NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact: Capt. Christian T. Ricks

Q5037 (573) 526-6115



May 27, 2003

EMPHASIS: 27 Patrol Employees Honored



A crowd of 300 people gathered Saturday, May 10, 2003, to honor the actions of Highway Patrol employees. This year, 27 employees were honored as the heroes of 2002. Major Ed H. Bliefnick, Q/FOB, served as emcee; Troop A's Honor Guard presented the colors; DPS Director Charles R. Jackson gave the invocation; and Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre presented the awards. After the banquet, Ret. Col. Fred M. Mills, president of MASTERS, addressed the room. He then introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. Mark James, special agent-in-charge of the Kansas City Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Listed below are the names of those employees honored and a brief explanation of their actions.



Memorial Award

Trooper Kelly L. Poynter, Troop G



On January 18, 2002, Trooper Kelly L. Poynter died as a result of injuries sustained when he was struck by a drunk driver. Trooper Poynter was investigating a three-vehicle traffic crash on U.S. Highway 63 south of Houston, Missouri, at the time he was struck. Trooper Poynter made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of Missouri, and became the 22nd member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to die in the line of duty.



Officer of the Year

Captain John T. Prine, Troop D



On January 1, 2002, Captain John T. Prine became commanding officer of Troop D. During the subsequent twelve months, he proceeded to reorganize areas of the troop, develop interagency relationships, and improve morale. Captain Prine's approach to management was to empower his employees. All divisions became part of monthly staff meetings. Captain Prine also focused on employees, visiting all zone offices, scale houses, training, etc. every week. While making changes, Captain Prine has retained the appropriate balance between service to the public and the needs of Patrol employees. He consistently shares with his employees the success and accolades that come when a goal is accomplished. Captain John T. Prine applies considerable energy, dedication, and loyalty in the fulfillment of his responsibilities.



Civilian of the Year

Secretary Sherry L. Carter, Troop C



Mrs. Sherry Carter began her employment with the Missouri State Highway Patrol on July 6, 1966. She has performed a variety of clerical duties, and is currently secretary to the Troop C commanding officer. Her commitment to excellence is apparent in her strict attention to detail and deadlines. Mrs. Carter is diligent, dedicated, loyal, selfless, and caring.



Those who work with her often depend on her for guidance, support, and leadership. Troop C personnel, both young and old, refer to Mrs. Carter as "Mom". Her tenure exceeds that of over ninety percent of Troop C's troopers. Daily, Mrs. Carter's actions provide stability to the present, and a positive outlook about the future of our organization. In the community, she is both an ambassador for the Patrol and a volunteer. She volunteers for the Alzheimer's Society, speaking to groups with loved ones who battle this disease. Her husband, Sergeant Jimmy L. Carter, battled the disease before his death, and she shares her personal experience with the hope that others might be comforted or gain an understanding of Alzheimer's.



Meritorious Service Award

Driver Examiner II Dana L. Madrueno and Driver Examiner Supervisor Patricia F. Ivey, Troop A



On September 13, 2002, a female driver's applicant became enraged when she failed the driving skills test. After she left the station, Driver Examiner Supervisor Patricia F. Ivey was notified that a female was removing one of the parallel parking poles behind the facility. DE Supervisor Ivey and Driver Examiner II Dana L. Madrueno, along with a man who was present, stepped out the rear door of the station. They were threatened by the woman, who had a knife in her hand. Together, DE Supervisor Ivey, DE II Madrueno, and the man attempted to restrain the woman when she tried to stab them. They put the woman on the ground and secured her. By chance, members of the Raytown Fire Department were driving by and stopped to help until the Raytown Police Department arrived. Both DE Supervisor Ivey and DE II Madrueno remained calm and kept control of a dangerous situation.



Commercial Vehicle Officer II Clay A. Hilsabeck and Commercial Vehicle Officer II Dennis S. Kelley, Troop H



On August 25, 2002, Commercial Vehicle Officer II Clay A. Hilsabeck was manning the scale house at Post H-3. A Dodge mini-van with two occupants arrived and stopped near a 500-gallon propane tank. Smoke was coming from the van's engine compartment. At this time, the two passengers exited the van and it burst into flame. While this was happening, Commercial Vehicle Officer II Dennis S. Kelley arrived. Together, the two officers attempted to put the fire out using fire extinguishers. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain. Realizing that the fully engulfed van was sitting near the propane tank, CVO Kelley placed the van in neutral while CVO Hilsabeck used his personal vehicle to push the burning van away from the propane tank. Both CVO Hilsabeck and CVO Kelley put themselves in harm's way to prevent the propane tank from exploding, thus averting property damage and possible injury to themselves and others.



