MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
Q4162012 (573) 526-6115

April 16, 2012
EMPHASIS: Patrol Honors 32 Employees At Annual Ceremony

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, congratulates the 32 employees honored at the Patrol’s annual awards and The MASTERS banquet on April 14, 2012. Held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center, in Columbia, MO, family, friends, and The MASTERS members gathered to honor the heroes of 2011. Major Dale A. Schmidt, Q/SSB, served as emcee; Troop E’s Color Guard presented the colors while Chief Operator Roger M. Heard, Troop H, played the bagpipes; Trooper Kevin R. Waters, Troop D, sang the National Anthem; Patrol Chaplain Pastor William F. Koch, Troop H, gave the invocation and benediction; and Colonel Replogle presented the awards. Mr. Douglas Mitchell, president of The MASTERS, presented The MASTERS Public Service Award.

Listed are the awards and descriptions:

2011
Memorial Award
Trooper Frederick F. "Fred" Guthrie Jr., Troop A

On August 1, 2011, Trooper Frederick F. "Fred" Guthrie Jr., Troop A, and his Patrol K-9 Reed were assigned to the Missouri River flood duty. They were working in the area of Big Lake on Missouri Highway 118 at Missouri 111 in Holt County. Apparently, they were swept away by swift flood water.

On Tuesday, August 2, 2011, the body of K-9 Reed surfaced in the swift moving flood water approximately 100 yards from where Trooper Guthrie's truck and boat were located. K-9 Reed was a five-year veteran.

On September 28, 2011, Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, regretfully announced the official death of Trooper Frederick "Fred" F. Guthrie Jr. This announcement followed the issuance of Letters of Independent Administration by Platte County Associate Circuit Judge James Van Amburg to Trooper Guthrie's spouse, Mrs. Teresa Guthrie. Judge Van Amburg issued the letters after hearing evidence and declaring that Trooper Guthrie was killed in the line of duty on August 1, 2011.

The search for Trooper Guthrie continued, and on January 12, 2012, his body was recovered near the original search site.

Trooper Frederick F. "Fred" Guthrie Jr., 46, served and protected the citizens of Missouri for over 17 years. He became an officer of the Missouri State Water Patrol in 1994, then transitioned to trooper upon the merger to the Missouri State Highway Patrol on January 1, 2011. He is the 30th member of the Patrol to make the ultimate sacrifice. He is survived by his wife, Teresa, and three children, Amber, Dylan, and Cody.

2011
The MASTERS Public Service Award
Lieutenant Steve P. Davis, Troop I

Lieutenant Steve P. Davis, Troop I, is a living example of community service. He has lived and worked in four of the six counties in the Troop I area. As he performed his duties in each area, he became an integral part of his community through his local church, schools, and other civic organizations. He supported his three children's teams as a coach or in fundraising efforts, and he managed a youth football team for many years. Lieutenant Davis was instrumental in the implementation of a security team at his church. The team provides security and safe sanctuary during church events.

Lieutenant Davis volunteers with the Barwick/Newton National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. This non-profit, benevolent organization is dedicated to supporting law enforcement families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. Lieutenant Davis works tirelessly for this organization, raising funds to ensure families of fallen officers are able to attend the national law enforcement memorial service in Washington, D.C.

Lieutenant Davis currently serves as president of the Rotary Club of Rolla. This club supports local food pantries and other local charities, provides scholarships to high school students, and sponsors youth attending Boys State or Girls State. He has been dedicated to Special Olympics Missouri throughout his life and is the Region 6 coordinator.

