Montana Highway Patrol Troopers Earn Award of Valor

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

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:34pm

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An extreme close-up of a spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty.The Award of Valor honors the bravery of Montana Highway Patrol 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 wanted suspect in Big Timber over a year ago.

Why it matters

The Award of Valor is rarely given, highlighting the exceptional bravery and quick thinking displayed by the troopers in the face of a dangerous armed suspect who opened fire on them during the incident.

The details

After a high-speed chase, the troopers conducted a PIT maneuver to stop the suspect, who was wanted on a warrant in Nebraska for threatening to use bombs and explosives. The suspect then opened fire on the troopers, who returned fire and shot the suspect.

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

The players

Sgt. Barry Kilpela

A Montana Highway Patrol trooper who was recognized for his heroism during the incident.

Trooper Justin Knapp

A Montana Highway Patrol trooper who was recognized for his heroism during the incident.

Montana Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that awarded the troopers the highest honor, the Award of Valor, for their actions.

Kurt Sager

The Colonel of the Montana Highway Patrol, who praised the troopers' bravery in responding to the armed suspect.

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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 in the face of a dangerous armed suspect.