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Also see: 2007 News Archives

Gary Goltz, celebrity impressionist, to attend Cops and Rodders 2008

"Is that Chief Dan Mathews of the Highway Patrol?"

This year the Cops and Rodders Car & Truck show is pleased to announce the participation of California Car Show celebrity Gary Goltz. Gary's specialty is his portrayal of Broderick Crawford of the 1950's Television program, "Highway Patrol." Gary will be coming to Tucson in his 1955 Buick replica Black and White Highway patrol car. His impersonation of Broderick Crawford and the replication of the vehicle makes him an uncanny look alike that causes a double take from those who remember the show. Gary says, "He was a real hero, enforcing law and order, while serving as judge and jury too. There were no lawyers, bondsmen, or even Miranda rights. The good guys always won and the bad guys got just what they deserved, and Crawford, as no-nonsense Chief Dan Mathews, drove a '55 Buick."

Goltz went on to say, "Actually, during the series' production from 1955 to 1959 (it's been in reruns around the world ever since), Mathews drove everything from a '54 Olds 88 through a '59 Dodge Coronet; but that '55 Buick personified the character as much as his crisp fedora and snub-nosed .38. The first cars were actual California Highway Patrol units, borrowed from the CHP," explains Goltz. "They had the Special 48 coupe body, Century engine, and Roadmaster brakes. These were among the first cars built specifically for police use." Buick built 270 of these "Century 68" two-doors, half with three-speed column-shift manual transmissions and half with slushy Dynaflow automatics. All served with the CHP and just two are known to survive." And Gary can take care of himself as well, being a 5th degree black belt in Judo.

Come out to the show and meet Gary and his "Highway Patrol" 1955 Buick; he'll be putting on a great display as Chief Dan Mathews, with autographs and photos available. Thanks Gary for helping to add history and realism to our 2nd annual Tucson Cops and Rodders Car and Truck Show! 10-4! See you at the show!

Santa Cop is back!

June 2, 2008: Santa Cop is Back! Please help Officer Tom Rizzi, a prior Unsung Hero Award Winner, who will begin collecting toys for his toy drive for children for the Holiday season. You can become a member of his Unsung Hero team by bringing an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl. He will have collection boxes stationed at the car show. These toys will be carried in the trunks of the patrol cars to be given to children in difficult circumstances during the holiday season.

Last year, with short notice, we got a tremendous response from our Cops and Rodders participants and we need your help again to provide toys/gifts for children who were victims of neglect or family violence. These are children who are often left out, and fall below "Santa's Radar" because of situations beyond their control. Tom has expanded the program to all of the patrol divisions and has coordinators who will stock police cars with toys for children. The officer will be able to help make a child's situation a little brighter right then and there.

So be an unsung hero with Tom — bring an unwrapped toy to the car show!

Information Update

My car show friends, it is with deep sadness that I have to report the murder of Tucson Police Officer, Erik Hite. Erik was shot in the head by a high powered rifle and critically wounded while responding to an armed assailant call on Sunday, June 1, 2008. The suspect shot a PCSD deputy earlier in the morning and during the pursuit of the perpetrator, Officer Hite was ambushed. The suspect then ambushed another Sheriff's Deputy (who suffered a graze wound to the head) and was later arrested when he gave up. Officer Hite died of his wounds on June 2, 2008 at University Medical Center. Erik served 21 years with the U.S. Airforce before becoming a police officer. He is survived by a wife and one-year old baby daughter, and a young adult son who is currently serving in the military. Erik also loved classic cars. He was a member of the online motorcycle enthusiast group Shadowriders.org and also received a special gift from his father — a 1957 Chevy pickup in mint condition. Erik really loved that truck and had recently sent his parents a photo of the truck with its new license plate that read "Dad." It was just a few weeks ago when I spoke with Erik about the Cops and Rodders Car Show. He was very excited and was planning to attend. For our Pick-Up Truck owners who enter, we will have a special Erik Hite trophy in honor of this fine officer. Pack the bed of your truck with toys for the Santa Cop program; I know Erik will be saying thank you from Heaven.

Sincerely,

Captain Harper

Driving Simulator will be back!

May 15, 2008: Built by L3 Communications, 2 virtual reality simulators are operated out of a fully self-contained 42' trailer, which is transported around the state of Arizona to various Law Enforcement Agencies. This mobile unit will allow for those agencies to get the desired training needed to stay in compliance with AZ POST training requirements. This mobile driver training simulator is operated by Officer Matt Griffis, whom is assigned to AZ POST from the City of Tucson Police Department.

The PatrolSim III+™ Driver Training Simulator offers law enforcement agencies a high fidelity, interactive training experience in real time that saves lives and department budgets. The three channel immersive driving environment combines the look and feel of a real squad car with the most advanced technology on the market. Officers can select from a variety of visual environments, training scenarios and special effects including high-speed chases and extreme weather conditions. PatrolSim III+™ also can network with multiple simulators to create a multi-officer scenario, complete with dispatcher.

The simulator is made available by Arizona POST! You must be 16 or older and a licensed driver to participate.