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. John J. Hotz
Q4202015-1 (573) 526-6115

April 20, 2015
EMPHASIS: 15 Patrol Employees Honored At Annual Awards Ceremony

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to congratulate the 15 employees honored at the Patrol's annual awards and The MASTERS banquet this past weekend. Family, friends, and members of The MASTERS (Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society) gathered at the Country Club Hotel & Spa in Lake Ozark, MO. The Troop F Color Guard presented the colors while retired Chief Operator Roger M. Heard played the bagpipes. Mr. Alex Armstrong, of Fulton, MO, sang the national anthem. Pastor Steve Martin, Union Hill Church of Christ, Nixa, MO, gave the invocation and benediction. Governor Jay Nixon attended the event and addressed the audience; Missouri Senator Doug Libla provided the keynote. Colonel Ron Replogle presented the Patrol awards and Mrs. Lynn Wallis, president of The MASTERS, presented The MASTERS Public Service Award.

2014
The MASTERS Public Service Award
Lieutenant Jeffrey N. Vitale, Troop E

Lieutenant Jeffrey N. Vitale, Troop E, is known for asking, “Why can’t we do this?” Whether at work or as a volunteer, Lieutenant Vitale seeks to learn from those around him and inspire them to serve. He brought together his passion to serve others with his dedication to running to establish the first marathon run in Poplar Bluff. The event benefitted families of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. In addition, Lieutenant Vitale has participated in charitable boxing matches and running events.

His running experiences allowed him valuable networking opportunities within both the running and law enforcement communities. These experiences inspired him to create the Badge of Honor Benefit Run in July 2014. He then recruited a team of people to help plan the event. Lieutenant Vitale mentored this team as they created an event website, planned food services, designed promotional materials, and established the route for this benefit race. He worked with local officials to coordinate the overall operation of the event, a traffic control plan, and medical services. The Badge of Honor Benefit Run for Poplar Bluff welcomed 147 runners in March 2015. The proceeds of this event were divided among The MASTERS, BackStoppers, and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 48.

Lieutenant Jeffrey N. Vitale is described as a selfless man of integrity, humility, humor, and intelligence. Not only does he serve his community, but he inspires others to do the same. The MASTERS Public Service Award was created to emphasize the importance of public service. The award honors a member whose actions strengthen the Patrol’s motto of “Service and Protection.” In 2014, that member was Lieutenant Jeffrey N. Vitale, Troop E.

2014
Lifesaving Award
Commercial Vehicle Officer Supervisor David O. Bagley, Troop A
Lieutenant Dale O. Jinkens, Troop A
Driver Examiner Supervisor Jennifer M. Whiting, Troop A

On February 25, 2014, Driver Examiner Supervisor Jennifer M. Whiting, Troop A, arrived at the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Motor Vehicle Inspection/Driver Examination Station in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and realized a man needed assistance. She went to him and checked for a pulse. He did not have a pulse, thus Supervisor Whiting dialed 9-1-1, then began chest compressions. The gentleman gasped for air once during this time. When she re-checked, he still did not have a pulse. She resumed chest compressions and Commercial Vehicle Officer Supervisor David O. Bagley arrived and asked if he could assist. Supervisor Bagley positioned himself in order to provide support for the man’s head. Lieutenant Dale O. Jinkens arrived and offered assistance. Additional assessment determined the man was unresponsive, unconscious, and no longer breathing. Thus, Lieutenant Jinkens and Supervisor Bagley provided relief for Supervisor Whiting and began administering further cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the man. After four cycles, emergency medical services personnel arrived and transported the man to St. Luke's East Hospital. Doctor Todd Hayes, who treated the man at the hospital, indicated the actions of Driver Examiner Supervisor Whiting, Commercial Vehicle Officer Supervisor Bagley, and Lieutenant Jinkens were directly responsible for saving this man’s life.

