- Thursday August 21st, 2014 :: 04:22 p.m. EDT
ISP Bloomington Troopers Recognized for their Service, Self Sacrifice and Bravery
A Service and Valor Awards Ceremony was held yesterday at the Indiana Government Center for Indiana State Police employees. During the ceremony, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter and his primary staff recognized four Bloomington District Troopers for their actions and contributions.
Those actions occurred on July 4th, 2012, just before 10:00 AM when Senior Trooper Eric Nash, Senior Trooper Mike Clephane, Master Trooper Mark Clephane and Trooper Mike Adams responded to a 911 call for help regarding a violent domestic dispute in eastern Greene County. The call was initially investigated by Greene County Deputy Jim O’Malley, who was fired upon and struck in the leg just outside the front door to the residence, shortly after his arrival.
Prior to his arrival, S/Trooper Nash was notified by radio that Deputy O’Malley had been shot. Upon S/Trooper Nash’s arrival, he backed his patrol car down the suspect’s driveway to the position of Deputy O’Malley and within fifty feet of the suspect’s front door. S/Trooper Nash then assisted Deputy O’Malley into the back seat of the car and drove to the end of the driveway
S/Trooper Nash immediately administered first aid to stop the Deputy’s bleeding and called for an ambulance. While S/Trooper Nash provided first aid to Deputy O’Malley, the suspect again opened fire on both officers. S/Trooper Nash’s car sustained a rifle round in the right rear corner panel and the left rear tire.
Within a few minutes of the latest gunfire aimed at S/Trooper Nash, S/Trooper Mike Clephane and Deputy Brad Deckard arrived and began to assist with Deputy O’Malley. The suspect then came out of the residence and again opened fire upon the officers. S/Trooper Mike Clephane returned fire. It was during this exchange of gunfire that Deputy Deckard was shot in the neck and shoulder while positioned next to S/Trooper Nash’s car.
M/Trooper Mark Clephane and Trooper Mike Adams then arrived on the scene.
While M/Trooper Mark Clephane heard gunfire as he took a position behind Deputy Deckard’s patrol vehicle, he left his position of cover two times in an attempt to remove an uncooperative person from the scene and into a position of safety, but to no avail. Trooper Adams and M/Trooper Mark Clephane assisted both Deputies to a position of safety utilizing Deputy Deckard’s patrol vehicle, while S/Trooper Mike Clephane and S/Trooper Nash provided cover.
Within minutes, Trooper Adams and M/Trp Clephane left their positions of cover to assist the other officers in providing cover and tending to their wounds.
The suspect again appeared in the doorway to the residence and fired upon the officers. While Deputy Deckard’s commission was struck, M/Trooper Mark Clephane returned fire. This caused the suspect to retreat back into the residence.
“S/Trooper Eric Nash’s act of backing his patrol car down the driveway toward the line of fire to rescue the injured deputy was clearly a deed of personal bravery and involved the imminent risk of serious injury or worse. In addition, he maintained his composure under high stress and administered First Aid while being fired upon” said Lt. Paul Bucher, Commander of the Bloomington Post.
Lt. Bucher continued by saying “M/Trooper Mark Clephane, S/Trooper Mike Clephane and Trooper Mike Adams clearly put themselves at risk at the scene, especially while assisting the injured Deputies to take cover. While doing so, they were the intended target, taking live rounds from the suspect, threatening their safety and their lives”.
Superintendent Carter stated “All four Troopers performed their duties with distinction and courage while experiencing a high level of danger due to gunfire from the suspect. These Troopers performed in a manner that placed them directly in the line of fire risking death or serious injury. Their actions coincide with the finest traditions of law enforcement and reflect great credit upon themselves and the Indiana State Police”.
Senior Trooper Nash (Photo #1) is a 13 year veteran of the Indiana State Police and is assigned to primarily patrol Greene County.
Mike Clephane (Photo #2) is now a Master Trooper with 15 years on the Department and is assigned to primarily patrol Monroe County.
Master Trooper Mark Clephane (Photo #3) is a 26 year veteran of the Indiana State Police and is assigned to primarily patrol Monroe County.
Mike Adams (Photo #4) is now a Senior Trooper with 11 years on and is assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division.
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DURNIL
Address/Location
Indiana State Police-Bloomington District 33-Bloomington, IN
1500 North Packing House Road
Bloomington, IN 47404
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 812-332-4411
Curt Durnil
Public Information Office
[email protected]
812-332-4411