MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE
For further information, please contact:
Capt. John J. Hotz
Q512017-1 (573) 526-6115
May 1, 2017
EMPHASIS: Patrol Honors 21 Employees At Annual Banquet
Colonel Sandra K. Karsten, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to recognize the 21 employees honored at the Patrol's annual awards and The MASTERS banquet this past weekend. Family, friends, and members of The MASTERS (Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society) gathered at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, MO. The Troop A Color Guard presented the colors. Mr. Alex J. Armstrong, son of Trooper Andrew A. Armstrong, sang the national anthem. Father John Patrick Day, C.P., of Wood River, IL, gave the invocation and benediction. Col. Karsten provided the keynote address. Col. Karsten presented the Patrol awards; President of The MASTERS retired Colonel Fred M. Mills presented The MASTERS Public Service Award.
Descriptions of the awards are as follows:
The MASTERS Public Service Award
Trooper David A. Paulsen, Troop A
Trooper David A. Paulsen, Troop A, is assigned to marine enforcement. He has embraced his assignment in marine enforcement, but continues to enforce traffic law, assist motorists, and investigate traffic crashes. In both his professional and personal life, Trooper Paulsen embodies the Patrol’s Core Values. Service is at the core of his character. Trooper Paulsen is deeply involved in his church and other organizations, lending both his time and carpentry skills. He leads youth Bible studies at the Warsaw Bible Church, helps maintain the church facilities, and together with his wife counsels other married couples. He serves on the board of the Sagrada Scholarship Bible Camp, an organization that ministers to children whose parents are in prison. Trooper Paulsen works with Recess, an organization that supports parents of children with disabilities. He volunteers for the Christian Witness Center, a group that provides Chinese people living in the Midwest with tools and knowledge that enable them to return to China and preach the Gospel. Trooper Paulsen is also instrumental in assisting with fundraising for Crossroads, a crisis pregnancy center. The MASTERS Public Service Award honors Trooper David A. Paulsen’s professional and personal service to the people of Missouri.
Lifesaving Award
Trooper James E. Thuss, Troop A
On February 2, 2016, Trooper James E. Thuss, Troop A, was patrolling Missouri Route D near Missouri Highway 58 in Cass County. He checked a vehicle traveling 68 mph in a 50 mph zone. Trooper Thuss turned his patrol car around to initiate a traffic stop. As he was doing so, the violator increased his vehicle’s speed to 101 mph, traveled through a red stoplight into a four-way intersection, and struck another vehicle. The violator then fled the scene. Trooper Thuss contacted Troop A to request assistance and then stopped to assist the driver of the second vehicle, which had caught fire. Trooper Thuss was able to free the driver from the driver’s seat, pull her into the passenger seat, and lift her from the burning vehicle. A bystander assisted Trooper Thuss in carrying her to safety. The suspect driving the vehicle that fled the scene was apprehended in a nearby field.
Corporal Kyle E. Easley, Troop B
Trooper David G. Gipson, Troop B
On April 25, 2016, Randolph County sheriff’s deputies were involved in a vehicle pursuit and requested Patrol assistance. Corporal Kyle E. Easley and Trooper David L. Gipson, both Troop B, responded. After Trooper David L. Gipson, Troop B, successfully deployed a tire deflation device, the subject drove west on U.S. Highway 24 a short distance before stopping off the roadway. As the driver fled on foot into a wooded area, he fired his 9mm handgun at the deputies chasing him. The deputies returned fire and the driver was critically wounded. Corporal Easley and Trooper Gipson quickly applied Quick Clot, gauze, and manual pressure to gunshot wounds. Corporal Easley and Trooper Gipson then helped carry the subject via gurney through the timber to the waiting ambulance. The driver was transported to University Medical Center for surgery. He recovered from the incident.
Corporal Larry A. Turner, Troop C
On April 18, 2016, Corporal Larry A. Turner, Troop C, overheard radio traffic regarding an overdose at a residence in House Springs, MO. He responded to the scene and found a man with no pulse laying on the kitchen floor. Corporal Turner performed a head tilt and chin lift and provided two rescue breaths. After repeating this procedure, Corporal Turner found the man had a faint pulse. He continued delivering rescue breaths until paramedics arrived and took over the man’s care. When the man regained consciousness, he became combative. Corporal Turner and a deputy then subdued the man, so he could be transported to the hospital.
