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Capt. J. Tim Hull -- (573) 526-6115

Q8064

August 15, 2006

EMPHASIS: Major Richard L. Coffey Named Assistant Superintendent Effective September 1, 2006



Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre announced today, August 15, 2006, that Major Richard L. Coffey will be promoted to lieutenant colonel and designated assistant superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. This selection was made by Major James F. Keathley following Governor Matt Blunt’s appointment of Keathley to superintendent, pending the Missouri Legislature’s approval. Both promotions are effective September 1, 2006.



Major Coffey was appointed to the Patrol on May 17, 1976, as a fingerprint technician in the Criminal Division. On March 1, 1977, he entered the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, as a member of the 46th Recruit Class. After being commissioned in graduation ceremonies on July 29, 1977, then-Trooper Coffey was assigned to Troop C, Zone 14, Perryville, MO. In 1982, he transferred to the Executive Security Unit, General Headquarters, Jefferson City. Coffey was promoted to corporal on August 1, 1985, and sergeant on June 1, 1990. In December 1991, he was designated assistant division director of the Public Information and Education Division. In August 1992, he transferred to the Research and Development Division as assistant director. Coffey was promoted to lieutenant on June 1, 1994, and designated assistant director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control. On September 1, 1999, he was promoted to captain and designated director of the Research and Development Division. Colonel Stottlemyre promoted Coffey to the rank of major on September 1, 2001, and designated him commander of the Technical Services Bureau.



Major Coffey was born in Clinton, MO. He graduated from Windsor High School in Windsor, MO, in May 1970. In May 1974, he graduated from Central Missouri State University with a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice administration. Major Coffey and his wife, Pamela, reside in Jefferson City. He and his wife have two sons: Brian, who is employed by a construction company, and Bradley, who is employed in the Patrol’s Communications Division. Bradley Coffey and his wife, Amy, have a son named Cameron.