For further information please contact: Captain J. T. "Tim" Hull
573-526-6115
Q5075
May 31, 2007

EMPHASIS: Patrol Participates In Disaster Preparedness "Practice Alert"

The Missouri State Highway Patrol initiated a “practice alert” to evaluate its response to an earthquake disaster in the eastern and southeastern portion of the state. The practice alert is part of the Patrol’s ongoing training and preparation for natural and man-made disasters.
"Practicing and exercising state resources has proven time and again in natural disasters to be invaluable in emergency response and recovery," Gov. Matt Blunt said. "Colonel Keathley shares my commitment to diligently planning and training our troopers for the worst possible scenarios."
On and off duty troopers were asked to respond to pre-designated troop staging areas with assigned resources that would be conducive to deployment in an affected area(s). Five of the Patrol’s troops participated; Troop B, Macon, Troop D, Springfield, Troop F, Jefferson City, Troop G, Willow Springs and Troop H, St. Joseph. Troopers responded with personal effects and funds to be self sufficient for a 14-day deployment of the mock emergency. Mobile Field Forces were staged, briefed, and ready to deploy to the affected area within four hours. Because this was a drill it was conducted in a non-emergency manner.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol will without a doubt be one of the first responders on the scene of a disaster. It is imperative a first responder organization of the Patrol’s size and responsibility, and with its resources, continually prepare and practice for large-scale disasters.
“It simply makes sense that we practice our response to these situations,” Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said. “The practice allows us to see what we did right, and what areas might need improving or changing. This type of training and preparedness is in step with the Patrol’s mission of service and protection, and we will continue to participate in drills and practice alerts to ensure the best response possible to the citizens of Missouri.”
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