Two local troopers were among 29 Missouri State Highway Patrols to be recognized with awards at an annual banquet held Saturday in Cape Girardeau.
Cpl. Johnathan R. Roberts and Sgt. Adam R. Johnson of Troop G, Willow Springs, were among nine troopers presented the Meritorious Service Award for life-saving water rescue efforts they made last May. The recognition is bestowed on patrol employees who perform exemplary service beyond the call of duty in unusual circumstances.
On May 14, 2023, Roberts and Johnson were dispatched to the North Fork River near Hales Crossing, about 10 miles north of Twin Bridges in Douglas County. When they arrived, they observed the river to be three to four times its normal size as heavy rain caused extensive flash flooding. Roberts and Johnson launched their inflatable boat and proceeded downriver, finding a woman hanging onto a tree, partially submerged.
Johnson maneuvered the boat while Roberts pulled the victim into the boat and secured her in a lifejacket. After leaving the female with emergency medical personnel, the pair returned to the area, where they had heard a man yelling for help as they rescued the woman, and found the man on top of a log in the middle of the river.
Large trees and heavy debris prevented them from reaching him easily. Thus, they traveled down river to find an opening that would allow them to gain access. Roberts maneuvered the boat through the trees while Johnson pushed the boat around some trees and tied it off to other trees as they made their way through the narrow passageways. The officers reached the man and assisted him into the boat, then transported him to medical personnel for treatment.
"Our award winners are a reflection of the high caliber of individuals the Missouri State Highway Patrol employs,” said Col. Eric Olson, patrol superintendent. “Every day, our employees go above and beyond to serve and protect Missourians. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients."
Johnson and Roberts were named Missouri State Team Members for the month of November 2023 for their life-saving efforts, and State Department of Public Safety Sworn Team Members of the Month in October. They have served the patrol for 15 and 17 years, respectively.
