MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

TROOP C HEADQUARTERS
891Technology Drive
Weldon Spring, MO 63304

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Corporal Dallas Thompson
636-300-2800 ext. 3340
C2023-008
October 30, 2023

EMPHASIS: Troop C Announces Two Promotions

Captain Kevin W. Malugen, commanding officer of Troop C, Weldon Spring, announces the following Troop C promotions effective November 1, 2023.

Corporal Joshua R. Breitbach is being promoted to the rank of sergeant and will remain in his current assignment as the troop support officer at Troop C Headquarters. Breitbach was appointed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol on October 19, 2004, as a member of the 83rd Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop C, Zone 9, which serves the citizens of St. Charles County. On February 2, 2010, he transferred to the Gaming Division and was assigned to Harrah’s Casino. On May 1, 2019, Breitbach returned to Zone 9, St. Charles County. He was promoted to the rank of corporal on August 1, 2019. On September 1, 2021, he transferred to Troop C Headquarters and was designated the troop support officer. Sergeant Breitbach graduated from Wahlert High School in Dubuque, Iowa in 1993. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Quincy University in Quincy, IL, in 1997.

Corporal Joseph M. Van Meter is being promoted to the rank of sergeant and will transfer to Zone 9, serving the citizens of St. Charles County. Van Meter was appointed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol on July 1, 2011, as a member of the 94th Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop E, and served the citizens of New Madrid and Pemiscot counties. On November 1, 2014, he transferred to Troop I, Zone 3, and served the citizens of Crawford County. On November 1, 2020, he transferred to Troop C, Zone 5, and served the citizens of Lincoln and Pike counties. On April 1, 2021, he was promoted to the rank of corporal and transferred to Zone 3, and served the citizens of South St. Louis County. Sergeant Van Meter graduated from Bloomington North High School in Bloomington, IN, in 1998. In 2023, he completed the Police Leadership Westpoint Model class at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Training Academy.

Photos of Sergeant Breitbach and Sergeant Van Meter are available with this news release on the Patrol’s website.

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 C on X @MSHPTrooperC
(###)

Breitbach-Joshua-4.jpg Van Meter_Joseph M.jpg