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

Troop G - 1226 W. Bus. 60/63, Willow Springs, MO 65793


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Jeff Kinder
(417) 469-3121, ext. 3735
G-12153
December 22, 2015

EMPHASIS: Three New Troopers Assigned To Troop G


Captain Mark G. Inman, commanding officer of Troop G, Willow Springs, announces the assignment of three new troopers to Troop G:

Trooper Mayela Barron has been assigned to Zone 5, Douglas and Ozark counties. Trooper Barron is a native of Anderson, Missouri, and a graduate of McDonald County High School in Anderson, Missouri. Prior to joining the Patrol, she was employed as a McDonald County deputy sheriff. Trooper Barron’s zone supervisor will be Sergeant Logan Elliott and her field training officer will be Trooper Ryan Vaughan.

Trooper Dakota L. Nash has been assigned to Zone 6, Southern Howell and Oregon counties. Trooper Nash is a native of Gainesville, Missouri, and a graduate of Gainesville High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri. He was employed by O’Reilly Auto Parts in Hollister, Missouri, before joining the Patrol. He is married to Whitney (Taylor) Nash. Trooper Nash’s zone supervisor will be Sergeant Scott Nelson and his field training officer will be Trooper Jon Heimsoth.

Trooper Jared O. Prater has been assigned to Zone 4, Carter and Reynolds counties. Trooper Prater is a native of Mount Vernon, Missouri, and graduated from Mount Vernon High School. He holds an associate degree in law enforcement from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. He was employed by Meeks Lumber in Mount Vernon, Missouri, before joining the Patrol. Trooper Prater’s zone supervisor will be Sergeant Craig Ponder and his field training officer will be Trooper Evan Vanwinkle.

The three new troopers were members of the 101st Recruit Class of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The 101st Recruit Class began training on July 1, 2015, and graduated on December 18, 2015. They will report for duty on January 4, 2016.

Approximately 63 percent of Missouri fatal crash victims who are required to be restrained are NOT at the time of the traffic crash. 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. Join us in supporting the Drive To Zero Highway Deaths. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!
(Photos available on request.)

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