For further information please contact: Trooper Clark D. Parrott
(573) 840-9500, Ext. 221
05021117
May 2, 2011

EMPHASIS: Troop E Continues To Respond To Flooding Conditions

With heavy rain continuing to fall in southeast Missouri, officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E, Poplar Bluff, continue to respond to those communities and areas in need of assistance with flood relief efforts. All forms of leave have been cancelled and all Troop E officers and communication's personnel continue to work 12 hour shifts. There are currently 22 officers from other parts of the state assigned to a mobile field force with an additional 22 officers arriving today. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has established a command post at Bird's Point to address all activities associated with flood relief efforts in the affected area. A second command post has been established at Troop E Headquarters in Poplar Bluff to address all activities associated with flooding in the Clearwater and Wappapello Lake watershed area, and the Black River, St. Francis River and Current River basin system. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Water Patrol Division currently has five boats assigned to the Poplar Bluff Command Post with four more boats from around the state arriving today. There are currently nine boats assigned to the Bird's Point Command Post to respond to flood related calls. Each boat has a two trooper team, providing 24 hour coverage for water rescues and assisting other agencies.
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