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

Troop F Headquarters - 2920 North Shamrock Road - Jefferson City, MO 65102


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Paul J. Reinsch
(573) 751-1000
April 14, 2014
140403

EMPHASIS: Lake Area Zone Restructure For 2014


Captain Gregory D. Kindle, commanding officer, Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, announces recent efforts to help reduce the loss of lives in the Lake area by restructuring Patrol coverage around the Lake of the Ozarks. Captain Kindle stated, “Our goals center around reducing injuries and the loss of life in our communities. In trying to accomplish this goal, troopers around the Lake of the Ozarks are being trained to provide both road and marine services. The net result will be the ability to have a larger enforcement presence where needed—whether on land or on the water—at the Lake of the Ozarks.”

The Patrol recently established a new zone of troopers in Miller County, which leads the troop in annual fatalities. Since 2008, Miller County has averaged 11 traffic fatalities a year, while Camden County has been third in the troop with 7.5 fatalities a year. As part of the restructuring, road troopers in Miller, Camden, and Morgan counties will begin providing enhanced marine enforcement on the Lake of the Ozarks during the busiest boating times, including each weekend in the summer. The Patrol has two full-time marine operation zones at the Lake of the Ozarks, which provide the primary, year-round marine enforcement. These troopers are also trained to supplement road zones, thus providing the Patrol with the flexibility to move officers to land or water depending on the area of need.

Captain Kindle emphasized that continued dual job training is essential for Troop F to be effective in accomplishing its mission. Captain Kindle stated, “Our mission is to have a positive impact in our communities by helping save lives. Since 2008, we have also lost an average of two lives a year on the Lake of the Ozarks from boating crashes, and we want that number to be zero. Our officers are committed to helping make the entire Lake of the Ozarks community a safe place to enjoy.” Captain Kindle hopes for a great boating season and urges citizens to report ALL impaired operators by calling Troop F Headquarters at 573-751-1000 or dialing *55 on a cellular phone.

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!!!