JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Several Missouri law enforcement officers and fire fighters were honored for their heroism on Thursday
Governor Jay Nixon presented the Missouri Medal of Valor to seven public safety officers for “extraordinary acts of bravery and heroism” in 2008.
The ceremony was held in the governors Capitol office.
Those honored include two from the metro.
Robert Bellefy from Belton Emergency Services was recognized for saving a woman and her daughter who were involved in a fiery accident. The pair was trapped inside their burning car on Highway 71 in Belton in March of 2008 when Bellefy rescued them both.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Dale Jinkens was honored for rescuing a person trapped inside a burning care on I-70 in Independence in November of 2008. The driver is expected to make a full recover.
“These officers, who come from across the state, represent the very best of Missouri’s public safety community. Each act of bravery was different, but in every instance, these officers acted selflessly without concern for their own safety and helped save the lives of their fellow Missourians,” said Nixon.
Others who received the Medal of Valor include Shawn Dougherty with the Missouri Highway Patrol, Donald Hayden with the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office, Andrew Ward with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Daniel Berry and Todd Gray with the Fulton Fire Department.
