Captain Steven V. Wilhoit, commanding officer of Troop A, Lee's Summit, announces effective August 1, 2025, Sergeant Ryan S. Smith will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant and assigned to Troop A Headquarters.

Lieutenant Smith was appointed to the Patrol on January 18, 2004, as a member of the 82nd Recruit Class. Upon graduating from the Patrol's Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop B, Zone 5, Schuyler and Adair counties. On May 1, 2006, he transferred to Troop A, Zone 10 in Saline County. On November 1, 2006, Smith transferred to Troop A, Zone 13 in Pettis County. On June 1, 2011, Smith was promoted to corporal and remained in Pettis County. On September 1, 2015, Smith was promoted to sergeant and transferred to Zone 7, Jackson County, where he remained until his promotion.

Lieutenant Smith was born in Sedalia, MO. He graduated from Smith Cotton High School in Sedalia, MO, in 2001. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from State Fair Community College in Sedalia, MO, in 2004. While in the Patrol Academy, he earned an Associate of Science degree from Mineral Area Community College, in Park Hills, MO, in 2004. Lieutenant Smith is a 2023 graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s School of Police Staff and Command. Lieutenant Smith is married and has two children.

A photo of Lieutenant Smith is available with this news release on the Patrol’s website.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is hiring! The Patrol offers over 60 career paths. For all current openings, visit https://bit.ly/MSHPCareers or to apply for trooper or commercial vehicle officer positions, visit www.joinmshp.us to apply today.

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