March-April - State Highway Patrol

IACP Recognizes Tpr. LashmetBy Sgt. Michael W. Watson, Troop DThe International Association of Chiefs of Police recognized TrooperW. Sean Lashmet, Troop D, at their annual conference, which took placeSeptember 30 to October 3, 2012, in San Diego, CA. Tpr. Lashmet wasone of five honorable mention winners of the IACP’s Looking Beyond theLicense Plate Award. This award honors law enforcement officers whoseobservations of a license plate result in the apprehension of a suspector the resolution of a crime. The 3M Traffic Safety Systems Division cosponsorsthe award.This honor came to Tpr. Lashmet after a traffic stop on February 21,2012. Following a computer check of a license plate, Tpr. Lashmet identifieda warrant issued for the arrest of the registered owner of the vehicle,who at the time was a passenger in the vehicle. Following a short pursuit,the occupants of the vehicle, including the driver who was wantedfor questioning in the disappearance of a male subject, were taken intocustody. Follow-up investigation by law enforcement led to the arrest ofthe driver and three others for the murder of the missing male subject.Pictured are Tpr. W. Sean Lashmet, Troop D, and his wife,Christina, after the IACP banquet.Stolen Sculpture ResurfacesBy Sgt. Michael W. Watson, Troop DAfter 25 years, stolen propertythat ended up in Missouri made itsway back to Kansas. The cold caseoriginated in March 1987, when someonestole a bronze bust of AmericanPoet Robert Frost, created by SculptorWalker Hancock, from the campus ofWichita State University in Wichita,KS. According to the university, thebust was acquired in 1983, and is oneof two sculptures of Frost by Hancock.The second is in Boston’s Museum ofFine Arts. Following the initial reportand investigation of the theft, the casewas filed away and forgotten by many... that is, until the summer 2012.A phone tip to the Wichita StateUniversity Police Department in June2012 indicated the statue might havefound a temporary home in SouthwestMissouri. A call by WSU Policeto Troop D put Division of Drug andCrime Control investigators on thecase. In August, DDCC personnel arrivedat a residence in Lamar, MO, tofind the owner away at work. However,when looking through a window at thegarage, troopers eyed the statue. Sittingon the floor, covered only in dust,not looking worse for the wear was theFrost bust.A statue that when stolen hadbeen valued at $5,000 was now ondisplay in a garage in Barton Countyholding a value at what some estimateto be in the neighborhood of $25,000.Eventually, the property was recoveredfrom the garage and a 44-year-oldLamar man was arrested for receivingstolen property. Shortly after the recovery,the statue was released back toa Wichita State University Police Departmentdetective. According to onenews agency, university officials saidthe artwork appeared to be in goodcondition and when cleaned up, theyplanned to display it ... once again ...outside on campus.4 Patrol News/March-April 2013

U.S. Highway 71RenamedInterstate 49By Sgt. Michael W. Watson,Troop DThe transition from U.S.Highway 71 in Western Missourito Interstate 49 took place onDecember 12, 2012, with a ceremonyin Joplin that began at 12p.m. The event at Joplin MiddleSchool included officials fromthe federal, state, and local levels,and began with a presentation ofthe colors by the Missouri StateHighway Patrol Troop D HonorGuard. Following the ceremony,three teams of troopers fromTroop D and Troop A assistedMoDOT as signs marking thenew interstate were either uncoveredor turned. The completedportion of the highway covers180 miles and runs from Pineville,MO, in McDonald Countynorth to Kansas City. The finalfive-mile stretch from Pinevillesouth to the Arkansas state linewill be completed when Arkansasofficials finalize the four-lanebypass around the town of BellaVista, AR. According to MoDOT,the initial planning for the I-49project began in the late 1980s,with construction running fromthe 1990s through 2012. Totalcost of the project is estimated at$500 million. Over the past threeyears, much of the work done hasbeen building interchanges, overpasses,and outer roads betweenHarrisonville, AR, and Carthage,MO.Oregon County Sheriff RecognizesDDCC InvestigatorsBy Sgt. Marty K. Elmore, Troop GOn the morning of December 13, 2012, Oregon County Sheriff GeorgeUnderwood stopped by Troop G Headquarters to present framed certificatesof appreciation to the three Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control officersassigned to the Troop G area. Sheriff Underwood met with Captain Dwayne F.Isringhausen and expressed his desire to formally recognize Sergeant Warren W.Wiedemann, Sergeant Casey A. Jadwin, and Trooper Don K. Jones, all Q/DDCC,for the outstanding assistance provided to his department.“I can’t thank these guysenough for the help they haveprovided me and my department.They are always willing to assist uswhen we call,” Sheriff Underwoodsaid.Sgt. Wiedemann accepted hiscertificate and those provided toSgt. Jadwin and Tpr. Jones, both ofwhom were out in the field whenthe good sheriff came by. Sgt. Wiedemannthanked the sheriff forthe recognition and pledged hiscontinued support to the sheriff’sdepartment, saying, “We all benefitby helping each other. All of us aregoing after the same objective.”Oregon County Sheriff George Underwood (l)presents a certificate of appreciation to Sgt.Warren Wiedemann, supervisor of the Troop GDDCC Unit.Sgt. Greg A. DuBois responded to this traffic crash involving a tractor-trailer. The crashoccurred in February at the 186 mile-marker of Interstate 44 in Phelps County. According tothe National Weather Service, snowfall amounts varied in Troop I. Rolla received one inchwhile Lebanon saw four inches fall. Much of the precipitation arrived in the form of sleet,which made roadways extra slick.March-April 2013/Patrol News 5

New EmployeesLacy J. KoncorProb. Comm. Oper.Troop FAshton R. MeyerProb. Comm. Oper.Troop FScott A. MillerProb. Comm. Oper.Troop CJodi E. RegneryProb. Comm. Oper.Troop ABrandy L. RehmeierProb. Comm. Oper.Troop FAnnette G. TeschProb. Comm. Oper.Troop ABradley L. BoeckmannFingerprint Tech. IQ/CJISDLori A. BurkemperClerk Typist IIITroop CAaron J. ExnerCriminalist IQ/CLDBrandy N. HoelscherFingerprint Tech. IQ/CJISDAmanda L. HuxDE ITroop AKevin J. LindenbuschMVI ITroop C6 Patrol News/March-April 2013

New EmployeesGregory W. LovelessBuilding & GroundsMaint. IITroop CNathaniel S. SaxbyFingerprint Tech. IQ/CJISDCandace H. SchwartzLab. Evidence Tech. IIQ/CLDNikki T. WrinklesAccount Clerk IQ/CJISDClassrooms C, D: New & Improved!By Training DivisionAcademy Classrooms C and D recently went througha transformation. It took a little over a month and resultedin an improved area for students to learn. Bldg. & Grnds.Maint. Sprv. Larry D. Landers, Bldg. & Grnds. Maint. IIShawn J. Welschmeyer, Bldg. & Grnds. Maint. II KeithC. Juergensmeyer, and Bldg. & Grnds. Maint. II RobertC. Holtmeyer, all Q/TND, worked with Danny Markway,Danny Braun, and Troy Wolken, from the Office of Administration,to complete the project. The group rewired andremoved some old electricaldevices that were not beingused, and then wired the studentdesks for electricity. Theyremoved old wallpaper, thenpainted both classrooms andthe student desks. The groupclosed in an area in the front ofthe classroom with sheet rock.Finally, they helped prepareboth classrooms for new carpetand new trim. Quite a bit of thiswork occurred during the holidayseason, which was alreadya busy time. Well done, gentlemen!The desks in ClassroomsC and D were removed,to prepare for newcarpet.The project was completedprior to the arrival of the96th Recruit Class.March-April 2013/Patrol News 7

Community Alliance:Cultivating Positive Relationships Since 1999By Sgt. Jason M. Pace, Troop DOn the evening of October 23,2012, 28 Troop D citizens completedtheir participation of the 2012 TroopD Community Alliance Program at anawards ceremony and dinner held atthe John Q. Hammons Tower Club inSpringfield, MO. During the awardspresentation, members of the classaccepted plaques from Colonel RonReplogle, and Captain Juan O. Villanueva,Troop D, recognizing themfor their dedication to the program.The participants enjoyed a slide showhighlighting the class and many of theactivities in which they were involved.Some of these activities included: theshooting range, stop and approach,special weapons and tactics (SWAT),marine operations, crash investigation,crime scene investigation, and a caninedemonstration.The guest speaker for the eveningwas retired Lieutenant Terry R.Moore. Terry was no stranger to theCommunity Alliance Program. In fact,he created the first Community Allianceprogram in 1999, when he servedas a public information and educationofficer in Troop D. When asked aboutthe Patrol’s first Community AllianceProgram, Terry stated,“When speaking to groups regardlessof age, many common questionswere asked: How do you get to be atrooper? What is recruit school like?Does the radar actually check telephonepoles? Are red cars more likelyto be stopped? What are the firearmsqualification requirements? How canyou walk up to a car at midnight? Etcetera.Those consistent and frequentquestions compelled thoughts towardsome type of public information programthat might allow interaction betweentroopers and those we serve.Many municipal police departmentsalready had what was calledSgt. Cort A. Stuart,Troop D, explains a fewtools of the trade to TroopD Community AllianceProgram participants.a “Citizens’ Academy” and I thoughtit would be worthwhile to developsomething similar for our organization.I didn’t want to use the samename that other departments used, soI simply kept thinking of some type ofname that would accurately identifythe concept and “Community AllianceProgram” seemed a perfect fit.Every superintendent I ever workedfor told us that the reason the MissouriState Highway Patrol had suchstrong support was because of thepublic’s knowledge that we were“different.” Different being definedas: professional, disciplined, consistent,and fair. Our support was basedupon a cooperative spirit, or “alliance”between taxpayers andtroopers. I wanted thepeople who ‘paid my salary’to experience whytroopers were different.Continued on the next page.Cpl. Jeff D. Fugett (insidevehicle), Troop D, helpedprovide a “looking beyondthe stop” experience toparticipants during TroopD Community AllianceProgram.8 Patrol News/March-April 2013

