ATCHISON COUNTY —This week, Sergeant Kurt Schmutzler and Corporal Nic Greiner with the Missouri State Highway Patrol were presented life-saving awards by Atchison County, Kansas Emergency Services for their heroic actions last month during the annual Amelia Earhart Festival.
On July 18, Atchison County Emergency Services was on safety standby assignment for the annual Amelia Earhart Festival. Rescue Technicians Guy Galley, Jr. and Johnny Acheson had been assigned to patrol the Missouri River in Rescue Boat 1.
During their patrol a woman contacted the Rescue staff to advise a man and two children were in the water and in distress. Galley and Acheson responded to the reported area locating the victims. Rescue staff immediately developed a plan and notified the Missouri Highway Patrol Boat also assigned to the event staffed by Troopers Nick Gernier and Kurt Schmutzler.
In a coordinated effort the victims were all pulled to safety to include Sergeant Schmutzler entering the water to affect the rescue of one of the children.
Due to the training, dedication, and skill of the Rescue members and Troopers, this family is complete today. Atchison County Emergency Services is honored to recognize these individuals. Atchison County Emergency Services, EMS and Rescue, is staffed with dedicated professionals and this type of effort and success is due to the whole team.