An overturned vehicle was submerged 8 feet in a drainage ditch filled with near-freezing water, and the driver was trapped inside.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Joseph Palmer responded to the single-vehicle accident in New Madrid County on Christmas Eve.
"Without regard for his own personal safety, he entered the water and dove to the vehicle," said Capt. George Ridens, who nominated Palmer and Trooper Brooks Pratt as State Employees of the Month.
Palmer was unable to open either door or break a window to free the driver. So he notified Troop E by radio.
Soon Pratt arrived. Both re-entered the frigid water but again were unsuccessful to free the driver.
Troopers called on a first responder to use his personal truck to pull out the submerged vehicle. Unfortunately, the tow rope secured to the vehicle's undercarriage was still not enough to free the driver.
A third trooper, Dylan DeJournett, assisted Courtois Towing to secure its chain for a fourth attempt, which failed when the strap broke.
Pratt then entered the water with the baton of New Madrid County Sheriff's Deputy Anthony Roberts and tried hitting the driver side door window.
Meanwhile, the tow truck was able to winch the vehicle halfway out of the water and DeJournett was able to open the driver's side door.
Pratt and Roberts began to pull the driver from the vehicle, but her legs were pinned under the steering wheel. Pratt entered the water-filled compartment and freed her legs.
Finally, they pulled the driver onto dry land. Unfortunately, New Madrid County Ambulance personnel were unsuccessful in reviving the driver.
"Troopers Palmer and Pratt made numerous attempts to save the life of the driver by entering freezing cold water with the ambient air temperature of 25 degrees," Riden said. "Both officers performed an extraordinary act of heroism by extending far beyond the call of duty in a situation demanding immediate action and involving considerable personal danger."
Missouri's State Employee of the Month is selected by the State Employee of the Month Selection Committee from among nominations submitted by the 16 state departments and some elected offices. The six committee members also are members of the State Training Advisory Council.