MSHP News Release

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

Troop F Headquarters - 2920 North Shamrock Road - Jefferson City, MO

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Kyle A. Green
573-751-1000 Ext. 3619
December 22, 2023
F231222

EMPHASIS: New Troopers Assigned To Troop F

Captain Jason N. Crites, commanding officer of Troop F, is pleased to announce the assignment of four new troopers to Troop F. The troopers were members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 118th Recruit Class that graduates on December 22, 2023.

Trooper Hunter W. Hampton, of Fulton, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 1, which serves the citizens of Cole and Callaway counties. In 2021, Trooper Hampton graduated from Fulton High School in Fulton, Missouri. Trooper Hampton currently serves as a specialist in the Army National Guard.

Trooper Jonathan E. Pinker, of Overland Park, Kansas, has been assigned to Zone 11, which serves the citizens of Miller and Camden counties. In 1993, Trooper Pinker graduated from Olathe South High School in Olathe, Kansas. In 1995, Trooper Pinker graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts from Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. In 1998, Trooper Pinker graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

Trooper Bailey D. Whetsel, of Jones, Oklahoma, has been assigned to Zone 2, which serves the citizens of Cole and Callaway counties. In 2018, Trooper Whetsel graduated from Jones High School in Jones, Oklahoma. In 2023, Trooper Whetsel graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in parks and wildlife law enforcement from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Trooper Whetsel is married to Caitlin (Coffey).

Trooper Ryan C. Byers, of Joplin, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 6, which serves the citizens of Morgan and Moniteau counties. In 2021, Trooper Byers graduated from Joplin High School in Joplin, Missouri. Trooper Byers currently serves as a specialist in the Army National Guard.

Photos of the new troopers can be found with this news release on the Patrol 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 X @MSHPTrooperF

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