The Missouri Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (MOAPCO) is pleased to recognize Assistant Chief Operator Adam Whittom, Communications Operator III Justin Davis and Communications Operator I Krysten Keeney of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E as Missouri Teammates in Action!
On March 17, 2022, at approximately 0810 hours, Troop E started receiving reports of a multiple vehicle crash on Interstate 57 at the 13.4-mile marker in Mississippi County. Initial reports included that there were multiple commercial motor vehicles involved, including a commercial motor vehicle on fire – fully engulfed – with a subject trapped, an unresponsive subject, and that both the northbound and southbound lanes were blocked.
Due to an operator on sick leave, ACO Whittom and CO I Keeney were the only operators working at the time of the incident. They handled all the radio and phone traffic related to the incident, as well as routine phone and radio traffic. CO III Davis was called in and arrived three hours after the incident occurred to assist at the front desk. These operators professionally, calmly, and efficiently handled a large amount of radio and phone communications. They played a critical role in coordinating the response of Patrol responders and many other agencies, wrecker services, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Missouri Department of Transportation.
This was a massive incident that left Interstate 57 blocked for nearly 24 hours. It involved 21 separate crashes, 39 vehicles, 5 fatalities and 14 injuries. Operators Whittom, Keeney, and Davis exhibited great resourcefulness and professionalism throughout the incident. They remained calm, were able to prioritize, multi-task and coordinate resources. They were the calm in the storm and assisted with keeping our officers focused and calm during an extremely stressful situation. Missouri APCO is proud to recognize them as Missouri Teammates in Action.
Visit the Teammates in Action page to learn more about past recipients or to nominate a deserving team yourself!