MSHP News Release

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Troop C Headquarters, 891 Technology Drive, Weldon Spring, MO 63304

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Corporal Juston Wheetley
(636) 300-2800
C2019-005
June 24, 2019

EMPHASIS: 11 New Troopers Assigned To Troop C

Captain Stephen B. Ferrier, commanding officer of Troop C, is pleased to announce 11 new troopers have been assigned to Troop C. The new troopers were members of the Patrol’s 107th Recruit Class, which graduated on Friday, June 21, 2019. The troopers completed 25 weeks of intense training at the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, Missouri. The new troopers will report to their assignments on Monday, July 8, 2019. They will work with a field training officer for approximately three months before working independently. The new troopers’ assignments are as follows:

Trooper Andrew D. Baker, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 1, serving the citizens of North St. Louis County. Trooper Baker is a graduate of Jennings Senior High School in Jennings, Missouri. After graduation, he attended Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminology. Previously, Trooper Baker served as a security police officer for the United States Air Force and the Missouri Air National Guard. Trooper Baker is married to Jherissa (Carver) and they have two children, Raquiya, and Zyla.

Trooper Luke A. Benke, a native of Jefferson City, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 1, serving the citizens of North St. Louis County. Trooper Benke was homeschooled and attended Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, where he graduated with an Associate of Science in criminal justice.

Trooper Eric R. Besserud, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 1, serving the citizens of North St. Louis County. Trooper Besserud is a graduate of Pacific Senior High School in Pacific, Missouri. After graduation, he attended Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, where he earned an associate’s degree in general studies. Previously, Trooper Besserud served as a gunner’s mate in the United States Navy. Trooper Besserud is married to Stacy (Henry) and they have four children, Aslen, Cannon, Kealy, and Gunnar.

Trooper Brody M. Breedlove, a native of Astoria, Illinois, has been assigned to Zone 14, serving the citizens of St. Francois and Washington counties. Trooper Breedlove is a graduate of Astoria High School in Astoria, Illinois. After graduation, he attended Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri, where he earned an Associate of Arts in criminal justice.

Trooper Alonzo M. Collins, a native of Belleville, Illinois, has been assigned to Zone 1, serving the citizens of North St. Louis County. Trooper Collins is a graduate of Belleville East Township in Belleville, Illinois. After graduation, he attended Lindenwood University in Belleville, Illinois, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration.

Trooper Cameron S. Geralds, a native of Jackson, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 16, serving the citizens of Ste. Genevieve and Perry counties. Trooper Geralds is a graduate of Jackson Senior High School in Jackson, Missouri. After graduation, he attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where he graduated with an Associate of Science in criminal justice. Trooper Geralds is currently serving as a unit supply specialist for the United States Army National Guard.

Trooper Daniel A. Norton, a native of Fenton, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 12, serving the citizens of Jefferson County. Trooper Norton is a graduate of Rockwood Summit High School in Fenton, Missouri. He attended St. Louis Community College in Kirkwood, Missouri, where he graduated with an Associate of Science in business.

Trooper Seth M. Kmetz, a native of Crystal City, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 12, serving the citizens of Jefferson County. Trooper Kmetz is a graduate of Crystal City High School in Crystal City, Missouri. After graduation Trooper Kmetz attended Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in justice systems. Trooper Kmetz also serves as a motor transport operator in the Army National Guard.

Trooper Tyler R. Rosa, a native of Eureka, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 12, serving the citizens of Jefferson County. Trooper Rosa is a graduate of Eureka High School in Eureka, Missouri. After graduation, he attended East Central College in Union, Missouri, and St. Louis Community College in Wildwood, Missouri. Trooper Rosa is married to Haley (Stevens).

Trooper Travis L. Sullivan a native of Norwood, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 14 serving the citizens of St. Francois and Washington counties. Trooper Sullivan is the graduate of Liberty Faith Christian Academy in Norwood, Missouri. Trooper Sullivan served in the United States Marine Corps as a ground support equipment technician, and is currently serving in the United State Air Force Reserve in the security force. Trooper Sullivan is married to Kayla (Rouse) and has three children, Asher, Lydia, and Shiloh.

Trooper Kurtis T. Welker, a native of Jonesburg, Missouri, has been assigned to Zone 9 serving the citizens of St. Charles County. Trooper Welker is a graduate of Montgomery County High School. After graduation, he attended St. Charles Community College in Cottleville, Missouri, where he earned an Associate of Arts in exercise science. Previously, Trooper Welker served as a combat medic in the United States Navy.

Photographs of each new trooper can be found below this news release on the Patrol’s website.

The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Everyday as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every diver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. “Don’t Violate The Trust.”

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