DPS Team Members of the Month
November Sworn Team Member of the Month
Jerry W. Hunter
Trooper
Missouri State Highway Patrol
November Non-Sworn Team Member of the Month
Mark Galler
Veterans Service Officer
Missouri Veterans Commission
Trooper Jerry W. Hunter, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop A, is the DPS Sworn Team Member of the Month for November 2025 for his heroic efforts to bring a double-murderer to justice, even after being shot by the killer.
On June 17, the man suspected of killing both his mother and stepfather in Arizona the previous day was spotted traveling on a motorcycle on a gravel road southwest of Sweet Springs, Mo. The rider had to turn around when his route of travel ended at a closed bridge. Because the man was wanted for two murders, Jerry positioned his Patrol vehicle to block off the road. The rider struck the vehicle, and the motorcycle crashed and threw the gunman from the bike. Jerry exited his vehicle as the rider ran back to his motorcycle and retrieved a concealed pistol. He fired one shot at Jerry, striking him in the upper left chest; the bullet pierced his shirt but was stopped by a folding knife Jerry kept attached by a strap on his ballistic vest. Jerry returned fire, fatally wounding the gunman. Jerry was treated for minor injuries and released from a hospital.
Determined to protect other officers and the community at large, Trooper Hunter calmly and bravely confronted a violent killer, ending the flight of a highly dangerous criminal.
Mark Galler, a Veterans Service Officer with the Missouri Veterans Commission, is the DPS Non-Sworn Team Member of the Month for November 2025 for his quick thinking, compassion and responsiveness when an emotionally distraught veteran was preparing to take his own life.
In spring 2025, Mark received a phone call from a veteran in distress and threating to take his own life. Mark kept the veteran on the phone and tried to calm him, as he simultaneously reached out to several resources over Webex and his personal cellphone. Mark referred the veteran to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and provided him with information he said he needed to confirm his military service. As they continued talking, Mark was able to determine the veteran’s approximate location and then got the sheriff’s office to perform a wellness check. Mark stayed on the phone with the veteran for about 90 minutes, until a sheriff’s deputy arrived to provide in-person assistance.
When a veteran was in desperate need of help, Mark dropped everything he was doing to assist, maintaining his composure and demonstrating concern and empathy for a fellow human being. His actions got the veteran through the immediate crisis and provided the opportunity for him to get the longer-term help he needed.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Congratulations to both Team Members of the Month! You have set an outstanding example for your co-workers throughout the Department of Public Safety.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety. Many Missions. One Team.