CVO Sprv. David O. Bagley, Lt. Dale O. Jinkens, and DE Sprv. Jennifer M. Whiting are to be commended for their situational awareness, quick response, and willingness to assist. Each of them recognized the need for emergency action and used their knowledge and training to save a man’s life. All of them are a credit to themself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

2014
Lifesaving Award
Trooper William S. Lashmet, Troop D

On May 3, 2014, Trooper William S. Lashmet, Troop D, was parked in the median of Interstate 44 in Webster County while working traffic enforcement. He checked the registration of a green Buick traveling eastbound and found it was a stolen vehicle. Trooper Lashmet entered traffic and caught up to the vehicle at the 97-mile marker. He activated his emergency equipment and attempted to affect a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The Buick proceeded to travel 90 miles per hour while making unsafe lane changes for several miles before exiting onto Missouri Highway 38 in Marshfield. The vehicle failed to stop at a red light and made several unsafe lane changes before traveling onto Missouri Route CC. At this time, the Buick traveled off the roadway and slid sideways. The front passenger side struck a concrete pillar and the vehicle overturned, coming to rest on the driver’s side. The engine then caught fire. Trooper Lashmet and two Webster County sheriff’s deputies attempted to extinguish the fire and rescue the driver. Realizing the driver was pinned in the vehicle, Trooper Lashmet crawled inside to free her. Once she was free, Trooper Lashmet and a deputy removed her from the vehicle and carried her a safe distance away. Emergency medical services personnel arrived and took over her care. The 22-year-old driver was later charged with tampering with a motor vehicle (1st degree), resisting arrest by fleeing, and numerous traffic violations.

Trooper William S. Lashmet is to be commended for his initiative and willingness to assist an individual in harm’s way. His knowledge and training helped him save this woman’s life. He is a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.


2014
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Ryan W. Pace, Troop G

On November 28, 2014, Trooper Ryan W. Pace, Troop G, was off-duty. As he and his wife, Ruby, were preparing to leave their home, a neighbor ran from his home yelling for Trooper Pace. The neighbor was in distress and pointing toward his home. Trooper Pace asked his wife to call 9-1-1 and ran to his neighbor’s home. Once inside, he found the neighbor’s wife, an elderly female, lying on the floor in the bathroom. She had fallen between the toilet and vanity in such a way as to pinch her head and neck toward her chest. This position caused her to lose consciousness and restricted her airway. Trooper Pace located a pulse and checked her airway. Determining that it was blocked, he braced her neck with both hands, turned her on her side, and opened her airway. Approximately 30 seconds later, she regained consciousness. Emergency medical services personnel arrived and assessed the patient further. Several weeks later, she spoke with Trooper Pace to tell him she didn’t think she would be alive if not for Trooper Pace’s actions.

Trooper Ryan W. Pace is to be commended for his situational awareness, quick response, and willingness to assist. His knowledge and training helped him save his neighbor’s life. He is a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

2014
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Brandon M. Parker, Troop A

On June 30, 2014, Trooper Brandon M. Parker, Troop A, responded to a report of a vehicle off the road on Missouri Highway 13 in Henry County. When he arrived, he determined the vehicle had been involved in a traffic crash. Trooper Parker made his way down the embankment where Henry County Deputy B. Graham was speaking with the driver. Trooper Parker assessed the driver’s injuries and saw no obvious neck, back, or head injuries. He continued to monitor the driver while waiting for emergency medical services personnel to arrive at the scene. Trooper Parker ascertained the driver’s condition began to deteriorate. In an effort to stabilize the driver, who was a paraplegic, Trooper Parker and Deputy Graham removed him from the vehicle and placed him in his wheelchair. The driver then lost consciousness. The trooper and deputy pulled the gentleman up the embankment and placed him on the shoulder of the roadway. Trooper Parker determined the man no longer had a pulse and was not breathing. He instructed the deputy to begin chest compressions, notified Troop A of the situation, and retrieved his pocket mask from his patrol car. He returned and reassessed the driver’s condition, and determined the man had a pulse and was breathing. Trooper Parker covered the man with a blanket from his patrol vehicle to keep him warm and prevent shock. He then repositioned his patrol car to protect the scene. The Golden Valley Ambulance arrived on the scene and transported the driver to Research Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Paramedics indicated that were it not for Trooper Parker’s actions, this man would have likely died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the crash.

