News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Dan Green
(816) 622-0800
010903
January 9, 2009

EMPHASIS: Six New Troopers Assigned To Troop A


Captain Robert L. Powell, commanding officer of Troop A, Lee’s Summit, announces the assignment of six new troopers to Troop A. The new troopers were members of the Patrol’s 88th Recruit Class, which graduated from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, Missouri, on December 19, 2008. The new troopers reported to their assignments on January 5, 2009.
Trooper Michael L. Dotson has been assigned to Zone 10, Saline County. Trooper Dotson is a native of Marshall, Missouri, and graduated from Calvary Baptist High School. He attended Heartland Bible College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and holds a bachelor’s of arts degree in pastorology. He is married to Mattie (Baylark). Trooper Dotson was a corrections officer prior to joining the Patrol.
Trooper Kyle W. Murphy has been assigned to Zone 10, Saline County. Trooper Murphy is a native of Blue Springs, Missouri, and graduated from Blue Springs High School. Trooper Murphy attended the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Missouri, and holds a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice. Trooper Murphy was employed by Pinkerton Government Services prior to joining the Patrol.
Trooper Gregory K. Tesch has been assigned to Zone 7, Jackson County. Trooper Tesch is a native of El Paso, Texas, and graduated from Coronado High School. Trooper Tesch attended the United States Air Force Academy and holds a bachelor’s of science degree in behavioral science. He is married to Annette (Martin) and is the father of Elizabeth, 20, and Karl, 18. Trooper Tesch retired from the United States Marine Corps and was a State Farm Insurance representative prior to joining the Patrol.
Trooper Alexander R. Vivas has been assigned to Zone 3, Clay County. Trooper Vivas is a native of Willard, Missouri, and graduated from Willard High School. He is married to Katherine (Simmons). Trooper Vivas was a member of the United States Marine Corps prior to joining the Patrol.
Trooper M. Todd Weakley has been assigned to Zone 5, Ray/Carroll counties. Trooper Weakley is a native of Mountain View, Missouri, and graduated from Mountain View-Birch Tree R-III High School. Trooper Weakley attended Central Methodist University, Fayette, Missouri. Trooper Weakley was a biology teacher in the Ashland, Missouri, prior to joining the Patrol.
Trooper Ryan A. Wood has been assigned to Zone 7, Jackson County. Trooper Wood is a native of Higginsville, Missouri, and graduated from Lafayette County C-1 High School. Trooper Wood attended the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, and holds a bachelor’s of science degree in agricultural education. He is married to Cindy (Edwards) and the father of Drake, 7, and Jaidyn, 3. Trooper Wood was a conservation agent prior to joining the Patrol.
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