— AllianceContinued from page 8.To accomplish that, the public neededan opportunity to interact and talk witha variety of troopers who provided amultitude of services, many of whichthat same taxpayer had no idea thePatrol was engaged in providing.The curriculum developed withthe help of Troop D members whoprovided suggestions as to the typesof classes and activities their careerexperience suggested would be popularwith participants. The final productresulted in an inaugural program thatproved to be a strong success. Productionof the program requires significantplanning and coordination ofmany schedules. The results are tremendouslypositive. Additionally, themajority of troopers who participate inproviding instruction, demonstrations,coaching, teaching, and role-playingresponsibilities have expressed howpositive the experience has been forthem.”This year’s program began onSeptember 18, 2012, and participantsmet on consecutive Tuesday evenings.They became more familiar with Patroloperations and procedures throughclassroom training, practical exercises,and personal interaction with Patrolemployees. Twenty-five Troop D officersand employees served as guestinstructors. The 2012 Community AllianceProgram was a huge success andwe are looking forward to many moreopportunities to cultivate a positiverelationship with the communities weserve.April25 yearsChief DE Nancy D. Gottman,Troop BCriminalist III Kathleen M.Green, Q/CLDCVO Sprv. I Larry J. Sheehy,Troop ECVO Sprv. II Timothy J. Swartz,Troop A20 yearsMVI Sprv. Daniel A. Gregory,Troop I15 yearsComm. Oper. III Kathryn Y.Simpson, Troop H10 yearsDE III Mark A. Cherry, Troop AComm. Oper. II Eric B. Douglas,Troop DTrainer/Auditor I Christopher L.Parr, Q/CJISD5 yearsComm. Oper. II Jeffrey K. Herzer,Troop HCriminalist III Kelli E. Schuldies,Q/CLDMay20 yearsDE III Angela C. Johnson,Troop ADE III Wanda F. Woodruff,Troop C15 yearsAccountant II Chelsea N. Chanel,Q/BPD10 yearsCVO II Randy E. Fain, Troop CAnniversariesCITS II Connie L. Farris,Q/ICTDCVO II Clinton R. Flynn, Troop ACVO II Jason L. Gregory,Troop GCVO II Herbert W. Guilliams,Troop ACVO II Gregory N. Hall, Troop ATpr. Coby G. Holzschuh, Troop FTpr. Jeffry S. Leathers, Troop ICITS II Arthur L. Luebbering,Q/ICTDTpr. Dennis W. McCormick,Q/GDCVO II Robert L. Morgan,Troop DTrainer/Auditor I Jason R. Murray,Q/CJISDCVO II Bradley L. Nail, Troop HCVE Inspector III Ted E. Wilkins,Troop D5 yearsDE III Virginia A. Alston-Smith,Troop AComm. Oper. II Derrick L.Collins, Troop DTpr. Angela M. Coval, Troop CComm. Oper. II Jessalin A.Degonia, Troop FCriminalist III Lydia J. Fisher,Q/CLDComm. Oper. II Katherine H.McCormick, Troop AComm. Oper. II Denny D. Stortz,Troop CCriminalist III David F. Warren,Q/CLDComm. Oper. II Adam E.Whittom, Troop EApril 15April 15April 20April• Tpr. J.E. Linegardied in1985.• Class B uniform• Tpr. R.C.Tatoian died in2005.Traffic FatalitiesYear ToDateApril 30,2013Same PeriodLast YearYear To DateNumber OfIncreaseOrDecrease2011TrafficFatalities2012TrafficFatalities174 256 -82 786 829March-April 2013/Patrol News 9

Clerk Typist IIMegan E. LongSpotlightCurrent Assignment: Clerk Typist II,Troop E.Family: Megan is married to GaryLong, and they have two children,Jase (8) and Keygan (1).Interests: Megan enjoys spendingtime with her family, church actives,and playing sports.BirthAnnouncementsAppointed: December 16, 2010.First Assignment: Clerk Typist I,Troop E.Promotions/Reclassifications:Clerk Typist II — December 18,2011.Megan is a Poplar Bluff nativeand graduated from Poplar Bluff HighSchool. She attended Three RiversCollege on a volleyball scholarship andwas the assistant coach in 2006. Priorto the Patrol, she was employed atFirst Community Bank in Poplar Bluff.Megan has many clerical duties atthe Troop E Headquarters, includingprocessing criminal records and insurance.She loves being employed at theMissouri State Highway Patrol and herco-workers.Camila JeanTpr. Adam S. & Mrs. Brooke L.HuskeyTroop CPayton LynnMr. Brandon M. & Tpr. Ashley E.KlempkeTroop FWyatt JamesMr. Jeremiah J. & Tpr. Amy K.JohnsonQ/GDStrutting For SOMO!CohenTpr. Douglas W. & Mrs. BrandyA. PfeiferTroop IBrantley KeithTpr. Justin K. & Mrs. Heather R.BrooksTroop ECpl. Stacy L. Mosher, TroopF, took part in the SpecialOlympics Polar Bear Strut5K in Osage Beach, MO. Theevent took place February23, 2013. Pictured withCpl. Moser (center) areher daughter (r), KaelinMosher, and her stepmother(l), Sharon Johnson (wifeof retired Capt. Stephen R.Johnson Jr.).Joshua PaulTpr. Daren C. & Mrs. Vanessa R.BelardoTroop AMerik KelleyTpr. Travis I. GoolsbyTroop ABrenton HarrisTpr. Dan W. & Mrs. Michelle M.SchubertTroop AElliott LevonTpr. J. Michael & Mrs. Erica D.LinegarTroop DMarch-April 2013/Patrol News 11

PromotionsDave A. HallCaptainQ/MIACKevin C. KelleyLieutenantQ/CVEDJohn W. Dick Jr.SergeantTroop AMike P. FennewaldSergeantTroop AEldon L. GrissomSergeantTroop BMike D. LynchSergeantTroop EEric F. BrownCorporalTroop BTerry J. AdamsCorporalTroop BNeil R. AtkinsonCorporalTroop FTrenton A. BadgettCorporalTroop DAaron M. HarrisonCorporalQ/RDDStacey L. MosherCorporalTroop FBrad D. OdleCorporalTroop GRick E. ScismCorporalTroop AGrant N. WilliamsCorporalTroop E12 Patrol News/March-April 2013

PromotionsThad W. HuffChief TechnicianQ/ICTDJeff A. SchmidtChief TechnicianQ/ICTDDavid R. AxelrodAsst. Chief Oper.Troop CSonja Y. BarborekCook IIQ/TNDPaul R. BeckerGarage SuperintendentQ/MEDNancy M. BrownDE Sprv.Troop BDerick L. BrunzelCVE Inspector IITroop CRoger D. CrossAssistant DirectorQ/MVIDJenny M. EversQuality Control Clerk IIQ/CVEDCeleste D. ForbersCriminalist IIIQ/CLDMike V. FergusonCook Sprv.Q/TNDGabe T. GronemeyerDE IITroop CTina G. HallCVE Inspector IITroop CJohn J. HanlenCVE Inspector IITroop CGayla C. JenkinsFingerprint Tech. IIQ/CJISDMarch-April 2013/Patrol News 13

Spread The Word!Show Provides Opportunity To Share Safety MessageBy Sgt. Collin M. Stosberg, Troop ATroop A marine operations troopers,recruiters, and additional personnel participatedin the 2013 Kansas City Sports Showat Bartle Hall on January 11-13, 2013, inKansas City. It was an opportunity for thePatrol to promote boating safety througheducation. Troopers answered numerousboating safety-related questions andprovided attendees with a variety of safetyrelateditems. Troop A also participated inthe Overland Park Boat Show on January25-27, 2013, at the Overland Park ConventionCenter.(l) Tpr. M. David Miranda, Q/HRD,and Cpl. Charles W. Hoff, Troop A,share stickers and safety games withsome youngsters at the KC Sports Show.The Patrol joined other agencies in this eyecatchingdisplay at the KC Sports Show.Academy Welcomes 96th Recruit ClassBy Public Info. Spec. III Cheryl D. Cobb, Q/PIEDForty-four people reported to the Missouri StateHighway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy on January16, 2013, to begin the 25-week training course tobecome a trooper. The 96th Recruit Class will graduateon July 12, 2013. The average age of the membersof the 96th Recruit Class is 26 years. Thirty-nine recruitsremain in the Academy.Sgt. Mark A. Wilson,Q/TND, speaks toa recruit during thefirst day.16 Patrol News/March-April 2013

MSHPAs A Second CareerMembers, Spouses Talk About ExperienceBy Public Info. Spec. III Cheryl D. Cobb, Q/PIEDThe Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy welcomes an average of one recruitclass each year. Those in the class must be at least 21 years old at the time ofgraduation and be able to serve as a trooper for a minimum of three years beforereaching age 60, which is the mandatory retirement age for members. The averageage of recruits in the last five recruit classes has been 25 or 26 years old.However, not all recruits are in their mid-20s.Some are in their 30s and there have been recruits in their 40s. Have you everwondered why someone would choose to enter the Patrol’s Law EnforcementAcademy in their late ‘30s or early ‘40s? Was it a second career or a new direction?I spoke to four members of the Patrol who entered the Academy as “seasoned”adults (photos at right). I also spoke with their spouses. Each arrived at the Academyvia a unique path; each has a story to tell.Sgt. Dottie E.TaylorSgt. Tim J.HourihanTpr. M. DavidMirandaTpr. Kenneth A.Baldwin‘My Wife Makes ADifference Every Day’Sgt. Dottie E. Taylor, Q/DDCC,joined the Patrol in 1996 as a telecommunicatorin Troop I, Rolla. Beforethat, she worked in clerical positionsand in the banking field. She said noneof those positions “fit” what she couldenvision herself choosing as a career.“I met many great people along mypath, and one of those introduced meto members of the Patrol family. [Theyare] what eventually steered me towardthe Patrol,” said Dottie.Dottie said that part of her decisionto become part of the Patrolfamily was an unconscious one. Herdaughter, Missy, was very interestedin law enforcement and had her sightsset on the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Unfortunately, Missy’s life wascut short in a traffic crash. “I havesince realized that pivotal event eventuallyled me to the Patrol.”Dottie said she and Bruce hadgreat friends who were associatedwith the Patrol (the Volkmer andMertens families) and through themmet many others. “I watched them andfelt a strong pull toward the Patrol. Inever acted on my feelings, because Ithought there was still an age cap, andI was already beyond that age.”Sgt. Eric K. Volkmer, Troop I, toldDottie about the telecommunicator positionat Troop I and she applied. Onceimmersed in the atmosphere, she feltthe “fit” as she watched and talkedto troopers daily. She said I “kept mydesire to ‘be one’ a secret, that is, untilThis photo of Tpr. Dottie Taylor was takenwhen she worked the road in Troop I, Zone4, Pulaski County.I learned there was no longer an agecap in place. The rest is history. I appliedwith both naysayers and supporters,I might add.” Dottie was 41 yearsold when she entered the Academy onContinued on the next page.March-April 2013/Patrol News 17

