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

Troop D Headquarters, 3131 East Kearney Street, Springfield, Missouri 65803


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Jason M. Pace
417-895-6868
D442015
December 18, 2015

EMPHASIS: Troop D Promotions, Transfers, And New Assignments

Captain Juan Villanueva, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, announces the following Troop D promotions, transfers, and new assignments.

Effective November 1, 2015:

Trooper Blake R. DeHaan transferred from Troop A, Zone 11, Cass County to Troop D, Zone 4, Stone and Taney counties. DeHaan was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 2010, and after graduating from the Patrol Academy, was assigned to Troop A, Zone 17. He was born in Overland Park, Kansas, but grew up in Shkoder, Albania, where his parents were missionaries. After graduating from high school, Blake attended College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri. He is married to Kelli (Finestead) DeHaan.

Trooper Ryan W. Pace transferred from Troop G, Zone 3, Howell and Shannon counties to Troop D, Zone 3, Polk County. Pace was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 2013, and after graduating from the Patrol Academy, was assigned to Troop G, Zone 3. He is a native of Cassville, Missouri, and graduated for Cassville R-IV High School. After high school, he attended Crowder College, in Neosho, Missouri. He is married to Ruby (Stevens) Pace.

Trooper Caleb T. Schwarz transferred from Troop A, Zone 11, Cass County to Troop D, Zone 4, Stone and Taney counties. Schwarz was appointed to the Patrol on April 2, 2012, and after graduating from the Patrol Academy, was assigned to Troop A, Zone 11. He is a native of Moosup, Connecticut, and graduated from Marianapolis Preparatory School. After high school, he attended Evangel University, in Springfield, Missouri. He is married to BryAnne (Rogers) Schwarz.


Effective December 1, 2015:

Corporal John H. Lueckenhoff was promoted to sergeant. Lueckenhoff was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 1995, and was first assigned to Troop D, Zone 14, Barry County. On August 1, 2005, he was promoted to corporal and served as the assistant zone supervisor in Barry County until his assignment on June 1, 2015, as a public information and education officer in Troop D. He is a native of Greeley, Colorado, and graduated from Greeley West High School in 1988. Lueckenhoff served in the United States Marine Corps from 1989-1995. He is married to Wendy (Hall) Lueckenhoff and they have three children, Jessica (Lueckenhoff) Naugle, Bradley Lueckenhoff, and Jordan Bailey.

Trooper Zackery K. Bryan was promoted to the rank of corporal in Troop D, Zone 14, Barry County, where he currently resides. Bryan was appointed to the Patrol on January 7, 2007, and after graduating from the Patrol Academy was assigned to Troop A, Zone 16, Benton County. In March 2010, he transferred from Troop A to Troop D, Zone 14, Barry County. Bryan is a native of Lamar, Missouri, and graduated from Lamar High School. After high school, he attended Pittsburg State University, in Pittsburg, Kansas, and Missouri Southern State University, in Joplin, Missouri. He is married to Kayla (Piley) Bryan. They have two children, Macy, 3, and Madilyn, 1.

Effective December 18, 2015:

Captain Villanueva announces the assignment of two new troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 101th Recruit Class that graduated from the Patrol Academy on December 18, 2015. The new troopers report for duty on January 4, 2016.

Trooper Colton J. Beck, a native of Cassville, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 1, which serves the citizens of Greene County. Trooper Beck graduated from Cassville High School in Cassville, Missouri. After graduating high school, he attended Crowder Community College, Neosho, Missouri, and Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, where he earned a general studies and psychology degree, respectively. He is married to Jessica (Jamieson) Beck. Trooper Beck’s field training officer will be Trooper William S. Lashmet, and his immediate supervisor will be Sergeant Robert E. Proctor.

Trooper Austin M. James, a native of Kearney, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 10, which serves the citizens of Webster County. Trooper James graduated from Kearney High School in Kearney, Missouri. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, where he earned a communications degree. He is married to Sandra (Stanich) James. Trooper James’ field training officer will be Trooper Chase A. Stallcup, and his immediate supervisor will be Sergeant Jeffrey D. Fugett.

Approximately 63 percent of Missouri fatal crash victims who are required to be restrained are NOT at the time of the traffic crash. The Patrol urges motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Join us in supporting the Drive To Zero Highway Deaths. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!

(Photographs available upon request)


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