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

Troop E Headquarters - 4947 Highway 67 North - Poplar Bluff, MO 63901


News Release

For further information please contact: Trooper Clark D. Parrott
(573) 840-9500, Ext. 221
0201124
February 1, 2012

EMPHASIS: Patrol To Award Honorary Trooper Certificates And Certificate Of Appreciation


Captain George E. Ridens, commanding officer of Troop E, Poplar Bluff, announces that Larry W. Thresher, of East Prairie, Missouri, and Ronald D. Pipkin, of New Madrid, Missouri, will be recognized as Honorary Troopers. Captain Ridens will present Mr. Thresher and Mr. Pipkin with an Honorary Trooper certificate at a ceremony on February 2, 2012, at the Troop E Service Center in Sikeston, Missouri. Bill E. White, of East Prairie, Missouri, will be presented a Certificate of Appreciation. Mr. Thresher, Mr. Pipkin, and Mr. White are being recognized for their bravery while assisting members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol during a traffic crash.

On June 21, 2011, members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol were called to a one vehicle traffic crash on Missouri Route P, at the St. John’s Bayou, in New Madrid County. Troopers observed that a sport utility vehicle had traveled off the south side of the roadway, became partially submerged, and was being swept downstream in the St. John’s Bayou. Troopers observed three men enter the water from the bank of the stream. Two of the men began swimming toward the vehicle and were able to break out the sunroof and remove the driver from the submerged vehicle. Mr. White assisted the troopers in getting the driver to the stream bank.

Captain Ridens said, “The actions of these men were exemplary. Local law enforcement consider all three of them to be good citizens in their community. All three men upheld the motto of the Missouri State Highway Patrol of service and protection.”

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