DPS Employees of the Month
February Sworn Employee of the Month
Ashley Klempke
Trooper
Missouri State Highway Patrol
February Non-Sworn Employee of the Month
Patti Tye
Administrative Office Support Assistant
State Emergency Management Agency
Ashley Klempke, a Trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, has been selected as the Department of Public Safety's February 2019 Sworn Employee of the Month.
Ashley, who is a road trooper in central Missouri’s Troop F, was chosen for the determination, initiative and compassion with which she approaches her responsibilities as a law enforcement officer and protector of the public.
In the early morning hours of October 2018, Ashley responded to a report of two young girls walking along a highway in Cole County. The girls were dressed only in pajamas and had no shoes. While other agencies were skeptical of the girls’ allegations of long-term abuse, Ashley insisted on conducting a thorough investigation, including a medical evaluation.
The medical evaluations supported the girls’ claims of severe abuse, as did forensic interviews and a search warrant executed at their residence. As a result of Ashley’s effort, a total of six children were placed in protective custody and both parents were criminally charged.
Ashley carried out a very thorough investigation, including 16 interviews and the execution of multiple search warrants. If not for Ashley’s dedication, perseverance and compassion, the young victims would still be subjected to abuse. Â
Ashley’s pursuit of justice in this case also led to the Missouri State Troopers’ Association “adopting” the two girls for Christmas. They enjoyed a pizza party and donated presents for the holidays.
Congratulations to Ashley for the outstanding example she’s set for her co-workers throughout the Department of Public Safety!
Patti Tye, an Administrative Office Support Assistant at the State Emergency Management Agency, has been selected as the Department of Public Safety's February 2019 Non-Sworn Employee of the Month.
Patti, who is assigned to the Missouri Emergency Response Commission, was chosen for her “get-it-done” attitude and problem-solving abilities. Â
Federal law requires many businesses and facilities that handle hazardous materials to file an annual Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory called a Tier II Report. They must be filed in the online system by March 1 to provide first responders and the public with information about potential hazards.
To reduce past confusion about the Tier II online reporting process, Patti went to work and wrote in-depth, step-by-step filing instructions, including visuals. She then worked to create video tutorials, using her extensive knowledge of the system to walk users through the entire process. Patti appeared onscreen as part of two instructional videos and assisted with final production – one for first-time filers and another for returning users.
In the past, the MERC has been inundated with questions and issues as Tier II reporters attempted to complete the online reporting process. This year, because of Patti’s efforts, call volume dropped dramatically. The video tutorials also allowed the MERC team to focus its efforts on customer service, and meant the MERC was better able to serve Missourians. Â
Congratulations to Patti for the outstanding example she’s set for her co-workers throughout the Department of Public Safety!
The Missouri Department of Public Safety. Many Missions. One Team