NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
Q7083
July 11, 2008
EMPHASIS: 87th Recruit Class Graduates From Patrol Academy

Forty-two 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 July 28, 2008. The 87th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on January 7, 2008. Graduation ceremonies for the 87th Recruit Class were held at 9 a.m., Friday, July 11, 2008, on the south lawn of Missouri’s Capitol.

During today’s graduation ceremony, Special Agent In Charge Monte C. Strait, from the Kansas City Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation addressed the class. The Honorable Carol England, associate circuit judge for Division VI, within the 13th Judicial Circuit Court, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Pastor Scott Cooper, Capital City Christian Church, Jefferson City MO, gave the invocation and benediction. The Troop F Honor Guard will present and retire the colors, and Cpl. John H. Lueckenhoff, Troop D, will sing the national anthem.

Twenty-four of the new troopers received an associate’s of applied science degree from Mineral Area College based on their course work at the Academy. Dean Gil Kennon, vice president of college affairs for Mineral Area College, was present to confer these degrees. 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 Shawn A. Brazas. The Firearms Award went to Trooper Jason W. Conklin. Trooper Bradley L. Crockett earned the Academic Award for the class. The Superintendent’s Award for overall achievement was presented to Trooper Joseph D. Flynn.


Listed below are the names, hometowns, and first assignments for members of the 87th Recruit Class:

Name, Hometown, First Assignment (Troop/Zone/County)

Mark D. Albright Imperial, MO Troop C, Zone 13, Jefferson
Bryan M. Beard Farmington, MO Troop C, Zone 14, St. Francois/Washington
Steven R. Bechtel Harrisonville, MO Troop A, Zone 11, Cass
Shawn A. Brazas Rochester, NY Troop F, Zone 8, Callaway
Travis L. Brown Mountain Grove, MO Troop G, Zone 1, Wright
James T. Casper Peoria, IL Troop C, Zone 13, Jefferson
Jason W. Conklin Huntsville, MO Troop A, Zone 5, Ray/Carroll
James E. Conway Mountain Grove, MO Troop I, Zone 2, Phelps/Maries
Aaron S. Craig Cole Camp, MO Troop A, Zone 13, Pettis
Bradley L. Crockett Sheldon, MO Troop D, Zone 9, Cedar/St. Clair
Jamey R. Diffee Mena, AR Troop C, Zone 16, Perry/Ste. Genvieve
Chad M. Dollard Alden, NY Troop C, Zone 5, Lincoln/Pike
Robert P. Dudeck Mound City, MO Troop H, Zone 2, Nodaway/Worth
Joseph D. Flynn Thayer, MO Troop C, Zone 1, North St. Louis
Matthew A. Goodson Jefferson City, MO Troop I, Zone 1, Phelps/Maries
Mary K. Graham Dexter, MO Troop C, Zone 13, Jefferson
Nicholas J. Greiner Oregon, MO Troop H, Zone 9, Livingston/Mercer/Grundy
Will C. Haber Rushville, IL Troop C, Zone 8, St. Charles
Christopher D. Hamlett Kennett, MO Troop E, Zone 7, Scott/Mississippi/New Madrid
Zachary A. Harrison Hurdland, MO Troop B, Zone 7, Knox/Lewis
Coby G. Holzschuh Freeburg, MO Troop F, Zone 12, Osage/Gasconade
Grant T. Johnson Centralia, MO Troop B, Zone 10, Randolph/Monroe
David J. Kline Mexico, MO Troop A, Zone 4, Clay
Amye D. Ladd Sparta, MO Troop G, Zone 4, Carter/Reynolds
Jeffry S. Leathers Salem, MO Troop I, Zone 7, Dent County
Michael W. Lee Nixa, MO Troop D, Zone 12, Christian County
Bryan W. Long Holts Summit, MO Troop A, Zone 7, Jackson
Jason P. Millsap Lebanon, MO Troop A, Zone 16, Benton
Tommy R. Morris Seneca, MO Troop D, Zone 7, Newton
Larry K. Nelson Edwards, MO Troop A, Zone 13, Pettis
Tabitha D. Nichols Cairo, MO Troop B, Zone 11, Randolph/Monroe
Lindsay K. Quinton Festus, MO Troop C, Zone 12, Jefferson
Levi E. Rawson Dexter, MO Troop E, Zone 11, Stoddard
James C. Rector Lexington, MO Troop A, Zone 8, Lafayette
Doug W. Scotten Walker, MO Troop A, Zone 14, Bates
Bryan S. Silverthorn Steelville, MO Troop I, Zone 2, Crawford
Steven M. Spain Kennett, MO Troop E, Zone 6, Scott/Mississippi/New Madrid
Mark L. Starmer Bethany, MO Troop H, Zone 3, Harrison
Shayne K. Talburt Doniphan, MO Troop F, Zone 4, Audrain
Travis D. Templemire Dexter, MO Troop E, Zone 11, Stoddard
Larry A. Turner Fenton, MO Troop C, Zone 12, Jefferson
Brock A. Vogt Rolla, MO Troop I, Zone 1, Phelps/Marie