Montana Highway Patrol Troopers Receive State's Highest Award

Officers Kilpela and Knapp honored for bravery in confronting armed suspect

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:26pm

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An extreme close-up of a shiny metal police badge or handcuff, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the courage and sacrifice of law enforcement officers.The Montana Highway Patrol's highest award honors the bravery of officers who put their lives on the line to protect their community.Big Timber Today

Two Montana Highway Patrol officers, Sergeant Kilpela and Trooper Knapp, have been awarded the prestigious Award of Valor, the Patrol's highest honor, for their heroic actions in apprehending an armed and dangerous fugitive last year. The officers engaged in a high-speed pursuit and shootout with the suspect, ultimately killing him to protect public safety.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the bravery and quick thinking required of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to keep communities safe. The Award of Valor is a rare and distinguished honor, underscoring the gravity of the officers' actions in the face of immediate deadly threat.

The details

According to the Montana Department of Justice, Sergeant Kilpela located the suspect's vehicle in Big Timber and called for backup. When Trooper Knapp arrived, they attempted to pull the suspect over, but he refused to stop, leading to a brief pursuit. Sergeant Kilpela unsuccessfully attempted a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle, causing it to go off the road. The suspect then opened fire on the officers through his windshield, and both Kilpela and Knapp returned fire, ultimately killing the suspect.

  • The incident occurred on April 5, 2025.
  • The Montana Highway Patrol officers were presented with the Award of Valor in 2026.

The players

Sergeant Kilpela

A Montana Highway Patrol officer who located the suspect's vehicle and engaged in the pursuit and shootout.

Trooper Knapp

A Montana Highway Patrol officer who arrived as backup and also engaged in the pursuit and shootout with the armed suspect.

Austin Knudsen

The Montana Attorney General who honored the officers for their bravery and heroism.

Kurt Sager

The Colonel of the Montana Highway Patrol who praised the officers' actions in the line of duty.

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What they’re saying

“Words cannot fully express how proud I am of Sergeant Kilpela and Trooper Knapp. 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.”

— Kurt Sager, Colonel, Montana Highway Patrol

“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.”

— Austin Knudsen, Montana Attorney General

What’s next

The Montana Highway Patrol will hold a formal awards ceremony to present Sergeant Kilpela and Trooper Knapp with the prestigious Award of Valor in recognition of their heroic actions.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the immense bravery and selflessness of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect their communities. The Award of Valor, the Montana Highway Patrol's highest honor, is a testament to the extraordinary courage demonstrated by Sergeant Kilpela and Trooper Knapp in the face of a deadly threat.