Sikeston, Missouri - Corporals Jonathan Wilson and Shayne Talburt of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E were named DPS October Employees of the Month.

They were honored today at Troop E Headquarters for their heroic rescues of two adults & five children in danger of drowning on the Current River in Ripley County in May.

"On May 26, 2018, both officers were patrolling the Current River in Ripley County. Jonathan observed a family in distress in the water.Their inner tubes, which had been linked together, had come loose and flipped over. All seven people – two adults and five children – were thrown into the water.

A five-year-old girl was tangled in a rope and appeared lifeless. The man was in distress after extricating a second child from a tangled root ball, which then broke loose, separating him from the children.The current had pulled the woman downstream, away from the group, and she was exhausted and in distress.

Jonathan began rescuing the children and called Shayne for assistance. When Jonathan retrieved the five-year-old, she immediately coughed up water and began breathing on her own. Meanwhile, because of the weight and current, his boat was taking on water.

Upon his arrival, Shayne took the five children into his boat, allowing Jonathan to travel downstream to rescue the two adults. The woman and her five-year-old daughter were treated at a local hospital. The mother is convinced the officers’ actions saved several lives."

Congratulations to these two exceptional employees who combined in an extraordinary life-saving effort! Here's more on their outstanding work: