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
D302014
October 10, 2014

EMPHASIS: Recent Donation In Troop D Promotes Safety On Missouri's Waterways


Captain Juan Villanueva, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, announces the recent donation of 200 life jackets to the marine operations troopers of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D. The Ozarks Rivers Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit based organization in Branson, Missouri, in conjunction with the State Park Marina, donated the life jackets to enhance water safety on Missouri's lakes and rivers. The life jackets will be supplied to boaters who are in need of safety devices.

The Foundation, which was created in 2010 to provide support to lake area projects, has recently formed a partnership with the Missouri State Highway Patrol to provide funding for projects needed to enhance water safety and education. Also, other items supplied by the Foundation will include voltage meters to test electric currents in and around docks, and an underwater camera system to assist troopers in their search and recovery efforts.

Captain Villanueva stated, "We are very appreciative to the Ozarks River Heritage Foundation and the State Park Marina for their recent donation. Nationwide, approximately 500 people drown each year from recreational boating crashes. Of those, nearly 88 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Please pay attention when enjoying Missouri’s waters, and make sure you have a life jacket for each person in your boat."

In support of "The Drive To ZERO Highway Deaths," the Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!


*Photograph available upon request.
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