took an assignment in Helena. ….

took an assignment in Helena. And there was help in the form of one Murph Powers in brown Carhartt bibs coming to the rescue after the kids and I were locked out of both house and running car one winter morning. It was even funnier with Larry in uniform right below the ladder as we watched Murph crawl through our window and return with keys, saying, “I’m from Butte.”

I have attended several dinners at the academy with new recruits, allowing interaction with some of the current officers and their spouses. I love seeing the enthusiasm each new troop has for the profession they have chosen, taking just a short time to get to know them and learn about their prospective first assignments. I visited with two young female troopers who were nearing the end of their academy training, anxious to start field training. One was headed to Bozeman, the other to Wolf Point. Asked if they chose their first assignment, Trooper T’Elle Evans said she chose Wolf Point because that was her hometown. “I’m from Wolf Point, too.”

Her face lit up as we exchanged news of home, including who was still working at the sheriff’s office, and discovering that I knew her parents. It was heartwarming to see her enthusiasm for a station that has oftentimes been “a short stint” in others’ careers.

I find comfort in knowing people from all aspects of the patrol know our entire family. Our children often come home saying they talked to Mike Swingley or Tom Butler, John Spencer or Kristi Skaalure, Dan McDaid or Dale Osborne, Jeff Kent or Cheri Lofton. I love the fact that they recognize our kids and take the time to acknowledge them.

I am proud when I hear Larry playing Taps at the Law Enforcement Memorial, both proud and saddened because I know others gave their lives providing the same service and protection my husband gives to those in our state.

I have talked with spouses of those interested in joining the patrol. I encourage them to accompany and watch their spouse train when possible because it is a comfort knowing they will be equipped for the job they will soon be working with the greatest law enforcement agency in the state. By offering any assurance, it is the way I can give back to the Montana Highway Patrol and to those who have given so much to me.

( Publisher’s Note: This article is reprinted by permission of Montana Trooper magazine.)