Trooper Brandon M. Parker is to be commended for his situational awareness, quick response, and willingness to assist. His knowledge and training helped him save this man’s life. He is a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.


2014
Lifesaving Award
Sergeant Michael P. Quilty, Troop H

On September 9, 2014, heavy rainfall in Holt County resulted in flash flooding. Sergeant Michael P. Quilty, Troop H, was contacted and dispatched to the area. Sergeant Quilty and Missouri Department of Conservation Agents Anthony Maupin and Jade Wright rescued a woman who had driven into floodwaters on Missouri Route N, north of Mound City. The floodwaters had washed her vehicle off the roadway. Using a Department of Conservation boat, the trio made their way to the woman and rescued her. During that rescue, Sergeant Quilty received information regarding flooding over both lanes of Interstate 29 from the 86-mile marker to the 88-mile marker. Several vehicles were in the water and all of those vehicles contained occupants. Learning this, Sergeant Quilty and the agents cleared the scene of the first rescue and responded to Interstate 29.

Upon arriving at the scene on Interstate 29, Missouri Department of Conservation Agent Eric Abbott determined the water was flowing too swiftly to deploy a boat. Sergeant Quilty, Agent Maupin, and Agent Wright were able to utilize a front-end loader and motor grader operated by Missouri Department of Transportation employees. Sergeant Quilty and Agent Wright stood in the bucket of the front-end loader as it maneuvered through the floodwaters. They successfully rescued five civilians. The water flowing over the interstate was approximately three feet deep. Rescuers made two additional trips to rescue the remaining two civilians trapped by the floodwaters. There were no injuries to any of the rescuers and none of the victims required medical attention.

Sergeant Michael P. Quilty is to be commended for his quick response and innovative thinking. His courage and training helped him save eight lives in an extremely dangerous situation. He is a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

2014
Lifesaving Award
Driver Examiner II Jurrell A. Vance, Troop A

On July 31, 2014, Driver Examiner II Jurrell A. Vance and Driver Examiner III Chichota R. Watson, both Troop A, were working at the Raytown Driver Examination Station. A woman and her son approached the front window where Examiner Watson was working. The woman suddenly stopped talking and started to collapse. Her son attempted to hold her upright and indicated his mother had a heart condition. Examiner Watson instructed Examiner Vance to call 9-1-1 and went to the lobby to assess the woman’s condition. The woman was breathing, but unresponsive. When her breathing became sporadic, Examiner Watson requested Examiner Vance’s assistance. When the woman stopped breathing the two driver examiners initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They were able to successfully revive the woman twice before Raytown Fire and Rescue arrived and transported her to Research Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. The woman was released from the hospital after several weeks.

Driver Examiner II Jurrell A. Vance is to be commended for her quick response and willingness to assist. Her knowledge and training helped her save this woman’s life. She is a credit to herself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.


2014
Lifesaving Award
Driver Examiner III Chichota R. Watson, Troop A

On July 31, 2014, Driver Examiner III Chichota R. Watson and Driver Examiner II Jurrell A. Vance, both Troop A, were working at the Raytown Driver Examination Station. A woman and her son approached the front window where Examiner Watson was working. The woman suddenly stopped talking and started to collapse. Her son attempted to hold her upright and indicated his mother had a heart condition. Examiner Watson instructed Examiner Vance to call 9-1-1 and went to the lobby to assess the woman’s condition. The woman was breathing, but unresponsive. When her breathing became sporadic, Examiner Watson requested Examiner Vance’s assistance. When the woman stopped breathing the two driver examiners initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They were able to successfully revive the woman twice before Raytown Fire and Rescue arrived and transported her to Research Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. The woman was released from the hospital after several weeks.

Driver Examiner III Chichota R. Watson is to be commended for her quick response and willingness to assist. Her knowledge and training helped her save this woman’s life. She is a credit to herself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.


