NEWS ALERT

For further information please contact: Sgt. D.S. Bracker
417-895-6767 ext.253
D2009-21
March 31, 2009

EMPHASIS: Sergeant Al Raetz, 30-Year-Veteran, Retires.


The Missouri State Highway Patrol is pleased to announce that on April 1, 2009, after 30 years of dedicated service, Sergeant Al Raetz will retire.

Sergeant Raetz began his career with the Patrol in July 1979. Upon graduation from the Patrol Academy, he was assigned to Zone 10, Webster County, and lived in Marshfield. In 1985, he transferred to Zone 1, Greene County. In 1991, he was promoted to corporal and assigned as assistant supervisor for Zone 12, Christian County. In 1993, Raetz was promoted to sergeant, and after a short period in St. Clair County, he transferred to and was designated supervisor of Zone 10, Webster County.

During his career, he was involved in several significant events including being shot at, run over by a vehicle, and the investigations of the tragic incidents that resulted in the deaths of two zone mates, Trooper Russell Harper and Corporal Jay Sampietro. For many years, Raetz taught college classes for three local institutions including: College of the Ozarks, Webster College, and Columbia College. In 1998, 2000, and 2003, he received recognition awards for his outstanding accomplishments as an instructor.

Sergeant Raetz is married to the former Susan Grant, of Taneyville. They have three grown children, Mike, Cody, and Erica. Sergeant Raetz and Susie own a farm in Taney County where they plan to build a retirement home.


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