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

Troop B Headquarters - 308 Pine Crest Drive - Macon, Missouri 63552


NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B13043
April 8, 2013

EMPHASIS: Troop B Troopers Receive Recognition For Heroism


On Monday, April 8, 2013, Sergeant Nicholas Berry and Corporal Kyle Easley accepted certificates of appreciation for their heroic acts during the February 1, 2013 fire that substantially damaged the Cairo Senior Citizen Housing Complex in Cairo, Missouri. State Director Janie Dunning and Dan Niemeyer, of USDA Rural Development (which provides financial support to senior citizen centers), made the presentations at Troop B Headquarters in Macon, Missouri.
On February 1, 2013, at approximately 12:37 a.m., Sergeant Berry and Corporal Easley responded to a report of a fire at the Cairo Senior Citizen Apartments located in Cairo, Missouri. Upon arrival, officers observed flames coming from the roof and southwest portion of the apartment building. The burning structure was a single level building containing four separate apartments designed for senior citizens. It was evident the fire was spreading rapidly and the immediate evacuation of the occupants was crucial to their survival. Sergeant Berry and Corporal Easley quickly entered smoke filled apartments and were able to locate the three elderly tenants. Each of the tenants was quickly removed from their apartment, evaluated by ambulance personnel, and released to their family members. After all of the occupants were accounted for, Sergeant Berry and Corporal Easley assisted firefighters with moving vehicles away from the structure fire to prevent further damage from occurring.
"I am very proud of the bravery of Sergeant Berry and Corporal Easley," stated Captain James E. Wilt. "Their decisive actions saved the lives of the occupants of the apartment complex."

The Patrol encourages motorists and watercraft operators to protect themselves by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life and Wear It!!!
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