Honoring heroes

Heroes are all around us, and seven of them were recipients of the Missouri Medal of Valor from Gov. Jay Nixon at a ceremony last month in Jefferson City.

Two of the honored heroes were recognized for their responses to emergency situations in Southeast Missouri in 2008.

Trooper Shawn Dougherty of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and assigned to Carter and Reynolds counties, rescued victims from a vehicle caught in a flash flood.

Trooper Andrew Ward, now assigned to Springfield, Mo., rescued a motorist trapped in a burning vehicle in Butler County.

"I am continually impressed by the dedication of the men and women of Missouri's public safety community," said the governor. "They and their families sacrifice daily so that we can have better and safer communities across this state. All Missourians owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who selflessly work to protect us."

The Medal of Valor is awarded annually based on recommendations of a review board. Up to seven medals are awarded each year to firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency responders.

Congratulations to all of this year's heroes.