Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Thanks Sheriff, Deputies Involved in Baby Abby’s Rescue
Directs State Employees to Plug into Amber Alert System
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt extended his gratitude today to Franklin County Sheriff Gary Toelke, his staff and others who assisted in the safe return of baby Abigale Woods to her family. The governor also mandated that all state cell phones and other handheld devices be plugged into the online Amber Alert System.
“Melanie and I are delighted that our prayers and the prayers of Missourians and people across the country were answered when baby Abby was safely returned to her mother and father,” Blunt said. “I want to thank Sheriff Toelke, his fine staff and everyone else who played a role in making this happen. It is very heartening to see a community come so quickly to the aid of an innocent child.”
In a ceremony in his capitol office today, Blunt signed a proclamation honoring those who helped ensure Baby Abby’s safe return. The proclamation highlights the heroism and dedication exemplified by Sheriff Toelke, his deputies and other law enforcement officers during the response, search and rescue.
He also signed an executive order mandating that all employees who use state cell phones and other wireless devices subscribe to receive AMBER Alert information through the AMBER Alert Web Portal. Under Blunt’s leadership Missouri became one of the first state’s to implement the AMBER Alert Web Portal, a nationally connected communication system to help ensure the safety and rescue of missing children. The system allows the public to subscribe to alerts and status updates via e-mail, pagers or cell phones. Today’s executive order ensures that all state employees who use state cell phones will receive AMBER Alert messages and updates.
“The AMBER Alert system was paramount in ensuring Baby Abby’s safe return,” Blunt said. “Today’s executive order adds the strength of state employees and resources to aid law enforcement and help protect our children.”
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