[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 71 (Friday, June 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2000

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I wish to pay tribute to the 
troopers of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. These men and women, who 
are directed by the Governor and Superintendent Weldon L. Wilhoit, 
deserve our gratitude for their contributions to the citizens of 
Missouri.
  You see the Missouri State Highway Patrol's distinctive blue uniforms 
throughout the state on a daily basis. The men and women of the Patrol 
can be found tirelessly working on behalf of the residents of the State 
of Missouri. You may see them testifying in courtrooms throughout the 
state or working with county sheriffs and local police departments. You 
may witness their lecturing students on the benefits of highway safety 
and other important matters. On Missouri's highways, you may see 
troopers deliver new babies or change motorists' tires, and elsewhere 
in the state, members of the Patrol may be combating the trade and 
production of illegal narcotics.
  In addition to these very important responsibilities to the citizens 
of the ``Show Me State,'' the Missouri State Highway Patrol specializes 
in providing protection for Missouri's governor and managing the law 
enforcement needs of Missouri's gaming industry. The Patrol also 
maintains Drivers Examination Stations throughout the state and 
provides detailed analysis of crime and accident scenes through the use 
of their Crime Laboratory Unit, Aircraft Unit, and Traffic Division.
  Although the troopers prefer calm and peaceful experiences while on 
duty, their jobs as law enforcement officers sometimes turn deadly when 
confrontation occurs with the violent criminal element. Each trooper is 
fully aware that her/his life may be on the line as 21 troopers have 
died defending the values of Missouri society. Vigilance is always a 
prerequisite for a trooper initiating a car stop or interrupting a 
crime in progress. So that no one will forget the supreme sacrifice 
that troopers have paid, a large picture of each trooper killed in the 
line of duty hangs in the Missouri State Highway Patrol General 
Headquarters Building in Jefferson City. These pictures are a solemn 
reminder that the law enforcement profession is fraught with danger.
  Mr. Speaker, the troopers of the Missouri State Highway Patrol 
exemplify the highest tradition of duty and service to the protection 
of the citizens of Missouri. I am certain that all Members of the House 
will join me in expressing appreciation for their dedication.

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