MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
Q1252012-2 (573) 526-6115
December 7, 2012
EMPHASIS: December 1 Promotions

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, informs the public of the following promotions effective December 1, 2012:

Major Sandra K. Karsten, commander of the Technical Services Bureau, has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and named assistant superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. She is the first female member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to achieve the ranks of lieutenant, captain, major, and lieutenant colonel since the Patrol was created 81 years ago.

"Major Karsten will be an integral part in her new role as lieutenant colonel in addressing many challenges facing the Patrol today," said Colonel Replogle.
She and Lt. Colonel Richard Coffey, who retired, have worked closely together to accomplish a smooth transition."

Karsten was appointed to the Patrol on September 1, 1985, as a member of the 57th Recruit Class. During her 27-year career with the Patrol, Karsten has worked as a road trooper in Callaway and Audrain counties. She obtained the rank of corporal and sergeant and was assigned assistant zone commander and designated zone commander, respectively, in Troop F.

In 1996, Karsten transferred to the General Headquarters in Jefferson City. She was assigned to the Field Operations Bureau where she was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and later to the rank of captain. In 2001, Karsten transferred to the Human Resources Division and served as the director of that division. In 2011, she was promoted to the rank of major and designated commander of the Administrative Services Bureau; and later transferred to be commander of the Technical Services Bureau. In her position as assistant superintendent of the Patrol, Lieutenant Colonel Karsten will act in the superintendent's absence and have direct oversight responsibility for the Professional Standards Division.

Lt. Col. Karsten graduated from Putnam County High School in Unionville, Missouri. She received a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice from Truman State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Missouri. Karsten is also a graduate of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute's School of Police Staff and Command. Lt. Col. Karsten and her husband, Tim, have two sons, John and Paul.

Captain Timothy P. McGrail, commander of the Criminal Justice Information Services Division, has been promoted to the rank of major and designated commander of the Technical Services Bureau. As commander of the Technical Services Bureau, he has oversight responsibility for the Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Information & Communications Technology Division, Research & Development Division, and Traffic Records Division.

"Captain McGrail's knowledge and experience obtained during his career with the Patrol will be beneficial in performing his duties as commander of the Technical Services Bureau," said Colonel Replogle.

McGrail was appointed to the Patrol on January 1, 1984, as a member of the 56th Recruit Class. Upon graduating, he was assigned to Troop F, Zone 7, Howard/Cooper counties. During his career with the Patrol, McGrail obtained the rank of corporal and sergeant and was designated assistant zone commander and zone commander in Zone 3, Boone County, in Troop F. In 1997, McGrail was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to Troop C, St. Louis. In 2000, he was promoted to captain and designated director of the Criminal Records and Identification Division, which is now known as the Criminal Justice Information Services Division.

Major McGrail was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. He graduated from St. Thomas Seminary High School in Hannibal, Missouri. He received a bachelor's of science degree in criminal justice from Lincoln University in Jefferson City. McGrail also graduated from the Northwestern University Traffic Institute's School of Police Staff and Command. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1983 through 1987. He also served in the Missouri National Guard from 1988-1989. Major McGrail and his wife, Cynthia, have three children: Charles, Patrick, and Elizabeth.

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