THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 24, 1995 TAG: 9502220126
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATRICIA HUANG, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
THE ORIGINAL mission of the state trooper was different from that of other law enforcement officers.
``The concept of the trooper was that we didn't live in the barracks,'' said Virginia State Trooper Richard Allgood. ``We lived in the community and were a part of it.''
Troopers got involved, stayed involved and cared, he said.
And that's why Western Branch High School staff members last week recognized Trooper Marshall Bolton, a long-time volunteer and role model for students at the school.
``We never see most parents again once their kids graduate,'' said Ed Welsh, assistant principal.
But Bolton has stayed active with the school since his second child, Ashley, graduated three years ago.
``He even supports our basketball team, and right now that's a hard thing to do,'' said Welsh, chuckling as he made some opening remarks at a surprise ceremony for Bolton last Friday.
A small gathering of students and faculty presented Bolton, 44, with a special award in the form of model car hand-painted to look like a Virginia State Police cruiser.
``Everyone I've talked to has not had one bad thing to say about Marshall . Marshall. He'll drive you crazy going the speed limit. He will drive 55 until you go out of your skull.' ''
Bolton, who also received the school's elite ``Top Gun'' jacket for excellence in service, has been working with Western Branch for the past six years.
The trooper has become a mentor to students interested in law enforcement careers, taking them to visit the Federal Bureau of Investigations Academy and the State Police Academy in Richmond and counseling and encouraging them.
``They're just making a big deal out of nothing,'' responded Bolton. ``I haven't really done anything. I think Ed Welsh just likes to have parties.''
For students and former students like Trooper Chip Turner, Bolton's role was significant.
``He was always somebody I could call for help as I was going through the process,'' Turner said.
Bolton has served as co-chairman of the school's Safety and Security Committee for the past three years and last year began the Future Law Enforcement Officers Club.
``You give him a call at home and - zip - he's over here,'' Welsh said. ``He'll arrange his schedule to come . . . He stands ramrod straight and everyone just respects him. Even if he wasn't a trooper.''
Students and faculty summed Bolton up this way: He helps people out so naturally. He's just a nice guy.
``And we wanted to show him that nice guys don't always finish last,'' Welsh added.
State Police spokesperson Tammy Vandame, who stressed the importance of community relations, said more troopers should be doing what Bolton does.
``What he does out here at the school is worth a thousand tickets,'' she said. ILLUSTRATION: Photos by L. TODD SPENCER
Left to right, Nicholas Byrd, Shannon Hartman and Elizabeth Weidner
talk with State Trooper Marshall Bolton at Western Branch High
School. Bolton serves as a mentor to students interested in law
enforcement careers, taking them to visit the FBI Academy and State
Police Academy.
Marshall Bolton and his wife, Brenda, enjoy the award presentation.
Bolton's award was a model car painted to look like a police
cruiser.
by CNB