Governor recognizes bravery of first responders during awards ceremony (10-13-20)

Governor recognizes bravery of first responders during awards ceremony (10-13-20)

The missouri department of public safety recognizes first responders for herioic, life-saving, and extraordinary acts they've performed to protect the public... their stories are sometimes disturbing, frightening, and distressing -- but for them, it's all in a day's work.

Kq2's alan van zandt attended this year's recognition ceremony this morning in jefferson city, and talked to some recipients from northwest missouri: <<kq2's alan van zandt reports: those who are in law enforcement along with other emergency responders never know if today is the day they'll be put in a potentially dangerous situation.

As a former sheriff, governor mike parson knows that when that day does come, they have to be ready to step up.

"there's not a day i don't wake up that i go into that governor's office, am i concerned about something or not worried about it?

You guys are always in me and the first lady's thoughts and prayers.

The governor personally recognized responders who served above and beyond their duty on monday at the missouri public safety awards ceremony in jefferson city.

Among the recipients of a medal of valor were a troop h state patrol trooper keaton ebersold and rock port police chief shannon sherwood.

Together they rescued a young child whose life was threatened as she was being held hostage by a gun-weilding assailant.

"we never know what we're going to be dealing with or responding to from day to day.

We have to stay sharp and rely on our training."

"honestly, i didn't know what we were going to get into.

We put our bases together and formed a plan and that's what we did."

In addition to law enforcement, the governor recognized three civilians who stepped in and risked their lives to stop a prisoner's assault on a trenton police officer who had been shot.

"i think all three of us appreciate the recognition but we didn't do it for that.

It was just a situation where someone needed help."

For the missouri department of public safety that coordinates the award ceremoney every year, it's always a special day.

"each time i hear and i read the stories, i'm inspired by the work going on across our state.

Many times these stories are not told in venues such as this.

I'm very happy to recognize the work of our professionals."

Alan van zandt, kq2 news.">> the civilian partnership award winners include jason gamm, from gladstone -- who works in st.

Joseph, rick shannon, of smithville, and wesley teague, from rushville.