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This Holiday Season, and All Year Long: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
December 11th 2018 by Dee Loflin
This Holiday Season, and All Year Long: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
This Holiday Season, and All Year Long:
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Dexter, Missouri - The holidays are a time for friends, family, and co-workers to come together in celebration. Wherever you are whether at an office party, a family member’s home, or out at the bar it is essential that you make the lifesaving choice to drive sober when the party ends. To help spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving, Dexter Police Department is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to get drunk drivers off the roads and help save lives. The national high-visibility enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs from December 13-31, 2018. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving, as well as drugged driving, which is on the rise. Increased State and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with enforcement and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways. 

Sadly, the statistics show that we have a lot of work to do to put an end to drunk driving. According to NHTSA, 10,874 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2017, equating to one person killed every 48 minutes. On average, 10,000 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes each year from 2013 to 2017. That’s the equivalent of 20 jumbo jets crashing each year, with no survivors. In December 2017, alone, 885 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver. This is why Dexter Police is working with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to enjoy the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. 

Drunk driving isn’t the only risk on the road: Drug-impaired driving is also an increasing problem on our nation’s roads. If drivers are impaired by any substance—alcohol or drugs—they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Driving while impaired is illegal, period. The bottom line is this: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. It’s that simple.
 “We understand that during the holidays, people are running around, busily checking off items on their to-do list and attending parties,” said Chief Trevor Pulley. “We need our community members to slow down and remember: It’s up to them to make the smart decision to drive sober—during the holidays, and all year long. Drunk driving is a huge problem in our country, and, unfortunately, we’re seeing a rise in marijuana use and drugged driving, too. Stay safe and stay sober on the roads.” 

Dexter Police and NHTSA are reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely. “Impaired driving of any form is not acceptable behavior,” said Chief Pulley. “It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you ever leave for the party. That’s why, during the December holidays, we will make zero exceptions for drunk driving. There are just no excuses,” Pulley said. 
Party with a Plan 

First and foremost: Plan ahead. Be honest with yourself: You know whether you’ll attend a party. If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to take you home. Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take that role seriously—your friends are relying on you. Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. 

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. 

• Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, available on Google Play for Android devices: (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhtsa.SaferRide&hl=en), and Apple’s iTunes Store for iOS devices: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saferride/id950774008?mt=8). SaferRide allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up. 
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement immediately.
 
• Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely. 

During the holidays, and every day, please remember that drunk driving isn’t only illegal, it’s deadly. 


Last Updated on December 11th 2018 by Dee Loflin




Presidential Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2018
December 07th 2018 by Dee Loflin
Presidential Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2018
Presidential Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2018

Today, we honor those who perished 77 years ago at Pearl Harbor, and we salute every veteran who served in World War II over the 4 years that followed that horrific attack.

On December 7, 1941, America was attacked without warning at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, by the air and naval forces of Imperial Japan.  Just before 8:00 a.m., Japanese aircraft ripped through the sky, dropping bombs on ships of the United States Pacific Fleet and on nearby airfields and bases.  The attack took the lives of more than 2,400 American service members and wounded another 1,100 American citizens.  The brutal surprise attack halted only after nearly two hours of chaos, death, and destruction.

Despite the shock and confusion of the moment, American service members and first responders on the island of Oahu mounted an incredibly brave defense against insurmountable odds.  American pilots took to the air to engage enemy aircraft, sailors took their battle stations, and medical personnel cared for the wounded.  Many witnesses to the events of that day perished in the attacks, leaving countless acts of valor unrecorded.  Nevertheless, 15 Medals of Honor were awarded - 10 of them posthumously - to United States Navy personnel for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.

Although the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor was badly impaired, America did not falter.  One day after the attacks, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared to the Congress:  "No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory."  And, in the weeks, months, and years that followed the brutal attack at Pearl Harbor, Americans united with a steadfast resolve to defend the freedoms upon which our great Nation was founded.  Millions of brave men and women answered their country's call to service with unquestionable courage.  These incredible patriots fought, bled, sacrificed, and ultimately triumphed for the cause of freedom.

