• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Digital News Updates
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business

Montana Highway Patrol Command Staff Completes Annual District Tour,

September 7, 2025

The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) command staff has wrapped up its annual district tour, a statewide effort to connect directly with troopers, captains, sergeants, and professional staff across MHP’s seven districts.

The yearly tour provides an opportunity to strengthen internal bonds, set future goals, and celebrate accomplishments. This year, Colonel Kurt Sager and MHP leadership presented awards recognizing troopers and staff for their dedication, service, and commitment to public safety.

“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,” said Colonel Sager.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Hedstrom Award (MHP’s second-highest honor for life-saving actions and service beyond the call of duty): Sgt. Jacob Parks, Trooper Hannah Evans, Trooper TJ Renz, Trooper Brennan Plucker, Trooper Wyatt Duncan, Trooper Duane Young, Sgt. T’Elle Evans, Trooper Joseph Oliver, and Trooper David Thomas.

  • Safe Driving Awards (for employees with five or more years without a preventable crash): Trooper Tamra Winchell (20 years), Trooper Dan Arnold (15 years), Trooper Patrick Heaney (10 years), Sgt. Dave Baggs (10 years), and Trooper Kayce Milligan (5 years).

  • Strategic Enforcement Unit Awards: Sgt. Barry Kilpela (10 years), Trooper Chris Ellis (5 years), Trooper Seth Adams (5 years), Trooper Connor Wager (5 years), and Trooper Justin Knapp (5 years).

  • Colonel’s Coin (for exceptional dedication or service to the MHP mission): Monica Salo, Trooper TJ Renz, Trooper Jacob Jukkala, Trooper Joy Downer, and Trooper Connor Wager (also recognized with a Citation of Meritorious Service). Runners-up included Troopers George Nassour, Brennan Plucker, and Dan Arnold.

  • Michael Haynes DUI Award: Trooper David Thomas. Runners-up were Troopers George Nassour and Brennan Plucker.

  • Evan Schneider Seatbelt Award: Trooper Eric Paulsen.

  • Service Stars: Trooper Jacob Jukkala (5 years), Sgt. Kate Johnson (10 years), Trooper Fia Seau (11 years Honor Guard service).

  • Colonel’s Cup: Awarded to Detachment 513 for overall activity.

Lt. Colonel Kyle Hayter praised the dedication of MHP personnel, saying: “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.”

By DNU staff

Filed Under: News

Related Articles:

  • ICE arrests Iowa schools superintendent with criminal record, no work authorization
  • Sheehy Hosts Town Halls with Gallatin County Students
  • Congressman Zinke’s Announces Fall Mobile Office Hours Across Western Montana
  • Knudsen Launches Multi-State Investigation into Big Tech Renewable Energy Claims
  • Gianforte, U.S. Education Secretary Visit Bozeman
  • Montana State, industry, community partners celebrate opening of EngineWorks building

Primary Sidebar

Digital News Updates Logo

Recent News Posts

  • Watchdog says Biden Education Department defied court order on Title IX enforcement
  • UM Accounting Students Win National Scholarships
  • ICE arrests Iowa schools superintendent with criminal record, no work authorization
  • Department of Energy returning $13B climate agenda funding to taxpayers

Recent Politics Posts

  • Daines Introduces Bill to Protect Religious Student Groups on College Campuses
  • USITC Advances Probe Into Russian Palladium Imports After Montana Delegation Push
  • Knudsen Leads 27-State Coalition Challenging California’s Magazine Ban
  • Zinke Votes for Short-Term Funding Bill to Avert Government Shutdown

Recent Business Posts

  • Wall Street Rallies to Fresh Highs After Fed Rate Cut
  • Governor Gianforte Welcomes Rivian as First Electric Vehicle Manufacturer in Montana
  • Montana State opens quantum computing facility
  • Warren Buffett Marks 95th Birthday With Reflection on Legacy, Berkshire’s Future

Copyright © 2025 Digital News Updates, All Rights Reserved.