NEWS RELEASE
PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION, P.O. Box 1368, Jefferson City, MO 65102
| For further information contact: | Sergeant Gerard G. Callahan Public Information Director Phone: (573) 751-3333 E-mail: Jerry.Callahan@mswp.dps.mo.gov |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jefferson City
Missouri State Water Patrol Commemorates 50th Anniversary Public invited to open house Friday celebrating half-century of service
The Missouri State Water Patrol will be hosting an open house Friday, October 9, at its General Headquarters in Jefferson City as it marks 50 years of service to the people of Missouri. Boats and equipment that the Patrol currently uses along with pictures and memorabilia of its 50 year history will be on display at 2401 E. McCarty St. from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
During 2009, the Missouri State Water Patrol has been commemorating a half-century of service to the people of Missouri. In 1959 the Missouri Legislature created the Missouri Boat Commission. The purpose of the organization was to make the waters of the state safe for boating and other water related activities through law enforcement, registration, inspection and educational programs.
A lot has changed over the last half-century. The Agency has expanded in terms of its size and its responsibilities. The Missouri Boat Commission had eight officers. Today, officers of the Missouri State Water Patrol receive over 1,200 hours of academy training and are among the state's most highly trained law enforcement officers. In 1974, the name changed to the Division of Water Safety. Fifteen years later, in 1989, the agency became the Missouri State Water Patrol. Many of the lakes the Water Patrol has responsibility for today did not even exist in 1959 when the agency was created. Some examples are Truman, Smithville, Blue Springs, Stockton, Long Branch and Mark Twain Lakes.
Although much has changed in 50 years, the Missouri State Water Patrol's philosophy and mission have remained constant:
§ To "Serve and Protect" by delivering a level of waterborne service and law enforcement activity that provide a safe environment in which both residents and visitors to the state of Missouri may enjoy its many natural attractions.
§ The Missouri State Water Patrol believes its position is a public trust, which requires integrity, dedication, courtesy and accountability and one of nurturing a spirit of camaraderie in all they do.
§ Water Patrol officers value and respect the public's rights and freedoms and are committed to the highest degree of professionalism in the performance of their duties, doing all they can to enhance the public's sense of safety and security.
News Release ID: N07090176
Release Date: 20091006