‘I Supported Him 100 Percent’By Public Info. Spec. III Cheryl D. Cobb, Q/PIEDAt the age of 43, Tim J. Hourihanfound himself unemployed. The terroristattack of September 11, 2001affected many companies, includinghis. “Right sizing” left him without ajob. His resume was diverse—10 yearsas a St. Louis County police officer,and four years as a Farmers InsuranceGroup agent. When his wife’s jobtook their family to Texas, Tim wentto work for Southwestern Bell Telephonein sales. The Hourihan familymoved back to St. Louis when he waspromoted within the company. He hadbeen with Southern Bell for sevenyears before being laid off. Aftercontemplating his options, Timdecided to return to the professionhe knew best.“I applied to the MissouriState Highway Patrol and pluggedthe occupational gap by workingin the freight department at HomeDepot on the overnight shift,”said Tim. “I did not have any particularexpectations of the Patrol.I based my decision strictly on thereputation of the Patrol and my desireto undertake a new challenge.”Eight months later, Tim enteredthe Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academyon June 29, 2003, as a member ofthe 81st Recruit Class.“I was totally supportive,” saidTrish about Tim’s choice to returnto law enforcement. “I know it’ssomething he enjoyed when he wasyounger and on the county force.” Sheadmits she wasn’t thrilled with the sixmonths away from home for his Academytraining, but said, “I supportedhim 100 percent.”“The biggest challenge wasthe physical one,” said Tim. “Goingthrough the Academy at the age of 44with many recruits who were in theirearly 20s was definitely challenging.”“He was sore and tired when hecame home on weekends,” said Trish.“Weekend visits to the chiropractorall the way through ...” added Tim.Tim said that he would recommendthe Patrol to “seasoned” adultsfor a career depending on theircircumstances. He said that havinglife experience before entering theAcademy probably made some of ita little easier. However, Tim stressedthat it was a challenge and one shouldprepare ahead of time for the physicalaspect of recruit training.At the time he was in the Academy,their children were in gradeschool and middle school. Accordingto both Tim and Trish their childrenweren’t adversely affected by his beingaway for training.“They are good kids, and we didn’thave any issues because I was gone,”The Hourihan family enjoys dinner together:Sgt. Tim, Erin, Trish, and Rory.said Tim. “I was still communicatingwith them at night and was home on theweekends. Trish did a good job of goingto school functions and keeping thembusy. They knew what was expectedbecause of their upbringing.”“They knew there were higherexpectations because their dad wasin training to be in law enforcementagain,” said Trish. “They had a lot ofrespect for Tim for doing that.”After graduating from the Academy,Tim was first assigned to the Troop C,Weldon Spring, area. He transferred toGaming Division, General Headquarters,in 2007. Currently, Tim serves asthe officer-in-charge at the Isle of CapriCasino in Cape Girardeau.Trish said the biggest change wasgetting used to Tim working shift work.She had to get used to him workingnights and sleeping during the day.Their routine did change a little. But,she didn’t see any problems for him inthe transition from civilian to law enforcement.Sgt. TimHourihanstands onthe floor ofthe Isle ofCapri Casinoin CapeGirardeau.“I think he’s done fine, and the familyhas done fine,” said Trish. “I thinkany kind of shift work would bringchange—not just because you are onthe Patrol. You have to be flexible andaccommodating. The family has towork together.”“I am surprised I am workingin a casino! I never envisioned mycareer path would lead me to thegaming industry,” Tim said. “However,since transferring to the GamingDivision I have been involved insome of the most interesting investigationsof my career and receivedexcellent training.”“In my prior career, I was a civilianversus a sworn police officer.As a sales representative, my incomewas based on my work production(sales). But, the MSHP will bend overbackward to accommodate personalmatters or scheduling. It’s closer toa family than the civilian world. Ourschedules are so erratic, they attemptto accommodate you whenever possible.”“I think he takes pride in what hedoes for the Patrol,” says Trish. “Hetries to do the right thing and what’sbest for the Patrol. Tim’s given up a lotto be where he is today in the GamingDivision. But, we’re looking at it longrange ... Where we are in life, our ages,and toward retirement. The GamingDivision was a good move for him.”(Editor’s note: Sergeant Tim J. Hourihan,Q/GD, and his wife, Trish, have two grown children.Trish is a business manager with AT&T indowntown St. Louis. Their daughter, Erin, is anRN at Jefferson Memorial Hospital, and son, Rory,is a junior at the University of Missouri-Columbiastudying to become a mechanical engineer.)March-April 2013/Patrol News 19

‘I’ll Never Leave The MSHP’By Public Info. Spec. III Cheryl D. Cobb, Q/PIEDTrooper M. David Miranda,Q/HRD, became interested in statelaw enforcement while he was a U.S.Marine. He was stationed on board theaircraft carrier USS Abraham LincolnCVN-72. “I’ll never forget. Behind thegunnery sergeant’s office door wasa calendar with a picture showing alot of state troopers in different positionsfiring weapons,” said David. “Itsaid, ‘Highway Patrol ... First Line OfDefense.’ I saw the poster and—eventhough it’s a cliché—it changed mylife.”David was honorably dischargedfrom the Marines in 1994. He marriedhis wife, Ilda, a few months later.He and Ilda had graduated from thesame class at Lockhart High School inLockhart, Texas. (David’s family hadmoved from Kansas City, MO, to Lockhart,Texas, when he was 14, when hisdad was stationed there in the U.S. AirForce.)After completinghismilitary service,David paid toattend a basiclaw enforcementacademyin Texas. Hewas hired by theCaldwell County(Texas) Sheriff’sDepartment in1996. In 1997, hewas hired by theMartindale, Texas, Police Departmentwhile he went back to college. Hejoined the Texas Department of PublicSafety as a trooper in 1998.David’s family was in the Belton,MO, area. His parents returned thereafter his dad retired. (David’s threeolder sisters and “a ton of aunts,uncles, and cousins” live in Belton.) In2005, while David and his wife, Ilda,visited Belton to celebrate his grandmother’s93rd birthday, David’s sisterconvinced Ilda to apply for a positionin Kansas City. She got the job offer,which included a good pay raise, sothey made the decision to move theirfamily from Texas.“I was kinda scared,” said David’swife, Ilda. “I had always lived in Texas.We’d talked about the possibility ofmoving near David’s family. I said Iwould consider it, because we havealways been around my family. But, Ididn’t know what to expect.”Ilda adjusted well to the move,saying she very much enjoys her workas a claims adjuster for an insurancecompany. “I love the four seasons. Ilove the area. I think back in Texas wewere very independent. Since moving,we’ve become closer as a family. Wealso try to have get-togethers with hisfamily. I think I get along better withhis mom and sisters than him.”Once in Missouri, David says, “Iwalked into Troop A and talked withLt. Jim Ripley. I didn’t know him. ITpr. DavidMirand andhis wife, Ilda,are picturedwith daughtersMegan,Sabrina,Caitlyn, andAbigail.Tpr. M. David Miranda accepts his diplomafrom the Academy and congratulations fromCol. Jim F. Keathley during the 86th RecruitClass graduation ceremony.introduced myself. I told him I was aformer Texas trooper and wanted tobe a Missouri trooper. He took onelook and said, ‘Ok. You’ll have to gothrough our academy.’ That was apunch in the gut. But, I made up mymind that it was exactly what I was goingto do.” David ordered a Missouristatutes book online and after takingthe POST test, he was certified in Missouri.“I was able to get a job with theRaymore (MO) Police Departmentand worked there as I went throughthe MSHP selection process,” saidDavid. “That was a hard transition,from the Texas Highway Patrol withstatewide jurisdiction to Raymore, withabout four square miles to patrol. But,I enjoyed my time in Raymore andmet some great people. I still considerthem my friends.”Continued on the next page.Friends andfamily came tocongratulateTpr. DavidMiranda atgraduation.20 Patrol News/March-April 2013

— CareerContinued from page 20.Prior to starting the Patrol’s LawEnforcement Academy, David began astrict exercise regimen. He ran three tofour miles a day and bicycled seven toeight miles per day. “I knew it would bephysically challenging in the Academy,”he said. David entered the Academy asa member of the 86th Recruit Class. Hewould turn 37 during the training.“I was going to fly under the radarand not be first or last in anything duringtraining. But, that lasted until about30 seconds after the Academy started,”David laughed. “The instructors haddone their homework and let it beknown I used to be a Texas trooper.”“Being the oldest recruit in theclass, having my life experiences, andbeing from another state law enforcementagency was beneficial to ourrecruit class. I could not have pickedbetter ladies and gentlemen to gothrough the Academy with. They aremy brothers and sisters.”“I think, overall, he did very well,”said Ilda. “I think he underestimatedhimself. When he went through theAcademy, it was pretty scary ... scariestwas knowing he had to go through anotherone. It was his third. Just the factthat there was a possibility we mighthave been moved to another part ofMissouri was scary. We moved up hereto be close to his family. When he gotonto the Patrol, there was that smallchance we could have been moved.”“Overall, I think the transition wentvery well. When David was workingthe road with shift work, and was in theAcademy for six months, I was homewith our girls. I think it made me a littlestronger,” said Ilda. “We lived with hisfolks at first, and I had their support.My mother-in-law helped with our threegirls while I was working. We moved uphere not knowing when there would bean opening. But, everything just fell intoplace.”David said he was contacted byrepresentatives from the Texas HighwayPatrol a couple of years ago to seeif he would consider reinstating withthat agency. “I will always be gratefulto them for the opportunity they gaveme and the experience I had there,”he said. “But, hands down, I will neverleave the Missouri State Highway Patrol.It is the most professional and theclassiest agency I have ever worked for.I don’t think you hear the word ‘class’often in law enforcement, but that ishow I would describe this organization.”“I think Missouri is definitely agood agency to work for and they takecare of their people,” said Ilda.Currently, David serves as a fulltimerecruiter for the Patrol. He isassigned to Western Missouri. “I loverecruiting. I love looking for peoplewho are as passionate about gettinginto state law enforcement as I was.I’m recruiting people to do the job Iloved doing—working the road. I stillenjoy working the road. It’s a privilege.”“He’s home most evenings andweekends now. I think at our age,that’s definitely what I need,” said Ilda.“At the same time, I know he has thepassion and love for going out thereand working the road. I know he wantsto do that. He also comes home withstories. I enjoy the people he workswith and what he does.”(Editor’s note: Tpr. David Miranda andhis wife, Ilda, have four daughters: Sabrina, 18,Megan, 15, Caitlyn, 9, and Abigail, 7. They residein Belton, MO.)‘It’s Been More Than What I Expected’By Public Info. Spec. III Cheryl D. Cobb, Q/PIEDTpr. Kenneth Baldwin, Troop I,began his career with the Patrol afterretiring from the U.S. Army. He retiredas a first sergeant assigned to the 399thArmy Band stationed at Ft. LeonardWood. When he entered the Army, hewas a tuba player. But, over the years,he transitioned to many different instruments.“To me, it was the best job in theArmy,” Ken said. “I played for a coupleof U.S. presidents, the president ofFrance, a prince from Saudi Arabia, andvarious other dignitaries and personalitiesfrom all walks of life. I also metCollin Powell while he was still activeArmy.”Ken said he’d thought about lawenforcement as a career when he wasmuch younger. But, it wasn’t until amember from Troop D, Springfield,contacted him during a backgroundinvestigation that he came into contactwith the Missouri State Highway Patrol.“He asked me about one of my formersergeants,” said Ken. “I also heardhis recruiting pitch. He mentioned thePatrol as an option after the military. Itold him about my age, and he said thePatrol didn’t have the age requirementanymore and I could apply.”Prior to retirement, members ofthe military attend a transition course,and Ken did that. The course helpsthose attending prepare for the changefrom military to civilian life. A Troop Irecruiter spoke to the class, then toldthem he’d be outside in the hallway ifanyone had any questions.“I saw that no one went to speakto him, so I did,” said Ken. “I filledout the white card and talked to him alittle. I told my wife later that the cardContinued on the next page.Tpr. KenBaldwin, classcommander,addresses the79th RecruitClass atgraduation.March-April 2013/Patrol News 21

