News Release



For further information please contact:

Segeant Dan Crain 573-368-2345

I12E04

December 21, 2004



EMPHASIS: Troop I Bestows Awards to Citizens for Their Bravery and Service



On December 21, 2004, Captain Randy Becker, Commanding Officer of Troop I, presented “Honorary Trooper” certificates to several local citizens for their life-saving actions following serious vehicle accidents. Captain Becker also proudly presented a “Certificate of Appreciation” to a local high school principal and school district for their assistance at a Troop I ceremony.



Receiving “Honorary Trooper” certificates for their unselfish and quick-actions involving a traffic accident on October 13, 2004 in Maries County were Andrew G. Plassmeyer of Freeburg, Missouri and Thomas L. Maes of Dixon, Missouri. In a letter of nomination from Trooper Doug Melton, he describes how he arrived at the scene of a one-vehicle accident where the driver had received serious injuries after his vehicle had traveled off the road and struck a tree. Rescue personnel at the scene informed Tpr. Melton that two unknown individuals had evidently pulled the driver from his burning vehicle, but left when they arrived. Trooper Melton later located Mr. Plassmeyer and Mr. Maes and learned that Mr. Maes was en route to work at Quaker Glass in Freeburg, when he witnessed the accident. Mr. Maes said that after the vehicle had struck the tree it caught on fire and that the driver’s seat had laid back, thus not allowing him to open the door. As he broke out the back glass for entry, Mr. Plassmeyer, who was working at construction project across the road, arrived to assist. The two pulled the driver from the burning vehicle and then managed to extinguish his burning clothes.



In another life-saving event, Corporal Mark Ward stated in his letter of nomination that on September 11, 2004, he was dispatched to an accident near Crocker, Missouri, where a vehicle had also ran off the road and struck a tree. During his investigation Cpl. Ward learned that a local resident, identified as Jeremiah E. Gan, likely saved the life of the driver. After being informed of the accident at his residence, Mr. Gan immediately had his wife call 911 as he responded to the scene. When he arrived he found the driver still in his truck and the vehicle on fire. After unsuccessfully attempting to pull the driver out through a window, he attempted to cool the fire somewhat by pouring water on it from his canteen. He then managed to open the door and pull the driver from the burning vehicle. Mr. Gan continued to administer first aid until emergency personnel arrived. Mr. Gan is a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.



Cpl. Ward and Tpr. Melton both stated in their letters of recommendation that undoubtedly the actions by these individuals saved the lives of others. These officers added that the unselfishness and high standards shown by these individuals should be recognized as they reflect the traditions of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

During the ceremony Captain Becker also presented Newburg High School Principal, Steven W. Guffey and the Newburg R-2 School District with a “Certificate of Appreciation” in recognition of their hard work and efforts in making the Trooper Mike L. Newton Memorial Bridge Dedication a worthy and memorable event.



Captain Becker stated that during the early planning stages of the ceremony the Newburg School District expressed a strong desire to assist in the dedication. The Newburg School, Capt. Becker said, placed many of their resources, such as the playground for the actual ceremony, the gymnasium in case of inclement weather and the school’s choir to perform the National anthem, at the disposal of the Highway Patrol. Captain Becker also thanked the school for allowing their students to attend the ceremony and the assistance of their maintenance personnel in setting up and taking down all the seating for those in attendance.

In closing, Capt. Becker thanked the Newburg School employees and students for their efforts and added that their contributions to this tribute were a positive reflection on the citizens of the Newburg Community.