Trooper Russell W. Harper

Trooper Russell W. Harper was shot and killed February 8, 1987, after he pulled over a pick-up truck being driven by Glennon P. Sweet for a traffic violation. The traffic stop occurred east of U.S. Highway 65 and U.S. Highway 60 near Farm Route 189 in Greene County. Before Trooper Harper could exit his vehicle Sweet emerged from the truck and fired several rounds at Trooper Harper through the patrol car's windshield. Trooper Harper was killed by the gun fire and Sweet left the scene.

After an intensive manhunt by several law enforcement agencies, Sweet was arrested and convicted for the murder of Trooper Harper. He was executed for his crimes by the state of Missouri in 1998.

Trooper Russell W. Harper, 45, was the 14th member of the Patrol to lose his life in the performance of his duties.