Trooper Frederick F. Guthrie Jr.
Badge #1322
On August 1, 2011, Trooper Frederick F. Guthrie Jr., 46, of Platte City, MO, and his Patrol K-9 Reed, were assigned to Missouri River flood duty. They were working in the area of Big Lake on Missouri Highway 118 at Missouri Highway 111 in Holt County, MO, when they were apparently swept away by swift flood water. Trooper Guthrie joined the then Missouri State Water Patrol on January 2, 1994, and transitioned to trooper with the merger to the Highway Patrol January 1, 2011, where he has served in the Water Patrol Division within Troop A serving Platte County.
On Tuesday August 2, 2011 at approximately 6:25 p.m. K-9 Reed was located in swift moving flood water approximately 100 yards from where Trooper Guthrie’s Patrol truck and boat were located. Trooper Guthrie’s K-9, Reed, was a five year veteran with the Patrol.
On September 28, 2011 Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, regretfully announced the official death of Trooper Frederick “Fred” F. Guthrie Jr. This announcement followed the issuance of Letters of Independent Administration by Platte County Associate Circuit Judge, James Van Amburg to Trooper Guthrie’s spouse, Mrs. Teresa Guthrie. Judge Van Amburg issued the letters after hearing evidence and declaring that Trooper Guthrie was killed in the line of duty on August 1, 2011.
Troop H officers continue to search daily for Trooper Guthrie’s body. He is believed to have drown, and is still missing.
http://www.mshp.dps.mo.gov/MSHPWeb/UltimateSacrifice/OfficerPages/trooperFrederickGuthrie.html
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Body of Trooper Fred Guthrie Found in Holt County
January 12, 2012
HOLT COUNTY, Mo. — The body of Trooper Fred Guthrie was discovered today in Holt County.
The Missouri Highway Patrol said Guthrie’s body was located in a brush pile south of where his K-9, Reed, was recovered near the original search site.
“The recovery of Tpr. Guthrie’s body will give closure and comfort to the family, community, and members of the Patrol,” said Col. Ronald Replogle. “I would also like to thank everyone who helped or volunteered during the search efforts.”
Guthrie and Reed disappeared August 1, 2011 while working on flood duty near Big Lake.
The Highway Patrol said the two were swept away by swift flood water. Reed’s body was found the following day.
Crews searched for Guthrie for months without any success.
Services were held for the trooper in December. He was a 17-year veteran of the Water Patrol and Highway Patrol.
