JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NDHP) – The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) presented the Colonel’s Award of Excellence at a ceremony held at Jamestown City Hall on Wednesday, February 5th.

This honor was given to some truly remarkable individuals for their heroic actions during a tragic crash on July 15, 2024, along I-94 west of Jamestown. In that crash, a vehicle rolled into a body of water, trapping the occupants inside, some incredible individuals stepped up to help save lives.

Honorees:

• Carolyn Lawson (9) and Richard Lawson (11) who were occupants in the car worked together to get another passenger to safety.
• Orrin Kluting and Brooklyn Kuzel entered the water, saving several lives, including freeing an unconscious passenger.
• Ryan Botner performed life-saving CPR, which contributed to the survival of one the passengers.
• Trooper Frank Holdburg, was one of the first law enforcement officers on-scene. He, along with Stutsman County Sheriff’s Deputies led a tireless search to ensure all victims were found.
• Stutsman County Reserve Deputy Tygh Yatskis provided valuable support, guidance and resources to the families involved.

While this incident was heartbreaking with the deaths of two young people, the quick actions of these individuals saved lives; they each showed immense courage, and we thank and recognize them for their selfless efforts.