NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
Q4084
April 21, 2008
EMPHASIS: 14 Patrol Employees Honored At Annual Banquet

Colonel James F. Keathley is proud to announce 14 employees were honored at the Patrol’s 18th annual awards banquet on April 19, 2008. Held at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center in Columbia, MO, family, friends, and The MASTERS members gathered to honor the heroes of 2007. Major Ronald K. Replogle, Q/CIB, served as emcee; Troop F’s Honor Guard presented the colors while CTE Roger Heard, Troop H, played the bagpipes; Cpl. John H. Lueckenhoff, Troop D, sang the National Anthem; Mr. Michael P. Kelly, "Voice of the Missouri Tigers" was the keynote speaker; Patrol Chaplain Phil Dooley, from Open Door Baptist Church in Columbia, MO, gave the invocation and benediction; and Colonel Keathley presented the awards. Mr. Doug Libla, president of The MASTERS, presented The MASTERS Public Service Award. Listed are the descriptions and awards:

The MASTERS Public Service Award
Sergeant Richard E. Buttram, Troop F

Sergeant Buttram is a 21-year veteran of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Professionally, he serves as zone commander of Zone 5, which includes the Lake of the Ozarks. He is active with the Troop F SWAT team as a crisis negotiator. Sergeant Buttram serves on the Lake Area Child Death Review board, and is a charter member of the Lake Area Sexual Assault Response Team.

In addition, Sergeant Buttram is an accomplished speaker. He speaks regularly at area high schools, and takes part in programs such as Project P.A.S.S. (Parents Assisting Students for Success) and B.A.C.K.U.P. (Being A Cool Kid Under Pressure), which is a drug education program. Sergeant Buttram teaches language arts classes, participates in career fairs and local docudramas, and provides driver education classes. Sergeant Buttram volunteers for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He is a Camdenton High School soccer, band, and choir booster member. He is active in his community as a youth coach for basketball, soccer, wrestling, and baseball, and is a member of the Jaycees and Lions Club. He is an active member of Community Christian Church in Camdenton.


2007
Lifesaving Citation
Trooper Dustin J. Berry, Troop A

On April 23, 2007, Trooper Dustin J. Berry received a call for assistance from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department. He responded to a cemetery near Dewitt, Missouri, to look for a woman who had threatened to commit suicide. Trooper Berry found her sitting, unconscious, in her car. He observed deep cut wounds extending from the woman’s elbows to her wrists on the top and bottom of both arms. Trooper Berry notified emergency medical services, awoke the woman, and convinced her to unlock the car door. He calmly talked to her while positioning the woman in a way that caused pressure to be applied to the arm wounds, thus, reducing the blood flow until help arrived. The woman underwent four hours of surgery at the University Medical Center in Columbia, Missouri, and was treated later at the University of Missouri Mental Health Center. Trooper Dustin J. Berry saved this woman’s life by taking immediate action in a serious situation, with his knowledge of first aid, and with his compassion.

2007
Lifesaving Citation
Trooper Andrew A. Henry, Troop H

On August 13, 2007, Trooper Andrew A. Henry overheard the Cameron Police Department dispatching Cameron Emergency Medical Services to a residence for an infant who was not breathing. Being familiar with this rural area, Trooper Henry immediately responded. Upon arriving, he began cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the infant, who was not breathing and had no pulse. He continued lifesaving efforts until emergency medical services personnel arrived. Although a pulse was detected at the scene, the 20-month-old boy died two days later. It was learned he had been found floating in an above ground pool just prior to the 9-1-1 call. Trooper Andrew A. Henry’s quick reaction and knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation provided the best chance of survival for this young child.

2007
Lifesaving Citation
Trooper Brian D. McCrary, Troop A

On April 12, 2007, Trooper Brian D. McCrary was asleep at his previous residence in Johnson County, Missouri, when he was awakened by the sound of a person screaming. When he looked out his window, he became aware of a large fire coming from a nearby apartment complex. Trooper McCrary responded to the scene immediately. A resident of the complex informed him there were two elderly men in a lower level apartment. Trooper McCrary and this resident gained entry to the apartment, and found one man near the door. When they explained the apartment complex was on fire, the man informed them his 80-year-old father would need help getting out safely. Trooper McCrary and the neighbor used a fireman’s carry to take the elderly gentleman out of the apartment. He then helped the gentleman and his son into their van and drove it to a safe area.
Trooper Brian D. McCrary’s immediate response to the scene and decisive actions saved the lives of two people.

2007
Lifesaving Citation
Corporal Terry W. Lee, Troop E

On April 29, 2007, Corporal Terry W. Lee was on routine patrol in the Poplar Bluff area when Troop E communications advised him a Butler County deputy needed assistance.
When Corporal Lee arrived, he saw a man lying on the ground. The man was blue and not breathing. Deputy Bryce Colvin also responded to the scene. The two officers began cardiopulmonary resuscitation and continued until paramedics arrived. The gentleman was taken to Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital. Unfortunately, the man did not survive.
Corporal Terry W. Lee’s knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation provided the best chance of survival for this man.