— CareerContinued from page 21.was probably blowing down the highway.I didn’t think I’d hear anything.Then, I got a letter about the testing.”Ken’s wife, Crystal, said she was a“bit surprised” by his decision to jointhe Patrol. “I didn’t know he had thatmuch interest in law enforcement,”she said. Crystal is a retired Armynurse who now serves as an instructorfor the Lebanon Technology andCareer Center. She teaches licensedpractical nursing courses. It was herposition in the Army that broughtthem to Fort Leonard Wood and Missouri.Ken entered the Patrol’s LawEnforcement Academy as a memberof the 79th Recruit Class in 2001.“Academically, it wasn’t overwhelming,”he said. “The physical part waschallenging. It was harder than basictraining. Of course, I was 20 when Iwent through basic, and I was 46 inthe Academy. It was relatively easy at20 ... The classmate that was closest inage to me was 17 years younger. But,I went through with a great group ofpeople.”Crystal said she felt Ken’s Academyexperience went well. “ ... becauseof the amount of time we spentin the military. It was a similar style ofcareer — wearing a uniform and maintaininga professional demeanor,” sheexplained. “He did very well; betterthan some of the younger people in theclass. In part, that was due to his experienceand part because he was determinedto do well. Even in the Army,when he went to a course, he was atthe top. It didn’t surprise me that hedid so well. I don’t think the Academywas an intense as training in the Army.He called from air assault training andcould barely lift his arms!” [Army airassault training involves repelling froma helicopter.]“The transitional part came whenhe became a trooper and started allover again,” said Crystal. “He was atthe top level when he retired from theArmy. He went back to being a private,basically, when he became a trooper.”She went on to say that the biggestchange for her was that his hours areTpr. Ken Baldwin’s success at the Academyresulted in his earning the AcademicAchievement award. Col. Roger D. Stottlemyre(l) presented the award at the 79th RecruitClass’ graduation.not as regular as they were when hewas in the Army ... that, and not beinghome on holidays.“I have discovered this is a youngperson’s game,” said Ken. “The scheduleitself is not that difficult, but the jobis challenging. One traffic stop, dependingon what it involves ... everythingabout it can get your adrenaline flowing.Up and down like that several times aday can be physically taxing, as can gettingin and out of the patrol car severaltimes a day.”“One of the differences is the levelof professionalism across the boardis higher —I didn’t deal with a lot ofcivilians in the Army,” said Ken. “Wewere more isolated from the civilianworkforce in the Army. The Patrol’sintegration [civilian and member] is alot easier to communicate across. In theArmy, nothing could be decided overnight.The Patrol is a very self-sufficientChamber Of CommerceHonors ErpenbachTrooper Todd E. Erpenbach, Troop E, holds theArcadia Valley Chamber of Commerce 100 percentaward. The chamber presented Tpr. Erpenbachthe award on January 19, 2013. The Iron Countycommissioners nominated Tpr. Erpenbach for theaward due to his tireless efforts to educate and equipthe citizens of Iron County when a natural disasterstrikes. Congratulations, Tpr. Erpenbach!organization; it’s probably the size ofa single battalion in Army. For thatone battalion, which might have beenlocated in the same area, communicationwas different than it is within thePatrol. The Army was good about communication... I’m saying it’s almostlike your immediate family group vs.your extended family.”“I held a lot of leadership positionswhile I was in the Army,” said Ken.“The Patrol’s management is completelydifferent, due to the quality ofpeople doing the job and the nature ofthe job. In the Army, I learned that asa leader, you spend 90 percent of yourtime tending to 10 percent of your soldiers.”“You don’t see that level of problemsin the Patrol,” Ken explained.“Soldiers would be late or wouldn’t docertain things. Here, guys show up todo their job and they do it well.”“The Patrol has been a little differentfrom what I expected, but nota lot,” he said. “It’s been more thanwhat I expected. One of the things thatwas impressive from outside, but evenmore so from the inside, is the overallprofessionalism of the agency.”“I am really proud of the job heis doing now and happy to be part ofthe trooper family. It is an honor,” saidCrystal. “I know it’s difficult somedays, but I hate to see him have toretire in two years. I think he can stilloffer a lot; if not on the road, maybe inanother capacity.”(Editor’s note: Tpr. Baldwin and his wife,Crystal, have two grown children. They reside inRichland, MO.)22 Patrol News/March-April 2013

‘Looking Beyond The Stop’The following officers are to be commended for looking beyond the initial traffic/boating stop. Each of these officers made at least onearrest during the period of December 25, 2012 to February 24, 2013. The list shows members with their rank/assignment duringthat time period.(Editor’s note: This column excludes DWI/BWI arrests, warrant arrests, and “plain sight” situations. Keep in mindthat there must be information in the “miscellaneous” section of the radio report to be considered for this column.)Troop ASgt. W.P. Bremer, 1 arrestTpr. W.J. Crose, 1 arrestTpr. J.J. Crump, 2 arrestsTpr. L.R. Dancy, 3 arrestsTpr. B.R. Dodson, 3 arrestsSgt. M.P. Fennewald, 1 arrestCpl. M.P. Fisher, 1 arrestTpr. J.E. Givens Sr., 1 arrestTpr. M.J. Hanrahan, 4 arrestsTpr. J.M. Harrison, 1 arrestSgt. D.J. Hedrick, 1 arrestTpr. G.J. Jenner, 2 arrestsSgt. R.B. McGinnis, 5 arrestsTpr. C.D. Moeller, 1 arrestCpl. G.D. Primm, 4 arrestsTpr. J.T. Langsdale, 1 arrestTpr. D.A. Paulsen, 1 arrestTpr. M.S. Richardson, 1 arrestTpr. K.A. Schmutzler, 1 arrestTpr. C.T. Schwarz, 2 arrestsCpl. C.E. Utterback, 1 arrestTpr. A.R. Vivas, 1 arrestTpr. N.D. Wallace, 2 arrestsTpr. G.B. Wright, 2 arrestsTpr. M.J. Yoder, 2 arrestsTroop BSgt. N.D. Berry, 1 arrestCpl. E.F. Brown, 1 arrestTpr. J.D. Davidson, 2 arrestsTpr. J.S. Dunn, 2 arrestsTpr. G.L. Gaines, 2 arrestsTpr. C.J. Glover, 3 arrestsTpr. P.B. Grubaugh, 2 arrestsTpr. T.J. Haley, 1 arrestTpr. T.K. Hendershott, 3 arrestsTpr. C.D. Primm, 1 arrestSgt. R.L. Seiner, 2 arrestsTroop CTpr. D.J. Arsenault, 1 arrestCpl. S.V. Buchheit, 1 arrestSgt. J.R. Campbell, 3 arrestsTpr. J.M. Conrad, 1 arrestCpl. J.L. Decker, 1 arrestTpr. J.R. Diffee, 1 arrestTpr. D.F. Isringhausen, 1 arrestTpr. N.V. Jannin, 1 arrestTpr. V.M. Kasput, 1 arrestCpl. L.J. Keathley, 2 arrestsTpr. J.R. McCurdy, 3 arrestsTpr. A.J. Michels, 1 arrestSgt. C.L. Patton, 1 arrestSgt. T.R. Potter, 3 arrestsCpl. D.B. Reed, 1 arrestTpr. K.D. Roady, 1 arrestTpr. P.G. Sarakas, 2 arrestsCpl. W.B. Sevier, 1 arrestTpr. A.D. Smith, 1 arrestTroop DTpr. J.W. Choate, 1 arrestCpl. M.D. Green, 1 arrestCpl. G.H. Hendrix, 2 arrestsTpr. S.D. Isringhausen, 1 arrestCpl. K.C. Morris, 2 arrestsTpr. A.W. Poulson, 1 arrestTpr. A.S. Rice, 1 arrestTpr. A. Sandoval Jr., 2 arrestsSgt. T.A. Zacher, 1 arrestTroop ETpr. R.L. Ayers, 1 arrestTpr. J.C. Cooksey Jr., 1 arrestTpr. D.W. Crank, 3 arrestsTpr. D.L. DeJournett, 1 arrestTpr. M.B. Foster, 1 arrestCpl. P.C. Hazelwood III, 1 arrestTpr. D.K. Heppe, 1 arrestTpr. J.T. Laramore, 2 arrestsSgt. S.R. Monk, 1 arrestTpr. C.L. Purnell, 2 arrestsTpr. E.M. Reynolds, 2 arrestsCpl. J.S. Stewart, 1 arrestTpr. S.K. Talburt, 2 arrestsTpr. J.J. West, 3 arrestsTpr. J.T. Wilson, 2 arrestsTroop FTpr. B.W. Adamson, 1 arrestTpr. A.A. Armstrong, 1 arrestTpr. N.J. Borgmeyer, 4 arrestsTpr. S.A. Brazas, 1 arrestTpr. Q.L. Dinovi, 8 arrestsTpr. R.R. Dowd, 1 arrestTpr. B.A. Forsythe, 2 arrestsTpr. D.L. Fouch, 1 arrestTpr. C.C. Frame, 3 arrestsTpr. B.J. Graf, 8 arrestsCpl. M.A. Halford, 5 arrestsTpr. M.T. Halford, 2 arrestsTpr. D.R. Haslag, 2 arrestsCpl. S.B. Johnson, 6 arrestsTpr. A.B. Kings, 1 arrestTpr. B.C. Lawler, 3 arrestsCpl. B.A. McLaughlin, 2 arrestsTpr. J.D. Miller, 1 arrestCpl. M.E. Morice, 11 arrestsCpl. S.L. Mosher, 2 arrestsCpl. C.J. North, 1 arrestTpr. N.R. Schaffer, 2 arrestsCpl. R.S. Thompson, 2 arrestsTpr. J.W. Turner, 4 arrestsCpl. T.R. Walley, 4 arrestsTpr. C.B. Wilt, 6 arrestsTpr. C.A. Winter, 1 arrestTroop GTpr. R.D. Crewse, 1 arrestCpl. S.N. Foster, 2 arrestsTpr. J.M. Heimsoth, 1 arrestTpr. A.D. Johnson, 4 arrestsTpr. D.J. Johnson, 3 arrestsTpr. G.J. Loring, 2 arrestsCpl. B.D. Odle, 2 arrestsTpr. M.A. Philpott, 1 arrestTpr. J.D. Piccinino, 1 arrestSgt. C.N. Ponder, 1 arrestCpl. D.B. Pounds, 1 arrestSgt. R.T. Rees, 1 arrestTpr. E.M. VanWinkle, 2 arrestsTpr. P.R. Wells, 2 arrestsTroop HSgt. L.M. Allen, 1 arrestTpr. D.F. Barnett, 1 arrestTpr. S.J. Cool, 1 arrestTpr. J.M. Cross, 1 arrestTpr. S.S. Gates, 1 arrestTpr. B.R. Hilliard, 1 arrestTpr. D.A. Landi, 1 arrestCpl. A.G. McAtee, 2 arrestsTpr. M.L. Starmer, 5 arrestsTroop ICpl. L.D. DeClue, 1 arrestTpr. M.A. Goodson, 1 arrestTpr. J.A. Ice, 1 arrestTpr. N.A. Smith, 1 arrestTpr. P.V.J. Volkmer, 2 arrestsCpl. K.D. Wilmont, 4 arrestsMarch-April 2013/Patrol News 23

