Award of Valor given to Montana Highway Patrol sergeant, trooper

Two members of a state law enforcement agency were honored this month for their valor and bravery in the line of duty following an incident in Big Timber that led to the death of an out-of-state suspect.

Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Barry Kilpela and Trooper Justin Knapp were given the Award of Valor by Attorney General Austin Knudsen for their bravery while attempting to execute a no-bond arrest warrant for a suspect out of Nebraska.

MHP Public Information Officer Kylie Gibson told Adams MultiMedia that the suspect was wanted for allegedly attempting to use explosives on a parole officer’s vehicle in Nebraska.

Local law enforcement was notified that the unidentified suspect was heading to Montana on April 3, describing the person as “armed and dangerous” in the press release.

“Our troopers demonstrate courage and professionalism on the job every day, making them some of the best officers in the nation,” Knudsen said in the release. “Today’s award is well-deserved.”

The release said that in order to receive the Award of Valor, “troopers must show an act of heroism and bravery” by putting themselves in “life-threatening peril” in disregard of their own safety in an effort to provide aid or rescue.

When Sgt. Kilpela reportedly spotted the suspect’s vehicle in Big Timber and called for backup, Trooper Knapp responded, attempting to pull the vehicle over.

The release said the driver did not comply and a pursuit ensued, leading to an unsuccessful PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver which forced the vehicle into a vacant lot.

The Nebraska suspect then opened fire on the MHP agents to which they returned fire, killing the suspect.

MHP Col. Kurt Sager commended the men for their bravery when facing dangerous circumstances.

“Words cannot fully express how proud I am of Sgt. Kilpela and Trooper Knapp,” Sager said in the release. “When faced with an armed and dangerous fugitive, they did not hesitate and knowingly placed themselves in harm’s way to ensure no innocent lives were lost. They demonstrated extraordinary bravery in the face of immediate and deadly danger. Their teamwork, courage, and integrity represent the highest standard of the law enforcement profession, and for that, I am deeply grateful.”