The Missouri State Highway Patrol has assigned four new troopers to the Troop H Region.

The newly assigned troopers were members of the 99th Recruit Class, which began training on July 1, 2014, at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, Missouri, and graduated on December 19, 2014.

Trooper Jack W. Cotter has been assigned to Zone 1, which patrols Atchison and Holt counties. Trooper Cotter is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, and a 2001 graduate of Rockhurst High School, in Kansas City, Missouri. Trooper Cotter served in the United States Marine Corps for four years where he attained the rank of corporal. Trooper Cotter is married to Andrea M. (Hoskins) Cotter and they have two children, Mason and Kennedy. His field training officer will be Trooper Joshua R. Zach.

Trooper Tyler L. Shupe has been assigned to Zone 1, which patrols Atchison and Holt counties. Trooper Shupe is a native of Independence, Missouri, and a 2010 graduate of William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri. Trooper Shupe is currently serving in the Missouri Army National Guard, where he maintains the rank of second lieutenant. Trooper Shupe is married to Elizabeth M. (Brawdy) Shupe. His field training officer will be Trooper Nicholas J. Greiner.

Trooper Matthew D. Obert has been assigned to Zone 3, which patrols Gentry and Harrison counties. Trooper Obert is a native of Lamar, Missouri, and a 2007 graduate of Lamar High School, Lamar, Missouri. Trooper Obert attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he majored in criminal justice. His field training officer will be Trooper Christopher J. Sullivan.

Trooper Joshua E. Hainey has been assigned to Zone 3, which patrols Gentry and Harrison counties. Trooper Hainey is a native of Saint Joseph, Missouri, and a 2010 graduate of Lafayette High School, Saint Joseph, Missouri. Trooper Hainey attended Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, Missouri, where he majored in criminal justice. His field training officer will be Corporal Benjamin R. Hilliard.

The new troopers will report for duty on January 5, 2015, at Troop H Headquarters in St. Joseph, Missouri, and will continue their training under the guidance of their field training officers.