Mosier stormed in and Pettis has been better ever since

Tim Mosier has worn a few caps in his life — cop, guardsman, storm chaser, author and nationally-recognized emergency director.

And through them all, he’s served his home area of Sedalia and Pettis County.

When longtime family friend Vivian Wissman saw the nomination form for the Freedom Torch Award, she thought “that’s Tim Mosier.”

Mosier was “always helping others,” Wissman said. “Whatever job he took, he did it to the best of his ability.”

Mosier started his career early, chasing storms at age 16, running around with a radio and looking for acceptance from seasoned spotters.

In 1971 he joined the Army National Guard, from which he retired as a sergeant in 1995.

“I enjoyed it. I could help the state and the county at the same time,” Mosier said of his time in the guard. “I definitely didn’t do it for the money.”

The Sedalia native continued giving to his community in his work throughout his career. He was a Sedalia police officer from 1973 to 1999, reaching captain before leaving the force to take up his highest-profile post as Sedalia Pettis County Emergency Management director.

He joined the force to “try to make a difference,” he said. It was a dangerous time for law enforcement.

“When I first started back in ’73, it was nothing to get shot at twice a week,” said Mosier, who was nicked on the shoulder. “You learn real quick you’re supposed to get down.”

In his spare time, he also served as security chief for the Missouri State Fair, was deputy EMA director and author of several books and articles.

After stepping up to EMA director, Mosier established a nationally-known EMA volunteer organization in Pettis County, for which he was recognized by President George W. Bush in 2002.

He called the volunteer corps his signature accomplishment.

“I’ve got so much respect for volunteers, of all kinds. But especially these guys.” he said. “They’ll do anything, anytime.”

Local programs such as Pettis County Cares, where volunteers look after those who can’t take care of themselves, and the Critical Utilities Protection Plan, which keeps an eye on critical infrastructure points in Pettis County, are products of Mosier’s work.

Mosier also was instrumental in bringing in federal funds to set up a highly specialized emergency response system, including funds for the county’s mobile command center.

The highly stressful work took its toll on Mosier, who stepped down as director last year after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

But Mosier, 55, hasn’t let his ailments get him down. “I’m still the happiest guy in Pettis County,” he said.

He said the nomination was “a great honor,” but that his rewards have already come from what the community has given to him throughout his years of service.

In retirement, he still follows his volunteers’ adventures on his personal scanner. “I’ll follow them guys until my last breath,” he said.