NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115

Q12081
December 19, 2008
EMPHASIS: Patrol Commissions 88th Recruit Class

Twenty-six 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 January 5, 2009. The 88th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on July 1, 2008. Graduation ceremonies for the 88th Recruit Class were held at 10 a.m., Friday, December 19, 2008, at the Academy. The new troopers will report for duty on January 5, 2009.

During today’s graduation ceremony, Greene County Sheriff Jack Merritt, who retired from the Patrol in 1997 at the rank of captain, addressed the class. The Honorable Mary Rhodes Russell, Missouri Supreme Court, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Rev. Timothy Morgan, New Beginnings Church, Farmington, MO, gave the invocation and benediction. The Troop F Honor Guard presented and retired the colors, and Cpl. John H. Lueckenhoff, Troop D, sang the national anthem.

Nineteen 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 25 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 Evan D. Phillips. The Firearms Award went to Trooper Timothy S. Craig. Trooper Darrin R. Haslag earned the Academic Award for the class. The Superintendent’s Award for overall achievement was presented to Trooper Dustin L. Braynard.


Listed below are the names, hometowns, and first assignments for members of the 88th Recruit Class:

Name Hometown First Assignment
Dustin L. Braynard, West Plains, Troop C, Zone 2, St. Louis County
Phillip J. Brown, Bentonville, AR, Troop C, Zone 14, St. Francois/ Washington Counties
Matthew R. Cook, Jasper, MO, Troop C, Zone 5, Lincoln/Pike Counties
James C. Cooksey Jr., Matthews, MO, Troop C, Zone 20, Perry/Ste. Genevieve Counties
Timothy S. Craig, Ste. Genevieve, MO, Troop C, Zone 16, Perry/Ste. Genevieve Counties
Michael L. Dotson, Sedalia, MO, Troop A, Zone 10, Saline County
Justin S. Dunn, Marceline, MO, Troop B, Zone 4, Putnam/Sullivan Counties
Lee C. Ewigman, Marceline, MO, Troop C, Zone 19, Lincoln/Pike Counties
Troy F. Graham, Savannah, MO, Troop H, Zone 5, Andrew/Buchanan Counties
Darrin R. Haslag, Jefferson City, MO, Troop F, Zone 2, Cole/Southern Callaway Counties
David M. Kempf, Branson, MO, Troop C, Zone 10, Franklin County
Kyle L. Knight, Joplin, MO, Troop I, Zone 6, Pulaski/Maries County
Jeffery D. Maudlin, Albany, MO, Troop C, Zone 1, St. Louis County
Dennis W. McCormick, Campbell, MO, Troop E, Zone 10, Dunklin County
Matthew H. Mistler, Eldon, MO, Troop C, Zone 11, Franklin County
Kyle W. Murphy, Blue Springs, MO, Troop A, Zone 10, Saline County
Evan D. Phillips, Springfield, MO, Troop C, Zone 1, St. Louis County
Larry L. Ray, Miller, MO, Troop D, Zone 6, Dade/Lawrence Counties
Kimberly D. Roady, Granite City, IL, Troop C, Zone 2, St. Louis County
James R. Rorie Jr., Republic, MO, Troop C, Zone 12, Jefferson County
Chase A. Stallcup, Nixa, MO, Troop I, Zone 4, Pulaski/Maries Counties
Gregory K. Tesch, Mountain Grove, MO, Troop A, Zone 7, Jackson County
Alexander R. Vivas, Springfield, MO, Troop A, Zone 3, Clay County
Michael T. Weakley, Mountain View, MO, Troop A, Zone 5, Ray/Carroll County
John J. West, Ellsinore, MO, Troop C, Zone 19, Lincoln/Pike Counties
Ryan A. Wood, Lee’s Summit, MO, Troop A, Zone 7, Jackson County

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