NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sgt. D.S. Bracker
417-895-6868 ext. 253
D2009-01
January 2, 2009

EMPHASIS: New Trooper Assigned To Lawrence County.


Captain Juan Villanueva, commanding officer, Troop D, Springfield, has announced the assignment of Trooper Larry Lee Ray, a member of the 88th Recruit Class, to Troop D, Zone 6, Lawrence County.

On July 1, 2008, Trooper Ray started recruit training at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, Missouri. He received 25 weeks of rigorous training; studying topics such as motor vehicle law, crash investigation, first aid, firearms, public relations, criminal law, and physical conditioning. On December 19, 2008, Ray was commissioned during a graduation ceremony at the Patrol Academy. Beginning January 5, 2009, Ray will work with his field-training officer for approximately three months, and then transition into working the zone by himself.

Ray was born in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from Miller High School in Miller, MO. Ray began his career with the Patrol in 1997, in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and later transitioned to a commercial vehicle officer assigned to Troop D, Springfield. Tpr. Ray and his wife, Janell, are the parents of two children, Cameron (10) and Teah (5).