MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Troop I Headquarters-P.O. Box128, Rolla, MO 65402
NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact:
Sergeant Mike Mitchell
(573) 368-2345 x3953
I12012023A
December 22, 2023
EMPHASIS:
Three New Troopers Assigned To Troop I
Captain Eddie A. Blaylock, commanding officer of Troop I, Rolla, announces three new troopers assigned to Troop I. The new troopers were members of the 118th Recruit Class that graduated from the Patrol Academy on December 22, 2023. The 118th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on July 3, 2023, to begin the 25-week training to become a trooper. The new troopers will report to duty on January 8, 2024.
Trooper Kolby J. Estes will be assigned to Zone 1, Phelps/Maries County. Trooper Estes’ field training officer will be Corporal Chad Barclay. Trooper Estes is a 2019 graduate of Warsaw High School in Warsaw, Missouri. Trooper Estes continued his education at Drury University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice.
Trooper Dustin R. Willhite will be assigned to Zone 5, Laclede County. Trooper Willhite's field training officer will be Corporal Gary Sloan. Trooper Willhite is a 2017 graduate of Mountain Grove High School in Mountain Grove, Missouri. Trooper Willhite continued his education at College of the Ozarks where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice. Trooper Willhite is also a member of the Missouri National Guard. Trooper Willhite and his wife have one child.
Trooper Aaron M. Cunningham will be assigned to Zone 3, Crawford County. Trooper Cunningham’s field training officer will be Corporal Nick Summers. Trooper Cunningham is a 2018 graduate of Rolla High School in Rolla, Missouri. Trooper Cunningham’s father, Sergeant Steve Cunningham, is a 21-year veteran of the Missouri State Highway Patrol who currently serves in Phelps/Maries County.
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 Troop I on X for the most current news @MSHPTrooperI
Photos of the new troopers can be found with this news release on the Patrol’s website.
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