Several State Police Troopers and department staff members honored

Several uniformed and civilian members of the West Virginia State Police were presented awards Wednesday in South Charleston for the exceptional performance of their duties.

During a ceremony at the State Police Detachment in South Charleston, a total of ten individuals from across the state were honored for their service and dedication. Colonel C. R. Smithers presented five medals, two Meritorious Medals and three Lifesaving Medals, and five Superintendent Civilian Service Awards.

Senior Trooper Jason Gallaher received a Lifesaving Medal and he said it’s a true honor.

“We go to work every day and it’s nice to be recognized for doing something that anyone would have done,” said Gallaher. “We happened to be in the right place at the right time and it feels good to do something good for your community.”

Gallaher and his partner at the time Trooper Michael Mucciola, who also received the same medal Wednesday, were working in Morgantown when they responded to a call of a possible suicide bridge jumper on one of the area bridges.

When they arrived on scene, they found a man getting ready to jump, but before he did so, both troopers managed to grab the man and pull him to safety.

Trooper First Class Joe Bush also received a Lifesaving Medal for saving a man who attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself from a tree.

“I look at it as being at the right place, right time,” said Bush. “It’s a huge honor to be recognized obviously, but it was just another call and me doing what I love to do.”

Senior Trooper Brad Lowe from the Logan detachment was awarded a Superintendent’s Award for the difference he made on duty in Logan County over the past year. Lowe said it was a tremendous honor.

“A lot of the times, the work we do go unnoticed and it’s nice to get recognition,” said Lowe. “I’m very flattered.”

In 2012, Trooper Lowe completed 177 criminal investigations, made 86 felony arrests and 225 misdemeanor arrests confiscating just under a million dollars worth of illegal drugs.

It wasn’t just troopers that were honored during Wednesday’s ceremony. Elsie Coleman, Troop Two Clerk in Jefferson County, was awarded a Superintendent Civilian Service Award.

Coleman said she is very honored to be presented the award, but admits she is just doing what she loves to do, and that is being a part of the West Virginia State Police Family.

“I started with them when I graduated high school at 18. I’ve been with them since May of 1974 and I just feel like we are one big family,” said Coleman. “I just love coming to work every day.”

Also receiving Meritorious Awards were Sergeant Bob Mefford and Corporal Clayton Ellwanger. Rosann Brooks, Sandy Handley and Cindy Talbott were presented with Superintendent Civilian Service Awards as well.