RetirementCITS II RichardH. SchellmanOn March 1, 2013, CITS II RichardH. Schellman retired from the MissouriState Highway Patrol with 38years and one month of service. Dickbegan his career with the HighwayPatrol as a terminal technician in theMotor Vehicle Bureau located in theJefferson Building on February 1,1975. He got a call from Retired Lt.Jack Danklef informing him “the job isyours, if you want it, and you can startnext Monday.” Dick was so anxious tostart a job in the criminal justice fieldhe said yes without even asking aboutthe salary. Lt Danklef said the moneywas not great, but maybe down theroad he might consider becoming atrooper. Once Dick got into the informationtechnology field he felt it wasthe career path he wanted to follow,and he has never regretted the move.On June 1, 1975, Dick was assignedas a computer operator underthe Information Systems Division.After two years, he was reclassifiedas a security and quality analyst. Inthis position, he implemented the firstphysical and software security systemswithin the Information SystemsDivision. Later in the same year, Dickwas again reclassified, becoming asystems analyst where he designedthe first Automated Officers DailyReporting System and implementedthe Automated Fingerprint IdentificationIndex System. Over the next 12years, Dick supported elements ofthe Criminal History Record System,Missouri Prosecutors Integrated CaseManagement System, Offender ManagementInformation System, Probationand Parole Information System,Traffic Arrest System, Uniform TrafficTicket Audit System, Personnel System,Finance System, Vehicle MileageForecasting /Cost Accounting System,and Academy Student Records Systemand Recertification System, along withmany other systems.On February 1, 1998, Dick becamethe Helpdesk administrator, implementingthe first Helpdesk softwaresystem within the Highway Patrol. Healso established the Level One Helpdeskprogram which allowed trainedpersonnel at troops and zones tohandle minor issues or open Helpdesktickets. On October 1, 2002, Dick wasassigned to an ICTD trainer position,which he held until retirement.During his long career, Dick hascertainly experienced some memorablemoments with the Highway Patrol.His first job was using the ASR-28teletype machine to respond to agenciesrequesting vehicle title histories.By actually punching characters intoa tape via keyboard and then feedingthe tape back through the machine,a document was sent back to therequesting agency. If you made a mistaketyping, you would have to startover again ... and keep trying until yougot it right. This was a remarkablepiece of machinery in its time. He alsohad the opportunity to travel aroundRetiree E-mailthe state with retired Lt. Roy Fluegeland retired Sgt. Frank Stephens whiletraining on the Automated FingerprintIdentification Index System and CriminalHistory Records System. The twoofficers always knew the best places toeat while on the road.Dick grew up in St. Thomas, MO,and attended St. Thomas ElementarySchool. He graduated from HeliasHigh School. He then earned a bachelor’sof science degree in criminaljustice administration from LincolnUniversity. He is married to Carol,who retired January 31, 2013, after 35years of teaching elementary school.They have two children, Lindsay andPatrick. Lindsay lives in Jefferson Citywith her husband, James Sullivan,and is employed with the City of Jefferson.Patrick lives in St. Thomas, andis employed with Lincoln University.Dick is a member of St. Thomas theApostle Church in St. Thomas. He isa past Grand Knight of St. ThomasKnights of Columbus and president ofthe St. Thomas Bowling Association.He enjoys bowling, hunting, fishing,gardening, raising cattle, and followingthe Missouri Tigers and Missouri professionalsports teams.His plans for retirement includecontinued involvement in church andthe community, as well as brushing upon his golf game. He plans to improvemanagement of his cattle farm, spendtime with family and friends, workaround the house, and do some traveling.We all wish Dick and his familythe best for retirement.Retirees of the Missouri State Highway Patrol are eligible to receivedaily e-mails with information regarding deaths, births, and administrativeannouncements. To be added to the list, e-mail Designated PrincipleAssistant Cindy A. Scheidt, Q/ASO, at cindy.scheidt@mshp.dps.mo.gov.(This service is only available to retirees.)March-April 2013/Patrol News 25

Congratulations On Your Retirement!Marlene M. FraleyClerk Typist IIITroop ARetired January 1, 2013.11 years of dedicated service.Bob C. Hanson Sr.Trainer/Auditor IQ/CJISDRetired January 1, 2013.11 years of dedicated service.Ron G. BeckProg./Analyst Mgr.Q/ICTDRetired February 1, 2013.26 years of dedicated service.Jim L. DavisBldg. & Grnds.Maint. Sprv.Q/MEDRetired February 1, 2013.Six years of dedicated service.Linda C. YorkDE Sprv.Troop DRetired February 1, 2013.22 years, eight months of dedicatedservice.26 Patrol News/March-April 2013

Troop B Joins 160 Plungers In Forest LakeBy Sgt. Brent J. Bernhardt, Troop BOn Saturday, February 9, 2013, a PolarBear Plunge to benefit Special OlympicsMissouri was held at the ForestLake Thousand Hills State Park in Kirksville,MO. During the event, 160 “plungers”braved the 29-degree weather andextremely cold water conditions to raiseover $22,000 in proceeds. The benefithelps fund Special Olympics Missouri’syear-round program of sports, training,and competition for children and adultswith intellectual disabilities.During this year’s event, Troop Bwas represented by Driver ExaminerSupervisor/Troop B Special OlympicsCoordinator Nancy M. Brown; CorporalEric F. Brown, Cpl. Brown’s 10-year-oldson, Trace, and Trooper Trent J. Haley.This was DE Sprv. Brown’s first timeever “taking the plunge,” and she said,“It only felt cold for a very few minutesand it was a bunch of fun!” Troop B hadtwo veteran “plungers” participate thisyear— this was Cpl. Brown’s eighthMost of Troop B’s Polar Bear Plunge team can be seen jumping into the cold lake in thispicture.plunge and Tpr. Haley’s fifth plunge.Making this a family event, Cpl. Brownallowed his son to participate in his firstArctic-style plunge.Motor Vehicle Inspector SupervisorMike P. Kelley served as a diverwith the Marceline Underwater Rescueand Recovery Dive Team. The team assistedparticipants and made sure eachof them were safe.The annual event at Forest LakeThousand Hills Park is a project of theLaw Enforcement Torch Run for SpecialOlympics and is hosted by TrumanState University Department of PublicSafety, Kirksville Police Department,Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B,and the Missouri Department of Conservation.Super Heroes Plunge For SOMO!By Clerk IV Carla J. Flickinger, Q/MVIDThe SUPER Plungers took part inthe annual Polar Bear Plunge at publicbeach number two at Lake of theOzarks on Saturday, February 23, 2013.The water temperature was all of 38degrees that day. The SUPER Plungersincluded Chief Operator RogerD. Martin (Hellboy), Q/ICTD; CITIII Kellie L. Foster (Poison Ivy), Q/ICTD; Clerk Typist II Meghan Hauser(Bat Girl), Q/DDCC; Clerk Typist IIIMarie D. Stephens (Cat Woman), Q/HRD; Food Service Mgr. E. Anne Robinson(Super “S”), Q/TND ; Clerk IVCarla J. Flickinger (Wonder Woman),Q/MVI; Mr. Troy Flickinger (GreatestAmerican Hero); and Miss NicoleKliethermes (Bubbles from the PowderpuffGirls). The team raised over$2,000 for this worthwhile cause! Thisevent welcomed a total of 488 plungersThe SUPER plungers (from l r) are: Poison Ivy (CIT III Kellie Foster, Q/ICTD), Super “S”(Food Service Mgr. E. Anne Robinson, Q/TND) Hellboy (Chief Oper. Roger Martin, Q/ICTD),Wonder Woman (Clerk IV Carla Flickinger, Q/MVID), Bubbles (Nicole Kliethermes, friend),Greatest American Hero (Mr. Troy Flickinger, MoDOT), Bat Girl (Clerk Typist II MeghanHauser, Q/DDCC), Cat Woman (Clerk Typist III Marie Stephens, Q/HRD).and raised $173,000 and counting forSpecial Olympics. The SUPER Plungersaccepted a second place GoldenPlunger Award for best costume in thelaw enforcement category. Well done,SUPER Plungers!March-April 2013/Patrol News 27

