MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. John J. Hotz
Q4302018-1 (573) 526-6115

April 30, 2018
EMPHASIS: Patrol Honors 17 Employees At Annual Awards Banquet


Colonel Sandra K. Karsten, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to recognize the 17 employees honored at the Patrol's annual awards and The MASTERS banquet this past weekend. Family, friends, and members of The MASTERS (Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society) gathered at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, MO. The Troop C Color Guard presented the colors. Trooper Orry R. Baker, Troop C, sang the national anthem. Senior Pastor D. Doug Richey, Pisgah Baptist Church, gave the invocation and benediction. Ms. Mary Paulsell, president of Central Missouri Honor Flight, provided the keynote address. Col. Karsten presented the Patrol awards; Mr. Kevin Zoellner, president of The MASTERS, presented The MASTERS Public Service Award.

The following awards were presented April 28, 2018:


The MASTERS Public Service Award
Trooper Michael L. Bradley, Troop B

Trooper Michael L. Bradley, Troop B, is currently assigned to Zone 8, serving and protecting Marion and Ralls counties. He understands the importance of strong relationships with his co-workers and people living in the communities he serves. He represented the Patrol well at the Missouri State Fair, the Legislative Black Caucus Foundation’s 32nd Annual Midwestern Conference, and two DWI operations in 2017. In both May and October 2017, he assisted at “Big Truck Night” at two schools. This program brings law enforcement and emergency services and equipment to schools for youth to see and experience. He welcomes and is eager to answer their many questions. Tpr. Bradley served as a staff member for the Patrol’s first-ever, week-long Youth Academy Program. This five-day camp teaches leadership to youth and fosters a positive relationship between them and law enforcement. Through his affiliation with Park Chapel Church, Tpr. Bradley was asked to serve at an area youth Bible camp in Palmyra, Missouri, sharing his knowledge of law enforcement and the Patrol. Tpr. Bradley also is a member of the Patrol’s mentor program.

The MASTERS Public Service Award honors Trooper Bradley's professional and personal service to the people of Missouri.


Lifesaving Award

Trooper Brian R. Siercks, Troop A

On November 13, 2017, Trooper Brian R. Siercks, Troop A, was advised of a hunting accident on County Road NW 10001 in Bates County, Missouri. He responded to the area and learned a subject had dropped his rifle while hunting. The rifle discharged and a bullet struck the subject in the chest, which was bleeding profusely. Tpr. Siercks applied a chest seal dressing and monitored the situation until emergency medical services personnel arrived.

Trooper William J. Crose, Troop B

On August 8, 2017, Trooper William J. Crose, Troop B, was off duty and traveling southbound on Business U.S. Highway 63 in Kirksville, Missouri, when he came upon an injury crash involving a motorcycle and passenger car. Tpr. Crose stopped to assist. He found the motorcycle driver in the roadway suffering from critical injuries. Recognizing the driver’s airway was compromised due to bleeding, Tpr. Crose cleared the man’s airway of blood, placed him in the recovery position, and monitored his breathing until emergency medical services arrived.

Trooper Mark W. Hedlund, Troop C
CVE Inspector II Brian J. Hulsey, Troop C

On April 18, 2017, Trooper Mark W. Hedlund, Troop C, was on routine patrol in Franklin County. CVE Inspector II Brian J. Hulsey, Troop C, was with Tpr. Hedlund on a ride-along. When Tpr. Hedlund came upon a single vehicle crash on Missouri Route N near Missouri Route O, he stopped to assist. Tpr. Hedlund and Insp. Hulsey ran to the vehicle, which was on fire, and found the seriously injured driver trapped inside the passenger compartment. Working together they removed the driver from the vehicle as it became engulfed in flames.

Corporal Mark C. Mason, Troop D
Sergeant John S. Ashby, Q/DDCC

On September 16, 2017, while assisting the St. Louis Police Department with the social unrest after the Stockley verdict, Corporal Mark C. Mason, Troop D, and
Sergeant John S. Ashby, Q/DDCC, responded to a call for assistance after a Chevrolet Trailblazer had almost struck a patrol vehicle on the shoulder of Interstate 64. The vehicle then struck a median wall, took an exit, and struck another median wall before coming to rest. As the subject was placed on the grass in the process of being arrested, Cpl. Mason and Sgt. Ashby arrived. Cpl. Mason recognized the driver’s breathing was shallow and he was becoming unresponsive. Sgt. Ashby positioned the driver and performed a head tilt, and Cpl. Mason administered rescue breaths. When it was determined the driver was under the influence of heroin, Narcan was requested. Cpl. Mason administered rescue breaths for 10 minutes, until Narcan arrived on scene and was administered. The driver awoke and became alert.


Trooper Nicholas W. March, Troop F

On July 14, 2017, Trooper Nicholas W. March, Troop F, was on routine patrol when he overheard radio traffic regarding a possible cardiac arrest at the White Castle in Columbia, Missouri. He responded to the restaurant, and working with members of the Columbia Fire Department determined a female had overdosed on heroin. Tpr. March assisted with cardiopulmonary resuscitation until a member of the fire department could obtain Narcan. When the Narcan was administered, the woman revived. She was then transported to the hospital for treatment.


Lieutenant Steven V. Wilhoit, Q/DDCC

On January 18, 2017, Lieutenant Steven V. Wilhoit, Q/DDCC, was traveling from Troop B to Troop A to assist in a manhunt after a subject fired a weapon at a trooper. While traveling on Missouri Highway 240 east of Missouri Route D in Saline County, he observed thick, black smoke coming from a garage attached to a residence. He immediately notified Patrol communications and requested fire personnel respond. He then stopped at the residence checking for the owners. Lt. Wilhoit woke the sleeping homeowners who were unaware their home was on fire, and got them to a safe location.

