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
Q22712-1 (573) 526-6115
February 27, 2012
EMPHASIS:

Colonel Ronald K. Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the following:

Corporal D. Mark Hedrick, Troop I, has the distinction of being named one of four North America regional finalists for the IACP/Motorola Trooper of the Year award. The North America IACP region encompasses the U.S. and Canada. Currently, a panel of judges is reviewing the nomination packages of these four regional finalists. The winner of the IACP/Motorola Trooper of the Year award will be named at the International Association of Chiefs of Police banquet on March 30, 2012, in Alexandria, VA.

The Patrol nominated Cpl. Hedrick for this honor due to his courage and dedication when serving and protecting the citizens of Missouri. Cpl. Hedrick developed information, which indicated a fugitive was in Pulaski County. The fugitive, who was extremely dangerous and known as an avid woodsman, first came to the attention of law enforcement on November 15, 2011, after firing a weapon into the home of his girlfriend. Over the next couple of days, he eluded capture, and in one instance rammed a patrol vehicle to disable it. Then, on November 20, Cpl. Hedrick, after becoming aware of the fugitive's presence in Pulaski County, met with the local sheriff and another trooper to plan a search for the suspect.

Cpl. Hedrick and Trooper Nicholas A. Smith located the man in a stolen truck. When confronted, the fugitive attempted to run over the officers and then sped away from the scene. The troopers pursued him until his vehicle traveled off the road and became disabled. The suspect fired several rounds and brandished a firearm while inside the truck, causing Cpl. Hedrick to respond with gunfire. The investigation later revealed that the suspect had shot himself as well as being shot by the trooper. The fugitive died at the scene.

"Cpl. Hedrick's preemptive planning prepared both himself and Tpr. Smith for this violent confrontation," said Colonel Replogle. "He drew upon his knowledge and experience as a law enforcement officer, and displayed true courage to end the threat to the safety of the people of Pulaski County. He is a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol."