The Missouri Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (MOAPCO) is pleased to recognize Communications Operator III Justin Davis, Communications Operator III Doug Hager, Communications Operator Trainee Krysten Keeney, Communications Operator III Patricia Limbaugh and Communications Operator III Betty Rodgers of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E as Missouri Teammates in Action!
On October 24, 2021, Iron and Madison Counties activated tornado sirens approximately 30 minutes before a tornado touched down. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E Communications team began coordinating officer response to the area and made required notifications to staff members.
Around 9 p.m., the voice of Troop E Marine Corporal Richard Walker came over the radio saying he and his family had taken shelter in their basement and reported water was coming into the basement, severe storms were overhead, and they had a propane leak. As first responders made every effort to reach Corporal Walker and his family, the corporal again called by radio saying his house was destroyed but he and his family were safe. Other calls flooded into Troop E and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office reporting damage to power lines, structures, and roadways. At shift change, Operators Rodgers and Hager seamlessly took over the communications duties.
These operators acted as a team handling a large amount of phone and radio traffic while keeping staff notified and coordinating patrol officer response. They embraced the Core Values of the Missouri State Highway Patrol through their unwaning professionalism, resourcefulness, commitment, character, and compassion. For their tremendous ability to process information and provide exceptional customer service with professionalism and commitment during a time of uncertain safety to the people they know, love, and serve, we are proud to recognize them as Missouri APCO Teammates in Action!
You can learn more about the Teammates in Action program including reading about past recipients or nominating a deserving team by visiting our Teammates in Action page!