Published On: August 25, 2026Categories: Montana Highway Patrol

BOULDER, Mont. — The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) command staff recently completed their annual district tour, which includes visits to all seven MHP districts across the state. The meetings are a chance for command staff to connect face-to-face with captains, sergeants, troopers, and the professional staff dedicated to keeping Montana communities safe.

The district tour is a chance to celebrate accomplishments, set goals for the future, and strengthen MHP’s bond internally. This year MHP Colonel Kurt Sager was proud to present several awards to deserving troopers for their dedication and accomplishments.

“I’m proud of the dedication and professionalism our MHP team demonstrates every day,” Colonel Kurt Sager said. “These district tours remind us that when we listen, work together and support one another, we’re better able to serve the people of Montana.”

Butte

The command staff with District 3 in Butte

Here are the awards given out this year during the district tour:

The Hedstrom Award is the Division’s second highest award. It is typically given to troopers who attempt to “save a life,” by using their first responder skills. Generally, this award will be given for going “above and beyond” the normal call of duty. The award may also be given to MHP civilian personnel. This year, the Hedstrom Award was given to:

• Trooper Jesse Berg — District 5
• Trooper Nathaniel Ashbey — District 7
• Trooper Tierney Wienholz — SETT (two awards)
• Trooper Jordan Barfuss — District 3
• Trooper Gamal Selim — District 3

Safe Driving Awards are given by the Colonel, at five-year intervals, to those employees who have gone beyond five years without a preventable crash. This year, safe driving awards were given to:

• Sgt. Ben Panas — 10 years
• Trooper Jeff Sergent — 10 years
• Sgt. James Beck — 10 years
• Trooper Jason Fetterhoff — 20 years
• Sgt. Sean Finley — 20 years
• Sgt. Andrew Novak — 15 years

The Colonel’s Coin is presented by the Colonel to any person that has demonstrated a high degree of dedication, resourcefulness, or service toward the fulfillment of the MHP mission. Based upon these criteria, the Chief may also present this award on the recommendation of the person’s supervisor. This year, the Colonel’s Coin was presented to:

• Trooper Matthew Hudgins — Service to Others
• Trooper Jacob Parker — Service to Others
• Trooper Patrick Herman — Service to Others
• Trooper Andy Ivanoff — Service to Others
• Trooper Cooper Christensen — Dedication & Resilience
• Trooper Dave Thomas — Michael Haynes DUI Award runner-up
• Trooper Eric Paulsen — Evan Schneider Seatbelt Award runner-up

Additional Awards & Recognition:
• Trooper Connor Wager — Citation of Meritorious Service
• Trooper Brennen Plucker — Michael Haynes DUI Award
• Trooper Dan Arnold — 2025 Evan Schneider Seatbelt Award
• Trooper Jacob Jukkala — 5-year Service Star
• Sgt. Kate Johnson — 10-year Service Star
• Trooper Matt Erickson — 10-year Service Star
• Trooper Michael Driemeyer — 10-year Service Star
• Captain Josef Kinsey — 25-year Service Star