Trooper assists in time of need

To the editor:

A couple days after Thanksgiving I was moving from Florida back home to South Dakota. My tire went flat, and I was stranded in the middle of nowhere. I called AAA, but I didn't actually know where I was. I found out later I was about six miles south of Perryville, Mo., but since I couldn't tell AAA exactly where I was they couldn't help me.

AAA told me to call 911 and ask for help. The 911 operator was very nice and sent a highway patrol trooper out looking for me. An officer did find me. I didn't remember to get his name, but he changed my tire and jumped my car, which had died during the whole ordeal. He was patient and polite as I had to haul everything out of my trunk to get to the spare tire.

I am very grateful to this man and want you all to know what a wonderful police force you have down in Missouri. God bless him, and may he have a happy new year.

LINDSAY BRUCE, Vermillion, S.D.