The Missouri Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (MOAPCO) is pleased to recognize Chief Operator Robert Schrage, Assistant Chief Operator (retired) David Axelrod, Assistant Chief Operator Regina Cruise, Assistant Chief Operator Christopher Feilner, Communications Operator III John Callihan, Communications Operator III Trevor Dunn, Communications Operator III Vincent Gasperson, Communications Operator III Leslie Goedecke, Communications Operator III Karen Olejniczak, Communications Operator III Heather Thomas, Communications Operator III Kayleigh Troske, Communications Operator Trainee Rhonda Ausmus, Communications Operator Trainee Jennifer Durbin and Communications Operator Trainee Nicole Wollbrinck of the Missouri State Highway Patrol – Troop C as Missouri Teammates in Action!
On September 11, 2023, due to a what appeared to be a malicious attack on the REJIS system (a
provider of data processing services and online information systems for law enforcement, prosecutors,
courts, correctional institutions, and probation and parole agencies at the Federal, State, county, and
local levels), agency’s law enforcement printers were re-routed to Troop C. This action accounted for
well over 120 agencies having their administrative messages and hit confirmation requests/responses
forwarded to Troop C Communications.
For several days that followed, Troop C Communications personnel maintained normal operations for
the Patrol in addition to reviewing numerous administrative messages and confirmation requests,
contacting the originating agencies by phone for confirmations and sending appropriate replies, all while
working with reduced staffing. Patrol personnel were also tasked with checking individuals being
released from holding facilities for outstanding warrants to comply with Jake’s Law. Communications
personnel went above and beyond their normal duties to assist local agencies during this shutdown,
performing their duties in a professional and expeditious manner to ensure no interruption of service
occurred to all agencies involved.
In recognition of the outstanding actions of these first responders and communications professionals,
MOAPCO is pleased to present them with a Missouri Teammates in Action.
Learn more about the Teammates in Action program, including past recipients by visiting our Missouri Teammates in Action Page.
Since it’s inception in 2019, Missouri APCO has recognized 154 Emergency Communications Professionals as Missouri Teammates in Action through 40 recognition ceremonies.
