FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Jan.13, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290


Blunt Proclaims Jan. 13 AMBER Alert Awareness Day in Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt signed a proclamation marking Jan. 13 AMBER Alert Awareness Day in Missouri, continuing his efforts to inform Missourians of this life-saving program.

Gov. Blunt has taken swift action to ensure Missouri has an innovative network bringing abducted children home safely. Under his direction, Missouri joined the AMBER Alert Web Portal, a nationally connected communication system to aid law enforcement officers, broadcasters, and the public in returning missing children.

"As a parent, I am proud of the advancements our state has made to protect children," Blunt said. "Missouri was one of the first of 11 states to join the AMBER Alert Web Portal and I remain strongly committed to this good program designed to help save the lives of our most vulnerable citizens."

AMBER Alerts have saved over 214 children in the United States since 1996. They are named after nine-year-old Amber Hagerman of Arlington, Texas who was abducted and murdered. Twenty-one Missouri children have been rescued from 17 AMBER Alerts issued since 2002.

For more information on Missouri’s participation in AMBER Alert Awareness Day, please contact Terri Durdaller at (573) 751-4819.


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