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
Q4152013-3 (573) 526-6115

April 15, 2013
EMPHASIS: Patrol Honors 10 Employees At Annual Ceremony

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, congratulates the 10 employees honored at the Patrol’s annual awards and The MASTERS banquet on April 13, 2013. Held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center, in Columbia, MO, family, friends, and The MASTERS members gathered to honor the heroes of 2012. Lieutenant Colonel Sandra K. Karsten, Q/ASO, served as emcee; Troop A’s Color Guard presented the colors while Chief Operator Roger M. Heard, Troop H, played the bagpipes; Major Tommy Roam, Q/WPD, sang the National Anthem; Patrol Chaplain Rev. Steve L. Barker, Maywood, MO, gave the invocation and benediction; and Colonel Replogle presented the awards. Mr. Douglas Mitchell, president of The MASTERS, presented The MASTERS Public Service Award.

Listed are the awards and descriptions:

2012 The MASTERS Public Service Award
Trooper Gregory K. Tesch, Troop A

Trooper Gregory K. Tesch embodies public service. After retiring from the United States Marine Corps, he joined the Patrol in 2008. He is assigned to Troop A, Zone 7, Jackson County, where he enforces the law with compassion, fairness, and integrity. He routinely answers requests for assistance from the troop public information and education officers to provide programs.

Tpr. Tesch spends much of his off-duty time serving his community. He is active in Boy Scouts of America as an assistant cubmaster and pack trainer for Pack 366 in Lee's Summit, Missouri. He serves as a community disaster volunteer with the America Red Cross. Tpr. Tesch has provided smoke detectors and fire safety information to families in Kansas City, and volunteers with Literacy Kansas City. In 2012, he participated in the Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics, and ran in the Groundhog 10K run to benefit the Children's Therapeutic Learning Center. Tpr. Tesch participated in the Multiple Sclerosis "Walk For The Cure" in support of a fellow trooper. He also ran in the Mountain Grove Lions Club 5K Pride Run to benefit a family in need. He also donates blood regularly.

Tpr. Tesch is a volunteer at heart. His service, both on and off duty, positively impacts the lives of others. 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 2012, that member was Tpr. Gregory K. Tesch, Troop A.


2012 Lifesaving Awards

Trooper Christopher D. Hamlett, Q/GD

On May 26, 2012, while working at the Lady Luck Casino in Caruthersville, Missouri, Trooper Christopher D. Hamlett responded to a call for assistance. When he arrived at the location, he found that an elderly patron had collapsed. Tpr. Hamlett recognized the urgency of the situation and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation with the help of a casino employee. He also assisted a second casino employee in operating a defibrillator. After approximately five minutes, the patron began to respond. Tpr. Hamlett remained with the patron until emergency medical services arrived and transported him to the hospital. The gentleman survived the incident.

Tpr. Christopher D. Hamlett is to be commended for his quick action 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.


Trooper Timothy W. Murrell, Troop A and Corporal Christopher M. Clair, Troop A

On March 6, 2012, Trooper Timothy W. Murrell and Corporal Christopher M. Clair, both Troop A, were advised of a stranded boater on the Pomme de Terre arm of Truman Lake near Osage Bluff. Weather conditions contributed to the danger with 40 mph winds and three- to five-foot waves. The boater and two passengers were in danger of their boat sinking due to waves rolling over the bow. Tpr. Murrell and Cpl. Clair retrieved a 23-foot Patrol Donzi from Long Shoal Marina and traveled 12 miles in rough waters to the stranded boaters. Both bilge pumps of the Donzi were required to manage the amount of water coming into the Patrol's vessel due to the extreme waves. To avoid disabling damage to the Patrol vessel, Tpr. Murrell brought the Donzi next to the stranded boat on three separate occasions during the rescue. Cpl. Clair assisted the boater and his two passengers into the Patrol vessel. Once the three people were safely aboard, Tpr. Murrell and Cpl. Clair transported them to the Osage Bluff Marina.

Tpr. Timothy W. Murrell and Cpl. Christopher M. Clair are to be commended for his actions. His knowledge and training resulted in the rescue of three people under dangerous conditions. He is a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

2012 Lifesaving Award, 2012 Purple Heart, and 2012 Valor Award

On March 10, 2012, Trooper David W. Crank made a traffic stop on northbound Interstate 55 at the 56-mile marker. After coming into contact with the Ford Expedition's four occupants and detecting a strong odor of raw marijuana, he requested assistance. Corporal J. Shane Stewart and Sergeant Richard J. Sanders, both Troop E, responded to the scene. The driver of the Expedition had been placed inside Tpr. Crank's patrol car, which left three people in the vehicle. Cpl. Stewart approached the left rear passenger door of the vehicle as Tpr. Crank approached the right front passenger door. Cpl. Stewart contacted the rear passenger and requested that he exit the vehicle, which he did. When Sgt. Sanders arrived, he began to approach the Expedition from the rear. Tpr. Crank requested the front passenger exit the vehicle, but he failed to comply. Cpl. Stewart, unable to see into the Expedition, due to the window tinting, began opening the driver's door. Tpr. Crank then observed the front passenger reaching between the center console and passenger seat. He alerted Cpl. Stewart and drew his service weapon. At that time, the passenger fired a small caliber handgun, striking Cpl. Stewart in the neck. Both Tpr. Crank and Cpl. Stewart returned fire. Once the scene was secured, Sgt. Sanders provided lifesaving first aid to Cpl. Stewart. While waiting for emergency medical personnel, Sgt. Sanders continued to keep Cpl. Stewart alert and applied compresses against the wound, which was bleeding profusely. Cpl. Stewart was flown by helicopter to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He has made a full recovery and returned to active duty. The suspect died at the scene. The right rear passenger was injured in the exchange of gunfire. After being treated and released at a local hospital, he was remanded into the custody of the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department. The driver and two passengers of the vehicle were charged with second degree murder, first degree assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of marijuana, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Sgt. Richard J. Sanders is to be commended for his actions. His knowledge and training saved the life of a fellow trooper. He is a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Sgt. Sanders accepted a Lifesaving Award at the banquet.

