To the membership: I would like to personally offer my most sincere condolences to Marlo’s family. I worked with him on some details and found him to be a fine person and Trooper. I have spoken to Troop Representatives on Monday, July 23, 2007, at our monthly association meeting and read the blogs on the WSAZ website. The Troopers Association Board is available for anyone who wishes to come forward with complaints of mistreatment. I would like to offer my cellular phone number to any uniformed member to call and discuss concerns they have. My number is 304-790-3674. Please understand that we have not had any individual come forward to discuss any of the details leading to Trooper Gonzales’ suicide. I welcome any, especially Troop 2 members, who have information to respond. Anything divulged to the board can be kept confidential. The reality of the situation is that someone is going to have to come forward if any change is to be made. I would also like to address my personal concerns with the blogs I read. I know many Troopers and family members are saddened and angered about events that led to Marlo committing suicide. However, I do not understand how writing nasty, anonymous blogs is going to solve the situation. As a matter of fact I believe it has made a poor impression on us all. There are better, more effective ways to address these issues. I have always believed that we have some very intelligent and articulate people. Where are they? I would also address the rumors I have heard about mistreatment of Troopers. If Troopers are being threatened with bodily harm by a supervisor, then I believe that supervisor should be severely reprimanded or fired. There’s no place for that! We should follow to department’s progressive discipline policy. We are humans and subject to mistake at times. The system is good and fair if used properly. However, no one has come forward or written any correspondence to the Troopers Association so action could be taken. I will not make a negative comment about any member if I do not have facts to back it up. I would briefly address the negative comments about the association board. I’ve been on the board for the past six years. I’ve occupied my seat over the last year because when I vacated the position no one else stepped forward. The board has done a great many things for the membership and individual members over the six years I have been there. We provided financial assistance to Troopers and their families when they have illness or have lost their homes. We have provided legal assistance for members as it relates to the Plan B law suit, and when individuals have come forward. We have had several successful endeavors in that area. Board members have taken leave and used CDOs to spend time at the Legislature to lobby for issues that benefits the membership, including, but not limited to the pay raise we received over the past two years. The only thing the board asks for in return is the continued support of the membership, and the active participation of each of our members. Many of the members do a wonder job helping. Some could do much more. Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 23, 2007 at the Association Office in Charleston. I am inviting anyone with concerns to attend that meeting. If you cannot attend send an addressed letter or e-mail to the association office. The board can read and discuss any correspondence we receive and then provide a response to the concerned party. I am offering an open mind and an attentive ear to anyone who comes forward. Sgt. J. M. Droppleman Troop 2 Rep.