KS Trooper Honored for Heroics, Dashcam Captured Close Call

A Kansas state trooper this week was awarded in connection to an incident where he was nearly struck by a tractor trailer while assisting a motorist. The close call was captured on dashcam video, which has now been released by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Master Trooper Karl Koenig, who works on the Kansas Turnpike Authority, Wednesday was honored by Gov. Laura Kelly and Col. Herman T. Jones with a special Super Hero award for his selflessness and dedication to preserving lives through #ServiceCourtesyProtection.

He risked his safety to help people stranded on the Kansas Turnpike during a snowstorm earlier in February. As he was helping one motorist who had spun out and was trapped in the middle of the road, other cars continued to pass by, KSNT reports. Video shows Koenig having to run down a hill to avoid being hit by a semi-truck traveling on the shoulder.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Koenig responded to a collision to assist the stranded motorist. Despite deteriorating road conditions, MSTRP Koenig quickly arrived at the scene to find a driver and small child stranded in their vehicle. After parking his vehicle in a manner to protect against further accidents, he began his mission of bringing the stranded individuals to safety.

“Unfortunately, a semi-truck was approaching too quickly. MSTRP Koenig swiftly dived into the icy ditch, narrowly avoiding being hit himself. Within moments MSTRP Koenig was back on his feet, running to the stranding vehicle to rescue the individuals inside,” the Kansas Highway Patrol stated in a social media post. “With 33 years of KHP experience, MSTRP Koenig’s quick, heroic actions helped save his own life and the lives of multiple Kansas citizens.”