NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact:
Capt. Christian T. Ricks (573) 526-6115
Q05054
May 17, 2005
EMPHASIS: 17 Patrol Employees Honored
Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre is proud to announce 17 employees were honored at the Patrol’s annual awards banquet on May 7, 2005. Held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, MO, a crowd of over 300 people gathered to honor the heroes of 2004. Major James F. Keathley, Q/CIB, served as emcee; Troop F’s Honor Guard presented the colors while CTE Roger Heard, Troop H, played the bagpipes; Mrs. Leigh Ann Falter, Q/TND, sang the National Anthem; Patrol Chaplain Phil Dooley, from Open Door Church, gave the invocation and benediction; and Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre presented the awards. Dr. Mike Elders, president of MASTERS, presented The MASTERS Public Service Award. Listed are the descriptions and awards:
The MASTERS Public Service Award
Lieutenant Edward N. Moses, Q/TND
The MASTERS Public Service Award was created to recognize the importance of public service. This award honors a member whose actions strengthen the Patrol’s motto of “Service and Protection”. This year’s recipient is Lieutenant Edward N. Moses.
Lieutenant Moses has served the people of Missouri for over 33 years as a member of the Patrol. He has been assigned as a road officer, an undercover narcotics officer, a drug information officer, and an Academy instructor. Currently, Lieutenant Moses is an assistant director in the Training Division. Since 1977, he has lectured and taught the history, trends, and consequences of drug abuse. Lieutenant Moses has been the driving force behind the state’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. Currently, he serves as the administrator of the D.A.R.E. State Training Center. Lieutenant Moses is nationally certified as a drug recognition expert by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and oversees the Patrol’s drug recognition expert program. He was the original coordinator of the Patrol’s Chaplaincy Program. Under his supervision, the program expanded to include all nine troops and General Headquarters, providing a valuable service to Patrol employees and their communities. Lieutenant Moses is a charter board member of the National Federation of Parents, cofounder and past president of the Missouri Federation of Parents, and a board member and past chairperson of Jefferson City’s Council for Drug Free Youth. His dedication to drug prevention efforts in Missouri is without equal. Through his efforts, a coalition of nearly 300 law enforcement agencies provide drug prevention education to over 100,000 students in 102 Missouri counties. Missouri’s D.A.R.E. program is a model for state programs nationwide.
It is the feeling of the board of The MASTERS that Lieutenant Edward N. Moses embodies what this Public Service Award represents. His actions are a credit to him and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Clinton S. Mason, Troop D
On July 3, 2004, Trooper Clinton S. Mason and several McDonald County deputies saved the life of a 17-year-old man by preventing him from drowning in Butler Creek, south of Noel, MO. The young man and two friends had attempted to retrieve a paddleboat after it was swept downstream by floodwaters and became lodged into a tree. At the low water bridge on Bunch Lane, the fast moving water pulled the paddleboat toward a drainage culvert running under the bridge. This trapped the 17-year-old between the culvert and the boat, with only his head above water. Without regard to his personal safety, Trooper Mason entered the creek’s swift current with the deputies to save the young man. After 30 minutes, he and the deputies were able to do so. The teenager fully recovered from the incident.
Trooper Clinton S. Mason’s courage and decisive actions saved the life of this 17-year-old young man. His actions are a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Gregory D. Primm, Troop A
On July 23, 2004, Trooper Gregory D. Primm responded to Interstate 29 at Northwest 56th Street after a call for assistance from the Kansas City Police Department. A suicidal man was sitting on the concrete barrier of the overpass with his legs hanging over the road below. Officers shut down the highway and attempted to open a dialog with the suicidal subject. At one point, the subject lowered himself over the wall and was hanging onto the concrete barrier. Trooper Primm and the other officers took immediate action, grabbing the man’s wrists and arms, and preventing him from dropping to the pavement below. The officers were able to grab the man’s belt and pull him back to safety. The man was then taken into protective custody.