2007
Lifesaving Citation
Sergeant Nathan C. Ahern, Troop A

On Monday, January 8, 2007, Sergeant Nathan C. Ahern was at a restaurant in Sedalia, Missouri. While he was there, he noticed a female patron choking and saw a man in her party attempting to administer the Heimlich maneuver while she was still seated. Sergeant Ahern quickly walked across the restaurant to offer assistance. He ascertained that she was unable to speak and asked her to stand. He then repeatedly performed the Heimlich maneuver until the woman’s airway was cleared and she was able to breathe. Sergeant Ahern’s immediate response and knowledge of first aid saved this woman’s life.

2007
Lifesaving Citation
Trooper Andrew F. Cheaney, Gaming Division
Sergeant Mark A. Bielawski, Gaming Division

While working at the President Casino on July 14, 2007, Trooper Andrew F. Cheaney and Sergeant Mark A. Bielawski overheard radio traffic indicating someone had jumped into the Mississippi River. They responded immediately to the main entrance of the casino and observed a female subject partially in the water about five hundred yards south of the President Casino.

The officers ran to the scene and saw the woman move farther into the river. Sergeant Bielawski attempted to establish a dialog and encouraged the woman to come back to the shore. However, the woman refused to comply and went approximately 30 feet into the water, where the Mississippi River’s strong current caught her. A citizen provided the officers with a spool of cable, which Sergeant Bielawski and Trooper Cheaney quickly unwound in order to tie a loop on one end. They threw the loop of cable to the woman, who was unable to grab it.

Sergeant Bielawski then removed his suit coat, shoes, and Patrol equipment and began to enter the river, while Trooper Cheaney and a casino guest safety officer held the end of the cable. The woman was then able to grab the looped cable. Trooper Cheaney and the other officer began to pull the woman to safety, and Sergeant Bielawski swam from the river’s edge in order to grab her arm and help pull her to shore. Trooper Andrew F. Cheaney’s and Sergeant Mark A. Bielawski’s quick response and decisive actions saved this woman’s life.

2007
Meritorious Service Award
Sergeant Jeffery C. Creech, Troop B

On December 1, 2007, a prisoner escaped from the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. He proceeded to steal a pickup truck equipped with a snowplow and crossed the Missouri state line. He traveled in a careless and imprudent manner, intentionally rammed a Palmyra police vehicle and later a Marion County deputy’s vehicle, attempted to hit Trooper J. Patrick Johnson head-on, and attempted to carjack a vehicle occupied by a woman and small child before stealing a car at an area residence. During a pursuit by multiple law enforcement agencies, the man showed no regard for the safety of those around him.

Sergeant Jeffery C. Creech was at his residence getting ready for his tour of duty. Because his handheld radio was with him, he became aware of this situation and came to work early in order to assist.

Sergeant Creech responded to the area where the escapee was last seen. He patrolled the area, warning citizens of the situation. While patrolling, he saw a passenger car traveling carelessly and at a high rate of speed. Sergeant Creech initiated a pursuit and was joined by Marion County deputies. When the pursuit entered Hannibal city limits, a Ralls County deputy shot the right rear tire of the escapee’s vehicle. The driver was later involved in a traffic crash. Then, he exited the driver’s side door and pointed what officers believed to be a handgun in the direction of the Marion County deputy. Fearing for their lives, Sergeant Creech and the deputy fired their weapons at the escapee, who was fatally injured. Sergeant Jeffery C. Creech’s dedication, good instincts, and bravery prevented this escapee from causing further injury or loss of life.

2007
Meritorious Service Award
Trooper Casey E. Utterback, Troop A

On July 31, 2007, Trooper Casey E. Utterback was on routine patrol when he heard radio traffic from the Blue Springs, Missouri, Police Department in reference to a pursuit on westbound Interstate 70. The pursuit involved a robbery suspect. Trooper Utterback responded when the Blue Springs Police Department requested assistance.

The suspect’s vehicle exited the interstate onto Little Blue Parkway and ultimately entered a shopping area off U.S. Highway 40. Trooper Utterback contacted officers from both Blue Springs and Independence, who showed him a picture of the suspect. He recalled seeing a subject matching that description walking across the street toward a restaurant. The officers then began canvassing that area. As Trooper Utterback drove past, he saw the suspect squatting behind a brick pillar in front of the Independence officer’s patrol car.

