The Missouri Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (MOAPCO) is pleased to recognize Communications Officers Donna Gowen and Kayla Bowen of the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Office and Communications Operators Douglas Hager and Patricia Limbaugh of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E Headquarters in Poplar Bluff as Missouri Teammates in Action!
On April 5, 2023, at approximately 2 a.m. severe storm & tornado warnings were issued for portions of Troop E. At approximately 3:30 a.m., debris rotation was detected southwest of Marble Hill in Bollinger County. Troop E Operators Hager and Limbaugh immediately began warning co-workers in the path of the storm. At 3:40 a.m., a tornado was confirmed on the ground with numerous injuries.
At that time calls started flowing into the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Office. Communications Officer (CO) Gowen received the first call from a family of 4 who were thrown from their mobile home into a nearby field sustaining serious injuries. CO Gowen handled numerous calls for help including several fatalities.
During this, CO Bowen arrived at the Sheriff’s Office and began to assist. They received over 250 calls for help within a 3-hour time frame.
Troop E Operators Hager and Limbaugh worked seamlessly as a team dispatching responders and coordinating resources with the National Weather Service, Missouri Department of Transportation, emergency medical services, and the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Office. The Bollinger County team’s quick call taking, and dispatch of responders ensured all citizens affected by the tornado had assistance within 8-hours of the tragic event. Troop E Operators ensured their co-workers were aware of the hazardous weather and had sought shelter. They coordinated responders and resources, while keeping staff notified, and handling communications for the rest of the troop.
In recognition of the outstanding actions of these communications professionals, MOAPCO is pleased to
name them Missouri Teammates in Action.