News Release



For further information please contact: Sgt. Dan Bracker

(417) 895-6767 ext.253

D200443

September 1, 2004



EMPHASIS: Sergeant Don Richardson, 35 Year Veteran, Retires



The Missouri State Highway Patrol honors Sergeant Don Richardson and his 35 years of dedicated service with the announcement of his retirement. Sergeant Richardson has proudly served the Patrol throughout his career and left the organization better because of his service.



Sergeant Richardson was born in Eldon, Missouri and graduated from Eldon High School. Don received a B.S. in education with a major in physical education and a minor in driver’s education from Central Missouri State University. Later, Don earned a B.S. degree from Drury University in criminal justice and a Master of Science in criminal justice from CMSU. Prior to joining the Patrol Don was a coach at Fordland and Hartville High schools. In September of 1969 Richardson was appointed to the Patrol and upon graduation from the academy was assigned to Troop D, Zone 2, Springfield, Missouri. He spent his entire career in Springfield, promoted to Corporal in 1978 and then to Sergeant in 1986. From 1969-1975 Don was a member of the Army reserve, Specialist 4th class.



Don is married to the former Linda Messenger and together have four children and six grandchildren. The entire Patrol thanks him for his dedicated and unwavering service for the past 35 years.