Troop I Plunges, Struts For SOMOBy Sgt. Dan J. Crain, Troop IOn February 23, 2013, sevenbrave and hearty members from theTroop I family dove courageously intothe frigid waters of the Lake of theOzarks. The group, who coined themselvesthe “Tu Tu Dynasty,” includedthe men wearing clothing (with beardsof course) making them look similarto those on the popular reality show“Duck Dynasty.” However, the group’scatchy name was a result of the dressof the women, each of whom donneda cute, little tutu. In addition to raising$2, 700 for Special Olympics of Missouri,this gang also won the top prizefor their innovative costumes. One ofthe dynasty members, Trooper Joe T.Peart, also participated in the 5K PolarBear Strut. Tpr. Peart earned approximately$500 for the right to strut, andalso managed to place second in therace within the law enforcement category.Pictured are:(back row, l tor) Tpr. Colby W.Tierney, Lt. SteveP. Davis, Tpr. JoeT. Peart, ClerkTypist III Jamie L.Maddux, DE IIIDarla L. Conway,CDL Exam. DianeStark; (front row, lto r) DE II NicoleStratman andTpr. Ralicia A.Feuerborn.Tpr. Joe Peart, TroopI, strutted his stuff in a5K for Special OlympicsMissouri. (He is dressedin black, in the front, onthe left.)Troop G Reports Light Snowfall, Water RescueBy Sgt. Marty K. Elmore, Troop GIn the Troop G area, the February snowfallwas light when compared to the rest of the state.Depending on the area, it measured between atrace and five inches. In Ozark County, four officersexecuted a water rescue due to heavy rain onFebruary 26. The officers used a swift boat to rescuetwo occupants from their vehicle’s roof afterthey tried to cross the river.28 Patrol News/March-April 2013Although not as heavy as in otherareas of the state, snow coveredroads in Troop G made for slickdriving conditions.

Jesse W. DillonJesse W. Dillon, 81, of JeffersonCity, MO, died Tuesday, January 1,2013, at Capital Region Medical Center.Jesse was born on May 4, 1931, inDixon, MO, the son of Walton and Lillias(Grosvenor) Dillon.He was a lifelong resident of theCentral Missouri area. Jesse graduatedfrom Iberia High School and completedhis education at the Iberia Academy.He served in the United StatesAir Force during the Korean Conflict,and was honorably discharged onSeptember 15, 1960, as a sergeant. Hewas employed with the Missouri StateHighway Patrol for 30 years, retiringas a sergeant on August 30, 1990.He was a lifetime member of theAmerican Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post5; the Veterans of Foreign Wars, RoySone Post 1003; and the Wears CreekYacht Club where he loved drinkingcoffee with his friends. Jesse enjoyedgardening, attending bluegrass festivals,and riding his motorcycle withseveral different groups of friends. Hecherished time with his family, especiallyhis grandchildren.Survivors include: one daughter,Sheri Ann Carver (and her husband,Steven), of Lehi, UT; Jesse’s specialfriend, Vera Bogler, of Jefferson City;three grandchildren, Ben Dillon, LillyCarver, and Sam Carver; three greatgrandchildren,Marshall Dillon, JesseDillon, and Jade Dillon; four nieces,Sue Carroll (and her husband, Al),Gayle Walton, Karen Speights, andDeathsRoberta Stover Hunt; and several greatnieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by hisparents; one son, Scott Wade Dillon(May 3, 2000); an infant daughter,Staci Rene Dillon, on October 15, 1962;one sister, Vivian Stover; one nephew,Jerry Stover; and his longtime companion,Eleanor Watkins.Funeral services took place Saturday,January 5, 2013, in the FreemanChapel with Mr. Brent Newtonofficiating. A private graveside serviceand interment followed at the LawsonCemetery near Iberia, MO. The familysuggests memorial contributions besent to the American Heart Associationor the American Red Cross. FreemanMortuary handled the funeralarrangements.The Patrol family extends itssincerest condolences to the Dillonfamily.(Reprinted with permission from Freeman Mortuary.)Donald G.HutsonDonald Gene Hutson, of St. Peters,MO, died on January 12, 2013, at theage of 82. He was born December 10,1930, in Flat River, MO, to the late Donaldand Gladys (Smith) Hutson. Donaldwas a loving husband, father, brother,uncle, great uncle, and great-greatuncle.Donald is survived by his wife of 58years, Zetta (McFarland) Hutson. Theywere married on November 6, 1954, atParkview Free Will Baptist Church inDesloge MO. He is survived also by hisson, Don Hutson (and his wife, Kathy),and two sisters, Beverly Hahn (and herhusband, Bob) and Debbie Smith (andher husband, Terry) both of Metropolis,IL. Donald was a retired driver examinersupervisor of the Missouri StateHighway Patrol.Funeral services took place onJanuary 15, 2013, at the Stygar Mid RiversFuneral Home & Crematory. Intermentoccurred at Jefferson BarracksNational Cemetery. The family suggestsmemorials be given to The MASTERS,5287 Highway 67 North, Poplar Bluff,MO 63901.The Patrol family extends its sincerestcondolences to the Dillon family.(Reprinted with permission from Stygar FuneralHome & Crematory.)James R.SwaderJames R. Swader, 77, of Festus,MO, died on Monday, January 21,2013, at the Westchester House inChesterfield, MO. He was born December29, 1935, in Caruthersville,MO, the son of the late Marion L. (neeBebout) and William Henry Swader.He is survived by his wife, PatriciaAnn (nee Smith) Swader, hisdaughter, Elizabeth Ann Long (andher husband, John), of Lee’s Summit,MO, his son, James Eric Swader, ofFestus, a brother, Jere Swader (and hisMarch-April 2013/Patrol News 29

— SwaderContinued from page 29.wife, Mary Ann), of Fallbrook, CA, andgrandchildren, Austin, Nathan, andJeffrey Long.In addition to his parents, he waspreceded in death by a brother whodied in infancy.He was a member of SacredHeart Church in Crystal City, MO, theKnights of Columbus Council #1230,and the Jefferson County and SouthernRailway Club. Mr. Swader retiredfrom the Missouri State Highway Patrolas a commercial vehicle inspector.A memorial gathering took placeon January 29, 2013, at Vinyard FuneralHome in Festus. A memorialmass occurred on January 30, 2013, atSacred Heart Church in Crystal City,MO, officiated by Fr. Joseph Wormek.An inurnment took place at the NationalCemetery in Jefferson Barracks,MO. Memorials are preferred to SacredHeart Church or the St. Vincentde Paul Society.The Patrol family extends itssincerest condolences to the Swaderfamily.(Reprinted with permission from Vinyard FuneralHome, Festus, MO.)May 8May 17May 22May 27May• Truman’sbirthday• Sgt. D.C. Maydied in 1999.• Tpr. M.L.Newton diedin 2003.• Memorial Day30 Patrol News/March-April 2013DeathsGlenn F.ColemanGlenn F. Coleman, 91, of Bethany,MO, died Tuesday, January 22, 2013,at a Bethany hospital. He was bornApril 6, 1921, in Cameron, MO, theson of Grover and Alta (Belcher) Coleman.On May 1, 1949, he married EllenaBernice “Bea” Whited in Carrollton,MO. She survives at the home.Glenn retired from the MissouriState Highway Patrol in 1985 after 35years as a commercial vehicle enforcementofficer. He served in the U.S.Army during World War II.In addition to his wife, survivorsinclude daughters, Carole Plymell(and her husband, Jim), of Cameron,MO, and Debra Coleman (and herhusband, Darrell Burton), of Bethany,MO; grandchildren, Stacey Yates (andher husband, Chet), of Cameron,MO, and Lucas Plymell (and his wife,Allyssa), of St. Joseph, MO; greatgrandchildren,Rachel and AlysonYates, of Cameron, MO; a sister, DarleneGleaves (and her husband, Jim),of Vero Beach, FL; a sister-in-law, BerniceColeman, of Independence, MO;and nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by hisparents and brothers, George and MelvinColeman.A private family inurnment occurredin the Graceland MemorialCemetery, Cameron, MO. Cremationwas provided by Roberson FuneralHome, Bethany, MO. Memorial con-tributions may be made to HCCH HomeHealth in care of Roberson FuneralHome, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424.The Patrol family extends its sincerestcondolences to the Coleman family.(Reprinted with permission from the RobersonFuneral Home.)Benjamin F.GoodinBenjamin F. Goodin, 71, of JeffersonCity, died Wednesday, February 27,2013, at the Medical Center of Plano inPlano, Texas. He was born December3, 1941, in Jefferson City, a son of thelate Benjamin O. and Maxine (Higgins)Goodin. He was married February 28,1986, in Jefferson City, to Dorothy Berhorst,who survives at home.Ben was a 1959 graduate of JeffersonCity High School. He receivedhis undergraduate degree in criminaljustice from what is now TrumanState University, in Kirksville, MO. Hereceived his master’s degree in educationfrom what is now the University ofCentral Missouri, in Warrensburg, MO.Ben served in the United States Navyfrom 1962-1966. Later, he served in theMissouri Army National Guard, retiringin 1998 as a captain.Ben joined the Missouri State HighwayPatrol in 1966. He was stationedand lived in Boonville. In 1978, hejoined the staff of the Highway Patrol’sLaw Enforcement Academy wherehe enjoyed teaching new recruits.He retired from the Highway Patrol