2014
Meritorious Service Award
Trooper Richard L. Ayers, Troop E

On April 27, 2014, Trooper Richard L. Ayers received information from the Wayne County Sheriff's Department regarding a person yelling for help near Barefoot Village on Missouri Highway 34. It was approximately 11:20 p.m. when Trooper Ayers arrived at the scene to discover a vehicle had been washed off a private bridge into Clarks Creek and traveled approximately 100 yards downstream. The driver had made it to the bank; however, a passenger was clinging to a tree in the swiftly moving water. The passenger had sustained a leg injury during the incident and was calling for help. A local volunteer firefighter arrived on scene with his riverboat and agreed to use his boat in a rescue attempt. Trooper Ayers and a local police officer entered the boat with the firefighter and crossed the dangerous water. As the boat made it to the tree line it started to turn sideways and tilt. Water then came over the side of the boat and it capsized. Trooper Ayers was under the boat, but remained calm. He pushed himself from under the boat to the water’s surface. Trooper Ayers was then able to swim to shallow water and make it to the bank. The firefighter and city police officer also safely made it to the shore. Trooper Ayers made his way down the bank near the passenger's location. He removed the young man from the tree and assisted him to a safer location. While waiting on other officers, Trooper Ayers removed his life vest and placed it on the injured young man. He then made an opening for rescue boats to reach them. Trooper Logan Monahan, assisted by Missouri Department of Conservation Agent Alan Lamb, arrived on scene and was able to safely transport Trooper Ayers and the young man back across the creek. The young man was then transported by emergency medical services to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Trooper Richard L. Ayers took decisive action and applied his training in this dangerous situation. He went beyond the call of duty and with bravery saved the life of another. His actions are a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

2014
Meritorious Service Award
Trooper Jeffry S. Leathers, Troop I

On January 19, 2014, Trooper Jeffry S. Leathers, Troop I, responded to a call regarding a residential fire. When he arrived, he found a garage engulfed in flames. Adding to the danger were the numerous propane tanks located near the garage that were venting gas and exploding, causing debris and shrapnel to fly through the air. The fire spread to the house, putting the family in danger. Trooper Leathers went into the residence and contacted two female residents. He informed them of the fire and instructed them to evacuate. He inquired as to whether anyone else was in the house and was informed that no one was. Trooper Leathers then exited the residence. After leaving the residence, he moved away from the fire. A man arrived and tried to get to the propane tanks with the intent of moving them. Trooper Leathers intercepted him and moved him out of harm's way. The highly distraught man then made an attempt to enter the home. Trooper Leathers and a Dent County deputy met the man at the door where he was cursing at the fire department. Trooper Leathers then heard the man yell a girl's name. At that point, the man explained that a young cousin, age 10, was in the residence. She had been watching a movie in a bedroom under the covers. It is unknown whether the young girl did not hear Trooper Leathers calling out or if she was too afraid to answer. When Deputy Davis opened the door, the young girl could be seen standing in a room immediately to the left of the entrance. Trooper Leathers removed the child from the residence and reunited her with her mother at a safe location away from the fire.

Trooper Jeffry S. Leathers took decisive action and applied his training in this dangerous situation. He went beyond the call of duty and with bravery saved lives. His actions are a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.


2014
Meritorious Service Award
Driver Examiner Supervisor Timothy Murphy, Troop A

At 10:30 a.m. on May 22, 2014, Driver Examiner Supervisor Timothy Murphy, Troop A, was administering the driving portion of a driver examination in the city of Clinton, MO, when he noticed smoke in the air. He directed the applicant to turn onto Water Street as he looked for the source of smoke. As they approached West Benton Street, Supervisor Murphy noticed smoke pouring out from the upper floor of a residence. He directed the applicant to stop the vehicle, and dialed 9-1-1 utilizing the applicant's phone. After requesting assistance, he exited the applicant's vehicle and ran to the residence to check for occupants. He located an elderly homeowner and his granddaughter on the first floor. Supervisor Murphy removed the occupants, along with three dogs, from the residence. One of the people he rescued was treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation at the local hospital.