Trooper Logan B. Monahan, Troop E
Trooper Shayne K. Talburt, Troop E
On June 4, 2016, Troopers Logan B. Monahan and Shayne K. Talburt, both Troop E, overheard radio traffic regarding a crash where the vehicle was partially submerged in flooded Cypress Creek in Ripley County. Troopers Monahan and Talburt responded, due to having swift water gear in their patrol vehicle and having knowledge of water rescues. The troopers arrived and found the 82-year-old driver was still trapped inside the vehicle. They entered the cold water with their safety equipment. Two bystanders, who had already entered the water, were keeping the driver’s head above the water line. Trooper Talburt took over for the bystander holding the driver’s head above water. Trooper Monahan removed the driver with help from the second bystander. The troopers then continued to monitor the driver who had suffered serious injuries and shock. Trooper Talburt maintained C-spine management until the driver was transferred to emergency medical personnel waiting on the bank. The driver was in shock and combative throughout the rescue. It was later determined the driver had suffered a broken neck from the crash. He has since recovered. [Note: Trooper Shayne K. Talburt has been promoted to corporal since this incident.]
Trooper Marylyn A. Dickens, Troop F
On November 29, 2016, Trooper Marylyn A. Dickens, Troop F, overheard radio traffic about a medical emergency on Joseph Drive in Jefferson City, Missouri. A wife was performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on her husband at that residence. Trooper Dickens was near the location and responded, along with two deputies. Upon arriving, they found a man on a couch with no pulse and who was not breathing. Trooper Dickens and the deputies moved the man to the floor where Trooper Dickens performed rescue breathing while the two deputies took turns giving chest compressions. Emergency services personnel arrived and transported the man to the hospital.
Trooper Brandon L. Harris, Troop F
On August 8, 2016, Trooper Brandon L. Harris, Troop F, arrived at the Columbia College gymnasium to play basketball and to work out. As he was entering the gymnasium, he observed a fellow basketball player collapse on the basketball court. Trooper Harris went to the man and found him to be nonresponsive and with labored breathing. The trooper placed the man into the recovery position. When the man stopped breathing, Trooper Harris directed the group gathering to call 911, placed the man on his back, and began chest compressions. Columbia College Volleyball Coach Melinda Wrye-Washington was made aware of the situation, retrieved an AED from the athletic training room, and came to assist. The two of them used an AED to administer a shock to the man’s heart. After the shock, the AED advised to continue with chest compressions, so Trooper Harris continued with chest compressions until the man gasped for air. When EMS arrived, the man was breathing on his own and had regained a pulse. He was transported to University Hospital. Trooper Harris took time to check on the man at the hospital and spoke to him and his family.
Trooper James R. Sauer, Q/GD
On May 7, 2016, a patron of the Lumière Place Casino collapsed from cardiac arrest. An employee of the casino and the man’s group of family and friends began trying to resuscitate him using both an AED and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. When Trooper James R. Sauer, Q/GD, arrived on scene, he assessed the situation and took over conducting chest compressions while the casino employee continued giving rescue breaths. Trooper Sauer continued to provide chest compressions until emergency services arrived on scene. As soon as Trooper Sauer was relieved of his responsibilities, the man’s pulse and breathing returned, and he regained consciousness. The man was placed on a stretcher and transported to the hospital for treatment.
Corporal David F. Echternacht, Q/TND
On Saturday, August 27, 2016, Corporal David F. Echternacht, Q/TND, was one of the troopers assigned to the 2016 Shoot Out Boat Race at the Lake of the Ozarks. He and his passengers, RN Stacy Turner and Dr. William Cravens, were located close to the finish line of the race course at the 34-mile marker of the Osage Arm. At approximately 11:45 a.m., Corporal Echternacht was scanning the crowd when RN Turner made him aware that a driver was losing control of his vessel. The 22-foot Donzi Classic was traveling at approximately 109 mph when it became airborne. When the boat violently impacted the water, its driver was ejected into the lake. Corporal Echternacht quickly responded to the scene, placed his boat into neutral, and jumped feet first into the lake. He swam to the man, who was motionless and face down in the water. Corporal Echternacht shifted the man onto his back so his face was out of the water. The man was unconscious and not breathing, so Corporal Echternacht reached under the race helmet the man was wearing and performed a modified jaw thrust successfully opening his airway. The man began to slowly regain consciousness and take shallow breaths. Moments later the Mid-County Fire Protection arrived and then transported the man to the hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery. [Corporal David F. Echternacht has been promoted to sergeant since this incident.]
