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. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
Q 6272014-1
June 27, 2014
EMPHASIS: Missouri State Highway Patrol Commissions 34 New Troopers

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, is pleased to announce that the Missouri State Highway Patrol commissioned 34 new troopers today in a ceremony on the south lawn of the Missouri State Capitol.

Governor Jay Nixon gave the keynote address during the June 27 graduation ceremony. In his remarks, the governor congratulated the new troopers and also issued a charge. Referencing President Thomas Jefferson's comments about Meriwether Lewis, Gov. Nixon encouraged the class to have, "undaunted courage, possessing a firmness & perseverance of purpose ..." He expressed his respect for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, saying the organization not only embraces its traditions, but also embraces diversity, and advancements in technology and equipment. The governor said that the new troopers don't know what challenges they will meet each day, but that he has supreme confidence in the Missouri State Highway Patrol and that confidence now extends to each of them.

Colonel Ron Replogle also spoke to the class, offering his congratulations and emphasizing the importance of their family's support throughout the rigorous 26 weeks of Academy training. He instructed the new troopers always remember the Patrol's core values— integrity, responsibility, respect, professionalism, compassion, resourcefulness, character, and commitment. The colonel reminded the troopers that they are ladies and gentlemen who enforce the law, and to treat others as they would want to be treated.

The Honorable Mary Rhodes Russell, Supreme Court of Missouri, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Pastor Jeff Hardy, First Baptist Church, Kimberling City, MO, gave the invocation and benediction. The Troop F Color Guard presented and retired the colors, and Mr. Alexander J. Armstrong, son of Trooper Andrew A. Armstrong, Troop F, sang the national anthem.

Dean Gil Kennon, vice president of college affairs for Mineral Area College, was present to confer an associate’s of applied science degree to 13 of the new troopers based on their course work at the Academy.

Four class awards were presented. The recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms, and academics throughout their 26 weeks at the Academy. The person with the highest number of points in each category earned the respective award. Trooper Gregory T. Hackett earned the physical fitness award. Trooper Shaun P. Sprague earned the firearms award. Trooper Keith D. Scruggs earned the academics award. Trooper Jose Sanchez Jr. accepted the Superintendent's Award, which is presented to the person with the most points overall.

The 98th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on January 2, 2014. The new troopers will report for duty in their assigned troops on July 14, 2014. Listed below are the names, hometowns, and first assignments for members of the 98th Recruit Class:

Name/Hometown/First Assignment

Matthew P. Acord, Bonne Terre, MO, Troop F, Miller County
Ruthanne A. Altaffer, Springfield, MO, Troop D, Greene County
Grant A. Ayres, Jefferson City, MO, Troop I, Crawford County
Daniel R. Becker, Athens, IL, Troop A, Platte County
Logan M. Bolton, Salem, IL, Troop C, Jefferson County
Jeffrey J. Burnett, Sparks, NV, Troop C, St. Charles, County
Keenan J. Cool, Newton, MO, Troop H, Daviess/DeKalb Counties
Cathryn L. Davis, Wright City, MO, Troop G, N. Howell/Shannon Counties
Krystalyn H. Davis, St. Joseph, MO, Troop H, Andrew/Buchanan Counties
Iris R. Elfrink, Leopold, MO, Troop E, New Madrid/Mississippi/Scott Counties
Matthew R. Freeman, Kennett, MO, Troop E, New Madrid/Pemiscot Counties
Mark A. Frigy, Decatur, IL, Troop C, Franklin County
Gregory T. Hackett, Springfield, MO, Troop I, Pulaski/Maries County
Landon J. Haggett, Dexter, MO, Troop E, New Madrid/Pemiscot Counties
Jacob R. Hardy, McKenzie, TN, Troop F, Camden County
Brandon L. Harris, Jefferson City, MO, Troop F, Boone County
David W. Henley Jr., Nevada, MO, Troop D, Greene County
Kyle L. Huggins, Poplar Bluff, MO, Troop E, Butler/Ripley Counties
Nicholas W. March, Columbia, MO, Troop C, Ste. Genevieve/Perry Counties
Brian N. Marquart, Ballwin, MO, Troop A, Clay County
Thomas W. Meyer, West Plains, MO, Troop D, Greene County
Tyler W. O'Brien, Springfield, IL, Troop B, Randolph/Monroe Counties
Matthew R. Parker, Springfield, MO, Troop F, Camden County
Matthew H. Riley, Atlanta, MO, Troop B, Clark/Scotland Counties
Roberto A. Rizo, Rolla, MO, Troop I, Phelps/Maries Counties
Jose Sanchez Jr., Glendale, AZ, Troop C, North St. Louis County
Keith D. Scruggs, Overland, MO, Troop C, South St. Louis County
Spencer D. Sears, Gravois Mills, MO, Troop A, Clay County
Alex J. Shibley, Desloge, MO, Troop C, Ste. Genevieve/Perry Counties
Shaun P. Sprague, Agency, MO, Troop H, Andrew/Buchanan Counties
Tyler R. Stults, Branson, MO, Troop B, Marion/Ralls Counties
Cody D. Tucker, Corning, AR, Troop E, Wayne County
Gregory T. Ulm, Dexter, MO, Troop G, Carter/Reynolds Counties
Ethan N. Wilson, Aurora, MO, Troop A, Platte County


Note: Media outlets may contact their local troop headquarters and speak with a public information and education officer to obtain portraits of new troopers being assigned to their area.


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