Colonel Eric T. Olson, Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, has announced an upcoming promotion within the organization. Effective May 1, 2024, Lieutenant Danielle E. Heil, currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control, will be promoted to the rank of Captain. In her new role, she will serve as the Director of the Recruiting and Community Outreach Division.
Lieutenant Heil’s career with the Patrol began on July 1, 1997, when she joined as part of the 74th Recruit Class. After completing her training at the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, she was initially assigned to Troop E, covering Zone 6, which includes Scott, Mississippi, and New Madrid counties. On January 1, 2000, she transitioned to Troop D, in Zone 12, located in Christian County. Her career path took a significant turn on May 27, 2007, when she transferred to the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Narcotics Unit. Following her dedication and hard work, Heil was promoted to Corporal on August 1, 2008, and then to Sergeant on December 1, 2012, continuing her service within the Division of Drug and Crime Control. Her leadership skills were further recognized on September 1, 2022, when she was promoted to Lieutenant and took on the role of Assistant Director of the Division.
Captain Heil, born Danielle Roussel, hails from Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She is a 1994 graduate of Cape Central High School and attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau before embarking on her law enforcement career. Captain Heil is married to Corporal Chad A. Heil (Q/TND), and together they are raising three children.