2011
Lifesaving Award
Clerk Typist II Lacey D. Loring, Troop G

In October 2011, Clerk Typist II Lacey D. Loring prepared shrimp scampi for her family. Afterward, she took her young daughter to the bathroom for a bath. When she realized she'd forgotten a towel, she and her daughter went to the laundry room to get one. As she and her daughter made their way back to the bathroom, Clerk Typist Loring heard a loud noise coming from the kitchen. She investigated what sounded like someone kicking the kitchen cabinets only to find her husband, Trooper Garrett J. Loring, throwing himself against the sink. It became apparent that he was choking on a piece of shrimp and in danger of losing consciousness. Clerk Typist Loring went to him immediately, and administered three abdominal thrusts. When she checked her husband's condition, he signaled to her that he still could not breathe. Trooper Loring was noticeably blue in the face and unable to assist her. Clerk Typist Loring again administered an abdominal thrust. His throat then cleared and he began to cough uncontrollably. Trooper Loring recovered fully from the incident.

2011
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Adam K. Buff, Troop D

On November 15, 2011, Trooper Adam K. Buff was on routine patrol on Missouri Highway 76 in Stone County. Two people flagged him down at an intersection. He stopped and learned a man in a pickup truck was experiencing a seizure or unknown medical condition. Trooper Buff immediately responded to the pickup truck. He saw an unresponsive, older gentleman sitting in the driver's seat. Trooper Buff placed the pickup in park and assessed the man's vital signs. He did not detect a pulse and observed that the gentleman appeared to be in the final stages of agonal breathing. Trooper Buff and the two witnesses moved the man from his truck onto the ground. A civilian approached Trooper Buff and identified himself as an emergency medical technician. Together, they administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation until the fire department arrived and took over. An ambulance arrived and transported the gentleman to the hospital. Unfortunately, the man did not survive.

2011
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Walter L. "Corky" Burr, Trooper Clinton S. Mason, Trooper Arthur G. "Arty" Torbeck, Corporal Robert B. Byrnes, Corporal Jason R. Cornett, Corporal Brandon D. Helms, Corporal Eddie J. Walker, and Sergeant Jeffrey B. Johnson, all Troop D

On Sunday, May 22, 2011, at approximately 5:41 p.m., a catastrophic EF5 multiple-vortex tornado struck the cities of Joplin and Duquesne, Missouri. A total of 161 deaths have been attributed to this storm system. After the tornado went through, these troopers responded to the St. John's Regional Medical Center. This nine story structure was deemed unsafe for entry in the days after the storm. However, each of these officers entered the hospital and began assisting hospital staff. They helped the injured, removed patients from the building so they might be relocated to a temporary facility, and identified the locations of any deceased people in the hospital. These tasks were made more difficult by the lack of an operating elevator, limited lighting, and compromised structural integrity of the interior and exterior of the building.

These officers served as "the calm after the storm." Their diligence and perseverance in the initial hours following the tornado were essential to the patients and employees at St. John's Regional Medical Center.

2011
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Michael W. Coleman and Trooper James P. Johnson, both Troop B

On November 13, 2011, Trooper Michael W. Coleman and Trooper James P. Johnson overheard radio traffic between Marion County 9-1-1 Emergency Services and the Marion County Sheriff's Department regarding a medical emergency. Due to their close proximity and the seriousness of the call, the troopers responded. Trooper Coleman and Trooper Johnson were the first emergency responders to arrive at the residence. They found an unresponsive man lying on the floor. A friend was administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Trooper Coleman and Trooper Johnson then relieved the friend and began two-person cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After three cycles, the man's pulse returned. When ambulance personnel arrived, they transported the man to the hospital. The gentleman survived the incident.


2011
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Joseph D. Flynn, Troop C

On July 28, 2011, Trooper Joseph D. Flynn and Trooper Jeffery D. Maudlin were riding their motorcycles on Interstate 44 in St. Louis County while off duty. When Trooper Flynn lost sight of Trooper Maudlin, he pulled to the shoulder to allow his friend to catch up to him. The passenger vehicle directly behind Trooper Flynn abruptly swerved into the left lane. Trooper Maudlin was behind the vehicle when that occurred, and had to brake suddenly. Trooper Maudlin's motorcycle began to skid. He was ejected in front of his motorcycle, which overturned and landed on top of him. Trooper Flynn ran back to the scene, lifted the 500-pound motorcycle off his friend, then moved Trooper Maudlin to the shoulder while protecting his head and neck. Trooper Flynn then positioned Trooper Maudlin's motorcycle to warn other motorists, and asked a witness to contact emergency services. He rendered first aid to Trooper Maudlin until the ambulance arrived. Trooper Maudlin has since recovered from the crash and returned to duty.


