For further information please contact: Sergeant Paul J. Reinsch
(573) 751-1000
December 14, 2007
F071203

EMPHASIS: Honorary Trooper Certificates


The Missouri State Highway Patrol invites members of the Troop F media to attend a news conference at 9:00 a.m., on December 18, 2007, at the Troop F Headquarters, 2920 N. Shamrock Road, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Captain Dale A. Schmidt, commanding officer, Troop F, will present an “Honorary Trooper” certificate to Tony W. Shoop of Jefferson City for his actions at a fatality crash in Callaway County.
On December 9 2007, Mr. Shoop came upon a traffic crash on U.S. 63 near the Katy Trail overpass during a severe ice storm. Mr. Shoop stopped his vehicle and went to assist the driver of a vehicle that had lost control and slid into the median. Another individual, later identified as Neilson B. Rudd of Wildwood, Missouri, had stopped and was trying to make the scene as safe as possible. As Mr. Shoop and Mr. Rudd were walking in the median, another vehicle lost control and struck Mr. Rudd. Mr. Shoop assisted Sergeant Tim R. Tinnin with CPR on Mr. Rudd without hesitation even though it was a location that was extremely dangerous. Mr. Rudd later succumbed to his injuries.
Mr. Rudd’s family will be presented with his “Honorary Trooper” certificate at funeral services on Monday, December 17, 2007, at Jefferson Barrack National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
Mr. Shoop and Mr. Rudd were both members of the Missouri National Guard.
The public and members of the media are invited to attend this news conference.



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