NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact:

Capt. Christian T. Ricks

(573) 526-6115

Q12052

December 3, 2005

EMPHASIS: Patrol Commissions 20 New Troopers



Twenty new Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers graduated from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy today in Jefferson City, MO. They will report for duty on December 19, 2005. The 84th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on May 31, 2005.



Speaker Rod Jetton, Missouri House of Representatives, addressed the class. Chief Justice Michael Wolff, Missouri Supreme Court, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Pastor Jerry Frye from the Church of Nazarene in Eldon, MO, gave the invocation and benediction.



Fourteen of the new troopers received an associate’s of applied science degree from Mineral Area College based on their course work at the Academy. Four class awards were presented. The recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms, and academics throughout their 27 weeks at the Academy. The person with the highest number of points in each category earns the respective award. The Physical Fitness Award went to Trooper Eric R. Kriete. The Firearms Award went to Trooper Chad C. Clark. Trooper Joseph A. Veasman earned the Academic Award for the class. The Superintendent’s Award for overall achievement was presented to Trooper Chad J. North.





Listed below are the names, hometowns, and first assignments for members of the 84th Recruit Class:

Name, Hometown, First Assignment

James C. Acree, Dawn, MO, Troop H, Grundy County

Samuel V. Buchheit, St. Ann, MO, Troop C, North St. Louis County

Chad C. Clark, Greenfield, MO, Troop A, Saline County

Travis S. Croft, Forsyth, MO, Troop C, South St. Louis County

David C. Dinges, Mendota, IL, Troop C, North St. Louis County

Gerald R. Fenton, Odessa, MO, Troop B, Shelby County

Joshua V. Garrison, Thayer, MO, Troop C, South St. Louis County

Robert L. Heldenbrand, Gallatin, MO, Troop B, Sullivan County

William R. Koch, Quincy, IL, Troop B, Knox County

Eric R. Kriete, Washington, MO, Troop C, Franklin County

Justin D. LeeMasters, Walker, MO, Troop A, Cass County

Matthew B. Lomedico, Jackson, MO, Troop C, South St. Louis County

Matthew E. Morice, Ste. Genevieve, MO, Troop F, Montgomery County

Chad J. North, Jefferson City, MO, Troop F, Cole/Callaway Counties

Justin E. Peabody, Springfield, MO, Troop C, Franklin County

Justin D. Piccinino, Nixa, MO, Troop C, Jefferson County

Scottie L. Stanley, Carthage, MO, Troop A, Benton County

Evan L. Tyrrell, Mountain Grove, MO, Troop A, Johnson County

Ryan D. Vaughan, Norwood, MO, Troop C, St. Charles County

Joseph A. Veasman, Columbia, MO, Troop F, Montgomery County