Mote Indiana State Police, Lafayette District, recently honored Trooper Larry Mote as its first Trooper of the Quarter.

The district started the new program to recognize troopers on a quarterly basis for their hard work and dedication to the job and to the people of the State of Indiana. Appearance, work habits, and overall performance are qualities the district commanders look for in a trooper to help promote the department.

"Trooper Mote represents these fine qualities," said Lieutenant Doug Theobald, commander of the Lafayette Post.

Mote's responsibility as a road trooper is to provide public service, investigate crime and crashes, and patrol the highways and county roads in his area. "Most people think when they see a trooper; it is for a traffic violation and a ticket. We help people when they are lost, their cars are broken down, or when they have no one else to call. We, as police officers, will come to your aid whenever you call us," Mote explained.

Working as the marijuana coordinator for the district, Mote travels around looking for cultivated and wild growing plants. He presents programs to farmers, civic groups, and schools about signs of marijuana or other illegal

activity that might be going on around their property. Mote reminds groups a simple phone call to the marijuana tip line (1888-873-1694) or local law enforcement agency will get the information to the right source to investigate the complaint.

"We work with the schools to educate students on the problem that drugs can cause in their lives," said Mote. "I remind students, it's cool to stay off the grass!"

His other responsibilities include training new probationary troopers assigned to the post. Mote has helped to train many officers who have come to the Lafayette Post and will probably train many more to come.

Highlights of Mote's career may not have always made news, but they were significant to him. Things like a simple thank you after changing a tire, cutting up with other troopers, being a counselor at his first youth camp, or knocking on a stranger's door with bad news all stand out in his memory. "This is why I wanted to be a trooper in the first place," says Mote, "and as I look to leave the department upon retirement, I want to continue working in the community where I live and pursue my passion for the outdoors."

Mote has lived in the Carroll County area most of his life. With his wife, Carla, and their eight-year-old son, Hunter, they reside near Flora. She works as a special education teacher at Camden Elementary School. Mote likes to spend time with his family and enjoys the outdoor life. When he is not helping with his son's baseball and wrestling, Mote likes working with his hunting dogs.

"Good work ethics, always available, and working well with his fellow troopers are what make Larry Mote the Trooper of the Quarter," added Lieutenant Theobald.