NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact:
Capt. Christian T. Ricks
(573) 526-6115
May 7, 2005
EMPHASIS: Patrol Commissions 37 New Troopers
Thirty-seven 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 May 23, 2005. The 83rd Recruit Class reported to the Academy on October 18, 2004.
Mr. Mark James, director of the Department of Public Safety, addressed the class. The Honorable Mary Rhodes Russell, Missouri Supreme Court judge, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Rev. Terry Robinson from the First Church of God in St. James, MO, gave the invocation and benediction.
Twenty-two of the new troopers received an associate’s 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 Aaron K. Griffin. The Top Gun Trophy went to Trooper Benjamin J. Blankenbecker. Trooper Donald K. Jones earned the Academic Award for the class. The Superintendent’s Award for overall achievement was presented to Trooper Curtis B. Wilt.
Listed below are the names, hometowns, and first assignments for members of the 83rd Recruit Class:
Name, Hometown, First Assignment
Christopher M. Arbuthnot; Cape Girardeau, MO; Troop C; Perry/Ste. Genevieve Counties
Benjamin J. Blankenbeker; Osage Beach, MO; Troop F; Callaway County
Joshua R. Breitbach; St. Louis, MO; Troop C; St. Charles County
James W. Collins; Carl Junction, MO; Troop I; Pulaski County
Robert C. Creasey; Willard, MO; Troop I; Dent County
Ann L. Cross; Jefferson City, MO; Troop H; Harrison County
Cody G. DunFee; Cassville, MO; Troop A; Bates County
Matthew P. Fisher; Kansas City, MO; Troop A;
Ray/Carroll Counties
Russell R. Gibson Jr.; Sikeston, MO; Troop C; Lincoln/Pike Counties
Travis I. Goolsby; St. Joseph, MO; Troop H; DeKalb County
Tosha N. Green; Scott City, MO; Troop C; Franklin County
Aaron K. Griffin; Columbia, MO; Troop H; Daviess County
Shawn M. Griggs, Jefferson City, MO; Troop C; St. Louis County
Christopher A. Hill; Springfield, MO; Troop A; Benton County
Huntley H. Hoemann II; Washington, MO; Troop C; Franklin County
Tobin J. Hollmann; Jefferson City, MO; Troop B; Randolph County
Donald K. Jones; Nixa, MO; Troop I; Pulaski County
Jeremie L. Keathley; Jefferson City, MO; Troop I;
Phelps County
Eric R. Kessler; Warrenton, MO; Troop C; St. Charles County
John A. Lacey; Cape Girardeau, MO; Troop E; Stoddard County
Brian R. Lange; Belle, MO; Troop A; Lafayette County
William S. Lashmet; Springfield, MO; Troop H; Holt County
Warren K. Lloyd; Kansas City, MO; Troop A; Platte County
Nogi H. McDaniel; Steele, MO; Troop E; New Madrid/Pemiscot Counties
Jason E. McTheeney; Stoutsville, MO; Troop B; Putnam County
Ronald A. Metteer Jr.; Arnold, MO; Troop C; St. Louis County
James D. Ogden; Gainesville, MO; Troop A; Henry County
Dale B. Pounds; Houston, MO; Troop E; New Madrid/Pemiscot Counties
Dustin B. Reed; Desloge, MO; Troop C; St. Francois/Washington Counties
Matthew R. Schmidt; Savannah, MO; Troop C; St. Charles County
Kurt A. Schmutzler; Savannah, MO; Troop A; Bates County
Ricky L. Vannada Jr.; Poplar Bluff, MO; Troop E; Dunklin County
Juston R. Wheetley; Puxico, MO; Troop C; St. Francois/Washington Counties
Ryan J. Wilhoit; Holt, MO; Troop H; Andrew/Buchanan Counties
T.J. Williams; Harrisonville, MO; Troop A; Henry County
Tycee M. Williams; Pacific, MO; Troop C; Jefferson County
Curtis B. Wilt; Shelbina, MO; Troop F; Audrain County