NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Corporal Julie A. Scerine

314/340-4028

#C010524

July 25, 2005



EMPHASIS: Troopers Build Playhouse for Perryville girl with Leukemia through Make-A-Wish Program





On June 21, 2005, thirteen troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop C, met in Perryville, Missouri, to make the dreams of a special little girl come true. Rebecca, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia, made a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and St. Louis Cardinal Glennon Hospital to have her very own playhouse. Lieutenant Lee Ann Kenley, Sergeant David Bauer, Sergeant William Choate, Sergeant Philip Hoffman, Sergeant Kenneth Robinson, Sergeant Paula Woodruff, Sergeant Jeffrey Paul, Corporal Donald Larson, Corporal Henry Moore, Corporal Mark Stamps, Trooper Carl Bone, Trooper William Sevier, and Trooper Jarred Thomas all participated in the construction of the “new playhouse” for Rebecca.



Throughout the construction process, Rebecca, wearing her best princess dress, matching shoes and crown, came onto the worksite to check the progress of her “new playhouse” and to hand out licorice to the officers. She was wearing a smile that could melt your heart and entertained the officers as they made her wish come true. The officers were deeply touched by Rebecca’s warm personality, and will surely have everlasting memories of that day.



Captain Ronald S. Johnson, Commanding Officer of Troop C St. Louis, stated, “The acts of kindness displayed by these officers define a commitment to public service, which has no boundaries. The great history of the Highway Patrol organization shall never diminsh, as long as outstanding officers that embody compassion and dedication continue to play the role of public servant and even at times, dream makers.”