Meritorious Service Award
Trooper Grant A. Ayres, Troop I
On May 18, 2016, Trooper Grant A. Ayres, Troop I, was at the intersection of Christland Drive and South Service Road in Crawford County when he observed a pickup that did not have a front license plate. Thus, Trooper Ayres initiated a traffic stop. During his initial contact with the driver, he observed a container of small caliber ammunition in the center console. When he asked the man to accompany him back to his patrol car, the driver accelerated. In the pursuit that followed, the man threw contraband out the window, then pulled into a church parking lot where he spun his vehicle around and accelerated past Trooper Ayres, almost striking the patrol car. The driver then drove a short distance before traveling through a local business’ parking lot where his vehicle exited the rear of the lot down a steep embankment into a grassy area. The driver exited his vehicle and fled. Trooper Ayres stopped his patrol vehicle and continued the pursuit on foot. The fleeing subject ran through a gate into what was later learned was his own backyard. When he turned around and crouched down, Trooper Ayres saw a silver handgun in the man’s right hand. The trooper stopped 10 yards from the subject and drew his service weapon. He then began giving loud commands for the subject to drop his weapon and show his hands. The man stood and took two steps toward Trooper Ayres with the weapon still in his hand. Fearing for his own safety, Trooper Ayres then fired one round at the subject. Trooper Ayres provided first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The subject died later at a local hospital.
Sergeant Jason H. Glendenning, Troop I
Trooper Tyler G. Zimmerman, Troop I
Sergeant Jason H. Glendenning and Trooper Tyler G. Zimmerman, both Troop I, were honored for their proactive approach serving and protecting the public. On July 16, 2016, the two troopers decided to search for trouble spots on the Niangua River after recent flooding. During their search, they located a large tree creating a strainer and began to address the problem. Before they could complete the task, they were called upon to rescue a total of 11 people caught in this natural phenomenon as they floated down the river. The two troopers then moved up river and stopped others from floating into this dangerous area. Sergeant Glendenning and Trooper Zimmerman subsequently made arrangements to have the tree removed from the river.
2016
Civilian of the Year
Clerk Typist III C. Michele Parrott, Troop E
Clerk Typist III C. Michele Parrott, Troop E, was honored as the 2016 Civilian Employee of the Year to recognize her initiative, dedication, and exceptional work ethic. When Troop E’s clerical staff was short two full-time employees, Mrs. Parrott assumed a leadership role, prioritizing and dividing work assignments in a way that ensured minimal interruption of clerical duties. At the same time, she continued to fulfill her duties related to processing DDCC officers’ homicide reports. Mrs. Parrott worked late and came in on Saturdays, so the clerical staff assignments remained current. She took the time to cross-train herself in each aspect of the other clerical staff positions. She also did an excellent job in training two employees. When Patrol Records Division implemented new policies, Mrs. Parrott made sure they were implemented by their mandated deadlines. When the employee who handles the citation audit was out of the office unexpectedly, she made sure Troop E met the required deadlines. The results of this audit exceeded expectations. Mrs. Parrott truly is one of the unsung heroes of our agency. She excels in her duties and responsibilities, and has earned the respect and admiration of all her co-workers.
Benjamin Oliver Booth Officer of the Year
Trooper Corporal Perry C. Hazelwood III, Troop E
Corporal Perry C. Hazelwood III, Troop E, is a highly motivated officer. Local law enforcement agencies regularly call him for assistance, because they know Corporal Hazelwood can find individuals that elude other officers. In 2016, he closed five cases with numerous arrests as a member of the Bollinger/Cape Girardeau Major Case Squad. In recent years, the communities of Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, and Charleston, in Southeast Missouri, have experienced a significant increase in gun violence and violent criminal activity. During 2016, local law enforcement agencies formed a Multi-Jurisdictional Crime Suppression Team and asked Corporal Hazelwood to lead it. Under his leadership, the Multi-Jurisdictional Crime Suppression Team members wrote 283 misdemeanor citations; made 72 misdemeanor arrests for driving while intoxicated, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and warrants; and 40 felony arrests over 30 days. Recognizing that law enforcement agencies in the Troop E region did not have an organized, shared criminal intelligence system, Corporal Hazelwood brought this to the attention of Troop E staff in 2016. He learned about the Missouri Information Analysis Center program, and then successfully gained the cooperation of every agency in the 13-county area. He helped many of these departments and officers, including Troop E members, set up compatible computer programs and email accounts, and provided training. Despite being on special assignment for three and a half months in 2016, Corporal Hazelwood remained a productive member of his zone and assisted his zone sergeant with daily operations. Corporal Hazelwood is a respected member of his community, both professionally and personally. He is involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, active in his church, manages his small family farm, and helps with the farms of extended family members.
