Jordan Delameter's actions in an emergency were swifter than the rapidly rising floodwaters trapping motorists in their vehicles.
Delameter, maintenance crew leader for the Missouri Department of Transportation at Princeton, was chosen as the State Team Member for September for his rescue of the endangered occupants.
MoDOT Northwest District Engineer Martin Liles tells the story on the form nominating Delameter, a department employee since May 2004.
Several areas of Northwest Missouri had received significant rainfall accumulation in a short period of time, creating flash flood conditions June 24.
While responding at 11 p.m. to a call reporting water over the road, Delameter came upon two vehicles stranded on the flooded roadway. Understanding the imminent danger of the situation, he pulled his dump truck up to the side of the vehicles.
The force of the current prevented the motorists from opening the vehicle doors; however, they were able to get out through the windows and crawl across the vehicle rooftop, where Delameter helped pull them into the cab of his truck. He was then able to back out of the water to safety.
"Jordan went above and beyond for Missouri citizens he had never met, and his quick thinking and determination saved stranded motorists from what could have been a much worse situation," Liles wrote. "He is truly the example of an outstanding citizen in his community and exceptional asset to the State of Missouri."
At the time of the rescue, Delameter was already three hours into what would become a six-hour overtime shift.
"Jordan was working long hours, but still chose to help where help was needed," Liles observed.
Brennen Price, Princeton maintenance supervisor, added: "I feel like I can rely on everyone in this building to do the right thing when needed. This is just one instance where he helped everyone get to safety in a risky situation."