In this episode of “Changing Times,” hosts Lynn Morris and Dr. Mary Byrne interview Terry Bible, a retired Missouri Highway Patrol officer with 27 years of service. They discuss the rich history of the Missouri Highway Patrol, Terry’s heroic experiences on the job, and his current pursuit of public office.
Key Highlights:
- Origins of the Missouri Highway Patrol: Terry explains that the organization’s roots date back to the 1920s, with its official formation in 1931. Early troopers patrolled mud-brick roads in Model A Roadsters with the top down—regardless of the weather—and wore distinct Persian caps.
- Terry’s Background: Before his career in the Highway Patrol, Terry served in the Marine Corps. He was inspired to pursue a career in law enforcement after completing a ride-along with his uncle, a sheriff’s deputy.
- A Heroic Rescue: Terry recounts receiving a Medal of Valor for saving a man named Muhammad from a burning tractor-trailer on September 10, 2022. Despite massive flames and others vacating the area, he entered the vehicle to pull the driver to safety.
- Running for Office: After retiring from the force, Terry chose to remain active in public service. He is currently running for Presiding Commissioner of Christian County, driven by a desire to continue serving and improving his community.
- Supporting Fallen Officers: Terry discusses MASTERS (Missouri Association of State Trooper Emergency Relief Society), an organization that provides immediate financial support and scholarships to the surviving families of troopers killed in the line of duty.
- A Personal Tragedy: He shares the story behind “A Trooper Lost His Father,” the opening poem in a book created by him and his wife to support MASTERS. The poem was written after Terry responded to an emergency call while on duty, only to discover the victim was his own father, whom he attempted to save with CPR.
