News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Mike Watson
(417) 359-1500 ext.2229
DS2008-17
July 21, 2008

EMPHASIS: New Trooper Assigned To Newton/McDonald Counties


Captain Randy Beydler, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, has announced that Trooper Tommy R. “Randy” Morris, a member of the 87th Recruit Class, has been assigned to Troop D, Zone 7, which encompasses Newton and McDonald counties.

On January 7, 2008, Trooper Morris started recruit training at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City. He received 27 weeks of rigorous training; studying topics such as motor vehicle law, crash investigation, first aid, firearms, public relations, criminal law, and physical conditioning. On July 11, 2008, Trooper Morris was commissioned during a graduation ceremony on the south lawn of Missouri’s Capitol. Starting on July 28, 2008, he will work closely with his field training officer, Trooper Kenny Sanders, for approximately three months, after which he will begin working alone.

Trooper Morris was born in Pryor, Oklahoma, and graduated from Seneca High School, Seneca, Missouri, in 1986. From 1986 until 1992, he served in the United States Army, stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington. He is currently a staff sergeant in the United States Army Reserves. Randy previously served with the Missouri State Highway Patrol as a commercial vehicle officer assigned to the scale house in Newton County from January 2006 until January 2008.

Trooper Morris and his wife, Cindy, are the parents of a son, Bryce (16), and a daughter, Tasha (20).




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