The Kansas Department of Transportation has selected seven people across Kansas as recipients of Transportation Safety Recognition Awards for their efforts to improve traffic safety. Recipients are honored in two categories: The People Saving Award, and the Hero Award. The Hero Award recognizes individuals who risked their life when they happened upon a crash or tried to prevent the likelihood of a crash, in a one-time traffic safety-related incident.
Eudora Police Officers Tom Willis, Michael Rubow and Austin Kost; and Highway Patrtol Captin Dennis Shoemaker, were recipients. While trying to change a flat tire, a man was suddenly pinned under a trailer along K-10 in Douglas County. Willis, Rubow and Kost arrived first on scene with Shoemaker immediately following. Together the four officers lifted the trailer and moved the man to safety. Three officers then quickly rendered first aid while the fourth comforted the man’s wife. Their rapid responses saved the man’s life.