Valor Award
Trooper Adam N. Miller, Troop E
On June 17, 2016, Trooper Adam N. Miller, Troop E, overheard radio traffic from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety regarding a house fire. Upon arriving at the scene, Trooper Miller saw smoke billowing out the front windows and door of one half of a duplex. He successfully evacuated the tenants on the left side of the duplex. He then went around the rear of the residence and found the door partially open and smoke coming from inside. He entered the residence, staying low and feeling his way through the duplex. During his search, Trooper Miller came upon an unresponsive person in a chair. He grabbed the person’s arms and pulled him to the doorway of the duplex where Sikeston Police Sergeant Ryan Smith helped remove the person to safety. Later, it was learned the person Trooper Miller rescued was disabled and could not walk or talk.
Trooper Daniel A. Yingling, Troop C
On September 16, 2016, Trooper Daniel A. Yingling, Troop D, and Taney County Sheriff’s Department deputies went to a residence southwest of Hollister, Missouri, where they located a vehicle suspected of having been in a pursuit. Trooper Yingling and Deputy Darin Carter spoke with a female through a partially opened door. Concerned about what they couldn’t see, Deputy Carter pushed the door open further thus revealing a man pointing a gun at Trooper Yingling and himself. The officers instructed the man to drop his handgun as the suspect fired the weapon. In the exchange of gunfire, the man was struck; he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The woman located within the triangle of the man and two officers sustained minor injuries from shrapnel. During the shooting, Deputy Carter stepped to his right into Trooper Yingling’s line of fire and was injured. Trooper Yingling provided first aid to the wounded deputy as they awaited an ambulance. The investigation revealed all of Trooper Yingling’s rounds were centered on the suspect. It was believed that one of Trooper Yingling’s rounds struck the suspect’s pistol and partially disabled it. An autopsy revealed the suspect had a near fatal quantity of methamphetamine in his system.
Trooper Rebecca L. Eagan, Q/GD
On May 20, 2016, Trooper Rebecca L. Eagan and Corporal Jay A. Shirley, both Q/GD, responded to a request for assistance from Harrah’s North Kansas City Casino security with a suspicious person in the parking garage. A computer inquiry on the subject yielded an outstanding warrant. The troopers contacted the man near the open rear door of a Toyota Corolla, which was parked in a small, confined area. Thus, only one trooper could contact the man directly. Corporal Shirley identified himself and informed the man he was under arrest. When Corporal Shirley placed a handcuff on the man’s right wrist, the man began to resist and produced a gun in his other hand. Corporal Shirley yelled, “Gun!” alerting Trooper Eagan, who had also engaged with the subject. In the struggle, the man fired and struck Corporal Shirley in the thigh. A second shot was contained within the interior of the vehicle. Trooper Eagan continued to struggle with the subject, sustaining two very hard elbow strikes to her face before firing her weapon and ending the confrontation. Trooper Eagan and Harrah’s Casino EMTs rendered first aid until ambulances arrived. Both the subject and Corporal Shirley were transported to an area hospital.
Purple Heart Award
Trooper D. Jason McBride, Troop E
On April 29, 2016, Trooper D. Jason McBride, Troop E, initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling 77 mph in a 55 mph zone on Missouri Highway 177 in Cape Girardeau County. During the traffic stop, the driver would not follow the trooper’s instructions, so he decided to place the driver in handcuffs. The man resisted, then returned to his vehicle to flee. Trooper McBride reached into the vehicle to remove the ignition key. The driver then put the vehicle into gear and began to accelerate with the trooper partially in the vehicle. While being dragged by the vehicle, Trooper McBride issued numerous commands for the driver to stop. The driver failed to stop, thus Trooper McBride warned the driver that he would fire his weapon if the driver did not comply. Still, the driver did not stop. Thus, Trooper McBride discharged his firearm and the driver was fatally injured. During the altercation, Trooper McBride suffered serious injuries.
Corporal Jay A. Shirley, Q/GD
On May 20, 2016, Corporal Jay A. Shirley, Q/GD, was wounded in the lawful performance of his duties. Corporal Shirley was working at Harrah’s North Kansas City Casino and was called to the parking garage due to a suspicious person. A computer check revealed a warrant. The subject resisted arrest and produced a weapon. In the struggle that followed, the subject fired the weapon resulting in a bullet wound to Corporal Shirley’s thigh. A second trooper engaged in the struggle was able to fire her weapon, striking and wounding the subject, thus stopping the threat he posed to both troopers. Corporal Shirley was treated at the hospital and released.
"I'm proud to serve with such compassionate and brave individuals," said Colonel Karsten. "Every one of them is a credit to themselves and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Congratulations to each of them."
Photographs of the recipients are available upon request.
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