Sergeant Christopher M. Turner, Q/GD
Trooper Zachary A. Harrison, Q/GD

On December 9, 2017, Sergeant Christopher M. Turner and Trooper Zachary A. Harrison, Q/GD, responded to a medical emergency at the Mark Twain Casino in LaGrange, Missouri. A patron had collapsed and was unresponsive. Along with a casino employee, Sgt. Turner and Tpr. Harrison took immediate action. Tpr. Harrison and the casino employee began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, while Sgt. Turner obtained an AED. Sgt. Turner then used the AED to shock the patron as directed. The troopers then monitored the patron until paramedics arrived.


Trooper James R. Sauer, Q/GD

On May 17, 2017, during an investigation, a subject being frisked for weapons at the Lumiere Place Casino in St. Louis, Missouri, broke away from a trooper and fled to the back of the Missouri Gaming Commission Office. Trooper James R. Sauer, Q/GD, assisted the first trooper with regaining custody of the subject. After he was handcuffed, several small, plastic baggies with various controlled substances and loose pills were observed on the floor under the suspect. A short time later, the man began choking, stopped breathing, and lost consciousness. Tpr. Sauer lifted the man into an upright position and administered six abdominal thrusts, dislodging an obstruction. The man then began breathing on his own and was placed in the recovery position. Tpr. Sauer continued to monitor the man until emergency medical services personnel arrived.

Meritorious Service Award
Trooper Ryan J. Windham, Troop E

On March 6, 2017, Trooper Ryan J. Windham, Troop E, was on routine patrol southbound on Interstate 57 near its intersection with Interstate 55. When he observed a silver Pontiac Grand Prix without a front license plate, he activated his emergency equipment to stop the vehicle. The driver failed to yield, resulting in a pursuit. The vehicle exited the highway, and made a couple of turns before sliding off the roadway, and coming to a stop. Tpr. Windham stopped his patrol vehicle and exited. A right, rear passenger exited the vehicle and began firing at Tpr. Windham. Utilizing his training, Tpr. Windham moved toward the rear of his vehicle and returned fire. Neither the passenger nor Tpr. Windham were struck in the exchange. A manhunt ensued during which the two passengers and driver were located and taken into custody. All three were convicted felons and members of a violent Southeast Missouri gang with outstanding warrants for their arrest.



2017
Matilda Tillie Sonnen Civilian of the Year
Supply Manager II Christopher L. Terry, Q/BPD


Supply Manager II Christopher L. Terry, Q/BPD, possesses a keen understanding of the resources and logistical support necessary for the Patrol to successfully achieve its mission to serve and protect. One example was his preparation and resourcefulness prior to the detail deployed to St. Louis after the Stockley verdict. His foresight and execution ensured that critical resources were available during that detail. In December 2017, Mr. Terry accepted the Missouri State Recycling Program’s Annual Recycling Award. He has made outstanding contributions in the areas of waste reduction and recycling on behalf of the Patrol and state of Missouri. He coordinates the Patrol's effort throughout the state. Mr. Terry goes to great lengths to work with the Supply Section’s procurement personnel to ensure recycled products are purchased and supplied throughout the warehouse system he manages. He is a resourceful, committed asset to the agency.



2017
Benjamin Oliver Booth Officer of the Year
Corporal Dwade F. Isringhausen, Troop C


Corporal Dwade F. Isringhausen, Troop C, has been a vital part of his zone and troop operations. In 2017, he made 1,124 total arrests and 20 driving while intoxicated arrests, issued 1,052 warnings, worked 51 traffic crashes, and made 69 drug arrests. When the St. Louis City detail was formed, Troop C staff chose Cpl. Isringhausen to lead the detail. He attended Crisis Intervention Training, which when coupled with his training as Troop C’s SWAT team negotiator proved beneficial to several critical incidents within the troop. He has also taken a personal interest in the development of his fellow zone members. Cpl. Isringhausen designed and provided several training sessions in Standard Field Sobriety testing, courtroom testimony, and the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test for his zone mates. He sets high standards for himself and those reporting to him. When the city detail was downsizing, he was the only corporal who was requested to stay in the city in a supervisory role. This is a direct reflection of Cpl. Isringhausen's ability to lead and the trust other officers place in his abilities.


Valor Award

Sergeant Kurt C. Merseal, Q/WPD
Corporal Bryan S. Silverthorn, Troop I

On April 30, 2017, Sergeant Kurt C. Merseal, Q/WPD, and Corporal Bryan S. Silverthorn, Troop I, responded to the Meramec River near Bird’s Nest Lodge after a report of an adult and two juveniles clinging to trees in the water. Due to their location and the swift current filled with debris, rescuing the victims by boat was not possible. Thus, Sgt. Merseal and Cpl. Silverthorn relied on their rescue swimming training. They tied their jet powered rescue boat to a nearby railroad bridge, which was barely out of the water, then crossed it on foot. The bridge was approximately 80 yards from the three victims. Sgt. Merseal jumped into the flooded Meramec River and performed an in-water swimming rescue of one young female before she could be swept away. Cpl. Silverthorn entered the water with a rope and personal floatation device and swam to a second young female. He evaluated her, then secured the rope to the tree, and made his way to the male victim. This placed Cpl. Silverthorn close enough to Sgt. Merseal to throw a personal floatation device to him for use by the first victim. Additional marine operations troopers arrived and worked with Sgt. Merseal and Cpl. Silverthorn in getting all three people to safety.


These employees’ actions are a credit to themselves and reflect the core values of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Congratulations to each of them.

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