Missouri Department of Public Safety honors law enforcement, civilians who went above and beyond the call of duty

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (WGEM) – Being a first responder is often a thankless job. But on Thursday, Missouri honored some of its bravest who went the extra mile when it counted most.

On Thursday, the Missouri Department of Public Safety and Gov. Mike Parson honored 28 first responders — two posthumously — and three everyday Missourians who helped save lives in 2023. The Medal of Valor, Governor’s Award and Red, White and Blue Award are some of the highest honors a first responder can receive in Missouri.

At only 11 years old, Louis Miklovic received the Public Safety Civilian Partnership Award for helping park rangers save his dad and younger brother, who had fallen off a bluff in Washington State Park. Both his father and brother are recovering well.

Another civilian award went to Destiny Brant. The recent college graduate swam through floodwaters to pull two children from a car that was stuck in a ditch. Everyone in the car recovered with only minor injuries.

“I think I was really caught up in the moment,” Brant said. “I don’t know, I just, I knew that they needed help and so, I just helped.”

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