NEWS ALERT



For further information please contact:

Capt. Christian T. Ricks

(573) 526-6115

Q01061

February 1, 2006



EMPHASIS: Patrol Invites Media To Presentation





Captain Dale Schmidt, commanding officer of Troop F, Jefferson City, and Captain Randy Becker, commanding officer of Troop I, Rolla, invite the media to attend a presentation on Thursday, February 2, 2006, at Schwieder Ford in Steelville, MO. As part of the Patrol’s 75th anniversary celebration, representatives of the agency will present a certificate of appreciation at 2 p.m. to the owners of Schwieder Ford recognizing the fact they sold the Patrol its first patrol car in 1931. After 87 years, Schwieder Ford is closing its doors. The business will serve customers through March 2006. Originally named Steelville Garage when it opened in 1918, it was renamed by its owners to Schwieder Ford in 1940.



In 1931, the motor vehicle fleet for the first troopers consisted of 36 Model A Ford Roadsters, a Ford sedan, a Plymouth sedan, an Oldsmobile, a Buick, three Chevrolets, and 12 Harley Davidson, three Indian, and two Henderson motorcycles. Schwieder Ford sold the Patrol the Model A Ford Roadsters for $413.18 each. Each vehicle had twin Klaxon horns, a spotlight, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and an electric “Patrol” sign behind the right side of the windshield. All vehicles had license plates with the words “State Patrol” in bold letters, but there were no decals on the sides. None of the vehicles had sirens and there were no heaters in the cars. In 1931, Colonel Lewis Ellis wanted the public to be aware that these drivers were officers of the new Missouri State Highway Patrol, thus, those driving Roadsters were instructed to drive with the top down except in inclement weather. One of these Model A Ford Roadsters, which is housed in the Patrol’s Safety Education Center, will be on display during the presentation.



The media is encouraged to attend this event.