Montana Highway Patrol Troopers receive Award of Valor

HELENA, Mont. - Award of Valor is a rare award, agencies highest award, it takes a lot of heroism and bravery to put the badge on to go to work every day, dangerous situation that saved countless lives

Great opportunity to present award, obviously recognize some of our finest, two of our bravest/finest for the actions that they took in a very dangerous situation, it’s a great representation of the agency

Two Montana Highway Patrol troopers received their agency's highest award for their brave actions in a dangerous situation.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen presented sergeant Barry Kilpela and trooper Justin Knapp with the Award of Valor during a MHP ceremony in Helena on Thursday.

To qualify for the Award of Valor, troopers must show an act of heroism and bravery, knowingly expose themselves to obvious life-threatening peril, or react to a situation without regard for personal safety to effect aid or rescue.

In April of last year, both troopers located a Nebraska man in Big Timber who was wanted for threatening to use explosives.

The man fled and fired off shots. The troopers returned fire - killing the man.

Sergeant Kilpela and trooper Knapp are now recognized for putting their lives on the line to stop the suspect who was considered armed and dangerous.

“So when our law enforcement members step up and do that kind of thing it’s great to be able to recognize them and to show we appreciate what you do and we recognize it’s a dangerous job and we appreciate the work that you do everyday,” said Kurt Sager, Montana Highway Patrol colonel.

Sager adds the Award of Valor is a great representation of the agency and demonstrates what it takes to put the badge on and get to work every day.