MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop F Headquarters - 2920 North Shamrock Road - Jefferson City, MO 65102

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Scott White
(573) 751-1000
F190102
January 18, 2019

EMPHASIS: Patrol Awards Honorary Trooper Certificates To Miss Gabby Hale & Miss Arissa Huff


Captain Michael A. Turner, commanding officer of Troop F, Jefferson City, announces that Miss Gabby Hale and Miss Arissa Huff were awarded Missouri State Highway Patrol Honorary Trooper Certificates because of their courageous actions on October 30, 2018. The Honorary Trooper Certificate is presented to a non-employee who performs in an exemplary manner, and under dangerous conditions, to aid another, or who unselfishly assists a member in the performance of their duties. The young women were nominated due to their actions after an incident in Gasconade County. The presentation was held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 17, 2018, at Troop F Headquarters, Jefferson City, Missouri.

On October 30, 2018, Mr. Ian Huff was driving eastbound on U.S. Highway 50, near Mount Sterling, MO, with his three children. At some point while he was driving in Osage County, Mr. Huff suffered a medical emergency and could no longer influence the speed and direction of the vehicle. Miss Gabby Hale, 14, who was in the back seat, called their mother and 911. Miss Arissa Huff, 14, was in the front passenger seat. Miss Huff took over steering the car from her father. Mr. Huff’s foot was still on the accelerator. Miss Huff shifted the car in neutral and safely steered the car to the right shoulder. Once stopped, with Mr. Huff’s foot still forcing the accelerator down, Miss Huff turned the engine off and placed the transmission into park. A third child, also in the back seat, also was unharmed. Troopers located the vehicle on the shoulder of U.S. 50 at the Gasconade River Bridge. Mr. Huff was conscious, but unresponsive. EMS was directed to the location and treated Mr. Huff.

“Miss Hale and Miss Huff acted quickly and decisively in a dangerous situation,” said Captain Turner. “We are certain their actions prevented a traffic crash and likely saved lives.”

The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. “Don’t Violate The Trust.”

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