Deathsin 1994 at the rank of lieutenant. Hebecame the manager of enforcementfor MoDOT Motor Carrier Services,a position from which he retired in2009. He represented Missouri on theCommercial Vehicle Safety Allianceand received their President’s Awardin 2008.Ben was a member of St. StanislausCatholic Church where heserved on the Dream Team, ElksLodge, Knights of Columbus, AmericanLegion’s 40 & 8 Voiture #1292,and American Legion Post where heserved as commander from 1994-1995.He was chairman of the American LegionCadet Patrol Academy for manyyears on the post, district, and departmentlevels. Ben received the AmericanLegion Officer of the Year Awardin 1981. He was a member of the ColeCounty Relay for Life committee.Ben was an avid photographer, beinga photo journalist for the MissouriNational Guard and the self-appointedphotographer for special family occasions.He enjoyed making his friend’sevents memorable through his gift ofpersonalized photos.Ben was a true outdoorsman.He loved hunting with his son, Scott.He had a passion for fishing, preparingmeals for his friends and familyespecially during the holidays. Heloved spending time with his familyand his cherished grandchildren. Hetreasured his companionship with histrusted pals, his chocolate lab, Macks,and his bassett, Maggie.In addition to his wife, he is survivedby five children: Scott Goodin(Michelle Swierski), of Parkville, MO;Suzanne Goodin Platt (and her husband,Sean), of Overland Park, KS; StefanieTillman (and her husband, John),of Columbia, MO, Melanie Moore (andher husband, Keith), of Lake Dallas,TX; one stepson, Gregory Beelek (andhis wife, Natalie), of New Braunfels,TX; 10 grandchildren: Grace, Charlie,Will, and Caroline Platt, Rene andEmma Tellman, Abigail and LillianMoore, and Stephanie and Owen Mc-Namara; two sisters: Patricia Nelson(and her husband, Brad), of Lake LasVegas, NV, and Naomi Jessup (and herhusband, Ken), of O’Fallon, MO; andnumerous nieces and nephews.A mass of Christian burial occurredWednesday, March 6, 2013, at St. StanislausCatholic Church, with Rev. TomMcGrath officiating. Burial with fullmilitary honors followed in HawthornMemorial Gardens. Expressions ofsympathy may be made to OperationComfort Warrior Project or the AmericanLegion Cadet Patrol Post 5. Houser-Millard Funeral Directors handled thefuneral arrangements.The Patrol family extends its sincerestcondolences to the Goodin family.(Reprinted with permission from HouserMillard Funeral Directors.)James L. StoweJames L. Stowe, 77, Springfield,MO, was born May 7, 1935, in Strafford,MO, to Paul and Florence(Dixon) Stow, and died on Friday,February 8, 2013, in Mercy HospitalSpringfield.Jim served in the United States AirForce as a survival instructor and wasa veteran of the Korean War. On July12, 1959, Jim became a trooper withthe Missouri State Highway Patrol. Heretired on May 1, 1993. After his retirement,Jim worked for Stone County forabout eight years. At one point, he wasthe emergency coordinator.Jim and his wife, Shirley, movedto Springfield about 10 years ago fromCrane, MO. He loved to shoot gunsand be outdoors. He had been a scoutmasterwith the local Boy Scouts whileliving in Crane. Jim was an elder in hischurch, and served by making visits topeople in the hospital.He was preceded in death by hisparents, Paul and Florence Stowe, and abrother, George Stowe.Survivors include his wife of 53years, Shirley, of the home; two daughters,Lori Bell (and her husband, Don)and Christie Stowe, all of Tulsa, OK;two sons, Randy Stowe (and his wife,Susan), of Nixa, MO, and Tim Stowe(and his wife, Kris), of Crane; a brother,Gene Stowe (and his wife, Pat), of Strafford;a sister-in-law, Barbara Stowe, alsoof Strafford; 10 grandchildren; and ahost of nephews and nieces.Jim will be mourned and missedby all who had the chance to know andlove him.Funeral services took place onTuesday, February 12, 2013, at WestripFuneral Home in Crane, MO.The Patrol family extends is sincerestcondolences to the Stowe family.(Reprinted with permission from the WestripFuneral Home.)Fred J. WildeMr. Fred J. Wilde died Friday,March 1, 2013. He was the belovedhusband of Colette S. (Claspill) Wilde;dear father of Karen M. JeademannContinued on the next page.March-April 2013/Patrol News 31

— WildeContinued from page 31.(and her husband, Tim) and DavidJohn Wilde; dear grandfather of Alyssaand Danielle Wilde; dear son of Virginiaand the late Arthur Wilde; and dearbrother of Sharon Weydeck (and herhusband, Kenneth). He was our dearnephew, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin,and friend.Funeral services took place atKutis Affton Chapel. Interment followedat Sunset Cemetery. Fredworked for the Missouri State HighwayPatrol as a driver examiner. Heretired as a commercial driver licenseexaminer on March 1, 2009, after eightyears of dedicated service. Fred was amember of the High Ridge VFW.The family suggests memorialcontributions be made to the AmericanCancer Society.The Patrol family extends itssincerest condolences to the Wildefamily.(Reprinted with permission from the St.Louis Post-Dispatch, Kutis Funeral Home,and the Wilde family.)Retirees’LuncheonA special invitation is extendedto all Patrol retirees, spouses,surviving spouses, and guests togather on Friday, August 16, 2013.We’ll begin at 11 a.m. and concludeat 3 p.m. with lunch served atnoon. The gathering is being heldat First Baptist Church, 2 NorthDouglas, Lee’s Summit, MO. Joinus and take a little time for funand fellowship. (Door prizes appreciated.)The cost is $11 perperson. Please RSVP to retiredSgt. Pat Spire at 3400 Northwest51st Terrace, Blue Springs, MO64015. Call Pat at 816-229-0154 ifyou have questions or e-mail himat pvspire@prodigy.net.45 years agoMarch 1968 — Hearings took place throughout the state to address theproposed rules and regulations concerning the new motor vehicle inspectionprogram. An article in this issue asked employees to help with recruitingefforts. “The Vietnam War, immense social changes, and the rise ofcivil disobedience have all contributed to the reason why so many policedepartments are now having recruiting problems,” the article stated.35 years agoApril 1978 — Coal trucks rolled again after a detail was sent to the MontrosePlant of the Kansas City Power and Light Company to keep thepublic roads open and prevent violence by striking coal miners. A detailconsisting of officers from Troops A and D went to Henry County in February1978 after Trooper G.D. Friar and truck line operator were jostledand threatened as the officer attempted to escort a similar convoy to theplant earlier that month. In that earlier incident, the trucks were forced toreturn to Kansas City without unloading after about 200 striking minerssurrounded the patrol car. Two tires of the patrol car were punctured duringthe incident. After the company obtained a restraining order againstthe miners, Troop A officers began daily escorts of truck convoys to theplant, which had been running dangerously low on fuel.25 years agoMarch 1988 — An article inside this issue announced that 17 new highperformance 1988 Ford Mustangs had been purchased for use on the interstatehighways. During an ECCO vehicle search, Tpr. C. Mitch Heath,Troop E, had an interesting experience. When he asked the driver whatwas in a canvas bag tied with a knot, he was told, “Nothing.” He untied theknot only to have a large snake come out of the bag and wrap around hisarm. Tpr. Heath grabbed the snake’s head and the driver took the snakeoff his arm and returned it to the bag. Tpr. Heath then located illegaldrugs under the bag containing the snake (a python).15 years agoApril 1998 — This issue contained numerous articles from the HumanResources Division. Subjects covered included diversity, recruiting, workforce statistics, benefits, and the Patrol’s application process. In othernews: Post C-1, Weldon Spring, MO, closed permanently.10 years agoMarch 2003 — Clerk Typist III Barbara A. Kidwell, Troop A, accepteda DPS Meritorious Service Award. Radio & Telecom. Tech. Kathryn Y.Simpson accepted an Unsung Hero Award from Missouri Special Olympics.An article announced Midwest HIDTA Intel. Analyst Mandy L. Pardoehad been named the 2002 Outstanding Intelligence Analyst.5 years agoMarch/April 2008 — The Missouri Criminal Justice Modernization Project(MCJMP) was outlined. The Sgt. Carl Dewayne Graham Jr. MemorialHighway was dedicated. A new training unit within the Criminal Recordsand Identification Division (now the Criminal Justice and Information ServicesDivision) is formed. The unit would specialize in MULES training.The issue contained articles detailing the experiences of a number of PolarBear Plunge teams.32 Patrol News/March-April 2013

Troop B: Snow Piled EverywhereBy Sgt. Brent J. Bernhardt, Troop BFrom 15 to 18 inches of snowlanded in the Troop B area duringthe February snows. That and threeto four foot drifts made it hazardousfor traveling. Fortunately, the areaexperienced only one injury trafficcrash. The wet snow and winds didcause power outages, though. One ofthe biggest problems was not havingplaces to push snow to—it was alreadypiled everywhere.The streets became hazardous in Troop B. This photo shows many people stayed home duringthe inclement weather—something all law enforcement agencies appreciated.SympathyOur deepest sympathy goes to the following personnel who have lost a member of their family:Fiscal & Budg. Analyst III Brenda S.Koenigsfeld (Q/BPD) - grandmotherTpr. Cory W. Bradshaw (A) - fatherRet. Bldg. & Grnds. Maint. Sprv.Robert W. Duncan - wifeRet. Sgt. Larry M. Bodenhamer -motherAssistant Director Rhonda L. Czarnecki(Q/DE) - motherHousekeeper II Teresa L. Darrah(A) - motherCapt. Londell Jamerson (Q/CVED)- sisterInfo. Analyst II Denice D. Tipton(Q/CJISD) - grandmotherRet. CVO Sprv. Danny J. Moore -fatherDE III Melanie R. Fitzpatrick (F) -grandfatherSgt. Reggie M. Walker (Q/GD) -motherAssistant Director Tim R. Schlueter(Q/CJISD) - brotherRet. CVE Insp. Sprv. I Robert L. Ragan- sonTpr. Jeff L. Gertson (D) - fatherRet. Sgt. Dan W. Green - brotherSpecial Asst. Theresa M. Backes(Q/HRD) - nephewRet. Latent Tech. II Valerie J. Watkins- motherCrim. Hist. Spec. I Heather J. Elder(Q/DDCC) - grandmotherCapt. Lester D. Elder (Q/DE) - grandmother-in-lawRet. Cpl. Kenneth E. Kerrick - wifeDE III Michelle D. Applegate (E) -fatherRet. Sgt. Charles E. Statzel - wifeRet. Sgt. Chuck J. Kramer - motherRet. Asst. Garage Supt. Cletus J.Kramer - wifeSgt. Roger S. Williams (Q/GD) -father-in-lawMVI Sprv. Dan A. Gregory (I) -grandmotherCpl. Eric R. Stacks (Q/DDCC) - fatherComm. Tech. II Jack A. Martin(Q/ICTD) - fatherCpl. Charlie L. Brown (C) - motherin-lawMarch-April 2013/Patrol News 33

