NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact:
Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
Q90606
September 27, 2006
EMPHASIS: Colonel James F. Keathley Announces Promotions
Colonel James F. Keathley announces the following promotions effective October 15, 2006:
Sergeant Edward J. Aylward is being promoted to the rank of lieutenant and transferred to the Criminal Records and Identification Division as an assistant director effective October 15, 2006.
Lt. Aylward was appointed to the Patrol on January 1, 1992, as a member of the 64th Recruit Class. Upon completing his training at the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop D, Zone 9, Cedar and Dade counties. In 1994, he transferred to Zone 12, Christian County. Aylward was assigned to the Governor’s Security Division, General Headquarters, Jefferson City, in 1998. He was promoted to the rank of corporal on January 1, 2000, and to sergeant on January 1, 2002. In July 2002, Alyward transferred to the Gaming Division.
Lt. Aylward was born in Saigon, Vietnam, where his father was a civilian advisor to the South Vietnamese Army. In 1986, he graduated from McCluer North High School in Florissant, MO. Aylward earned a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice (with minor in psychology) from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, in 1990. In 2002, he earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO. Lt. Aylward has one son, Evan, age 8.
Sergeant Michael V. Meyer is being promoted to the rank of lieutenant and designated division director of the Governor’s Security Division.
Lt. Meyer was appointed to the Patrol on January 5, 1981, as a member of the 54th Recruit Class. Upon completing his training at the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop C, Zone 7, Pike and Lincoln counties. In May 1990, he transferred to Troop B, Macon. Meyer was promoted to corporal and designated assistant zone commander in September 1990. In January 1992, he transferred to the Division of Drug and Crime Control, General Headquarters, and was assigned to the Bomb Disposal Unit. In 1995 he became a criminal investigator with the Troop F Unit. Meyer was promoted to sergeant January 1998. In 1999, he transferred to the Governor’s Security Division. He became assistant director of that division in June 2001.
Lt. Meyer was born in St. Charles, MO, the oldest son of Vernon and Margaret Meyer. He graduated from Duchesne High School in 1974. Meyer earned a bachelor’s of science degree in law enforcement from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, in 1979. While attending the university, he served in the Army ROTC. Lt. Meyer has three children: Blakeley, Rachel, and John.
Sergeant Vince S. Rice is being promoted to the rank of lieutenant and assigned to the Professional Standards Division.
Lt. Rice was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 1990, as a member of the 63rd Recruit Class. Upon completing his training at the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop F, Zone 9, Montgomery County. In July 1995, he was promoted to corporal and assigned assistant zone supervisor of Zone 8, Callaway County. Rice was promoted to sergeant in September 1997, and designated zone supervisor of Zone 12, Osage and Gasconade counties.
Lt. Rice was born in Jefferson City, MO, son of Joseph and Lida Rice. He graduated from Southern Boone County R-I High School in Ashland, MO, in 1987. Rice earned an associate’s of arts degree from Mineral Area College in 1990. He is married to Andrea (Voss), and has three sons, Cole, age 10, Nathaniel, age 3, and Trey, age 1.
Sergeant Roger D. Whittler is being promoted to lieutenant, transferred to the Human Resources Division, and designated assistant director.
Lt. Whittler was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 1987, as a member of the 59th Recruit Class. Upon completing his training at the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop D, Zone 5, Carthage. In September 1993, he was promoted to corporal and designated assistant zone commander of Zone 8, Vernon County. He transferred to the Gaming Division in January 1997. Whittler was designated assistant officer-in-charge of Stations Casino St. Charles enforcement team, in 1999. In 2001, he was promoted to sergeant and designated officer-in-charge of the President Casino’s enforcement team. Later, he served as officer-in-charge of the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles. He became a full-time recruiter and transferred to Troop C, St. Louis, in March 2006.
Lt. Whittler was born in Columbia, MO. Whittler served in the U.S. Army Reserves from June 1982 until 1992. He earned a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice from Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, MO, in 1993. Lt. Whittler has one son, Tyler.
Photos available upon request.