Trooper Christopher M. Clair and Trooper Thomas H. Ehler, Troop A



On January 28, 2002, Trooper Christopher M. Clair and Trooper Thomas H. Ehler answered a call for assistance at the Stuckey's Restaurant in Saline County. A female caller had notified law enforcement that a man had attempted to force her to the shoulder of the interstate, and then followed her to the truck stop when she exited the interstate to get away from him. Prior to this incident, she had car problems and he'd offered assistance, which she'd declined. Upon arriving at the Stuckey's Restaurant, she was taken to the manager's office for her safety. When the troopers arrived, they approached the suspect's vehicle from different directions. The man then sat up behind the wheel of the car, which the troopers knew was stolen. Trooper Clair ordered him to show his hands. At that time, the subject put his vehicle in reverse and accelerated sharply. He narrowly missed Trooper Ehler before striking Trooper Ehler's patrol car. The subject then put the car in drive and accelerated toward Trooper Clair. Trooper Clair fired two shots from his service weapon, striking the man in the wrist and chest. The subject continued driving, striking both the female caller's car and Trooper Clair's patrol vehicle. He drove into a field nearby and then struck a fence. Afterward, he exited the vehicle and ran a short distance before collapsing. The subject was taken to a Columbia hospital where he died.



Trooper Travis L. Williams, Trooper Brian N. Raney, and Corporal Mark A. Ott, Troop H



On June 10, 2002, an unknown man entered the Basilica at Conception Abbey Monastery in Conception Junction, Missouri. He began shooting at random and killed Brother Damian Larson and Father Phillip Schuster. He also seriously injured two other priests. Trooper Travis L. Williams, Trooper Brian N. Raney, and two officers from the Nodaway County Sheriff's Department were the first to arrive. Corporal Mark A. Ott arrived a short time later. Trooper Raney secured the perimeter for the rest of the team, which entered the monastery. While searching the south hallway, they found the two deceased men. They then located the two wounded men. The team provided security for emergency services personnel, allowing them to enter the monastery and remove the injured men. The team then withdrew and awaited additional officers. When additional officers arrived, they formed two teams and began to search the Basilica. It was there that they located the shooter, sitting in the last pew, the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.





Trooper Nathan J. Shinkle, Trooper Chad W. Walton, and Sergeant Roger P. Gosney, Troop B



On May 12, 2002, Trooper Nathan J. Shinkle and Trooper Chad W. Walton responded to the east bank of the Middle Fabius River west of Colony, Missouri. They were told that Knox County Deputy Robert Becker had entered the water in an attempt to save a young man. Both troopers then entered the cold, swift current and made their way to where the deputy was clinging to a tree. At this time, Sergeant Roger P. Gosney arrived and also entered the water in full uniform. The officers involved advised rescue workers on land which equipment was needed to aid in the rescue. Once the items were received, Deputy Becker put on a life jacket, tied a rope around himself, and swam across the channel to the victim. Once both he and the victim wore life jackets, Sergeant Gosney, Trooper Shinkle, and Trooper Walton pulled them to safety.



Sergeant David A. Callaway, Troop D



On August 7, 2002, Sergeant David A. Callaway, Troop D pilot, and Sergeant Matthew K. Funderburk, Troop D criminal interdiction zone, planned to begin their tour of duty by observing marijuana growing operations from a Patrol helicopter. Shortly after taking off from the Springfield Downtown Airport, a bolt in the tail rotor failed which caused the tail rotor and gearbox to shear off the helicopter. Sgt. Callaway maneuvered the damaged aircraft away from the heavy traffic on U.S. Highway 65 and avoided the large businesses nearby. The crash of the helicopter seriously injured both Sgt. Callaway and Sgt. Funderburk, who were transported to St. John's Hospital. Both officers sustained spinal cord injuries, and Sgt. Callaway had surgery due to internal injuries. Time and physical therapy enabled Sgt. Callaway to return to light duty and Sgt. Funderburk to return to full duty in January 2003. Sgt. Callaway's flying ability and heroic actions prevented more people from being injured.



Lifesaving Awards

Driver Examiner Clerk Christy D. Hillhouse, Troop G



On August 1, 2002, Driver Examiner Clerk Christy D. Hillhouse was working at her second job in the Wal-Mart Supercenter Pharmacy. She noticed a gentleman pass out while waiting for his prescriptions. She and a coworker administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 20 minutes until paramedics arrived. The man was taken to a Springfield hospital and later recovered from his heart attack.



