ATR L EWS ATR L - State Highway Patrol

Chief Comm.Tech. Michael A.“Mike” ThayerOn July 1, 2011, Chief CommunicationsTechnician Michael A. “Mike”Thayer, Q/CommD, retired after 32years and 10 months of service withthe Missouri State Highway Patrol.Mike started his career with thePatrol at Troop A Headquarters onSeptember 1, 1978, as a radio operator.In 1985, he moved to Jefferson Cityto fill the tower maintenance positionat the Radio Shop. For 10 years, Mikeclimbed towers and shared his expertisewith our communications centersaround the state. He also workedinstalling mobile radios in patrolcars, and performing electronic radiotesting in the shop’s screen rooms.In 1995, he moved to General Headquartersto provide Patrol telephonesystem support as well as maintenanceand support of other communicationssystems. He remained in that postionfor more than 16 years until his retirement.Before joining the Patrol, Mikeworked part time at the MissouriDepartment of Conservation. He soldappliances and television sets, workedon radios and televisions at a repairshop, and at the local radio station inCarrollton, MO.Mike and his wife, Lois, weremarried in 1990. Lois has two grownchildren from a previous marriage and28 Patrol News/January-February 2012Retirementsfour grandchildren. Mike and Loisare active in the Community of ChristChurch in Jefferson City. Mike is anavid HAM radio operator, serving onthe board of the Association of SaintsChurch Radio Amateurs (ASCRA).He is a member of the Mid-MissouriAmateur Radio Club, where he is aninstructor for club-sponsored amateurradio classes. His other hobbies includephotography and other outdooractivities like camping.Mike wasn’t retired for verylong—he returned as a part-timeemployee in July 2011, to work ontelephone and other upgrades to thePatrol’s communications systems. Hisfuture plans include continued parttimeemployment with us, camping,and traveling to amateur radio activitiesaround the state.Mike, thank you for your dedicationto the Patrol. We wish you a long,healthy retirement.Comm. Oper.II Michael W.“Mike” CoyOn October 1, 2011, CommunicationsOperator II Michael W. “Mike”Coy, Troop G, retired from the MissouriState Highway Patrol after morethan 28 years of service.Mike is a native of Potosi, MO,and a graduate of Potosi High School.Mike began his career with the Patrolon May 23, 1983. His first assignmentwas as an office manager at theTroop C Satellite Office in Flat River,MO. Mike transferred to Troop G,Willow Springs, in June 1997, wherehe worked the radio console until hisretirement.Mike and his wife, Debbie, havethree children (Darrin, Jason, and Andrea)and five grandchildren. Darrinand his wife, Mary, live in Strafford,with their three boys. Jason, and hiswife, Brandy, reside in Springfield,MO, with one son. Daughter Andrea,of West Plains, also has a son. Additionally,Darrin and Mary are expectingtheir fourth child soon — also aboy. In case you weren’t counting, thatwill make six grandsons! Mike saysthat when they are all together he justsits back and observes the fun!Mike says that he is really gladthat he chose his Patrol career, saying,“I always enjoyed the job. It was nevermonotonous to me, because every daybrought something a little different.”He says that he is also grateful thathe never had to experience the loss ofa trooper while actually working theconsole.When asked about his plans forretirement, Mike says he doesn’t reallyhave any, other than spending timewith family, taking care of his property,and simply enjoying the ability to “dowhat I want, when I want. The bestpart of retirement is simply the freedom.”Your Troop G family wishes youand Debbie the very best in retirement,Mike!“We are limited, notby our abilities, butby our vision.”— Joel Barker