Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Honors Law Enforcement and Volunteers Involved in Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby Rescue
JEFFERSON CITY–In a Capitol office ceremony today, Gov. Matt Blunt honored law enforcement agents and volunteers who helped reunite Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby with their families.
"The rescue of Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby captured the nation's attention, and all Missourians can take pride in the vigilance, coordination, determination and commitment demonstrated by the heroes in our law enforcement community," Gov. Matt Blunt said. "It is an honor for me to recognize the crime fighters and volunteers who assisted in reuniting Ben Ownby and Shawn Hornbeck with their loved ones. Everyone involved is well deserving of our respect and appreciation."
In a ceremony in his capitol office today, Blunt signed a proclamation honoring members of the Franklin County Sheriff Department, Kirkwood Police Department, FBI and the Shawn Hornbeck Foundation who were all instrumental in helping return Shawn and Ben to their families.
When asked about the honor he is receiving at the State Capital, Kirkwood Police Officer Chris Nelson summed up both his and fellow Kirkwood Officer Gary Wagster's feelings by saying, "Our involvement in the Ownby / Hornbeck recovery was nothing short of us just doing our jobs. If it hadn't been for the extremely detailed description by Mitch Hults, we wouldn't have even thought to take a look at Devlin's truck. Mitch deserves every bit of the credit he has received and continues to receive. As far as our involvement, we are certain that any of the officers we work with would have done the same thing. The bottom line is that both Ben and Shawn were found safe and returned to their families. We are proud of who we are as men and police officers and the honor and accolades we have received as part of this case will be cherished for the rest of our lives."
Franklin County Sheriff Gary Toelke said, "It is an honor to be recognized for our involvement in these cases and an honor we share with many others. The success of the cases was dependent on a lot of people, including citizens and volunteers. Cooperation among law enforcement agencies was outstanding. Media played a big part initially getting the information out. There were a lot of people who worked hard on the case, but the main thing is that both of the boys were returned to their families and are doing well."
Roland J. Corvington, Special Agent in Charge, St. Louis Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said, "The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is proud of what it and its law enforcement partners have accomplished in this case. Retired Special Agent Mike Singleton and Special Agent (SA) Pat Cunningham of our Rolla Resident Agency worked tirelessly to initially investigate, and also to follow-up on information and continue the investigative effort over these last few years. Those being honored today would be the first to say that this moment also belongs to all the dedicated personnel of the St. Louis FBI Office, who sacrificed and worked an incredible number of hours during the course of this investigation. We also commend our state and local law enforcement partners, as well as a number of supporting agencies and organizations, for their effort and commitment. This was a true team effort, and it exemplifies the great cooperative spirit that exists among all the agencies when a situation like this arises."
The House and Senate also honored those involved.
"A national search for one missing boy led to two happy endings for two families, all thanks to observant and by the book work by Kirkwood police officers. When a lead was provided by Mitchell Hults identifying a vehicle's description, law enforcement seized that opportunity. Because of their work, coupled with the continued search efforts by dedicated volunteers, there are two young men who are now safe at home again. I am grateful for the incredible service of these silent heroes in our midst," said Senate President Pro Tem Michael R. Gibbons.
"While an incident like this is extremely scary for all of us who are parents we also have to be thankful for the responsiveness of our law enforcement officials and the Amber Alert program we have in Missouri, said Speaker Rod Jetton. "In addition, the success of the Amber Alert program is something we should not only thank our law enforcement officials for, but Gov. Blunt who has been out in front of this effort to coordinate law enforcement in preparation of a chilling unforeseen incident like this one."
Also today the Missouri State Highway Patrol presented Mitchell Hults with the patrol's Honorary Trooper Certificate. Mitchell was honored with the award because of his role in giving investigators a detailed vehicle description of the pickup truck used in the abduction of Ben Ownby. The certificate is presented to a non-employee who performs in an exemplary manner, and under dangerous conditions, to aid another. The certificate is also presented to those non-employees who unselfishly give of themselves to assist members of the patrol in the performance of their duties.