James E.Wilt Captain, Troop B, Missouri State Highway Patrol
Q. What is your experience with the Missouri State Highway Patrol?
“I was appointed to the patrol on August 1, 1968 as a member of the 58th Recruit Class. Following graduation from the academy my first assignment was to Troop B, Zone 9 in Hannibal. I transferred to Zone 8 in Hannibal in 1990. I was promoted to corporal in 1994 and designated assistant zone commander of Zone 9. In 1996 I was promoted to the rank of sergeant and zone commander for Zone 11 in Moberly. I was assigned to Troop H in St. Joseph in 1999 where I served as lieutenant. I returned to Troop B as a lieutenant in 2004.”
Q. What is your most memorable experience as a patrol officer?
“I have had many impressionable experiences during my career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. I think one of the most memorable was when I was in the Hannibal zone and my corporal was shot south of Palmyra. I had to wrestle with the assailant and take him into custody. Another memorable experience for me was being involved in with a manhunt near Warsaw.
Q. Do you have any plans as the new commanding officer of Troop B?
“I believe in the quote, ‘If it works, don’t fix it!’ I plan to continue with the good job Captain John Elliott has done here. Troop B has good people to work with and that makes my job easier. I plan to strongly focus on traffic safety, reducing fatalities and reducing driving while intoxicated on our highways. I want to continue to work closely with the other law enforcement agencies. When law enforcement works together the public wins, when we don’t, the criminals win.”
More about Captain Wilt:
AGE: 45
EDUCATION: Graduate of South Shelby High School and Moberly Area Community College; attended FBI National Academy.
FAMILY: Married to Dena A. (Morrow) Wilt. Three daughters: Paige Klocke, Hallie Wilt and Carlee Wilt.
HOBBIES: Boating, weightlifting, spending time with family, activities at the First Baptist Church in Macon.
