Employee of the Month

August 2017

August 2017 Employees of the Month, Sergeant Kurt Merseal

Sergeant Kurt Merseal
Missouri State Highway Patrol

August 2017 Employees of the Month, Corporal Bryan Silverthorn

Corporal Bryan Silverthorn
Missouri State Highway Patrol

Sergeant Kurt Merseal and Corporal Bryan Silverthorn, Missouri State Highway Patrol – Troop I, have been selected as the August, 2017 Employees of the Month for the Department of Public Safety for their actions in rescuing individuals captured by the unprecedented amount of rainfall which occurred in Missouri late April, 2017. On April 30, 2017, Sgt. Merseal and Cpl. Silverthorn responded to the Meramec River near Bird’s Nest Lodge after a report of an adult and two juveniles in the water and clinging to trees. Due to their location, it was impossible to reach the three victims by boat. Thus, Sgt. Merseal and Cpl. Silverthorn relied on their rescue swimming training. The troopers entered the swift water, which was littered with floating debris. They swam a rope and lifejackets to the victims, then shuttled the victims to safety.