Corporal Jonathon D. Fariole of Troop I was presented The MASTERS 2018 Public Service award at The MASTERS Annual Banquet and Patrol Awards Ceremony held in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on April 13, 2019.
In both his professional and personal life, Cpl. Fariole embodies the Patrol's Core Values.
In July 2017, Cpl. Fariole's infant son was diagnosed with lesional epilepsy caused by a brain tumor. He and his wife, Angela, kept family and friends informed and promoted epilepsy awareness through a special Facebook page. In May 2018, their son underwent successful epilepsy surgery and he remains seizure free. Throughout their son's experience and since, Cpl. Fariole and his wife have promoted epilepsy awareness. They work with the Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas, Sky Granny Epilepsy, and VFW posts in Dent and Phelps counties to educate the community. Through their efforts, local churches became involved. The Greentree Christian Church hosted an epilepsy awareness led by Cpl. Fariole and Angela. At the event, over 50 community members, including dentists, nurses, daycare providers, local law enforcement, and troopers, learned how to recognize the signs of an individual suffering a seizure event. Cpl. Fariole's relationship with community law enforcement, medical personnel, and fire and rescue units resulted in a successful 5K event to raise awareness and donations for this cause. Dubbed "Seize The Day 5K," this May 2018 event drew more than 150 participants and raised $8,000. A 2nd annual "Seize The Day 5K" will take place May 2019. Cpl. Fariole and his wife also assist family members of those diagnosed with epilepsy by providing information, connecting them with community resources, and offering compassion and support.
The MASTERS Public Service Award honors Cpl. Jonathon D. Fariole's professional and personal service to the people of Missouri.
The award was presented to Cpl. Fariole by MASTERS director, Caption Jack L. Merritt, Ret. Cpl. Fariole's wife, Angela, joined him in accepting the award.