2011
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Aaron K. Griffin, Troop H

On May 13, 2011, Trooper Aaron K. Griffin was driving home from training on Missouri Highway 13 near Richmond, Missouri, when he happened upon a serious traffic crash involving multiple vehicles. There were no other emergency vehicles on scene. When he learned there were severely injured occupants in one of the vehicles, he retrieved his medical kit. While a civilian assisted the driver, who was conscious, Trooper Griffin checked the passenger, who was unconscious and unresponsive. It appeared the passenger wasn't breathing properly, so Trooper Griffin stabilized her head and neck to avoid the possibility of positional asphyxiation. When emergency medical personnel arrived they relieved him. Trooper Griffin was able to provide pertinent information about the crash to the responding trooper. According to other emergency personnel, Trooper Griffin's immediate aid to these injured persons was instrumental to their survival.

2011
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Christopher D. "Chris" Hamlett, Troop E

On June 21, 2011, Trooper Christopher D. "Chris" Hamlett, Troop E, responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Missouri Route P at St. John's Bayou in New Madrid County. A sport utility vehicle had traveled off the right side of the roadway into a flooded drainage ditch. Submerged to its luggage rack, the vehicle traveled downstream in the swift water. Two civilians swam to the vehicle and broke out the sunroof and driver's side window in an effort to rescue the driver. Trooper James C. Cooksey, Troop E, arrived on scene, also. Trooper Cooksey swam to the vehicle, and Trooper Hamlett swam to a position between the bank and the vehicle. Due to weeks of record flooding, there was an abundance of trees, root wads, and debris in the swift moving, murky, deep water. At one point, debris from a large, submerged tree struck Trooper Hamlett, pulling him under water. He regained his footing and was able to assist Trooper Cooksey, who swam to him with the driver. Trooper Hamlett and a third civilian pulled the driver back to shore and onto the bank. Trooper Hamlett and Trooper Cooksey then performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation until an ambulance arrived. Sadly, the driver did not survive.

2011
Lifesaving Award
Lieutenant Wayne E. Talburt and Trooper Johnathan R. "John" Roberts, both Troop G.

On April 22, 2011, three people went kayaking down the North Fork River while the river was in flood stage conditions. A submerged tree above the Twin Bridges flipped all three kayaks, putting their passengers into the river before floating away. Two of the men were able to swim to shore and get out of the river. When they didn't see the third member of their group, they ran down the bank to Twin Bridges Canoe Rental and contacted the Douglas County Sheriff's Department. Emergency personnel arrived and located the man hanging onto a log in the middle of the river.

Lieutenant Wayne E. Talburt and Trooper Johnathan R. "John" Roberts were able to launch a rescue boat into the swift flood waters of the North Fork River with the help of Trooper Justin D. Piccinino. Wearing swift water rescue suits, the two made their way to the stranded man. Lieutenant Talburt operated the boat while Trooper Roberts first operated the spotlight, then put a life preserver on the man in the river. Trooper Roberts then helped the man into the boat. Once the man was safely seated on the bottom of the boat, Lieutenant Talburt maneuvered the boat in the dangerous waters back to shore. An ambulance awaited their arrival and took over the care of the man. The man recovered from the incident.

2011
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Johnathan R. "John" Roberts, Troop G

On June 14, 2011, Trooper Johnathan R. "John" Roberts, Lieutenant Wayne E. Talburt, and a concerned citizen were instrumental in the rescue and care of a stranded woman and two teenagers. Originally, the group was floating on inner tubes down the North Fork River. When one tube was punctured, the group left the water and decided to walk back to the Hammond Camp area where their vehicle was parked. Initially, they took a route through the woods, but then decided to make their way back to the river to prevent becoming lost.