Trooper Brandon M. White, Troop F



On November 18, 2002, Trooper Brandon M. White observed a vehicle weaving on the roadway. When he finally got the vehicle stopped, he saw that the driver appeared confused and could barely speak. After assessing the situation, Tpr. White determined that the driver was diabetic and called for an ambulance. The emergency personnel found that the man's blood sugar was in the low 30s.



Trooper Michael J. Jett, Troop A



On April 9, 2002, Trooper Michael J. Jett was traveling north on Interstate 29 when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. He initiated a traffic stop where he learned a passenger in the vehicle was having a seizure. When he determined that the female in question did not have a pulse, he removed her from the back seat of the vehicle and placed her on the shoulder of the roadway. By tilting her chin, he was able to establish an airway. He then protected her head and maintained an open airway until paramedics arrived. It was determined that the female suffered from asthma and had a bronchial spasm. She recovered fully from the incident.



Trooper Brian J. Fox, Troop B



On March 2, 2002, Trooper Brian J. Fox was on patrol when he caught a glimpse of something at the bottom of a steep embankment. When he used his spotlight, he saw a truck caught in a fence. Upon further investigation, Trooper Fox located a man hanging upside down in the barbed wire and unable to free himself. The man had been in this position for about twenty minutes and was beginning to experience hypothermia. Injuries from the crash and his intoxicated state added to his problems. Trooper Fox called for an ambulance and got the man the help he needed to survive.



Trooper Rebecca L. Eagan, Troop A



On September 3, 2002, Trooper Rebecca L. Eagan was on patrol when she received a call regarding a passenger in a vehicle needing assistance. Trooper Eagan responded and met the vehicle. The passenger was showing signs of cardiac arrest. As they waited for the ambulance, Trooper Eagan continued to evaluate the man. When his condition worsened, she made the decision to put the man in her car and take him to the hospital herself. Trooper Eagan talked to her passenger during their trip and kept him calm. Because of Trooper Eagan's first aid knowledge and decisive action, this man survived his heart attack.



Trooper John S. Taylor, Trooper Shawn M. Dougherty, and Corporal Craig N. Ponder, Troop G



On March 19, 2002, Trooper John S. Taylor, off-duty Trooper Shawn M. Dougherty, and Corporal Craig N. Ponder responded to the Current River bridge on U.S. Highway 60 near Van Buren, MO. Working together, they rescued and cared for three people who had been canoeing and became stranded. Corporal Ponder, Trooper Dougherty, a National Park Service employee, and Carter County Sheriff Greg Melton negotiated two boats in the swift, rising waters and rescued the three stranded people from trees and logs to which they clung. Trooper Taylor directed emergency personnel, limited access to onlookers, and obtained warm blankets and supplies for the victims to use once they were rescued.



Corporal Charles J. Day, Troop F



On May 13, 2002, Corporal Charles J. Day was patrolling Interstate 70 near the Missouri River bridge. He saw a male subject holding a rope, walking from a vehicle to the bridge. He contacted the subject, who began to walk faster and then placed a noose around his neck. Corporal Day attempted to stop the subject. Several times, the man freed himself from Corporal Day's grasp. He continued toward the bridge and told Corporal Day he wanted to kill himself. A Sedalia officer and another person approached and offered assistance to Corporal Day. After the man was restrained, Corporal Day arranged for him to be taken to University Hospital for treatment. Further investigation revealed that the man was bipolar and off his medication.



Sergeant James E. Closson, Troop A



On June 14, 2002, Sergeant James E. Closson responded to a hog farm in rural Saline County to assist the Saline County Sheriff's Department. Upon arrival, the officers found a man and a woman on the floor of a hog barn. They removed both people from the barn and assessed their condition. Sergeant Closson began cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the female subject. Unfortunately, the female died the next day. However, the man was treated and released. It was determined that both subjects were overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning created by fumes from a power washer which was left running in an enclosed area of the hog barn.



The MASTERS Public Service Award

Corporal Steven J. Childers, Troop I



This year's recipient of The MASTERS Public Service Award was Corporal Steven J. Childers. Professionally, he is the assistant zone commander of Troop I, Zone 2, Rolla. He is known for "going the extra mile". While on patrol, he carries balloons and toys to give to the children with whom he comes into contact. Corporal Childers also carries blankets and rain ponchos to give to homeless persons or hitchhikers who need them. While off-duty, Corporal Childers regularly speaks to a variety of organizations. Missouri Ozarks Community Action Inc.; St. James Caring Center; Prevention Consultants of Missouri; and Pathways are but a few of them. Corporal Childers goes above and beyond the call of duty when assisting people with whom he comes in contact.