Local Troopers Receive Hedstrom Awards
Two local Montana Highway Patrol troopers recently received Hedstrom Awards for their service.
The Hedstrom award is the division’s second highest award. The honor is typically awarded to troopers who attempt to save a life using their first responder skills. The honor is given for going above and beyond the normal call of duty.
Area troopers receiving the honor were T’Elle Evans and Joseph Oliver for District 5.
On June 27, 2004, Oliver and Evans responded to a call of an unresponsive female in a Wolf Point intersection. The unresponsive female appeared to be breathing and foaming at the mouth. Oliver and Evans believed the female may be suffering from an opioid overdose. The female did not respond to a sternum rub administered by Evans. Troopers observed the female’s pupils to be constricted and lacking any reaction to light. Oliver obtained Narcan from his patrol car and administered one dose to the unresponsive female.
The female was then placed in the recovery position. An ambulance arrived on scene a short while later and administered another dose via injunction. The female then started reacting to the Narcan administration. Troopers assisted loading the female into the ambulance before clearing the scene.
“I believe Trooper Oliver and Sgt. Evans’ prompt action likely saved the life of the unresponsive female,” Captain Jeff Kent said. “Quickly identifying the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and administering a dose of Narcan, at the very least, provided medical personnel time to arrive on scene and continue care. I believe Trooper Oliver and Sgt. Evans’ actions rise to the level of the Hedstrom Award.”
The Montana Highway Patrol command staff recently completed their annual district tour, which includes visits to all seven MHP districts across the state.
The meetings are a chance for command staff to connect faceto- face with captains, sergeants, troopers and the professional staff dedicated to keeping Montana communities safe. The district tour is a chance to celebrate accomplishments, set goals for the future, and strengthen MHP’s bond internally. This year MHP Col. Kurt Sager was proud to present several awards to deserving troopers for their dedication and accomplishments.
“These district tours highlight the heart of who we are as an agency. I am proud of the hard work our troopers put in every day,” Sager said.
“Our job is to protect Montanans and be a resource to those in need. This year’s district tour proved that we are doing just that. I am proud to work alongside the men and women who represent the Montana Highway Patrol,” Lt. Col. Kyle Hayter added.
