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

Troop E - 4947 Hwy 67 North, Poplar Bluff, Missouri

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Clark D. Parrott
(573) 840-9500 ext. 3532
E2
May 23, 2023

EMPHASIS: Troop E Announces Promotions

Captain Philip E. Gregory, commanding officer of Troop E, Poplar Bluff, is pleased to announce the following promotions effective June 1, 2023.

Corporal Phillip G. Sarakas has been promoted to the rank of sergeant and will remain assigned to Troop E, Zone 14, as a commercial vehicle enforcement trooper. Sarakas was appointed to the Patrol on October 16, 2001. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, he was assigned to Troop C, Zone 4, Jefferson and St. Louis counties. On December 1, 2016, he transferred to Troop E, Zone 14, as a commercial vehicle enforcement trooper. On March 1, 2019, he was promoted to corporal and continued serving as a commercial vehicle enforcement trooper. He is a graduate from Fredericktown High School and earned an Associate of Arts from Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri. He and his wife have three children.

Corporal Todd P. Watson has been promoted to the rank of sergeant and designated the zone supervisor of Zone 8, New Madrid and Pemiscot counties. Watson was appointed to the Patrol on March 15, 2000. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, he was assigned to Troop E, Zone 10, Dunklin County. On March 1, 2021, he was promoted to corporal and designated the assistant zone supervisor of Zone 9, New Madrid and Pemiscot counties. He is a graduate of Kennett High School and previously served in the Missouri Army National Guard.

Photos 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 …” For more news, follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Twitter @MSHPTrooperE
(###)

Sarakas_Phillip-3.jpgWatson_Todd P.jpg