ISP’s Longo doing what he always wanted to do
Most workers enjoy a few extra days off to enjoy the holidays, but keeping our roads safe requires around-the-clock patrols by Idaho State Police. After 29 years on the job, Capt. Wayne Longo knows that as well as anyone in the business of law enforcement.
Longo, 52, always wanted to be a police officer. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State College, he applied to the ISP and earned a trooper position in Lewiston. A year and a half later, Longo transferred to Coeur d’Alene, where he has served for 27½ years. As Region 1 patrol commander, he oversees a staff of dedicated troopers and dispatchers. It’s a big job – about 50,000 cars pass through the Coeur d’Alene region daily on Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 95.
Longo seems most proud of the work done by the men and women under his command, but the Valor Award hanging in his office is only one indication that he is among the top in his field. In his spare time, Longo earned a master’s degree in public administration and teaches courses at North Idaho College.
What is your job title? “Captain with the Idaho State Police and Region One Patrol Commander.”
How long have you been doing this? “29 years.”
How did you choose this line of work? “I always wanted be a policeman to help people. Living in New York, I learned the Idaho State Police were hiring, so I jumped on a Greyhound bus. Three days later, I was in Boise for testing. I was offered a job and took it.”
Are you paid: (a) well; (b) more than you are worth; (c) slave wages, (d) could be better? “We are not paid well at all.” Longo explains that efforts are under way to lobby the Legislature for a pay increase. A study provided to the Legislature lists Idaho 39th in salary compared to other states when the pay rate is sorted by the population served. A comparison with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department shows ISP troopers earn significantly less in all positions. Longo added that the ISP does not receive funding from issuing citations and there is no “fat” in the budget.
What is the best thing about your job? “I work with the best people in the world.”
What is the worst thing about your job? “Not enough troopers to do the job. That impacts public safety by not getting to calls fast enough.”
Do you plan on doing this job (a) until retirement; (b) until something better comes along? “I don’t plan on retiring until compensation is fair for the troops, and we have a new building to facilitate our needs in Coeur d’Alene.”
Do you have any on-the-job funny stories? Longo admits that some inside police humor, often used to lighten things up in stressful situations, is best left within the law enforcement community. He relates one incident, where, during an emergency medical training session, he and other troopers were made up as accident victims – complete with burns, cuts and broken bones. The men walked into their supervisor’s office, hoping to get a shock from him. The plan fizzled when they quickly learned this wasn’t the best time for a practical joke, as the boss was in the middle of his first meeting with the newly appointed local FBI office supervisor.
Any bad experiences? “Linda Huff being shot. Mike Kralicek being shot. Fatal accidents, especially those involving children. The Groene case.” He added that bad experiences are part of police work.
If there was a movie made about you and your job, what actor should play you? “Billy Crystal or Robin Williams, because they make me laugh.”