Cpl. J. Shane Stewart sustained serious injuries due to the direct criminal actions of another. He responded above and beyond the call of duty in a dangerous situation. His actions are a credit to himself and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Cpl. Stewart accepted a Purple Heart at the banquet.

Tpr. David W. Crank took immediate action in a situation involving considerable personal danger. His extraordinary act of heroism extended far above and beyond the call of duty. Tpr. Crank's performance is in keeping with the highest tradition of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Tpr. Crank accepted a Valor Award at the banquet.

2012 Civilian of the Year
Building & Grounds Maintenance Supervisor Roy D. Barton, Troop B

Throughout his 25-year career, Supervisor Roy D. Barton has possessed an outstanding work ethic and positive attitude. In 2012, Supervisor Barton was tasked with several remodeling projects at Troop B Headquarters. One project consisted of converting an outside building into an office for Division of Drug and Crime Control officers assigned to Troop B. The project entailed major construction, including installing a restroom. Supervisor Barton then moved eight offices within Troop B Headquarters. Each move required him to clean, repair, paint, and remodel the spaces. These moves provided space for a conference room within Troop B Headquarters. Supervisor Barton completed this work while training a new building and grounds maintenance employee and maintaining his daily responsibilities. Supervisor Barton continually goes above and beyond what is requested. He is knowledgeable and experienced in maintaining the Troop B shooting range and commercial driver license testing sites and responds to maintenance requests from zone offices. If the Troop B mechanic is on vacation, Supervisor Barton will make himself available to assist in that area as needed.

Building & Grounds Maintenance Supervisor Roy D. Barton is a credit to himself and to this organization. His leadership, knowledge, and work ethic are an asset to the state of Missouri. His actions are in keeping with the highest tradition of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

2012 Benjamin Oliver Booth Officer of the Year
Corporal Michael A. Halford, Troop F

Corporal Michael A. Halford is assigned to Troop F, Zone 2, Cole and part of Callaway counties as assistant zone supervisor. Throughout much of 2012, he stepped in for his zone supervisor, who was on extended leave. Although tasked with additional administrative duties, Cpl. Halford was one of Troop F's top producing corporals in both DWI and drug arrests, including a number of high profile arrests and follow-up investigations. Under Cpl. Halford’s direction, Zone 2 continued to be one of the top producing zones in the troop.

On January 20, 2012, while on routine patrol, Cpl. Halford noticed a subject walking westbound on the eastbound shoulder of U.S. Highway 54. As he drove past the subject, Cpl. Halford believed the man pointed a handgun at him and decided to investigate. Cpl. Halford drove past the subject before turning around to approach him from behind. As he slowed his patrol vehicle, the subject turned around, assumed a shooting stance, and began firing a handgun in Cpl. Halford's direction at a very close range. Cpl. Halford accelerated and struck the suspect while being fired upon. Subsequently, the subject was disabled and taken into custody. It was confirmed this man was wanted for the murder of his grandmother. The subject was walking to Jefferson City with the intention of killing others at a local school. Cpl. Halford's quick thinking and decisive action potentially saved his own life and the lives of others.

Cpl. Halford also serves as a firearms instructor and drug recognition expert instructor. He is one of the recognized experts within the Patrol for drug-related driving while intoxicated arrests. Along with his other duties, he is regularly consulted by other members, other agencies, and prosecuting attorneys throughout the state for assistance with drug recognition procedures.

Cpl. Michael A. Halford embodies the ideals of the Patrol’s mission and values. His actions are in keeping with the highest tradition of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

2012 Valor Award
Sergeant Shawn L. Price, Q/AD

On June 13, 2012, Sergeant Shawn L. Price responded to a call of an active shooter in a Jackson, Missouri, neighborhood. After arriving, he began to search for the subject. Right after he directed a female resident to return to her home, the suspect, while staying in the tree line, fired multiple gunshots directly at Sgt. Price. Sgt. Price then retreated between two houses. A male resident of one of the homes arrived at the driveway in his vehicle. The man informed Sgt. Price that his young son was inside the residence. Sgt. Price directed him inside the house and instructed the man and his son to go to the basement of the home for safety reasons. Sgt. Price then entered the master bedroom of the house and looked through a window in an attempt to locate the suspect in the tree line. As he scanned the area, he heard a gunshot and saw smoke come from the tree line. It appeared the suspect was shooting toward Cape Girardeau County deputies, who were also at the scene. Sgt. Price fired rifle rounds into the area where the smoke originated, and notified other officers via radio as to the suspect's location in the tree line. A short time later, other officers took the suspect into custody. The suspect was treated and later charged with domestic assault, armed criminal action, and assault on a law enforcement officer. He remains in custody awaiting trial.

Sgt. Shawn L. Price took immediate action in a situation involving considerable personal danger. His extraordinary act of heroism extended above and beyond the call of duty as he protected both civilians and other officers. Sgt. Price's performance is in keeping with the highest tradition of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.


(Photos available upon request.)

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