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 Michael P. McClure
417-895-6868
D12021
February 23, 2021
EMPHASIS:
Troop D Announces Promotions
Captain Justin McCullough, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, is pleased to announce the following promotions effective March 1, 2021.
Corporal Jason Cornett will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and will remain in Zone 19, where he serves as a motorcycle officer. Cornett was appointed to the Patrol on January 1, 1995, and after graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, was assigned to Troop D, Zone 8, Barton/Vernon counties. Cornett transferred to Zone 13, Newton/McDonald counties in 1998. He was promoted to corporal in 2003, and was designated the assistant zone supervisor of Zone 13. In 2015, Cornett transferred to Zone 19 to serve as a motorcycle trooper. Cornett is a native of Neosho, Missouri. He graduated from Neosho High School in Neosho, Missouri, in 1986. He served in the United States Navy as an electrician from 1987 until 1991. Sergeant Cornett is married to Dedra (Martin) Cornett and they have three children, Cade, Bree, and Jase.
Corporal Joel E. Givens will be promoted to sergeant and designated the zone supervisor of Zone 14, Barry County. Givens was appointed to the Patrol on January 8, 2006, and after graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, was assigned to Troop C, St. Louis and Jefferson counties. In 2011, Givens transferred to Troop A, Clay County, and in 2014, he was promoted to corporal and assigned to Zone 11, Cass County. In 2016, he took a voluntary demotion to trooper and transferred to Troop D, Zone 14, Barry County. In 2017, Givens was promoted to corporal and designated the assistant zone supervisor of Zone 14, Barry County. Givens graduated from Jefferson City High School, Jefferson City, Missouri, and later attended Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and sociology, with a minor in criminal justice. Sergeant Givens is married to Keri Givens.
Corporal Michael Lee will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and will remain in Zone 18, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. Lee was appointed to the Patrol on January 1, 2008 and, after graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, was assigned to Troop D, Christian County. In 2015, Lee transferred to Zone 18 as a commercial vehicle enforcement trooper where he received the rank of corporal in 2016. Sergeant Lee was born in Ozark, Missouri. He graduated from Chadwick High School in Chadwick, Missouri. Sergeant Lee is married to Traci (Melton) and they have one grown child, Caleb.
Corporal Kenny Sanders will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and designated zone supervisor of Zone 7, Newton and McDonald counties. Sanders was appointed to the Patrol on October 20, 2002 and, after graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, was assigned to Troop A, Zone 14, Bates County. In 2006, Sanders transferred to Troop D, Zone 7, Newton/McDonald counties. In 2012, Sanders was promoted to corporal and assigned to Zone 15, Stone/Taney counties. In 2015, Sanders transferred to Zone 13, Newton/McDonald counties, and was designated as the assistant zone supervisor. Sanders is a native of Neosho, Missouri. He graduated from Neosho High School in Neosho, Missouri. Sergeant Sanders is married to Amanda (McGinnis) and they have three children, Kyle, Keaton, and Kolton.
Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, “If I could just go back …”
Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D on Twitter @MSHPTrooperD
(###)