As they attempted to climb down a bluff to the river, the woman fell about 20 feet onto a rock ledge approximately 150 feet above a gravel bar. Unable to climb back up the bluff safely, she stayed on the ledge. The two teenagers were concerned about sliding down the bluff and over the edge. They got the attention of three people floating on the river, and one of those people paddled to Hammond Camp area and phoned 9-1-1. The man then returned to the scene with two canoes.

Trooper Roberts and Lieutenant Talburt arrived to assist the group to safety. Lieutenant Talburt climbed the bluff to the teenagers, and Trooper Roberts stationed himself on the gravel bar. The civilian assisting the troopers climbed to a place halfway between the two officers. Lieutenant Talburt then lowered each of the teenagers down to the civilian, who lowered them down to Trooper Roberts. Lieutenant Talburt then climbed to the injured woman and repeated the process until the entire group and their three rescuers were standing safely on the gravel bar. The rescuers placed the women into the canoes, then pulled them 3/4 mile to the Hammond Camp area.


2011
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Ivy A. Warren, Troop D

On December 4, 2011, Trooper Ivy A. Warren, Trooper Michael W. "Mike" Lee, and Sergeant Gregory D. "Greg" Smith took their lunch break at the Pizza Hut in Ozark, Missouri. A man ran into the restaurant and said his eight-month-old son was choking. Trooper Warren assessed the baby's condition and found that he appeared to be having difficulty breathing. Suspecting an obstruction in his airway, she turned the baby over, lowered his head, and applied several blows between his shoulder blades. When rechecking the baby's airway, it appeared to be clear and the infant began breathing better. Rescue personnel arrived on scene and further medical attention was turned over to them. The infant appeared more active, and the father did not seek additional treatment.


2011
Lifesaving Award
Trooper Leslie A. "Les" Wilson, Troop D

On October 9, 2011, Trooper Leslie A. "Les" Wilson overheard the Barry County 9-1-1 Center dispatch the Barry County Sheriff's Department to a residence. A man was outside his residence threatening to kill himself. Trooper Wilson responded to the scene to provide assistance. Just prior to his arrival, Trooper Wilson overheard Barry County 9-1-1 advise that the male subject had climbed a tree and hung himself. Upon his arrival, Trooper Wilson saw the man hanging from a low limb and observed a female near the tree. The man had an orange extension cord wrapped around his neck and the branch, and a metal chair was lying by the tree. The man's knees were touching the ground. Trooper Wilson lifted the man and instructed the woman to untie the cord. He then laid the man on the ground. Trooper Wilson located a pulse, but the man was not breathing. Therefore, he administered a sternum rub, which stimulated the man to take a breath. Trooper Wilson then placed the man into a recovery position until the ambulance arrived. An air ambulance transported the man to the hospital, where he recovered.

2011
Lifesaving Award
Corporal Robert E. "Bob" Hoehn, Troop C

On May 21, 2011, Corporal Robert E. "Bob" Hoehn was attending a surprise birthday party while off duty. One of the attendees, who had a respiratory condition, began coughing while cooking fish. The coughing progressed until it was so severe the gentleman fell to the floor unconscious. Corporal Hoehn became aware of the situation and responded. Believing the gentleman's breathing stopped due to a piece of fish obstructing his airway, Corporal Hoehn performed a chest thrust. This cleared the airway and the gentleman started to breathe. An ambulance arrived and transported him to the hospital. The gentleman recovered fully from the incident. His physician is confident that Corporal Hoehn's quick thinking and action saved the man's life.

2011
Lifesaving Award
Corporal Kyle D. Wilmont, Troop I

On December 31, 2011, Corporal Kyle D. Wilmont overheard radio traffic from the Salem Police Department regarding a suicidal subject. He immediately responded to the residence to provide assistance. Upon arriving, Corporal Wilmont and Salem Police Officer Joe Chase entered the home and found a man, wearing only a pair of shorts and covered in blood, lying face down in the hallway. After seeing the officers, the man got up and ran into a bedroom and jumped onto an unconscious female lying on the bed.

