Joplin native joins Highway Patrol, assigned to Troop A

(From Highway Patrol Troop A)

Captain Steven V. Wilhoit, commanding officer of Troop A, Lee’s Summit, is pleased to announce the assignment of five new troopers within Troop A. The new troopers were members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 122nd Recruit Class, which graduated from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on December 20, 2024. The new troopers will report for duty in their respective assignments on January 6, 2025.

Trooper Louis T. Baggerly, a native of Belton, MO, has been assigned to Zone 7, which serves the citizens of Jackson County. Trooper Baggerly graduated from Belton High School in Belton, MO, in 2018. Prior to his appointment to the Patrol, Trooper Baggerly attended the College of the Ozarks in Branson, MO, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2022. Trooper Baggerly is married.

Trooper Lance J. Estes, a native of Warsaw, MO, has been assigned to Zone 15, which serves the citizens of Henry County. Trooper Estes graduated from Warsaw High School in Warsaw, MO, in 2012. Prior to becoming a member of the 122nd Recruit Class, Trooper Estes served as a Commercial Vehicle Officer for the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Trooper Estes is married and has four children.

Trooper Heisser A. Pujols Bido, a native of Independence, MO, has been assigned to Zone 14, which serves the citizens of Bates County. Trooper Pujols Bido graduated from Van Horn High School in Independence, MO, in 2017. Prior to his appointment to the Patrol, Trooper Pujols Bido joined the United States Army in 2017, where he continues to serve as a reservist. Trooper Pujols Bido is married.

Trooper Kemp M. Stewart, a native of Joplin, MO, has been assigned to Zone 6, which serves the citizens of Jackson County. Trooper Stewart graduated from Lee’s Summit North High School in Lee’s Summit, MO, in 2019. Prior to joining the Patrol, Trooper Stewart was employed as a manager at a grocery store.

Trooper Reese E. Tayloe, a native of Warrensburg, MO, has been assigned to Zone 12, which serves the citizens of Johnson County. Trooper Tayloe graduated from Warrensburg High School in Warrensburg, MO, in 2021. Prior to his appointment to the Patrol, Trooper Tayloe joined the United States Army in 2021, where he continues to serve as a reservist.