Montana Highway Patrol Troopers Receive Award of Valor

Two officers recognized for heroism in the line of duty during a high-speed pursuit and shootout

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:27pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing on a dark background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the danger and intensity of the confrontation between the troopers and the suspect.The Montana Highway Patrol's highest honor, the Award of Valor, recognizes the exceptional bravery of troopers who put their lives on the line to protect the public.Helena Today

Two Montana Highway Patrol troopers, Sgt. Barry Kilpela and Trooper Justin Knapp, received the agency's highest honor, the Award of Valor, for their actions during a pursuit and shootout with a suspect wanted on a warrant out of Nebraska for threatening to use bombs and explosives. The troopers conducted a pit maneuver to stop the suspect, who then opened fire before the troopers returned fire and shot him.

Why it matters

The Award of Valor is rarely given out by the Montana Highway Patrol, highlighting the exceptional bravery and quick thinking displayed by the two officers in the face of a dangerous suspect who was willing to use deadly force.

The details

After calling for backup, Sgt. Kilpela and Trooper Knapp conducted a pit maneuver to stop the suspect, who then opened fire at the troopers before they returned fire and shot him. The incident occurred just over a year ago in Big Timber.

  • The incident took place just over a year ago in Big Timber.
  • The troopers received the Award of Valor at a ceremony held at the state Capitol on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Sgt. Barry Kilpela

A Montana Highway Patrol trooper who, along with Trooper Justin Knapp, received the agency's highest honor, the Award of Valor, for their actions during a pursuit and shootout with a dangerous suspect.

Trooper Justin Knapp

A Montana Highway Patrol trooper who, along with Sgt. Barry Kilpela, received the agency's highest honor, the Award of Valor, for their actions during a pursuit and shootout with a dangerous suspect.

Kurt Sager

The Colonel of the Montana Highway Patrol, who praised the troopers' bravery in the face of a suspect who was willing to use deadly force.

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What they’re saying

“When you've got bullets coming at you, and you still respond and take care of the threat to protect others, I don't know of another higher level of bravery that one can show than being shot at and still respond to protect others.”

— Kurt Sager, Colonel, Montana Highway Patrol

The takeaway

The Award of Valor ceremony highlights the exceptional courage and dedication of Montana Highway Patrol troopers, who put their lives on the line to protect the public even when faced with a dangerous, armed suspect.