MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop I Headquarters, P.O. Box 128, Rolla, Mo 65402


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Dan Crain
573-368-2345
May 31, 2010
I05E10

EMPHASIS: Troop I Announces Promotions



Captain Lee Ann H. Kenley, commanding officer of Troop I, announces the following promotions, effective June 1, 2010.
Trooper Neil R. Poynter was promoted to the rank of corporal and designated the assistant zone commander of the Troop I Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit. Poynter is a native of Lebanon, Missouri, and a graduate of Lebanon High School. Poynter received his initial law enforcement certification through the University of Missouri’s Law Enforcement Academy in Columbia. He was employed by the Cabool Police Department prior to his appointment to the Patrol.
Poynter began his training at the Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy on July 1, 1997. Following his graduation, Poynter was assigned to Troop E, Poplar Bluff, and stationed in Sikeston. In 1999, he transferred to Troop I, Pulaski County. In 2009, was designated one of Troop I’s first commercial vehicle enforcement troopers.
Corporal Poynter is married to Darlena (Bell) and they have four children: Tanya Tait, Devyn Poynter, Darcy Poynter, and Trey Poynter.
Trooper Jeremie L. Keathley was promoted to the rank of corporal and will be designated assistant zone commander of Zone 1, Rolla, which is responsible for patrolling Phelps and eastern Maries counties. Trooper Keathley is a native of Jefferson City, Missouri, and a graduate of Jefferson City High School. Keathley was appointed to the Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy in October 2004, and upon his graduation was assigned to Troop I, Rolla.
Prior to his selection to become a trooper, Keathley received extensive training in the field of commercial motor vehicle enforcement and served as a Highway Patrol commercial vehicle enforcement officer assigned to the Foristell Weigh Station, Troop C.
Corporal Keathley is married to Jessica (Holtmeyer).

(###)