Trooper Utterback exited his vehicle and approached. He heard the Independence officer issue an order for the suspect to show his hands. The suspect then pulled a handgun from his bag, pointed it at the Independence officer, and told the officer to drop his weapon. Trooper Utterback drew his weapon and positioned himself to the right of the suspect and the Independence officer. He heard gunshots and saw a gunshot from the officer strike the pillar the suspect was using for cover. Trooper Utterback then commanded the suspect to drop his weapon. The suspect did not respond, but started to turn toward him. Trooper Utterback then fired at the subject. The subject lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Trooper Utterback and the Independence police officer approached the suspect. Trooper Utterback slid the suspect’s handgun out of reach, and proceeded to handcuff the man, who attempted to resist. He then retrieved first aid supplies and began applying pressure to the suspect’s wounds. When emergency medical services arrived, Trooper Utterback went to his patrol car to retrieve his traffic cones, which he used to secure the crime scene. The suspect was taken to an area hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. Trooper Casey E. Utterback’s police work, sound decisions, and bravery potentially saved other officers and civilians from harm.

2007
Civilian of the Year
Traffic Safety Analyst III Sandra K. Cole, Traffic Division

Traffic Safety Analyst III Sandra K. Cole, Traffic Division, is one of two Fatality Accident Reporting System (FARS) analysts in the state, and has received several awards for her expertise and accuracy in processing. Most recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) recognized Ms. Cole with the FARS Excellence in Service Award in 2007, for her efforts in quality control. She identified quality issues exceeding the standard parameters of the automatic quality checking tools provided by NHTSA. FARS headquarters used the methodology she developed to improve data submitted by other states, thus improving the data quality in the national database. She has been recognized on several occasions for assisting FARS analysts from other states with backlogs of cases. Much of the work provided by Ms. Cole outside her normal job duties has been voluntary and done in the interest of ensuring the quality of the information in the national database. Ms. Cole also volunteers in her community, raising funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and for Missouri Special Olympics.

2007
Officer of the Year
Trooper Kelsey J. Rutledge, Troop D

Trooper Kelsey J. Rutledge, Troop D, is a road officer assigned to Zone 5, Jasper County. He has distinguished himself as a leader in criminal and drug interdiction in addition to the duties he performs in his zone. In 2007, Trooper Rutledge’s skill in conducting traffic stops yielded 248 pounds of marijuana, 12 pounds of heroine, over 10 pounds of methamphetamine, two kilograms of cocaine, over $670,000 in currency, and the arrest of two subjects for trafficking in stolen identities. Trooper Rutledge’s investigation identified 30 victims of identity theft. One of Trooper Rutledge’s investigations yielded 79 jars of psilocybin mushrooms and an indoor marijuana growing operation. In November 2007, Trooper Rutledge conducted a traffic stop resulting in the arrest of the driver for three counts of forgery and the seizure of numerous items fraudulently obtained from Wal-Mart using false checks. In addition to his criminal and drug interdiction as a road officer, he worked over 60 traffic crashes in 2007, took part in numerous special projects, and answered a high number of reactive calls.


2007
Valor Award
Trooper Walter L. “Corky” Burr III, Troop D

On August 12, 2007, Trooper Walter L. “Corky” Burr III was called at home and asked to respond to the First Congregational Church in Neosho, Missouri. He was advised a male suspect had entered the church, shot an unknown number of people, and had taken several hostages. Trooper Burr arrived on the scene and began gathering information from other police officers, the pastor of the church, and a relative of the shooter.

Police Chief David McCracken, who was positioned in the church basement, requested four officers provide cover so he could begin negotiations. Thus, Sheriff Ken Copeland, who was outside the church, inquired which officers were on Special Response Teams or Special Weapons and Tactics teams in their respective departments. Trooper Burr, a member of Troop D SWAT, volunteered to assist.

Trooper Burr and the other officers assembled in the basement of the church. While determining the best place to make entry, a gunshot was heard, which changed the circumstances into an active shooter situation. The officers entered the church and found the shooter was holding one female hostage around the neck and approximately 30 additional hostages were sitting on the floor. Trooper Burr ordered the suspect to drop his weapon and surrender. After several moments, the suspect did so and was taken into custody.

2007
Valor Award
Trooper Grant H. Hendrix, Troop D

On March 16, 2007, Troop D Communications advised Trooper Grant H. Hendrix about an officer-involved shooting in Neosho, Missouri. The incident began with a traffic stop, when a suspect shot a Neosho police officer in the arm. A second Neosho police officer was shot in the face while pursuing the suspect. Troop D provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, the license plate number, and last known location.

Trooper Hendrix responded to the area and met a vehicle matching the description he had been given. The vehicle attempted to elude Trooper Hendrix. A short distance later, he crested a small hill to find the suspect vehicle stopped in the road. The suspect ambushed Trooper Hendrix and fired an unknown number of times while Trooper Hendrix’s patrol car was still moving. The suspect then accelerated before stopping in the roadway again. Trooper Hendrix was able to stop his patrol car approximately fifty yards behind the suspect, who began firing at him a second time. Trooper Hendrix returned fire while still seated in his patrol car, then exited and moved to the rear for cover.

The suspect again attempted to flee the area. Trooper Hendrix returned to his vehicle and continued his pursuit. While in pursuit, he remained prepared for another ambush. The suspect eventually turned into a wooded area. A manhunt followed and the suspect was located and taken into custody a short time later by assisting agencies.

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