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

Troop B Headquarters - 308 Pine Crest Drive - Macon, MO 63552

News Release

For further information please contact: Sgt. Justin S. Dunn
May 30, 2025 (660) 385-2132 ext. 3224
B250002

EMPHASIS: Troop B Announces Promotions Effective June 1, 2025

Captain Erik A. Gottman, commanding officer of Troop B, announces the following promotions effective June 1, 2025:

Trooper Chris R. Kottwitz will be promoted to corporal and designated the assistant supervisor of Troop B, Zone 5, serving the citizens of Adair and Schuyler counties. Kottwitz was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 2014, as a member of the 99th Recruit Class. Upon completion of the Patrol Academy, he was assigned to Troop B, Zone 6, serving the citizens of Scottland and Clark counties. On May 1, 2020, he transferred to Troop B, Zone 4, serving the citizens of Putnam and Sullivan counties. On October 1, 2020, he was promoted to corporal and designated the assistant zone supervisor of Troop B, Zone 6. On December 31, 2021, he transferred to Troop B, Zone 4, serving the citizens of Putnam and Sullivan counties, but returned to the rank of trooper. On December 27, 2022, he transferred to Troop H, Zone 5, serving the citizens of Andrew and Buchanan counties. On May 1, 2024, he transferred back to Troop B, Zone 4, serving the citizens of Putnam and Sullivan counties. Corporal Kottwitz graduated from Putnam County High School in Unionville, MO. He holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO.

Trooper Ty B. Smith will be promoted to corporal and designated the assistant supervisor of Troop B, Zone 7, serving the citizens of Knox and Lewis counties. Smith was appointed to the Patrol on January 2, 2017, as a member of the 104th Recruit Class. Upon completion of the Patrol Academy, he as assigned to Troop B, Zone 6, serving the citizens of Scottland and Clark counties. Corporal Smith graduated from Van Buren High School in Iowa. He holds a bachelor’s degree in justice systems from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO.

Trooper Taylor K. Leftwich will be promoted to corporal and designated the assistant zone supervisor of Troop B, Zone 8, serving the citizens of Marion and Ralls counties. Leftwich was appointed to the Patrol on July 2, 2018, as a member of the 106th Recruit Class. Upon completion of the Patrol Academy, he was assigned to Troop A, Zone 5, serving the citizens of Ray and Carroll counties. On July 1, 2023, he transferred to Troop B, Zone 7, serving the citizens of Knox and Lewis counties. Corporal Leftwich graduated from Palmyra High School in Palmyra, MO. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and business administration from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO.
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