DPS Team Members of the Month
June Sworn Team Members of the Month
Ryan S. Smith
Sergeant
Emilio J. Villanueva
Corporal
Aaron K. Booker
Trooper
Christopher R. Kottwitz
Trooper
Matthew W. Neely
Trooper
Missouri State Highway Patrol
June Non-Sworn Team Member of the Month
Shannon Dunworth
Senior Licensed Practical Nurse
Missouri Veterans Commission
On Feb. 14, 2024, 47 Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers from Troop A and Troop H assisted the Kansas City Police Department at the Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade and rally. Sergeant Ryan Smith, Corporal Emilio Villanueva, and troopers Aaron Booker, Christopher Kottwitz and Matthew Neely all responded immediately after shots rang out at the rally and their actions helped save lives, protected the public and assisted in the apprehension of a suspected shooter.
- Ryan Smith located a medical bag and assisted in treating a man who had been shot multiple times;
- Emilio Villanueva used the small medical kit he wears on his ankle to control a shooting victim’s bleeding and plugged a wound with his finger until he was relieved by medical personnel;
- Aaron Booker assisted both Sergeant Smith and Corporal Villanueva in tending to men who had been shot;
- Christopher Kottwitz spotted and chased one of the shooting suspects on foot, based on a witness description, leading to the man being taken into custody; and
- Matthew Neely searched for suspects, located a discarded gun, and, as he conducted interviews, captured body-camera video that was used to positively identify a suspect, who was later apprehended.
During a dangerous and chaotic emergency, these five troopers immediately ran toward danger and calmly and professionally took actions that protected lives, gathered important evidence and led to the apprehension of criminal suspects. The above allegations are mere accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the allegations must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Shannon Dunworth, a Senior Licensed Practical Nurse at the Missouri Veterans Home Warrensburg, is the DPS Non-Sworn Team Member of the Month for June 2024 for the outstanding work she has done on behalf of veterans and other team members for almost 19 years.
Shannon began working at the home as a nursing assistant in December 2005. From the outset, Shannon demonstrated her commitment to the health and wellbeing of the home’s veterans through her hard work, willingness to help coworkers and compassion toward others in need. Shannon not only went on to earn her LPN degree, she also mentors other members of the nursing staff.
During a recent shift, Shannon was working in one unit when she was called to help in another unit. In a stressful environment, Shannon supported others throughout the home and her infectious upbeat demeanor raised everyone’s spirits. Shannon is the ultimate professional and team player and sets an outstanding example for everyone in the home.
Congratulations to all the Team Members of the Month! You have set an outstanding example for your co-workers throughout the Department of Public Safety.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety. Many Missions. One Team.