2005-52
NEWS RELEASE:   December 28, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT:   LT John Eichkorn 785-296-6800

Schroeder Promoted to Lieutenant

Colonel William Seck, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, has announced that Technical Trooper Mark A. Schroeder was promoted to lieutenant and assigned as a Western Region aircraft supervisor for the Patrol's aircraft units in Hays. Schroeder received his promotion on Oct. 23, 2005.

Schroeder joined the Patrol on March 17, 1996 as a trooper performing road patrol duties in the Holton area. In 1999, he was assigned as a trooper and pilot out of Hays. Schroeder was promoted to trooper II on March 19, 2000 and was promoted again in 2001 to sergeant. Schroeder's title changed in June of 2003 when he became a technical trooper, and continued to serve as a pilot out of Hays until his recent promotion to lieutenant. As a member of the Patrol, Schroeder has served as a pursuit driving instructor at the Patrol's Training Academy, and a troop director for the Kansas State Troopers Association. Schroeder received his instrument pilot rating in November 2000, and his commercial pilot rating in April 2003.

Schroeder was awarded the Commander's Commendation in January 2002 for exemplary service and significant contributions to the mission and goals of the Patrol. As a member of the Hays aircraft crew, he received a Unit Citation Award in March 2003 and again in June 2004 for missions flown, which contributed significantly to traffic safety and criminal arrest efforts. Schroeder received an award from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2003 for outstanding service to the state of Kansas in the domestic cannabis eradication and suppression program. He was awarded a second Commander's Commendation in June 2005 for providing aircraft services to western Kansas law enforcement officers and answering calls for service.

Schroeder is a graduate of Colby High School in Colby, Kan. He has an associate's degree in criminal justice and business administration from Colby Community College, and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Washburn University. Schroeder is a member of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He also is a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Knights of Columbus.