NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Capt. Christian T. Ricks

Q7053 (573) 526-6115





July 29, 2005

EMPHASIS: Colonel Stottlemyre Announces Retirement





Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the following retirement effective August 1, 2005:



Captain James D. Whitfield will retire after almost 31 years of dedicated service.



Following graduation from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on January 31, 1975, Whitfield was assigned to Troop B, Macon, MO. In 1980, he was assigned to the Narcotics Unit in the Criminal Investigation Bureau at General Headquarters. In 1984, Whitfield transferred to Troop B.



Whitfield was promoted to corporal in 1986; and to sergeant in 1989. In 1992, he was assigned to the Training Division at General Headquarters. He earned the rank of lieutenant in 1995, and was designated assistant director of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. In 1998, Whitfield transferred to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Division where he was designated director. He was promoted to the rank of captain in 1999. On August 1, 2003, Whitfield was designated director of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. In that position, he was responsible for overseeing the administration of statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to the operation of commercial vehicles in Missouri. It is from this position that Whitfield retires.



Capt. Whitfield was born in Springfield, MO. He graduated from Leon High School in Tallahassee, FL. He earned a bachelor’s of arts degree in sociology from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. Capt. Whitfield resides in Jefferson City. He is the son of James L. and Peggy Whitfield of Oronogo, MO.