Mooney to retire as state coordinator for Missouri Operation Lifesaver

Rick Mooney today retires from his post as state coordinator for Missouri Operation Lifesaver.

Mooney was appointed to the position in 1978. In addition to helping expand the state's program and forging partnerships with law enforcement, Mooney has served in several leadership positions with Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), including chair of the former Program Development Committee.

He also served as senior state coordinator regional representative on the group's National Advisory Council.

In June, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon honored Mooney with a proclamation commending his efforts at reducing highway-rail grade crossing collisions and trespasser incidents, OLI officials said in a news release.

"Rick Mooney has made major contributions to the Operation Lifesaver organization, both at the state and national level," said Joyce Rose, president and chief executive officer of OLI. "During his tenure as Missouri state coordinator, crossing collisions plummeted 88 percent across the state, and trespass casualties have been reduced by 38 percent. We are extremely grateful for his leadership and dedication to improving rail safety."

Former Missouri Highway Patrol Captain Tim Hull will succeed Mooney as state coordinator.

Hull was named state co-coordinator Sept. 1. He retired in March from the Missouri Highway Patrol's Public Information and Education Division after 32 years.