Dexter, Missouri – The Missouri Highway Patrol is proud to announce 34 newly commissioned troopers including two from Dexter, Missouri.
According to Col. Ron Replogle, superintendent of the patrol, the group was commissioned in a ceremony on June 27, 2014, on the south lawn of the Missouri State Capitol.
Landon J. Haggett and Gregory T. Ulm, both Dexter natives, are among the new academy graduates. Haggett has been assigned to New Madrid and Pemiscot Counties in Troop E, while Ulm will be working in Carter and Reynolds Counties in Troop G.
Governor Jay Nixon gave the keynote address at the graduation ceremony. In his remarks, the governor congratulated the new troopers and also issued a charge. Referencing President Thomas Jefferson's comments about Meriwether Lewis, Gov. Nixon encouraged the class to have, "undaunted courage, possessing a firmness and perseverance of purpose ..." He expressed his respect for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, saying the organization not only embraces its traditions, but also embraces diversity, and advancements in technology and equipment. The governor said that the new troopers don't know what challenges they will meet each day, but that he has supreme confidence in the Missouri State Highway Patrol and that confidence now extends to each of them.
Replogle also spoke to the class, offering his congratulations and emphasizing the importance of their family's support throughout the rigorous 26 weeks of Academy training. He instructed the new troopers always remember the Patrol's core values-- integrity, responsibility, respect, professionalism, compassion, resourcefulness, character, and commitment. The colonel reminded the troopers that they are ladies and gentlemen who enforce the law, and to treat others as they would want to be treated.
The 98th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on January 2, 2014. The new troopers will report for duty in their assigned troops on July 14, 2014. Listed below are the names, hometowns, and first assignments for the other 32 members of the 98th Recruit Class:
Matthew P. Acord, Bonne Terre, MO, Troop F, Miller County
Ruthanne A. Altaffer, Springfield, MO, Troop D, Greene County
Grant A. Ayres, Jefferson City, MO, Troop I, Crawford County
Daniel R. Becker, Athens, IL, Troop A, Platte County
Logan M. Bolton, Salem, IL, Troop C, Jefferson County
Jeffrey J. Burnett, Sparks, NV, Troop C, St. Charles, County
Keenan J. Cool, Newton, MO, Troop H, Daviess/DeKalb Counties
Cathryn L. Davis, Wright City, MO, Troop G, N. Howell/Shannon Counties
Krystalyn H. Davis, St. Joseph, MO, Troop H, Andrew/Buchanan Counties
Iris R. Elfrink, Leopold, MO, Troop E, New Madrid/Mississippi/Scott Counties
Matthew R. Freeman, Kennett, MO, Troop E, New Madrid/Pemiscot Counties
Mark A. Frigy, Decatur, IL, Troop C, Franklin County
Gregory T. Hackett, Springfield, MO, Troop I, Pulaski/Maries County
Jacob R. Hardy, McKenzie, TN, Troop F, Camden County
Brandon L. Harris, Jefferson City, MO, Troop F, Boone County
David W. Henley Jr., Nevada, MO, Troop D, Greene County
Kyle L. Huggins, Poplar Bluff, MO, Troop E, Butler/Ripley Counties
Nicholas W. March, Columbia, MO, Troop C, Ste. Genevieve/Perry Counties
Brian N. Marquart, Ballwin, MO, Troop A, Clay County
Thomas W. Meyer, West Plains, MO, Troop D, Greene County
Tyler W. O'Brien, Springfield, IL, Troop B, Randolph/Monroe Counties.
Matthew R. Parker, Springfield, MO, Troop F, Camden County
Matthew H. Riley, Atlanta, MO, Troop B, Clark/Scotland Counties
Roberto A. Rizo, Rolla, MO, Troop I, Phelps/Maries Counties
Jose Sanchez Jr., Glendale, AZ, Troop C, North St. Louis County
Keith D. Scruggs, Overland, MO, Troop C, South St. Louis County
Spencer D. Sears, Gravois Mills, MO, Troop A, Clay County
Alex J. Shibley, Desloge, MO, Troop C, Ste. Genevieve/Perry Counties
Shaun P. Sprague, Agency, MO, Troop H, Andrew/Buchanan Counties
Tyler R. Stults, Branson, MO, Troop B, Marion/Ralls Counties
Cody D. Tucker, Corning, AR, Troop E, Wayne County
Ethan N. Wilson, Aurora, MO, Troop A, Platte County.
