Three men honored as heroes | Community Spirit

Three men who risked their lives last June to rescue a woman from a submerged SUV will be honored today by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

On June 21, 2011, an SUV ran off Route P into St. John's Bayou in New Madrid County.  When MSHP troopers arrived they saw Larry W. Thresher of East Prairie and Ronald D. Pipkin of New Madrid swimming toward the SUV.  The men broke out the sunroof and pulled the driver from the submerged vehicle.

The men will be recognized today for their bravery with a ceremony at the Troop E Service Center in Sikeston.  Commanding Officer Captain George E. Ridens will present them with Honorary Trooper certificates.

A third man, Bill E. White of East Prairie, will be presented a Certificate of Appreciation.  He helped the troopers get the driver to the bank.

"The actions of these men were exemplary," Captain Ridens said.  "Local law enforcement consider all three of them to be good citizens in their community.   All three men upheld the motto of the Missouri State Highway Patrol of service and protection."