Saturday, May 5, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Pays Tribute at 20th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service; Designates Medal of Valor Review Board Members
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today participated in a ceremony honoring Missouri’s fallen law enforcement officers and named members to a state panel that will honor the state’s valiant heroes.
“We cannot express enough gratitude to the families of the heroes who have lost their lives to serve our state and protect Missourians’ welfare,” Blunt said. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those who continue to risk their lives daily to protect Missourians.”
The 20th annual service was held at the State Capitol building at the Law Enforcement Memorial. The observance paid tribute to those officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving to protect. This year two officers will be added to the memorial as fallen heroes.
Andy T. Early of the Audrain County Sheriff’s Department died on February 1, 2006 from injuries sustained during a car accident on December 27, 1997. Early was at the intersection of Highway 54 and Highway 19 when he slid on a patch of ice and lost control of the car spinning into a ditch. He was paralyzed and died later from a blood clot.
Michael J. Burke of the St. Louis Police Department died on December 13, 1901 of complications from injuries suffered when a call box malfunctioned while Burke was calling back to headquarters which severely burnt his hand and knocked him unconscious.
Since the first recorded death of officers in 1836, 634 total officers have lost their lives in the line of duty to date in Missouri.
For more information about the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial, visit http://www.dps.mo.gov/home/LEmemorial.htm.
Gov. Blunt today also called on Missourians with knowledge and expertise in the field of public safety to serve on the Missouri Medal of Valor Review Board. The board will identify deserving heroes and honor them with the Medal of Valor.
“The men and women of Missouri’s public safety community put their lives on the line everyday to protect our loved ones,” Blunt said. “The members of this board have been tasked with selecting Missouri’s public safety heroes who go above their call of duty to receive the Medal of Valor.”
The Missouri Medal of Valor Review Board is comprised of 11 members who have firsthand knowledge or expertise in Missouri’s public safety community, with one of the members being the director of the Department of Public Safety or their designee. The following Missourians are appointed to the review board:
- James C. Coleberd, 69 of Hannibal, is a physician. Dr. Coleberd holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a doctorate of osteopathy from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He is a member of the Missouri Firefighters Funeral Assistance Team and Fire Fighters Association of Missouri. His appointment is for a term ending on April 3, 2011.
- Roland J. Corvington, Jr., 47 of Chesterfield, serves as the special agent in charge of the St. Louis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Corvington holds a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement administration and master’s degree from Western Illinois University. His appointment is for a term ending on April 3, 2011.
- Bradley D. Golden, 46 of Cape Girardeau, is fire chief of Jackson Fire Rescue. Mr. Golden holds a bachelor’s degree in administration from Western Illinois University and a master’s of business administration in fire administration from Grand Canyon University. His appointment is for a term ending on April 3, 2011.
- Roger A. Schroeder, 54 of Jefferson City, is chief of police for Jefferson City. Chief Schroeder holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s in criminal justice administration from Central Missouri State University. His appointment is for a term ending on April 3, 2011.
- Roger D. Stottlemyre, 58 of Jefferson City, is deputy director-enforcement for the Missouri Gaming Commission. Mr. Stottlemyre previously served 32 years with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, serving the last five years as superintendent of the patrol. His appointment is for a term ending on April 3, 2011.