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For further information please contact:

Capt. Christian T. Ricks

(573) 526-6115

Q07065

July 14, 2006

EMPHASIS: 85th Recruit Class Graduates From Patrol Academy



Thirty-three 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 31, 2006. The 85th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on January 9, 2006.



Graduation ceremonies were held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 14, 2006, in the gymnasium of the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy. Mr. Michael P. Kelly, director of broadcast operations at the University of Missouri-Columbia and the “voice of the Tigers”, addressed the class. The Honorable Ronald D. White, 25th Circuit Court, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Rev. James Hamlett, West Side General Baptist Church in St. Ann, MO, gave the invocation and benediction.



Twenty-one 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 Jason L. Prater. The Firearms Award went to Trooper Adam S. Rice. Trooper Clay D. Moeller earned the Academic Award for the class. The Superintendent’s Award for overall achievement was presented to Trooper Daniel J. Johnson.





Listed below are the names, hometowns, and first assignments for members of the 85th Recruit Class:



Elan B. Adams, Republic, MO, Troop C, Jefferson County

Joseph S. Baughman, Clinton, MO, Troop C, Franklin County

Dustin J. Berry*, Shelbyville, MO, Troop A, Ray/Carroll Counties

Jonathan A. Cluver*, Columbia, MO, Troop I, Phelps/Maries Counties

Jason M. Cross, Blue Springs, MO, Troop H, Harrison/Gentry Counties

Kyle E. Easley*, LaPlata, MO, Troop C, Warren County

Brett W. Emerson, Kennett, MO, Troop E, Dunklin County

Douglas E. Fessenden*, Palmyra, MO, Troop A, Saline County

Andrew D. Gadberry, Mount Sterling, IL, Troop C, Warren County

Joel E. Givens, Kansas City, MO, Troop C, South St. Louis County

Chad A. Heil, Clever, MO, Troop D, Taney County

Todd B. Heintz*, St. Joseph, MO, Troop H, Harrison/Gentry Counties

Chad T. Herron, Mexico, MO, Troop A, Saline County

Daniel J. Johnson*, Neosho, MO, Troop I, Phelps/Maries Counties

Charles W. Leach*, Cameron, MO, Troop C, North St. Louis County

Matthew J. Lewis*, Brookfield, MO, Troop H, Clinton/Caldwell Counties

Wilson S. Lieske*, Columbia, MO, Troop C, St. Charles County

James M. Linegar, Springfield, MO, Troop C, Franklin County

Elizabeth A. Lusk*, West Plains, MO, Troop C, North St. Louis County

Bradley E. Maudlin*, Albany, MO, Troop H, Daviess/DeKalb Counties

Clinton R. Mistler*, Eldon, MO, Troop C, Jefferson County

Clay D. Moeller*, Platte City, MO, Troop A, Ray/Carroll Counties

Steven R. Morrison*, Branson, MO, Troop G, Carter/Reynolds Counties

Michael J. Ori, St. Louis, MO, Troop C, North St. Louis County

Joseph D. Oughton*, Fenton, MO, Troop C, Jefferson County

James D. Patton III*, Portageville, MO, Troop E, Pemiscot/New Madrid Counties

Jason L. Prater*, Pierce City, MO, Troop A, Benton County

Chad D. Primm*, Macon, MO, Troop H, Clinton/Caldwell Counties

Adam S. Rice*, Nixa, MO, Troop H, Holt/Atchison Counties

Matthew L. Rice, Jefferson City, MO, Troop C, Franklin County

Elyse J. Ruckenbrod, St. Louis, MO, Troop C, South St. Louis County

Andrew B. Ward*, Shell Knob, MO, Troop E, Butler/Ripley Counties

Andy G. Warner*, Platte City, MO, Troop A, Benton County



* Denotes those earning associate’s degree from Mineral Area College.