News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Martin K. Elmore
(417) 469-3121, ext. 225
G-03095
March 31, 2009

EMPHASIS: New Commercial Vehicle Program For Troop G


Captain Billy E. Chadwick, commanding officer of Troop G, Willow Springs, announces a new commercial vehicle enforcement program for the Troop G area. On July 1, 2006, 20 full-time positions were transferred by legislative action from vacancies within the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and reassigned as sworn troopers. This reassignment of personnel presented the Patrol with an excellent opportunity to further engage in homeland security activities, expand our presence on Missouri roadways, and improve the Patrol’s commercial vehicle enforcement capabilities.

The following officers from Troop G have been assigned as commercial vehicle enforcement troopers:

Corporal John Darron Wheeler was appointed to the Patrol in 1999, as a member of the 76th Recruit Class, and upon graduation was assigned to Taney County in Troop D, Springfield. In 2002, he transferred to Troop G, Zone 6, southern Howell and Oregon counties. He was promoted to the rank of corporal, and designated the assistant zone supervisor of Zone 2, Texas County, effective February 4, 2007. Wheeler is a native of West Plains, Missouri, and is a graduate of West Plains High School. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in sociology, with a minor in criminal justice from Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri. Corporal Wheeler is married to the former Amy Lott, and the couple has a son, Andrew, 7, and a daughter, Emily, 4.

Trooper Steven W. Cunningham has also been assigned to the unit. Trooper Cunningham was appointed to the Patrol as a member of the Patrol’s 80th Recruit Class, which graduated from the Missouri Law Enforcement Academy on May 3, 2003. His first assignment was to Troop G, Zone 3, northern Howell and Shannon counties. In 2005, Cunningham transferred to Zone 1, Wright County. Cunningham is a graduate of Conway High School, Conway, Missouri. Trooper Cunningham is married to the former Lori Douglas, and the couple has two children.

The commercial vehicle enforcement troopers retain the normal duties of a road trooper, however, their primary duties will include enforcement of commercial vehicle and special mobile equipment hazardous moving and safety laws, administrative orders, rules, and regulations. These officers will assist the Major Crash Investigation Units in investigating crashes involving commercial vehicles, school buses, and passenger-carrying motor coaches. The CVETs will be trained in inspecting radioactive shipments using specialized equipment, and also will receive training related to homeland security.

Troopers assigned as CVETs will be distinguished from other troopers by uniform and vehicle. This team will be assigned fully marked, two-wheel drive, Chevrolet Tahoe police SUVs. The CVET’s daily uniform will be a blue military style field uniform displaying Patrol shoulder patches.
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