Montana Highway Patrol troopers receive Award of Valor

HELENA – Attorney General Austin Knudsen awarded Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) Sergeant Barry Kilpela and Trooper Justin Knapp with the Award of Valor, the Patrol’s highest award for locating a wanted Nebraska fugitive, with a no-bond warrant for his arrest for threatening to use explosives or place bombs, near Big Timber. The troopers subsequently shot and killed the fugitive after he opened fire on the troopers.

To qualify for the Award of Valor, troopers must show an act of heroism and bravery, knowingly expose themselves to obvious life-threatening peril, or react to a situation without regard for personal safety to effect aid or rescue.

“It is my honor to recognize Sergeant Kilpela and Trooper Knapp for their bravery. Without hesitation, they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow Montanans from a dangerous situation and stopped the encounter before it got even worse,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “Our troopers demonstrate courage and professionalism on the job every day, making them some of the best officers in the nation. Today’s award is well-deserved.”

“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,” said Colonel Kurt Sager. “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.”

On April 3, 2025, MHP was notified of an armed and dangerous suspect traveling to Montana from Nebraska. Sergeant Kilpela located the suspect’s vehicle in Big Timber and called for backup before approaching. Shortly after, Trooper Knapp arrived and attempted to pull the suspect over. The suspect did not stop, and a brief pursuit began. Sergeant Kilpela immediately attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT), which was unsuccessful, but did force the suspect’s vehicle into a vacant lot and off the public street. Sergeant Kilpela and Trooper Knapp then intentionally positioned their patrol vehicles to contain the suspect vehicle and bring the pursuit to an end.

The suspect immediately began shooting through his windshield directly at Trooper Knapp, striking his vehicle. Sergeant Kilpela and Trooper Knapp returned fire, killing the suspect, and bringing the dangerous encounter to a conclusion.