A Missouri Highway Patrol trooper from Poplar Bluff was named November State Employee of the Month.
Adam Miller was recognized for his work during an incident in June.
Miller was assigned to the Multi-Jursidictional Crime Suppression Team at the time, working in Sikeston, when he overheard radio traffic regarding a house fire.
He and a Sikeston police officer responded and found half of a residential duplex on fire with a large amount of smoke billowing out of the front door and windows.
Miller went to the rear of the residence and found a door partially open.
Miller went inside, remained low in the smoke and crawled along, feeling his way through the residence unable to see.
He came upon a man sitting in a chair and unresponsive. Miller grabbed the man by his arms and dragged him to the front door. It turned out the man was disabled and could not walk. The man was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Miller was treated for smoke inhalation.
In his letter of nomination, Miller's commander, Capt. Jeffrey Vitale, said, "Trooper Miller's actions most certainly reduced the severity of the subject's injuries, but may have very well saved their life. Trooper Miller's actions demonstrate the highest and utmost regard for citizens of Missouri."
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.