He has always been my HERO, but sometimes he has to be a HERO for others too.

Let me just start off by saying that it is so nice that my husband works for a department that notices his value as a trooper.  Now don't get me wrong he has a whole wall in our house dedicated to him.  Awards, plaques, pictures and shadow boxes with all of his many achievements in the military and law enforcement.  Working for NHP has just been a whole different ball of wax.  Just even the atmosphere is different here.  I am grateful that Dan has a much better, happier place to work now.  It is amazing what a difference it makes in his attitude and approach to things in his life!


Today was a special day.  Not only did I dress up and put my makeup on…OK so maybe that's not why it was a special day even though I did do those things.  Today there was an awards ceremony at Southern Command for Nevada Highway Patrol.  Only 4 people were being recognized today.  One trooper for being the most senior trooper in all of NHP.  Apparently for the last few years this honor and badge have gone to a trooper from Northern Command.  Also today a trooper was retiring after 23 years of service.  It was nice to see his family supporting him and to hear about his career in Las Vegas.  He tried very hard to hold back tears as he shared a few words about his career.  It was very touching.  The final two officers were Tommy Van Oeveren and my Daniel.

In February of 2013 NHP was working in two man units something they normally don't do but, there was a cop killer by the name of Christopher Dorner on the loose in California and so NHP made two man units mandatory until he had been captured, or killed as the story happened to end.   On the night of February 10 2013, Tommy and Dan were riding together, and this is what happened as it reads off Dan's Meritorious Service Award.

On February 10, 2013, Troopers Daniel Slattery and Tommy Van Oeveren were patrolling as a two man unit when they were dispatched to as "suspicious circumstances" call on US 95.  What they found when they arrived on scene was a distraught woman ready to take her own life.

On that night Amanda Bayard was operating her vehicle while under the influence when she lost control and found herself facing southbound in the northbound US 95 travel lanes.  When the first witnesses arrived at the scene they took the keys to Bayard's vehicle and refused to help her leave.  She became enraged, kicked and struck one of the witnesses' vehicles, then left the area on foot threatening to jump from a nearby on-ramp.

When Troopers Slattery and Van Oeveren arrived, they encountered yet another witness who directed them  to the on-ramp Bayard had fled towards.  Trooper Slattery observed Bayard reach the ramp's railing and briefly stop to peer over the edge.  He also observed her place her right leg over the railing and begins to maneuver into a jumping position.  Trooper Slattery grabbed her and pulled her back to safety.  Trooper Slattery yelled to Trooper Van Oeveren for assistance and he placed Bayard in handcuffs.  She was released to medical personnel to be evaluated and later arrested for DUI among other charges.

Because of his courage and willingness to help those in need, Trooper Daniel Slattery is awarded the Department of Public Safety's Meritorious Service Award.

Tommy and Dan being honored.

Dan receiving his medal.

He would tell you that it's all in a days work, and anybody would have done the same thing.  That may truly be the case.  It doesn't make me any less proud of the man I am so devoted to.  He really is my hero, and swept me off my feet 21 years ago.  Sometimes it is really hard for me to share him with the badge, but then things like this will happen and I know that it really is worthwhile.  He may never make a million dollars, or even a $100,00 a year, but he works hard keeping people safe and he loves it and I love him for his dedication to being the best he can at everything he does.

Mr. Hottie with his medal.  He also has a smaller one that can be worn on his everyday uniform.