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July 31, 2006
EMPHASIS: Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre Announces His Retirement
After 32 years, Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre is announcing his retirement, which will be effective September 1, 2006.
“It has been an honor to work with Roger, “ said Department of Public Safety Director Mark James. “I feel the Missouri State Highway Patrol is a better organization because of his service and dedication. Roger will be successful in whatever future challenge he pursues. I thank him for his service to the Patrol.”
Colonel Stottlemyre was appointed to the Patrol on September 1, 1974, as a member of the 43rd Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, he was assigned to Troop H, Zone 1, Tarkio. In May 1986, he was promoted to corporal and designated assistant zone commander of that same zone. In September 1988, he became the zone commander of Troop H, Zone 9, Chillicothe. In 1989, Stottlemyre was named zone commander of Troop H, Zone 1, Tarkio. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1992, and transferred to Troop C, St. Louis. In 1995, he was promoted to captain and named troop commander of Troop D, Springfield. Stottlemyre was promoted to major in May 1998, and designated commander of the Administrative Services Bureau. Later that summer, Stottlemyre transferred to the Field Operations Bureau as commander. On June 1, 2001, Stottlemyre was promoted to colonel and became the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
As superintendent, Colonel Stottlemyre worked hard to improve technology, funding, and members’ salaries. He and his staff worked diligently and with public support were able to lift a cap on the Patrol’s highway funding, which would have “slowly strangled the Patrol”. Under his leadership, legislators and the public became aware of the need for pay increases in order to retain the Patrol’s best and brightest members. A “parity bill” was passed, requiring the superintendent to review parity with St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Kansas City police departments regularly. This was the first step in making compensation comparable to Missouri’s other large agencies.
“We had tremendous support from both governors I’ve worked for. Legislators were very supportive, and MOSTA worked very hard to achieve this goal,” said Colonel Stottlemyre.
Technology continued to improve during Colonel Stottlemyre’s tenure. Computers are now in each road officer’s vehicle, enabling them to retrieve information and run checks. Video cameras are in some patrol cars with new ones being added. Also, safety features offered by Ford have been added to patrol cars.
“I feel honored to have had the opportunity to lead this organization,” said Colonel Stottlemyre. “I believe the Missouri State Highway Patrol is the shining star in state government. In a year when we’re celebrating our 75th anniversary of service and protection to the citizens of this state, I want to thank Governor Blunt for the opportunity to serve as superintendent. I know the Patrol will continue providing service and protection in an exemplary fashion.”
Colonel Stottlemyre also remembers the six officers who have died in the line of duty during his tenure as superintendent. “The deaths of Tpr. Kelly L. Poynter, Tpr. Michael L. Newton, Sgt. C. Dewayne Graham Jr., Tpr. Ralph C. Tatoian, Cpl. Jay Sampietro Jr., and Tpr. D. Kevin Floyd were difficult times for me as superintendent of the Patrol. I cannot explain the depth of feeling ... of respect I have for these families.
Four of these officers were killed by drivers who weren’t paying attention to the job of driving. I hope the ‘Move Over’ law will help prevent such tragedies on Missouri’s roadways. I thank all of those who worked so hard to get this law passed. I feel the ‘Move Over’ law is one of the most important accomplishments of this administration.”
Colonel Stottlemyre was born in Unionville, MO. In 1967, he graduated from Unionville High School. He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia before joining the Marine Corps in 1968. He served as an infantryman during the Vietnam War and earned the Purple Heart. Colonel Stottlemyre and his wife, Connie, have three children and eight grandchildren.