Trooper Gregory D. Primm’s decisive actions saved this man’s life. His actions are a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Lifesaving Award
Corporal Charles R. Colbert Jr., Troop E
On November 2, 2004, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department notified the local zone of a person drowning at the Old Greenville Bridge. When Corporal Charles R. Colbert Jr. arrived on the scene, the victim could be seen floating farther down the channel. He volunteered to retrieve the boat and use it to save the victim. Corporal Colbert and Wayne County Ambulance Supervisor Mike Kennedy proceeded to wade in waist deep water to the opposite bank and retrieve the boat. After starting the boat, Corporal Colbert traveled down the river to rescue the victim. When Supervisor Kennedy was unable to pull the man onto the boat by himself, Corporal Colbert told him to pull the man to the middle of the boat. Corporal Colbert then reached over the side of the boat and pulled the victim aboard. Ambulance personnel on the scene began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. At the hospital, the man had a strong pulse and blood pressure. Unfortunately, the man later died.
Corporal Charles R. Colbert put himself in danger, and gave this man his best chance for survival. His actions are a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Lifesaving Award
Corporal Chris L. Patton, Troop C
On March 12, 2004, Corporal Chris L. Patton was off duty and completing a scuba diving class at the YMCA in Washington, MO. As he was putting his equipment together, he noticed a group of teenagers taking swimming lessons in the pool nearby. When he glanced across the pool, he saw a 17-year-old girl face down in the water. It appeared she was having a seizure. Corporal Patton reacted quickly, entering the water to assist the instructor, who was struggling to get the young lady out of the pool. Corporal Patton was able to get her out of the water and began administering first aid to keep her from further injuring herself during the seizure. After the seizing subsided, he saw her face was purple, which is indicative of oxygen depravation. He called to Dr. Nestor Shust, who was a member of his scuba diving class. The doctor found a pulse then administered two quick breaths. The young lady coughed and began breathing on her own. She has since recovered from the incident.
Corporal Chris L. Patton’s quick, decisive actions were instrumental in saving this young lady’s life. His actions are a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Lifesaving Award
Corporal G. Frank Riley Jr., Troop B
On October 4, 2004, Corporal G. Frank Riley Jr. was notified of a one-vehicle, injury accident on Randolph County Road 1325 north of Moberly, MO. He was the first officer on the scene. Upon arriving, he found a badly damaged vehicle lying on its top near the edge of the road. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. Corporal Riley observed a man lying motionless near the burning car. He was bleeding profusely from the side of his head. Once Corporal Riley verified there were no passengers in the vehicle, he moved the victim to a safe location. A Staff for Life helicopter transported the man to the University Hospital in Columbia, MO, where he was treated for critical injuries. The man has since recovered.
Corporal G. Frank Riley Jr.’s quick and unselfish actions prevented a man from being badly burned or killed. His actions are a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Lifesaving Award
Sergeant Dale B. Hemphill, Troop D
On October 2, 2004, Sergeant Dale B. Hemphill stopped for dinner at Smith’s Restaurant in Collins, MO. As he took a seat in the restaurant, he heard a woman yell, “Someone help him!” He then saw a gentleman experiencing difficulty breathing. He approached the table and asked the gentleman if he was choking. The man attempted to shake his head in the affirmative. Sergeant Hemphill positioned himself behind the gentleman and performed the Heimlich maneuver. The item lodged in the gentleman’s throat was expelled and he was able to breathe.
Sergeant Dale B. Hemphill’s knowledge of the Heimlich maneuver and his immediate response to the situation saved this man’s life. His actions are a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Meritorious Award
Trooper John G. Huber, Troop H
Trooper Joseph R. Johnston, Troop H
Corporal Roger A. Sherman, Troop H
On May 29, 2004, severe thunderstorms struck several communities in Northwest Missouri. An F-4 tornado struck Daviess and DeKalb counties killing three people, severely injuring numerous individuals, and destroying many homes and outbuildings. Trooper Joseph R. Johnston was one of the first to arrive on the scene after the tornado. He located a severely injured woman, whose two young children and sister were sitting with her. Each family member had sustained injuries of varying degrees. He performed first aid on a two-month-old infant while calming the child’s injured mother. Trooper Johnston also gathered information leading to the location of other injured and killed individuals.
