(KNSI) — The Minnesota State Patrol will honor troopers, good Samaritans and other public servants who performed heroic acts, excelled in a crisis or exemplified the State Patrol’s core values over the past year.
Two local Minnesota State Troopers will be recognized.
On September 29th, 2022, Trooper Matt Carlson responded to a call of a wrong-way driver on Highway 10 near Sauk Rapids. Other agencies had tried to stop the car without success, so Trooper Carlson decided to use his squad car to physically stop the driver and was hit head on. He was taken to the hospital for pain in his lower body, where he was evaluated and released. That driver pleaded guilty to one count of criminal vehicular operation.
Trooper Carlson is being recognized with the Meritorious Service Award for placing himself in harm’s way with the greater goal of protecting the public. This award is presented to employees for acts involving personal risk posing hazards that could lead to serious injury or loss of life to the employee.
OASS Holley Gries will be given the Exceptional Service Award for regularly balancing her district duties with added responsibilities, including trooper training academies and statewide deployments. A press release from the Department of Public Safety says, “With her large area of responsibility and heavy workload, Gries consistently maintains a positive attitude and produces an excellent work product.”
The ceremony is set for 1:00 p.m. Thursday.
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