DPS Team Members of the Month
September Sworn Team Member of the Month
Shara Stephens
Agent
Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control
September Non-Sworn Team Member of the Month
Kayla J. Hrabe
Program Assistant
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Shara Stephens, an Agent with the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, is the DPS Sworn Team Member of the Month for September 2026, for her truly tireless efforts managing the workload as the only ATC agent in a 32-county area.
Because of a staffing shortage, Shara is currently the only agent working in the Springfield district, which at full staffing would have two additional agents. Despite the monthslong staffing issue, Shara continues to provide excellent, timely services. During the recent license renewal period, Shara was able to handle a staggering number of renewals, license amendments and new licenses with remarkable accuracy and efficiency.
Shara continues to meet the office’s demands while maintaining positive relations with licensees and arriving at work each day with a positive, “get-things-done" attitude.
Kayla J. Hrabe, a Program Assistant in the Missouri State Highway Patrol Headquarters’ Records Division, is the DPS Non-Sworn Team Member of the Month for September 2026, for her lifesaving assistance when a young child was struggling to breathe.
On May 1, 2026, as Kayla was having dinner with her family at Oscar’s Classic Diner in Jefferson City, an infant began to choke. Kayla recognized the danger and asked the grandparents if she could assist. Kayla, who once worked in a day care, held the infant face down in her right arm and administered back blows with her left arm. This action dislodged food that had caused the choking, and EMS was not required.
Kayla’s swift action prevented a potentially dangerous medical situation and was in keeping with her job performance at the Patrol, where she is known as an efficient, conscientious and reliable colleague.
Congratulations to both 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.