-- The body of a missing Missouri Highway Patrol trooper was found Thursday as crews worked to fill a hole scoured by summer floodwater.
The remains were found not far from the original search area near Big Lake in Holt County where Highway Patrolman Frederick “Fred” Guthrie Jr. and his patrol dog, Reed, were swept away Aug. 1. They had been on duty helping to protect the public.Reed’s body was recovered the next day about 100 yards from Guthrie’s patrol truck and boat. But an extensive search that involved large pumps and heavy equipment, cadaver dogs and hand digging failed to locate the trooper’s body.The patrol had declared Guthrie dead on Sept. 28. In December, hundreds of family members, friends and fellow officers attended a memorial service.On Thursday afternoon, Guthrie’s remains were found in a brush pile south of where his dog had been recovered. Hill Brothers Construction Inc. recently began work to fill a scour hole on Missouri 111. The Highway Patrol had been monitoring the work, watching for any sign of Guthrie’s remains.“The recovery of Trooper Guthrie’s body will give closure and comfort to the family, the community and members of the patrol,” Col. Ronald K. Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri Highway Patrol, said in a written statement.Guthrie, 46, was a combined 17-year veteran of the former Missouri Water Patrol and the Missouri Highway Patrol. He was the 30th member of the Highway Patrol to die in the line of duty.Read more Local News Spotlight
Posted on Fri, Jan. 13, 2012 12:21 AM
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17-year patrol veteran | He died protecting public from summer floods
Missing trooper’s body found
Remains found near original search area by Big Lake in Holt County where he and his dog were swept away.
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To reach Matt Campbell, call 816-234-4902 or send email to mcampbell@kcstar.com.