Corporal Roger A. Sherman and Trooper John G. Huber arrived and immediately began coordinating the search for survivors. Corporal Sherman discovered six homes were destroyed and began interviewing neighbors for possible locations of additional victims. During their investigation, all three officers responded to the needs of family members as they arrived at the scene. As emergency personnel from five counties began to arrive, Corporal Sherman and Trooper Huber directed them into emergency assistance or search parties while assisting in the establishment of a landing zone for the Life Net Air Ambulance.
Trooper John G. Huber, Trooper Joseph R. Johnston, and Corporal Roger A. Sherman made sound decisions and remained calm in an extremely stressful, emergency situation. Their performance is in keeping with the highest tradition of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
(Since this incident, Trooper Huber has been promoted and is now a corporal.)
Meritorious Service Award
Trooper Eric R. Kolb, Troop A
Corporal John E. Christensen, Troop H
Corporal Kevin G. Haywood, Troop H
Sergeant Dale E. Knox, Troop A
On May 22, 2004, Corporal John E. Christensen, Troop H, was traveling southbound on Interstate 29 near U.S. Highway 36 in Buchanan County. He observed a fast-approaching vehicle in his rearview mirror. The pickup was traveling 97 mph in a 65 mph zone. When the suspect refused to stop, a pursuit began. Corporal Christensen continued southbound into Platte County. At that point, Trooper Eric R. Kolb and Platte County Deputy Joshua Quimby joined in the pursuit. Near Platte City, at the 16 mile-marker, Sergeant Dale E. Knox, Troop A, deployed spikes. The driver attempted to strike Sergeant Knox, who was standing in the median. The vehicle hit the spikes, yet continued southbound with two deflated tires.
The pursuit continued to the Mexico City Avenue exit in Kansas City, MO, at times reaching speeds over 100 mph. Shortly after passing the exit, the driver hit his brakes, spun his vehicle clockwise, and came to a stop facing the oncoming patrol vehicle. The suspect exited his vehicle holding an assault rifle. Corporal Christensen, Trooper Kolb, and Deputy Quimby took cover and returned fire when the suspect began firing the assault rifle toward them. After firing the rifle, the suspect ran up a grassy embankment. At this time, Sergeant Knox and Corporal Kevin G. Haywood, Troop H, arrived at the scene. The officers instructed the suspect to drop his weapon and show his hands. The suspect ignored their commands, aimed his rifle, and began firing once again. The officers returned fire, striking the man. The suspect then lost consciousness. He died later at the Truman Medical Center.
This shooting took place on a busy interstate highway near the Kansas City International Airport. The incident placed Trooper Eric R. Kolb, Corporal John E. Christensen, Corporal Kevin G. Haywood, and Sergeant Dale E. Knox in considerable danger. The immediate actions of these officers prevented passing motorists and their fellow officers from injury or death. Trooper Eric R. Kolb’s performance is in keeping with the highest tradition of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Meritorious Service Award
Trooper Jeffrey L. White, Troop F
On June 24, 2004, Trooper Jeffrey L. White received a call from Troop F communications personnel regarding a report about a subject brandishing a weapon on Interstate 70 near Jonesburg, MO. Trooper White then proceeded to a location just east of Kingdom City, MO, to wait for the vehicle. After the vehicle passed his location, Trooper White turned on his lights and signaled the driver to stop. However, the driver failed to respond. Several miles later, the suspect vehicle exited the interstate at Kingdom City, and abruptly stopped a short distance up the exit ramp facing into the sun. Trooper White stopped his patrol car and exited immediately, his service weapon drawn due to the nature of the call. The driver stepped out of the vehicle holding a revolver. He cocked the weapon and pointed it directly at Trooper White, who ordered him to drop the weapon. The driver disregarded the order. Instead, he raised his weapon and pointed it at Trooper White while walking toward the officer. Using evasive tactics, Trooper White backed around the rear of his patrol car for coverage while firing at the suspect. The suspect was hit twice. Although Trooper White rendered first aid, the suspect subsequently died.
