Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Eric T. Olson congratulated Trooper Erica P. Volkart, Troop F, for her actions at an awards ceremony held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia on April 29.
"I want to congratulate the award winners and recognize that they went above and beyond what is expected of them," Olson said. "It is truly an honor to serve as the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol."
Olsen presented the Patrol's Lifesaving Award which is given to an active or retired employee who is distinguished by saving the life of another person. He presented 22 Lifesaving Awards for actions taken in 2021. Volkart, one of the recipients, is a California native.
The evening of March 13, 2021, Volkart was on patrol and heard radio traffic regarding a structure fire in Blackburn, Missouri. She was the first to arrive at an apartment complex and observed flames and heavy smoke throughout the structure.
She assisted residents from two of the apartments to safety. A Saline County deputy arrived to assist Volkart then moved to the west side of the structure. However, two residents still inside attempted to retrieve their pets. As she was escorting them from the building, one person ran back inside. Volkart immediately re-entered the smoke-filled residence and began calling for the resident and convinced them to move to a safe location.