A Monroe City man recently received an award from the Missouri State Highway Patrol for his actions in helping with a missing person incident last year in Monroe County.
According to a news release, on Monday, January 14, Troop B Captain James Wilt, presented Ollie “Butch” Pennewell with a Missouri State Highway Patrol Honorary Trooper Certificate. The Honorary Trooper Certificate is presented to citizens who are nominated by a trooper for aiding another person, or when they unselfishly give of themselves to assist troopers in the performance of their duties.
On November 13, 2018, the Missouri State Highway Patrol with help from multiple agencies and volunteers, began searching for a missing St. Louis resident, Raffaella Stroik, near Mark Twain Lake. On November 14, 2018, Mr. Pennewell, a private pilot, dedicated his time and private aircraft to assist in the search and located what he believed to be a person floating in Mark Twain Lake. Marine enforcement troopers responded to the location and recovered Ms. Stroik’s body.
The Honorary Trooper Certificate was a way to award Mr. Pennewell for his dedication to his community and helping people in need.