• • •Thank YouThank you for the overwhelmingsupport through cards, phone calls,visits, and prayers after the loss of myhusband. I would like to thank everyonewho attended the memorial service.The thoughtfulness and support isgreatly appreciated and will be rememberedalways.Thank you, again.Account Clerk III Dianne P. StrickerTroop C• • •I would like to express my appreciationfor all the kind thoughts andprayers my family and I have receivedfrom all of you. I consider the HighwayPatrol and the Crime Lab as a part ofmy family. Nancy and I have only beena part of the Highway Patrol family forfive years. Before her passing, we talkedmany times about how family orientatedthis organization is. There are no wordsthat I can put to paper that can tell youthe comfort that you have all brought tomy family and myself at this time.Thank you.Criminalist III Rick SuttonQ/CLD• • •On behalf of the family of Angie(Capps) Tinnin, I want to thank thosethat have supported us over the pastyear, especially, the last few months.When this journey first began, CaptainGreg D. Kindle said, “You take care ofAngie. We’ll take care of the HighwayPatrol,” and he meant it. The supportand understanding from the folks atTroop F was incredible. I never had toworry about anything in the zone, as mycorporal, Mike A. Halford, had it undercontrol. The CJIS Division, in particular,Tech. Support Mgr. Patrick J. Woodsand Security/QA Control Admin.Theresa A. Huhn continually checkedon Angie’s well being and kept her inthe loop of the job she loved so much.There were so many others that sentAngie encouragement from the Patrol,as well as many of the outside agencies34 Patrol News/March-April 2013she dealt with, that it would be impossibleto list everyone. Suffice it to saythat the kindness shown to us will neverbe forgotten.Sgt. Tim R. Tinnin, Troop F• • •I would like to sincerely thank myPatrol family for all of your cards, e-mails, and phone calls after the deathof my grandma. Your thoughtfulnessmeant so much to me and my family. Iwas reminded how blessed I am to be apart of such a caring organization.Info. Analyst II Denice D. Tipton,Q/CJISD• • •Thanks for all the cards and calls Ihave received since my mother, JoyceWatkins, passed away. Your prayers andwell wishes have helped during thisvery difficult time.Ret. Latent Tech. II Valerie J. Watkins• • •On behalf of my family, I wouldlike to thank everyone for the prayers,phone calls, and cards with condolencesfollowing the death of my mother, BettyKramer. I would also like to thank everyonewho was able to attend the visitationor funeral mass. It meant a lot tome and my family. Your thoughtfulness,support, and friendship are very muchappreciated. May God bless each of youand your families.Sincerely,Ret. Sgt. Chuck Kramer & family• • •Our family would like to thankeveryone for the cards, prayers, andexpressions of sympathy after the deathof our son, Curtis. Your support wasgreatly appreciated.Sincerely,Ret. CVI Sprv. Robert L. Ragan &familyI just wanted to extend my gratitudeto everyone who sent a card, gift, text,or food, said a kind word, or prayed forme and my family after the passing ofmy dad, Frank Hardin. You kindness isappreciated so much! Please continueto pray for us as we adjust to our liveswithout him.Sincerely,DE III Michelle D. Applegate, TroopE• • •Terri and I would like to thank thePatrol family for the prayers, flowers,and acts of kindness during the recentloss of her father, Gerald Heldenbrand.We truly appreciate the thoughtfulnessand compassion during this difficulttime.Sincerely,Sgt. Roger S. Williams, Q/GD• • •Our family would like to thank everyonefor the kind words and prayers,and those who called during our time ofgrieving upon the passing of my grandmother.Just knowing that we have thesupport from everyone brings such reliefduring those hard times. One thingI wanted to note was that my family wasso amazed with the presence of so manyPatrol personnel during the visitationand service. That alone will be a memoryto cherish for a long time. Again,thank you all for being so caring.Sincerely,MVI Sprv. Daniel & Kimberly Gregory,Troop I• • •On behalf of the GHQ Torch RunCommittee, I would like to thank everyonefor supporting the Special Olympicsbiscuits & gravy fundraiser and cinnamonroll day. We earned a profit of$639.30 and $598, respectively. I wouldlike to thank the committee for theirhard work. Also, thanks to Anne and theAcademy personnel who helped ordersupplies, prepared the food, and madesure we had everything necessary toserve the food.Lt. John J. Hotz, Q/PIED

“From The East To The West, 96 Is The Best”By Recruit Ethan B. Mueller, Q/TNDAt 9 a.m., on Wednesday, January16, 2013, 44 individuals reported to theMissouri State Highway Patrol LawEnforcement Academy, in JeffersonCity, to begin their 26 weeks of recruittraining. This group of selected applicantswould form the Missouri StateHighway Patrol’s 96th Recruit Class. Allof these individuals came from differentbackgrounds, cities, and even otherstates, but came with the same goal: Tobecome a Missouri state trooper.After reporting to the Academy,we went to General Headquarters tostart orientation. During orientation, wehad the opportunity to listen to CaptainDavid P. Perkins, Q/TND, speak andwelcome us to the Patrol. We introducedourselves to the rest of the classand told each other a little about ourbackgrounds. Most of the day consistedof what seemed like endless amounts ofpaperwork. It was, at times, difficult tofocus, because we were anxious aboutwhat we thought we knew was coming.After everything needed for orientationwas completed, we had to say goodbyeto our loved ones. Capt. Perkins gave usorders to be in the classroom at 4 p.m.Once we were in the classroom,we found our seats and stood behindour chairs. Not much was said. In fact,I think everyone’s heart was beatingrapidly, as we looked at the door, waitingfor the instructors to bust it down.Before long, Capt. Perkins entered theroom. He told us this was the beginningof our recruit training and we were toreport to the gymnasium immediately.As we were running to the gym, wecould already hear the yells of the instructors.We entered the gym and the“fun” began.Anyone who is a member–or hasbeen a member–of the Patrol knowsexactly what kind of “fun” I mean. Aswith every class, it didn’t take long forsome to realize this was not the job forthem, and we quickly went from 44 to39 recruits. For those who chose tostay, we were no longer individuals. Wewere the 96th Recruit Class. It did nottake long to figure out that if we wantedto get anything done, or wanted to getanywhere, we had to work together andmove as one. We had to become a team.The first 10 days were the worst.Since we started on a Wednesday,we continued our “normal” schedulethrough the weekend until the followingFriday. When Friday finally came, theentire class wondered if the Academystaff was actually going to let us gohome. Later that evening, we finallywere released for the first time after anexhausting 10 days. Most weekendsgo by way too fast, but this weekend inparticular felt like we had never evenleft the Academy. When we returnedSunday, we knew we were in for another“fun” week of training.For several weeks, this seemed tobe the routine. However, over time, itslowly got better. Although, I think I cansafely say no recruit ever wants to comeback on Sundays. No one wants to leavetheir loved ones, their families, spouses,children, or life outside of the Academy.The 96th Recruit Classmarches in formation onthe grounds of GeneralHeadquarters.Yet, we choose to comeback. We choose to comeback, because that is whatit takes. We know it ispart of the required trainingand what it takes tobecome a Missouri statetrooper.Now, it feels like weare at the point in ourtraining where we can seea light at the end of the tunnel. At times,it has felt like that day would nevercome. We realize how fortunate we areto be the recruits who were selected insuch a competitive process. All of thetraining we are receiving from the instructorsand Academy staff is buildingthe foundation needed to make us successfultroopers. Our training is makingus more knowledgeable and skilled inorder to be proficient in the field.The remaining recruits still sharethe same goal we originally came with:To become a Missouri state trooper. Allof us are counting down the days untilJuly 12, 2013. When that day comes, wewill be able to say we accomplished ourgoal. We will know that we did not accomplishit individually, but as a team.We can only imagine what that day willfeel like and how rewarding it will be.Graduation will not be a finish line.It will be a starting point. We will needthe guidance of our field training officersto help us become successful inthe field and continue to maintain thereputation of the Missouri State HighwayPatrol built by those who have gonebefore us. The 96th Recruit Class iseager to reach this starting point in ourcareers.March-April 2013/Patrol News 35

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROLGeneral HeadquartersP.O. Box 5681510 E. Elm St.Jefferson City, MO 65102-0568Address Service RequestedPrstd. Std.U.S.PostagePAIDJefferson City, MOPermit No. 440By Sgt. R. Brooks McGinnis, Troop ARecruiting: 1-800-796-7000E-mail: mshppied@mshp.dps.mo.govHome Page: http://www.mshp.dps.mo.govTroopers To The Rescue!With a second winter storm advisoryimplemented, Troop A braced forthe worst. To assist, Troop D sent fourmembers (and their four-wheel drivevehicles) to the Troop A area on Monday,February 25, 2013. Major J. BretJohnson, Q/FOB, had the foresight todeploy the Troop D officers to TroopA, and deploy four officers from TroopF to Troop B. A third group was availablefrom Troop I, but remained intheir troop area.The storm hit the Troop A areahard that Monday evening andbrought with it the usual challenges ofstranded motorists and traffic crashes.In one instance, a woman from Utahslid off Interstate 70 in LafayetteCounty, becoming stranded. She calledTroop A, Lee’s Summit, for assistance,but, then later called back. She hadcalled her insurance company andthey promised to send a tow truck. So,she decided a trooper wasn’t necessary.Because we were already nearby,we checked on her. After an hour, thetow truck hadn’t come, so the fourTroop D members decided to help herCpl. Mark Mason, Troop D, and Tpr. Travis Inman, Troop D, dig out a motorist whosevehicle became high centered on snow after sliding off the roadway.out. They proceeded to shovel snowand pull her vehicle back onto theroadway. We learned that the woman’sinsurance company had sent the towtruck to the right mile-marker and correctinterstate, but in Utah, rather thanMissouri. The woman was in the processof relocating to Maryland due to adivorce and had little money. The fourTroop D officers— Corporal MarkC. Mason, Corporal Eddie J. Walker,Trooper Travis S. Inman, and TrooperAndy B. Ward—took the initiative andhelped save her a tow bill. Their assistancemeant a lot to her.“I enjoyed the assignment,” saidCpl. Mason. “I’d be glad to help again.Troop A has always been good to me.”The group returned home toTroop D on Wednesday, February 27,2013. Their hard work was much appreciated.