Corporal Wilmont observed blood squirting from a large hole in the man's neck. When the two officers attempted to calm the man, he became combative, striking and kicking the officers. The two officers were able to gain control and Corporal Wilmont recognized the wound was spewing blood with each heart beat. Corporal Wilmont applied pressure to the man's neck believing his carotid artery had been cut. Corporal Wilmont was able to calm the man somewhat by talking to him.

When emergency medical personnel arrived, the subject again became combative. Corporal Wilmont maintained control of the subject and kept pressure on the artery, so he could be assessed. When the man went into cardiac arrest, medical personnel worked to stabilize him. At this time, the female subject regained consciousness and became extremely aggressive. She spit on the officers and kicked Corporal Wilmont as he assisted the medical personnel. Once medical personnel took over the care of the male subject, Corporal Wilmont was able to restrain the female and take her into custody.

The man was transported to an area hospital and then flown to a trauma center in St. Louis. He survived the incident. The female was taken to a local hospital where she recovered fully from a drug overdose.


2011
Meritorious Service Award
Trooper Douglas E. "Doug" Fessenden, Corporal Ryan S. Smith, and Sergeant Mark D. DeGraffenreid, all Troop A

On June 1, 2011, a statewide bulletin made law enforcement aware of a subject wanted for a homicide in St. Joseph, Missouri. It was believed the suspect had murdered his pregnant wife while his other two children were in the residence. Additional information led authorities to believe the suspect was on Interstate 70 near Concordia, Missouri.

Sergeant Mark D. DeGraffenreid responded. When the suspect vehicle passed him, he followed without emergency equipment activated to allow backup to arrive. The suspect exited onto U.S. Highway 65 south. Corporal Ryan S. Smith had driven north from Sedalia to assist. He moved to the southbound lanes and deployed a tire deflation device in the event the suspect fled from the initial traffic stop. Seeing this, Sergeant DeGraffenreid activated his emergency lights to initiate the stop. The suspect drove into the median crossover, stopped, and then began firing multiple rounds at Sergeant DeGraffenreid, striking his patrol vehicle several times. Sergeant DeGraffenreid stopped and returned fire as the suspect fled in the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 65 at a high rate of speed. Trooper Douglas E. "Doug" Fessenden arrived and joined the pursuit.

Just past the Interstate 70/U.S. Highway 65 interchange, the suspect fired multiple rounds indiscriminately at southbound traffic. Bullets struck three southbound vehicles and two drivers. When his vehicle's right rear tire became flat, the suspect pulled to the shoulder. Sergeant DeGraffenreid and Trooper Fessenden stopped approximately 300 yards from the suspect.

The suspect then released a barrage of rounds at the officers striking their vehicles. Sergeant DeGraffenreid removed his shotgun from his vehicle as glass from his windshield exploded. As Trooper Fessenden exited his car, a bullet entered the windshield and splintered through the dashboard and steering wheel. By this time, Corporal Smith had arrived on scene and was parked a short distance behind Trooper Fessenden. As Corporal Smith exited his car, a round shattered the driver's door window.

Sergeant DeGraffenreid and Trooper Fessenden returned cover fire, re-entered their vehicles, and put distance between themselves and the threat. After a period of time with no shots fired by the suspect, it was determined he had taken his own life. The investigation revealed a scoped .223-caliber assault rifle with a dual drum magazine capable of holding 100 rounds of ammunition in addition to a Glock located in the suspect's possession.


2011
Meritorious Service Award
Corporal Donald M. "Mark" Hedrick, Troop I

On November 15, 2011, a suspect reportedly fired many rounds into a girlfriend's residence and left the scene in a stolen vehicle. An extensive search did not locate the suspect. Over the next few days, reports surfaced about the suspect's location and activities, however, he was not apprehended. In one instance, a pursuit involving the suspect took place on Missouri Highway 32. The suspect rammed a patrol vehicle twice, thus disabling it, and then fled the scene.

