Department of Public Safety News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 22, 2010
Sgt. Kent Walker of Missouri Capitol Police has been named the Missouri Department of Public Safety Employee of the Month for November 2010 for his actions in response to a burglary in progress in Jefferson City. On Sept. 9, 2010, Sgt. Walker was on patrol when he overheard Jefferson City Police Department radio traffic involving a possible burglary in progress at a local store. Sgt. Walker responded and helped establish a perimeter around the building. When two suspects exited the building and began running, Walker pursued one and was able to catch the man and take him into custody after a struggle. When the suspect said that two others were still inside the building with a gun, Walker assisted in a search of the building. No other suspects were located.
"When Sgt. Walker heard that officers from another law enforcement agency might be in need of assistance, he took immediate action and his assistance helped in the capture of a suspect without anyone being hurt," said Department of Public Safety Director John M. Britt. "This is exactly what we preach at the Department of Public Safety—cooperation and teamwork between law enforcement agencies. I thank Kent Walker for setting a fine example."
"When an officer is faced with a foot pursuit of a suspect, decisions have to be immediate and sure," said Capitol Police Chief Todd Hurt. "It can be a life or death situation, and the actions displayed by Sgt. Walker, as a veteran police officer, resonate within our department as an example for the officers he leads. This award exemplifies many of the goals of our department in a special way and for that I thank and congratulate Sgt. Kent Walker.”For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov