MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop H Headquarters-3525 North Belt-St. Joseph, MO 64506


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Jacob P. Angle
(816)387-2345, ext. 3847
H121514
December 19, 2014

EMPHASIS: New Troopers Report To Troop H


Captain James E. McDonald, commanding officer Troop H, announces the assignment of four new troopers to Troop H.

The newly assigned troopers were members of the 99th Recruit Class, which began training on July 1, 2014, at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, Missouri, and graduated on December 19, 2014. The new troopers will report for duty on January 5, 2015, at Troop H Headquarters in St. Joseph, Missouri, and will continue their training under the guidance of their field training officers.

Trooper Jack W. Cotter has been assigned to Zone 1, which patrols Atchison and Holt counties. Trooper Cotter is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, and a 2001 graduate of Rockhurst High School, in Kansas City, Missouri. Trooper Cotter served in the United States Marine Corps for four years where he attained the rank of corporal. Trooper Cotter is married to Andrea M. (Hoskins) Cotter and they have two children, Mason and Kennedy. His field training officer will be Trooper Joshua R. Zach.

Trooper Tyler L. Shupe has been assigned to Zone 1, which patrols Atchison and Holt counties. Trooper Shupe is a native of Independence, Missouri, and a 2010 graduate of William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri. Trooper Shupe is currently serving in the Missouri Army National Guard, where he maintains the rank of second lieutenant. Trooper Shupe is married to Elizabeth M. (Brawdy) Shupe. His field training officer will be Trooper Nicholas J. Greiner.

Trooper Matthew D. Obert has been assigned to Zone 3, which patrols Gentry and Harrison counties. Trooper Obert is a native of Lamar, Missouri, and a 2007 graduate of Lamar High School, Lamar, Missouri. Trooper Obert attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he majored in criminal justice. His field training officer will be Trooper Christopher J. Sullivan.

Trooper Joshua E. Hainey has been assigned to Zone 3, which patrols Gentry and Harrison counties. Trooper Hainey is a native of Saint Joseph, Missouri, and a 2010 graduate of Lafayette High School, Saint Joseph, Missouri. Trooper Hainey attended Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, Missouri, where he majored in criminal justice. His field training officer will be Corporal Benjamin R. Hilliard.

In support of "The Drive To ZERO Highway Deaths," the Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!
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