On November 26, 2011, Troop I notified Corporal Donald M. "Mark" Hedrick of a possible location for the suspect. Corporal Hedrick met with Trooper Nicholas A. "Nick" Smith, and the Pulaski County sheriff and a deputy to devise a plan for apprehending this man. Corporal Hedrick and Trooper Smith located the man in a stolen truck. When confronted, the suspect attempted to run over the officers and then sped away from the scene. The troopers pursued him until his vehicle traveled off the road and became disabled. The suspect fired several rounds and brandished a firearm while inside the truck, causing Corporal Hedrick to return fire. The investigation later revealed that the suspect had shot himself as well as being shot by the trooper. The suspect died at the scene.


2011
Meritorious Service Award
Lieutenant Wayne E. Talburt, Troop G

On June 14, 2011, a woman and two teenagers were enjoying the North Fork River, floating on inner tubes. When one tube was punctured, the group left the water, and decided to walk back to the Hammond Camp area where their vehicle was parked. Initially, they took a route through the woods, but then decided to make their way back to the river to prevent becoming lost.

As they attempted to climb down a bluff to the river, the woman fell about 20 feet onto a rock ledge approximately 150 feet above a gravel bar. Unable to climb back up the bluff safely, she stayed on the ledge. The two teenagers were concerned about sliding down the bluff and over the edge. They got the attention of three people floating on the river, and one of those people paddled to Hammond Camp area and phoned 9-1-1. The man then returned to the scene with two canoes.

Lieutenant Wayne E. Talburt, Trooper Johnathan R. Roberts, and members of the Dora Volunteer Fire Department arrived to assist the group to safety. Lieutenant Talburt sent the fire department volunteers with rappelling rope to the top of a nearby bluff. Lieutenant Talburt and Trooper Roberts then waded down the river closer to the stranded group. Lieutenant Talburt was able to find hand holds and toe holds up the face of the bluff. Thus, he climbed up the bluff to the two stranded teenagers, who were hanging on to a tree.

The civilian assisting him followed, stopping halfway up the bluff. Once they were in place, Lieutenant Talburt slowly lowered each of the teenagers down to the civilian, who in turn handed them down to Trooper Roberts. Once the teenagers were safely on the gravel bar with Trooper Roberts, Lieutenant Talburt worked his way across the bluff to the stranded woman. He pulled her up the bluff off the rock ledge, helped her across the bluff, then down into the waiting hands of the civilian. The civilian then handed her down to Trooper Roberts.

The rescuers placed all three people into the canoes, then pulled them 3/4 mile to the Hammond Camp area.


2011
Civilian of the Year
Commercial Vehicle Officer Supervisor I Steve D. Wilmesherr, Troop C

Commercial Vehicle Officer Supervisor I Steve D. Wilmesherr has been working for the Missouri State Highway Patrol since March 4, 1994. Since that date, he has supported the Patrol's mission of service and protection through his enforcement activity and by providing presentations in his areas of expertise. His skill in drug interdiction resulted in his being named Interdictor of the Year by the Drug Interdiction Assistance Program. He is a working supervisor, regularly working all shifts and changing his own schedule should coverage needs demand it. Others know they can depend on CVO Supervisor Wilmesherr when they have questions related to commercial motor vehicle laws and regulations, as well as the mechanical operation of these vehicles. CVO Supervisor Wilmesherr also presented several programs to the public regarding commercial vehicle enforcement inspection issues and traveling safely around commercial vehicles. CVO Wilmersherr's leadership and technical knowledge is an asset to the state of Missouri.


