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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Coin honoring slain Boise officer sparks controversy

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

BOISE – Some Boise police officers say a special commemorative coin in memory of a slain officer is more controversial than commemorative.

The special “challenge coin” was stamped as a tribute to Officer Mark Stall, who was killed during a routine traffic stop on Sept. 20, 1997.

Neither the subject nor the style of the coin was a cause of debate. Instead, some officers are upset by the choice of the company that made the coin: Sunshine Sports and Marketing, a company run by former Officer Randall Hayes, who was ousted from the department in 1998 after admitting he had sex with a 15-year-old girl while on duty. Hayes was convicted of statutory rape in 2000, was released from prison in 2003 and now lives in Moscow.

Boise Police Department spokeswoman Lynn Hightower said that some officers felt that Hayes “tarnished the badge” with his actions and that his company should not have been used for anything in connection with Stall, who was regarded as a superb officer.

Police Chief Mike Masterson acknowledged that some officers were unhappy with the choice but said there was no deep division in the department.

Hayes declined to comment on the matter.

Challenge coins generally bear a department’s insignia or emblem and were made popular in the military. The coins are intended to boost morale and team-building and can be traded among departments.

In the Boise Police Department, tradition holds that one officer can challenge another to show him his coin. If the officer doesn’t have the coin with him, he is expected to buy the challenger a soft drink.

Stall was killed after Craig Brodrick, 29, and his brother, Doug, 27, were pulled over in a parking lot because of a traffic violation, Craig Brodrick drew a gun after being ordered out of his car, and a gunbattle ensued. Both brothers and Stall were killed. Officer Ron Winegar was wounded.