MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
Department of Public Safety
Troop A -
1900 N.E. Independence Avenue - Lee's Summit, MO 64064
NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact:
Cpl. Justin Ewing
(816) 622-0800 ext. 3159
A2025-05
July 30, 2025
EMPHASI
S:
Troop A Announces Promotions
Captain Steven V. Wilhoit, commanding officer of Troop A, Lee’s Summit, announces the following promotions effective August 1, 2025.
Corporal Daniel R. Becker has been promoted to the rank of sergeant and designated the supervisor of Zone 7, serving the citizens of Jackson County. Becker was appointed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol on January 2, 2014, as a member of the 98th Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop A, Zone 1, Platte County. On November 1, 2018, Becker transferred to Troop A, Zone 3, Clay County. On March 1, 2021, Becker transferred to Troop A, Zone 19, Marine Division, serving the northern portion of Troop A. On July 1, 2021, Becker was promoted to the rank of corporal and designated the assistant supervisor of Zone 7, Jackson County. On September 1, 2023, Becker transferred to Zone 3, Clay County, where he remained until his promotion.
Sergeant Becker is a native of Athens, IL. He graduated from Athens High School in Athens, IL. Prior to joining the Patrol, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Central Christian College of Kansas, located in McPherson, KS. Sergeant Becker is a member of the Troop A Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). He is married and has two children.
****
Corporal Clay D. Moeller has been promoted to the rank of sergeant and designated the supervisor of Zone 5, serving the citizens of Ray and Carroll counties. Moeller was appointed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol on January 8, 2006, as a member of the 85th Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop A, Zone 5, Ray and Carroll counties. On May 1, 2016, Moeller was promoted to corporal and designated the assistant supervisor of Zone 5. On March 1, 2022, Moeller transferred to Zone 19, Marine Division, serving the northern portion of Troop A, where he remained until his promotion.
Sergeant Moeller is a native of Leawood, KS. He graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, KS. He attended Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS, and holds an Associate of Arts degree in Administration of Justice. He is a member of the United States Army Reserve, where he holds the rank of Sergeant Major and serves as a surgical technician and combat medic. Sergeant Moeller is a member of the Troop A SWAT team. He is married and has 3 children.
****
Trooper Zach D. Thomas has been promoted to the rank of corporal and designated the assistant supervisor of Zone 3, serving the citizens of Clay County. Thomas was appointed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol on January 2, 2019, as a member of the 107th
Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop A, Zone 4, serving the citizens of Clay County, where he remained until his promotion.
Corporal Thomas is a native of Joliet, IL. Corporal Thomas graduated from Joliet West High School in Joliet, IL. Prior to joining the Patrol, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Chicago State University in Chicago, IL. Corporal Thomas is a Crisis Negotiator for the Troop A SWAT team. He is married and has two children.
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.
Photos of Sergeant Becker, Sergeant Moeller, and Corporal Thomas can be found with this news release on the Patrol’s website.
For more news, follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on
X
@MSHPTrooperA.
Becker_Daniel-6.JPG
Moeller_Clay-6.jpg
Thomas_Zachary-6.jpg
(###)