Missouri State Highway Patrol assigns new troopers to Troop H

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol has assigned three new troopers to Troop H following their graduation from Patrol's Law Enforcement Academy Friday.

Captain Andrew O. Tourney, commanding officer of Troop H, St. Joseph, announced the assignment of three new troopers to Troop H. The new troopers were members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's 126th Recruit Class and graduated from the Patrol's Law Enforcement Academy on Oct. 16.

Trooper Andrew J. Colson, a native of Maysville, has been assigned to Zone 10, which serves Daviess and DeKalb counties.

In 2022, Trooper Colson graduated from Wilson Academy in Savannah and North Central Missouri College in Trenton, with an Associate of Applied Science and Technology. Prior to employment, Tpr. Colson was employed by Altec as an engineering technician in St. Joseph.

Trooper Colson is married and has three children.

Trooper Braeden L. Elifrits, a native of Harrisonville, has been assigned to Zone 3, which serves Gentry and Harrison counties. Tpr. Elifrits graduated from Harrisonville High School in 2022.

Trooper Andrew D. Hecker, a native of Chillicothe, has been assigned to Zone 2, which serves Nodaway and Worth counties. Tpr. Hecker graduated from Chillicothe High School in 2024.

In 2026, he earned an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice at North Central Missouri College in Trenton. Prior to his employment with the Patrol, Trooper Hecker was a correctional officer at the Chillicothe Correctional Center.

The new troopers will report for duty in their respective assignments on Monday, Nov. 2.