NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Capt. Christian T. Ricks

Q0592

(573) 526-6115



September 8, 2005

EMPHASIS: Patrol To Aid Mississippi With Katrina Aftermath



Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the Missouri Highway Patrol, announced today that the Patrol will send 50 uniformed members and six communication personnel to the state of Mississippi. The mission of this detail is to assist local law enforcement and offer support in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Two task forces, each comprised of 25 officers and three radio operators, will depart Missouri around noon on Friday, September 9. Each task force will consist of marked Patrol vehicles, four-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, and a mobile command post from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.



On September 1, 2005, the Patrol, along with other law enforcement agencies, received a request for assistance from the state of Mississippi. Patrol officers and personnel were asked to volunteer, and after an overwhelming response from the employees of the Patrol, a task force was ready to depart that evening.



“The request came to the Patrol from FEMA through Governor Blunt’s office, under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). We intend to assist in any way we can with the resources we have,” said Mr. Mark James, director of the Department of Public Safety.



The task forces are required to be self-sustaining for at least 72-hours, and will be deployed for 14 days. The two task forces will depart simultaneously, and will contact Mississippi officials in Seminary, MS, before being deployed. Captain D.A. Schmidt, Troop F, will command one task force while Captain R.E. Bloomberg, Gaming Division, will command the other task force. Officers will be drawn from all areas of the state. Missouri’s State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been working with the Patrol and the state of Mississippi to ensure Patrol officers will be able to work in conjunction with Mississippi law enforcement officials and the National Guard.



“The response for this detail by the volunteers from within the Patrol has been overwhelming,” said Colonel Stottlemyre. “It is an honor and privilege to be part of this organization. I am not surprised that our employees are ready to serve and protect where they are needed. ”