| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 2654 | 2008-02-20 | Troop C | Troop C Native, Ralph D. Mitchell Jr., Promoted From Major to Lieutenant Colonel |
For Immediate Release Troop C Native, Ralph D. Mitchell Jr., Promoted From Major to Lieutenant Colonel February 20, 2008 Lieutenant Colonel Ralph D. Mitchell Jr. was named Deputy Superintendent, Crisis Response/Special Operations, by newly appointed Louisiana State Police Superintendent, Colonel Michael Edmonson, on January 17, 2008. Colonel Edmonson stated, “Lt. Colonel Mitchell is the right person for the job. His professional work ethic is an asset to our organization and he is committed to ensuring the safety of Louisiana’s citizens.” LTC Mitchell is a twenty-five year veteran of the Louisiana State Police. As the Deputy Superintendent of Crisis Response/Special Operations, LTC Ralph D. Mitchell Jr. is responsible for overall public safety and the service operations of the State Police Emergency Operations Center as well as the Transportation and Environmental Safety and Special Weapons and Tactics Sections of State Police. LTC Mitchell is known nationally for his knowledge and expertise in traffic reconstruction and traffic issues. He received his Traffic Accident Reconstruction Training from Northwestern University’s Traffic Institute (now known as the Center for Public Safety) and is currently on staff as an adjunct instructor in both the Accident Investigation Division and Field Division of the Center for Public Safety and is an accredited Traffic Crash reconstructionist. As an instructor, LTC Mitchell has taught many different classes to law enforcement officers across the country. LTC Mitchell is also a contributing author to the Northwestern University’s Traffic Collision Investigation Manual, a reference used by Law Enforcement Officer throughout the world on Traffic Crash issues. LTC Mitchell has also graduated from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s School of Police Staff and Command and the prestigious Executive Management Program at Northwestern University. In 1999, LTC Mitchell (as Commander of Troop C) was instrumental in the furthering a committee that brings together local and state officials to address highway safety issues. The South Central Safe Communities Task Force, comprised of members of the local community, including political leaders, law enforcement and fire personnel, and school and hospital representatives meets monthly and provides a unique opportunity for the networking and exchanging of ideas and resources and helped create the Region 3 Bayou and River Region Mutual Aid Task Force. LTC Mitchell’s recognition does not end with the accomplishments of the South Central Safe Communities Task Force. Shortly after he became Captain of Troop C, he developed a comprehensive traffic safety program in the area called “TrafficStat”. During its first year of implementation, the “TrafficStat” program resulted in a 26% reduction in alcohol related fatal crashes in the Troop C area. Also, as a result of this program, the Houma-Thibodaux area seatbelt compliance rose by approximately 13%. The Troop C area has consistently led the state in seatbelt compliance with compliance rates well above the Louisiana average. LTC Mitchell is also known nationally for his expertise in the field of highway/railroad grade crossing collision investigation. LTC Mitchell currently sits on the Louisiana Operation Lifesaver Board of Directors as the Louisiana State Police representative. Nationally, he currently serves as the Chairman of the Operation Lifesaver Program Development Council. Because of his expertise in the field of highway/railroad safety and his work with Operation Lifesaver at a local and national level LTC Mitchell has been a guest lecturer on grade crossing issues at numerous seminars throughout the country. Additionally, he co-authored a chapter titled “Highway/Rail Grade Crossing Collision Investigation” in Northwestern University’s latest accident investigation manual titled Traffic Collision Investigation. In 25 years of service to the Louisiana State Police and over 27 years as a law enforcement officer, LTC Mitchell has shown himself to be a true dedicated professional. LTC Mitchell currently serves on numerous committees including those having to do with hurricane evacuation, communication interoperability, traffic incident management, and other highway safety issues. He has traveled across the country sharing his knowledge with other law enforcement officers and has developed a reputation as an expert on many traffic related topics. LTC Mitchell has been the recipient of numerous awards during his career including the Louisiana State Police Meritorious Service Award, the Louisiana State Police Lifesaving Award, the Louisiana State Police Professional Excellence Award, the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Associations Dedication Award, the Association of Traffic Safety Information Professionals Best Practices Award, and the Louisiana Office of Risk Management Best Practices Award. LTC Mitchell currently resides in Houma, LA with his wife Denise and his children Kaylie and Alex. For more information, contact: TFC Gilbert Dardar Jr. Louisiana State Police Troop C Public Information Officer (985)-857-3683 gilbert.dardar@dps.la.gov News releases can also be found on our website at www.lsp.org | |||
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