2011
Benjamin Oliver Booth Officer of the Year
Captain Duane L. Robinson, Troop H

Captain Duane L. Robinson is a 24-year veteran of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He has been a strong leader and has been tasked with many responsibilities during his tenure. During 2011, historic flooding in Northwest Missouri required Captain Robinson's experience and leadership during this stressful and sometimes dangerous time for the citizens in this area. On August 1, 2011, this situation culminated with the tragic loss of Trooper Frederick F. "Fred" Guthrie Jr. and his K-9 partner, Reed, to flood waters in Holt County. Captain Robinson tirelessly led the recovery and assistance efforts for the family and the Patrol. This detail included over 170 officers and over 11,000 man-hours. He has been a leader in this effort from the time Trooper Guthrie went missing until January 12, 2012, when his body was recovered. He not only provided leadership for the troop and support to the Guthrie family, he handled the necessary logistics and communication requirements needed when several agencies work together. He could be found often at the recovery site, working alongside those he leads.

2011
Valor Award
Trooper James C. "Jim" Cooksey, Troop E

On June 21, 2011, Trooper James C. "Jim" Cooksey responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Missouri Route P in St. John's Bayou in New Madrid County. A sport utility vehicle had traveled off the right side of the roadway into a flooded drainage ditch. Submerged to its luggage rack, the vehicle traveled downstream in the swift water. Two civilians swam to the vehicle, and broke out the sunroof and driver's side window in an effort to rescue the driver. Trooper Christopher D. Hamlett, Troop E, arrived on scene, also. Due to weeks of record flooding, there was an abundance of trees, root wads, and debris in the swift moving, murky, deep water. Trooper Cooksey swam to the vehicle and assisted the civilians in removing the driver. He then swam with the driver to Trooper Hamlett, who was positioned halfway between the vehicle and the shore. Trooper Hamlett and a third civilian pulled the driver back to shore and onto the bank. Trooper Cooksey and Trooper Hamlett performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation until an ambulance arrived. Sadly, the driver did not survive.

2011
Valor Award
Corporal Reid T. Fessler, Troop B

On February 24, 2011, Corporal Reid T. Fessler was traveling southbound on Missouri Highway 5 in Sullivan County. After observing a northbound vehicle stopped partially in
his lane, Corporal Fessler stopped to check on the driver. As he approached the vehicle, it began to travel in reverse. The vehicle left the roadway and eventually became stuck in a fence. Corporal Fessler went to the vehicle and observed the driver as being unresponsive. He attempted to open the vehicle's doors without success. A medical condition prevented the driver from removing his foot from the accelerator. This caused the vehicle's tires to spin and eventually catch fire. Corporal Fessler broke out the windows using his baton, placed the car in park, and attempted to remove the driver. By now, fire had begun to engulf the rear of the vehicle. A civilian arrived and began to assist Corporal Fessler in removing the driver from the burning vehicle. Although the two men were able to pull the driver partway out of the vehicle, one of his legs remained wedged inside. When Sullivan County sheriff's deputies arrived, they were able to help remove the driver completely from the vehicle and away from the fire. The driver has since recovered. Corporal Fessler sustained cuts to his hands and burns to the right side of his face and head.

2011
Purple Heart
Sergeant Timothy D. "Tim" Peters, Troop I

On August 25, 2011, Sergeant Timothy D. "Tim" Peters responded to a call for service on Interstate 44 near the 131-mile marker. His contact with the driver of a sport motorcycle led him to believe the man was intoxicated. Thus, he placed the driver under arrest. The driver refused to obey Sergeant Peters' verbal commands. Sergeant Peters was forced to use OC spray and take the man down to the ground. A struggle ensued, but ultimately, Sergeant Peters successfully handcuffed the suspect.

Sergeant Peters then called Troop I and requested assistance. As Sergeant Peters and a Laclede County deputy escorted the suspect to the deputy's car, the suspect pulled away and ran into the eastbound lanes of Interstate 44. The officers attempted to remove him from the roadway. The suspect's struggles caused all three men to fall down an embankment. The suspect then kicked each officer in the head. They continued to struggle with the suspect until additional Laclede County deputies and officers from the Lebanon Police Department arrived. The suspect continued to struggle as he was placed into a patrol vehicle and again when being placed in a cell at the Laclede County Jail.

Sergeant Peters drove himself to St. John's Hospital in Lebanon, Missouri. Due to the seriousness of the injuries Sergeant Peters sustained, he is unh