or siren going either. There are a lot of kids around here on bikes so I always notice the speeders and that is a blind corner that has had many accidents on it over the years. Good thing there wasn't a kid in the way when he come flying around it. "