Later, it was determined the suspect was wanted for questioning in two homicides in Florida. Trooper White faced a life-threatening assault and reacted in a tactically sound manner to defend himself, stop the attack, and protect the public.
Trooper Jeffrey L. White relied on his training in a stressful, life-threatening situation. His actions saved his own life and protected passing motorists from injury or death. His performance is in keeping with the highest tradition of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Civilian Of The Year
MVI Chief William P. Boyd, Troop A
Chief William P. Boyd III is tasked with managing the Troop A Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit which encompasses numerous inspection stations throughout the Troop A and metropolitan Kansas City area. He oversees three motor vehicle inspection supervisors and seven inspectors. Chief Boyd’s example has made the Troop A Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit a positive work environment. He allows his supervisors to supervise, yet offers guidance when needed. He is also quick to give credit to his employees for the success of the unit.
Chief Boyd has taken the initiative to ensure reports from his unit are submitted using the current computer capabilities, which assists Troop A’s support staff with their workload. He also keeps his lieutenant well informed regarding the history of an inspector mechanic or station in preparation for upcoming motor vehicle inspection hearings. In 2004, every complaint about an inspection station or inspector mechanic was investigated in a timely, efficient manner.
Chief Boyd is also well known in the metropolitan area as an excellent resource for information concerning vehicle identification number verification, and for assisting with investigations of stolen vehicles and automobile parts. On November 4, 2004, the Kansas City, MO, Police Department commended Chief Boyd for his assistance in investigating an auto repair business which was issuing fraudulent temporary license plate tags. As a result of the investigation, agents recovered 399 fraudulently obtained Missouri temporary tags and 13 Missouri license plate stickers.
MVI Chief William P. Boyd III is a credit to this organization. His diligence, dedication, and personal standard of ethics are examples for us all. Chief Boyd’s actions are in keeping with the highest tradition of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Officer Of The Year
Corporal Nicholas D. Berry, Troop B
During the past year, Corporal Nicholas D. Berry’s dedication to the Patrol has set him apart from his peers. From something as simple as updating a DWI checklist used by Troop B members to something as important as saving lives, Corporal Berry’s work ethic is a model for others to follow. His diligent enforcement of traffic laws is unparalleled. Corporal Berry made over 1,000 arrests and gave over 2,300 warnings in 2004, while assigned to Zone 5. Of those arrests, 46 were for driving while intoxicated, the most of any Troop B officer in 2004.
He regularly shares his knowledge of technology with his supervisors and subordinates. In his role as an assistant zone commander, Corporal Berry keeps members of his zone informed, and guides them toward being more productive workers.
In October 2004, Corporal Berry was the first to respond at the scene of an airplane crash south of Kirksville Airport. He assisted the local fire department and rescue personnel in their search for survivors. Corporal Berry worked long, tedious hours to help complete this investigation. He obtained and shared vital information with the investigating teams. The La Plata Fire Department’s assistant fire chief complimented him on his professionalism during this incident.
In November 2004, Corporal Berry observed a structure fire in Millard, MO. He was able to wake the occupants of a home nearby and relocate them to safety. He then notified the local fire department. His decisive, quick thinking minimized the damage of the fire and kept people safe from harm.
In December 2004, Corporal Berry was informed of a domestic assault in Greentop, MO. When he arrived at the scene, he discovered the suspect, armed with a loaded shotgun, had barricaded himself inside a bedroom. Using his negotiating skills, Corporal Berry talked with the suspect for 45 minutes and convinced him to surrender peacefully.
Corporal Nicholas D. Berry applies considerable knowledge, dedication, and loyalty in the fulfillment of his duties. He takes pride in doing the job right. His actions are in keeping with the highest tradition of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
“I want to congratulate these employees,” said Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Their bravery, instincts, and willingness to serve and protect the public help make Missouri a great place to live. I believe the Patrol has some of the very best employees in the state.”