Big Sky Times

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Barb Armstrong received an Honorable Mention award from the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) at their 31st annual TOP COPS Awards in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, May 12. Held in conjunction with National Police Week, the awards honor law enforcement officers and educate the public about our nation’s heroes.

Trooper Armstrong was recognized for her actions on August 2, 2023, when she responded to a call on the Jefferson River near LaHood. The report stated there were three women injured by otters while floating on Madison River. Familiar with the area, Armstrong contacted the local landowner and, along with a Jefferson Valley emergency medical technician (EMT), carried two large medical bags down railroad tracks to where they believed the injured women might be located. They encountered two of the women, who indicated that the third was stranded on the other side of the river with severe injuries.

While the EMT treated the first two women, Armstrong and the landowner crossed the river. As it was getting dark and urgent medical care was needed for the third woman, Trooper Armstrong entered the water in full gear and swam approximately 75 yards across carrying a medical bag. The woman had severe facial injuries and deep lacerations from otter bites and appeared to be going into shock. Shortly after, a life flight crew landed and later stated they would not have been able to find the victim’s location without Armstrong's presence.

“Trooper Armstrong’s actions that day exemplify what it means to be a Montana Highway Patrol trooper,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “Her bravery and quick-thinking prevented a bad situation from becoming even worse. I’m grateful to Trooper Armstrong and every Highway Patrol trooper across the state for their commitment to keeping Montanans safe.”

“Trooper Armstrong’s life-saving actions last year showed great heroism and demonstrated our core values of service, integrity, and respect,” MHP Colonel Kurt Sager said. “I’m proud to have her on the MHP team.”

Attorney General Knudsen also presented Trooper Armstrong with the Medal of Valor – the Patrol’s highest award – last year for her actions. To qualify for this award, troopers must show an act of heroism and bravery, knowingly expose themselves to obvious life-threatening peril or react to a situation without regard for personal safety to effect aid or rescue.

Armstrong has been with the Patrol since February 2015 and is currently stationed in Butte as a member of MHP’s Criminal Interdiction Team. She has previously earned three Hedstrom Awards for going above and beyond in saving lives.

According to NAPO, TOP COPS are nominated by fellow officers then selected by an Awards Selection Committee which reviews hundreds of nominations from cases across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Officers from ten top cases were selected as 2024 TOP COPS; in each remaining state where there was a nomination, one case is selected for which officers receive an Honorable Mention award.

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