Conservation Agent named "Honorary Trooper"

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- When Conservation Agent Rob Sulkowski rushed into floodwaters alongside Missouri State Trooper Timothy Craig on May 8, he only considered the job that had to be done. Today, he was reminded of the May 8 storm while taking part in defensive tactics training at the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) Southeast Regional Office in Cape Girardeau.

It was a big surprise to Sulkowski when two State Troopers, a news crew and his wife arrived at the training session to recognize him as an "Honorary Trooper".

Sergeant Philip Hoffman nominated Sulkowski for the award after Sulkowski and Craig saved a woman's life during the May 8 storm that swept most of Southeast Missouri and parts of Southern Illinois. The two responded to the scene of an accident on I-55 near Route Y in Ste. Genevieve County where the storm caused flood waters to rise out of Establishment Creek, flooding the median of I-55 as well. After arriving on the scene, Craig and Sulkowski rushed together into the floodwaters to rescue a driver whose vehicle had skidded out of control and overturned in the flooded median.

"Trooper Craig and Conservation Agent Sulkowski's teamwork, quick thinking, physical conditioning and selfless actions contributed to saving the life of the trapped driver," Hoffman said at the award presentation.

The teamwork displayed in this situation isn't unusual for Conservation Agents and Highway Patrolmen according to MDC Protection District Supervisor Steve Moore.

"By working in close relationship with the State Patrol, local sheriff's departments and local police officers, conservation agents are able to meet the goals and demands of the public they serve," Moore said.

Moore also said he's not surprised by Sulkowski's on the job performance based on his own experience and also previous recognition Sulkowski has received, such as the "Friend of Education" award he was given by the Ste. Genevieve school district in 2006.

Moore said Sulkowski is "an excellent example of what a Missouri Conservation Agent should be."

Kelly Sulkowski also said she wasn't surprised at her husband's accomplishment and recognition.

"He's very selfless and looks out for others all the time, so I wasn't surprised," she said. "I'm very proud of him."

As for Sulkowski, the big surprise was that his efforts merited recognition.

"I think anyone would've done the same in that situation," Sulkowski said. "But I am extremely thankful for the award."