SOUTH CHARLESTON — A West Virginia State Trooper from the Logan Detachment was among those presented awards Wednesday, April 10, by Colonel C. R. “Jay” Smithers.
Smithers presented the Superintendent’s Award during a ceremony recognizing uniformed and civilian members of the West Virginia State Police for the exceptional performance of their duties.
Smithers, quoting Reverend Billy Graham, told those attending that “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”
“The outstanding actions of the men and women standing here before you should be an encouragement to others to strive to perform their duties in an exemplary manner as well,” Smithers said.
Smithers said for some, the actions took place during a specific critical event they faced in the performance of their duties and, for others, they had made and continue to make extraordinary contributions which benefit the entire agency.
Senior Trooper Lowe, during calendar year 2012, completed 177 criminal investigations, made 86 felony arrests, 225 misdemeanor arrests and confiscated $994,000 worth of illegal drugs. “While these accomplishments speak well of Senior Trooper Lowe as a trooper, he has managed to balance this while being a member of the Special Response Team and a field training officer,” Smithers said. “Senior Trooper Lowe was involved in several felony investigations in 2012 ranging from burglaries to murder. Some notable investigations include a car-jacking (kidnaping) incident involving two juveniles and an adult which resulted in Charles Skidmore being arrested for kidnapping.
“Senior Trooper Lowe has been involved in several successful drug investigations which resulted in the seizure of a variety of drugs to include 26 grams of crack cocaine, 40 packages of bath salts, prescription pills and marijuana plants. These drug investigations yielded several felony arrests and also included charges for endangering children.
“On one occasion, after responding to a ‘shots fired’ complaint, Senior Trooper Lowe discovered the incident was a domestic situation in which the suspect had pointed a rifle at his wife and children and threatened to kill them. Additionally, it was discovered that the suspect had shot a horse through the eye, resulting in the horse later being euthanized. Ultimately, the suspect was arrested and charged with wanton endangerment, malicious wounding of an animal, domestic assault and domestic battery.
“On another occasion, Senior Trooper Lowe responded to Logan Regional Medical Center in which a male subject had broken into the Emergency Room and was threatening employees with a knife. The suspect made numerous threats to harm patients as well as hospital staff. Once on scene, Senior Trooper Lowe guided the rescue efforts of patients and employees and the suspect was ultimately subdued.
“Lastly, Senior Trooper Lowe became involved in an incident involving Caren Blankenship’s death. Blankenship had been taken to the hospital for a severe head injury on November 10, 2012. The incident had been reported to Chapmanville Police Department as an incident due to intoxication. Senior Trooper Lowe received information to prove that Blankenship’s injuries were the result of a domestic altercation with Gary Allen. Blankenship died in the hospital as a result of her injuries and Allen was arrested for first degree murder.
“Senior Trooper Lowe’s Detachment Commander describes him as a well-rounded trooper that takes pride in the communities he serves. Therefore, I take great honor in presenting Senior Trooper Lowe the West Virginia State Police Superintendent’s Award.”
Smithers said the men and women of the West Virginia State Police continue to carry out the mission of the department in a manner for which all West Virginians’ should be proud.
“As Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police, I am blessed to have such exceptional employees which rise to the occasion and distinguish themselves from their peers,” Smithers said. “I want to thank each and every one of you for your loyal service to our department and to the citizens of our great State.”
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