News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Dan Green
(816) 622-0800
A120701
December 12, 2007

EMPHASIS: New Commercial Vehicle Program For Troop A


Captain Vincent J. Ellis, commanding officer of Troop A, announces a new commercial vehicle enforcement program for the Troop A area. On July 1, 2006, 20 full-time positions were transferred by legislative action from vacancies within the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and reassigned as sworn troopers. This reassignment of personnel presented the Patrol with an excellent opportunity to further engage in homeland security activities, expand our presence on Missouri roadways, and improve the Patrol’s commercial vehicle enforcement capabilities. Effective November 5, 2007, four Troop A officers began training at the Patrol’s Training Academy as Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Troopers. The officers are scheduled to graduate from training on December 21, 2007, and begin working in the Troop A area.

The following officers from Troop A have been assigned:

Sergeant Trayton T. Pitts will be the supervisor. Sergeant Pitts was appointed to the Patrol on January 1, 1997, and assigned to Zone 6, Jackson County. He was promoted to Corporal on May 5, 2002, and remained in Zone 6, Jackson County. He was promoted to Sergeant on May 30, 2004, and transferred to Bates County.

Corporal Kevin M. Fisher will be the assistant supervisor. Corporal Fisher was appointed to the Patrol on February 1, 1998, and assigned to Zone 12, Johnson County. He was promoted to Corporal on June 1, 2003, and transferred to Bates County. On June 27, 2004, Corporal Fisher took a lateral transfer to Zone 16, Benton County.

Trooper Christopher R. Blackmon was appointed to the Patrol on October 20, 2002, and assigned to Zone 6, Jackson County.

Trooper Michael P. Finnewald was appointed to the Patrol on October 20, 2002, and assigned to Zone 16, Benton County. On November 11, 2006, he transferred to Zone 7, Cooper County in Troop F. Trooper Finnewald will be assigned to Troop A at the completion of the CVET training.

The commercial vehicle enforcement troopers retain the normal duties of a road trooper, however, their primary duties will include enforcement of commercial vehicle and special mobile equipment hazardous moving and safety laws, administrative orders, rules, and regulations. These officers will assist the Major Crash Investigation Units in investigating crashes involving commercial vehicles, school buses, and passenger-carrying motor coaches. The CVET’s will be trained in inspecting radioactive shipments using specialized equipment, and also will receive training related to homeland security.

Troopers assigned as CVET’s will be distinguished from other troopers by uniform and vehicle. The team will be assigned fully marked, two-wheel drive, Chevrolet Tahoe police SUV’s. The CVET’s daily uniform will be a blue military style field uniform displaying Patrol shoulder patches.

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