Two Montana Highway Patrol troopers were honored for extraordinary acts of bravery and service, earning the agency’s highest recognition during a ceremony presided over by Col. Kurt Sager. 

Attorney General Austin Knudsen presented Trooper Jourdon Gulick with the Award of Valor, the patrol’s top honor, for his courageous actions during a fiery vehicle rollover in 2024 in Mineral County. Trooper Nick Wade received the Attorney General’s Award of Commendation for providing lifesaving assistance to a man experiencing a medical emergency while Wade was off duty.

To receive the Award of Valor, a trooper must demonstrate exceptional heroism, knowingly place themselves in life-threatening danger, or act without regard for personal safety to save another.

“Montana Highway Patrol troopers are some of the best and bravest law enforcement officers in the nation as evidenced by the work of Troopers Gulick and Wade,” Knudsen said. “They put the lives of their fellow Montanans ahead of their own safety. Not only did they answer the call of duty, but they also went above and beyond while serving the state with integrity and respect. This recognition was well deserved.” 

Sager echoed the praise. “I am proud to know that our troopers are highly trained and always prepared to serve whether they are on duty or not,” he said. “Their commitment to helping others is constant. I am beyond proud of Trooper Gulick and Trooper Wade for their bravery and willingness to help those in need.”

In August 2024, Trooper Gulick responded to a single-vehicle rollover near St. Regis. Upon arrival, he found a pickup truck fully engulfed in flames and at risk of explosion, not knowing if anyone was in the cab or not. 

Despite the imminent danger, Gulick crawled under the burning vehicle in an attempt to lift it. His initial efforts were unsuccessful, but he continued working as bystanders and first responders fought back the flames with water and sand. 

Mineral County Sheriff’s Deputy Jack Hughes soon arrived to help. Hughes recalled the intensity of the moment: 

“The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. We didn’t know if anyone was inside at the time,” he said. 

Once Gulick located the trapped driver under a tire, he retrieved a jack from his patrol vehicle while others worked to keep the fire away from the victim. After several attempts and with the help of a scrap metal piece used for leverage, Gulick and Hughes were able to stabilize the jack near the differential area of the axle, lift the truck, and pull the driver to safety with assistance from nearby bystanders. 

Hughes, who previously served in law enforcement on the Montana Hi-Line before joining Mineral County more than three years ago, emphasized that he does not seek recognition. 

“I’m not here for an award,” he said. “Recognition is nice, but I’m here to serve the community and help the people, which is what matters the most.”

In July 2024, while hiking off duty, Trooper Nick Wade encountered a man suffering from a medical emergency on a trail near Dillon. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Wade accompanied the man safely down the trail and transported him to a local hospital, ensuring he received the care he needed.