Driver Examiner Supervisor Timothy Murphy took decisive action in a dangerous situation. He acted courageously and responded without regard for his personal safety to save the lives of two people and the family pets. His actions are a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

2014
Civilian of the Year
Clerk Typist III Jamie L. Maddux, Troop I

Clerk Typist III Jamie L. Maddux began her career with the Patrol on August 15, 2004. She currently processes a variety of reports for Troop I and the Division of Drug and Crime Control Unit assigned to the troop. Ms. Maddux transcribes verbatim the taped conversations and interviews for DDCC investigators. She also serves as a part-time recruiter. Troop I staff utilize Ms. Maddux during emergency situations and when preparing for special details. For instance, her clerical, computer, and organizational skills are invaluable to emergency command posts and disaster preparedness drills. During 2014, she interviewed and prepared 150 arrest packets for subjects apprehended during four warrant round-ups. She tested the reliability and functionality of the SHP-325 “Report of Incident” as it was being developed and subsequently trained clerical personnel throughout the state. Ms. Maddux, realizing Troop I officers would be away from home during the holidays, organized donations for care packages sent to them while they served in Ferguson, Missouri. Due to her efforts, the second team of Troop I officers reporting to Ferguson enjoyed refreshments as well. Ms. Maddux is a truly compassionate individual. On her own, Ms. Maddux designed two Christmas trees honoring the fallen officers of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Hand-crafted ornaments with the officers’ names and information adorn each tree. One tree is at headquarters, the other is at a local business. Not only does she go the extra mile at the office, but she does so in her personal life. She is active raising money for the Joy of Caring Foundation and serves as a member of the Cancer Gala Committee. She is tireless in her efforts to raise money for Special Olympics. Ms. Maddux has organized three Tip-a-Cop events, the Troop I Torch Run luncheon, and the Rolla Polar Bear Plunge. Her efforts resulted in Troop I raising $18,805 in 2014 for Special Olympics and the troop being recognized for the greatest increase for Region 6.

Clerk Typist III Jamie Maddux is a credit to herself and to this organization. She is the first person to volunteer for additional tasks and responsibilities at Troop I. Her positive attitude, knowledge, and work ethic are an asset to the state of Missouri. Her actions are in keeping with the highest tradition of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.


2014
Benjamin Oliver Booth Officer of the Year
Corporal Carl W. Bone, Troop C

Corporal Carl W. Bone was appointed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol on October 20, 2002. He currently serves and protects the Troop C citizens as a commercial vehicle enforcement trooper assigned to Zone 17. Corporal Bone leads by example through his attention to detail, work ethic, and knowledge of commercial vehicle enforcement. The mission of the Patrol’s commercial vehicle enforcement is to promote safety through removing fatigued, unqualified drivers and mechanically unsound trucks from Missouri’s roadways. Corporal Bone embraces this responsibility and has attended specialized training on driver, vehicle, and hazardous material inspections. He is recognized by his peers as a resource regarding the numerous, sometimes complicated, commercial vehicle rules and regulations. His expertise is such that he often instructs recruits and other troopers in first responder hazardous materials, and federal courses for driver and vehicle inspection. In 2014, he provided instruction during the Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Inspector School, the Level 3 class for road troopers, an electronic logbook course for all nine troops, and training for the Alabama Highway Patrol.

In 2014, Corporal Bone performed 271 commercial vehicle inspections, 184 of which were level one inspections. As a result of these inspections, 138 drivers and vehicles were placed out-of-service. Approximately one of every two trucks Corporal Bone inspected possessed equipment defects or drivers operating in violation of the standards set forth in the out-of-service criteria. From these inspections, Corporal Bone issued 149 summonses and 1,156 warnings. He also serves as the scale house supervisor for Post C-5, located on Interstate 55 in Ste. Genevieve County. In 2014, he ranked first in out-of-service violations found (286) and total number of violations found (1,305). He ranked second in the number of Level 1 inspections completed (184) and eighth in total number of inspections completed (271).

Corporal Carl W. Bone embodies the ideals of the Patrol’s mission and core values. His actions are in keeping with the highest tradition of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

(Photos available upon request.)

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