We are blessed as a Nation to have as examples the incredible heroes of World War II, who fought so valiantly to preserve all that we hold dear.  Earlier this year, I had the tremendous honor of meeting Mr. Ray Chavez, who was the oldest living Pearl Harbor veteran.  Ray passed away only a few weeks ago at the incredible age of 106.  But his legacy is forever etched into our country's rich history, along with the legacies of all our brave veterans.  They tell of the mettle of the American spirit under fire and of the will of our people to stand up to any threat.  The selfless bravery and dedication of these extraordinary Americans will never be forgotten.

Today, we remember all those killed on the island of Oahu on that fateful Sunday morning in 1941, and we honor the American patriots of the Greatest Generation who laid down their lives in the battles of World War II.  America is forever blessed to have strong men and women with exceptional courage who are willing and able to step forward to defend our homeland and our liberty.

The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2018, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.  I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities.  I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.

DONALD J. TRUMP


Last Updated on December 07th 2018 by Dee Loflin




Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday, November 4th
November 01st 2018 by Dee Loflin
Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday, November 4th

The Dexter Fire Department would like to remind everyone to change and test the batteries in their home and business smoke alarms.  Also it's a good time of the year to check carbon monoxide detectors when setting the clocks back for daylight saving time!

Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 4th at 2 a.m.  So before you head off to bed on Saturday evening flip your clocks back one hour!  You gain an hour of sleep!

Dexter Fire Chief Don Seymore stated, "It's the perfect time to remember that when you set your clocks back, check your smoke detector battery and your carbon monoxide detector."

"It's such an inexpensive way to save you or your family if a fire were to happen in your home.  Also don't forget to check the smoke detectors as your work.  If you have a small business you need one as well."

The National Fire Protection Association reported that 71% of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing or dead batteries.  This reinforces how important it is to take the time each year and check them.

Chief Seymore also would like to remind people to check other devices that keep us safe, secure and comfortable in our homes such as flashlights, fire extinguishers, and weather radios.

Just remember to Fall Back on Sunday and check those batteries.  It could mean saving your life!


Last Updated on November 01st 2018 by Dee Loflin




Dexter Police Dept to Participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
October 23rd 2018 by Dee Loflin
Dexter Police Dept to Participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Dexter, Missouri - National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. National Take-Back Day is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

Dexter Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the lobby of the Dexter Police Department at 305 Cooper Street, in Dexter. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

The last Take-Back Day brought in almost 1 million pounds of unused or expired prescription medication. This is the largest amount collected since the program began in 2010.

This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 9,964,714 pounds, or 4,982 tons.

Check DEA's official Take Back Day website for more information and to find year-round collection sites near you.

Last Updated on October 23rd 2018 by Dee Loflin




Troop E Corporals Honored as October Employees of the Month
October 18th 2018 by Dee Loflin
Troop E Corporals Honored as October Employees of the Month

Sikeston, Missouri - Corporals Jonathan Wilson and Shayne Talburt of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E were named DPS October Employees of the Month.

They were honored today at Troop E Headquarters for their heroic rescues of two adults & five children in danger of drowning on the Current River in Ripley County in May.

"On May 26, 2018, both officers were patrolling the Current River in Ripley County. Jonathan observed a family in distress in the water.Their inner tubes, which had been linked together, had come loose and flipped over. All seven people – two adults and five children – were thrown into the water.

A five-year-old girl was tangled in a rope and appeared lifeless. The man was in distress after extricating a second child from a tangled root ball, which then broke loose, separating him from the children.The current had pulled the woman downstream, away from the group, and she was exhausted and in distress.

Jonathan began rescuing the children and called Shayne for assistance. When Jonathan retrieved the five-year-old, she immediately coughed up water and began breathing on her own. Meanwhile, because of the weight and current, his boat was taking on water.

Upon his arrival, Shayne took the five children into his boat, allowing Jonathan to travel downstream to rescue the two adults. The woman and her five-year-old daughter were treated at a local hospital. The mother is convinced the officers’ actions saved several lives."

Congratulations to these two exceptional employees who combined in an extraordinary life-saving effort! Here's more on their outstanding work: 


Last Updated on October 18th 2018 by Dee Loflin




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